Sunny days and rainy days

1 Malaysia - between reality and fantasy!

2011-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

KUALA LUMPUR,

I am one of the privileged few to have attended a local public university and learned the meaning of hate, thanks to the ever popular Biro Tata Negara.

All undergraduates were forced to attend this programme or else they would not be eligible for graduation.

The BTN under the Prime Minister’s Department brought in “intellectual” speakers who were supposed to enlighten the students about the meaning of being a Malaysian but instead it felt more like a communist propaganda camp brainwashing those attending about the importance of “Ketuanan Melayu”.

The camp would usually take place during the weekends. Students would have to register early in the morning and the programme would last the whole day.

The organisers were always on their guard, asking participants to show their student identification cards each time they entered the hall, fearing the presence of outsiders.

In the hall, students were asked to turn off their mobile phones.

During the lectures, questions were planted among the audience and the students were advised not ask raise any questions.

One speaker began with the history of Malaysia and how much the country had gone through, always emphasising the May 13 riots.

He stressed the point of how much the Malays had sacrificed and how the community should be united especially from outside threat — the Chinese community.

He said that the Chinese community were “the Jews of Asia ” and were just itching to take over when Malays were disunited and broken.

The speaker also revealed a greater Chinese conspiracy where the Chinese Malaysians were working together with Singapore to topple the Malay government.

“Do you want to become like the Malays in Singapore ?” he asked.

He also went so far as to criticise Malay girls for dating boys from other races.

He added that they should not be cheap and embarrass their families.

Once, a student told the speaker that as Muslims, we should also respect other races who are also Muslims.

“All Muslims are Malays so it does not matter if they are Chinese or Indians. If they are Muslims then they are Malays,” the speaker replied.

This is why I was relieved when I learned that the Selangor government had moved to ban its civil servants, employees of state subsidiaries and students at state-owned education institutions from attending any BTN courses with immediate effect.

However I believe racism in varsities does not end at BTN because classrooms have also become victims of ignorant scholars.

My friend was verbally abused during his sociology class when he did not agree with the points made by his lecturer.

“You must be DKK,” the lecturer told him.

“What is DKK?” he asked.

“You must be darah keturunan keling (descendents of Indians),” the lecturer said, pointing to his dark skin.

My Saudi friend was also shocked by the comments made by his lecturer in his Islamic civilisation class.

“We should save our Orang Asli from the Chinese people. They are like the Palestinians and the Chinese are Israel . We must fight the Jews,” the lecturer told his students.

The lecturer even failed one of his students in his oral exam when he quoted a Western scholar in his presentation.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves. You are a Muslim and should only use Islamic scholars,” he scolded the student.

I was personally saddened when my Islamic law lecturer compared Christianity to Head & Shoulder’s 3 in 1 shampoo in referring to the religion’s Holy Trinity.

I feel that racism has been institutionalised in our country and that BTN is only the tip of the iceberg.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin defended BTN yesterday and claimed that it was not racist but is line with the 1 Malaysia concept.

I have to humbly disagree and would like to suggest maybe the ministers should bring their overseas children home and let them have a taste of what BTN is.

Are the Sultans above scrutiny?

2011-10-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Questioning statements made by the Sultans should not be viewed as disrespectful in this day and age.

In a democracy ,all parties are subject to scrutiny. If the Sultan’s position is wrong, there must be a remedy to correct it, right? No one is above the law.

The former Lord President, Sultan Perak will surely remember the the oft-quoted aphorism "Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done."

On the same footing, Sultans must not only be fair but must be seen to be fair.They must walk the talk and be consistent in their actions. Otherwise, they would be failing in their Constitutional role.

The days of sovereign rulers are long gone. In a democracy, power lies with the Rakyat and the Sultans must remain neutral.

If a referendum is carried out, I wonder what the Rakyat's verdict would be?It would be interesting to find out..

Persoalan Hudud.Bolehkah anda menjawabnya?

2011-10-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

1. Kuasa untuk melaksanakan hudud sebenarnya ada ditangan UMNO(bukan PAS/PR).Selama 54 tahun UMNO memerintah tapi mereka belum bersedia untuk melaksanakanya.Kenapa?

2. UMNO selalu mengatakan bahawa Malaysia belum bersedia untuk melaksanakan hudud tetapi tiada sebarang tindakan telah diambil menyediakan rakyat untuk menerima hukum ini dimasa depan.Kenapa?

3. Raja Melayu bertanggung-jawab mengenai hal ehwal Islam tetapi berdiam diri dan tiada sebarang tindakan oleh mereka untuk melaksanakan hukum hudud.Kenapa?

4. Kerajaan negeri Kelantan dan Trenggannu telah meluluskan enakmen hudud semasa pemerintahan PAS tetapi enakmen ini tidak boleh dilaksanakan kerana tentangan dari Kerajaan Pusat,yang diterajui oleh UMNO.Kenapa?

5. Hukuman mati dan hukuman sebat oleh Makamah Sivil dapat diterima oleh rakyat tetapi rakyat dikatakan belum bersedia untuk terima hukuman hudud.Kenapa?

6. Hukum hudud tidak akan dijalankan terhadap org bukan Islam tetapi orang bukan islam dikatakan takut dengan hudud.Kenapa?

7. Org bukan islam telah hidup dalam suasana dimana Makamah Syariah menjalankan hukuman terhadap orang islam saperti kesalahan berkhalwat,mimuman keras,berjudi dsn tetapi dkatakan takut dengan hukum hudud.Kenapa?

9th JULY 2011: THE DAY FEAR DIED IN MALAYSIA

2011-07-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

Never in the history of Malaysian politics was so much fear and pressure, exerted on the Malaysian public, to be Tak-Bersih.

The heavy hands of the authorities were used to disrupt, harass, thwart and discourage every Bersih initiative by all necessary means. Loads of rubbish was heaped on the Rakyat to ensure that they are Tak-Bersih compliant. The end justifies the means, so to speak.

The means include the media, police, SPR, high ranking personalities and various pressure groups. Sadly, even Royalty and Armed Forces were not spared.

A systematic diet of fear, intimidation and coercion were rolled out on a daily basis.

Detaining citizens for wearing yellow is logical, never mind if we are the only country in the world to do so. And, wow! we made it into the Guinness Book of Records too!

90 odd Malaysian citizens were denied their right to be in Kuala Lumpur, their capital city on 9th July 2011. It’s alright to use preventive/emergency laws to curb the right to peaceful assembly, yes?The last I recalled, the Emergency rule was lifted many decades ago.

Entry points into Kuala Lumpur were road-blocked and vehicle and commuters checked. Many train commuters were detained as soon as they got off the train.

By the Police Chief’s standard, these detainees should be grateful for the excellent treatment accorded to them.Provided with free transport, food and lodging, it’s a small wonder why the detainees did not ask for an extended stay – a small price for loss of personal liberty, yes?

Yet, against all odds, 60,000 people from all walks of life, many for the very first time in their lives, braved the fear and intimidation, to rally in the heart of the Capital, in clear defiance of their govt.

Among them were the 65 year old Lady of Liberty and my 62 year old lady cousin. All ages, sexes, races and creed, united as Malaysians, and speaking with one voice - one which is devoid of fear.

In the annals of modern Malaysian history, 9^th July 2011, will surely be recorded as the day Malaysians lost their fear of their own govt. Never again.

God Bless Malaysia.

Gutter Politics of Malay Malaysia

2011-05-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

13 years ago,he was labeled a Jew Agent,a US Agent ,a Womanizer and a Sodomist .HE was a threat to UMNO and he was jailed and put out of circulation for 5 years.

Upon his release, a political tsunami was unleashed and the end result was that UMNO lost Selangor,Penang,Wilayah KL,Kedah ,Perak and Kelantan. It almost lost N.Sembilan .

For the damage he caused in PRU 12, Sdr Anwar Ibrahim will be jailed and put out of circulation once again.

A new remake of the old script is being played out .Let there be no doubt that the script will end with the jailing of Sdr Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim once again. At 63 years of age ,that will surely be the end of Anwar.

Or is it?

The best of plans can end in disarray. As they say, man proposes and God disposes.

Citizens all over the world are clamoring for a new world order .Injustice and corrupt status quo are out. Transparency, equality and shared values are in. We have seen this in Tunisia Eypt,Libya. In SEA, it was called People Power .We saw it in Philippines ,Thailand and Indonesia. Recently, it reached Singapore.

We can do the same in Malaysia.

We can free our country from the clutches of UMNO and let our government institutions (Police/Army/SPR/EC/Judiciary) to function independently.

Lets make it our personal responsibility to wake up our relatives, friends and colleagues from their slumber ,induced by UMNO media and propaganda apparatus. Get them to register as voters and lets us use people power at PRU 13 to vote UMNO out of power.

Once, the organs of govt. are cleansed , the gutter politics of Malay Malaysia will have no place in Malaysia and Sdr Anwar will find the justice that should have been accorded to him as a citizen of Malaysia.

UBAH SEKARANG.SELAMATKAN MALAYSIA!

De-frogging PKR

2011-02-22T03:04:00.000-08:00

It is unfortunate that when one thinks of katak lompat,PKR comes to mind. In the past, such references are usually reserved for politicians from Sabah & Sarawak but we now have our fair share of Katak Lompats from Semenanjung as well.

Why would a politician who is elected by the Rakyat betray their trust and jump ship?

There are always " push and pull factors" involved when a Wakil rakyat jumped ship.The push factors can be generalized as unhappiness/ dissatisfaction and the pull factors are options that are viewed as better or offering better potential.

In a nutshell a potential frog exists if a Wakil Rakyat is unhappy, dissatisfied (push) or is greedy, ambitious, unscrupulous, unethical(pull).

To counter this, a good attract and retain strategy must be developed-to resource,nuture and protect our Wakil Rakyats from leaving or being lured by our competitors. This is HR (Human Resource) territory.

How do we establish a good attract and retention strategy?Start by benchmarking best practices and talking to your star performers.

