World Heart Day was celebrated last Sunday. The DPM and our MOH were seen doing their warm up exercises in Putrajaya before taking part in the Walk A Mile campaign.
Wonder who that little child is? Starting young? Goodie!
This prompted me to go in search of articles on heart diseases, my way of celebrating World Heart Day. Came across a few articles. Those interested can go to the links at the end of this blog. In summary what these articles have to say are :: -- Pregnant women with a family history of early heart disease are more likely than women lacking this history to deliver a low birth weight baby; these ladies have a 37% increase of low birth weight babies; genetic factors suspected, -- It's known that babies who are born smaller than average tend to develop heart problems later in life. Why? Low- birthweight babies are less likely to carry a copy of a particular gene -- known as APOE2 -- that protects against heart disease, -- Rapid weight gain or "catch-up growth"during ages 1 to 5 years, in children who were low birth weight babies may result in them having increased risks of developing high blood pressure in adulthood. Many epidemiological studies have shown that those who are small at birth tend to have higher blood pressure later in adult life. -- If either one of your parents had coronary heart disease before age 60, the walls of your neck arteries are more likely to be thicker, putting you at higher risk of heart disease.
In conclusion, if either one of your parents has had heart disease before age 60 years, or your mum has a family member with early heart disease, or you are of low birth weight and especially if you also had "catch-up growth", you have a higher chance of getting heart disease than those without these factors. If you have a combination of these factors then your risks go higher, so if you fall into these groups, take early measures to look after your HEART; go Walk A Mile or at least a kilo, two or three times a week!
There is this front page report in the Star today, entitled :: Strangers rush........lawyer's property. Lawyer, Foong Wing Kuan, was reportedly found dead in his house on 24th Sept; the cause of his death has yet to be ascertain. He was found wearing a mask connected by a tube to a cooking gas tank, some reportedly said that he may have committed suicide by gassing. Our local CSI team should have little problem in elucidating the cause of death.
What is so disturbing and surprising is that there are people who will not even leave the dead in peace. According to family members, apparent strangers have been turning up claiming to be Mr Foong's girlfriend, fiancee, mother-in-law or relatives to lay hands on his property, money and possessions. And even his bungalow has been ransacked. Are these strangers some of those who have been left out of the roundup when the gates of Hades closed last lunar ghost month.
Before these strangers get to remove all things belonging to Mr Foong, could his mother, known only as Chiam, believed to be in Penang contact the late Mr Foong's uncle Soh Har at 012-2536921. Calling Penangnites out there, anyone able to help. The other person Chiam can contact is Michael Chong of MCA at 03-21618044
The ROS is up to its usual again. This time trying to wriggle and wriggle its way out from approving the registration of a political party. Previously it was PSRM's, now it is KeADILan's turn. Contrast the difficult births of these two with the easy births of UMNO Baru and more recently the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP), any right thinking person would have wondered whether the ROS is really and trully doing what it is supposed to be doing. Anyway what is the ROS's job, it is "primarily concerned with the registration, control and supervision as well as the maintenance of records pertaining to registered societies and its branches throughout Malaysia so that they do not adversely affect security, peace, public order, good order, welfare or morality in Malaysia", quite a mouthful. It is difficult for one to understand why the birth of PSRM or KeADILan can adversely affect the before mentioned. The latest reason given for the delayed birth of Parti Keadilan Rakyat, that it should not use the acronym KeADILan as it can cause confusion, is difficult to understand. In the past the government wanted to remove Islam from PAS, now it wants to stop PKR from using KeADILan. Is it because the government fears being associated with these two or is it really and truly something else. Will the ROS be confused or we be? When the UMNO asli was declared illegal, UMNO Baru was allowed, then it subsequently morphed back to UMNO and this was allowed, no confusion to the ROS. Even when according to its President, it should actually be Pekembar. This party, UMNO/Pekembar, was so confused that it could not decide whether the lastest general assembly it had was the 54th, 57th or ?th. How confusing this one truly is but did the ROS notice?
The dry run is over and the passing out parade was held recently. The dry run was supposed to consist of 200 candidates but only a total of 138 signed up. This consisted of 44 Indians, 93 Malays and one lone Chinese. Does put the said community to shame. MCA must definitely double or triple its effort to rally them. The Chinese community was represented by Ms Lian Yun Khee, 18, from Jerantut in Pahang, she is seen below in this Star pic ::
In the pic, one would also see the uniforms to be used for the NSP trainees. What other new stuff do we know regarding the NSP, nothing much really. According to Najib, in this Star report :: Selection for the National Service Programme next year will be based on the racial composition of the national population, all states will be proportionately represented, between 80,000 and 100,000 youths would be selected for the programme to be held in 47 training centres and those selected will be informed by December this year.
Arni Kasik, 18, from Keningau, Sabah, who was chosen the best female participant, said the programme helped her understand the other races and learn their culture. She also said the dry run helped her to become a better person and helped the participants to be united and strong.
I am not talking about Breast Cam as in Breast Camera or Breast Campaign but as in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Just like the " American National Orgasm Month" mentioned by Joe, this Breast Cam is also held in the fair month of oCtoBer, probably because it has the big B and big C in it. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, killing 12,000 people every year and in the US, it is the cause of death of 46,000 annually. In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most common of female cancers ie 30.4%. So it is a major killer of Malaysian ladies, especially those in the 15 to 49 years age group. To know more about this cancer, check out this link, "Your Guide to Breast Cancer". Self examination of the breast or often called breast self examination or labelled BSE has been said to allow early detection of breast lumps and breast cancers but its role is actually limited. BSE should be seen as a means for the lady or her partner/spouse/friend to appreciate the normal topography of your breasts and hence to appreciate when there are any changes. Any changes should then be followed up by a clinical examination by a trained person. These are the links for BSE :: here, here, here and here.
Some time ago I wrote on things/messages founds on T shirts. The occasion then was a couple at an infertility clinic. The T shirts the husband and wife were wearing carried the message ::
"We are not interested in promises, only results"
thus giving the doctor managing them a very clear message regarding what was to be expected of his treatment.
Recently I saw another intriguing message(s) on a buxomy SYT, the front of her T said ::
A Malaysiakini reader asked :: "Can any PAS leader or its supporters who frequently contribute letters to malaysiakini deny that all the political party wants is to make the Quran and Hadith the supreme law of the land?" This was in the letter written by the said reader, entitled "Non-Muslims not so naive and gullible ". This must be a question going through the minds of lots of non-muslims and even muslims as they ponder who to vote when the 11th general election comes. Will PAS answer it? I am sure the answer will surely be NO. The voters will certainly not receive PAS's help in answering this question. He/She will have to reach into his/her heart and mind to answer this and vote accordingly.
When the ISA 6 were released in last June, it was reported that Dr M does not keep ISA detainees for more than 2 years. The recent extension of the ISA detention of Nik Adli and 8 eight has exploded this myth. It looks like the soon-to-retire PM does not want to keep this record.
