LEFTOVER HIPPIES

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME...

2010-01-16T02:31:00.002+08:00

Recent events has necessitated this old and spent hippie to revive this blog.

Imagine, if all the world subscribes to hippiedom, there could only be peace. It is most unfortunate that Nixon, a man sick in the head when he became President, saw the hippies as a threat to national security. So, he did his level best to demonize this celebrated philosophy so that he could continue to wage a bloody war with the Vietnamese.

Remember Woodstock? Those three glorious days of peace, love and music? Recall the closure of the New York interstate freeway, the panic of feeding 400,000 mouths over three days? Yes, 400,000 young unadulterated minds whose belief was love and peace, congregated for three days and not a single report of any violence.

Some call it weed, others call pot, grass, thaisticks, senze etc., etc., etc. In spite of all these differences, they were still able to bond. It is hippiedom we're talking about! A philosophy born in the 60's that we embraced with great enthusiasm and we had no trouble with the world.

What's with all the great religions in the world? It's conflicts about whose God is better/greater, about one's sole prerogative to call God "God", and I thought teachings from thousands of years ago would have the primitive man evolved into a peace loving creature. Alas, somewhere along the way, the modern man lost it!

By the way, the peace sign in the photo above was actually formed by people to commemorate Woodstock.

HAPPY WESAK DAY!

2009-05-09T15:26:00.001+08:00

TAHNIAH DAN TAKZIAH !

2009-04-04T15:36:00.002+08:00

Saya mengucapkan tahniah kepada Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak diatas perlantikan beliau sebagai Perdana Menteri ke-enam Malaysia. Nampak nya, negara negara barat melihat upacara ini sebagai kembalinya era Mahathirism di-Malaysia dan hari ini juga mereka mengumumkan Malaysia sebagai salah satu dari 4 negara yang bermasaalah berkaitan kerahsian perbankan. Takziah di-ucapkan.

Congratulations and commiserations! No, my best "paint the town red" buddy is not getting married! This one is for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on his appointment as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia. My congratulations!

As if they intended to take a swipe at the return of Mahathirism, the west could not have timed this announcement better, at the G20 Summit, they declared Malaysia as one of the four rogue states as far as bank secrecy laws are concerned. My commiserations!

MAHATHIR

2009-03-16T16:41:00.002+08:00

Hiya Guys...

Remember the acronymn MAHATHIR that came out sometime ago?
M - Make
A - Anwar
H - Homosexual
A - And
T - Then
H - Highlight
I - It
R - Repeatedly..

There is a new one now...
M - Must
A - Alaways
H - Hantam
A - Abdullah
T - Till
H - He
I - Is
R - Removed..

Good one eh?

Shut up! You're redundant.

2009-02-20T14:57:00.002+08:00

CAMBRIDGE: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad feels that Malaysia will continue to have race-based parties unless the people can think of themselves exclusively as Malaysians.

The former prime minister said the reality of the situation was that the people were still conscious and felt strongly about their race.

Those were the first two paragraphs of a report in today's "Star". The racist has spoken. Look at how he has cleverly directed the blame on the people. Sometimes I just wished that there was someone or something that can make this dangerous man go away! Somehow, in UMNO's giant scheme of things, they have found it necessary to instill race consciousness in our society, and they have certainly helped by making it compulsory for us to state our race in whatever government generated forms that we may have to fill out from time to time. So how can we be at fault? It was his racist regime that inculcated this practice! Instead of repeating what everyone else has articulated sometime or other, I would like to reproduce a poem (if you could call it that) I once wrote. Here it is.

The Man Who Could Do No Wrong?

He once ruled a nation of multiple ethnicities
In a climate of fear lived the minorities
An “A” student of British indoctrination
He divided and ruled the nation

In time, he retired, leaving a trail of injustices
All brought about by this doctor’s malpractices
For it was he who promulgated "ketuanan melayu"
And the nationalists said "Boo!"

He retired with an anointed successor
Who turned out to be a curse for his predecessor
Now he’s back as a prosecutor
Instigating his ‘once-nemesis’ to be the executioner

Shhhh...............

2009-02-18T17:05:00.002+08:00

The Court's in session!

From the frying pan into the fire!

2009-02-16T22:52:00.001+08:00

This is a follow up to yesterdays' piece about living dangerously! So the learned Works Minister has decided to lift the ban on hill slopes development, which effectively contradicts the Deputy Prime Minister's call to all local council to ban all hillside developments! Who's the Boss? Whoever the boss maybe, the Minister's statement was welcomed by the REHDA president. However, the Bukit Antarabangsa Residents Association chairman, Dr. Mohd. Rafick rightly pointed out that it is the lack of adequate laws on hillside development which is the issue. What the good doctor said maybe true but I am a pessimist. Even if we have adequate laws and guidelines on hillside development, the good doctor has forgotten that corruption in the government departments (I don't care if it is a BN administration or otherwise) IS a work culture!

As I know, land matters are the sole prerogative of the State government, therefore, no federal minister has any say on such matters. I salute the Selangor state government for taking a stand on this issue. They have decided that they shall not lift the ban in Selangor. On the contrary, the Penang DAP chairman said that "it would be disasterous to stop hillside development in the state". He also pleaded that the current administration should not be faulted as these projects were approved by the Gerakan administration. Well, if the PR government in Selangor can do it, why not the DAP in Penang?

ALL PENANGITES, LISTEN UP, AND LISTEN GOOD! The DAP man said that local councils would have to cough up a couple of hundred million as compensation to developers! I WISH I HEARD HIM WRONG! WHAT HE SAID CERTAINLY SOUNDED LIKE LOST LIVES AND PROPERTY OF THE ELECTORATE IS STILL CHEAPER THAN LOST DEVELOPMENT! GET THE DRIFT?

“We have taken measures such as issuing stop-work orders on some projects, sometimes even repeatedly, to ensure the developers complied with the guidelines,” he said. The Penang public is aware of these so-called stop work orders, but as I pointed out yesterday, the order may have been issued, but the blasting continues unabated. I hope what I have read in the media is his (Chow Kon Yeow's) personal view and not that of the DAP. He said it would be easier if the Federal Government imposed a blanket ban on all hillside projects. Spoken like an idiot, as an assemblyman, he should be aware that land matters are excluded from the purview of the federal government. See, that is the problem we get when we vote for some incompetent nincompoop fronting as candidates for the political party of our choice!

We deserve the government we put in office. Regrets? Anyone?

The Rape of Penang

2009-02-15T15:07:00.002+08:00

Notice proximity of existing buildings
stop work order issued, blasting continues
protesters arguing their case

I suppose an apology is in order. Sorry for the extended inactivity on this blog. The hippie simply OD'd!

Well, a lot has happened over the last two months. There was Christmas, the New Year and recently, the Lunar New Year. In between all the celebration, there were also quite a bit of developments on the political front. Actually it was the political on goings that drove this hippie back to the commune, just to get away from it all. Things went so bad that I did not know how to get my message across without getting myself in trouble, so I decided to head back to the commune to re-live my youth!

The great Malaysian circus is on the road again, currently playing in Perak, with promotions being done in Kedah, Selangor and Penang. Never mind the circus, I shall not dwell on them. Today, I want to feature Gerakan's legacy of hill slope development to the people of Penang. After the 1991 Highland Towers debacle, the Federal government saw fit to introduce guidelines to all State governments to stop all development on Class IV hill slopes. The last State government, headed by this nerdy looking gentleman, ignored these guidelines and approved several such hill slope development projects. Not only that, he actually approved a couple of high rise developments in the city centre and thereby threatening our newly acquired Unesco Heritage status!

Repeated appeals by the Tanjung Bungah Residents Association seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. There was a ray of hope earlier when the current State government, headed by the DAP, actually issued a stop work order to one of these projects. Shortly after, probably a day or two later, work at site resumed. They continued their blasting of the hill slopes, which IS ongoing! Angry and frustrated, the members of the Residents Association organized a gathering to voice their displeasure. I am glad to inform readers that there were no incidents even though the PDRM was present! In fact the credit should actually go the PDRM because it was rare to see them so well behaved!

While the Tanjung Bungah residents gathered to protest, the Deputy Works Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd. Zin bin Mohamed, declared that in spite of controversies involving hill slope developments, there shall be no blanket ban on such projects. He offered a most bizarre explanation for the decision, claiming that a growing population and the scarcity of land has made it necessary!

Though many are blaming the past administration for approving these projects, I think the current administration's failure to effect the stop work order should be looked at! Was it lip service during the run up to the elections? The DAP assemblyman for Tanjung Bungah was present at the protest and he declared that as a backbencher there was only so much that he could do! Why do I find politicians from both sides of the divide more convincing before they are elected?

I hope something positive will come out of this exercise because there is a good chance that things might get ugly soon. I am saying so after speaking to an active member of the Residents Association. Apparently while putting up a banner to "SAVE THE HILLS" he was spotted by an employee of the contractor. The following day, all four of his car tires were punctured!

POSTING PERTAMA...

2008-11-12T13:19:00.006+08:00

Sunset di Alor Setar

Salam sejahtera semua...Posting yang pertama di dalam LeftOver Hippies...Mari kita sama2 renungkan potongan dibawah ini...

"Mana ada ini macam lain tempat? Mana boleh lu cakap lain bahasa, gua cakap lain bahasa, itu orang pun cakap lain bahasa? Mana boleh semua orang keras kepala mau cakap sendiri punya bahasa? Ini negara Malaysia, kita kena cakap Bahasa Malaysia. Apasal susah sangat? Lu pergi Jepun lu kena cakap Jepun. Lu pergi China lu kena cakap Mandarin. Lu pergi England lu kena cakap Inggeris. Lu pergi Rusia lu kena cakap Rusia. Kita sama-sama duduk Malaysia lu tak mau cakap Bahasa Malaysia? Kenapa? Malaysia “special case” ka? Siapa cakap? Siapa bikin ini macam? Dalam semua-semua Negara dalam ini dunia, apasal Malaysia kena jadi “special case”? Untuk siapa? Lu atau gua? "

Aku dapat potongan diatas dari SINI. Artikel ini tidak berniat langsung untuk mencerca atau mengutuk sesiapa yang hidup atau yang mati, tetapi hanya sebagai meluahkan perasaan penulis.

Sabtu minggu lalu, aku berkesempatan berjumpa dengan kawan2 ku yang lama tak jumpa. "Tar Ke", adalah gelaran yang diberi kepada kawan aku yang berbangsa Malaysia walaupun menjalani hidup didalam sebuah keluarga Cina. "Tar Ke" bermaksud abang yang tua, kalau tak silap aku. Seorang lagi dikenali sebagai "Two Tone", nama yang diberi oleh Tar Ke kerana rambutnya bertukar warna dari hitam ke kelabu...juga berbangsa Malaysia.

Walaupun kami dah berkawan agak lama dan rapat, tetapi kami masih berkomunikasi dalam bahasa penjajah dahulu, iaitu Inggeris. Depa kata English tu 2nd language. Tapi bahasa apa kah yang 1st?

Kami bersantai di tepi pantai, belakang Chinese Swimming Club, berborak borak dan bercakap sesuka hati kami tanpa menghiraukan waktu. Ramai yang datang dan pergi tetapi kami bertiga lah yang tetap tidak berubah tempat sehinggalah "BINI" Tar Ke suruh dia balik. Hahahaa. Tar Ke ni bukan taku bini, cuma bini tak takut padanya.

Aku disuruh komen tentang YOGA dan beberapa isu lagi berkenaan Islam dan Melayu, walaupun aku ni seorang Bangsa Malaysia. Aku komen setakat yang mampu dan setakat yang aku percaya kebenarannya. Kalau nak dengar seperti ulamak, kena lah tanya Pejabat Ugama.

Apa yang aku nak sampaikan disini sebenarnya ialah, kenapa aku boleh menerima kehadiran lain2 bangsa didalam jiwa ku, tetapi tidak saudara2 ku yang berkokok sana sini untuk menjadi TUAN kepada Bangsa Malaysia? Sampai bilakah kita nak berkelompok didalam satu negara? Sampai bilakah aku perlu bertutur dalam BAhasa Inggeris kepada saudara2 Bangsa Malaysia ku yang lain? Bagaimanakah aku nak menceritakan tentang Bangsa Malaysia apabila aku sendiri bertutur dalam bahasa Inggeris, kepunyaan Bangsa Inggeris? ANCHUA???

