LONE

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Tipping-Off Society?

It is quite common for rewards to be offered for info which would lead to the apprehension of perpetrators of crimes like murders and kidnaps. Our IRBM/LHDN also offers handsome rewards for those who provide them with info or tip them off regarding tax evaders. Check this link for tax quotes on Avoidance, Evasion, and Planning.

Earlier this year, in Pahang it was reported that the polis would be given cash reward for turning in those who offered bribes to them. The first recipient of this latest method of fighting corruption was a Lans Koperal Bakri Pandak Ahmad of the Kuantan traffic police. Lans Koperal Bakri was rewarded with RM100 for arresting a man who tried to give him a RM50 bribe. At the presentation ceremony, the Pahang CPO had this to advise the public :: "Don't try to bribe police personnel to avoid a little inconvenience as this action could land them into deeper trouble." This cash reward scheme had many fora discussing it, check this one out.

Our authorities are planning more rewards for the 'public-spirited' public ::

Reward No 1
Now our Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Ministry is recommending rewards for info on poor bus and taxi services. The reason for this is that the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board [CVLB] has only 30 officers nationwide! This number is responsible for the issuance and renewal of commercial vehicle permits and have limited resources when it comes to enforcement! Until recently the public could file their complaints by SMS and using a toll-free number but this had to be suspended as the CVLB was receiving too many complaints for it to handle! Now the CVLB wants the public to become its eyes and ears and on top of that the public can expect to be rewarded. Is this out-sourcing, the CVLB way?

Reward No 2
More rewards are coming the public's direction, the Selangor State Infrastructure and Public Amenities Exco member Datuk Abdul Fatah Iskandar is proposing that the public be rewarded for reporting litterbugs. This is to help keep the environment clean and in line with Selangor’s vision ‘Selangor Maju 2005’. Nothing like providing a reward to help create an awareness among the public that they must care for the environment. Has the public become so mercenary? Or is it another case of shortage of enforcement personel. Shouldn't other methods be used to encourage the public to care for the environment and not litter? Wouldn't educating the public to be more civic minded be more helpful?

What rewards will those in authority think of next? Will we be rewarded next for tipping off the authorities regarding our neighbours' drinking habits or gambling sessions. Are we going in the direction of a tipping-off for reward and mercenary society?

Happy May Day for all those who have to work.

| ¶ 4/30/2005 11:56:00 PM

Friday, April 29, 2005

Final Report of the SCEOMRMP out Soon. Will it go Public?

The Special Commission on Enhancing the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police [SCEOMRMP] was formed on Feb 4, 2004 to investigate the functions and responsibilities of the police force in law enforcement, its manpower needs, work ethics and staff procedures, and human rights issues connected with the work of the police.

The SCEOMRMP collected information, feedback, complaints and suggestions from joe public, NGOs, NGIs (non-gomen individuals), professional organisations and political parties. The commission held 27 public hearings throughout the country which were attended by 550 complainants. In addition, it received more than 400 letters and 200 complaints through its website. It also visited police facilities and detention centres and received briefings from the police, prison authorities, the ACA, Public Services Department and Public Complaints Bureau, apart from other authorities and facilities.

The commission was tasked to come up with two reports to achieve its aim. The interim report came out in August and has remained out of joe public eyes and the final report will be presented to the King today and PM later.

The final report will be submitted by commission chairman Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah who will be accompanied by his fellow other 15 members of the commission. Commission secretary Datuk Hamzah Md Rus told Bernama earlier that a copy of the report would be given to Prime Minister next week. The final report was supposed to be handed up in February but an extension of 3 months was provided to allow the commission more time to complete it.

What are the contents of the three-volume report? It is said to contain comprehensive suggestions, appendices and other details to enhance the operations of the Royal Malaysian Police Force. Tthe suggestions concerned work ethics, law and procedures, welfare, logistics, and other matters for the Royal Malaysian Police guidance in performing its duties and operations.

Will joe public get to see this final report or will it meet the same fate as the interim report? Will this final report be debated in Parliament or will it just be digested by the Cabinet only? An important report like this should be make public so that the Royal Malaysian Police as well as the public will know clearly the proper manner the two parties should conduct of each other whenever the need arises for them to interact. How many would like to bet that it will be made public? The commission appears to think that the responsibility of it being made public lies with the PM. Much of the taxpayers' time and money have been spent on this effort to enchance the performance of the Royal Malaysian Police, shouldn't the people have at least the right to see it if they so desire?

Update:: BERNAMA says the Final Report has been handed to the King and the PM today. When questioned, the PM said that the Cabinet will decide whether it would be made public.

| ¶ 4/29/2005 12:32:00 PM

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Have You Ever Seen the Rain?(in the DEWAN)

Our MPs must have asked each other the above when rain came pouring down on them from a leaky dewan rakyat roof. Hey, the dewan had just undergone a RM80 million reno. Prior to that reno, the dewan roof is said not to have been leaky. Looks like our MPs had this song going through their heads this afternoon :: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head".

Opposition Leader Lim K S (DAP-Ipoh Timur) described the incident as “a day of shame for Parliament”, wonder if he got soaked. Soon after the downpour, the electrical system went dead and the lights failed and plunged the dewan into darkness. So what did our MPs do next, instead of listening to each other speaking they had to listen to the "Rhythm of the Falling Rain".

Just before the downpour, it was learnt that some MPs had intended to raise the issue of Pak Lahi ordering Parliament to put off the Burma motion after receiving pressure from Rangoon. Pak Lah and Burma appeared to have been saved by the Rainy Days and Thursdays(oophs Mondays).
The next time when rainy season is around and the dewan is sitting the Speaker might have to consider this :: Who'll Stop the Rain?

For the full report on the leaky dewan check out Malaysiakini

| ¶ 4/28/2005 09:42:00 PM

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Diesel Cop Out

Both today's print versi of NST and STAR had the same front page headlines :: Running on Empty but for some odd reasons their online versi had different ones. NST online said :: Diesel Shortage-Running on Fumes, while the STAR online said :: Diesel shortage threatens to cripple transport industry. The print versi of the STAR carried 6 articles on the diesel shortage.
While drivers of diesel vehicles fume on and haulage companies said that their lorries may stop running and petrol station owners said they are not to blame, our Dewan Rakyat Speaker choose to cop out.

Malaysiakini reported the Speaker's cop out thus :: Diesel shortage loses out to MPs’ allowances

The diesel shortage may be causing anxiety nationwide, but the Dewan Rakyat stuck to procedure to debate the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) (Amendment) Bill 2005, at its second reading today.