In HR, we say that to eliminate theft, we should not hire thieves. So,by extension,to defrog -don't recruit frogs! A good recruitment process can help to eliminate frogs or potential frogs from being hired. Again, past performance is good indicator of future performance.

Lets start rolling and put in a good recruitment and retention system to eliminate the Kataks .The Rakyat does not expect any less.

If you are a Malaysian patriot,please stand up

2011-02-15T03:56:00.000-08:00

If I ask this question to the 30 odd million Malaysians ,I dare bet that everyone would standup in a blink.

What would such a response show? That all of us regardless of our political affiliation ,race,religious beliefs, gender, educational background, social status etc believe that we are Malaysians and this sense of belonging unites us as one.

We see this bond especially when we meet another Malaysian outside Malaysia.Yet, within our shores ,it is a different story.

But it was not like this before. People from the time of Independence ,did feel proud to be Malaysians but this feeling has waned today.

Why? Because we are not proud of what our Malaysia has become, right?

But if we believe ourselves to be Malaysian patriots, we must restore this pride by correcting the wrongs done against our beloved Malaysia.

The people of Egypt have demonstrated that they are patriots first regardless of their political affiliation.Its noteworthy that only one flag(not political party flags) is being waved,the Egyptian flag, a symbol of their unity.

The Egyptians stood up and took back their country from a corrupt regime and today they wave the Egyptian flag with pride.People power(Kuasa Rakyat) once again reigns supreme, as it has in the past ,under different names.

We too can restore Malaysia to its former glory but we can only do this if we stand up as One People.

As we begin this journey for a better Malaysia, lets rally and unite behind the Jalur Gemilang. Lets fly our Malaysian flag,include the flag in our blogs/websites/print media and sing the Negaraku at every opportunity.And Godwilling ,we can be like the generation before us -fiercely proud to be Malaysians.

YES,we can!

Pakatan Rakyat should announce its Shadow Cabinet NOW

2011-01-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

Pakatan Rakyat have recently launched its Orange Book (Buku Jingga),which outlines what it will do when it comes to power.This is quite impressive and gives the Rakyat the confidence of what to expect should PR take over Putrajaya.

The responsibility of executing the Orange Book will obviously fall on the shoulders of the Cabinet.To give the Rakyat further confidence of what to expect,PR should announce its Shadow Cabinet now.Members of this Cabinet should start their work so that they can function immediately,should PR take over Putrajaya.

In this regard ,the issue of who will be the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers,must also be addressed. There is a strong view that we should have 3 Deputy Prime Ministers, one from Semenanjung and one each from Sabah and Sarawak.Lets address this now so that the Rakyat know what will happen and will not be surprised.

Pakatan Rakyat must demonstrate that it is capable of governing and if the issues are worked on now,there is no reason why we cannot have a smooth takeover.Lets give the Rakyat the confidence that we have the people and we can govern.

Wikileaks:Dedahan yang ditunggu-tunggu

2010-12-13T22:25:00.000-08:00

Teman tak sabar menunggu pendapat LKY dan diplomat Singapura mengenai pembunuhan Altantuya.Teman juga tidak sabar tunggu dedahan mengenai kematian Teoh Beng Hock yang konon nya membunuh diri, kehilangan enjin jet,kapal selam,Apco dan sebagainya.

Teman juga tidak sabar nak dengar mengenai pendapat Singapura mengenai pembabitan Dr.Mahatir dalam kes Sodomi 1.Hipokrit ini setuju dengan padangan LKY mengenai Anwar tapi tak setuju dengan pandangan rendah LKY terhadap kerajaan BN.

Teman juga ingin dengar dedahan mengenai pembabitan Najib dan Rosmah dalam Sodomi2.Juga pembabitan Musa Hassan dan Gani Patail dalam Sodomi1 dan Sodomi2.

Harap Utusan dedahkan semua ini, sepertimana ia menyebarkan Wikileaks terhadap Anwar. Mungkinkah juga Utusan akan dianggap sebagai Agen Singapura kerana menyiarkan pendapat LKY, sepertimana Anwar dilabelkan sebagai Agen Amerika? Kita tunggu dan lihat adegan adegan selanjutnya.

Inilah Malaysia BN. Satu Malaysia untuk pemerintah dan satu Malaysia lain untuk yang diperintah.

Wikileaks:Anwar Masuk Perangkap Seks

2010-12-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

Anwar Ibrahim dikatakan memasuki perangkap seks yang melibatkankan Saiful Bukhari.Kalau ini benar,dimana videonya?

Dalam kes Ketua MCA,Dr Chua Soi Lek, ada video seks dan berdasarkan video ini,beliau telah membuat pengakuan.Tetapi tidak ada apa tindakan yang diambil oleh pihak Polis.

Didalam kes Anwar Ibrahim,Sodomi 2 dijalankan oleh polis,melibatkan ramai kakitangan polis dan forensik.Kalau perangkap ,mesti ada video.Dengan ada video,senang sekali untuk dapat pengakuan daripada Anwar,bukan? Tapi dalam kes ini,walaupun tidak ada pengakuan,pihak polis mengambil tindakan.

Polis/Pendakwa tak berat sebelah? Satu lagi kes pendakwaan pilihan?

Fikir fikir...

APA SUMBANGAN ANDA KEPADA MALAYSIA?

2010-12-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Apabila rasuah jadi kebiasaan,apabila ketidakadilan jadi warisan,apabila fitnah menjadi lumrah,apabila diri lebih penting dari masyarakat,apabila mata yang celik jadi buta,apabila telinga yang baik jadi pekak,apabila suara lantang jadi bisu,apabila ketakutan bermaharajalela,maka binasalah negara kita.

Apakah sumbangan anda untuk membawa perubahan untuk memulihkan negara kita ini? Ataupun, anda hanya mengeluh tetapi mengharap orang lain untuk selamat Malaysia anda.

Kenapa tidak anda mengambil initiatif untuk memyumbang? Setiap sumbangan walaupun kecil (mengikut kemampuan kita)dapat membantu kita untuk memulihkan keadaan negara kita.

Pejuang Rakyat mesti berjiwa besar untuk membuat perubahan, menghadapi setiap cabaran dan halangan yang akan dilemparkan kepada kita.Tidak ada tawar hati dan tidak ada pengunduran diri dalam perjuangan ini.Kerana perjuangan kita kerana Allah dan perjuangan kita berlandasan kebenaran.

Teruskan perjuangan,demi masa depan anak anak kita.

LAWAN TETAP LAWAN

Kenaikan Gaji Ditangan Pekerja-Gerakan Kuasa Pekerja

2010-12-04T03:05:00.000-08:00

Selepas menang Galas dan Batu Sapi, BN/UMNO yakin bahawa mereka mendapat sokongan rakyat. Walaupun harga minyak dinaikkan,rakyat akan terus mengundi BN/UMNO.Agaknya,rakyat tidak kisah dengan kenaikan harga. Mungkinkah rakyat Malaysia sudah kaya ? Ataupun,tahap penahanan kesengsaraanya amat tinggi, ataupun rakyat Malaysia lemah dan senang diperlekehkan?

Bukan saja harga minyak yang naik.Semua barangan/servis lain juga telah naik secara mendadak, sejak dua tahun yang sudah, tetapi gaji rakyat tidak naik setanding dengan kenaikan kos sara hidup.

Pegawai kerajaan bernasib baik kerana gaji mereka naik dan sekarang secara amnya, pampasan/ imbuhan jawatan kerajaan lebih tinggi daripada jawatan swata.Tetapi malang nya,kerajaan mengabaikan kebajikan pekerja sektor swasta ,walaupun kerja disektor ini lebih stres.

Isu gaji minima juga telah dibangkitkan sebelum PRU 12 tetapi tidak ada apa apa perubahan yang telah dibuat oleh Pemerintah.Sehingga kini,gaji minima hanya jadi satu gimik politik.Hanya janji janji kosong sahaja.

Apa yang berlaku sekarang?

Ramai rakyat terutamanya yang berpendapatan rendah menghadapi kesempitan hidup.Gaji dan OT tidak cukup walaupun suami isteri bekerja.Apakah tindakan yang mereka boleh lakukan?

Kuasa pekerja adalah satu kuasa yang boleh mengegarkan lanskap negara. Pekerja swasta disarankan guna kuasa pekerja sebagai golongan majoriti dalam negara, untuk mengerakan aktiviti kesatuan sekerja ,untuk memperjuangkan untuk kenaikan gaji. Hakikatnya, hanya kuasa pekerja dapat membantu pekerja.Pemerintah yang akrab dengan pengusaha dan majikan,tidak simpati dengan keperitan hidup yang pekerja swasta sedang menghadapi.

Pekerja juga disarankan megunakan kuasa pekerja untuk membuat pertukaran kerajaan dalam PRU13.Kuasa perlu dikembalikan ketangan rakyat.Kita perlu buktikan kepada kuasa ditangan kita dan bukan ditangan UMNO/BN.

BERSATU TEGUH ,BERCERAI ROBOH

Make Malaysia a better place for our future generations

2010-11-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

I would like to share this article written by Hannah Yeoh,which I feel can help to motivate us in our struggle for a better Malaysia.Lawan Tetap Lawan:

So many people have been telling me just how frustrated they are with the current political situation in our country. Some have told me that they regretted voting for change because of the political instability now and would prefer returning to their old style of voting - vote for stability and forget about having a stronger opposition and greater check and balance.I shudder at the thought of this!

One needs to remember the reason why we are seeing such great resistance for change is simply because there is much to lose for those who have been in power for so long. For decades there has been so much abuse of power, unchecked misuse of public funds and plain dirty corruption. With a stronger opposition now, they stand to lose their illegal sources of income and some may even be charged and sent to prison if they are found guilty. With this in mind, they will fight at all costs to reclaim back power and to ensure they can continue to steal public funds from the people for their own enrichment. We are not just dealing with differences in politics; we are combating evil forces who will not rest till they secure back their powers and illegal sources of income.