Andrew, Nigel, YuHin, Budak pakai baju PINK, selamat berkenalan...

Dreams and Sleep Talking

2008-11-06T22:42:00.001+08:00

Forty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Forty years later, his dream was realized, Barrack Obama, an African American became the President elect of the United States of America. While Martin Luther King was dreaming 40 years ago, the Malaysian Prime Minister was found sleep talking today!

He said that anyone could become the Prime Minister of Malaysia, even those from the minority group! Did I hear right? If I did, then I am sure he was sleep talking! Do we hear any other UMNO leaders echoing his claim? The response to Zaid Ibrahim from the senior leaders of UMNO would be enough to indicate if these people can be as magnanimous as the Americans.

Frankly, it is just not only the UMNO Malays, some Chinese too are also guilty of racial discrimination of some extent. Recent developments after the March 8 political tsunami was proof enough of such misconduct, even in the State assemblies. Insistence on a Malay being the Deputy MB, assemblymen refusing to wear the songkok, these are very narrow thinking. Appointment of acting general manager of PKNS has already generated so much resistance and dare we hope for a Prime Minister from a minority group? Can it really happen? Remember, these are the very people who felt so threatened by yoga!

Until and unless they can ditch the so-called “Social Contract” and this myth about “Ketuanan Melayu”, for us it is still a dream. We shall not let this dream die; we cannot afford to let it die! March 8 has given us hope; there will be light at the end of the tunnel. RPK must not go to jail in vain. We must persevere!

Can't you get it right?

2008-10-30T23:01:00.002+08:00

Since 1969 the MCA has done nothing to champion the cause of the Malaysian Chinese. If at anytime they appeared to have done so, it was more lip service than action. They were experts at hoodwinking the people they claim to represent. Together with UMNO and the MIC, they forged a sinister partnership to rape the country. Taking the cue from the colonial masters, the trio divided and ruled the nation.

They fed the people with lies and breadcrumbs, giving them hope and satisfying their hunger pangs. The people knew not that their dreams for a better tomorrow or a brighter future for their children would never materialize! From the urban Chinese sundry shop owner to the Malay farmers and the Indian estate workers, all were hoping against hope, while the politicians were busy amassing wealth. Not only that, they saw to it that this stranglehold over the nation’s wealth shall remain in the hands of the elite few!

As they got bolder they began to falter. Soon, the people got wise to their ploy and resentment started building up. With the advent of the internet and as people became better informed, sentiments towards the unholy trinity of UMNO, MCA and MIC changed. Opposition parties, buoyed by a resurgent Anwar, took advantage and campaigned vociferously to throw out the incumbents. The elections came and the results were shocking! Never in their life did the opposition imagine they could swing it so much. Much of the credit for this incredible showing by the opposition should go to Raja Petra Kamarrudin, a member of the Selangor Royal Household, now languishing in jail! Anwar was the vehicle, Abang Pete is the hero!

The results have necessitated an impending change in the UMNO leadership, while the MCA has already changed their President. The MIC should follow suit by the time they convene their AGM.

It is now obvious to the MCA that the Chinese in the country have rejected them. In fact a large portion of the electorate are now talking about and welcoming the early days of a two party system. Generally, the electorate is of the opinion that the days of race-based political parties are numbered! However, the unholy trinity is still pushing their race-based agenda, with UMNO championing ketuanan Melayu even more vocally.

Ong Tee Keat, the newly elected President of the MCA is said to be a man with his hands full. He ought to be. His is a mixed team, meaning not all are his preferred lieutenants. The giant headache I suppose would be his number two. It is usual for the MCA deputy President to be made a Minister, but how are you going to propose a porn star as a Minister to the Prime Minister? It must be this quagmire that has resulted in his state of delirium. Instead of instructing all MCA MPs to endorse the petition to debate the review/repeal of the ISA, which the MCA, in the run up to their election have committed to do so, he is now championing the cause of the Malays, whom he perceived have not benefited from the NEP!

IS KETUANAN RAKYAT A MYTH?

2008-10-29T11:02:00.000+08:00

The March 8 tsunami has had different effects on different segments of Malaysian society. While UMNO and their supporters were stunned and shocked, others rejoiced. The aftermath of the elections were such that it had the BN components running around like decapitated chickens. Equally lost were the so-called victors. They had never ruled before!

After some bickering and horse-trading, the various State governments were eventually formed. They differences they had were usually about the racial make-up of the State cabinets and silly things like Chinese assemblymen refusing to wear the songkok and so forth.

Perhaps the euphoria was too much, too strong for both the PR leaders as well as the supporters, us. Am I glad to be reminded by Harris Ibrahim in his posting titled “IS PAKATAN RAKYAT PERPETUATING RACE-BASED POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE?

Politicians, opposition or otherwise have proven to be the same. They reneged on election pledges, that is the gist of the matter. The PR parties, various NGOs, you, me, all signed that declaration (The People’s Voice and the People’s Declaration) rejecting race-based politics and ushering in Bangsa Malaysia.

Though the Selangor MB has defended the appointment of a Chinese as Acting GM of PKNS, the reason offered is totally rubbish. In the first place, all SEDCs, irrespective of which State, is for the development of the State concerned, it says nothing about specifically developing the Malays! Now I am not so sure I heard right when Anwar Ibrahim was screaming “Ketuanan Rakyat”. Have we been had?

Now I am beginning to have doubts about “Ketuanan Rakyat” and the Pakatan Rakyat. Harris Ibrahim has shown that his Bangsa Malaysia initiative is more consistent.

LEFTOVERHIPPIES SALUTES YOU, HARRIS IBRAHIM

THE DREAM MERCHANTS

2008-10-29T02:16:00.003+08:00

The American economy has taken a tremendous beating beginning with the sub-prime mess. Regular rate cuts by the Feds did not help and recently the US government poured billions of dollars to try to arrest the situation. Over in Europe, several banks had to be bailed out and even our neighbour Singapore has announced that they are in recession!

So far, Iceland, Pakistan and Ukraine are some of the countries that have approached the IMF for help. The IMF with $250 billion in their kitty has the financial circles questioning if it has enough to go around if more nations needed help. In short, the world economic picture is grim!

Here at home, the Finance Minister has assured the Rakyat that we are well prepared to weather the storm! His boss, was even better, he claims the agricultural sector shall be able to cushion any effects of the downturn! The PM sleeps, the DPM dreams!

These guys are simply marvelous. On one hand they tell us everything is fine, on the other hand they want to borrow RM 5 billion from the Employees Provident Fund to inject into the stock market. Meanwhile, the local bourse has suffered hefty losses. One wonders what is it that they are trying to do. Are they intentionally insulting our intelligence? Or are they simply lost, not knowing how to respond to the situation? Or, is this their last hurrah, considering the fact that soon a new government shall be in place?

Deepavali

2008-10-27T09:53:00.003+08:00

Greetings to one and all!

NEW LINE-UP, SAME FILTH

2008-10-26T12:17:00.002+08:00

About 40 plus days ago, the UMNO led government saw fit to invoke the much-dreaded ISA and arrested prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, opposition MP Teresa Kok and “Sin Chew” reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng. The arrests sparked off some strong protests from the general public.

Politicians from both sides of the divide condemned the arrests. It was unprecedented, but the likes of keris waving Hishamuddin and senior leaders of both the MCA and Gerakan also questioned the wisdom of invoking this horrendous piece of legislature. Zaid Ibrahim, the de facto Law Minister then, resigned, claiming that the Home Minister had abused ISA and thereby making his (Zaid’s) position untenable!

The Gerakan leaders of Penang declared that they would sever ties with UMNO Penang and the party as whole was re-looking at their relevance in the BN coalition. Tough talk indeed! The MCA too, was very vocal about the ISA and pledge to press for a review/repeal of this draconian law. The BN politicians finally saw the light, we thought, but we were so wrong! They have learned nothing from the March 8 tsunami.

Recently, the MCA had their elections and a totally new team was put in place. My fellow contributor on this blog, featured them in his post. I commented that it is no big deal and the MCA were just a mere bunch of sycophants and scumbags beholden to UMNO. I was accused of not giving them a chance. How could I? I just do not trust them! I was proven right.

A couple of days after their (MCA) elections, opposition MP Teresa Kok moved a motion in Parliament seeking a Parliamentary Debate on the review/repeal of the ISA. To-date, only 77 MPs have signed the petition. One BN member, two independents (SAPP) and the rest were from Pakatan Rakyat. Where are the MCA and the Gerakan? Both were so vocal at the height of the ISA arrests. It is obvious that both the MCA and Gerakan are not here to serve the Rakyat.

A SIX YEAR OLD THREAT TO THE NATION

2008-10-24T15:36:00.002+08:00

In true “Malaysia Boleh” spirit, Malaysia must have just scored another first! This time for the arrest of a six-year-old child! I simply cannot fathom what harm a six-year old girl can do that she be arrested?

Did the police acted on their own or were they ordered by some stupid minister to do so? Whichever the case, I do believe this cannot happen anywhere else in the world. What government is this that can feel so threatened by a six year old?

If the present regime can resort to something like this, I dread the day when the despot returns in the form of Najib!

DSAI, you better be quick, because if you take too long, I am sure the despot will make you sodomize a third person! I thought you only needed our votes to win, but now it seems, you also need the grace of God to do so. The fate of the Malaysians are resting with you, act before it is too late!

SAMAD LEFTHANDED

2008-10-23T21:42:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, THURS:

A guitarist with rock band Lefthanded, Abdul Samad Mian died after he collapsed at his brother’s office in Ampang here, today. He was 45.

The deceased’s wife, Norliza Sumairi said Samad collapsed at 12.45pm and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Ampang Hospital.

Samad will be buried at the Hulu Langat Muslim Cemetery this afternoon.

He is survived by his wife and four children aged between six and 18 years.

Born in Johor Baru, he had served as a part-time lecturer at the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy and was instrumental in Lefthanded winning the best rock album award at the Malaysian Music Industry Awards in 1995.

HOMO SAPIEN MAaa....

2008-10-20T14:48:00.002+08:00

Tsk, tsk, tsk...You guys are not giving a chance at all to the new MCA line up to prove their mettle at all. Not even a lil bit of time to see how they settle down and what not. Every body deserve a second chance.

With a party such as MCA, with all their capabilities and their professionals helming the party, it will be strong enough to fight for the rakyats needs. With such a line up and still you guys are not feeling at ease. Democracy has prevailed in MCA. No party in Malaysia till now has elected an actor as the No.2 man in the organisation. Reagan in the US. Arnold Schwarzenneger also in US. What was that lady's name in Italy? The pornstar that was also elected as a rep in Parliament. Well..MCA has shown the way.

They are even asking the no2 post in BN now. DPM too I heard. Well this is what Anwar Al Jub has been harping all this while. Two tone! If you don't support who else gonna support? Give them a break lah. They are human. They make mistakes. They get greedy. They want power. They want respect. Humans ma... So does PKR, DAP, Gerakan and PAS..All are humans ma...

MCA LINEUP

2008-10-19T04:07:00.001+08:00

THE NEW BIG SHOTS IN MCA

DATUK SRK

2008-10-14T15:31:00.004+08:00

When the scramble started for the post of VP of UMNO, Tun Mahathir says other than Muhyiddin others are jokers or in malay he says "pak lawak".

Then came the news that Shah rukh Khan was awarded datukship by the Malacca govt. Could that be the work of the so called pak lawak? Well this pak lawak denies and said Tun Daim propose. Who is Daim now? A millionaire before he joins the cabinet and a billionaire when he left? Is that the Daim he's referring to? Must they kowtow to him?

Datukship Awards is now being put to a new light altogether. Or are they trying to turn it into an affair like the Bollywood Film award or the Grammy/Emmy Award kinda thing? Really lawaklah this one. None of the citizen in Malaysia could surpass what has been contributed by SRK to Malacca I guess. What did he actually contribute to Malacca?

The pak lawak mention wants to be the 2nd man in UMNO and by tradition he would probably be the Deputy PM...Whose next on the award list then..Jet Li? Amitabh Bachan? Jenna Jameson maybe...