It is pretty odd to see the way this diesel shortage is being treated in Parliament; while the nation is said possibly to come to a standstill with the shortage threatening to cripple the transport industry. The shortage is serious enough in Sabah and Sarawak, sufficient for a Sarawak MP to call upon the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs [MDTCA] to set up a task force that includes the police and army to tackle the profiteering activities which are causing the diesel shortage. Meanwhile, the chairperson of Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board [SCVLB], said though the problem is an open secret, the MDTCA does not appear to have the required machinery to solve the problem. The chairperson further added that the profiteering involved billions of ringgit and the victims are small time players who are at the mercy of big time players. Some politicians and NGOs in Sarawak have renewed their call for Menteri yang menjaga MDTCA to step down. The call for the Menteri’s resignation was first made by Lee Ka Kiong, secretary of Sarawak Hired Lorries Association.

It is easy to see that the diesel shortage is an urgent issue of much public concern, so it is incomprehensible why the Speaker of the Dewan has rejected a motion to debate it in Parliament. Is he with us?

| ¶ 4/27/2005 10:09:00 AM

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

A History of GOD banned

The Internal Security Ministry [ISM] has banned 11 books, mainly on religion, on April 20 reported Malaysiakini. A DAP MP has demanded the reasons for banning the books. Among them is "A History of God", a book by world renowned journalist and former nun Karen Armstrong. This book has been around for more than 10 years and probably may be in many Malaysian homes. So what is the reason(s) for banning it after so many years. An oversight somewhere or by someone or a newly discovered reason? Take your pick. Anyone interested to read reviews of the book can find them here and here. Another of Karen Armstrong's book banned is entitled "Muhammad:: A Biography of the Prophet".

Some time ago there was a furore over the banning of the Bup Kudus [the ban was later lifted] and more recently was the Malay Language Bible which was said to be banned by a MINIster in Parliament and later said not banned by the PM. The ISM or formerly the KDN does not usually give reasons for the books that it bans. So we will probably not get the information or reasons requested by the DAP MP. The ISM said possession, printing, reproduction, sale and distribution of the publications were prohibited, and offenders could be jailed three years or fined RM20,000 or both if found guilty.

The other 9 books recently banned are ::

"Mercy Oceans' Lovestream" by Sheikh Nazim Al-Qubrusi
"The Cross and the Crescent" by Phil Parshall
"Messiah War in the Middle East & Road to Armageddon" by Grant R. Jeffrey
"The Sterling Dictionary of Religion" by Amrita Sharma
"The Word of Islam" by John Alden Williams
"Great Religions of the World" (no author mentioned)
"Mysterious Facts Strange World" by Richard O'Neill
"Mysterious Facts Gods and Demons" by Amanda O'Neill
"Women and Islam" by Fatima Mernissi

| ¶ 4/26/2005 10:56:00 PM

Mandarin & Tamil for All

Pak Lah appears to have seen the light. Supporters of Nation Schools being the first choice have been clamouring for Mandarin and Tamil to be included in formal school curriculum for yeaars instead of those half-dead, often non-existent POL [Pupil Own Language] classes. Pak Lah now says that non-compulsory language classes will be offered within the formal school timetable. Easy for him to say but how is the MoE going to implement them after having neglecting such classes for such a long time. Where is the MoE going to find these trained qualified language teachers after having not trained them in the recent past?

The recent policy to teach Maths and Science in English has not met with success because of shortage of trained qualified English language teachers. The rush into the switch ahs also contributed. That is why we have the insance of primary school pupils in some parts Kelantan being taught in English ala Kelanta! Kelantan is said to have a shortage of 700 trained English teachers. Know what "de mae wi de goldae gae' means. You know what i mean? And they are still going to continue with this policy. Is it to make matter better or worse that now Pak Lah says :: "However, I have ordered the ministry to find ways and means where Bahasa Melayu can be used in the teaching and learning process of the two subjects." Hey did the NST get this right?

At the same time, the STAR reported Pak Lah as acknowledging that the Chinese Language is gaining importance worldwide with the emergence of China as an economic and political power.

Many would have realised by now that Pak Lah is a man of many words and finds difficulties in walking the talk. Also realising that the includiing Mandarin and Tamil into formal timetable will take time and that trained qualified language teachers are an endangered species, many parents will continue to opt for vernacular schools in the next many years. And being aware now that Pak lah has said it that Mandarin is important. Pak Lah's new plan may just backfire as far as making National Schools the first choice is concerned.

Oh, yes, one other thing Pak Lah appears to have forgotten that India is the other emerging economic power, maybe he should have also made mention of the importance of the Indian Language.

| ¶ 4/26/2005 12:20:00 PM

DAP RadioVideo

While waiting for our DIM aka Deputy Info MINIster, to get his act together and provide live telecasts of our Parliamentary sittings, we have the next best option :: DAP Radio. Check it out for video clips of question and answer sessions during the current Parliamentary sittings. See the video clip of YB Lim in action oon 12th April.
These video clips will allow the public to scrutinise the performance of our MPs in Parliament. Will we be seeing and reading less of the stupid acts of those MPs who like to mention inconsequential or wrong stuff? Or will our MPs follow Shahrir's advice and continue to "Air your views even if they look stupid".
Thanks BungaRaya Group for the pointer.

| ¶ 4/26/2005 11:22:00 AM

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Stupid MPs :: Nazri's One?

i wonder how many can remember about the recent mentions made of "the world's best-selling book" :: The Bible, which is available online here.
On 12th April, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz made the remarks in Parliament that Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia could not be circulated in the country as this could be seen as an effort to spread Christianity among the Malays. He made the remark during a question-and-answer session. Mohd Nazri also said that the prohibition had been in force since Independence and was in line with the Constitution. However, he later said that permission from the Internal Security Ministry was needed to bring in or possess Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia. To see these remarks in their proper context check out the Hansard for 12th April, pages 61 to 68.

On 13th April, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) Malaysia, Sec-Gen, Rev. Wong Kim Kong, expressed deep regret and concern over Mohd Nazri's remarks. He said the remarks were inconsistent with the spirit and letter of our Constitution, which upholds freedom of religion for everyone. Rev Wong added that the policy was unfair to non-English-speaking Christians. He added that at least 50 per cent of Christian Bumiputras in East Malaysia are non-English speaking. He also said currently, the Home Affairs Ministry allows translations of the Bible to be brought into the country under certain conditions. Saying that Nazri's remarks have caused confusion and anxiety in the Christian community, he called for prompt clarification from the relevant authorities on the matter. Rev Wong comments were also reported in the STAR, under the heading :: Statement saddens Evangelicals.

There were no queries from our many other elected representatives or other religious groups in the interim period before any prompt clarifications came. The remarks by the Menteri yang menjaga Parliamen appeared to be the gospel truth, for a while at least.

The prompt clarification finally came on 19th April, when Pak Lah was reported by Malaysiakini that there was no ban on the Malay Language Bibles but such Bibles must be stamped with the words "Not for Muslims". He clarified that he had met all the leaders of the various church denominations in his office before when he was DPM and told them that there was no ban. So why did Mohd Nazri made those remarks? Why the delayed prompt clarification? Why didn't more of these church leaders challenged Nazri's remarks?