Sometimes I feel equally frustrated and disillusioned about the political situation too. Sometimes I lie awake thinking of how to effect change in this land. Some days I cry while driving in between meetings thinking of what's left for the future generation in this land if we give up now. I have endured much verbal attack from political enemies, accusation after accusation of me not doing anything for my constituents and etc. No one truly understands the resistance we face daily in discharging our duties except for my fellow PR assemblymen. Robert Kennedy once said *Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator and change has its enemies.*

Our enemies are resisting change but we must stand firm and continue to push for a competent, accountable and transparent government. At the end of each day, as I lay myself to sleep, I ask God for strength, wisdom and protection to face the next. I look forward to the end of the term when I can tell the people of Subang Jaya that I have remained clean and have not stolen any of the taxpayers' funds.

As reminded by Raja Petra in his blog "*Please continue your struggle to make Malaysia a better place for our future generation. This country belongs to them and it is for them that we struggle."

All hope is not lost. Come the next election, vote out the corrupt once and for all. Hang in there, supporters and friends, the best is yet to come!

Zambry in hot soup for giving land worth RM6-8 mil to cronies

2010-11-16T01:31:00.000-08:00

Malaysia Chronicle

Perak Mentri Besar Zambry Kadir has come under fire for alleged corruption after he gave a 50-acre piece of land worth between RM6 to 8 million to a company owned by an Umno crony.

The news comes amid a storm of Umno and MCA accusations against the DAP for issuing recommendation letters to help businesses win contracts from the Selangor state government.

“This is the biggest joke. Here they just hand over the state’s land to their cronies. Not once have they thought about the aqua farmers who have been toiling the land for more than 20 years,” Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang told Malaysia Chronicle.

Unkindest cut, and not the first time

Chang has lodged a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission over the land in Kampung Sungai Itek in Gopeng, Perak. He has also demanded that Zambry be suspended from the Land Committee and that approval granted to the crony firm is immediately revoked pending investigations.

“This is the unkindest cut of all. Zambry not only ignored the claims of the farmers who have worked on land and contributed to the state’s economy all these years but he actually gave away the land to his cronies. It is a clear case of abuse of power,” said Chang.

The land is currently being cultivated by ornamental fish breeders and farmers, who have for years been applying for land titles from the state authorities but to no avail. When they found out about Zambry’s grant, they complained to their assemblymen.

Chang then raised the matter in the Perak state assembly and a written reply revealed that the land had been given to a company called Safura House of Diamond Sdn Bhd under the state’s Proper Village Planning Plan. A check with the Companies Commission of Malaysia showed that one of Safura’s shareholders is the deputy chief of Umno Gopeng.

“It is actually the second time this sort of shenanigan has taken place. The first scandal also took place in Kampung Sungai Itek, where the UMNO Gopeng division chief was given 10 lots of land in the planned village scheme,” said Chang.
More farmers are being evicted

He warned that if the federal authorities ignored the charges against Zambry and if the MACC delayed taking action, more farmers would be expelled from the land.

“Their livelihood will be badly affected. It is the duty of the government to care for the people and not grab their land from them and give to their friends and families,” Chang said.

"Through the years, the farmers in Sungai Itek have invested a lot of their savings and if they are evicted, they will have nothing. Even if Zambry offers compensation, the water quality might not be suitable for fishes. So what is going on, where are the priorities?”

Expose any cronyism and let the people know the truth

Realities of PKR 2010 Elections

2010-11-10T23:47:00.000-08:00

Its not a pleasant time for PKR.The 'implosion' is threatening to break the party.However,the reformasi spirit is still very strong within the party and I am sure that it will live to fight another day.

What lessons can we draw from this very badly managed Elections,which was supposed to showcase PKR taking the lead ,of allowing each member the right to vote in their top guns?

1. Election system and process were not tight : Whether due to lack of manpower or expertise,this election was badly managed.This gave opportunities for all 3 groups to exploit,when it was to their advantage.Lots of opportunities for improvement.

2. Block voting cost the party to be split into 3 camps : Aspiring candidates had to team up with one of the 3 aspiring Deputy Presidents.Voting was not due to capability but by teams,how sad?. Many members were not comfortable with this development.

3. Division heads were partisan: At each Division, usually only one list of recommended candidates is made available.Most of the heads actively lobbied for the team that they backed. Should not all 3 lists be made available to members?Members can look at all 3 lists and decide who to choose.This would be more democratically correct.

4. Use of mass media damaged the party's image:Zaid in particular is the main culprit and the end result is that the road to Putrajaya is becoming extra long.Why have we not learned from past mistakes,I wonder?

5.Where were the leaders when the going got tough? :DSAI and Datin Seri have to take responsibility for this debacle.It always start with the top. DSAI have been uncharacteristically making a lot of mistakes lately.He must LEAD and accept CRITICISM.His down-lines must put the issues and expectations clearly to him.

I hope that DSAI would take on the challenge upfront and resolve these issues.Serious problems requires strong fixes and I hope that he will step up to it. The Rakyat expects him to deliver.

PKR ,with its multiracial appeal, is still the party for the new generation.Those who feel that the current problems makes it unfit to govern (as espoused by DPM,Muhyiddin Yassin),should think deeper.Isn't the Selangor Govt,led by PKR, better governed than when it was run by Khir Toyo?

PKR : Remember the famous words of Sir Winston Churchill -We shall never surrender

2010-11-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

PKR is facing a massive onslaught by BN Machinery, aided sadly by its own turncoats.

1. My advice to PKR leadership is to learn from these mistakes but don't surrender.

2. My advice to party members,lets close ranks and don't wash dirty linen in public.

Those who damage the party due to their own misfortune in the 2010 PKR Election should leave.If fingers are to be pointed,it should be pointed to all levels-MPP right down to Cabang level.The so called "block voting" should not have been allowed.The results:PKR divided into 3 groups due to the "UMNO style of campaigning".

PKR Leadership must protect the party from this serious onslaught by its enemies .Remember the famous words of Sir Winston Churchill:

Sir Winston Churchill's famous speech during World War 2 (Dunkirk/Battle of Britain):

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender

LAWAN TETAP LAWAN

Water, sand and Khir could cost Najib in Selangor

2010-11-08T23:28:00.000-08:00

By FMT Staff

SHAH ALAM: Former Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo is turning into a liability and an embarrassment to the federal government now that the 'truth' about his dealings is available to the public.

Khir's questionable decisions when he was MB came to light after the Selangor government declassified several documents on water concessions.

Tomorrow's Cabinet meeting may well discuss Khir and his decisions on water concessions and the sand issues which have become a thorn in Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s side.

According to Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s political secretary Faekah Husin, the central government’s lack of censure of Khir for his ‘ways’, especially in the water issue will be costly. He was running the state like his own company.

She said the federal government not only failed to assist Selangorians secure free water but also did not act against Khir who had given away water concessions to a crony company.

The water issue arose when Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) was allowed to raise water tariff without considering its effect on the people still grappling with the economic crisis. Khir Toyo did not care for the welfare of the Selangorians and is only interested in filling his crony’s pocket as well as his.

She said the state BN government led by Khir had signed a water concession agreement with Syabas where the company was allowed to increase tariff every three years.

She said Khir’s agreement with Syabas allowed for the water concessionaire to raise tariff by 39% in year 2009, 25% in 2012 , 20% in 2015, 10% in 2018 and 5% in 2021. The PR state government stepped in to prevent the increase and even gave the first 20m3 free water to all the people in the state. These tariff raise is not in the interest of the Selangorians.

“Khir should be embarrassed and ashamed of himself. How dare he talk about people first on any issue for that matter, be it water or sand ? He was more interested in enriching himself and his cronies. This water agreement was wrapped up under OSA undoubtedly.

“It’s because of his greed and carelessness that Selangorians are unable to get the best water services and rates," she said in a statement. The water agreement aims to tax the people more despite the worsening economic conditions in the country. The result was almost all households must instal water filters to remove the brown particulates and sediments.

Possible legal action against Syabas

As a result of Khir’s irresponsible actions, the Pakatan Rakyat government was now forced to face an arrogant concessionaire who is brazen enough to make excessive demands on the state government’s move to takeover management of Selangor’s water resources.

Despite these setbacks, Selangor is constantly engaging the views of various quarters in relation to administration and policies, including avenues for (water) discounts and incentives.

"What is important is that the state government wants to ensure that the people directly benefit from its policies. We are still searching for the best way to overcome the situation with water in the state," she said.

"The people have the right to know the real story behind the water crisis and how Khir must be stopped from a moral perspective from voicing his views on administrative matters.

"Khir was the main reasons why we decided to declassify all documentations, agreements and audit reports in relation to the water crisis. This is so that the public will know the truth.

The people of Selangor had been kept in the dark over crucial matters like the water agreement and income of sand collection which directly benefitted BN’s cronies and he is now trying to divert attention by pointing out illegal sand mining in Selangor. What an irony ! These are issues that directly affect the welfare of the people of Selangor.

She said the Federal government must take a serious view of this issue. She added the state government was undaunted by the RM1 billion court summon secured by Syabas, who had Putrajaya’s backing.

“We’re keeping our options open...we are open to initiating legal action against Syabas for failing to fulfil its concessionaire agreement. It has already cost us (the state) no less than RM8 billion in losses

Minimum pay and better terms

2010-11-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

This issue has been raised during the last General Elections since 2008 and remains unresolved until now and possibly ,waiting for the next General Elections. In the meantime, the workers have to cope with the cost of living that went up more than 2 years ago.

The Govt.is dragging its feet on this issue.Who do they turn to for help?

The issue of better pay and conditions is actually an issue which involves the owner of the business and workers ,and logically,these must be championed by the trade union movement and the Employers Federation.

Leaving it to the politicians have not worked,so the workers must unite and chart their own future.Under the law, the workers are given that power under the Trade Union Act and the Industrial Relations Act.

Under the circumstances,it would appear that the responsibility must be shouldered by the Trade Union movement.The movement can remain relevant if it takes immediate steps to fill the void.