OPEN HOUSE ANWAR

2008-10-14T15:18:00.003+08:00

11TH OCTOBER 2008
KELAB SULTAN SULAIMAN

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

2008-10-08T17:04:00.003+08:00

Dali's interpretation of Don Quixote

El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de La Manca(The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha) si an early novel written by a Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

It is also recognised as one of the finest and most influential literary piece from the Spanish Goden Age. This novel was written some in the 17th century. Some 400 years later, the Americans came up with an equivalent to Don Quixote. In 1939, American writer James Thurber, wrote "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty" acknowledged to be Thurber's masterpiece. It was made into a movie in 1947, starring Danny Kaye.

Original Book Cover

Movie Poster

Malaysia refusing to be outdone come out with a real life version,.Thanks to Mahathir.

He is holding the "Worst Prime Minister Award".

SALAM AIDIL FITRI !

2008-10-01T11:25:00.004+08:00

Season greetings to all and maaf zahir bathin! On this joyous occasion let us not forget the less fortunate.

I have just read and signed the online petition:

"Free Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Teresa Kok and Others Held Under the Internal Security Act"

hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition
service, at:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/isa1234/

I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might
agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider
signing yourself.

Best wishes,

RAYA

2008-09-30T23:53:00.003+08:00

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI..TO ALL...

I'm not sending out this greetings to the Muslims only but to all Malaysians coz I consider all of us are Malaysians and we should be sharing all festivities without any prejudice...

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!

2008-09-27T21:20:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RPK. May the rest of your birthdays be better than this one!

IT'S QUIET AT THE FRONT!

2008-09-23T10:14:00.002+08:00

It's supposed to be D-Day today. Nope, things are still quiet and looks like an uneventful day. Hopefully we get to see some excitement the later part of the day.

ISA DETAINEE RELEASED

2008-09-19T13:52:00.003+08:00

DAP Seputeh MP, Ms Teresa Kok has been released from detention under the ISA. She was released about an hour ago and is expected to call a press conference later today.

GIVEAWAY SIGNS

2008-09-19T10:59:00.002+08:00

Or could this be the Home Ministry's car park?

SAPP QUITS BARISAN NASIONAL

2008-09-17T16:54:00.003+08:00

The Star reports that SAPP has pulled out of the Barisan Nasional and shall remain an independent party. Deputy party chief, Datuk Raymond Tan will resign his post as Chief Minister within the next 24 hours. However, he is not quitting the party as yet.

FREE MP TERESA KOK

2008-09-16T20:27:00.002+08:00

Ex-de facto Law Minister has confirmed his attendance at the "Free MP Teresa Kok* Parliamentary caucus tomorrow. Could this be a hint of more dynamic things to come?

BON VOYAGE

2008-09-16T19:30:00.002+08:00

You could consider selling nasi kandar in Perth!

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

2008-09-16T14:49:00.001+08:00

Events over the last few days seem to indicate the impending demise of the UMNO led government. That the lame duck PM will have to go soon is a foregone conclusion. The question is who will lead UMNO in the future and how long can they hold on to power. It is looking more and more unlikely that they are able to rule the country the full five years!

There seem to be chaos among the leadership and of late, it is not unusual to find some of the leaders contradicting each other! Yes, differing opinions have surfaced, giving the impression that the leadership is fragmented and in total disarray! While there are some who are still beholden to the clueless Prime Minister, there are also others who have openly challenged his relevance to the party! To make matters worse, some are of the opinion that prolonging his stay may result in the immediate demise of the party, which is a good thing because that would spell the end of race-based politics in the country.

After 51 years of abuse, I guess the citizenry has had enough! From a naturally cultivated sense of goodwill and harmony, through years of interaction with each other, the UMNO led government after the Tunku, has successfully polarized the various communities in the country. It would be unfair to put the blame solely on UMNO. Equally guilty of the crime of fanning racial polarization are the MCA and MIC as well. Using culture as a camouflaged, they divided the nation into Malays, Chinese and Indians! While Mahathir encouraged us to look east, he was employing governance skills from even further east, i.e. to divide and rule! Even as I write, this senile old man is still saying that Malaysians do not mind race-based politics! Frankly, after 22 years of misrule, I wished he would just shut up and go play with his grandchildren, and may I add that it’d be best if he play dead! After all, his services are no longer required and soon we are going to have more honest, capable and responsible people running the country.

While the Home Minister has unleashed the dreadful Internal Security Act (a draconian law that allows detention without trial) on 3 people, one of whom, a journalist who has since been released, the de facto Law Minister has resigned, citing the abuse of the ISA, which makes his position untenable! Apart from him, both the Information Minister as well as the Education Minister had commented not so favorably about the use of this horrendous piece of legislature. Partners in the ruling coalition have also come out with guns blazing, speaking against the use of this law! BADawi is in bad shape! The most inept President has been tasked to keep UMNO and the ruling coalition from falling apart. A job he is ill equipped to accomplish, he neither has the skills nor the knowledge to do so. Ironically, this bungling Prime Minister has been credited with the largest mandate ever in UMNO’s history during the 2004 election.

Today is the 16th September 2008, a day when Anwar Ibrahim is suppose to take over the government. No, it has not happen, not yet, but I am hopeful. Malaysia on the threshold of a new era, one can just feel it. Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

UPDATE ON ZAID'S RESIGNATION

2008-09-15T19:43:00.002+08:00

The New Straits Times reported that the de facto Law Minister's resignation has been rejected. He was told to go on two weeks leave to rethink his decision!

UMNO IN TROUBLE?

2008-09-15T15:59:00.000+08:00

The de facto Law Minister, Zaid Ibrahim has resigned. He submitted his resignation about two hours ago. However, it is not known if the lame duck PM has accepted it.
Perhaps this shall be the start of a mass exodus from UMNO and other BN components.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

2008-09-13T17:17:00.001+08:00

In the name of peace and stability, the UMNO led government launched a blitzkrieg on her subjects. Like a true villain hiding behind the noble façade of maintaining law and order, social activist Raja Petra, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily News reporter Ms Tan Hoon Cheng were detained under the draconian ISA.

Claiming that these characters were guilty of inciting civil unrests, the blur Home Minister ordered their arrest under a law, which grants them zero recourse! The ISA is detention without trial. There are other existing laws under which these three could be charged, where the onus will be on the government to prove them guilty. However, this government has chosen to deny them a fair trial by invoking this horrendous law!

I am a simpleton and I swallow the blurred Minister’s explanation wholesale! So it seems the far-sighted but blurred Minister has effectively nipped the problem in the bud. Good for you, sir!

On the other hand, supporters of the aggrieved parties have also come out to calm the general public with the constant reminder of not taking to the streets. Now it’s getting to be mind boggling, apparently nobody wants any untoward incidents to occur, so how on earth are we caught in this ridiculous quagmire? Isn’t this much ado about nothing?

Or is someone trying to engineer something?

At time of writing, it has been reported that the Sin Chew Daily News reporter has been released. She was sent home at 4.15 p.m.

ISA UPDATE

2008-09-13T16:43:00.001+08:00

Sin Chew Daily News reporter, Ms Tan Hoon Cheng has been released from detention. According to latest press reports, she was sent home at 4.15 p.m.

WHEN WILL THEY STOP?

2008-09-13T02:34:00.001+08:00

Latest ISA victim, DAP MP Teresa Kok arrested at ll.20 p.m.

STOP PRESS

2008-09-12T22:30:00.000+08:00

Sin Chew reporter, Ms Tan Hoon Cheng has been arrested under the ISA.

ANIMAL FARM REVISITED

2008-09-12T14:41:00.002+08:00

"ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL, BUT SOME ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS"

Just received news that RPK has been arrested under the ISA! I am sure the question on most minds in the country now would be “Why is Datuk Ahmad Ismail still walking around?”

I do not know what others think but to me, it is a case of gross dereliction of duty! Whilst I have stressed earlier that the ISA is a draconian law that should have been repealed, the point here is that it is an existing law and failure to execute it amounts to the non-performance of an obligation on the part of the AG!

DO YOU SEE THE DOUBLE STANDARDS PRACTICED?

"M" is for Moron

2008-09-12T13:48:00.003+08:00

...... and now he wants to come back?
getting lonely, I think!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

2008-09-11T23:11:00.002+08:00

THE HALAL DOGS

2008-09-11T01:43:00.002+08:00

There are mad dogs, and there are Englishmen. This is Malaysia, and here we have an entirely different species, native to Malaysia, and they are known as the “halal” dogs. With due apologies, if you do not know what is meant by ‘halal’, allow me the enlighten you, the Jewish equivalent is kosher!

The Muslims and Jews, though they hate each other, share similar beliefs in that things referred to as non-kosher, or locally known as ‘haram’ (an example of things ‘haram’ are dogs) are stuff one would not even touch with a 10-foot pole.

Now, I do not know if the UMNO Muslims in Malaysia were conned, or are they so dumb, that they are actually keeping ‘dogs’ without knowing that they have sinned! This sounds like a very sensitive issue, but if you hear me out, it becomes a non-issue! I am not talking about dogs as in dogs, the ‘binatang’ we know! Here, we are referring to two local species, albeit originating from China, and in local lingo, known as ‘chow kow’ or ‘chau kow’. Whatever ‘kow’, the connotation is not good! Let me explain, the former means ‘a bad dog’ while the latter means ‘a running dog’!

So, the fact remains, the UMNO Muslims have been keeping dogs...in the form of MCA and Gerakan! Both, to the Chinese community are dogs! The only problem is which kind of dogs are they? ‘Chow’ or ‘chau’? So, let me repeat, whichever the case, the connotation is not good!

A couple of days ago, both ‘kows’ talked super tough. Severing ties with UMNO Penang (I wonder why only at State level?), even threatening that their participation in BN shall be dependent on the kind of punishment to be meted out to the ‘has-been’ Datuk. The sentence passed by the UMNO Supreme Council, a 3-year suspension, sent the MCA and Gerakan into a frenzied elated stupor, as though justice has been served! Though I am one of those who concur that the ISA/Sedition Act are draconian laws, the gist of the matter is that these are existing laws in the country, but the law has not been allowed to take its course. Therefore, to experience such ecstasy as experienced by MCA and Gerakan, it is nothing more than a massive exercise to hoodwink the electorate! We, the Melayu, Cina, India, dll, in short, ‘Anak Bangsa Malaysia’ should realize that they are insulting our intelligence.

The majority of the population has dictated, as shown by the results of the last GE, that this should be a two party state, so let’s make sure that when the time comes, the MCA and Gerakan WILL NOT BE in that equation! There is a distinction between humans and animals though both are collectively known as mammals.

There is an old adage that says as long as it is a cat that catches mice, it does not matter whether it is black or white. But, in the case of dogs, as illustrated here, it is very much more complicated.

BANGSA MALAYSIA - ALIVE AND WELL

2008-09-09T11:04:00.002+08:00

After the ugly remarks by the has-been Datuk, I was actually so flabbergasted and dumbfounded, I was lost for a while, not knowing how to respond. It got worse when flip flop lame duck (the PRIME MINISTER) kept changing his position over this incident.

There is hope yet for the country, do not despair. I would like to share another email I just received a couple of minutes ago. Thankfully, we still have honest sensible people in this country. It is Malay brethren like these that gives us hope.

Malay rights

By Shaik Rizal Sulaiman

The Malays are 'technically' in power governing the country but it is also this same controlling group that demands the right to correct economic imbalances and disparities for its own race.

What does this say about the 'majority governing' Malay race for the last 50 years?
I dare say that most Malaysians (regardless of race) below the age of 40 would like to see all opportunities be spread amongst those who deserve it on meritocracy.

We do not need the keris anymore to tell others to be careful of what they say and do because in the survival of the fittest, the keris is of very little relevance!

If we continue to hide under the 'bumiputera' tempurung as most Malays have been in the last 50 years or more, the catch-up game will just get harder and the gap wider.

If we continue to expect without earning it, we will never learn how to be a race that succeeds on merit. There is NO substitute for merit. The Malay politicians continue to shout about Malay rights and bumiputera rights because the very nature of our local politics is sadly racially biased.

In this day and age, a great nation is built upon joint success stories, meritocracy and the combined hard work of its people WITHOUT any fear or favour of racial biased politics governing our daily policies.