Soon after the clarification came out, Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan expressed gratitude to Pak Lah for clearing up the confusion caused by Nazri. This was reported in the Daily Express as "Pairin glad PM cleared the air on Bibles in Bahasa". In the next few days expect more such statements of gratitude.

After the recent furore over the NST reports on "humiliated" MPs, the STAR {Don’t raise stupid issues, Nazri tell MPs} reported that same Mohd Nazri as making the following comments ::

“It is better that you keep quiet and let others assume you are stupid rather than talk nonsense (cakap hentam) and confirm that you are really stupid.
“If we want to debate an issue, make sure we prepare so that we will not look stupid for speaking on matters which are not true.”

i wonder when he made those comments, was he directing them at himself, for surely he must have been fully aware of his boss, the PM, views of Malay language Bibles. But then again, what do i know. i hope he takes no offence at the heading of this blog. The same STAR report also quoted him as having said ::

“MPs should not be too thin-skinned and should accept criticism made against them." “They should view such articles positively and use the criticism to rectify their weaknesses and improve their performance.”

Way to go YB Nazri, Menteri yang menjaga Parliamen, will we be seeing or hearing more such gaffes. Lets wait and see, while holding our breath, but obviously not for too long, whether this big man of a Menteri will tender an apology for having provided the wrong information in Parliament regarding Malay Language Bibles.

See also this article, Plain Talk, by Brendan of the "No Standard" Times.

| ¶ 4/24/2005 05:51:00 PM

Saturday, April 23, 2005

ISA 7 Finally Freed! Compensate Them!

It took them four long years after being charged with illegal assembly to be free! The ISA 7 have finally been freed. Four long wasted years, where they had their studies suspended. Four long years of suspense as to whether they would be able to study again. Will the new MoE quickly ensure that they are reinstated and allowed to continue with their studies.
For the record the ISA 7 are ::

It took four long years for them to be found not guilty on the following grounds ::

1. The prosecution had failed to prove they had organised and participated in an anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) demonstration outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on June 8, 2001.
2. The prosecution had also failed to prove that it was an unlawful assembly.

The prosecution has not definitely let them off and may appeal the decision. Lets hope that good sense prevailed and that they would be allowed to get on with their studies and their lives without there being any further restrictive conditions. They should also be adequately compensated for their four long wasted years.

Even before their case had been settled, the universities concerned decided to expel them hence stopping their studies. This scenario must not be allowed to be repeated. The authorities must also ensure that due care must be taken when bringing about charges. Four years is a long time in the life of a student, lost years can never be regained, so there should be some form of compensation inadequate though it maybe.

| ¶ 4/23/2005 12:15:00 PM

Thursday, April 21, 2005

NST :: "No Standard" Times

It is quite clear now that the NST GIEC has fumbled. He just could not wait to try and "humiliate" the MPs more. Imagine the headlines :: "Humiliated MPs Attack NST" : DAP’s Kit Siang leads with support from BN members. Would anyone say that what happened in Parliament on Wednesday should give rise to this front page report in the NST. Further to state that Members of Parliament — from both sides of the parliamentary divide — spent the morning session of the Dewan Rakyat today criticising the media, in particular the New Straits Times, for having "humiliated" them, would one say that it was a truthful statement, when in reality only 7 or 8 minutes were spent on the NST report entitled :: Our MPs are not ready for prime-time TV. One need only to see this video clip and the transcript of what happen to know that the statement was rubbish. In its hurry to attack the Opposition Leader, it is obvious that the paper is willing to allow for some "no standard" reporting.
Read Lim Kit Siang's reply to NST, :: Contempt of Parliament - LKS replies to NST, here.
The NST GIEC also claimed that one of his editors informed him that Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang had launched a scathing attack on senior New Straits Times editor Zainul Ariffin and wanted him referred to the Committee of Privileges for "humiliating" MPs. Was there really a scathing attack on Zainul? Did the Opposition Leader really say that said Zainul should be brought before the Committee of Privileges for "humiliating MPs"? Hey, was the NST reporter really in Parliament that Wednesday morning or did he really catch what was taking place?
Will the NST GIEC spend more time in ensuring that his reporters are kept on their toes and put in better quality reports on Parliamentary proceedings instead of rushing in a hurry to "spin tales" of things that did not take place. NST obviously appear to have some difficulties in following what is going on in Parliament, if that is the case just wait a few hours for the Hansard.
As for Zainul's comments on the need for our MPs to make themselves relevant, i, for one, am with him. But he shouldn't just go ahead and say that "people just don’t care any more about our MPs or what they do", me and lots of others do care and certainly want our money's worth, especially now that there is going to be a pay hike. It is because we do want to know what is really happening in Parliament that there has been a request for the proceedings to be telecast live. It is also with the hope that such live telecasts will keep our MPs on their toes and force our MPs to make themselves more relevant. Where i further disagree with you is when you say that " the real reason for not televising parliamentary proceedings is because our MPs are not ready for prime time". Whether they are ready or not, we have a right to follow live what goes on during Parliamentary sittings, and this is what you and NST should be joining me and others in clamouring for. As for the real reason why live telecasts are not allowed presently, do you really need me to tell you the real, real reason?

Note :: the above is an e-mail sent to NST in response to its "Tell Us What You Think", will it see the light of day, i am waiting and watching.

| ¶ 4/21/2005 11:44:00 PM

Anwar is OUT, Unbelieveable

Can you believe it, Anwar Robinson is OUT! The contestant said to be technically the best singer this season. Last week it was Nadia's and this week, Anwar's turn to be knocked out, unbelieveable. These were the two i thought would be there in the finale. i am gonna stop watching American Idol on the idiot box for the idiot voters have spoken. i have nothing else to say.

| ¶ 4/21/2005 09:29:00 PM

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

CasiNO Singapore::YES & YES

Singapore has decided to have 2 casiNOS! ChannelNewsAsia reported that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that Singapore will have two integrated resorts with casinos. One will be built at Marina Bayfront and the other on Sentosa island and they will be ready and operational around 2009.
Lee claims that when the idea of a casiNO was mooted, he was against it but times have changed. So why the about turn?

Jobs :: the integrated resorts and casiNOs are expected to create some 35,000 jobs
Tourism :: The tourism sector contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which has been reduced by half -- from 6.1% in 1993 to 3% in 2002, is expected to be boosted
Staying Ahead :: Singapore need to stay ahead and have "buzz", so Singapore cannot afford to stand still
Gaming small component :: The gaming component is expected to occupy no more than 3% or 5% of the total area of the integrated resort developments, which will also have a wide range of world-class leisure and entertainment choices.

