LONE

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Are We All Really Equally Merdeka?

In less than a couple of hours we will approach once again the midnight hour when 48 years ago, the Tunku, proclaimed Merdeka.

A year ago to be exact, our then almost brand new PM told us this ::

"All of us are the same, we are all Malaysians. There is no individual in this country recognised as "more Malaysian" than others."

And i believed him and there was hope in my heart. There were many others similarly who wanted to believe this man who said stuffs like :: "Tell me the Truth" and "Work with me and not for me".
But as events unfolded especially what happened during the recent UMNO general assembly when there were moronic, i mean ironic requests for a more level playing field. Mind you, these were made by those who were enjoying "leg ups" and being provided with "ladders" and "crutches", they were unbashedly asking for "sky-lifts", "wheelchairs" and "trolleys".
And then there was this leader who appeared to be behaving in a 'bravado' manner brandishing his keris while making his speech at the lectern. He later wanted others to explain to the other etnnic grassroots for him that "no harm was meant" and that the brandishing of the keris was never meant to put fear into anyone.
It appears that after 48 years of Merdeka and 35 years of affirmative policies for the majority, there still are Malaysians who want to be different and be treated different, thus making it impossible for the PM's "All of us to be same same or really equal". Even today there are calls for the revival of the NEP and the Malay Agenda.
So are we very really equally Merdeka as in really truly Independent [as in being not dependent and free] or what? After 48 years of Merdeka, do we really have cause to be happy? Should we be wishing one another "Joyous Merdeka" this very night? Good nite, Good morning, Good day and GOD Bless Malaysia.

| ¶ 8/31/2005 01:53:00 AM

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Opposition Leader Blogs

Our Parliamentary Opposition leader and DAP Chairman of Central Policy and Strategic Planning Commission has a blog and has join the blogosphere. Welcome, Welcome. The blogosphere can only get more interesting with Lim Kit Siang around. Having a blog will allow interactions and comments regarding what our grand old man of the Alternative voice has to say.

Will having Kit Siang as a blogger now lead others to join in? Imagine blogosphere with people like Hadi, Husam, Anwar, Fong Po Kuan [that DAP's "Pocket Dynamite"] and more. Maybe that Big Minister of the self-proclaimed developed state in Malaysia might want to join in too. This will make his developed state one up on the others in Malaysia Boleh.

Click here to check out his blog. It was started on 25th August and has already 6 posts on it. Long may he blog and liven things up.

| ¶ 8/30/2005 09:28:00 PM

The Tun Returns Cars to Proton

This is certainly new to me, the Tun now says that he was given not one or two but 7 Protons (inclusive of one VW Touareg and a Phaeton) to test-drive and as he has presumably finished test-driving them, he is returning them to Proton, their owner. Are we to assume that all 7 are not up to mark? More likely it is because he is pissed with Proton over the recent non-renewal of contract or some say sacking of his Tengku Maha-leel. It could also be because the gomen appears not to be taking further action to protect his pet national car project. i am indeed surpirsed that he has not taken things a step further and resign as Proton adviser.
According to a BERNAMA report, the Tun says :: "Yes. I am still the adviser as far as I know." But how can he be truly an effective adviser if he says that he was not aware of what was happening in Proton as he had no communication with the board. An adviser who is incommunicado with the board? It looks like he won't be adviser much longer.
As for the Proton and AP saga will he have more to tell? His protagonist is still around and has yet to give the apology demanded by many during the recent UMNO general assembly. Or have they kiss and made up? The Tun seems to have got back on track with Nasi of Naza, the latter gave him a birthday bash recently. The "birthday boy" Tun and the auto tycoon and one of the "AP Kings" were said to have "chattered comfortably throughout lunch" and revealed "good body language between them", whatever that meant.

| ¶ 8/30/2005 12:05:00 AM

Friday, August 19, 2005

Anwar says::"I'm Completely Vindicated"

After having lost numerous court battles after he was unceremoniously sacked, Anwar has been winning some as of late. His first major victory was on 2nd September last year, almost a year ago. Then he had his sodomy conviction overturned by the highest court of the land. This was no small victory even though the scoreboard read 2:1, he found himself free and could leave Sungei Buloh after 6 long years. He tasted defeat again when his appeal against the corruption conviction was turned down on 15th September.
Almost a year has gone by and much water has flowed under the bridge. Anwar has had his opportunity to be again with family, friends and supporters. He has had his lecture stints and tours in te UK, USA and other countries. Many wondered whether he would rejoin UMNO, lead Keadilan or what. Many labelled him as a political chameleon. His anwer to all these talks can be summarised by his own words :: "I only hope to be more effective in the future and to make my consistency of purpose clearer to everyone by the actions and endeavours I undertake."
August has been a good month for him. Earlier this month he settled his Black Eye case and had the former IGP tender his apology publicly. There was also an undisclosed amount of damages awarded for the pains suffered by Anwar and his family. He appears to be ready to let bygones be bygones and ready to move ahead. Yesterday, he won another court victory and claims "I'm Completely Vindicated". For his libel suit against Datuk Abdul Khalid @ Khalid Jafri Bakar Shah, the author of the book 50 Dalil Mengapa Anwar Tidak Boleh Jadi PM (50 Reasons Why Anwar Cannot Become PM), Justice Mohd Hishamudin awarded AnwarnRM4.5 million, RM4.0 million for defamation, RM500,000 for "conspiracy to injure", plus all legal costs. When making the award, the judge had this to say ::