I am below 40 and as much as I love the 'idea' that Malaysia is tanah tumpahnya darah orang Melayu, I can't help but also feel that this country is for ALL Malaysians alike including the Chongs, the Kumars, the Xaviers, the Sings & Kaurs etc who were born on the same day in the same hospital as me here in Malaysia.

If we feel that WE (the Malays) deserve this country more than THEM , then WE (the Malays) should have shown them a long time ago that we deserve the 'control all' status.

We have to earn it. The policies FAILED because the very concept of Malay rights or the NEP/DEB is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to eradicate wealth disparity but on the other, it has made the Malays oblivious of what reality is. Our (Malays) success is only reflected in the 'perceived' political power which today can collapse in a matter of minutes. I would also like to see my children succeed in their country, Malaysia, for reasons that true success should be based upon, which are merit and hard work and NOT because they are Malays or bumiputeras. For as long as the Malays don't see this, there is very little point in fighting for Malay rights.

It just makes us look more ridiculous. We have taken this notion of being privileged a bit too literally in that it now simply means we want this country and its fruits all for ourselves without accepting the responsibilities that come with it. I blame the MALAY politicians for this because we want to only fight the cause without strategising for the true substance and need of the cause. We have been given fish all the while without being taught how to fish.

It's funny how two different generations can be so diverse in their thinking and the recent elections proved just that. We are no longer concerned with racial problems but more so the never-ending Malay agenda issues. The rakyat has spoken and the landscape has drastically changed. Is this change welcomed? Is it good?

The answer is 'NO'. Because we,the Malays, have been caught with our pants down - we are not ready to compete on any level playing field (we can't even compete on advantageous grounds!). Even with three or five more continuing policies for Malay rights or bumiputera privileges over the next 50 years, we will still be in exactly the same position as we are in today.

The truth hurts and the truth will always prevail. And the truth of what's to come will NOT go away. I am cynical perhaps because I feel that Malay rights is NOT relevant anymore. The right to be safe, to be treated fairly, to have a world-class healthcare and education, to enjoy equal prosperity, to have good governance, to live in a clean environment and to be war-free is what I want for my Malaysia. NOT for MY race to be artificially powerful.

If we want the Malays to fail, then by all means continue the fight for Malay rights. Go and polish your keris.

Shaik Rizal Sulaiman
Posted by Malaysian
Unplug @ Link to This Post

P/S

In recent months we have seen the Syariah Courts allowing quite a few Malays to exercise their rights to a third or fourth wife. Fair, the guy may be able to provide for the financial & conjugal needs of his wives. However, question here is when he has a dozen kids, will he be able to provide a decent education and life to his kids or will he demand for his 'Rights' for subsidy and aid and be a burden to the govt and society.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

2008-09-08T10:47:00.002+08:00

THE UNREPENTANT DATUK

2008-09-04T20:29:00.001+08:00

The missing Datuk has surfaced and has declared that he will not apologize. If anyone out there were expecting contrition or remorse, there was none. During his absence there were lots of talk by other BN component leaders, notably, the leaders of MCA and Gerakan who talked tough about the issue.

Well, the Datuk has declared that he will not apologize. Let’s see what the MCA and Gerakan can do about it. Personally, I do not expect much from these turncoats who are in politics only to enrich themselves.

Anyway it shall be interesting to see how they get out of this one.

APOLOGIES

2008-09-03T23:40:00.001+08:00

I sincerely tender my apologies. My earlier post of the apology of the DPM not reported in the Malay press was incorrect.

UM..... NO APOLOGY

2008-09-03T11:35:00.002+08:00

It was reported in some newspapers, perhaps as headline news that the DPM Najib apologized on behalf of one Ahmad Ismail for some racist slurs against the Chinese community. Apparently he did so in his own capacity as well as UMNO’s. The way the apology was done was that which prompted me to write about it.

This is what I found in Wikipedia “An apology is a justification or defense of an act or idea, from the Greek apologia (απολογία). An apology can also be an expression of contrition and remorse for something done wrong.” It went on to explain that apart from “expression of contrition and remorse”, there is such a thing as a “non-apology apology”. It went further to explain the meaning of non-apology apology and I quote “A non-apology apology is a statement in the form of an apology that is nothing of the sort, a common gambit in politics and public relations. It most commonly entails the speaker saying that he or she is sorry not because of any realization on his or her own part, but rather only because a person who has been aggrieved is requesting the apology, expressing a grievance, or threatening some form of retribution or retaliation.

An example of a non-apology apology would be to say "I'm sorry if you were offended by my remarks" to someone who has been offended. This does not admit that there was anything wrong with the remarks made, and it subtly insinuates that the person taking offense was excessively thin-skinned or irrational in taking offense at the remarks in the first place.”

So was there an apology? If there was, is there any remorse? Personally I do not think so. This is a classic case of a politician taking the electorate for fools. Considering the fact that his apology was reported in all mainstream press except for the Malay press, available in Bernama’s English news, but not Bernama’s Malay news, it looks to me this is the non-apology apology that I learned from Wikipedia. In my opinion, even if it was a genuine apology this Ahmad Ismail should still be investigated for sedition. If he is not an UMNO member I believe he would be in the slammer by now! And if you do not believe me, go say something not so pleasant about them if you are not an UMNO man, and see what happens to you.

This Ahmad Ismail guy must be someone who commands considerable influence in the party, I mean for the Deputy President of a major political party who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Bolehland to come to his defense, wow! In fact even the Prime Minister himself has come forward to defend his verbal diarrhea! Now, what baffles me is his disappearance, as far as I know there were no Statutory Declarations on this matter so far. Judging from past practices, they only disappear after making Statutory Declarations in Court!

The MCA must not be saved

2008-09-02T15:48:00.001+08:00

“Saving the MCA from itself” this is the title of an article I found in RPK’s “Malaysia Today”. I read it and I think the writer of this article must be thinking we are fools. Though he did mention stuff like the snoop squad and the propagation of the Ong Dynasty, I think, though I may be wrong, that this appeal to save the MCA, is merely an attempt to keep himself relevant in local politics.

The result of the last election has sent a very clear signal that the electorate has had enough of race-based politics and that the preferred arrangement would be a two party state. Saving the MCA will mean a continuation of race-based politics, something rejected by the electorate. Race based political parties like MCA, MIC and UMNO are obsolete and dangerous. The presence of parties with such ideologies will forever keep Malaysians divided. No race-based political parties can exist without championing the cause of their race, which means, “Bangsa Malaysia” will never take root, and that will be the great Malaysian tragedy!

It is ironical that whilst UMNO has been harping on “Ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy), deep down, these guys are actually very British inside! The reason why I say this is because with the help of the others (MCA, MIC, Gerakan, etc.), UMNO has exhibited that they actually have this great British skill of “divide and rule”!

The MCA must not be saved. Over the last 51 years, and that is a long time, the MCA has only serve their UMNO masters, not the Chinese. Effectively, the MCA, has prostituted the Chinese since independence!

In order for the country to move forward, “Bangsa Malaysia” must be encouraged and nurtured, failing which, meritocracy shall only be a dream. Without meritocracy, it simply means the country will never use the best brains, and in today’s world, how far do you think the country can go?

A FRANK DISCOURSE BY A BUMIPUTRA OF MALAYSIA

2008-08-26T13:46:00.003+08:00

The Olympics are over and done with. It was a pleasant distraction from the realities of Malaysia's, or to be more specific, UMNO's dirty politics of intimidation, character assassination and lies.

Recently, I received an email and would like to share it with you. It is about two nations, one is resource rich, while the other is a tiny city state with virtually zero resource! After reading the email I just wished that there are more such Bumiputras! The following is the email in full.

A frank discours by a bumiputra of Malaysia.

THIS IS A MUST MUST READ: LEE KUAN YEW : AT 85 , THE FIRE STILL BURNS BY AHMAD MUSTAPHA

The writer is a nephew of Dr Mahathir.
Excellent one !

By Ahmad Mustapha

Singapore's Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, who was Singapore's founding father, has always been very direct in his comments. This was the man who outsmarted the communists in Singapore (with the innocent help of Malaya then and the willing help of the British) and who later outwitted the British and outpaced Malaysia in all spheres.

Singapore practices corrupt-free meritocracy and Malaysia affirmative action. The former attracted all the best brains and the latter chased out all the brains. The Singapore cabinet consists of dedicated and intelligent technocrats whereas Malaysia has one of the most unwieldy cabinets. Not only that, brain wise it was below par not even good for the kampong.
Wi th that kind of composition, one that is very brainy, naturally Singapore , with no natural resources could outstrip Malaysia in every aspect of development. Malaysia, on the other hand, was too much preoccupied with its Malayness and the illusory 'Ketuanan Melayu' and was also more interested in useless mega iconic development rather than real social and economic development.

Whenever Kuan Yew utters anything that deemed to be a slight on Malaysia , voices were raised admonishing him. Malaysia would never dare to face reality. That Singapore had shown that it could survive was a slap on those who believed that Singapore would fold up once it left Malaysia . Therefore it was natural that these doomsayers would try to rationalise their utterances to be in their favour to combat on whatever Kuan Yew commented. Its political jealousy.
Singapore achieved its developmen t status without any fanfare. But here in Malaysia , a development that was deceptive was proclaimed as having achieved development status. It was trumpeted as an achievement that befits first world status. This was self delusion. Malaysians are led to believe into a make believe world, a dream world. The leaders who themselves tend to believe in their own fabricated world did not realise the people were not taken in by this kind of illusion.

Lee Kuan Yew believed in calling a spade a spade. I was there in Singapore when the People's Action Party won the elections in 1959. He was forthright in his briefing to party members as to what was expected of them and what Singapore would face in the future. Ideologically, I did not agree with him. We in the University of Malaya Socialist Club had a different interpretation of socialist reconstruction. But he was a pragmatist and wanted to bring development a nd welfare to the Singaporeans. Well! He succeeded.
Malaysia was so much embroiled in racial politics and due to the fear of losing political power, all actions taken by the main party in power was never targeted towards bringing wealth to all. Wealth was distributed to the chosen few only. They were the cronies and the backers of the party leadership to perpetuate their own selfish ends.

Seeing the efficiency and the progress achieved by Singapore caused the Malaysian leadership to suffer from an inferiority complex. That Malaysia should suffer from this complex was of its own making.

In a recent interview, Kuan Yew said that Malaysia could have done better if only it treated its minority Chinese and Indian population fairly. Instead they were completely marginalised and many of the best brains left the country in drove. He added that Singapore was a standing indictment to what Malaysia could have done differently. He just hit the nail right there on the head.
Malaysia recently celebrated its 50th year of independence with a bagful of uncertainties. The racial divide has become more acute. The number of Malay graduates unemployed is on the increase. And this aspect can be very explosive. But sad to see that no positive actions have been taken to address these social ills.

Various excuses were given by Malaysian leaders why Singapore had far outstripped Malaysia in all aspects of social and economic advancement. Singapore was small, they rationalised and therefore easy to manage. Singapore was not a state but merely an island.
There was one other aspect that Malaysia practises and that is to politicise all aspects of life. All government organs and machinery were 'UMNO-ised'. This was to ensure that the party will remain in power. Thus there was this misconception by the instruments of government as to what national interest is and what UMNO vested interest is.

UMNO vested interest only benefited a few and not the whole nation. But due to the UMNO-isation of the various instruments of government, the country under the present administration had equated UMNO vested interest as being that of national interest. Thus development became an avenue of making money and not for the benefit of the people. The fight against corruption took a back seat. Transparency was put on hold. And the instruments of government took it to be of national interest to cater to the vested interest of UMNO. Enforcement of various enactments and laws was selective. Thus a 'palace' in Kelang, APs cronies and close-one-eye umno MPs could exist without proper procedure. Corruption infested all govt departments, the worse is the police and lately even in the judiciary.

Singapore did not politicise its instruments of government. If ever politicisation took place, it is guided by national interest. To be efficient and to be the best in the region was of paramount importance. Thus all the elements like corruption, lackadaisical attitude towards work and other black elements, which would retard such an aim, were eliminated. Singapore naturally had placed the right priority in it's pursuit to achieve what is best for its people. This is the major difference between these two independent countries.
Malaysia in its various attempts to cover up its failures embarked on several diversions. It wanted its citizens to be proud that the country had the tallest twin-tower in the world, although the structure was designed and built by foreigners. Its now a white-elephant wasting away. It achieved in sending a man into space at an exorbitant price. For what purpose? These are what the Malays of old would say "menang sorak" (hollow victories).