Read the rest of the article here

| ¶ 4/19/2005 12:32:00 AM

Monday, April 18, 2005

A Cheap One will Do

Investors have been demanding for a second bridge link to Penang {formerly known as the Pearl of the Orient} for many years. The Penang bridge has been considered unable to meet the traffic demands of the day. The scaling down of the ferry service has compounded the problem. Some felt that the ferry service is what it is today because of an earlier desire to divert traffic volume onto the bridge. The present reality is that the bridge is now unable to handle the demand. Some 110,000 vehicles use the Penang Bridge daily. It is estimated that bridge concessionaire Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) collects RM128 million in toll annually.
So in 1998, the federal government first mooted the idea that a second bridge connecting Bagan Jermal on the northeast of the island and Bagan Ajam on the mainland would be built. That was 7 years ago. Next it was suggested that the second bridge be built be at the southern coast between Batu Maung and Batu Kawan. This already has been shown on the newer maps of Penang. When the 11th general election came, the decision to build the second bridge came alive again and the promise was made again to build the second bridge, a link which was said to be vital for the Penang’s development. The Big MINIster of Penang virtually promised the federal government would surely deliver the link to boost the state economic growth. But a year after the 11th election, a decision appears to have been made. There will be no second bridge for Penang, vital though it be for its economic wellbeing. Our Works MINIster, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, has announced that the government will not build a second Penang bridge for now but will implement the proposal to extend the existing Penang Bridge from four lanes to six. At the same time, Datuk Seri Samy was quoted as saying that the ministry agreed that the second bridge was vital to Penang's development! The federal gomen feels that the RM2.6 billions needed make it too expensive. Can Samy tell us how much would be needed to convert the present bridge from 4 to 6 lanes. Will it be RM2.5 billions?
Here goes another BN election promise gone down the drain. But wait what's this. Samy only said that the gomen will not build a second Penang bridge for now, so there is hope that it will be built in the future but when? The Penang Big MINIster is trying to keep hopes alive. Is it in desperation that he is saying that Penang would prefer to have a safe, practical, functional and economical bridge rather than a fancy and costly bridge? This BERNAMA item even quoted Tan Sri Koh as saying :: "I told him {Samy ie} that we don't need a complicated and expensive design. What we need the most is a safe, practical, functional and economical bridge. We don't want the longest bridge or the most beautiful bridge. It would be too costly." According to Koh, the state government was also pleased with the progress of the proposed second bridge which was already at the stage of studying and preparing a design for the bridge. He is certainly keeping his hopes alive! He is obviously prepared for the long haul as he said ::

"We understand that construction of the bridge will take a long time...preparing a design will take at least one and a half year, costing and valuation will take another one year, the tender process and building of the bridge itself will take another four to five years."

But the Penang BN gomen hasn't given up. In the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting, Monday, Samy has been invited to live in Seberang Perai and commutes daily to the Komatar building {wherever it is?} on the island to get a feel of the pain commuters have to undergo daily when using the Penang Bridge. The offer was made by the BN MP for Penanti. Opposition Leader {Penang SLA}, Phee Boon Poh chipped in and said that he was even willing to pay the rent of the house for the minister in Butterworth. Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan (BN- Pulau Tikus) reminded the Penang SLA that Samy Vellu had only said that the second bridge will not be built for now, but priority would be given to widening the existing bridge. P. Subbaiyah (BN/MIC-Bagan Dalam) objected to the invitation to Samy, stating that his opinion was not because he wanted to support his party's president. Subbaiyah said that the second bridge decision as announced by Samy was not made in his personal capacity but by the federal gomen. He said that it was unreasonable that each time a problem cropped up, ministers were asked to transfer to that particular area. {Obviously he has not forgotten Samy's broken promise to stay in Lunas.} Well said, this will probably earn him some brownie points with his boss.
Given the above mentioned time frame that the Big MINIster has pictured for the second bridge to be built, the 12th election would be upon us even before the planning and costing and evaluation stages have been finished. Will he then be promising again that a second bridge will be built. Probably by the time, the second bridge do get eventually built, many of us won't be driving or maybe won't have the need to drive anymore as we maybe flying somewhere in the blue yonder. The other thing is that soon after the second bridge is finally completed, there may be no need for it, as most of the investors would have gone elsewhere to China, Thailand and maybe even Indonesia!

| ¶ 4/18/2005 09:46:00 PM

Sunday, April 17, 2005

The Reason for Change of Heart?

The WashingtonPost has this to report under its heading :: Think Tank's Ideas Shifted As Malaysia Ties Grew.
Excerpts from the report regarding the think tank, Heritage Foundation and its switch to being pro-Malaysia ::

For years, the Heritage Foundation sharply criticized the autocratic rule of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, denouncing his anti-Semitism, his jailing of political opponents and his "anti-free market currency controls."

Then, late in the summer of 2001, the conservative nonprofit Washington think tank began to change its assessment: Heritage financed an Aug. 30-Sept. 4, 2001, trip to Malaysia for three House members and their spouses. Heritage put on briefings for the congressional delegation titled "Malaysia: Standing Up for Democracy" and "U.S. and Malaysia: Ways to Cooperate in Order to Influence Peace and Stability in Southeast Asia."

Heritage's new, pro-Malaysian outlook emerged when a Hong Kong consulting firm, Belle Haven Consultants, co-founded by Heritage's president, Edwin J. Feulner, began representing Malaysian business interests. The for-profit firm has Mrs Feulner, Linda , as a "senior adviser." Linda Feulner also works as a consultant for Alexander Strategy Group, the latter was in turn hired by Heritage to help represent its Malaysian clients. Now Heritage's tax status as a nonprofit group is in question as it has been collecting fees from Malaysian business interests -- well in excess of $1 million over a period of two years.

Prior to 2001, apart from the above mentioned, Heritage had the following to say of Malaysia ::

In a 1998 paper, "Standing Up For Democracy and Economic Reform in Malaysia," Heritage researcher John T. Dori wrote that the Clinton administration "should be prepared to speak out strongly against Mahathir's actions."
In February 1999, Feulner praised Gore for criticizing Mahathir, saying the vice president "made an impressive defense of freedom in Malaysia."

After Belle Haven Consultants were hired by Malaysian business interests, Heritage's views changed ::

In 2002, Heritage hosted speeches by high-ranking Malaysian public officials. An Oct. 4, 2002, talk by then-Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was called "Strengthening the U.S.-Malaysia Friendship." On May 3, 2002, Defense Minister Najib Razak spoke on "U.S.-Malaysia Defense Cooperation: A Solid Success Story."
In May 2002, when Mahathir visited the United States, Edwin Feulner hosted a dinner honoring the prime minister at Washington's Metropolitan Club. According to news accounts, it was attended by prominent foreign-policy opinion leaders, including Lawrence S. Eagleburger, former secretary of state; Charlene Barshefsky, the former U.S. trade representative; former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Jeane J. Kirkpatrick; and retired Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, former national security adviser.