PAS looks at it in another way and figure it is a bad start for the incoming PM and if what others have to say it looks like the ISA is here to stay despite the change of PM. There goes this myth that Pak Lah is the "nice guy". Having had the ISA around for such a long time and having it proved that IT is so useful to keep dissent in control and the opposition weakened, who would like to have it abolished or modified or reviewed to be less draconian.
Any such hopes of it being abolished or so modified has been dashed by this report in Malaysiakini. When asked about the ISA review in Parliament, the Home Minister's reply was :: "The review is to make sure that the ISA will continue to be relevant and comply with the government's objective to ensure peace in the country." Do not be surprised that when this review eventually comes out, it will be to find only that it is even worse than before.
Suhakam did make its recommendations for the review of the ISA, but will they be taken into considerations in the government's review. This is anyone's guess. I supposed that the slogan "Human Rights For All" on the Suhakam Website includes ISA detainees, will their rights be provided for?
The EC chairperson when asked recently whether the EC will recommend a change in the election system, his answer was :: "No, it is not EC's duty or responsibility to recommend. The people must agitate for change not the EC". Similarly, if the government is ask about the ISA, a similar answer can be expected. So the people, read voters, must know what to do when the 11th election comes, if they expect there to be positive changes or even abolishment of the ISA.
{Be a Responsible Patriotic Malaysian, Register as a Voter and Vote}
For those who has had shingles before and experienced the pains associated with it, alternative help is on the way. American researchers have recently reported that Tai Chi exercises help prevent shingles attacks. Tests on 36 older men and women showed the combination of relaxation and movement used in tai chi boosted immunity to the virus that causes the painful outbreaks. This study was carried out by Dr. Michael Irwin of the Neuropsychiatric Institute at the University of California Los Angeles. Shingles affects people who had chickenpox when younger. The herpes virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella, lingers in the body, infecting nerve cells. In this study, tai chi exercises, 3 times a week over a period of 15 weeks resulted in the practititoners having a boost of up to 50 percent of immune system cells called memory T-cells that are specifically guided to recognize and attack the chickenpox virus.
So those who have had chickenpox in the past or shingles, seek out your local tai chi master, start exercising and free or reduce yourselves from these painful attacks. Alternatively, if yoou never had chickenpox or shingles before, you can take prevention, seek your local general practitioner and get a jab of chickenpox vaccine.
Combating Corruption -- A Cheap Charade Martin Jalleh
Almost every other day the Prime Minister and his deputy crows about combating corruption in this country. Citizens of this nation are made to realize that when it comes to corruption -- Malaysia Boleh! -- and mind you, civil servants are a little ahead of the curve. Frankly, people are tired of hearing the battle cry (and are quite relieved that the PM will no longer cry at UMNO general assemblies) against corruption. After 22 long years of Dr Mahathir’s premiership and without any concrete results but a worsening crisis at hand, the battle against crooks has become clearly but a cliche. The fact that the problem has increased in frequency and severity since the PM’s “Clean, Efficient and trustworthy” campaign, reduces the rage against rogues to mere claptrap. The slogan that followed -- “Leadership by Example” -- is equally ironic for there has been no shortage of leaders who prove their competence in corrupt practices. Indeed, the Government’s fight against corruption has become quite predictable and there is everything to suggest that it is only a cheap charade. Encouraging corruption At a closer look, the culture of corruption is in fact an excellent way of the State in enhancing subservience. The powerful elite can gain much from the ways of the greedy. Political cohorts and weak characters are allowed or even encouraged to be corrupt. Safe and secure are the scoundrels whose submission serves the interests of the powers that be. If the corrupt were to suffer from sudden pangs of conscience, it would suffice for the PM to show them a file which would convince them of the wisdom to remain pliant. Those who compromise their principles have to be at the beck and call of the “puppeteer”. Controlled and manipulated, they remain life members of the hall of shame. From time to time, the Government, in order to convince the whole world of its supposed anti-corruption commitment, casts its net to catch a few “ikan bilis”. Charges of corruption have also been used to get rid of political opponents. Prosecution (also read as persecution) awaits those who cross swords with the people on top. Those who have a falling out with UMNO and especially the president of UMNO will have to resign and disappear into oblivion -- or be found corrupt or even made corrupt. Surely the Kitingan brothers and the prisoner of Sungai Buloh of whom the deputy PM had once said with great certainty that the world would forget, can confirm this for a fact. Then there are the big sharks like Rafidah Aziz, who, though “certified” corrupt by the ACA and A-G’s Chambers, are made immaculately clean by the PM’s Department. Rewarding the corrupt When the cover-up of corruption by a Menteri Besar, or minister is impossible, he/she is given a post overseas where he/she can live in comfort instead of in a local cell. There are also those, who, even though under investigation either by the police or the ACA for corruption, are held up high as heroes of the nation and given honorific titles. (In spite of on-going ACA investigations for several alleged acts of corruption, Information Minister Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob was conferred Sabah’s highest award recently.) Another factor which brings to light the Government’s hypocrisy is the varying degrees of speed by which the institutions to counter corruption function. The “committed haste” of the police, ACA and A-G Chambers in certain corruption cases and their feet-dragging in other cases like Perwaja, no longer surprises the public. In the fight against corruption, political will depends very much on political expediency. Is it surprising therefore that corruption has crept into the very core of life in Malaysia? "Let the whole country be corrupt, let the whole country not be transparent. What has that got to do with this case?” Justice Augustine Paul's remark in the Anwar Ibrahim "corruption" trial bears much relevance. From the Cabinet to the city councils, the courts to the crony companies -- the cankerous effect of corruption is felt. It attacks every system, structure and the very soul of this country. Calloused hands have become cheating hands. There are no longer any checks and balances in this country, only cheques and balances. How ironic -- the whole of Malaysia is on sale. How is the public to believe that the Government is serious in its anti-corruption stance, when it castigates those who expose corruption, and even sends them to jail? What credibility is there left of this Government that misuses the Official Secrets Act (OSA) to conceal damning evidence of corruption -- which have become an open secret? How can it be convincing when its officials choose to remain mum, dumb and defensive, when interviewed by groups like Transparency International’s Malaysian chapter? The Attorney-General Chambers, Auditor-General’s Office and Anti-Corruption Agency have no autonomy, they remain beholden to the PM who pulls the strings and control their purse strings. To start off his premiership, Abdullah Badawi has chosen the same rallying cry as Dr Mahathir. If Mr Clean is really serious about containing and crippling the virus, he has to stop the charade. Sad to say, there are already indications that his relatives, cronies and loyalists will not allow him to! Malaysia Boleh!
Finally it has to come to this for the tax dodgers. The taxmen are coming ahunting. Most newspapers frontpaged the IRB/LHDN officers making their way around the suburbs of KL and Selangor handing tax forms to those who have yet to submit their form B or paid their taxes.
When the door-to-door operation was first announced last week, the IRB's chief executive had this to say :: "We will go door-to-door even on Sundays. This can be an embarrassment to them. Let their neighbours laugh at them." His apparently unkind remarks caused quite some outrage, some suggested the IRB officers would be seen using the same tactics as the notorious loan sharks. See here to discover what some loan sharks do.