Global anti-corruption watchdog ranks Malaysia 47th least corrupt, praises Penang

2010-10-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 – Global corruption watchdog, Transparency International (TI), has ranked Malaysia as the 47th least corrupt nation in the world and commended the island state of Penang for its anti-corruption efforts.

Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden was listed by TI as the top three least corrupt countries as measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which ranks countries in terms of the degree to which businessmen and country analysts perceive corruption to exist among public officials and politicians.

Singapore , Finland , Switzerland , Iceland , Netherlands , Australia and Canada rounded off the top least corrupt countries.

Malaysia came in 47th out of 180 countries in the index, tied with Hungary and Jordan .

The CPI is part of TI's Global Corruption Report (GCR) 2009 released yesterday.

In its report on Malaysia, TI highlighted the Malaysian practice of the "revolving door" whereby individuals move from government to business, or business to politics, and back again, and estimated that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 billion a year.

"Significant government participation in the private sector and considerable business participation in politics means that the movement of gatekeepers to players and players to gatekeepers has a negative influence on the concept of checks and balances," said TI.

"The complexity of the relationships between politics and the public and private sectors means that corruption may take place with impunity. Until drastic action is taken to separate the cozy relationship between government, business and politics, the anti-corruption effort will remain no more than a token gesture," said TI.

Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng says he is "humbled" by the recognition by TI and added that he was concerned over the fact that that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 billion a year – an amount equivalent to 1 or 2% of GDP as pointed out by the GCR when it cited the findings of the special government business facilitation task force Pemudah and the World Bank.

Additional report contents that were of concern to Lim was Malaysia's per capita spending of only RM5 on anti-corruption efforts and the fact that only about 10%, or just 7,223 potential corruption cases, of the total 71,558 reported between 2000 and 2006 were investigated by the Anti Corruption Agency, the precursor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, with a conviction rate of less than one percent.

"The GCR 2009 concluded that this illustration of the Malaysian government's inaction in the light of the serious corruption allegations, along with its seeming inability to catch the big fish instead focusing on the 'small fry', suggests that what anti-corruption efforts exist are mere tokens," said Lim.

"RM 10 billion in losses from corruption per year is a huge sum and there must be greater commitment from the Federal government towards fighting corruption to ensure that 27 million Malaysians can benefit from this RM 10 billion dividend from successfully combating corruption."

Lim also today announced that the state has managed to cut about RM36 million or 12% of in operating expenditure this year due to its efforts to curb corruption.

"Transparency International' s recognition of anti-corruption efforts by the Penang state government through CAT (Competency Accountability And Transparency) governance is backed up by savings of nearly 12 per cent of the 2008 Penang state budget of RM 36 million from operating expenditure. This RM 36 million savings has allowed the state government to carry out social programs and implement its people-oriented government," said Lim.

TI said that the Penang state is the first Malaysian state government to implement the open tender system for government procurement and contracts.

It also recognized the state government's directive barring administrators and state executive councilors from making any new land applications and efforts to attract professionals to serve on various boards, such as the Penang State Appeals Board.

"On behalf of the Penang state government, we feel humbled by the recognition given by a world renowned body such as Transparency International and would redouble efforts to ensure the anti-corruption reforms are institutionalized and ensure more professionals are appointed to key bodies. Fighting corruption generates savings for the people," said Lim.

He added that the two local authorities in Penang are expected to save another RM34 million over three years from a "transparent" negotiation over the price of solid waste disposal that reduced the rates agreed to by the previous Barisan Nasional administration by a further 42.4 per cent.

Lim said that the savings would go towards the state government's "3E" programme to "enable" the people with skills and knowledge so that they have an equal opportunity to create wealth, "empower" them with fundamental rights and basic freedoms, and "enrich" the people by sharing wealth and economic benefits.

Now it is Penang Boleh - Vote wisely for a better Malaysia.Malaysia pun boleh!

PENANG called Umno’s bluff over gambling money

2010-10-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

PENANG called Umno’s bluff over gambling money
UPDATED @ 04:00:40 PM 03-10-2010
By Debra Chong
October 03, 2010

PETALING JAYA, Oct 3 — The DAP dared Umno lawmakers today to return their salaries to federal coffers to prove they were principled Muslims against being funded by gambling money, which is forbidden in Islam.

The dare came after Bayan Baru Umno chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Saibu’s stunt yesterday, which saw 50 teary-eyed elderly folk each hand over their RM100 compassionate allowance received from the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government after being told the money was “non-halal”.

“All Umno elected representatives should immediately return all their parliamentary and state assembly allowances to the government as the revenue source is even more dubious than in Penang,” its national publicity chief Tony Pua said in a statement today.

“These Umno leaders should not only return their allowances back to the Government, they should also demand that for future infrastructure projects such as highways built by the Federal Government, there should be lanes designated for Muslims and non-Muslims based on the proportionate breakdown of source of revenue used to build the roads,” the Petaling Jaya Utara MP said.

He slammed the grand old party for “lying through their teeth to gain political mileage” in persistently claiming the Penang state government’s welfare aid to senior citizens was funded by revenue from gambling.

He pointed out that Lim Guan Eng’s state government had clearly denied the welfare fund for Muslims was sourced from gambling money.

He stressed that Umno leaders’ attempt to distinguish halal and non-halal income for Penang was hypocritical and ridiculous, especially when Putrajaya controlled licensing for gambling activities.

Pua also highlighted the Finance Ministry’s written reply to his DAP colleague in Parliament on June 9 this year, which stated that taxes were channeled indiscriminately into a Consolidated Fund, which would then be distributed for government spending, which includes the salaries and allowances for ministers and legislators.

“Penang state opposition leader, Datuk Azahar obviously could not tell the difference when he claimed that ‘Umno assemblymen need not return their allowances as the state government’s income was from tax revenue’,” the DAP lawmaker said.

Pua accused Umno of playing the religious card to create fear among Muslims and split the races in order to remain in power and urged the public to reject the “ridiculous thoughts by Umno leaders”.

The Penang government has refuted allegations that it was using gambling revenue to fund compassionate payments to senior citizens.

State Religious Affairs committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim claimed last month that the allegation, made in a blog and by Umno Youth, was “imaginary”, not based on facts and made with bad intentions.

The funds, he said, were a direct result of the state administration’s frugality and adherence to the principals of competency, accountability and transparency (CAT), which allowed the state to set aside RM20 million for the welfare programme.

“From that allocation, we have spent as much as RM10.7 million and we still have an additional amount of RM9.3 million to continue with the programme for the senior citizens in the state.

“It has been explained clearly that the compassionate monies were not from gambling sources. They came from revenue made from our collection of assessments and other means — not from gambling.

“The state government also does not have the power to approve gambling licences. Only the federal government has the power to do so,” he said.

Umno Youth had urged the Penang government to clarify a blogger’s accusation that it had been using funds from gambling sources to make compassionate payments to senior citizens.

Its information chief Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican asked Lim to explain the claim made in the blog Pisau.net, which alleged that the annual payments of RM100 to senior citizens and RM1,000 to their beneficiaries were being funded through gaming revenue.

Reezal also claimed the rumours had caused discomfort among some of the recipients of the money, especially those who were Muslims.

Usul utk menguatkan proses pemilihan parti PKR

2010-10-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

Adalah di sarankan bahawa perlembagaaan parti di gubal supaya hanya ahli yang hadir mesyuarat ranting (lebih dari 4 kali?) layak membuang undi.

Dari pemantauan kami, ramai yang datang membuang undi tidak menghadiri mesyuarat Agong yang sedang berjalan,bahkan ramai yang tidak pernah hadir satu mesyuaratpun.Bagaimana mereka hendak memilih pemimpin yang berkualiti sekirnya mereka tidak tahu mengenai aktiviti parti atau kaliber peminpinnya?

Kelemahan ini boleh di salah gunakan untuk mengambil kuasa tanpa membuat sebarang kerja atau sumbangan untuk parti.

Pada pendapat saya,proses yang dicadangkan boleh membantu parti untuk membina pimpinan yang lebih berkualiti dan memantapkan pimpinan disemua peringkat.Selain dari kelayakan,proses yang disarankan adalah saperti berikut:

1.Setiap ahli yang datang untuk mesyuarat Agong perlu mengdaftar sebelum dibenarkan masuk kedalam dewan untuk mengikuti perjalanan mesyuarat.

2.Setiap calun dibenarkan 5 minit untuk berucap dalam mesyuarat untuk memperkenalkan diri dan agenda perjuangan masing masing.

3.Kertas undi dikeluarkan apabila mesyuarat tersebut selesai dan pengundian dijalankan selepas ini.

Wain: Dr M caused country’s woes

2010-10-02T02:10:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA, May 21 — The author of a hot-selling political biography on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said many issues hampering Malaysia had come from the ex-prime minister’s tenure.

Former Asian Wall Street Journal editor, Barry Wain, whose book “Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in turbulent times”, sold 4,000 copies in just two weeks added that he does not see any broad changes being brought about by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“I argue that a lot of problems in Malaysia stem from Dr Mahathir’s rule,” said Wain in an interview yesterday, during a reception to celebrate the launch of the book. “Issues like corruption did stem from when he was in power. Lack of leadership, abuse of the NEP (New Economic Policy), problems that exist today.”
Wain, who was a Malaysia correspondent from 1977 to 1979 and has been
in Asia for 38 years, said it was “quite obvious” that Malaysia has fallen behind other countries because of abuse of the controversial race-based NEP and that he was still waiting to see substantial reforms.

Note: As of 2010-Oct-02,there is no news that Tun Mahatir is taking legal action again Wain.This silence says a lot.

Say "NO" to GST

2010-03-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

The Rakyat should send a clear signal to Putrajaya that they are against the imposition of the GST (Goods and Services Tax-currently due for the 2nd reading in Parliment) as it will burden the poor,disabled and the elderly.