It should be realised that administering a country can be likened to managing a corporate entity. If the management is efficient and dedicated and know what they are doing, the company will prosper. The reverse will be if the management is poor and bad. The company will go bust.

There are five countries around this region. There is Malaysia , and then Indonesia . To the east there is the Philippines and then there is that small enclave called the Sultanate of Brunei . All these four countries have abundance of natural resources but none can lay claim to have used all these resources to benef it the people. Poverty was rampant and independence had not brought in any significant benefits to the people.

But tiny Singapore without any resources at all managed to bring development to its citizens. It had one of the best public MRT transport systems and airlines in the world and it is a very clean city state. Their universities, health care, ports are among the best in the world.

It is impossible to compare what Singapore has achieved to what all these four countries had so far achieved. It was actually poor management and corruption, and nothing more. Everything is done for the vested interest of the few.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines and the Sultanate of Brunei need good management teams. They would not be able to do this on their own steam. I would advise that they call on Kuan Yew to show them what good governance is. Why look East to Japan when it is just next door across the causeway.

WATER POLO

2008-08-20T16:59:00.003+08:00

You guys get to see this during the olympics? Happen to see it on a blog. Just check it out.
Christina Chrysoula Tsoukala of Greece.

Gemma Beadsworth of Australia.

A slip of the tongue is no fault of the mind, but a slip of the nip is who's fault then?

Intermission

2008-08-11T16:20:00.002+08:00

It's the Olympics! Taking a short break to follow the Games. As such, there shall not be much activities around here for a while. My apologies.

Let the Games begin

2008-08-09T14:55:00.002+08:00

One World, One Dream
So goes the Olympic theme
While China harbors great hope
Malaysians hope against hope
While the world watches the medal tally
Malaysia is still engross with the fanny

So let the Games begin
It does not matter who wins
Is it consensual or is it rape
In time the case will take shape
And you won’t need a pundit
To reveal the asshole bandit

Go for gold, Malaysia!
In carnal intercourse against nature!

UMNO(MAL)'s FARM

2008-08-08T14:22:00.005+08:00

The recent on-goings in the Malaysian political scene brings back fond memories of my school days. Particularly, it reminds me of literature class. How so? You may wonder. Well, apart from Shakespeare, there was this other book that we had to digest, Orwell’s “Animal Farm”.

Late last month, his one time aide accused Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy, an accusation he vehemently denies. After the usual police reports and medical examinations, and the sub-plots laced in between, Anwar was charged in court yesterday.

He was charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code which reads: ”377B. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be liable to whipping.”

From what we read and the way it was presented in the local press, and also statements by the powers that be, one would have expected Anwar to be charged under Section 377C of the Penal Code which reads: “377C. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature on another person without the consent, or against the will, of the other person, or by putting the other person in fear of death or hurt to the person or any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty years, and shall also be liable to whipping.”

Anwar has rightly questioned why his accuser was not charged similarly. The charge is on consensual sodomy as opposed to a charge under Section 377C which interprets as sodomy rape! So, will they charge the accuser, Saiful?

“No” says the Home Minister, Syed Hamid. Though Saiful apparently participated in this consensual sodomy, he is a witness, and therefore, will be protected????? That immediately reminded me of Napoleon in Orwell’s famous satire. While I liken Syed Hamid to Napoleon in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, I cannot help thinking that there are quite a few more parallels in character in UMNO (MAL)’s FARM.

As an illustration, I see lame duck Prime Minister Badawi as Napoleon’s chief rival, “Snowball”, SIL/Kali as “Squealer” responsible for the propaganda machinery.

Though Marxism has no place for religion, Syed Hamid, as with most UMNO leaders, has, especially in their speech, exhibited an uncanny resemblance to the Bolsheviks. “ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL…… BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS!"

REMINDER

2008-08-08T10:11:00.002+08:00

AL JUB SUMMONED

2008-08-06T18:02:00.004+08:00

This is a kangaroo warning in Australia, but in Malaysia, it simply means the Court's in session! You shall soon see this sign from tomorrow after they charge DSAI for sodomy!

KANCHANABURI RENDEZVOUS - History and Wildlife

2008-08-06T12:47:00.008+08:00

The Penang 4x4 Adventure Club shall be organizing an overland drive trip to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Highlight of the trip shall be the famous bridge over the Kwai River and the nearby Wat Pha Luang Tha Bua, better known as the “Tiger Temple”.

Details of the trip are still vague for me (I am not a member of the Club, though I get to be invited on the trips because I have friends in the Club). All I know is that it is going to be a 9 - day affair. Sounds like 4 days in Kanchanburi, 3 days in Cha’am and probably the last night at Nakhon Si Thammarat. Will confirm itinerary later.

This is a trip that caters to all. There are historical sites to visit; i.e. the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum maintained by the Australian Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of honoring all Allied POWS and conscripted Asian labor. Also in the vicinity, the Hellfire Pass itself, 73m by 25m high, the rock cutting was done by hand, all done by POWs. There is a second pass, 450m by 8m.

Accommodation is by the river, which means stuff like canoeing and visits to nearby waterfalls are things one can do to kill time. I think there is a very beautiful waterfall called the Erawan Waterfall. Got to check that out and confirm.

A visit to Thailand would be incomplete without visiting at least a temple. Of course the more well known temple is this area is the “Tiger Temple”, but one should not be deceived by its popular name because apart from tigers, there are also other wildlife found in this temple. There is a lesser known one called Muang Sing, a Khmer temple complex and military outpost.

If the above activities are still inadequate for you, there is also a nearby resort where you can actually have a round of golf!

Will be getting the itinerary soon and shall fill you guys in later. Meanwhile, here are some more pictures from the Internet. Shall post my own after the trip.

ITO & PURPLE HAZE

2008-08-05T14:35:00.003+08:00

ITO(Blues Gang) & Purple Haze

Got enquiries today about this Blues band. They play mean blues and rock and roll. Karim(Blues Gang) was the former drummer for this band. He succumb to diabeties and recuperating now. At times he still plays with the band. Azizi(left) the axeman, was with the Blues Gang when Julian left and was considered as the top blues guitarist in Malaysia right now. Jim(next to Azizi) was the Blues Gang bassman. Ito, no introduction needed coz, to the public, Blues Gang is Ito and Ito is Blues Gang. Last but not least, Munir, a music teacher by profession, sessionist, orchestra, you name it he has it. But with the blues in him, you'll definitely catch him jamming with Purple Haze, doing what Karim does, drumming.

A gig in Penang is on the way for this guys...One of these Saturdays..Check it out..

THE ALTANTUYA TRIAL - A Layman's Perspective

2008-08-04T13:26:00.003+08:00

I am a common man on the street with no formal training as far as the law goes. However, with what little I know of the legal process, I somehow believe that the “Altantuya trial” is a complete sham (though I firmly believe in the old adage “that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”).

If my observations/opinions are flawed, please, do feel free to correct me. It is rather disturbing to note that hours before the case, the entire prosecution team was changed! Why that was done was never satisfactorily explained by the AG’s office. In fact, there is a host of questions a layman like me would like answered.

One cannot help noticing that as the case progresses, it raises more questions than answers. The failure of the parties concerned to react to these revelations is equally mind-boggling. For instance, the expunged immigration records were never pursued. A witness testified under oath that she saw a photograph of a threesome, one of whom, she declared was Najib Razak. This matter was also not pursued by both prosecution and defense. The use of Mindef controlled C-4 explosives was never questioned, two of the three accused were members of an elite squad assigned to the DPM, who had no reason whatsoever to murder the Mongolian girl (or if they had, the court did not see fit to question why) unless they were acting on orders!

A recent Statutory Declaration by a private investigator, revealing some very juicy details of the case, his subsequent disappearance after his retraction in a second Statutory Declaration, the failure of the Court to recall this witness; all these makes one wonders if the Malaysian courts are here to dispense justice or to protect the elite in Malaysian society!

I may be very wrong, but this is the first time I know of a case where both the prosecution and the defense went to great lengths to discredit their own witnesses! Not only that, they have also put in tremendous effort to ensure that the name of the “Malaysian government official” does not surface in the case.

“A prosecutor is supposed to seek justice for the deceased victim's family against the murderers, so how come the prosecutor is now ganging up with defense lawyers to oppose the victim's family lawyer? Is this a case of prosecutor vs. defense or a case of prosecutor plus defense vs. victim's family? Obviously, the prosecution and defense seem to have plenty of common interests. What are those common interests?” so asked Kim Quek of “Asia Sentinel”.

And we thought there was hope when they announced the reformation of the judiciary!

Beyond the sanctuary of the Dusun

2008-08-02T12:05:00.002+08:00

Nice to know that Bangsa Malaysia has managed to take time off his heavy workload to unwind. The fruits sure looked succulent and inviting, wished I were there. Well, while you were in the dusun enjoying the fruits and reminiscing with old school/classmates, this is what goes on outside the dusun, in other parts of Malaysia.

The Sore Loser

2008-08-02T11:13:00.005+08:00

Recently, the Penang State Legislative Assembly passed a motion demanding RM 4.7 billion as compensation from the Federal government for its (Federal govt.) failure to make good on electoral campaign promises such as PORR, monorail, etc.

While campaigning, they gave the impression that there was a need for these projects. However, upon loosing the Penang State government, they immediately reneged on their campaign promises, just so to punish the Penang electorate. It is tragic that the BN government has responded so negatively to the election results and thereby exhibiting their true colors, i.e. they never had the interests of the Rakyat at heart.

And, like a spoilt brat throwing his tantrums, the dimwit Prime Minister BADawi even declared "What money? For what? What has it spent on that it wants compensation for?"
"No need for it,"

My response here.

DUSUN

2008-08-02T02:18:00.003+08:00

Hiya guys,

Its been a long time since I last blog. The project I'm working on is at its commissioning stage now, so lots of documentations to prepare and well kind of took its toll on me.

Last week me and a few friends arrange a reunion for our schoolmates. The mates were like from Std 1 till form 5. Just imagine the chaos when it has been like 40yrs ago when you last talk to each other?

It was...nostalgic? 60+ of us x-students turn up. 4 of our teachers turn up to. I kick off the gathering by asking all the x-students to stand up which everybody did. I wish "Selamat tengahari cikgu", to which all the x-students followed. Hhahaah..Thank you guys. The teachers were so touched...

What I really wanna share with you guys was when Hamsan, an old mate who invited us to his "dusun", the morning before the gathering after we had finalise everything for the afternoon's gathering.

Look at the mangosteen man...Direct from the tree...

Rambutans or "moqtan" to the local malays...(Kedahan)

Dukong...

Had a really nice time there..Reliving the past for a few hours.

By the way, the place is Jitra. About 45mins to Danok....

The Trump Card

2008-07-31T15:30:00.002+08:00

RUN BUDDY RUN

2008-07-29T10:47:00.001+08:00

Remember the 60's hit TV comedy?

P.I. on the run, doctor on the run, who's next?

MCA - The Curse of the Malaysian Chinese

2008-07-28T20:31:00.007+08:00

When Parti Keadilan, DAP and PAS decided to contest the last GE under Pakatan Rakyat’s banner, the MCA, Gerakan and to some extent, UMNO, were warning the non-Muslims not to be taken in by this loose coalition because of the fear of PAS’s Islamic state agenda. The DAP was accused of selling out Chinese interests for political gains. Both the MCA and the Gerakan had a field day! They did all they could to instill fear among the non-Malays, hoping against hope that the Chinese were stupid and could still be led by the nose. Little did they realize that the non-Malays, especially the urban folks, were already sick and tired of their constant lies and wanton exploitation of the Rakyat.

Over the last few days we have been reading about this UMNO – PAS unity talk that has taken place on three occasions, it seems. From press reports we know that the other members of the BN were not consulted at all, but then, the other component parties have not voiced any objections to this courtship either. The MCA was very vocal about the Pakatan Rakyat but now it is as though they are not aware of the current developments, or are they busy giving their UMNO masters a bj, which explains the silence. Come to think of it, the MCA and Gerakan were never here for the Rakyat, they are here to make UMNO feel and look good!