So when the actual operation started, a gentler approach was used. Bernama quoted an IRB branch director as saying this regarding the operation :: "We are not out to hunt people but to deliver the forms and notices to individuals." “We did not go into their house, we only stood outside the gate to hand over the form and the notice, not to provoke and not to shame them.”.
It is obvious that there will be errant taxpayers and taxevaders. Campaigns have been carried out to inform them that the patriotic duty of the taxpayer is to pay taxes on their taxable income and to make such payment on time. But it is so so human to try and not do so. Some have been said to have not paid for 3 or more years. So the more drastic measures now. It looks like the IRB also have a role to instil patriotisme into these errant taxpayers, hopeful it won't come to some drastic tactics employed by the loan sharks!
Though we are encouraged by the government to inculcate the reading habit, not much has been done to allow this to be within the reach of many. Books these days are very expensive, a book on fiction easily cost more than Rm 30. The high cost of books was cited as one of the reasons why university students do not read novels sufficiently, see this study
Do Malaysians read a lot? The National Literacy Survey carried out in 1996 by the National Library showed that the average Malaysian reads only two books a year! The survey also showed that for children between the age of 5 and 9 years, the main factor which contribute to their ability to read is the income of the family. The higher that income, the higher the degree of literacy. It is obvious that the government must do more to make the reading habit a less expensive one.
The National Library has reading promotion programmes, there is even a National Reading Promotion Committee, heading by Minister of Education and the Education Ministry (MOE website last updated 04.Jan.02 @ 845am) has its own Nilam or Sapphire programme. These are targeted to specific groups such as children, youths and adults. But as to how actively they are being implemented and how successful they really are we have little news.
More libraries should be set up in the smaller towns, more mobile libraries on wheels should be on the road and visiting the small towns more frequently. But as mentioned earlier, more money in the family's coffers and cheaper books will definitely go a long way to improving the reading culture and consequently the literacy of our young. The latest budget was not book reading friendly.
And for those who want to strengthen their reading habit, see this article by Kevin Eikenberry, he has ten ways to offer.
NB :: So for you Taipingnites with the Taiping Book Fair which is now on at the North Perak Kwantung Association from 19th Sept to 5th Oct, do take this opportunity to replenish your home libraries and get your children to read more books. Discounts are said to range from 15% to 70%. Happy reading.
NO POWER STRUGGLE Prime Minister who is Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his deputy Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi standing on the main stage at the the 50th anniversary of the BN Power Sharing Excellence at the Stadium Merdeka
50th anniversary? A visit to the official BN website will tell you differently. Look at the BN History Intro webpage and you will still be in the dark regarding the date of birth of the BN.
A peep at this page might give you some idea when the party called BN was really delivered :: This cooperation of various and multiple parties was later institutionalized as BARISAN NASIONAL (BN) and was formally registered on the 1st July 1974.
Bernama reported that at the 50th anniversary of the BN Power Sharing Excellence gathering, in his hour-long speech, Dr Mahathir also touched on the history of the setting up of the BN from the Alliance era to the present where the coalition now has 14 component parties nationwide. Among many other things said by the PM, he mentioned the following :: -"BN's success had now attracted the attention of many foreign leaders who wanted to know the secret of the power-sharing success of the BN which represented various ethnic groups" -"BN gave recognition to all parties representing the various races including the minority groups and they did not compete among themselves, and instead contested in the general election under the BN symbol, the scale" -"Barisan Nasional (BN), a unique coalition of political parties, needs a powerful mandate to enable it to continue developing and administering the country in a better manner"
He also did not forget the alternative parties in his happy hour and had the following to say of them :: -"This is a copycat party(BA), a synthetic party. They form a coalition for the purpose of cheating" -"the opposition who only knew how to make promises but failed to fulfil them" -"We use only one symbol, that is, the scale which is more fair than the party called `Keadilan' (Justice)"
Mahathir and the Adil Scale
For someone who "At the end of October, will relinquish the post(PM) happily because there is a successor", he still has plenty to say and appears to be able to go on and on and on.
The things our PM said when commenting on public rallies during election campaigns are really amazing. See what The Star has reported, here. He and his party UMNO are obviously against public rallies being allowed. His simple view of democracy :: "True democracy is when people are allowed to elect their representatives through the ballot" is certainly wanting. Is this all that democracy is about, going to the ballot box once every 4 or 5 years and after that living happily and quietly and nonquestioningly till the next election?
Democracy is that and much much more.
de-moc-ra-cy Pronunciation: (di-mok'ru-sE), . 1. government by the people, of the people, for the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. 2. a state having such a form of government: . 3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges. 4. political or social equality; democratic spirit. 5. the common people of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.
I certainly don't see democracy being "equated with the right to walk naked down the street". But I certainly agree that " Mass election rallies are not the only yardstick to gauge a democratic country". But they do help to provide a more level field for a "participatory democracy". Public rallies allow the various contending political parties to have the voters informed of what the parties have in store for the voters as a result of their votes. Issues affecting the lives of the voters can be highlighted and solutions offered. Misdeeds of the previous governments can also see the light of day. Hence public rallies can contribute to a free electoral system.
For our PM of more than 22 years to say that " that supporters of political parties, especially the opposition, were not yet mature enough to gather at open rallies without causing disturbances", reflects poorly on the BN and himself for ever since we gain Independence the ruling party has been the BN in one form or another. If the western colonialists had said this some 50 or 70 years ago, it would have been understandable. But this day and by the person who has been in power the past 22 years! No can understand! As for "causing disturbances", our mighty PDRM which is "always on top of things" eg KMM, JI and FSFM, should have little problem dealing with these trouble makers. Our PM should not think poorly of our PDRM's Malaysia Boleh spirit and abilities.
And what's this from our PM :: "I read an Internet news website report which claimed that it (the Election Commisssion) is not free, but they are free to voice such opinions,” . I am glad he is no different from many other thinking Malaysians, he reads M.......kini and agrees "they are free to voice such opinions".
Surely our PM must have been misquoted by the press, for after having looked after us for more than 22 years, the result cannot, cannot be "democratically immatured us", heaven forbids! Remember Malaysia and the rest of the democratic world are watching, let the public rallies roll.
N.B. Public rallies during election campaigns were suspended firstly for the period, May 1969 to Feb 1971 and for the second occasion from 1978. For more details see this.
Of late, the EC and its chairperson have been in the news. There was that exclusive interview with Malaysiakini, the Puteri UMNO affair and now the question of having public rallies during the election campaign period. The EC chairperson is adamant that the latest amendments to the Election Offences Act allow for this. The relevant section states as follows ::
Section 24(B)(3) of the Act "A candidate or his election agent may, during the campaign period: a) hold, convene or organise any open public meeting, open public rally, open public display or open public entertainment; or b) give any open public address or open public lecture in the constituency in which the candidate seeks election; but only if he holds a permit to do so, given to him by the police officer in charge of the district where the meeting, rally, display or entertainment is to be held, or the address or lecture is to be given."