"Recent cases on libel actions in this country show that the current judicial trend in Malaysia is no longer to award millions of ringgit in damages for libel.
However, I am in agreement with Tuan Haji Sulaiman Abdullah (Anwars lead counsel) that the facts and circumstances of this case are unique and hence the damages to be awarded must be reflective of the peculiarity of the case."

The judge also noted ::

"The defendants and others who conspired with the defendants achieve their purpose." "The plaintiff's political career was ruined as a result of the publication of the book."
"Faced with such a vicious and venomous public attack on his integrity, launched by the defendants in cahoots with others, the public humiliation and ridicule and the pain and mental distress suffered by the plaintiff and his family must be beyond description."

Anwar was particular happy with these remarks. And he had the following to say ::

"At last there is a judgement which finally takes full cognisance of the conspiracy to destroy my political career which has always been my position from day one," he said. "The judgement clears my name. I have been completely vindicated."

Like before, earlier in the month he seems to make light of the monetary compensation and said that he would discussed with his family how to disburse the money to the needy. This calls again for another round of applause.
In recent weeks Anwar has revealed new political ambitions, and like Mao many years before, it is liken that he has started on his "long march" to be prime minister. His advisers appear even to have a plan ready on how he could become PM even if the 12th election was held before 2008 [Anwar can only hold public office and contest elections after April 2008]. He has been vocal on many current issues which have cropped up lately :: the revival of the NEP as the NNA; the need for Petronas to spread its wealth to the poor; the need for the formulation of a new policy that transcends racial lines for the country and the need to improve the standard of living for all and the success of all races. Will the voters buy Anwar's new outlook?
Anwar may feel that his recent victories in court have vindicated him. But he has to do lots more to convince the court of joe-public. Even those who have been for him when he was in Sungei Buloh before 2nd September may not be convince to vote for him when the 12th election comes. Many felt that he was badly treated during those years and he was short-changed deserve justice but to give him full support in his "long march" to be the first among equals is another story. He certainly needs to be even more convincing than he is prepared to be now.

| ¶ 8/19/2005 04:59:00 PM

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

English is Malaysian

For the past few days one can easily bypass the first few pages of the NST printed versi as they are all about its NSTP school sponsorship programme. A programme many see as an attempt to boost its sale figures. According to the NSTP group editor- in-chief Datuk Kalimullah the noble objective of the said programme is to provide the less fortunate a break in life, a chance to improve their English.
So various corporate figures and individuals have been roped in to help achieve this noble objective of the NSTP. The latest to join in is none other than our Education Minister who now says that we should embrace the English language as our own. See this picture of the Minister with his arms around the students involved with the prgramme. Didn't i read somewhere that embracing is, oh so, embarassingly not islamic. Our keris brandishing Minister also said that :: 'We should not to be shy to say English is a Malaysian Language' He may not be but i am embraced, i mean embarassed, even just thinking of it.
Our Minister does have funny thigs to say. He is quoted by the NST has saying ::

"Our children must understand that they should and can learn English. They have every right to excel in it".
"English was also the language which our founding fathers acquired, took to London, and returned as masters of their own land".
"Forty-eight years on, as a people increasingly confident and mature in their independence, we should not be shy to say English is a Malaysian language".

Imagine the Minister being roped in to endorse a programme meant to boost the sales of a newspaper. Will such a programme realistically improve the English proficiency of the rural and semi-urban students? Has the Education ministry no other means of upgrading the teaching of the English language in our schools? What about better training to produce more proficient English language teachers? Remember those 'Man with the Golden Gun' teachers teaching English in Kelantan. The Education minister certainly has plenty better things to do than involving himself with this NSTP programme.

| ¶ 8/16/2005 04:29:00 PM

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Maiden Call for Rafidah to Step Down

The maiden call for Rafidah to step down has been made. This was apparently made by the BBC chairperson, Shahrir Abdul Samad, his call was in reponse to the International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz's public call for the abolishment of APs. Rafidah had said that her abolishment call was a personal one. But a gag order on her by the cabinet is said to be present and by making her call she has shown disrespect to the PM and cabinet. According to Malaysiakini, Shahrir said ::

“Rafidah Aziz should quit if she finds it hard to respect the cabinet’s decision not to comment on the issue of AP.”
“She should stop making a fool of herself by talking about matters which are no longer under her ministry.”