A leader in the MCA has voiced that they have no such intention (unity talk with DAP). He said the MCA will not be talking to DAP. Boy, am I glad to hear that, and I believe that a good number of Chinese would not want the DAP to talk to them too! After all, to me, the MCA never had the interests of the Chinese, and all they have done the last 50 years was to prostitute themselves as well as the Chinese community in this country!

Quote of the Day

2008-07-27T13:11:00.002+08:00

Jeff Ooi asked "Assuming Najib is to fix Anwar, and RPK is to fix Najib, so, who is to fix this country?"

UNESCO World Heritage Site

2008-07-25T12:06:00.004+08:00

The celebration begins today. Penang shall be celebrating her successful application for listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Several attempts were made before but each time we failed. This time, making a joint application with Malacca, both were successful.

The Khoo Kongsi (Clan House)

The past week or so, the inner city has been abuzz with activities. Municipal workers have been busy putting up decorations and lightings. While some are rejoicing this new -found status, many seemed not to bother with it.

I would have thought that celebration of such nature should involve everybody. Well, almost. It is most tragic that the school children have been denied celebrating this event. In fact the mainstream media has been doing their best to play down this event. It is tragic that on an occasion like this, where the government has spent so much money and effort to secure this important listing, they have decided to treat it like a non-event!

We do not know if this is a directive from the Ministry of Education or is it the little Napoleon in the Penang State Education Department who decided to snub the State government’s celebration. In either case it does not bode well for the state and country. It is childish and irresponsible.

The Kek Lok Si Temple

For reasons best known to themselves, the BN government has seen fit not to work together with the Penang state government or other opposition state governments. What kind of message will this action send to our young school going children? What hope have we got to build unity and strength for this nation?

I really have my doubts if Mahathir’s 2020 vision can come true. When the Prime Minister is more concern with Malay unity instead of Malaysian unity, that alone is explanation enough why there is such a book called “Malaysia – A Failed Nation”

Superyacht Leopard 3

2008-07-23T16:30:00.011+08:00

Mention Alinghi or Oracle and most would know where you are directing the conversation. These two are the most outstanding boats competing in the America's Cup, one of sailing's most prestigious trophy. Leopard 3 ? Sounds more like a beer!

Sailing enthusiast at the last Sydney Hobart Race may have noticed this boat. Unfortunately, she did not impress then. However, back in Britain now, she has performed tremendously well, breaking 3 records in a span of a month!

The 3 records she holds are:

Cowes-Dinard-St. Malo 11th July '08

JP Morgan Round Island Race (Isle
of Wight 28th June '08

BMW Round Ireland Race
25th June '08

Her most impressive win surely must have beenon 3rd June, 2008, at the Trans Atlantic Speed Sailing Record, where she clocked 7 days 19 hours and 21 minutes, shaving 8 hours from the previous record! The length of the course was 2,925 nautical miles.

The boat is 30m long, 6.8m wide, with a 5.5m draft, a towering mast of 47 m high carrying a sail up to 15, 000 sq. ft. The keel cants 40 degrees either side of the centerline.

Would surely love to crew one of these beauties.

From the frying pan into the fire!

2008-07-22T11:05:00.001+08:00

Here is an email I received which I would like to share with fellow Malaysians.

The bottom line: BN really sucks!!
BN has to go, permanently.

Please read this email as it is very well-written and easy-to-understand….especially the last few paras in red which makes a lot of sense.

where is our direction for our next generation..?

Greetings to all,

For those who started work around 1973,
a 1.3 Litre Japaness car was RM 7000
Today the equivalent is.... let's say RM 60000...........8.5 times

In 1973 a double storey house was about RM 45,000..or less Today it is
about RM 300,000............6.6 times
(It was advertised in a school magazine at 37,000, Taman Lumba Kuda)
This makes it 8.1 times

In 1973 an Engineer's pay was RM 1000
Today it is about RM 2000 +/-............2 times....

From 1973 to 2008........35 years......what is the Trend.?
Bearish !!!!

In a stock market when the trend is bearish , what do we do?..Exit !!!
When a country's trend is bearish what do we do?
This Bearish trend is more difficult to turn around as compared to the
stock market.

I have used these 3 items House, Car & Salary as a measurement of the country's performance for the past 35 years....
Foreigners also ask about these 3 items to gauge our standard of living.

There is a book I saw in MPH bookshop entitled :
Malaysia : The Failed Nation
some of you may be interested to read it
I agreed with the writer.....

This morning I was having Coffee at McDonald ( now the coffee..100 %
Arabica beans..is quite good@ RM 2.90....free refill !!. I asked how
much per hour is their pay?

RM 3.00 ! x 8 hours = RM 24 per day... x 25 days = RM 600 per month

My daughter works part-time during her University days..she worked at
Gloria Jeans Coffee.... the pay ? Australian $ 14.00 ( @ 3.15 = RM 44
per hour.....x 8 = RM 352 per day !!! x 25 days = RM 8800

13.3 times more !!!!! ......Price of houses in Perth is about the same in KL

Price of cars are about 23 % cheaper...in Perth.( Australia )

I think more and more people are becoming aware of this Bearish trend.

Developed country by 2020?...means High income country

Let's look at some as of year 2005 ( Financial Times )

USA GNP per capita US$ 35400

UK GNP per capita US$ 25510

Australia GNP per capita US$ 19530

Singapore GNP per capita US $ 20690

These are developed countries by income measurement

Malaysia 's GNP per capita US$ 3540

Year 2020..developed country?

Really...a sad story.

Worrying Trends, isn't it??

Ringgit sliding further and further under BN

Gan | Jul 8, 08 4:03pm

Recently, I interviewed some fresh graduates applying for jobs with my
engineering company. I accepted two applicants on a starting salary of
RM1600. It struck me as odd that 15 years ago, I myself started work
as a fresh graduate engineer for the same pay.

Indeed, if you compare the salaries of graduates now and 15 or even 20
years ago, you'll find little difference but that their purchasing
power is vastly different. It's the same story when you compare
salaries of shop assistants, office staff, factory workers and others.

To compound the effect of inflation, the ringgit has depreciated
greatly against all major currencies. The real income of most
Malaysians has moved backwards.

This is why many Malaysians suffer under the petrol hike. The root of
the problem is that our real incomes have shrunk in the face of
inflation and depreciated currency.. Malaysians have not been spoiled
by subsidy but are unable to move out of the time lock of stagnated
and depreciated incomes.

If you compare the per capita incomes of Singapore , Hong Kong , Taiwan
and South Korea , they are a few multiples of ours although at
independence all these countries were the on the same economic level
as Malaysia .

What has gone wrong? We were the rising star of East Asia , a country
rich in natural resources with the most promising potential.

The reason is massive corruption, plundering of resources, wastage of
funds for huge non- economic projects, anti-public interest deals with
politically-linked companies and passing-of-the -buck to the man in
the street..

Four decades of NEP where education, economic and employment policies
are defined by race ensured that meritocracy took a back seat.

Our university standard has declined and the today best and brightest
of our youths emigrate to escape the racial inequility only to
contribute to the economies of foreign lands.

The reputation of our judiciary which was held in high esteem
worldwide has sunk so low that foreign investors now insist on
arbitration in Singapore in case of any dispute.

We also have a slew of oppressive laws such as the ISA, OSA, Uuca and
PPPA which stifle free speech and are designed to keep the ruling
parties in power.

We have become less attractive to foreign investors and now lag behind
our neighbours in Asean for foreign direct investment. Even some
corporations who have established themselves here are moving out.

All the economic and social malaise cannot help but affect the value
of our currency. The strength of a country's currency is after all, a
reflection of its fundamentals.

Furthermore, Bank Negara has a policy of weak ringgit to help
exporters, never mind the burden on the common folk. The government is
pro-corporation, not pro-rakyat.

While the poor and middle-class are squeezed, an elite group gets
breathtakingly rich. We have the distinction of having the worse
income disparity in Asean. A re-distribution of wealth is under way
from the poor and middle-class to a select group of
politically-connected elite.

The end result of this re-distribution will be a small group of
super-rich while the majority are pushed into poverty and the
middle-class shrinks. This is what happens when the rich gets richer
and the poor get poorer.

There is much that is wrong with Malaysia . The responsibility for
pulling the country backwards can be laid squarely at the door of the
ruling regime. It is BN's mis-governance, racial politics and culture
of patronage which has seen the country regress economically and
socially.

We seem to be sliding down a slippery slope, further down with each
passing year of BN's rule. Another five years of BN rule and we'll be
at Indonesia 's standard under Suharto. Another 10 years and we'll be
touching the African standard. What a way to greet 2020.

Is there any hope for Malaysia ?

Faced with the reality that BN will never change, many Malaysians
desperate for change turn their lonely eyes to Anwar Ibrahim.

Pakatan Raykat has promised to treat all races fairly, to plug
wastage, fight corruption, reform the judiciary and make Malaysia more
competitive.

But some have questioned whether we can trust Anwar and his loose
coalition of disparate parties..

The question is not whether we can trust Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat but
whether we can afford not to.

Can we afford another ten years of BN's misrule?

FARHAN

2008-07-20T15:35:00.001+08:00

Guys....

Remember this girl Farhan? Used to sing at the lobby of Sheraton Hotel those days with her dad and Cikgu Akib on the sax.... Check her out....We know her by the name Farah I guess...

THE SAFEST SPORT FOR AL JUB

2008-07-19T14:07:00.002+08:00

If only Anwar had taken up fishing and patronize the above shop for his fishing needs, it may have kept him out of trouble!

2008-07-18T03:26:00.002+08:00

First of all why are you guys so concern about his well being? He was being accused by a guy who says he (DSAI) sodomised him. And yet who the hell is he to make demands that he would like the AG's people to do the investigation and not the AG himself...Who the fuck is he to refuse the DNA test? Who is he? He's a nobody. He's just a guy who wants to be the PM irregardless of what ever happens.
Why the fuss? Why the refusal? Why must he be so langsi.? Demanding this and that. These are all his personal case. There is nothing about the rakyat. What is he fighting for the rakyat now? The 50 cents decrease of fuel price if he was the PM? Bullshit. He's a real asshole. Get his case through and proof himself right, then he should talk about what he wants to do to the country. As of now, he is basically looking for sympathy. Creating hoo hahs here and there and trying to divert the public from the SODOMY case?

It was a good thing the police arrest him before he got to his house. He was acting like the guy who has all the powers. And yet he is just an asshole bandit. Demanding this and that. Shit...I hate his character.

I guess Datuk Seri Wan Azizah has a lot to tell if she has the chance. She is basically the closest to him and should know his intimate likings. If only she would reveal.

I seriously hope the court follow the correct proedures in handling the case and prove without reasonable doubt who ever is guilty.

And I seriously hope Anwar is the one. He is really an asshole.

All his fights are about his earlier judgement. Though the judges believe that the "act " did happen and it was only the evidence that doesn't hold that makes his deoarture sooner than ever bail
\

THE ASSHOLE COPS

2008-07-17T10:28:00.002+08:00

Once again Malaysian blogosphere shall be bursting at its seams with the arrest of Anwar Ibrahim and by now, Raja Petra too. From news reports gathered so far, things are not looking very good for Anwar Ibrahim. The way the arrest was carried out does not indicate in anyway the impartiality of the PDRM. It is also obvious that they are people who deserve very little trust from the Malaysian public.

In a short span of 24 hours, they have twice reneged on their assurances. First, they gave Anwar a 2 p.m. deadline to surrender himself yesterday, but arrested him before then. Next, assurances were made that bail would be allowed; it was even reported as such in a foreign publication (Canadian, I think), but when I read the news this morning, I learned that he has been detained overnight!

As I understand, Raja Petra should be with the police right now and I suppose they would be arresting him today. Last week was the lull before the storm, this week the excitement begins. The plot thickens, but how the story develops is anyone’s guess. Out of this whole mess, there is only one thing we can be sure of, the losers; US (the Rakyat).

DEBATE

2008-07-16T01:13:00.000+08:00

My Worst Fear Came True

2008-07-15T16:32:00.002+08:00

The AFP just reported that a warrant of arrest is out for Anwar Ibrahim. So if they arrest him now, there will be no debate tonight then.