Looking at this section, it appears a candidate can not only hold rallies, but he is allowed to have public displays, and even open public entertainment. From past experiences, I must say that these public election rallies can be very, very entertaining. And those who have poor bladder control should empty their water bags prior to attending.
Some BN leaders are out to stop such entertainment for the Rakyat, of this the Rakyat has been deprived for the past so many years. Apart from its entertainment values, these rallies do allow the election candidates opportunities to explain their views on the various issues of the day which affect the Rakyat.Most concerned voters would like a more level field for candidates vying for their votes. It appears that the opposition parties share similar views regarding this. Do not be spoilt sports, let the entertainment unfold.
A leading British museum, Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, has paid US$387,000 for a Renaissance plate which shows a male head made up of around 50 fleshy penises, wrapped round each other to form a dense, knotted whole. You can count them here if you want to. The Italian plate is thought to have been made by ceramicist Francesco Urbini in the 16th century. For a short history trip, try here. The head is framed by a garland carrying the inscription: "Ogni homo me guarda come fosse una testa de cazi" (Every man looks at me as if I were a dickhead).The phrase is still a common term of abuse in Italy and elsewhere. Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, says the plate is "one of the most extraordinary and fascinating pieces of Italian maiolica (a style of ceramic painting) in existence." See for yourself other pieces of Italian maiolica, non-phallic versi, here.
The Canny Ong Murder trial opened on Monday 15th Sept with the DPP Salehuddin Saidin making his opening statement. As reported in the print versi of NST, the prosecutor mentioned the following ::
-there are witnesses who saw the accused, Ahmad Najib, with Canny before her charred body was found on 17th June
-policemen stopped the accused and Canny in a Proton Tiara by the roadside near the Subang Airport in the late hours of 13th June. Both the accused and the victim handed over their identity cards to the policemen
-witnesses saw the accused and the Canny in the car, in the early hours of 14th June, near the Bali building in Sungai Way when the witnesses tried to help the accused change a punctured tyre
-the car registration number WFN 6871 was found by the police behind shop No. 49 in Petaling Utama 1, Petaling Jaya, with its front tyre punctured and there were bloodstains belonging to Canny on the back seat
-semen found on the vaginal swabs and vaginal smears of the victim belonged to the accused.
On the first day of the trial 3 witnesses gave evidence. The first two were police photographers and the third was Canny's mother, Pearly Visvanathan. Details of her testimony can be found here.
On the second day of the trial, L/Kpl S. Ravichandran took the witness stand. He was one of 2 plainclothed police, who, on that night, had gone to check on the car the accused and Canny were in. The car was then parked by the roadside in a dimly lit spot in the Taman Perindustrian Jaya near the Subang Aiport. He said that Canny tried to give 'hand signals' which he failed to understand at that time. His evidence also explained how the Tiara had a punctured tyre, when the driver sped away, the L/Kpl fired 2 shots at the car. More details of his testimony can be found here and here.
On Day 3 of the trial, a witness Aminah gave evidence that she and her family members saw the accused at the Bali Building in Sungai Way. The accused wanted to borrow a jack to change a punctured tyre. Aminah told the High Court that from her facial expression, Canny Ong did not know the accused, but Canny appeared to be in need of help. Canny was said to have remained in the car while the accused was trying to change the tyre. The accused sped off after he could not change the tyre as the jack did not fit. Aminah and her family members took down the car numebr and sybsequently made a report at the Subang Jaya Polis Station because because she felt that something bad had happened to Ong. An engineer, E Soon Thai was the next witness. He received a call saying that a body was found at his work site, He confirmed seeing a burnt body in a culvert. More details here
On Day 4, the court visited the 7 crime sites. The police gave evidence of a lost identification card report by the accused. Evidence regarding the discovery of the Proton Tiara was also given. See details here
Day 5, saw only one witness giving evidence. BSC carpark operation executive give evidence that Pearly's car was parked in a 'blind spot' out of the reach of the carpark 16 cameras. The carpark complexhad a total of 48 cameras. At 1050pm that fateful night, one of the cameras caught on tape the image of a Proton Tiara ramming through the carpark exit barricade. More details here and here. No comments please.
Today is Malaysia Day, on 16th Sepetember, 1963, the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak came together to form Malaysia. Singapore left Malaysia 2 years later. Today is also the 80th birthday of Senior Minister Datuk Harry Lee of Singapore. " Happy Happy Birthday, Datuk Harry Lee". Today is Independence Day says Sim Kwang Yang, for many Sabahans and Sarawakians. Sim says, "That this historical fact has been almost obliterated from the collective memory of the nation is evident. During the recent deluge of commentaries on the current Merdeka celebration, almost all writers referred to our "46th Merdeka celebration". Today is also the first day non-subscribers of Malaysiakini will stop getting the first few paragraphs of news stories for free. This is to encourage all readers to subscribe. Only the letter section will remain open to the public. Today is also the last day of the National Day celebrations. After today the flags can come down without the Ministers concerned having to say so, and can be kept away till 17th Aug 2004. Will there be more comments for them to pass regarding this year's flag flying?
Looks like the RFID chip has been around for some time. Joe of joe-blogs has done some 'detective work' and found that FEC Co Ltd has the copyright for the development of a high-gain compact antenna. He also thinks the MM Chip may actually be the mu-chip developed by Hitachi. Now what is it that Malaysia has bought the rights to from FEC? Is it just the rights to only the FEC developed antenna or the antenna and the microchip? Does anyone knows how much of taxpayers' money have been spent for the rights? Did we get a good deal or is someone laughing all the way to the bank? As mentioned here is the MM chip when embedded in all things that it can be, really what you or I want or need?
Previously it was thought that overuse of handphones would lead to overheating of the brain and maybe cause brain cancer. Many people and handphone makers sigh with relief when research reported the heating was too minor to have an effect and hundreds of cancer studies were inconclusive. A study - financed by the Swedish Council for Work Life Research, and published by the US government's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) - breaks new ground by looking at how low levels of microwaves cause proteins to leak across the blood-brain barrier. Professor Leif Salford, who headed the research at Sweden's prestigious Lund University, says "the voluntary exposure of the brain to microwaves from hand-held mobile phones" is "the largest human biological experiment ever". And he is concerned that, as new wireless technology spreads, people may "drown in a sea of microwaves". Professor Salford and his team have spent 15 years investigating this different threat. Their previous studies proved radiation could open the blood-brain barrier, allowing a protein called albumin to pass into the brain. Their latest work goes a step further, by showing the process is linked to serious brain damage. Professor Salford said the long-term effects were not proven, and that it was possible the neurons would repair themselves in time. But, he said, neurons that would normally not become "senile" until people reached their 60s may now do so when they were in their 30s. This could cause a "whole generation" of today's teenagers to go senile in the prime of their lives. The older handphone users have less to worry but for those starting very young especially those of primary schooling age, there may need to be a rethink whether they should be using these potential "senility" causing devices. |
¶ 9/15/2003 01:35:00 AM
Election Commission--Impotent?