Besides the ‘gag’ on her, a cabinet committee chaired by the PM has been set up to review the issuance of APs and a draft on the national automotive policy prepared by MITI. The draft by MITI has not been accepted by the PM and the cabinet.
Meanwhile the Opposition leader has come out in support of Rafidah's AP abolishment call. He said there was no doubt that her preference to abolish the AP system had “struck a chord of wide national support”. Lim further called for the setting up of a commission of inquiry to study the operations of the AP system, its merits and demerits, whether it the issueance of APs has been abused, why only a selected few AP kings were given so many APs and whether it had contributed to greater competitiveness for Malaysian automotive industries.
Though a little late in the day, Wanita UMNO has declared its support for Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz as its leader, even as the AP controversy involving her and her MITI continued to make media headlines and a call for her to step down as MINIster has been made. The Wanita UMNO deputy head Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the issue of APs was an "issue for the ministry and had nothing to do with Wanita UMNO". Rafidah had referred to the AP controversy as "only a tiny tiny matter". UMNO Federal Territory chief Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor had also chipped in to state his support for Rafidah's leadership of Wanita UMNO according to the BERNAMA report. Do we also translate these declarations as support for her as the MINIster of International Trade and Industry? If so, it looks like Pak Lah won't find it an easy task if he is thinking of removing this feisty lady from her post. Can the UMNO President as the PM remove the Wanita UMNO chief as a MINIster? Now, where was it that i read of the PM going through some CVs and having met potential candidates to head MITI? Has the PM really started on his titanic cabinet replacement exercise?
What does the PM thinks of Rafidah's personal call of AP abolishment? "That is her personal opinion. I don't take it into account," was his response when asked by reporters today. The PM also said the mass media should "accept" the decision of the Cabinet to take over from MITI the task of formulating the National Automotive Policy which would determine the way APs were awarded in the future. He made no mention of what would happen to the MINIster. If he eventually find her irreplaceable for whatever reason, the trust placed on him by the voters during the 11th election can largely be considered as misplaced.

| ¶ 8/13/2005 11:53:00 PM

Air Polluters::The Malaysian Connections

In 1997 when the last serious haze problem occurred, we accused the Indonesians as polluters and we were told that Malaysian companies were part of the cause. It appears that it is the same this time around. Point the finger at the Indonesians and it comes back around. This may explain what the gomen has been dealing with the Indonesian counterpart like it is walking on eggs. The STAR reported yesterday that there are 24 Malaysian plantations in Indonesia and the Indonesian Forestry Minister Malam Sambat Kaban said 10 Malaysian-owned companies operating in the region were among the culprits. But he did not name names. Our Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin said that he will be given the Malaysian companies concerned "a piece of our mind", we wonder how big are the portions of his mind he will be contributing for dishing out. So he is demanding to know from his Indonesian counterpart the Malaysian companies responsible for opening burning in Sumatra. Meanwhile, Malaysian plantation companies have denied that they are guilty of open burning in Riau and northern Sumatra. Being aware of double-speak, the next question one may pose is what about other areas?
The Malaysian authorities are reading to export our fire-fighters and othe personnel to help put out the fires in Indonesia but are still awaiting official words from the flatfooted Indonesian counterparts. In the meanwhile, the PM said when faced with problems of such a nature, it is time to pray. Don't we always seek God's good company and good will when the chips are down.
While the air pollution may be clearing up in the Klang valley and the "Haze Emergency" has been called off in the 2 affected areas, the people up north in Penang, Perak and Kelantan are getting bigger doses of the pollutants with the change of wind. Prayers are obviously working for those in the central region but in the north, they better be praying for the winds to blow northwards and upwards! Those who rushed north over the past two days are being blamed for bringing the haze with them.
The PM has tasked the Plantation Industries MINIster to deal with the Malaysian companies concerned but according to the MINIster he is unfamiliar with the names given by the Indonesian authorities! Are there phantom Malaysian plantation companies operating over there.
The latest is that Indonesia has finally and officially asked for help to fight the fires. Malaysian officials would leave for Jakarta on Monday to work out how the operations like cloud seedings would be carried out. Cloud seeding has also been finally carried out locally.
Meanwhile check ou the API figures here and if you intend to travel, just check too which direction the winds are blowing.