Some compelling arguments against the imposition of the GST:

GST is more suited in a high-income economy.Malaysia is still a low income economy-85% of its income earners do not qualify to pay income tax .Singapore(a high-income economy) has implemented GST but workers there earns 15 times more than their counterpart here.
Under the GST,everyone have to pay 4% for every item or services that they purchased regardless whether they are poor,jobless or retired.
Wages are low against rising costs.Only 11% of the workforce are in a position to negotiate better wages through their union affiliation.The rest are not represented and are subject to supply and demand situation. Govt has introduced the COLA for public sector to alleviate the problems of the rising costs but have largely ignored the private sector.Without a minimum wage policy or govt intervention,real incomes are shrinking in face of rising costs.GST makes it worse.
Impact of GST to a worker who earns RM 1000 is very much more significant than to a Manager who earns RM10,000.A lower paid person would end up pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes compared to a higher paid person.In effect, the poor are taxed more.In a progressive taxation method, a higher paid person would have to pay more tax.
Reform of the government sectors can be a source of income rather than implementing GST which will only transfer the cost to the people. The Finance Ministry claimed that GST will increase the country's income to up to RM1 billion.On the other hand, the govt.'s income can also increase by RM2.4 billion if it decided to sell Approved Permits through open tenders.

GST implementation is a bread and butter issue for all Malaysians and should be seriously debated.No one can afford to be a fence sitter.

PERAK BY-ELECTION SOON?

2010-01-23T01:17:00.000-08:00

The word out is that by-elections in Perak maybe held after the CNY holidays.

It seems that the Federal Court delay in delivering the judgment, on Nizar’s position as the lawful MB of Perak, is to allow UMNO /BN to strengthen their position in Perak. With UMNO/BN confident that the Malays have run back into its arm, it is said that judgment will be handed out in favor of Nizar.

As a “gentlemanly gesture”, Zamry maybe calling for dissolution of Perak DUN before the judgment is delivered.

It is said that the current hype on ketuanan Melayu and Kalimah Allah is very much designed to prepare the ground for the eventual by-elections in Perak. If true, they are using the same old trick-the fear factor (race and religion in this case). Desperate times call for desperate measures?

As if only UMNO can protect the rights of the Malays and Muslims? Let’s not forget that there was life before UMNO and there will be life after UMNO.

I hope that the people of Perak are smart enough not to fall for the same old trick…

KALIMAH ALLAH

2010-01-16T02:26:00.000-08:00

There are many views on this hot issue. The reality is that the Arabs have been using Allah to describe the One God, the Supreme Being. This is true for both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians.In East Malaysia, they have been using this even before Merdeka.

But Allah is the ONE God for all mankind. Not one of many Gods. So, if we use Allah to describe the One God, then it is perfectly OK. So in this context, people of the Scriptures who believe in ONE God, are united in that they believe in one God.

In Malaysia, there is another name for GOD and that is Tuhan. In my view, those who believe in more than one God should refer to God as Tuhan and not Allah. Because ALLAH is ONE GOD FOR ALL MANKIND. Unless of course, they believe in One God for all mankind and in which case, they are partly a Muslim already....( two basic beliefs -belief in One God and belief that Mohammad is a prophet of God).

The above is my personal view and I stand to be corrected.

SEE MALAYSIAKINI REPORT BELOW ON HERALD MSIA (a Catholic Church publication):

Malaysiakini:What exactly did the High Court declare?

Let's be reminded that the Herald's application for a judicial review was only limited to have the home minister's prohibition on the use of the word 'Allah' in its Bahasa Malaysia section declared ultra vires.

Putting it in another way, the reason for the judicial review was to enable the word 'Allah' to be used in Herald's Bahasa Malaysia section for the benefit of East Malaysians.

Also too for other Bahasa-speaking Catholics who have since time immemorial used the term 'Allah' in their texts and prayers and is therefore their right to continue to do so under the constitution.

As such, the High Court's decision has wrongly been expanded by various sections of the public until it now appears that the Catholic Church has succeeded in getting the court to declare that the word 'Allah' can now be used by all and sundry for any old reason.

This was not the intention of the Justice Lau Bee Lan, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, Father Lawrence Andrew or any other Catholic for that matter.

USA HOLIDAY

2010-01-15T01:02:00.000-08:00

My family and I visited USA during the Xmas holidays. It’s my fourth visit and each time I came back, I acknowledge America’s position as the No. 1 Country in the world. Why do I say this? Firstly, they have a system and the system works for them. In most places, we work for the system.Secondly, they encourage diversity (backgrounds, beliefs and views).

This is clearly demonstrated in their education system. During my visit, I spoke to some 7-10 year old Malay children who only moved to a US school some 6 months ago.( Parents from Kg background) . They spoke good English and have so much knowledge. They can even talk about US politics with me, wow! In Malaysia, only kids from well to do families would have that kind of exposure. And the schooling is free!

In terms of beliefs, everything is on the table for all to see. The only downside to me as far as the “everything is cool attitude” is when it comes to religious and sexual orientation. As a Muslim, this is where I draw the line. Otherwise, I can’t fault them.

There is still a lot that we can learn from America.

All is not well in Malaysia-old news indeed!

2009-12-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

At long last , after a decade of denial, the BN govt says the obvious( see press excerpts from Finance Minister 2 ,Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, at an Economic Conference recently):

Malaysia's economy has been stagnating for the past decade and is now trailing badly behind its neighbours
Malaysia economic growth over the last 3 years is the 2nd lowest in comparison to
China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand .
Singapore and Korea's nominal per capita GDP grew within the last three decades by 9 and 12 times respectively against 4 times for Malaysia.
Malaysia is trapped in a low-value-added, low-wage and low-productivity structure
Our private investment has been steadily in decline

What needs to be done to put the economy back on track?

According to the Minister , we must emphasise on meritocracy and ensuring all Malaysians are given equal opportunity to participate in the economy and we must gradually dismantle the protectionist policies of specific sectors and industries ,which have introduced a climate of complacency and artificial levels of supply.

Many Malaysians know that these measures are not good enough.There must be good governance,there must be serious effort to address corruption and increase transparency.There must be proper checks and balances and democractic institutions allowed to function freely.

The question is whether the current BN Federal Govt can do this? Its really a tall order especially since many are of the opinion that they are the root cause after 52 years of power.If they can't do it, Malaysia fate is sealed and life will become harder for Malaysians

Minimum Pay and employment

2009-11-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

Pay and employment in on the agenda of many Malaysians, especially young adults and those with growing children.

As for pay, incomes have not risen in tandem with rising prices. 25 years ago, a University graduate was paid RM 1700.Today, 25 years later, after the economic bubble have deflated, many graduates are being offered RM 1,700 for entry positions.Worse, there are graduates working as Factory Operators, something unheard of 25 years ago.

After paying for lodging, transport and living expenses, there is nothing left for the employee.In a way,not much different from the master and servant(slave?) relationship - servant works and the master take care of everything else.

While there many ideas on the way forward,the govt. must ensure that Malaysians be given priority over foreign workers. The govt. must regulate the intake of foreigners into the job market.This will ensure that wages are not artifically held down by employing foreigners who are prepared to accept lower pay.

Secondly, it is important for the govt to introduce a minimum wage system. This was introduced in many countries including the newest superpower, China.It has succeeded in raising living standards whilst maintaining competitive edge.Minimum wage in part complements the tripartite relationship of unions , employers and workers by ensuring that workers can live decently.

During PRU 12, the Opposition’s manifesto included the introduction of a minimum wage system but they failed to wrest power at the Federal level.That was the last we heard of the minimum wage system.

Since there is a lack of will from the BN Federal Govt on this matter, it is only logical for voters to vote them out and install a new Federal Govt that have the political will to introduce such a system.

Workers and those joining the workforce should seriously consider this point before they put a cross on the ballot paper in next General Elections.

Anwar's warning to PKR

2009-11-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

During his key note address at the PKR Perak Convention on 14th November 2009, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave party members a stern warning - support the party's vision and struggle OR Leave the party.

In his 1-hour hard hitting speech, he said that he orginally remained silent when there were vocal opposing views from party members as he felt that such debates were part of a healthly democratic process.

He however felt that such open discussion had become counter productive when some members started to question the very basic struggles of the party and the country.

Anwar said it clear- PKR members must support the party position for a just Malaysia.Divisive views based on racial and narrow religious politics have no place in PKR.Members must conform OR leave.

Multiracialism and moderates are in. Racial politics and hardliners are out.Value based members are welcomed,dollar based members are out!Reformists are in, politicians are out!UMNO style politics have no place under the PKR's sun.

Kudos to Anwar. This is what the people want to hear and its good to hear it direct from him. Better late than never.

Lets see if the hard talk is backed by hard action.

Perak "Rampasan Kuasa" : A long wait for justice to be served

2009-11-05T02:59:00.000-08:00

Perakians have to be patient for justice to be served.For those who are more skeptical,the wait is futile. In any case,below are the events of the day:

2009-Nov-5:
The Federal Court heard all submissions but reserved judgement to a later date.Earlier the 5 person panel dismissed Nizar's application for an 11 person Bench to hear his appeal

2009-Jun/Jul:
The 3 Appeal Court judges delayed submitting their written judgements. Written judgements only received in late June/early July.

2009-May-22:
Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision and acknowledged Zamry as the legitimate MB

2009-May-12:
Zamry granted a stay of execution within 24hours on appeal at the Court of Appeal

2009-May-11 :
High Court declared that Nizar was the righful MB

Blast from the past: Open letter to the Pakatan MBs in 2008-Mar

2009-10-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Message to the YAB Menteri Besars & Chief Minister of Pakatan Rakyat

The 2008 political tsunami was a clear demonstration of the rakyat’s hunger for change and a resounding rejection of the status quo.

The Rakyat that voted you in does not expect you to give them contracts, crony status or other preferential treatment. For the most part, what they want is a better quality of life, and what better way than to start with the 6 states (incl. KL) that Pakatan Rakyat now controls.

Although some matters are under the Federal govt., there are other matters within the purview of the State govt., which can help to improve the quality of life and environment.