The recent interview given by the chairperson of the Election Commission EC to Malaysiakini was revealing. As this Malaysiakini exclusive is unlikely to appear in the mainstream printed media, the gems dropped by the chairperson are highlighted here ::
. On the election system ::Our system--first-past-the-post--is an unfair system as it does not allow the smaller political parties a chance to be represented (don't talk about winning). The proportionate system (adopted by almost all European countries) is more fair. Will EC recommend this system for Malaysia? Answer :: No, it is not EC's duty or responsibility to recommend. The people must agitate for change not the EC.
. On voters :: Chinese voters because of education, know what needs to be considered when exercising their votes. They are very secretative and are calculative. . Malay voters are emotional as shown by 1999. Voters do not vote on issues like the economy, defence and education. The OSA, Official Secrets Act, hampers the bringing up of such issues.
. On young EC officers nowadays :: can't write properly. These officers don't understand English and because of this, there is not one to send for overseas programmes.
. On the independence of the EC :: the EC is restrained by law. It is not a fully independent commission. Even though the Constitution says that the EC must enjoy public confidence. Whether the EC is independent - free and fair - depends on one important fact: how tolerant is the ruling party? In Malaysia, we have not come to the level.
. Public rallies is going to be lifted for the next election. But it is going to be controlled - not by the EC but by other authorities. The polis will identify the places and permits for security reasons. The EC is not responsible for control but will try to ensure that permit allocations must be fair.
. EC has the power to make recommendations to the government but they will get stuck somewhere.
. On monitoring election expenses :: The EC imposes a limit on candidate expenses but do not scrutinise them, it accepts candidate expenditure as declared by the candidate. The rival candidate is expected to scrutinise and bring to court any abuses if needed. The EC cannot sue candidates or punish them even if they break election laws. Rival candidates should take wrongdoers to court.
. On independent monitoring of postal votes :: this is within the EC's power. This has been brought up to Najib and the government and the response is being awaited.
. On fair media coverage for all political parties :: the Information minister has full power. EC can only advise and persuade the minister. The EC has no power over private media companies.
. On the functions of the caretaker government :: this is a very grey area. This issue should be taken to court and settled. Who to do it, not the EC. Suggested/challenged the opposition parties to do so regarding the issue.
. On phantom voters :: the PM has been misled. The EC chairperson denies that there are 2.8 million phantom voters. He said that the real phantoms are those who vote using dead people's identifications.
. On the recent delineation exercise :: the chairperson denied accusations that it was proposed to curb opposition parties' influence. He said that the whole exercise was made to ensure that each consttuency represents all major races and to bring about an integrated Malaysian society. "You have a hero here you know, sitting in front of you! [Laughs] An unsung hero! I played a major role to stabilise the country. I want to make sure that all races work together to win a seat," said the chairperson.
. On the increase in election deposits :: this was done to reduce the number of candidates "who are not serious" and those who register with "hopes of being bought over".
. Online voter registration will be ready before the next election.
In summary what this interview has revealed is that the EC is not fully independent, has little or limited powers and responsibilities (many of which we thought it has, it has not), is often handicapped and interferred by the ruling party of the day and has its hands tied in more ways than one, has not even one young officer suitable to be sent for overseas programme but has an unsung hero who has played a major role in stabilizing the country. Overall it appears the EC wants to stick to the letter and not the spirit of its role and function in this country.
The Bajet 2004 has been called various names by various people. Names like :: A Caring bajet : Gratitude bajet : Goodbye Bajet : Small Man Bajet : Election Bajet : Disabled Friendly Bajet : Decent Bajet : Pragmatic Bajet.
Among the goodies are ::
1. Road tax exemption for motorcycles of engine capacity less than 150cc :: Will this lead to more motorcycles on the road, more accidents and more fatalities? Better mass public transport an alternative?
2. Setting up of a village micro-credit scheme, and putting in an additional RM1bil to the micro-credit scheme for small businesses.
3. Allowing low-income single mothers to buy low- and medium-cost houses from Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) at a 20% discount. Question :: Why not for single fathers and grandparents too; those who have to look after their children and orphaned grandchildren. No discrimination, please. Question :: Does single also includes the unwed?.
4. Intensive focus on small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs) via formation of a high-level SMI council. 20% corporate tax extended from RM100K to Rm500K of chargeable income, this will free RM322 mil for reinvestment.
5. Benefits for the disabled, visually impaired, those suffering from chronic diseases and the elderly. 10% duty on health supplements abolished. 50% discount for transportation for the disabled. Increase in allowances for disabled workers and students. No road tax for local vehicles owned by the disabled. it is also important to ensure that public transport is disabled friendly. Couldn't believe my eyes when I read that the white cane used by the visually impaired is subjected to tax and that this has been just abolished. We certainly have a caring society! Wonder if there are more of such handicapped aids still subjected to taxes?
6. Issuance of serial Merdeka bonds to senior citizens, aged 55 years and above, with a return of 5% per annum. But isn't 5% really very little for a 2 year maturity bond? Inflation will eat all that away. Again these bonds are for those no longer permanently employed. In such times a lot of them have to take up a job post-retirement to survive. Will these bonds be really beneficial to many?
7. Certain Internet Access (CIA) charges reduced. 50% discount for corporate users and 30% for individual Streamyx subscribers. This will only affect some 65,000 local netizens, while the others who are not broadband users will have no tax reduction. Is this a subtle way of getting more to go broadband? Question :: Will this make Streamyx more user friendly and efficient? The TmNet-Jaring merger is also worrying, will this create an even more inefficient couldn't care less monopoly? Netizens have to worry, what is the way out?
8. Child tax relief, 25% increase ie from RM800 to RM1,000. Really a pittance, can you imagine what RM1,000 can do for the upkeep of a child these days?
9. For students with National Higher Educational Fund loans, help is on the way. The interest will be lowered from 4% to 3% and longer repayment period allowed. This will ease problems faced on graduation. Employers hiring unemployed graduates will be allowed double tax deduction on expenses incurred in hiring them.
10.Increase in sin taxes on tobacco and alcohol by 20% and 10% respectively, these will hopefully result in fewer cases of ill-health associated with the use of tobacco and alcohol.
11.Construction of low and medium-cost houses to be handle by the government. This may help the nation to achieve the one family one house target.
12.More handicapped person friendly facilities to be build by the government.
All these budgetary measures and proposals are only as useful and successful as their implementation.