| ¶ 8/13/2005 03:39:00 PM

Has Rafidah Gone Bonkers

There is this STAR report which quoted Rafidah as saying :: "I want APs abolished although others may not agree". Has AP-stress gone to her head and she is not herself. After having defended her APs and AP-dispensing to those AP Kings, is the self-styled AP Queen going off the tracks.
Apparently, she mentioned this when opening a seminar organised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry here yesterday. She was quick to add that this was her own personal opinion. APs and the NAP are now under the wings of the PM and earlier on she was told not to talk about these topics. Her mention of the abolishment of APs was cheered by the 300 businessmen attending the seminar.
The other intriguing aspect of what she had mentioned is whom did she meant by "others" when she said "although others may not agree". It appears to her, now, that the AP issue is "only a tiny tiny matter" and she just can't understand the fuss over the matter.
In an immediate reaction to this pronouncement of hers, STAR's Wong Sulong reacted by commenting that it was causing consternation to local car manufacturers and assemblers and her cabinet colleagues as well. Wong said that Rafidah's comments are not helpful at this stage as the gomen [read Pak Lah] is alreay having a tough time trying to formuate a new national automotive policy [NAP]. Is Rafidah trying to cause more confusion, he asked. Wong further said :: "It's another faux pas from a once savvy minister". Is Rafidah just trying to give her boss a difficult time?

| ¶ 8/13/2005 10:47:00 AM

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Haze Emergency Declared for Klang & Kuala Selangor

With the worsening haze situation and the clamouring by the public and opposition politicos, (well i did't notice any BN politicos calling for transparency of the haze situation), the gomen finally decided to reveal the API index after keeping us in the dark for 8 long years. The figures which were revealed yesterday were not pretty. Kuala Lumpur, Klang and Kuala Selangor had figures above 300 and 400. As all of us are now aware :: 0-50 good, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, 301-500 dangerous level and above 500 emergency level. Yesterday, our Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Datuk Seri Adenan Satem said "If the API exceeds 500, we will declare it (an emergency)." As earlier mentioned what happens when the API reaches 499? When the minister said what he said yesterday, was he aware what the declaration of an emergency entails. The mere mention of the word "Emergency" would obviously carry different meanings to different members of the public. The emergency to be declared is obviously a "Haze Emergency" and should be clearly stated.
But having the intent to declare a "Haze Emergency" when the need to do so arises, the actions which need to be taken should have been clearly formulated and made known to all who would be affected by the declaration. Just stating that an emergency would be declared when the API exceeds 500 is a no no. There was little mention made of pro-active steps to be taken to avert further worsening of the situation. Cloud seeding was mention but place on the backburner and we were told that no decision has been made regarding it. Despite knowing that the cause of the haze was to be found in the fires of Sumatra, the Indonesian authorities were still being handled with kid gloves. With the haze being almost an annual event in the recent years, many members of the public are fedup with these kid glove treatment and many have suggested to sue Indonesia and some pro-active Star readers have sent in their ideas on how to censure Indonesia and deal with the worsening haze scenario.
The worsening air pollution situation has caught the gomen and the minister concerned with their pants down at their ankles. Having decided a reading of 500 or more would required the emergency declaration, it appears that the minister has forgotten or failed to inform the public as to what will happen in such a scenario and what actions have to be taken and who are those involved. Knowing what had happened in the past few years and still we are caught napping. AFP beat the gomen to the declaration of an emergency, but obviously the gomen despite the delay has been caught napping as what to do after the declaration. As a result following the declaration by the PM office, confusion reign. In his declaration statement, "I now declare a state of emergency for the whole area of Kuala Selangor and Port Klang with immediate effect indefinitely", the PM also appeared confused regarding words like "emergency" and "indefinitely". Should't he have said "Haze Emergency", "Air Pollution Emergency" and certainly not "indefinitely" but possibly "till the API returns to non-hazardous levels or normal levels". Obviously he must be aware of what possible situations the word "Emergency" conjures up in the pubilc mins :: "curfew", "food supply problems" and "closure of business premises". The pubic should have been prepared earlier for the eventual possiblity/probability of such an emergency declaration when the API figures were rushing to the 400 level. Guidelines should have been issued earlier to prepare the public involved. The public should have been earlier warned that the "Haze Emergency" would only involved all work places to be closed excepting for essential services, food shops, medical clincs and supermarkets. Is it possible that our DOE has little clues as to how to deal with the problem apart from providing the recently revealed API readings?
Now that the worst has taken place, it may be late but not too late to deal still with the cause of our problems. The time for kid glove dealings with the Indonesian authorities is over. Knowing the root cause of our present air pollution, the gomen must seek ways and means to pressure them (the Indonesian authorities) to deal with the cause of our present predicaments. Just saying sorry for causing our predicaments just won't do. In the meanwhile, prayers for rain with resultant "showers of blessings" might help.