In my opinion, the YABs should focus their energies in the following areas within the control of the State Govt:

1.Make the neighborhood clean and livable. Ensure that the garbage are collected, reinforce the anti litter campaign and fine litter bugs. How about regulating painting of buildings? Some buildings are eyesores.

2.Ensure that eating outlets are clean and strictly supervised. Prices of food at govt. built eating outlets should be controlled and in return, rental should be nominal.

3.Rather than build new Parks, spend money to ensure that current parks are in tip top condition. Do park maintenance work on weekdays and during non peak period.

4.Provide at least one playing field in each neighborhood and maintain it properly.

5.Organize functions such as gotong royong, mass aerobics and family day etc to foster better relationship within the neighborhood.

6.Provide sufficient parking areas and slap heavy fines on inconsiderate drivers. Lower parking fees or no parking fees on off days, would help to reduce the burden of the rakyat.

7.Abolish the toilet fee. Make building owners responsible for maintenance of clean toilets. Public toilets should be adopted by private sector sponsors.

8.Do road works only on Weekends or at night. We don’t want road jams and accidents caused by improperly planned road works.

9.Make State Agencies more efficient and user friendly. 1st on my list would be the Local Councils. 2nd on my list would be the Land Office.Notoriously slow agencies only responds to “coffee money” or “cable pulling” to speed up the process.This should stop.

10.Make our neighborhood safer. Although, the Police Dept. comes under Federal responsibility, I believe that there are some things we can do at the State level to improve safety .We can incorporate security & safety features into the building design, adding Guard post, security cameras & fencing. Building owners should be made responsible for security and safety of their buildings.

These little things don't cost much but the rakyat will love you more for making Malaysia a better place to live in. And this love will translate into even more votes at the next general elections.

ISA oh ISA

2009-10-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Najib says that even a criminal gets a second chance and that Isa is only contesting for the position of State assembly person and not for a Minister or MB's post. Does this means that Isa is too tainted to be an MB or a Minister but clean enough to be a state assembly person?

The Rakyat is fully aware that Isa was found guilty and suspended by UMNO for money politics. For the record, Isa faced 9 charges of money politics and was found guilty of 5 charges. He was suspended for 6 years and this was later reduced to 3 years upon appeal.

Money politics is a lame term for corruption. In plain English, he paid money to win his party elections. UMNO will not suspend a duly elected Vice–President over a technicality. Neither would Isa keep quiet over a technicality.

Let’s not forget that Dr. M & Ku Li both agree that Isa should not be given a second chance ,precisely because of his tainted past. There can be no compromise on trust and honesty.

This decision by Najib to select Isa confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is not serious about combating corruption and reinforces what many of the Rakyat already feels – that the PM himself is tainted and therefore unfit to lead the nation.

That Isa himself decided to stand for elections is another surprise. For a person who was the MB for 22 years and now vying for a State assembly job, this does not reflect well on protocol and his self esteem. He would be better off playing the role of a party elder or simply playing golf.

The fact that UMNO had to recycle a tainted politician speak volumes of what most people already know –that UMNO is sorely lacking in leaders of high integrity and credibility.

63 years old and going down the same path as Japan’s LPD party?

Battle Royale at Bagan Pinang

2009-10-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is a battle for the hearts and minds of the Malays: UMNO vs. PAS.

The stake is huge for UMNO. A loss in this UMNO stronghold has enormous psychological significance for UMNO and will certainly be its Waterloo.

Yes, it is an uphill task for Pakatan and this is what Pakatan fighters and sympathizers relish most. This is nothing new for the Reformasi movement – we had fought on an uneven ground for more than 10 years.

Remember DSAI’s famous words, “Kalau takut dengan risiko, jangan bicara tentang perjuangan” (If you are afraid of risks, don’t talk about going into battle)

It is time for all of us to stand up and be counted. All true blood Malaysians who are yearning for UMNO to be given a bloody nose, MUST, turun padang (go to the ground). The Rakyat’s clarion call for change must reach the voters of Bagan Pinang.

Let’s apply the strategy of overwhelming force and converge on the battle field in record numbers. Everyone must do their part no matter how small.

If you are in Bagan Pinang, report to the Markas (station) and volunteer you support. If you can’t be there, telephone the people you know in Bagan Pinang. If you know of someone who is going to campaign in Bagan Pinang, offer encouragement and support (better still, financial aid).

All hands on deck. Prepare for battle.

We can win. Impossible is nothing.

Sultan Pahang-Support BN Govt.

2009-09-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

In a BERNAMA report of 2009-Sept-24, Sultan Pahang urged his subjects to continue supporting BN,” so that more development projects can be implemented for their benefit”.

This is not the first time that the Sultan has openly taken a partisan stand in politics. Previously, he had openly asked his subjects to vote for BN.

Surely,the Sultan must know that he is the Head of State for all his subjects. As a constitutional monarch, he must respect the State Constitution and remain neutral. If he wishes to remain partisan, he must gentlemanly abdicate his position.

He is then free to join UMNO and if fielded, he can contest in the General Elections. I am sure that many of his subjects will relish the chance of standing against him and possibly trouncing him.

To maintain his dignity and position, he must stay above politics. He can’t have it both ways.

While the Rakyat respects his position as the Sultan, he must equally respect the rights of the Rakyat.Under the Constitution, the rights of the Rakyat is supreme.

Please be advised.

Pakatan's ONE Federal Manifesto

2009-09-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Rakyat is generally not satisfied with the state of affairs of the country .If we examine closely, most of them are not happy with the state of affairs of the following and want them reformed:

1. Judiciary
2. Police
3. Anti Corruption Commission (MACC)
4. Media
5. Economy
6. Civil Service/Ministries
7. Armed Forces

Unfortunately, almost all of them fall under the purview of the Federal Govt. This is where the dilemma is.

Therefore, to win support, Pakatan must be seen to be serious about taking over the Federal Govt. in the next General Elections. As a key strategy, focus on Federal matters must be given priority over State matters.

The stated reformation of the Federal bodies and national agencies must be clearly included in the Pakatan Federal manifesto. Whilst State manifesto caters for each respective State, ONE Federal manifesto will be the key to wrest power at the Federal govt.

Another key strategy must be stronger focus in East Malaysia. As a rule, focus on East Malaysia matters must be given priority over West Malaysia matters. There must be a clear plan to win over the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

If these two key strategies are executed well, a Federal takeover is within reach.

GE 2008 Predictions : Blast from the past

2009-09-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

This simple flyer below was published on the eve of the last General Elections ( 2008-Mar-08):

APA AKAN BERLAKU SEKIRANYA B/N DINAFIKAN 2/3 MAJORITI?

1. B/N akan masih memerintah Malaysia
2. UMNO akan gantikan Pak Lah dengan PM baru
3. Kroni Pak Lah (saperti Khairy dsn)akan hilang kuasa
4. BN tidak boleh menukar dasar sesesukahati .
5. Pembankang akan memainkan peranan berkesan sebagai “check & balance”
6. Wakil Rakyat BN tidak boleh bersikap angkuh lagi
7. BN kena tadbir negara dengan telus
8. Institutsi Kerajaan dapat berfungsi tanpa campurtangan politik
9. BN akan buang wakil BN yang korup untuk mengambil hati Rakyat
10. Sistem Kehakiman kita akan pulih.

It is interesting to note that the top 5 predictions have actually occurred. The bottom 5 are still in a state of ‘touch and go’. So, there is still more work to be done on both sides of the fence.

Husni -Opposition tactics can destroy the country

2009-09-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

In a Bernama report released on 2009-Sept-05, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah was quoted as saying:

“The tactics and political gimmicks used by the opposition to attack the Barisan Nasional (BN) can jeopardise efforts in developing the country's economy and can destroy the country if the people were taken in by the opposition's gimmicks.

"They try to confuse the people by making various excuses to erode public confidence in the monarchy, judiciary, police force, military and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Ahmad Husni said this when commenting on the action of the opposition members of the Perak State Assembly in holding a 'State Assembly sitting' at a hotel, here on Wednesday.

The Minister, who is the Tambun MP from Perak, is talking from a UMNO perspective and continues to be in a denial mode even after 8 by-elections.

The Rakyat is not stupid.It is the BN govt. that has eroded the Rakyat’s confidence of the public institutions.

Any person in the street can list at least 3 recent instances whereby public institutions were manipulated to serve UMNO and BN’s interests. These ranges from abuse of govt. facilities/ media , selective persecution / prosecution, crony appointments and awards etc.

These abuses must be corrected for Malaysia’s and Malaysians sake.

The Tambun MP, a key figure in the Perak UMNO/BN, is himself tainted. The Perak UMNO initiated takeover of the Perak State Govt. through unethical means removes any moral authority or creditability that he has to talk about public confidence.

The people of Perak will not forget people like Husni, Zamry and the likes of them and God willing, will reject them in the next General Elections.

There is a new dawn for Malaysia and people associated with Kerajaan “Rampasan Kuasa” Perak belongs to an inglorious past and will be rejected by the Rakyat of Perak.

REMEMBER PERAK.VOTE PAKATAN!

Rakyat must accede to what Najib wants

2009-09-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Rakyat in Perak, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan have kicked BN out of their respective States last year.

On 2009-Jan-29, Najib took over the Perak UMNO Liaison Chairmanship and engineered the down fall of the Pakatan Perak govt.BN succeeded in getting 3 ADUNs to jump ship.

On 2009-Apr-24, he took over Selangor UMNO Liaison Chairmanship. While officiating the Kuala Selangor UMNO Division meeting on 2009-Aug-09, he blatantly told the nation that Selangor is his next target.

So, based on past records, it is almost certain that some Selangor ADUNs will be persuaded to jump ship using the carrot and stick approach.

So, it appears that Najib is showing his hands again. To him, the end justifies the means.

It does not matter that these are legitimate govts. voted in by the Rakyat and appointed by the respective Sultans. It does not matter what means are used to persuade these ADUNs as long as they jump ship.

The worst of it all is that these are being done blatantly without regard to the values and norms of religion and ethical standards.