Nutritional T-Shirts are the latest rave among Japanese fabric and clothing manufacturers and they are competing fiercely in this brand new field reported The Japan Times. These T-shirts and other clothings contain nutritive substances including amino acids, vitamins, xylitol and food additives are attracting the spotlight in Japan. Though containing these substances these clothings are definitely not for eating but for wearing. Clothings containing such supplements theoretically help to maintain the pH balance in skin or give the person wearing them cool comfort after perspiring. According to a Mizuno public relations department official, when someone perspires and the nutritional add-ons enhance the ability of the material to absorb moisture and help keep the skin's pH level balanced. Apart from Mizuno, Ajinomoto (famous for its MSG) is also involved in these clothing industry, it jointly developed the clothing material Amino Veil last year by combing an amino acid into fabric Jeans maker Teijin Wow Co. of Osaka has also its own jean fabric with incorporated amino acids. Major sportswear maker Yonex Co. began marketing its Very COOL brand of clothing, which incorporates xylitol, last year. It said the clothing is at its best when worn by people playing sports in the sun or for a long time. Xylitol, which one finds in chewing gum and candy, absorbs heat when it comes into contact with water resulting in its cooling effects. How do you wash these clothings, apparently the nutrional supplements are in stable forms which prevent them from dissolving when washed! Research is going onto add more to clothings and these include such ingredients as caffeine and seaweed essence. The manufacturers caution that wearing this sort of clothing is not an alternative to nutrition in food taken the usual way. Who knows in future we may be able to have our Starbuck while on the go via the T-shirt that we wear!
In an hour or so, that dreadful terrible event would be 2 years old. Let's pray and hope that Terror of that form will never strike again to cause so much Distress to so many. Remember the Ground Zero Quilt, go to this link to see it again. Sign the guest book and read the comments.
In the trial run of the National Service Programme NSP out of the 120 who voluntarily signed up, there were 40 Indians, 79 Malays and only 1 Chinese! This was reported in Utusan Malaysia. This trial run is to evaluate the programme curriculum and look for any deficiencies and weaknesses. The trial run is to be held in Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Najib, the Minister in charge of the NSP implementation is naturally unhappy with the response of the Chinese. He explains that this is why the programme has to be made compulsory. But as far as information available to date, it wil only be compulsory for those selected independentally by the computer programme. The MCA responding to the disappointing number of Chinese participants says that it should not be used as a measure of what will happen when the actual programme is implemented. MCA Datuk Chor Chee Heung feels that with all his party is doing presently, all will go well when the time comes and the Chinese will participate fully. The MCA wakil rakyat and its Youth and Wanita wings are said to be actively explaining things to the members and grassroots and there has been no protest against the NSP. Kopitiam talk-talk is different from what Datuk Chor has to say; the talk talk is about the lack of information regarding the NSP, what will the course be like, how will the youths be looked after, will the training be too tough and strenous for them, will they be able not to have their mental health affected and so on. Basically the parents are worried for their sons and daughters, basically it is fear of the unknown. As implementation of the programme is just a short while away, could Najib and the Information Ministry come out with a media blitz to provide full information regarding the NSP.
Ministry should act immediately against politically active students
The comments made by one, Ashraf Abdullah, in the NST make interesting reading. It appears that he is not happy with the manner our Education Minister is handling the issue of politically active university students. Ashraf writes :: "The fact that an academician who has no experience in politics was made Education Minister goes to show the importance that the Prime Minister has placed on education. It is to ensure that education remains free from political influences which may poison the minds of the young, who are inheritors of the country's future." "But what is happening at universities these days raises the question of whether the ministry has been successful." Well he does seem pretty unhappy with our Musa, who is a career academician and not a seasoned politico, implying that Musa is not up to the mark. If the students are recognised as the inheritors of the country's future, they definitely have a reason to be politically involved. Suggesting that if the students do below par in their first or second year simply because they are only interested in non-academic related activities (read pro-opposition political activities), these students should immediately be removed to save public funds. Doesn't this appear, oh so very drastic, try a little kindness, give some understanding, maybe somebrainwashing sessi, instead first. I supposed if they were involved in pro-government politics, it's A-OK. "Why is it that only when students in some of the universities vote proOpposition candidates in their respective campuses, that they are immature?" asks the writer. Presumably, those who voted pro-government candidates, must be matured. Students are said to lack the sense of gratitude to the government, so much public funds are spent on them. Why thank the government, shouldn't the students be thanking the public tax payers or the nation? Concluding his comments, the writer says :: A number of lecturers and students openly support the opposition. The ministry must admit this and act accordingly, not simply because the students and lecturers are supporting the opposition but because their activities are blatantly illegal. Why the ministry and the universities are slow in taking action against these students and lecturers, is mind-boggling. I would certainly agree that it is mind boggling, but it is so because the government expects these students not to be politically active and politically minded. A lot of them are of and above the voting age, shouldn't they be so concerned? It wasn't too long ago when someone suggested that those above 16 years of age should be allowed to join political parties!
Will the Bajet see a cut in Corporate Tax? Will there be other goodies?
"Likely" says Business Times. According to the Malaysian Institute of Taxation (MIT), companies can look forward to a cut in corporate tax as the present rate is no longer competitive. MIT’s vice-president Dr Veerinderjeet Singh says the tax cut is likely, along with increases in personal reliefs and rebates in Budget 2004 to be tabled on Friday
"No" says Bernama. A corporate tax reduction is not likely in the offing in the 2004 Budget since such a tax cut now "will not benefit anybody", say highly-placed government sources. Instead, what could be on the cards is the rise in the ceiling of the preferential tax rate accorded to small and medium-scale industries (SMIs) announced last year, one of them said.
"No" says the Star's Wong Sulong. There has been widespread anticipation among corporations and accounting firms of a reduction in the corporate tax rate – some expect a 3-percentage point cut. The last time corporate tax was cut, from 30% to the current 28%, was five years ago. Supporters of a corporate tax cut argue that this would stimulate business and bring in more foreign investments. I very much doubt the government will go for a corporate tax cut, although I would be happy to see one. Wong goes on to say :: "This is what I expect: a big cut in personal income tax to put more money in the pockets of consumers for a consumption-led economic recovery. "
PM Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his capacity as Finance Minister, will table the government's 2004 Bajet in Parliament on Friday for the last time. Let's wait and see what goodies, he will dish out before he goes; remembering also that this will be another of those Election Bajet
When you are planning your next party and want some ghostly effects, who do you call? Infrasound. What is Infrasound? It is sound which has frequencies lower than those usually heard by humans. The normal range of human hearing goes from 20khz at the top, down to 20hz. Sound less than 20hz is better felt than heard. What are the effects of infrasound, they can range from shattering glass panes to the stunning effects of whales and ghostly haunting of buildings. For more on the effects of infrasound go here, here and here. Vic Tandy of Coventry University has been involved in the study of infrasound and the 'hauntings' of buildings. See here for one such report, another one is here. This account by Tandy best explains these ghostly effects of infrasound. Recently, researchers from the National Physical Laboratory(NPL) of England found that infrasound can cause a range of spooky effects in listeners, ranging from extreme anxiety to elation, coldness and those shivers down the spine and even the flickering of burning candles. Eyeballs are found to resonate at 18.98hz and this can result in one seeing ghostly images. See report for the study carried out by Dr Wiseman of the NPL. So it appears we won't be needing the help of the Michigan Ghost Busters in future for help in 'haunted buildings' but instead call upon the Infrasound Busters.