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE!

2008-07-15T10:55:00.002+08:00

9 p.m. tonight over TV9/Astro 119, Astro 501/502 shall have this debate between Shabery Cheek and Anwar. While Shabby Cheek has projected a very confident façade, the PKR side is kind of fuming that air time has been reduced to 52 minutes from the originally slated 90 minutes. If it does happen, it should be a lively debate and then we shall see who has more brains, the BN government or the PR think tank?

DSAI claims he has a plan on how to reduce fuel prices if they come to power and he is suppose to reveal it tonight! Let’s hope it is a plan that works, something that makes sense, something that’s gonna make the BN look stupid. Something tells me that in all probabilities, the BN is not too confident about their performance tonight. Originally, this debate was to be carried live on all networks, but I think because of their incompetence (which is their hallmark), the programme shall be aired live on TV stations which the rural folks shall have problems accessing! Notice that RTM 1 and 2 and TV3 is not airing the debate!

Personally I shall not be surprise, if the debate is not aired at all, they are very good at last minutes excuses, or worse, they’ll get Anwar behind bars and put the blame on the police for the failed debate! MALAYSIA BOLEH remember?

A SINGAPOREAN PERSPECTIVE

2008-07-14T10:19:00.002+08:00

DON MARTIN'S WHO DUNNIT?

2008-07-12T11:40:00.002+08:00

This has been a relatively quiet week as compared to the last one. I suppose we do need a breather after the fast paced dramas of the week that was. I was hanging out at the beach for the most part of yesterday, which explains why there was not any posting on the blog. It was another windless day, so there was no sailing done too. However, there was enough beer and conspiracy theories to keep us around till late. Inevitably, the conversation centered on P.I. Bala’s Statutory Declarations.

Some of us shared the same theory while others had their own hypothesis. After much arguments and debates about who did what to whom and why, we all concurred that one of the two Statutory Declarations was actually made under duress, it is anybody's guess which one. Basing on that theory, someone propounded that if that were the case, then the party that put him under duress must have detained P.I. Bala! The latest piece of news in this story is that his house has been broken into. That seemed normal, considering the fact that the house is vacant, and that burglars do keep abreast with the news too! All this took a sinister turn when someone suggested that it might not be what it seemed! Some argued that it was probable that during his detention, he has been made to reveal where he has kept physical evidence pertaining to the Statutory Declarations, and the parties concerned have retrieved them and made it look like a burglary!

What’s your take?

TUN Dr M

2008-07-10T19:43:00.004+08:00

HAPPY 83RD BIRTHDAY
TUN DR MAHATHIR

Say what you want, curse what you like still Tun is the best so far. My respect for him is beyond imagination. What he does to Malaysia to make it what it was now is no easy feat.

Will there ever be another one like him? P.Ramlee has been gone for 30 over years, no replacement as yet. Don't think there'll be another you...No one's perfect. Flaws are with everybody.

LOST HORIZON

2008-07-10T11:22:00.002+08:00

Remember this movie adapted from the 1933 James Hilton novel? I never knew that the first time it was made a movie was in l937. I only know of the remake, which was a musical, produced in l973. It was not too successful as a musical; in fact, it was the least successful of all the Hal David – Burt Bacharach collaboration, and the only reason I went to the movie was because it starred the then heartthrob, Olivia Hussey.

Actually, today’s post has nothing to do with this movie. I just happen to remember the movie because of the misery we Malaysians, especially Penangites, have to endure at this time of the year annually! Every year from June to early October, the south wind blows, and with it comes this gift from our friendly Indonesian neighbours called HAZE! The south wind itself is already bad enough because it effectively ends the sailing season. Most of the accessible beaches are located on the northern coast, which means the winds are off-shore, making it a giant hassle to return to shore at best, or near impossible to get back without rescue! First, you do not get to sail, then you get choked by the haze; a double whammy!

Mother nature can be quite a teaser. Sometimes when it gets real hot, the venturi effect comes into play and brings in the sea breeze from the north west. Those would be the odd days when we get to sail. This would also send the haze back south for the time being. Come nightfall, the south wind would pick up and the haze comes back. So with the aid of mother nature, the haze shuttles back and forth, effectively going nowhere except hovering around the island! It would only clear with a heavy downpour, but this is the dry season and there ain’t no April showers!

The term “Lost Horizon” would, for most people, immediately conjure images of Utopia, but far from Shangrila, in Penang, what we have is “no horizon”. You just cannot tell where the sea meets the sky!

WORST PRIME MINISTER

2008-07-09T00:36:00.002+08:00

Had trouble going to sleep, so went online, keyed in "worst Prime Minster" (images), and what you see above is the result!

Birthday Wish from reknown Leftover Hippie

2008-07-08T23:39:00.002+08:00

Richard Starkey @ Ringo Starr celebrated his 68th birthday yesterday in Chicago. His birthday wish "Peace & Love" and insisted on the Larry King Show that he actually feels only 24!

MISSING !

2008-07-08T10:32:00.005+08:00

No, no, no, no! I am not referring to P.I. Bala, I am talking about pictures like these. Don't get to see much of these after the GE, or famous PM quotes like "Aku tak tahu". Is he wide awake and in the know now? Frankly, I don't think so.

COLD TURKEY

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

It has become unusual when the politicians stop playing games. Like addicts denied, some of us may just need rehab!

GROUNDED !

2008-07-06T11:32:00.001+08:00

Last night was a different kind of Saturday night. A rather quiet Saturday night, and you would have probably guess by now what I am driving at if you have been following this blog. Yes, the mats and minahs rempit were missing! Usually the siren from the inept cops come first, followed by the roar of their exhaust. Somehow, I choose not to believe that this has got anything to do with the Wimbledon Ladies Final at The Championships; that is simply not possible. The peace and quiet was too good to true, felt kind of eerie. It must be the immediate effect of petrol price increase!

On one hand, it is good that the increase has effectively curbed this not so healthy activity; on the other hand, it is scary because of the speed with which we have been hit by the adverse effect of the petrol price increase. Where we used to have up to three groups of mat rempits on a Saturday night, there were none last night! Anyway, that was a pleasant change and I am not complaining, especially so when one could hear the line calls with clarity (I mean the tennis game).

Clarity! Yes, it has become very clear that we are staring bad times in the face! It is now possible for one to start driving from Tanjung Bungah at about 10.30 am to Butterworth, make a U-turn at the end of the bridge and be back where you started before noon (within regulated speed, on a Sunday). This was proven last Sunday when some of the guys, expecting a good south wind, decided to pack their windsurf equipments and headed to Butterworth. On the main span of the bridge, they saw the windsock indicating the wind from the north! So they made a u-turn and headed back to the Club.

They are going to do it again today (going to Butterworth, it is the south wind season now) and I wish them luck.

ANIMALS....

2008-07-05T17:37:00.002+08:00

There you go agsin. A statutory declaration depicting wrongdoings of government men, will get thumbs up from you guys. Anything that go agsinst the "OPPOSITION" will be questionable or lets put it as what two toner says, with a price. Enourmous gifts. Lots of money involved. Wake up guys. Lets look at it open mindedly. Lets give some thought.

With the way things are going now, a declaration that supercede the other, evidence of wrong doing here and there, don't you think that politicians are taking us all out on an "EYE OF MALAYSIA" ferris wheel ride?

Man made law, man break law is so bloody rampant these few days. They come out with something which looks like something so solid and yet was watered down just the next day? Who but the politicians are the ones capable of orchestrating this scenario.

In the case of BALA teh P.I, it is just like watching football. Your favourite team scores and there you go, analysing the moves, the tactic, the what should have been done and all that jazz. Next minute he scores an own goal. There you go again, counting how much he was paid, who paid him, why they pay him and all the shit.

Let us just sit back and watch the show. Let us be as what the photographers of national geographic would do, that is to record it and play it to someone else. Coz if you try to stop the tiger from killing its prey, you are depriving him of his food. That is nature. And that is what our politicians are practising now. They eat each other up. Let them...Lets watch...

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT?

2008-07-05T12:02:00.001+08:00

"I repeat"

A DOCTOR'S LEGACY

2008-07-04T17:16:00.002+08:00

Remember the famous cookie advertisement “now you see it, now you don’t” so which is it, Mr. Balasubramaniam? If the first SD was made under duress, do we take it that the second one was made with offers of enormous rewards or even more duress? Pray tell. However, we must thank the man for correcting this silly misconception that we have carried with us since childhood; and that is, only white men who drink firewater speak with a forked tongue! Well, at least that was the picture painted, when as kids, those cowboy and Indians comic books used to portray. So now we know that is not a white man’s privilege but others are also allowed to do so.

According to another report, it seems a few hours after the first SD was released, he was summoned by the police. Now we do not know if this second SD is the result of this police intervention. We probably never will, and honestly, I don’t care! Our judiciary has been compromised long ago and has been functioning as the national circus for the last 20 years or so. Weak attempts at lending it credibility by the current administration was so badly done that it appears to be worse than ever before! The topping was when the sacked judges accepted the ex-gratia payments without any apologies from the government.

I do not know when the credibility of our judiciary can be redeem, if ever, but for now we have to say a very big thank you to the ass hole doctor for the anal preoccupation that this country is besieged with.

MALAYSIA TRULY BOLEH

2008-07-03T16:02:00.004+08:00

Malaysia – truly Asia, a claim made to promote tourism in the country. No arguments about that, it is true that this is a country with multi-ethnicity and cultures. However, one important fact that the tourism brochures left out is that this is also the most exciting country to call home currently. The tourism ministry has never bothered to explain this omission, but I suppose it has something to do with linens.

Like most Malaysians who have chosen to ignore the mainstream media, I tour blogosphere for my daily feed about the on-goings in the country. I liken today’s tour to a windfall! It is simply too much, multiple exposes from various blogs coupled with reports about the military and the police having joint operations sent shivers down my spine.

Instead of elaborating on the various issues for fear of adulterating them, I would prefer to direct you to the respective sites where they can be found.

1 The Farmers’ subsidy read here
2 Explosive Statutory Declaration read here

Stay away if you have a weak heart!

MALAYSIA BOLEH

2008-07-02T21:05:00.001+08:00

The latest report in “The Sun” newspaper reprinted at the Bar Council website says “the Kuala Lumpur Hospital has not released or revealed any information, findings or made any conclusion concerning the examination of Mohd. Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the man who accused Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy.” This contradicts earlier reports from “Utusan Melayu” and Datuk Wong Chun Wai’s confirmation this morning that the medical report was completed and handed to the authorities!

Full and fair investigation indeed!

THE ANAL CHRONICLES

2008-07-02T17:16:00.000+08:00

If one cares to read, there are countless accounts of “The Anal Chronicles” circulating in Malaysian blogosphere. Basically, it is the story of a man who would be king if not for his penchant for posterial adventures. He is alleged to be a repeat offender. Apparently, the first time he was involved was 10 years ago. Convicted and jailed for a number of years, he appealed and successfully got the verdict overturned and walked out of jail a couple of years ago.

Though he did not contest in the last GE, he is widely regarded and accepted as the leader of the opposition. A charismatic leader, he led the opposition to unprecedented results in the last GE that sent the UMNO leadership running around like headless chickens. Growing from strength to strength, his loose coalition of parties are actually causing panic in the UMNO hierarchy. The results of the last GE have necessitated a change in the UMNO leadership. The party number one, BADawi has pleaded with the members to allow him to step down after their December AGM, but there are ambitious and impatient people who have other ideas.

Several characters within the party have voiced their intentions to contest against BADawi come December, and with the emergence of this hero from “The Anal Chronicles” BADawi has certainly found it necessary to cover his ass! It is plain to see that this anal guy is a threat to quite a few PM wannabes from UMNO. In fact, this anal character has bombarded the party number two since some by-election months ago! Others who would like to see him put away would be his ex-boss, an asshole doctor, who was responsible for his incarceration 10 years ago.

The PM has denied any government involvement in this latest accusation. He declared that neither he nor his deputy are involved. In fact, no one has claimed responsibility for the accusation. The police have promised a full and fair investigation, but what’s holding them back? It has been about 4 days since the news broke; the hospital has examined the “victim” and their report submitted to the police. This was even confirmed by Datuk Wong Chun Wai of “The Star”.