The WashingtonPost article also has this to say ::

The overlapping work of Heritage and top lobbying firms in support of the Malaysian government and Malaysian business interests is a case study in the largely unseen creation of a favorable climate for a controversial country through careful targeting of Washington elites.

For more on Heritage, Belle Haven Consultants, Alexander Strategy Group and unspecified Malaysian business interests check out the WashingtonPost article. Lui Si Kui. Money certainly can help overide policy and change views held.

| ¶ 4/17/2005 06:58:00 PM

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Casino Singapore, Yes or No?

On Monday, 18th, Singapore will decide whether to have a casino on the island state or not. After many months of debate, the answer will be out soon. On the eve of that decision, MM Lee has this to say ::

He made a mistake of under-estimating the power of pop culture and of not building a Formula One course.
He believed there would be trouble with casinos, but there will be more trouble if Singapore did not.
I said I did not want Singaporeans to believe that you have a casino to solve your problems. You get rich by working hard, getting a good idea, go into business and having something others will buy.
I said to the young chaps, 'this is your call. My generation and I said no (to casinos). In this world, can you say no? It's up to you. If you don't like it, you may regret it. If you ... take a risk, you also may have problems. But life is not without problems anyway.

These 'gems' attributed to MM Lee can be found here and here.
The decision has been made on the casino, revealed Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. But Singaporeans and those bidding for the casino will just have to wait till Monday. But already many Singaporeans believe that economic arguments will win at the end of the day.
Singapore DPM Tan is already saying that "Social costs of casino must be tackled". The Ministry of Home Affairs has released a 13-page paper, Taming the Casino Dragon, written by Singapore's biggest-ever fraudster, Chia Teck Leng. This paper warns Singaporeans of the dangers of gambling and is against Singapore having a casino. Chia swindled four banks here of S$112 million to finance his gambling! He is now behind bars for 42 years.
The opposition seems to have accepted what will happen and intended to have a protest march, this has been turned down by the polis. Singapore's Institute of Mental Health has expanded its services to deal with the growing number of those with addiction problems such as drugs and gambling. Its Addiction Medicine Department has increased its staff managing the services from 40 to 60. Counsellors at Family Service Centres under the Community Addictions Management Programme, will be trained soon on how to identify the symptoms associated with gambling addiction. Singaporeans certainly do take their gamblers and gambling seriously.

Other links related to the coming decision ::

| ¶ 4/16/2005 07:20:00 PM

"Don't Worry, Be Happy" Lady Dies

Madam Lim Khoo Chai, Malaysia's oldest lady has died. She passed away on 15th April at the grand old age of 113 years. She was born on July 5, 1891, when the grand old dame of Taiping died she left behind three children, 25 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Madam lived in Pokok Assam, Taiping.
In July 2003, she was endorsed as the nation’s oldest woman by the Malaysia Book of Records after her story was highlighted in The Star.
According to Madam Lim, her secret to longevity and staying healthy :: “Don’t worry. Be happy.”

| ¶ 4/16/2005 10:18:00 AM

Last Bukit Kepong Hero dies

Here is an acccount of the fight at Bukit Kepong, found in the NST today ::

BUKIT Kepong occupies a special place in the annals of Malaysian history.

It was here 55 years ago that 19 policemen and their families waged a grim battle against some 180 communist terrorists.

Outnumbered and outgunned, only four of the group manning the Bukit Kepong police station survived.

Located not far from Sungai Muar in Johor, Bukit Kepong then was just a small enclave of not more than 20 shops and a population of about 1,000.

It was an isolated part of the State then, accessible by road from Kampung Lenga, some 50km from Muar.

Only three policemen were on duty on Feb 23, 1950, when heavily armed terrorists, in a well-planned attack, laid siege to the police station about 5am.

The communists' call to surrender was defiantly replied with multiple volleys of fire. The gun battle raged for the next five hours.

A small but formidable force, those within the police station and barracks, put up a strong fight, even as they fell, one by one, to the hail of enemy gunfire.

Grieving wives took the place of their fallen husbands and picked up their weapons to return fire.

The group's courageous act in putting up a strong resistance ultimately prevented the communists from reaching the arms and ammunition in the station.

For another more riveting account of the fight at Bukit Kepong, check out this link

The NST reported that the last surviving member of a group which put up a heroic stand against communists at Bukit Kepong 55 years ago died this morning.
But Sergeant Yusoff Rono, 83, went to his grave a bitter man. He felt that the country had forgotten him and regretted that the Government did not give him and his comrades the recognition they deserved for one of the most storied battles in history.
According to his son, Yusoff went with his main regret being that the Gomen, especially the Johor State Gomen, did not value his contribution.
But now that he has passed away, the possibility of conferring Yusoff a posthumous 'Pingat Gagah Berani' was being discussed. The Malacca Big MINIster says that the State Government would publish a book accounting Yusoff's struggles during the Emergency. Hopefully it would also chronicled his struggles after the Malayan Emergency had ended. The Big MINIster promised to direct Institut Kajian Sejarah dan Patriotisme [Iksep], aka the Malaysian Institute of Historical and Patriotism Studies, to publish the book. If sales of the book are encouraging, the State Government would consider giving royalties to Yusoff's family. As they say even late recognition and help is better than never, but for Yusoff it is just too late.
This may not be helpful too but it was very recently that the the gomen decided to award medals to members of ANZAC forces who fought in Malaya during the Emergency.

| ¶ 4/16/2005 12:00:00 AM

Friday, April 15, 2005

Are We Serious?

When our present PM started off his premiership, i had looked upon him as a serious leader starting out on a heavy job looking after a country which has been messed up and have corruption rearing its ugly head here and there. He appeared ready and serious with a programme to wipe out corruption and power abuse, cleanup the civil service and make it civil and gleaming, enhance the performance of our polis force and make it shine again and everything Cemerlang, Gemilang and Terbilang. But up till now, all that seems to have Terhilang.
After the 11th general election, one would have expected him to have formed a cabinet with members who were sparkling clean and without even a whiff of corruption hanging around them. But then he came out with the super big cabinet and among them were those whom some have labelled as having a taint. At that time many said that the new PM had to bide his time and wait for the UMNO elections to be out of the way before he could deal with tainted ones. The UMNO elections came and went and nothing new happened. The 18 golden arowanas in the meanwhile are swimming freely and the gomen appeared to have forgotten about them. The MINIster who first made mentioned of them has been given a new portfolio. And they seem to be swimming away inti oblivion until 1st April came. The Malaysiakini prank that day once again brought the 18 into the limelight and awoken the gomen folks and joe public to the lack of action against corruption in general and the 18 in particular. Those who had read the prank were in support or at the least appreciated it for what it was meant to be, but some MINIsters of the gomen and AG took a different view. Are we serious? Do we have serious people looking after serious affairs of the nation?