And this man is our Prime Minister and this man wants the Rakyat to put their faith and trust in him.

Surely, such disrespect of the Rakyat wishes and democratic process, will not go unpunished? Surely, BN must realize that the ground has shifted and the Rakyat no longer tolerates such shenanigans?

It appears that another disappearing act(a Najib's trackmark?)is on the cards ……

Najib’s 1Malaysia

2009-08-30T03:08:00.000-07:00

Our current Prime Minister has launched ‘his vision’ of a One Malaysia.

This is a dream for all Malaysians today,although our Bapa Kemerdekaan , Tunku Abdul Rahman,had actually lived it for the most part of his prime ministership.

Tunku was our Bapa Muhibbah and Bapa Toleransi. He was the role model and most people of his era lived it too. During my childhood days in Penang, I truly felt that we were a tolerant and multiracial society. It was common then to have close friends from all races and common then to visit these friends during normal days as well as festivals.

Even after 1969, I felt that this spirit (tolerant and multiracial society) was there. In my opinion, the Malays, Chinese and Indians slowly drifted apart in the 80’s and became polarized from the 90’s onwards. For the most part, this happened under the stewardship of the 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir, who ruled for 22 years.

Clearly, the Alliance/BN model is out of date. Race based politics is the main hindrance to a multiracial society. Based on the ruling BN’s formula, there is not ONE Malaysia but FOUR Malaysia:

1st Malaysia for UMNOputras
2nd Malaysia for Malays
3rd Malaysia for Non Malays
4th Malaysia for East Malaysians

For Najib to achieve One Malaysia is a tall order .Can he get UMNO in particular and BN in general to be committed to this agenda? Does he have the credibility for Malaysians to put their trust in him? Does he have a clear plan of how he plans to achieve this?

I would certainly not put my money on him. Sadly, this will be another empty slogan, which sounds nice but will come to nought under Najib’s watch. This is not surprising, when we recall past slogans/ visions that fell really short:

Bersih Cekap dan Amanah (Mahathir)
Wawasan 2020 (Mahathir)
Cemerlang,Gemilang dan Terbilang ( Pak Lah)
Islam Hadhari (Pak Lah)

The way forward?

Two prerequisites must happen to the political landscape. Firstly, the emergence of a two party system for proper checks and balance. Secondly, political parties that are truly multiracial.

The emergence of Pakatan meets the first criteria. Only PKR meets the second criteria. The logical option is to vote for Pakatan and let PKR take the lead. Gladly, more and more Malaysians are voting for this change.

For BN to survive, it must get out of race based parties and become a truly multiracial party. Knowing current Malaysian politics, this shift is next to impossible.But achievable, if we truly want a tolerant and multiracial society that can take on the world.

Diversity can be a strength NOT a weakness, the crux of Tunku’s Malaysia.

Sultan Perak tell judges to remain politically impartial

2009-07-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

At special seminar on the federal constitution organised by the Perak State Secretariat on 21st July 2009, Sultan Azlan Shah was quoted by BERNAMA as saying:

" The major and heaviest test for a judge was remaining impartial, especially in terms of emotion and inclination .Judges hold great responsibility in upholding the rule of law and integrity of the courts and their failure to do so will result in an imbalance."

Whilst I sincerely support the statement made by HRH Sultan Perak, these very words sound hollow in light of the recent BN takeover (coup) of Perak State.I fear that the majority of Perakians and Malaysians take the statement of HRH Sultan Perak only at face value and many would label it as a case of " Cakap tak serupa bikin".

For an eminent and esteem public figure, this fall from the graces of the Rakyat, must surely hurt.

The way forward for HRH Sultan Perak, to regain the esteem and confidence of his Rakyat, is to do what the majority of Perakians want and that is to dissolve the Perak DUN and hold re-elections.

All HRH Sultan Perak need to do is ask his Rakyat- 8 out of 10 of them will tell him that this is what they want. I pray that HRH Sultan Perak will respect the wishes of his Rakyat.

This is the ONLY just way out of this political quagmire in Perak :

PUT THE POWER BACK INTO THE HANDS OF THE RAKYAT PERAK!

Teoh Beng Hock -Enough is enough

2009-07-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Teoh Beng Hock, 30,was found dead on 16th July 2009 hours after being questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). MACC chief commissioner Ahmad Said Hamdan claimed that Teoh was released before he met his death.Sadly, a man who was going to get married the next day,paid the ultimate price.

Teoh was the political secretary of Selangor exco member Ean Yong Hean Wah . It seems that Ean together with his other Chinese Selangor Exco members/ ADUNs are being investigated by MACC for alleged misappropriation of state funds.In Teoh's case, it was to investigate the way the Sri Kembangan state assemblyman, his boss, managed his state allocation(RM2,400.00 for flags/buntings expenses).

The MACC action raises the issue of selective persecution and prosecution ONCE again.

Kit Siang's press statement says it all : " He also urged Najib to order the MACC to "stop the war against Pakatan", adding that the anti-graft body has "become Umno's tool to topple the Selangor government".

The Rakyat is increasingly alarmed at seeing the MACC and other arms of the govt. being used by the BN govt. to intimidate opposition politicians.This manipulation and preservation of power was starkly evident during the Perak coup. The fact that professionals heading key institutions ,allowed themselves to be used by the political masters instead of serving the Rakyat, does not speak well of Malaysia and Malaysians as a whole.

One can't blame the Rakyat for their anger.

Whatever said, a life has been lost and lets not wait for more lives to be lost.We must remember Teoh Beng Hock and those before him. In their names, we must act .Lets promise ourselves that come what may ,we shall vote BN out.

Enough is enough.

What statement did Manek Urai make?

2009-07-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

UMNO did not win the Manek Urai by-election even though the BN/ Govt machinery went full throttle to carve out a desperate win for the new PM, Dato Seri Najib .A loss to PAS by 65 votes is a story of so near and yet so far ,although commendable ,against the previous loss of 1352 votes.

What statement did Manek Urai make?

If one takes into account that Manek Urai is a 95% Malay seat (12,293 registered voters) , the by-election showed that the Malays are still split 50: 50.It is also generally accepted that the Chinese and Indians in the country have by and large deserted BN.

If we take this two facts and generalise it for the whole country, we can conclude that about 70% of the people ( Malays, Chinese and Indians) are still against BN.Against this backdrop ,it would be fair assumption to say that BN will be swept out of power by the next general elections.

Manek Urai may still turn out to be the Waterloo for BN.

Unless of course BN manages to pull a rabbit out of the hat and/or Pakatan shoots itself in the foot....

Remember Perak. Vote Pakatan!

Calling on Anwar

2009-07-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

The last couple of months have not been boring. The Rakyat has been entertained by the Pakatan’s political drama. This soap opera is nauseating. These people forgot who put them in power. And the Rakyat can take it away. If the Barisan Alternatif lesson did not sink in, Pakatan will have to learn the bitter truth once again.

Which bring the question of what Dato Seri Anwar; Prime Minister-in-waiting is doing about it?

The political tsunami of March 08 2008 proved that the people wanted change, not just any change but change for the better. Anwar read the shift correctly and rode on this wave. But the last couple of months, it seems that he has lost the initiative. Pakatan has got itself into a quagmire and it appears that the top leadership have become more distant and out of touch with the people.

As Pakatan’s Supremo, Dato Seri Anwar must rope in the mavericks within Pakatan. Those who caused disunity within the ranks or damaged the image of the party must be taken to task .We must be united and speak with ONE voice.

I expect DSAI to solidify Pakatan’s base and make Pakatan a true coalition and not a loose band of politicians. I expect DSAI to take the fight to BN and not the other way around. The best form of defence is offense.

DSAI has abundantly demonstrated his magic over the years. We know what he is capable of and we want him to once again, lead. Not for the politicians but for the Rakyat who still believes in him and whose hopes he carries.

Remember: We have done it before and we can do it again!

Bujoy in heaven

2009-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

One day before US Independence Day ,two days before my daughter Lyana's birthday and one week after MJ's demise, my family's beloved cat of 16 years, Bu Joy (Bu= Elder sister) passed away.In human terms, she was a grand 96 year old when she went to heaven.( 1 cat yr = 6 human yr).

Bujoy was admitted into an Ipoh clinic on 2nd July 2009 (Thurs) for constipation problems and was put on the drip.We were told that she would be discharged on Saturday but this was not to be. The clinic called to say that she died on the morning of 3rd July 2009.With much sadness, we laid her to rest at our retirement home in Lembah Beringin,a few minutes before the azan(call for prayer) for Friday prayers .

Bujoy has been with the family for 16 wonderful years and has given us so much joy.She was no ordinary cat. She has been there and she has seen it all. She has travelled and lived in many parts of West Malaysia.The last 10 years or so, she commuted ,as we did, between Ipoh and KL.

Our nephews,nieces,aunties,brothers, sisters,in-laws, relatives and friends....those who are close to the Hakim's family...know Bujoy.She was the mascot of the OFA clan and was regarded as the 'youngest daughter 'of the Hakims. The messages of condolences that we received from many parts of the world is testimony that she had indeed touched many hearts.

Over the years, as she aged, she underwent no less than 3 operations for constipation problems.The doctor wanted to put her to sleep 3 years ago but we decided to leave her in the hands of God. Her 'mum' played a sterling role in keeping her healthy and well.That meant regular enema and showers.Bujoy knows the drill all too well and would hide under the bed.We had to drag her out and sometimes ,we even had to use a water pistol to dislodge her from her refuge.

Although Bujoy is no longer with us, her presence will always be etched in our hearts forever.Her boyish meows will eternally echo in our ears and we shall always treasure the pleasure, fun and joy that she had brought us.

We missed her at our subuh and magrib prayers, in that I mean ,her stretching herself on the sejadah(prayer mat) while we did our prayers.We missed her soft furry body in our beds at night, where she would sometimes wedge herself and sleep with us. We missed playing hide and seek with her when she becomes playful.We missed her show of manja (affection) by purring and massaging us with her paws.Above all, we missed her presence and innocence.