The 12ft pipe used to produce infrasound in the NPLstudy
Genetically-modified vaginal bacteria may be able to serve as a "living condom", secreting proteins that protect women against HIV, says a new report. Writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers described the findings as an "important first step" towards finding a bacteria HIV-blocker. The bacteria has already successfully kill the HIV virus in test tube experiments. Peter Lee of Stanford University in California, leader of the research team, says the vaginal native bacteria, Lactobacillus jensenii was chosen and genetically-engineered to secrete a soluble protein called "2D CD4". "2D CD4" which binds with HIV and reduces the rate of HIV infection in susceptible cells by at least half. This has been reported here and here. Lee's group has already developed freeze-dried tablets of bacteria that can be stored up to a year without refrigeration. Human trials of other strains of natural lactobacillus suggest these microbes can successfully colonise the vagina for days or even weeks and therefore need not be applied soon before sexual exposure. The advantage of this "living condom", researchers said, is that unlike latex condoms or chemical condoms, the bugs could persist for weeks at a time, offering protection throughout this period. These "living condoms" will be especially valuable in countries where cultural conventions make it difficult for women to demand their partners use condoms. They also empower the women to selfprotect prior to any sexual encounter. The effects, these bugs have on sperms and hence fertility are not yet known. One factor which may limit its use is the fear some societies may have about genetically modified organisms. Prevention of HIV infection is a situation where the benefit to risk ratio is so high, that fears about genetically modification would be overcome. Anyway it would be years before these "living condoms" are available on the supermarket shelves. In the meanwhile, while waiting for these "living condoms", practise SafeSex.
Recently our PM introduced "The Most Advanced Microchip -- the MM Chip". Mahathir is quoted as saying :: "No other people have come up with such a tiny microchip". Really? According to an article in the Loose Wire section of the 7th Aug issue of FEER, "a new kind of technology called RFID is waiting to make it out of the warehouse and on to the retail floor." RFID is the new technology used by the MM Chip. With it comes uses which may be useful and beneficial and also some not so. It all depends on how it is used and the people it is applied to. RFID is basically a tag which can be used to tag a product, an identification card or a living thing or even something used by a living thing. In relations to the other tag which is widely used now, the barcode, a RFID tag is less dumb. A RFID tag can do much more. According to Loose Wire, a RFID tag is capable of the following :: "These RFID tags are very efficient. They can store a lot of data, for a long time. If you buy a pair of shoes, the tag in those shoes could contain data about when and where you bought them and how much they cost. That's now. In the future, the same tag could have stored information since you bought them, such as where you've been with them, how often you've changed the laces, whether you have foot odour issues (theorizing here, but it's possible) and whether you might have been breaking the law in them." Since it is capable of storing lots of data, this is where RFID tags come into conflict with privacy groups. Imagine in the not too distant future, if there is is an RFID tag on every product, banknote and stored-value card you have, transmitting information about you that allows shop clerks, bank tellers, policemen and your girlfriend, to know where you've been, what you are wearing, how much money there is in your pocket and what diseases you are having. The above senario is not about to happen, but the technology allows it. This is just food for thought, So before it happens, you may want to ask yourself this :: "RFID---Do you really want IT?"
For hundreds of years, marijuana/cannabis/pot has been used to treat a wide variety of illnesses. But the herb has been illegal throughout the modern era of scientific medical research. Patients have used pot for pain relief, seizure relief and to calm nausea and vomitting induced by cancer drugs and have found it to be effective when others are not. But any legal research that has been carried out on pot has been on its harmful effects and not on its possible medical benefits. Why so like that? Because funds are only provided for research into the harmful effect of pot.
AIDS patients have long used pot to fight the terrible wasting the disease causes. It's also been said to help an extremely painful condition known as peripheral neuropathy -- a painful nerve disease that has few effective treatments. Dr Donald Abrams, MD, now chief of hematology/oncology at San Francisco General Hospital, is best known for being one of the first doctors to recognize and treat the illness. Dr Abrams needed funds for his research on this, he had a brainstorm. He submitted a research proposal to look for a harmful effect of pot on the immune system of AIDS patients -- and finally won the approval he sought. The results of his trial appear in the August 19 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. And they contradict previous studies done in the test tube and with lab animals. With his remaining funds, Dr Abrams is able to do his study on peripheral neuropathy. The results are awaited.
Recently this sleepy hollow was woken up by cries of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka at the countdown to the 31st of August.
A 15-minute ceremony organised by KTM Bhd enabled passengers to join the 46th National Day countdown and also as a remembrance of the fact that the country’s first railway service began here in Taiping more than 100 years ago. The SMK King Edward VII brass band was in attendance to greet the passengers of the South-bound Ekspres Langkawi. At the same time, over at the Taiping Esplanade and the Taiping Zoo entrance and in many other spots, people of Taiping also joined in the countdown.
Our soon to retire PM has his share of brickbats and eggs-in-the-face (see Joe-Blogs)but recent events must have brought a big smile to his face :-). Firstly, there was IMF's managing director Horst Kohler, who said :: “With hindsight, we have to recognise the good performance of the economy. Mahathir was right.” Dr M must have broken up into a broad smile and said "I told you so, Malaysia Boleh". Kohler also forecast Malaysia’s GDP to grow in excess of 5% in 2004 and believed prospects were good for sustained high growth beyond next year. Does not this show good management? The soon-to-be PM will have to keep this going. Next, we have the newly released World Investment Report which gives Malaysia a favourable review for its performance in 2002. In ranking countries that best defied the downturn in 2002, the report also named Malaysia within the top 10 most resilient countries, placing it behind Ireland and Japan but ahead of Slovakia at ninth position. And in Cyberjaya yesterday, Dr M announced details regarding the "The Most Advanced Microchip -- the MM Chip". This will probably breathe life into the MSC. This chip which uses the RFID or radio frequency identification chip, would allow for an almost unlimited number of applications, including in the area of security. It is said to be able to be implanted into almost anything ranging from "smart cards", to bullets, to supermarket shoppings and even the human body. This chip was developed in Japan, but the Malaysian government has bought the rights to the new microchip technology from Japan and initially it would be manufactured there before production shifts to Malaysia. Asked if MM was an acronym for Mahathir Mohamad, FEC (M) Sdn. Bhd (the Japanese developer of the MM chip) chief executive Kunioki Ichioka said: "Maybe, it can also stand for Microchip Malaysia."
After what Jeff had highlighted with regards to what is happening at Maxis.net and the recent Astro Emperor Package deal. Anything regarding new deals which come out off Maxis and Astro must be viewed with great suspicion.
Just take a look at the latest advert from Maxis which announces ::
Maxis Premium IDD and SMS, now at lower rates!
the one with these two guys and a gal, flashing their wide smiles and holding up green cards, the one you will see on Page 9 of today's STAR.
Take a peek at the lower end of the table in the advert, the part that says ::
Maxis to Maxis SMS only 10sen
Read on ::
Maxis to other local operators SMS - 20 sen {currently 15 sen}
International SMS - 50 sen (currently 15 sen}
Info/Content SMS requests - 15 sen {currently IDK}
Those of you, frequent SMS users, BEWARE especially if you are SMSing overseas, Maxsh_t is at work again.