Are we serious :: when we have an AG who shoots the gun before reading the "prank" in full. And he wants us to take him seriously when he says that the "prank" constitute a chargeable crime and he and his men will be invetigaating it. Shouldn't he be spending his valuable time chasing after those real crooks amongst us? That would be time better spent.

Are we serious :: when we have the MINIster in charge of Parliament, taking the "prank" so seriously and saying that Malaysiakini must be prosecuted because it tells lies. And then passes on the buck to the MINIster of Water (among other things). When asked to specify the action to be taken, he said “I do not know (what form of action). That you have to ask (Minister of Water and other stuff) Dr Lim Keng Yaik.”

Are we serious :: when the MINIster of Water (among other stuff) then says that the "prank" is being investigated by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and there is no hurry to charge the "prankster". The MINIster of Water (among other things) says that the "prank" was a bad joke with malicious intent and the MCMC is studying possible actions against Malaysiakini for publishing fabricated news. This matter was reported by BERNAMA under the heading :: Malaysiakini In Hot Soup Over April Fool Joke. Are we serious when a fortnight after the event, the gomen is still uncertain under which law the "prankster" could be charged?

Are we serious :: when we have a MINIster in charge of Water (among other things) promising in Parliament that a select committee would be formed to look into the supply of water to the households of the nation. Something of which he is in charged of and then he says that the cabinet has vetoed it. Next we hear his BN colleague and MINIster, the one in charge of Parliament saying that the slect committee had to be done away because the King wants things regarding the national water supply to be speeded up and settled by the end of the year. Are these MINIsters for real the YAB MINIster Mohd Nazri Aziz may need a crash course on the constitution and the workings of the various institutions within our system of government. He need go no further than to contatct the Malaysiakini letter writer, G. Lourdesamy. These two MINIsters concerned do make up a dynamic duo, one covering for the other. The latest on this matter is that the proposal for the select committee would be submitted to the cabinet again. So will one see the light of day? Are we serious?

Are we serious :: when we went to all the trouble to set up a Royal Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police, not to say the amount of time and ringgit spend. We are now not even sure of getting to see the entire report which will will be presented soon. Are we serious about spending the taxpayers' money fruitfully?

Are we serious :: when after the the pronouncements and announcements that the gomen is all out to protect the environments, we get to see the rape of Bukit Cahaya and Bukit Beruang by the state gomen who have gazetted them to protect and look after.

Are we serious :: when we have still as Big MINIster, some one who soon after he was appointed Big MINIster had allegations of corruption made regarding him. That was in 2000 and today he is still a BIg MINIster and has had more similar allegations made against him.

Are we serious :: when we have Parliamentarians who instead of worrying about affairs of the state, spend valuable parliamentary time passing comments such as "How can your husband stand you for so long", knowing fully well that the fellow MP he directed the comment at is single. And then we have also Parliamentarians who spend valuable time discussing the MAS pramugari uniforms. Have we seriously voted in a set of serious Parliamentarian, who would seriously deal with the serious state of affairs faced by our nation. Have we been serious voters in the last election?

Are we serious :: when the PM appears to have little to say regarding the doings of his AG, Big MIINIsters, those two who constitute the said dynamic duo and BN MPs.

Are we serious :: when i am spending my valuable time blogging this and you, your valuable time reading the same.

Are we truly, really serious?

| ¶ 4/15/2005 12:24:00 PM

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Marina On Our Education System

On and off, i would read Marina's Musings and her latest caught my eye recently. She has such insightful things to say, starting with " kids say the darnest things". She then went on to say that she had sent her daughter to school in another country. The reasons for doing so were that she had begun to worry about the type of education she was getting, and the type of socialisation she was exposed to. Further more she felt that the daughter was not being "mentally stretched" and her creative instincts were not given free reins and that she was turning into a mall-rat. Don't we all share Marina'a thoughts and misgivings about such stuff happening to our offsprings under the national-school-1st-choice education system.
Marina's daughter is fortunate to have had the opportunity to study in a foreign environment far more open than she would have had at home.And for that privilege of being able to receive a more open and holistic education in a foreign country, there is a price to be paid. But most likely having Marina as mum, costs of a foreign education probably did not pose any problems.
Marina also pointed out that her daughter was sad and felt unfair that her friends did not have the same opportunity for whatever reason, and because of that, they may be losing out on something. What an understanding young lady and one so mindful of others.
i certainly hope that the PM, the lower and the higher education MINIsters and their deputies get to read about what Marina and many others think of their education system.
Like Marina, there are many other mothers and parents who want the best for their children's education, a more open system where competition is free and on a level playground, a system that does not promote inequality and recognise meritocracy and does not stifle "creative instincts" and thoughts, among many other things. Many like Marina would llike to see their children being educating in a foreign land and receive a better rounded education but are unable to meet the costs of this privilege. Even the thought of local international schools must perish soonest after it pops up in one's mind. But thanks God for small mercies, there is an alternative to the 1st-choice-national-school. For one who could not meet the costs, i gave thanks when my child, recently graduated, thanked us for placing him in such a school many many years ago.

| ¶ 4/13/2005 11:58:00 AM

Monday, April 11, 2005

10% Salary Hike

The last salary hike for our MPs and others was in 2002. 3 years later, they are ready to raise their salaries by 10% and backdating the hike to 1st Jan 2004 means that in just after 2 years they are getting a salary rise.

Parliamentarians	Present Salary	New Salary
Prime MINIster	RM20,751.50	RM22,826.65
Deputy PM	RM16,516.50	RM18,168.15
Opposition Leader	RM3,496.90	RM3,846.59
MINIsters	RM13,552	RM14,907.20
Deputy MINIsters	RM9,861.50	RM10,0847.65
Parliamentary Sec	RM6,534	RM7,187.40
Speaker	RM12,927.20	RM14,219.92
Deputy Speaker	RM8,800	RM9,680
MPs	RM5,916.90	RM6,508.59
Senators	RM3,738.90	RM4,112.79

The salary hike is going to cost some RM3,120,428.52 extra per year compared to the last increase which cost RM2.3 million per year. The Members of Parliament (Remuneration) (Amendment) Bill 2005 was tabled for its first reading today by the MINIster in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
i am waiting to see who will speak up against the salary hike when the amendment comes up for debate or will it be passed unanimously. Will any of our parliamentarian not accept the salary hike? Should our parliamentarian award themselves a backdated salary hike. i am going to ask my boss for a 10% raise tomorrow as my salary has been stagnant since the Asian economic crisis in 1997! Soon the variouys state assemblies will also be tabling similar salary hike amendments.
In Malaysia, the salaries for the prime minister and cabinet ministers exclude about 20 or more different kinds of allowances and perks for things like housing, travel and children's education. MPs also have perks like travelling allowances, postal allowances etc. Can anyone fill me in with all these perks?