So, what is in the report, we wonder? Why can’t it be made public as is? Why the delay? Perhaps, it needs doctoring, or stitches?

Snippets at the coffee table

2008-07-01T17:09:00.002+08:00

I was at the Club this morning, and as expected, there was a lot of speculation and theories about who was responsible for setting up Al Jub. Of course there were also those who believed that it was no set up but likened it to a drug addict who is unable to kick the habit. We may never know. I am sure that the AG’s office and the PDRM shall be able to dish out a concoction acceptable to the masses, depending on which side of the divide you are at. We shall wait and see if we are going to get the truth this time or, will they dutifully insult our intelligence again.

There have been too much excitement in the country of late and it is getting worrisome. Politicians from both sides are so busy looking after their own skins, the country is actually running on autopilot! The juicy entertainment the politicians are providing us today will not make up for the chaos when food shortages stare us in the face! I just hope that these imbeciles (UMNO politicians) would just get down to work before the situation spirals out of control.

Behind all the drama, the reality is that lives have changed since the elections and the petrol price increase. I overheard recently that one of the most glaring changes since DAP took over the state government are the complaints by those petty traders in and around Komtar. Turnover has dwindled, especially for the coffee stall owners. Though they did not say it in so many words, they are actually having second thoughts about putting the DAP in office. Reason? The Napoleons and their army have stopped taking those extended tea/coffee breaks in and around Komtar! On the bright side, it sure is pleasant to see the municipal council guys doing their job, meaning, maintenance of shrubberies, trimming of grass where required. During the days of the BN/Gerakan government, it was actually done on a selective basis.

The petrol price increase also effected some drastic changes in the traffic situation. I have confirmed with some of my friends that traffic has eased in Penang. There is also talk that traffic on the Penang Bridge has also reduced greatly. According to hearsay, the drop is close to 4,000 vehicles a day! It would be nice if the petrol price would also curb the activities of the mat rempits. Shall be monitoring the situation this weekend.

Well, as they say “the only constant in life is change” and I hope these are changes for the better.

Old Habits Die Hard

2008-06-30T17:26:00.002+08:00

Yes, I may have been a little too hasty as pointed out by Bangsa Malaysia. Guilty as charged! I just could not help myself and do allow me to state my case. While it is true that one should not jump to conclusion pending police investigations, one must also have the presence of mind to remember where we are! Bro, do not forget, this is Bolehland, where everything is possible!

Here are some of those things that should not happen, but they did, and the perpetrators got away with it. Remember the Tun Salleh Abbas case? The Tun Mamak declared that after the usual Wednesday Cabinet meeting he went to the Palace and recommended to His Majesty to remove the Lord President. Fact is that fateful Wednesday was 1^st May, 1988, which was Labour Day, a public holiday, so need I say more? Petrol price increase, if ever, can only happen sometime in August, 2008. It went up a whopping 41% at midnight, the very same night!

After the 12^th GE, they declared that they shall be more sensitive to the Rakyat’s need and so there was talk of IPCMC and cleaning up the police force. That was it, just talk. Nothing has happened as far as the IPCMC is concerned. And as for cleaning up the force, all they did was to come up with a new look for them! The new look was sure clean, I am not so sure about the force. Couple of days back I was still able to come across newspaper report about some young girl raped by police! I still see traffic cops positioning themselves 50 meters away from road junctions behind bushes beneath giant trees! And very naively, I always thought that a policeman’s role is supposed to be a preventive role! How preventive can it be when they make it a point not to be seen?

It would certainly help to change my perception of them had they hauled in people like Hishamuddin during his keris waving frenzy. Incessant sounding of siren half an hour preceding the arrival of the mat rempits is also no preventive measure, more like clearing the road for them to me! Talk to any Indonesian construction workers; even those with permits, find out their opinion of our PDRM. Go to YouTube to see them in action, see how they supplement their income.

Coming to the AG and the judiciary, I also have my reservations. We all knew what happened on the eve of the Altantuya trial. Last minute changes to the prosecution team and antics like that does give cause for suspicion. Then we have the AG declaring, even before the case got underway, that there are only 3 people involved. The case has not even been tried, how could he be so sure? Or was he dictating it to be so? The findings and the expose of the famous Lingam case speak a lot about the state of affairs in the judiciary. Our new de facto Law Minister, a man found guilty of money politics in UMNO, not even selected to contest in the last GE, but made a Minister, suddenly wants to return credibility to the judiciary, and how does he do it? I always thought you’d use detergents or some kind of cleaning agent to cleanse things, but this guy uses money (ex-gratia payment) to do it!

The hippies thrust two fingers in the air reinforcing their call for peace, alas, in Malaysia, when you talk about justice, I only have my middle finger to show.

AL JUB

2008-06-29T16:28:00.004+08:00

Well, well, well...The New Episode : So Do My people says...

Two toner said to me he feels so lucky being a Malaysian now coz the politics in Malaysia is very very interesting nowadays. Beat the Chinese soap opera on TV hands down.

Chulia Street, Blue Diamond is the witness when we discuss about the two most mysterious case in Malaysia. 1 is Altantuya and 2 is DSAI's sodomy case. Well, a new version, a remake or a sequel has just emerged. Lets do it right this time, since the Judiciary Institution has been raised to its actual platform by Zaid, the guy who was called more western than the west.

I am the sort of guy who would believe easily all these accusation coz I have not liked DSAI Al Jub all along. To be able to make a report that your ass has been intruded is not easy. Not an easy task coz you will be hated upon all your life by all of Al Jubs supporters. Moreover he was just engaged to be married to a very pretty young girl. Two toner has already put his mind to deem the report as hogwash. The way I read his comments on it. Don't you want to wait for the police report to be investigated? Let it go to court and I hope Gani Patail will get a second chance and not make a blunder but to prove to the world that the law in Malaysia still has its integrity and whack the "bugger" good.

This is not me siding anybody but since there was a big hoohaa about the judiciary, hoohaa's by the opposition that the present govt is open and transparent lets make this as a guinea pig for the new facelifted Judiciary to show their mettle...

Let the show begin...

Judicial Reform?

2008-06-29T09:50:00.004+08:00

Disgusting! For the day to begin as such is simply awful. First thing I saw on CNN was this ticker reading that "Anwar accused of sodomy". It made me sick. After all this sideshow about judicial reforms and ex-gratia payments and now this.

It got worse when browsing the blogs, to find out that the man was purportedly forced to make this report and had been missing for 2 days. The stench is certainly getting unbearable! Mr. Zaid Ibrahim, what do you say?

Hope to learn more in due course before commenting further.

PHYSICS FOR HELL

2008-06-27T15:58:00.003+08:00

Found this brilliantly presented piece while browsing the blogs. So I decided to seek permission to copy and paste it wholesale. The ever accommodating Zorro Unmasked has graciously allowed me to do so and here it is.

"I don't want to speculate about the existence of the above. To me, we do our hell on earth. For the too religious amongst us, if you thrive on self-immolation or a fire-loving hell-raiser and want to go to hell, I ain't stopping nobody. Enjoy this read that I received from my brother Mike:

The following is an actual question given on University of Washington chemistry mid term.
The answer by one student was so 'profound' that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume
of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, and then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over. So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct......leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting, 'Oh my God.'

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+.

Don't Try This At Home!

2008-06-27T13:10:00.007+08:00

Multi-tasking in computers are acceptable. For us, mere mortals, it could be dangerous!

PENANG

2008-06-27T11:30:00.002+08:00

Was planning on reaching Penang yesterday, but so happens there was no connecting flight to Penang by the time I reach LCCT. Travel cheap my friend. It is much cheaper to travel by air nowadays if you were to really put your mathematics to test. With the cost of fuel jetting up to 2.70/litre + the toll + the energy + the swearing that you do + the possibility of getting yourself trapped by the speed limit + engine oil + tyres + wear and tear...well, lets fly guys...get high. At least the view of buns wiggling up and down the aisle is worth seeing and imagine...hahahaha.

Will be reaching Penang 2:30pm, 27/6/08 and hope to savour the delights before I leave and fly back to Timbuktu... My other half is not in Penang right now, enjoying with her family in London and Aberdeen for their sisters wedding, well, I'm left without transport in Pg. Lucky twotoner is available to pick me up..Been a long time since I last saw him. Had a lot of catching up to do too.

At the LCCT food court now writing this. Had about 2hrs to kill before my flight. Damn..What to do ha? Look at the MILF's? Hahahaha. None in that category so far.

Misai Nasi Kandar, Tajuddin Hussein...Here I come.

JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT

2008-06-26T16:58:00.003+08:00

I am no fan of Tun Mamak, but I have no choice but to concur with him when he says that those sacked judges were bribed to speak ill of him.

I used to sympathize with them and felt that justice in Malaysia died when Tun Salleh was removed and some of the senior judges sacked. Twenty years later came this circus and it completely changed my views on the tragedy. At first, I was quite happy to hear of Zaid’s proposal, thinking it was good that attempts are being made to right the wrongs of the past administration. However, the way it was done has left me a very disappointed man. Disappointed the way the exercise was carried out, disappointed with the parties concerned, and now very convinced it’s a giant attempt by the government, the Bar Council and the aggrieved parties to insult our intelligence.

No amount of ex gratia payments can be considered adequate unless accompanied with apologies. If I have been wronged, I would expect nothing less than an official apology. The aggrieved parties acceptance of the ex-gratia payments without apologies actually surprised me.

It may be true that the mamak had misbehaved and threatened/bullied the Bench. However, it is true that these judges started to bad mouth him AFTER receiving the payments. The bottom line is, NO APOLOGIES WERE OFFERRED BY THIS GOVERNMENT!

So, it is obvious that this administration is no better than the last one.

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE !

2008-06-26T15:24:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday, 22^nd June, 2008, saw some 6000 people, 5814 to be exact, congregated at Stewart Park, Ithaca, N.Y. With two fingers thrust into the air, these people gathered and formed a giant peace sign, capping a three-day festival.

Trevor Dougherty, a student at Ithaca High School, organized the event. The crowd stood for about twenty minutes and word is, that this could actually make the “Guinness Book of Records” as the largest human peace sign.

Could this be a rebirth of Hippiedom?

X-GRATIA

2008-06-26T11:36:00.002+08:00

Good to see the blog is up and running again after a lapse of quite a while. Twotoner must have been very busy, I guess.

Heard about those judges that was given 1.5mil each for being fired after the tribunal found them guilty of misconduct 20 years ago? Even the judge who was suspended and later reinstate was also given ex-gratia on the grounds that he was put in cold storage after that?

Have to admit that I feel it's not right to take such a move by the present govt. If they were found guilty by a tribunal, set up another one to clear them from the earlier judgement. Make it transparent as the Lingam's case rather than simply pay them with the taxpayers money. Its our money, mind you. Who is Zaid for that matter to make the judgement freeing these guys of all accusation without it going thru a tribunal or whatever shit that its suppose to go thru before coming out with a decision that cost the govt millions of ringgit.

This guy Zaid was not even elected by the people. He was not even a candidate in the last GE. He was suspended from UMNO because of money politics. Yet, he was hand picked by Pak Lah to be a minister in the PM's dept. Now he's going round showing off, like a peacock on all that he has done to reinstate the integrity of the judges in Malaysia. He is basically an instrument to condemn the earlier govt under Tun, as Tun was being very vocal towards the present govt under the indecisive Pak Lah. This to me is bull.

The judges that was given ex-gratia were given pension and some of them were also made directors of this and that. Not that they were penniless or anything...About that guy who claims he was cold storaged, there are so many Malaysians who are cold storaged too, just because they work accordingly and not to the fancy of their bosses and don't get into the good books. Why? Straight employees and crooked bosses don't get along...Why not pay these fellow Malysians who also goes thru the same problem.

Ex-gratia like these seems to make them overwhelmingly happy and starts to blab blab blab and comparing how good the present govt is, very transparent and all that shit. Only a few of them are happy and praising Pak Lah at a cost of a few million ringgit while millions of Malaysians are going thru a hard time trying to make ends meet with all these price increase.

Well....Negaraku....Tanah tumpahnya darahku....Rakyat hidup selalu kena tipu...Rakyat derita....Pak Lah kaya raya.... Raja kita...Selamat berharta....