| ¶ 8/11/2005 07:20:00 PM

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

She Was There and the other troubling AP

The MITI said "I'll Be There" and she was indeed there at the cabinet meeting today. But as earlier speculated, she may have bare all to her cabinet colleagues but for us, we shall be kept in the dark, if not for always, at least for the next many days. Read the official official press release from the PM office here.
Like little children who can little understand matters of the state, the gomen in all its wisdom (incidentally granted by us!) has decided that for our very own good, we just have to be kept away from any unpleasantries. In the meanwhile the cabinet will digest what the MITI has to say in great details about the APs and subsequently regurgitate the refined versi to us when necessary. What a letdown after the Pak Lah was quoted in the press as having said that Rafidah has lots to explain...with lots of details. Also the MITI had herself said Tuesday she will explain the AP controversy at today's cabinet meeting. But with the present vacuum there will be much speculation via SMS and it looks like the PM's caution of the practice of rumour spreading via SMS will be thrown to the winds.
Hopefully we don't have to wait too long to know all that the MITI has revealed to the cabinet today. Anyway there is the other AP to occupy our small minds--the Air Pollution.
These index readings regarding the other AP have also been kept from us for 8 long years. The gomen having considered that like many other "unplatable and unsavoury" stuff, it is better for our own good and health that we know less of. We certainly over the past 8 years didn't have to worry our little brains over how the "jerebu" was affecting our health come each July to September. But finally the API is out and as feared by many, the readings are above hazardous levels in KL and Klang. Things are serious sufficiently for schools in KL, Klang and Kuala Selangor to be closed tomorrow and the following day. This closure will of course affect the PMR trial exam and cause it to be postponed. The bad news coming is that the haze is probably here to stay till October and if so will the PMR proper be postponed too? Meanwhile the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment said that an emergency will not be declared if the API is below 500. What if tomorrow it reaches 499? It would have been more assuring if the minister concerned had told us instead what measures are being taken to keep the API down even if it was just the intention to carry out cloud seedings of prayers for rain, but we are told that no final decision has been taken. It is obvious that the API has been rising fast in the recent few days. Considering how helpless the situation is, maybe for our peace of mind it would have been better if the gomen had continued to keep the API a secret. As usual we have a minister reminding us, little people, not to speculate on the haze but it has already occurred, bets are being placed as to when the API will breach 499.5 in the Klang valley. The MOH is advising the public to reduce outside activities, stay indoors, drink more fluids, seek early medical treatment for cough and asthmatic attacks.
While waiting for the gomen to spring into action, those who believe in the power of prayers, please join me in doing so.

| ¶ 8/10/2005 09:51:00 PM

I'll Be There

Just like Mariah Carey, the Malaysian "Iron Lady" is singing :: "I'll Be There". Meanwhile the PM, just back, says that "Rafidah has lots to explain......with lots of detais. Whatever tune she may decide to sing, let it not be just for the satisfaction of her fellow cabinet ministers but for all the people. She must answer the multitude of questions we have for her regarding the AP saga and Proton saga.

| ¶ 8/10/2005 11:00:00 AM

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Of Rumours, Slanders and Gossips