| ¶ 4/11/2005 10:05:00 PM

Barber Polis

The polis are allowed to give those detainees at police station lock-ups a crew cut for purposes of discipline and hygiene, said Federal CID director Comm Datuk Fauzi Shaari. This was reported by the STAR. Datuk Shaari said that this barbering rights of the polis are provided for under lockup rules. He stressed that the “crew cut ruling” applied to all detainees, including those detained by other government agencies and kept under police custody.
Recently there were two incidents regarding polis lockup detainees given these, presumably free hair cuts ::

On March 31, 15 students who were hauled to the Gombak district police headquarters after being allegedly involved in a fight with another group of youths were given crew cuts.
On March 22, a 45-year-old ex-civil servant, who was arrested by enforcement officers of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry for having pirated VCDs, was given a crew cut at the Kajang district police headquarters.

It would be nice if the CID director could please quote the relevant part of the lockup rules which allow for barber polis. It would also be nice if the director could say why the polis has so much free time as to be able to provide for these "crew cuts".

Anyway these free hair cuts have not gone down well with the parents of the students mentioned above. According to Malaysiakini, a citizens’ group, Malaysians against Death Penalty and Torture, has also come out against this and said this “exhibits the police department’s inveterate inability to understand that detained persons are not convicts and are innocent until proven guilty”.
The group questioning the rationale of giving crew cuts for purposes of hygiene, the group said this was an admission that polis lock-ups are “unhygienic places”. It also feels that it is not the role of the polis to give lessons on discipline to the Malaysian public, by subjecting detainees to crew cuts.

Anyway for the info of those on the look out for free "crew cuts", you know where you can get them.

| ¶ 4/11/2005 04:43:00 PM

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Those Embarassing Missing Pills

For those taking OCPs, even missing a pill or two can be embarassingly disastrous and recently the polis did not just missed one or two but an embarassingly 60,000 pills [61,750 to be exact]. These NIMETAZEPAM pills have been in the safe keeping of the polis and have been with them since Nov 2002 when one Tua Bit was caught with them. Since 2003, the 3 boxes containing these pills had been stored in a vault at the state Narcotics Department, so reported the NST on 8th April in its front page.
On 7th April, Tua Bit's psychotrophic drug trafficking came up for trial at the Shah Alam High Court. When it was time to produce the evidence, the 2 polis personnel came in with 'a huff and a puff' carrying the 3 boxes containing all those pretty heavy 61,750 pills. But what did the 3 boxes contained on being opened by chemist Zurina Ramli, lo and behold, the boxes were empty, save for aluminium foils and some powdery residue. Right under the polis nose all 61,750 pills had vanished. David Copperfield or street magician, David Blaine could not have done better.
For more info on Nimetazepam aka Fai Chai (Happy 5), Kai Sing Guo (Fruit of Happiness), or Erimin-5; check out this article in sixthseal.com, it appears that Huai Bin of sixthseal.com fame, has some personal experience to report. According to him each tablet of Erimin-5 cost RM15. Imagine the street price of those 61,750 pills, nearly a cool RM1,000,000!
The polis is said to be puzzled with the disappearance of the evidence. The NST reported that Deputy Internal Security Minister, Datuk Noh Omar, is livid over the incident and wants answers fast. Our IGP Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Omar is obviously embarassed [how not to] and wants his men to get to the bottom of things. A polis report has been lodged by the officer in charge of the store where the pills went missing and an investigation is under way. First impression anyone gets from the series of events is that there has been an inside job. Now is the polis going to be able to get to the bottom of things. Imagine the logistics and the personnel involved. Imagine interviewing and taking down statements from all the polis assigned to guard the particular vault and all those who had access to it over a period of some two years and more. Some of those involved may have already resigned or retired or transferred. It looks like it is going to take a long, long, long time before the culprit(s) is/are brought to book.
BERNAMA reports that the Deputy IGP, [famous because of the AI case] Datuk Seri Musa Hassan says that the polis needs a month to probe into the disappearance of those pills. i certainly would like to wish him the best of luck and hope to hear that the culprit(s) has/have been apprehended come early May. This BERNAMA report said that the pills were kept in the Kajang police headquarters ::

The exhibits -- 60,000 psychotropic pills -- were found missing during the trial in the High Court. The pills, in three boxes, had been kept at the Kajang police headquarters before they were taken to the court for the trial

while the earlier NST report stated that they were in the state Narcotics Department! Now before the investigations into these missing pills go any further, can someone state officially where were they really kept? Once again, me think that the "magician" who made the pills vanish into thin air is not one who is going to be caught easily by a force that has been caught with its pants down

| ¶ 4/09/2005 09:43:00 PM

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Children's Education The Personal Choice Of Parents

BERNAMA reported ::
Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang asked why the gomen did not compel children of its employees, including ministers and peoples' representatives to attend national schools when the gomen's aim is to make national school the 1st choice of parents with school-going aged children.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin replied that it was the parents right to choose the type of schools for their children and that the ministry did not have a say in the matter. This despite the gomen's aim. It does look like the MINIstry of Education does not completely share the gomen's aim. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin further said that each parent would decide on what they thought was best for their children based on their perception and it did not necessarily have to be national schools. BERNAMA quoted him as saying ::

"In this matter, I am firm in the view that it is their right. My job as education minister is to convince all parties including the opposition who might not be sending their children to national schools to believe that these schools are able to provide the best education."

Opposition Leader Lim further asked :: "Is it because they themselves don't have confidence in national schools?" Hishammuddin said that there were many factors, which influenced parents' choice of schools, among them their own backgrounds. He continued by saying, "The peoples' representatives and ministers are also parents, and I believe they also want what they think is best for their children." He should also realised that joe public similarly wants what he/she thinks is best for his/her children as far as education is concerned. And for the present the fact that 90% of chinese children are in National Type Chinese schools is because their parents believe that these schools are best for their children. Being aware of this, [even though, the MINIstry need not necessarily have to agree with their reasons for doing so] and if the MINIstry truly subscribed to the belief that parents know best and want the best for their children, then the MINIstry must repond positively to the demands for more SRJK(C) to be built as there are presently insufficient to cater for the demand. At the same time the MINIstry can do its utmost best by taking all necessary measures to make national schools the people's choice. And when the MINIstry succeds in doing so, parents will surely swarm to register their children in such national schools.