The recent brouhaha over Articles 16 and 17 of the Syariah criminal codes of Kelantan and Terengganu which state that sodomy "is an offence consisting of carnal intercourse between a male and another male or a female other than his wife, performed against the order of nature, that is through the anus," may be a good example of the saying "He who laughs last, laughs loudest." It also illustrates what is often advised that "It is better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought dumb, than to use it and be confirmed". The whole thing started with one, Zaid Ibrahim, the Kelantan Deputy Chieftain, claiming that the Syariah laws in the PAS-controlled states of Kelantan and Terengganu permitted husbands to sodomise their wives. How could PAS condon such a practice, he thundered, threatening to sue PAS over this. In no time other UMNO luminaries came out with guns blazing and joined in to lamblast PAS. Puteri UMNO chieftess called it "an insult to women." The Pahang Menteri Besar, the one famous for his hand signals, proclaimed that PAS leaders "did not understand the true teachings of Islam." Our Menteri Pembangunan Wanita dan Keluarga urged PAS to alter the said Articles. Datuk Seri Ali Rustam suggested that wives who had been sodomised by their husbands should seek legal redress. Our Y.B. Brig.Gen. Senator Datuk Abdul Hamid bin Zainal Abidin of the PM Department seems to have pursed his lips and kept his own counsel, wonder why? He who knows best, why? In reply, PAS Kelantan Youth chief Zulkafli Yacob has challenged Zaid to a debate. Tuan Guru advised that the drafter of the enactment be referred to for clarification. PAS Dewan Ulama chief, Harun Taib, came out to clear the air somewhat with this response. The latest response is from Pas Youth Information chief Mohd Hanipa Maidin, he claims that Umno leaders lacked the basic understanding of Syariah laws. "Just because the articles under question did not include the wife as a possible victim of sodomy did not mean that the act was allowed and not punishable," he said. He also explained that sodomy committed by a husband on his wife simply fell under the category of discretionary laws known as ta’zir. Hanipa also pointed out that in the Federal Territory Syariah Criminal Act 559 (1997) section 2 also defined sodomy as "sexual intercourse between two males" and does not make any mention of women falling victims to the act. So the whole affair has come around. Did PAS allowed the whole thing to rumble on the past few days and finally drop the bombshell? Will UMNO now go after whoever is responsible for the Federal Territory Syariah Criminal Act? Unless UMNO has something else up its sleeves, one point for PAS.
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¶ 9/02/2003 11:19:00 PM
New Website :: AllMalaysia.Info
The Star Online has a new website, launched in conjunction with the Merdeka celebrations this year, it is AllMalaysia.Info and can be found ::here::. This site is touted for tourists as well as for Malaysians who are at home as well as abroad. It is said to be a comprehensive online guide and gateway to all things Malaysia.
It has various sections on travel, shopping, places of interest and hotels. The sections in Know Malaysia features festivals, happenings, and the arts.
Also featured are links to government, education, community and health.
Forum on Good Local Governance: Is it time for Local Elections? September 14, 2003 (Sunday) Place: 3K Complex, Jalan Kewajipan, Subang Jaya
Keynote Speech: Tan Sri Dato' Harun Hashim, Deputy Chairperson, Suhakam
Panel Speakers: Datuk Dr Anwar Fazal Senior Regional Advisor, The Urban Governance Initiative, UNDP YB. Datuk Lee Hwa Beng State Assemblyman Subang Jaya and MPSJ Councillor Dr Goh Ban Lee Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, USM Tony Xavier Resident USJ Subang Jaya
For more details, contact ::
Premesh: 017-8783900,
Mano: 012-3161732, Fax: 03-56316342 (Att: USJRA) PC Yeoh: 012-2995330,
Smart is obvious a very much overused word these days, "smart school", "smart card", "smart tunnel", smart weather", "smart phone" and now "smart gun"
The Smart Gun
.
You may ask :: What is a "smart gun"? For definations, look here and here. A simple and comprehensive one would be like so :: Smart Gun = A gun which will do its owner no harm and prevent the owner from harm. Is there really such a "Smart Gun"?
"Smart Gun" started being thought of due to certain events and circumstances. They include misuse by other than the owner especially by children, the string of sniper shootings with multiple victims, in America one in six police officers killed with a firearm is shot with his or her own gun and teen suicides using firearms.
Proponents of "smart guns" argue that such technology would prevent the misuse of firearms by children and teens while rendering stolen weapons useless. The most zealous proponents present it as a virtual panacea for many categories of gun injury and death. But does it really :: see this article for more. Those who are against mandatory smart gun technology say it will make guns prohibitively expensive for law-abiding citizens and those who need guns for selfprotection and would do little to halt gun violence. See here.
"Smart guns", their prototypes and the technology have included the following ::
...Low-tech gun saftey locks, ...Guns with features that include wristbands that must be worn by the gun owner to transmit a radio signal that allows the gun to fire, ...Guns with personalized identification codes that the owner must enter before the gun will function, ...Guns that would recognize the fingerprint or hand size of an authorized user.
All these "smart guns" like all those "smart stuff" earlier mentioned have their own problems which really end up making them look not so smart after all. See here and here and here for more details regarding the defects these so-called "smart guns" are associated with. As often happens, when these "smart" things are put into use, problems associated with them start cropping up, a good example is that "smart card" called MyKad.
The rush to develop "smart guns" is because many states in USA have passed or will be passing laws like New Jersey which did last year. This law requires smart gun technology to be used in all new handguns sold three years after the state attorney general determines a smart gun prototype is safe. The other reason is that the market for firearms and especially handguns is saturated. This presents a serious challenge to the gun industry, and some companies see personalization technology as part of the response. "Smart guns" would result in new sales to those who already possess "non-smart guns" and those who do not as yet possess guns.
Locally, such "smart guns" may ensure that stolen weapons will be a thing of the past as they will be useless to those who steal them and this will eventually see the end of the likes of the M-16 and other armed gangs.
The latest "smart gun" in the news, here and here is that which is being developed by MSL Metal Storm Ltd of Australia and the NJIT New Jersey Institute of Technology of USA. The "smart gun" to be developed will combine MSL's electronic handgun known as the O'Dwyer Vle, with the NJIT's "dynamic grip recognition" technology.The gun owner would have his or her grip programmed at a gun shop or police range by practice-firing the weapon. A microchip in the weapon would remember the grip and determine in an instant whether the authorized user was holding the weapon. If not, the gun would not fire. The gun uses a very robust system that can work in all kinds of extreme conditions, left or right hand, whether you are wearing gloves or not, and even whether you are in muddy or wet conditions and it can also be programmed for multiple users if required. Sounds very, very promising but with all things carrying the "smart" tag, let the user beware. Come what may the market has reacted positively to the news for it has been reported that MSL shares climbed 41 percent to 60 Australian cents on the Australian Stock Exchange following the announcement!
LONE's rantings for all interested, COMMENTS/KOPI-0s welcomed. Comments are solely the views of their makers MALAYSIA, a great place to be in, BUT we can, will and must make HER better.
You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one. IMAGINE:youtube::John Lennon
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:: LONE