Who was it who said : : "Rumour mongering is Malaysia’s favourite pastime and if rumour mongering was an event in the Olympics, Malaysia would win gold."
One recent event on the rumour mill making the rounds all over was regarding our PM's wife. Malaysia's most influential blogger came out with a post about these sickening SMS making the rounds. Many were those who commented and wish the PM's wife well and a speedy recovery. Malaysians should stop such uncalled for activities. They should instead go to the proper source for such info. But where can they get the proper correct info? May be it is the dearth of such info that results in these rumour mongers getting their rumours believed and transmitted on. The DPM and the PMO had to come out with statements to say that the PM's wife is fine. Lets continue to pray for her good health and response to her treatment.
Events like the recent fuel price hike also did not help. Remember the SMS regarding such an event not too long ago and the PM and others came out to say that there will be no fuel hike in the near future. But as events have shown on 31st July, the price of fuel went up. In response to the complaint by consumers that insufficient notice was given for the price hike, the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal said :: "I think a couple of hours should be sufficient ... this was (intended) to prevent hoarding."
Another rumour making the rounds is that of the "AP Queen". Some are sure that she will have to go, while others are saying that Pak Lah is not that strong yet and will only be able to move her down to a "downgraded" ministerial post and not move she who is also called the "Malaysian Iron Lady" completely out of the cabinet, this is probably due to the fact that she is a pretty heavy weight [and that is probably not a rumour]. Even Anwar has joined in and according to Malaysiakini, he said :: "Rafidah destined to lose job over auto row".
Now during those fateful years when Anwar was in the wilderness, there were rumours and rumours and rumours regarding him, right from that night on 20th Sept 1998, when he was apprehended under the ISA by those armed men wearing masks. Initially rumours of what happened that night came from none other than the then IGP and the then PM, both said that he was safe and sound. And when Anwar appeared on the 29th of Sept with his "famous [or "infamous", take your pick] black eye", who were those rumour mongers who said that he might have "self-inflicted" the black eye, none other than the then PM and the "Malaysian Iron Lady". So "the high and mighty of the day" do indulge in Malaysa's favourite pastime too and not just ordinary Maniams, Ah Chongs and Alis.
When Tenaga will be increasing the tariff for electrical supply is another topic for rumour mongering. Bets are being placed as to when and how much. And also who will be announcing it. Those interested please place your bets ASAP, for this time around the sufficient notice time might be an hour only. With sufficient rumours making the rounds, one is bound to be right.
Even the recently concluded AF3--Akademi Fantasia--had its associated rumours and conspiracy theories. Into the middle of the run of the show, rumours were out that Mawi was being built up to be the winner. But just a couple of days before the final episode, rumours were out that Mawi will fall at the end and that Amylea would make it this time as she was the only one with potential and that AK3 winner must be a lady as AF1 & AF2 winners were both gentlemen. As event proved the eventual winner was as first rumoured.
One thing Malaysians might have noticed over the years of rumour mongering is that, at the end of the day, many of the rumours, if not all, eventually prove to be true. Or is it that in BolehLand, Malaysians just have to go out of the way to prove their rumours true.
There are also some Malaysians who tend to confuse rumours with gossips and slanders and fitnahs and so on. But are rumours really in the same categories as them? Check out what the Mullah has to say regarding :: "Rumour and the Ugly Malaysian". To all Malaysian rumour mongers, "Happy rumour mongering" but do not slander or fitnah. And remember to keep those Jalur Gemilang flying, whatever your political sentiments, so said the Info Minister and he can't be a rumour monger.

| ¶ 8/07/2005 08:59:00 PM

Russian Submarine Raised::All 7 Alive

The small Russian submarine which was trapped under the sea has been freed on Sunday from its undersea entanglement off the Far East coast by an unmanned British rescue vehicle that cut away the nets that had ensnared it.
All seven crew members are said to be alive and have been rushed aboard a Russian surface vessel, where they were being reviewed by a medical team.

Read all about it here, needs registration though.

Other accidents involving subsmarines, check this.

| ¶ 8/07/2005 04:15:00 PM

Friday, August 05, 2005

SaveThis

Of late i have been using SAVETHIS to save URLs of web pages while surfing. This can be found at SAVETHIS.
You need to create an account and then while surfing and there is a web page URL you want to keep, all you need to do save it with SAVETHIS. You get to organise your saved web pages in folders under various topics and headings and subheadings.
It works with both IE and Opera, haven't tried FireFox though. And you get to access your saved pages from any internet connected computer.
SAVETHIS also allows you to add a button to your browser toolbar and you can import/export your bookmarks and addressbooks from compatible browsers. You can also share URLs with friends too.
Go to SAVETHIS and give it a try.

| ¶ 8/05/2005 11:40:00 AM

Thursday, August 04, 2005

This Could Save Your Life

After the Londoon bombings a paramedic came up with the idea of storing one's emergency contact number in one's handphone directory under the acronym ICE for In Case of Emergency. Word of this has spread and caught on and apparently a grass-roots movement is under way from the Internet to hospitals worldwide.
The simple idea is that one stores the word "ICE" in one's handphone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". That person could be your next of kind or someone who knows your up-to-date medical history. If you have more than one number then you could store them under ICE, ICE2, ICE3 etc etc. An if an emeergency should occur, the ambulance paramedic or hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your important contacts are and be able to contact them for further information.
Better still you could enter the name of the person after the ICE acronym, so that the person making the call won't be considered a crank. So if your next of kin is Aziz then make the entry as ICE Aziz.
Since the SAR epidemics, i have the SAR numbers listed in my phone, but i really wonder whether they are still active. Must try them out, one day soon.