The MINIstry can do so by ensuring that some of those in charge do not make every attempt to try and islamise national schools, this is perceived, rightly or wrongly, by many parents presently. The teaching of the pupils' own language should be encouraged and steps take to ensure that such POL classes are properly managed and conducted during normal school hours. They should not be handled as they are presently, with half-hearted efforts and classes not in existence in many schools. Steps taken to discourage pupils from bringing non-halal food and prescribing certain dress codes are some of those quoted by some parents as reasons for not choosing national schools. Little acts like proper, meritocracy based streaming of pupils will go a long way to encourage parents along. The MINIstry should take the lead and make sure that those further down in the chain of command should share its view of enhancing and improving national schools to such a state that they automatically become the 1st choice of parents for their children. Till such times, the MINIstry should build more SRJK(C) for those who want their children to be in them. Schools are just buildings, SRJK(C) can be converted to national schools when the demand for the latter grows.

| ¶ 4/07/2005 02:57:00 PM

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Ban Inul Says PAS

PAS is protesting against the concert by Inul Daratista of Indonesia. According to an AFP report, PAS calling her a pornogrraphic singer, say that she performs dangerous and sexually suggestive dances. Looks like it is all in the minds of PAS ulamas. Now what does PAS think of the gyrations of belly dancers?
The Guardian in a 2003 report called her dancing :: Dirty Dancing and called the furore caused by her "moves" akin to the one caused by the "pelvic gyrations" of one, "Elvis the Pelvis" in America of the 50s. This is the manner the Guardian article described her dance ::

Basically, it involves rotating the hips in increasingly energetic circles while steadily bringing in the rest of the limbs until one's body has become a flurry of moving appendages. With her flowing black locks and usually clad in a brightly-coloured sequined outfit, Inul has created, or rather become, a new art form.

PAS ulamas are not the only ones against her dancing, those in Indonesia had (or still do) labelled her moves as "pornography in motion". Other conservative groups and hardliners jumped on the bandwagon to condem this pornographic dancer, but the condemnations merely served to advertise her dancing, elevated her status and performing fees and brought her more fame. Remember the Malaysiakini raid and its free advertisement and after effects. It looks like the fussy row being kicked up by PAS will serve similar purposes.
In Indonesia, one of the first to jump to Ms Inul's defence was none other than the former Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Wahid. As ex-president Wahid is legally blind, he had no visual frame of reference regarding Inul's moves. His point was simply that Inul has a right to do what she does under the principle of free expression. Does our Culture, Arts and Heritage MINIster share similar views. Come 1st of May and we will know. Will we get to see Ms Inul's dangerous and sexually suggestive moves. In the meanwhile check out Ms Inul's Fan Club website.

| ¶ 4/05/2005 04:19:00 PM

Monday, April 04, 2005

Malaysiakini Incredible Says DIM

BERNAMA has this report on comments made by our DIM [Deputy Information Minister] Datuk Zainuddin Maidin in relations to the recent Malaysiakini spoof. He said the licensed media aka mainstream media would not do such things because they upheld the ethical values of journalism! He also said that It is clear that Malaysiakini has made a prejudgment and assumption on the ministers, based on political prejudice. Does the DIM knows of any MINIster associated with corruption? Hasn't Malaysiakini made it clear to the DIM that the whole thing was an April Fool?

Is the Deputy Minister saying that media carrying April Fool's Day jokes are not credible, then he should check out the Independent, the Guardian and the Daily Mail. The Norwegian media also had their fun on April 1st and the BBC has this help page on how to execute the perfect April Fool's Day trick. Lets also point the Deputy Minister to this spot for the Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All Time at the Museum of Hoaxes, he will probably find plenty of incredible media there. See there are many out there who enjoy a joke every now and then, but it is pretty obvious our DIM does not. Maybe he is in need of more help.

The full Bernama report can be read here.

| ¶ 4/04/2005 12:07:00 AM

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Of April Ist Wishes

Siti had her April 1st wish come true. Her dream of a successful London concert came and the MMail reported her as Sizzling, meanwhile the STAR said that she had the 2,500 near-capacity crowd eating out of her hands.
UKMusic.com chatter hailed her as better than Celine and Mariah and called her "Asia's best - kept secret". BBC radio reportedly referred to Siti as "Celine Dion of Malaysia", a label many would agree with.

On April 1st, Malaysiakini, our local online news provider also had a wish-of-sorts. Probably one shared by many Malaysians too, but one quite unlikely to come true, unlike Siti's. In an April Fool spoof, Malaysikini reported that Pak Lah has given our AG the go ahead to prosecute four big fishes, including a big minister (MB aka Menteri Besar) and 3 menteris. If any Malaysiakini reader had thoughts of our PM and AG having somehow, finally managing to summon up their gumption to do the right stuff and walk the talk; those thoughts must have lasted for only some fleeting 3-5 minutes, for the next post which followed explained that it was all wishful thinking and the whole thingy a Ralf Opilo's joke.

Of course there were some who did not quite see things the way others did. The AG appeared greatly disturbed and said that the the caper was akin to falsely reporting that someone had died when he was still alive. "Bui See, Kong See Leow", mana boleh lah. The AG probably had the not-quite-dead-Soosai on his mind. A case, the NST says is one of PDRM’s most intriguing probes. Of course there were others who resorted to name calling, saying that Malaysiakini was irresponsible and just a marginal entity, whatever that Oxford guy meant? On the other hand, some like yours truly, enjoyed the cynical humour of Ralf Opilo’s joke and expressed hope that the PM would be encouraged to keep his promise of ensuring a clean administration, free of corruption and power abuse. But can he or does he truly want to clean up his Augean stable of corruption and power abuse, more likely he is probably awaiting Augeas's help rather then any help from the guy from Oxford. He only has to look at Selangor and Melaka and despair and disgust will set in at the antics of the two handpicked MBs of his. Or is he like the Three Monkeys of Japanese tradition :: Mizaru (blind), Kikazaru (deaf) and Iwazaru (dumb) where corruption and power abuse are concerned?

Some are even now thinking that Pak Lah is "the captain who has missed the boat", but this is not necessarily so. He just has to get his act together and maybe with lots of help from that guy from Oxford, he would still be able to walk the talk and ensure that the promises he made in early 2004 are kept, he must also remember that there are restive-joe-public aplenty who are always ready to work with him. Or has he forgotten who was the guy who said :: "Work with me and not for me" and "Tell me the Truth"? Now some would say i am a dreamer but don't dreams come true oftentimes, sometimes, once in a long long while?

| ¶ 4/03/2005 10:55:00 AM

The Pope Dies

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope John Paul II. The Pope is dead after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and more recently, infections and a failing heart.
Pope John Paul II became one of the 20th Century's most influential persons. He spent his 27-year papacy travelling the world as the leader of 1.1 billion Catholics.

Check out the following links ::

Pope's Inspired Journey Ends::CNN Special Coverage
Pope John Paul II Dies
When a Pope dies::The Next Steps

| ¶ 4/03/2005 08:36:00 AM

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