| ¶ 8/04/2005 03:03:00 PM

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Tan Sri Rahim's Apology

Anwar's suit against the former IGP and the gomen has been settled out of court.
Anwar's counsel, Jagdeep Singh, informed the court that the matter had been resolved whereby Abdul Rahim, the second defendant, would make an apology to Anwar and his family through Abdul Rahim's counsel, Joseph Ting. And an undisclosed sum of money will be paid to Anwar.
The public apology, as read out by Joseph Ting, states::
"I, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor, accept responsibility for the above assault. The pain and hurt caused to you and your family is deeply regretted and I sincerely apologise to you, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and your family for the same. Yours sincerely: Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor."
Ting further added that the former IGP wanted him to say that as a Muslim, this was the proper thing to do.
BERNAMA reported that in striking out the suit, Justice Datuk Mohamed Hishamudin Mohamed Yunus had this to say ::
"I am pleased that the matter is settled amicably. I now confirm that the suit is struck out with no consequential order as to cost and no liberty to file afresh," So what did Anwar have to say of the settlement. According to a REUTERS report, excerpts ::
"Our concern has always been it's not a personal vendetta but to make it an example that no other citizen will be victimised and to teach a lesson that no one can be spared if you abuse the law," Anwar said.
"I appeal to my friends in the police force to take heed of this and conduct themselves professionally for the sake of the country," Anwar told reporters after Rahim's lawyer read out the apology in court.
Anwar dropped demands for a similar apology from Mahathir and the present government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"Naturally, the other parties have not shown the same sort of a remorse," Anwar said. "But it's to my mind, a satisfactory solution. There's no point in going on with this episode as too many years have passed."
"It's not easy ... the pain, anguish, humiliation was huge. But I agree that we have to move on."

| ¶ 8/03/2005 04:31:00 PM

Anwar's Black Eye::Malaysia's Too

The civil case regarding Anwar's black eye has started. How he got the black eye is one of the blackest episode in the Tun's reign and contributed to his retirement in no small way. Earlier on the Tun had sort of predicted that he would retire with his boots on but subsequent events following the black eye this became impossible.
According to an NST report, in court on Monday ::

In his testimony to the court, Anwar recounted the beating he received.
"I was punched above my eye on my left forehead. A strong, hard punch."
"There was a heavy blow to the top right of my head, another one on the left top of head and the karate-like chop on my left neck," he said.
"Then I felt a punch on my right upper arm. And then strong left and right slaps. Left, more towards the ear and right more towards the front side of my face, near the mouth."
The former deputy prime minister said that after the assault, he felt groggy and weak and was bleeding from his nose.
"I saw blood oozing out from my nose and upper lips. I woke up only the next morning," he said.

He also said :: "It was also an international disgrace which humiliated our country in the eyes of the world."
What happened subsequently is history, a humiliating event in BolehLand's history and a frightening one for many of her citizens.Imagine being beaten up by the highest polis officer in the country while in custody, denied medical care subsequently while the polis officer concerned and the then PM telling all the world that the beaten one is well and safe. Can one imagine how the beaten one must have felt durig those long days before he and his infamous black eye were revealed to the world.
The inaction by the other senior polis officer, who had to be in the know regarding the assault, is frightening, their silence deafening. To many ordianry men in the street when all was revealed later, this episode appeared so surreal and unbelieveable but happened, it did. The then IGP confessed later that he was solely responsible but not before prolonged footdragging and the intervention of a Royal Commission of inquiry.
Now in his latest court case, DSAI wants a public apology from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former police chief Tan Sri Rahim Noor and the gomen over the infamous "black eye" incident. In addition he is also seeking damages from them. Can a man really adeqautely be compensated for the injury, mental and physical; the pains, the humiliation and insults to self and family among other things? Has his assailaint been adequattely punished? Will DSAI forgive and forget?
This court case was supposed to unfold over the next few days. On the 2nd into the court case, a postponement was sought by Anwar's lawyer. Little has been revelaed but some are questioning whether a deal is being stitched or hatched. The case is to continue on Wednesday and the "deal" may be revealed. In view of what DSAI had said on the first day in court, is a "deal" possible? What is the "new development" mentioned by his lawyer?

| ¶ 8/03/2005 09:45:00 AM

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

The NNA Sandiwara

UMNO Youth with its keris brandishing chief started the ball rolling at the recent general assembly, he called for the revival of the NEP in order for the Malays [read Bumis too] to achieve the 30% national equity. After some 35 years, the bumis had only 18%. There were talks of leakages and sacred cows and poor implementation of policies but little discussion on how to overcome. In an almost immediate reponse, the MCA president, who is being challenge, said that he "tak senangi" with this idea and rather prefer that the bumiputras should rectify their weaknesses rather than reimplementing the policy. Not to be left out the Gerakan president called for Malaysians to build the nation's wealth together, regardless of the 30% equity share for the Malays in the nation's economy, he also called for further wealth generation. The MIC president said he preferred to discuss the NEP revival matter out of the open with the PM. The MCA presidential challenger called the proposal “retrogressive and a step backwards”. He was promptly warned not to try and gain mileage for the MCA election. By the close of the UMNO assembly, the PM had warned certain people and the Chinese press not to be sensationalist and raise racial sentiments. At the end of the assembly the PM was calling for the Malays not to waste oppotunities given and to continue the fight against corruption. He also said that the non-Malays had nothing to fear regarding the revival of the NEP as there was nothing unusual about this. In the implementation of the NEP, he said, the gomen had never resorted to any kind of action that took away what belonged to other people. The implementation was on the basis of expanding the cake and distributing it equitably, he said. A debate was arranged for the MCA presidential challenger and the UMNO Youth deputy chief, the Jimmy Chua-Khairy Xchange, this was to allow them to thrash out their differences over the NEP revival. At the end of the event which was televised over TV3, the two came out petting each other and agreeing that there should be a Malaysian Agenda and that a national committee would be formed to look into the abuses and leakages of the past and monitor the implementation of the new. Even before this debate, BN Youth had already given its full support to the New National Agenda after UMNO Youth explained to the leaders of the youth wings its call for the revival of the NEP would be done according to the provisions of the constitution, and without marginalising or disregarding the interests of any race.
The Gerakan president, who now says that he might quit early, proposes to propose to the BN Supreme Council the formation of the National Economic Consultative Council III [NECC III]. This NECC III would be tasked to find the cause for the failure of the Bumiputeras in achieving the target of 30% equity in the national economy. Is it possible that the cause of this achievement failure is not known? Do we really need to look for it? Didn't many already know of the kebocoran and lembu suci and maldistributed APs and of cronyism and nepotism and corruption and rent seekers? Parti Keadilan Rakyat deputy president appears to be aware of the cause.
This episode of this particular sandiwara had to come full circle and the curtains be brought down. This happened on Monday when the BN supreme council had its special meeting. After appropriate explanation by the Supreme leader of the BN, the other component leaders realised the errors of their ways and were in full support of the NNA. The MCA president, who had initially been said to have shot down the NEP revivial, said that the Supreme BN leader had explained that implementing the revival of NEP principles would not be based on old methods and as a result he saw the light and so it was alright to give full support. Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting now is saying ::

"Not like the 70s and 80s. Now we are faced with new situations and challenges. Of course everything has to be new."
"It will not affect the interests, fundamental rights and potential of other races to progress."

So what new stuff and new methods and how would others be safeguarded? Mark the words of the Supeme BN leader, he who is known to talk and not walk, ie up till now. Pak Lah reassured the other BN component party leaders that the NNA and Ninth Malaysia Plan would give fair treatment to all races in the country. The gomen also had no intention of obstructing the progress of any race so as to enable other races to catch up in economic development. He said the following ::

"There are groups capable of moving forward on their own and they need not be told to wait and should continue with their efforts."
"This principle would form a component of the Ninth Plan."
"All races would move forward together to achieve progress and groups which previously had received less opportunities and development should be given more attention". "We must quicken the development of these groups as they are looking to the government for suitable assistance."
"The government would give whatever support necessary from time to time to these groups so that all its development agenda for the people would be achieved."
"All policies of the government must take into consideration the need to preserve national unity and promote good relations among the races in the interest of political stability."
"The gap in the progress achieved by Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras must be bridged."
"This must be done even if it takes a long time but efforts towards achieving it have to be continued in our development plans."
"Vision 2020 is our vision and that of the nation and government. It is our responsibility to implement it."

What Pak Lah has to say looks reasonable on the surface. But some appear to be mutually exclusive. One question we might like to pose to him is "What happens if not all can proceed at the same speed, can we then still move forward together"?
Anyway it looks like what UMNO wants, UMNO gets and the rest of BN will give full support. It must be remember that Malaysians do not just consist of BN supporters only, in fact BN obtained only about 65% of the popular vote in the last election. So in the process of formulating new policies and new methods of implementation and monitoring of the NNA, the other 35% of the Malaysians should also be consulted and have their input. The Malaysians of Sabah and Sarawak should not be forgotten. Would the NNA cater for all those in need of help and assistance and the distribution, fair? Would a new set of cronies appear? Would leakages continue to occur? Malaysians certainly have to wise up. Remember all the sweet talk prior to the 11th election? Remember "telll me the truth", "work with me", "he is Mr Nice and Clean" and "Zero Corruption"? Remember that so far, Mr Nice and Clean has been just that; full of talk and no walk. Soon after the 11th election, armed with the big majority he said " I will run the government and I will run it my way". Our leaders do have short memories and tend to forget. We shouldn't. We should see that this time around, the NNA [or call it New Malaysian Agenda if you like] would give fair treatment to all races and not just cronies and that there is fair and proper implementation and monitoring of the Agenda.

| ¶ 8/02/2005 02:08:00 AM

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