All things must come to pass and Bujoy is now in heaven.

Rest in peace Little One. Amin(Amen).

Manek Urai -Waterloo for UMNO?

2009-06-15T02:49:00.000-07:00

Another battle to win the hearts of the Malays is in the offing, this time at Manek Urai in Kelantan.

The last battle at Penanti was a no-contest because UMNO backed out to ‘save the tax payers money ‘(read – can’t win). This time, at Manek Urai, UMNO feels that this election is “money well spent” (read – can win).

As 95% of the 12,293 registered voters in Manek Urai are Malays, this will really be a battle between PAS & UMNO.

For UMNO, it realizes that Manek Urai can be its Waterloo and they must win this seat. Anything else would mean disaster.For PAS, a clear victory would mean that they and not UMNO have the support of the Malays. This victory will further boost PAKATAN’s morale and signal that they are on course to take over Putrajaya.

With the overthrow of the Perak State Govt. fresh in the minds of all Malaysians, the Malays of Manek Urai will the opportunity to punish UMNO for this injustice, just like their brethren in Bukit Gantang and Penanti have.

My message to the voters of Manek Urai:

Remember Perak. Vote Pakatan!

Perak Sultan says respect the Constitution

2009-06-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

"The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, said any move which questions the interests of the Malays (in terms of scholarships and places of study )not only violates the fundamental provisions in the federal and state constitutions but also questions the sovereignty of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers."

After hearing Tuanku talk about respecting the Constitution, I am sure many Perakians are wondering why Tuanku was acutely silent when the Perak constitutional crisis occurred. Tuanku should have made an even more stronger statement about respecting the sovereignty of the Perak Constitution and Perak State Assembly.

As the constitutional monarch of Perak,this would be more fitting ,rather than comment on the Federal Constitution, of which the King is the constitutional monarch.

It is of course a common human trait to comment on others and Tuanku is after all, only human. As they say, 'Gajah didepan mata tak nampak.Kuman diseberang laut nampak".

Haze and hazier political days ahead

2009-06-12T04:12:00.001-07:00

The haze is here again.

Has been here in and out the last 5 years or so , and I guess will become part of the annual climatic changes of SEA.

Just like the haze, the political climate is getting hazier by the minute.Mr. Bulldozer ( Hadi Awang) is at it again. During 2004 elections, he single-handedly destroyed the Opposition Front by stubbornly insisting on his Islamic State agenda.The net result - the non malays and the liberal malays deserted the Opposition Front.

Now, he talks about the Unity Govt.Again , he stubbornly defended this 'sell-out cloak and dagger' discussion with UMNO.Not only that, after the Perak Coup by UMNO, he still insists on having Unity talks!

Is Hadi Awang an UMNO mole? One can't help but wonder if this Tok Guru is playing to UMNO's tune or plain caterpillar bulldozer!

I hope my PAS friends have enough of Hadi and let their voices be heard. I know that I have enough of the man. I hope that PAS ditch him and replace him with Tok Guru Nik Aziz and Husam.

S.O.S to the Sultan of Perak

2009-03-02T03:32:00.000-08:00

Any person who loves this silver state, democracy and the rule of law, must surely be appalled by events that are fast unfolding before our very eyes.

What Perakians want is simply the right to vote in the govt. of their choice. Is this too much to ask? Is this a crime?

Events appear to be rapidly getting out of control. The cat and mouse constitutional game is gambling away the peace and stability of this calm state. Court actions, police actions, partisan govt. officers, threats and other inducements are being used to stifle the voice of the people.

The latest action of sealing off the State Assembly building and actions against the Speaker is raising the temperature.

The only hope is for the Sultan to intervene and get both sides to agree to let the rakyat decide.

Is this asking too much of DYMM Sultan Perak?

Jalan jalan di Pasar Kg. Manjoi pada Hari Ahad, 2009-Feb-15

2009-02-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

Pada pagi ini, saya berkunjung ke Pasar Kg. Manjoi. Setiba saya di sana, saya dapati Pasar tersebut penuh sesak dengan suri rumah dan keluarga yang datang untuk sarapan pagi serta membeli barang dapur.

Saya juga melihat para aktivis politik menyebar risalah mengenai isu kemelut politik di Perak.Dari pengiraan saya, kalau 100 orang yang diberi risalah hanya 5 orang sahaja yang enggan menerimanya. Saya tidak melihat seorang pun yang membuang risalah yang diterimanya.

Komen komen yang saya dengar semuanya memihak kepada Dato Seri Nizar dan mereka dukacita dengan tindakan DYMM Sultan dan BN.Rata rata mahu DUN dibubarkan dan rakyat di beri peluang untuk memilih kerajaan baru. Komen yang sama saya dengar dari penyokong BN (penjual Pasar).

Nampaknya, orang Manjoi sudah celik.Penjual ikan yang saya berbual berpendapat sokongan terhadap Pakatan Rakyat semakin kuat dan DUN Manjoi boleh jatuh ke tangan Pakatan sekiranya pilihanraya di adakan dalam masa yang terdekat.

Kesimpulanya, bubarkan DUN Perak dan adakan pilihanraya semula. Biar Yop dan Yong menentukan siapa patut memerintah.Seharusnya Bn menyahut cabaran ini dengan bersetuju membubarkan DUN PERAK.

Pulangkan kuasa kepada rakyat!

Sanggupkah Pendekar UMNO Perak turun gelanggang?

2009-02-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

Sanggupkah Pendekar UMNO Perak turun gelanggang?

Benarkah Rakyat Perak mengucapkan tahniah kepada Dr. Zamry Abd. Kadir,YAB Menteri Besar dan Majlis Kerajaan Negeri Perak BN yang di lantik oleh DYMM Sultan Perak pada Feb-09?

Rakyat Perak ingin memperingkatkan Dr. Zamry dan Exco nya bahawa Kerajaan mereka adalah kerajaan yang ditubuhkan melalui pintu belakang.Walaupun mereka dilantik oleh DYMM Sultan Perak, kerajaan mereka tidak direstui oleh rakyat Perak.

Pada PRU 12, rakyat Perak telah memberi mandat kepada Pakatan Rakyat untuk memerintah Negeri Perak dan bukan kepada BN.Sebagai orang yang berani dan wibawa,tentu sekali Dr. Zamry dan ahli ahli Exconya akan merasa kurang senang dengan label “Kerajaan Pintu Belakang”.

Oleh demikian, kami Rakyat Perak ingin mengesyorkan supaya beliau memohon kepada DYMM Sultan Perak untuk membubarkan DUN Perak.Keberanian Dr. Zamry dan rakan rakanya masuk gelanggang untuk bertarung semula akan menerima tabit hormat daripada rakyat Perak.Barulah mereka layak digelar Pendekar UMNO Perak.

Menang atau kalah itu adat pertarungan.Dimata rakyat mereka dikira telah menang.

Budaya Rasuah Politik UMNO

2009-02-08T03:38:00.000-08:00

Rakyat Malaysia sudah bosan dengan budaya politik wang (rasuah politik ) yang diamalkan dalam arena politik terutama sekali dengan parti pemerintah.Masalah ini telah capai suatu peringkat serius dalam parti UMNO, dimana MACC ( Anti Rasuah) telah diarahkan untuk memain pernanan membenteras gejala rasuah di dalam pilihanraya parti UMNO.

Setelah kekalahan BN/UMNO dalam PRU 12 pada 2008-Mar-08,pemerintah UMNO telah membuat kenyataan demi kenyataan bahawa mereka telah mendengar suara rakyat dan akan berubah haluan .Pemerintah UMNO telah berikrar untuk menghapuskan gejala rasuah ini.

Apakah hasil nya selepas 11 bulan?

Padangan Rakyat ialah usaha usaha tersebut hanya cakap kosong untuk menyedapkan hati Rakyat tetapi hasil nya tiada ,sebab pemimpin UMNO sendiri sudah terikat dengan gejala tersebut.Budaya rasuah dalam UMNO susah untuk dikikis.Kalau di Peringkat Parti pun boleh gagal, usaha di Peringkat Kerajaan tidak akan berjaya sama sekali.

Kenapa?

Sebabnya minda& hati pemerintah UMNO tidak berubah.Cakap tak serupa bikin.Kontrovesi saperti Eurokopter,pembelian kapal selam, saluran wang Kerajaan Persekutuan terus kepada badan badan BN,pembunuhan wanita Mongolia, keculikan mata gelap, rasuah dalam pemilihan UMNO dsn. telah membuktikan bahawa budaya ini bermula daripada pihak tertinggi UMNO.

Jadi, tidak hairanlah kenapa dan atas sebab apa 4 ADUN Perak lompat kepada BN baru baru ini.

PERSAMAAN SEPT-16 & FEB-06 ?

2009-02-06T01:13:00.000-08:00

Rata rata rakyat Malaysia menyatakan bahawa lompat parti atau ‘hijrah’ parti itu satu tindakan yang tidak beretika. Tetapi kita dapati parti politik samada pemerintah ataupun pembangkang pernah mengunakan strategi ini untuk mengambil alih kuasa.

DSAI sendiri telah mengunakan taktik kejut/gertak ( Sept-16 ) untuk mengambil alih kuasa kerajaan Malaysia.BN termakan dengan taktik ini sehingga sekumpulan wakil Rakyat telah di hantar keluar negeri.TDM , PM dan DPM begitu runsing sekali dengan kemungkinan ini.

Kita tahu bahawa sekiranya lompatan itu berlaku, BN akan memohon kepada DYMM SPB YDP Agong untuk membubarkan Parlimen dan Tuanku akan memperkenan permohonan tersebut.

Walau bagaimana pun, Sept-16 tidak berlaku dan tiada apa yang perlu di perkatakan lagi. Acah bukan salah.

Pada Feb-05 , 4 Adun Perak daripada Pakatan Rakyat telah lompat kepada BN menyebabkan Pakatan Rakyat hilang majoriti. MB Perak telah memohon kepada DYMM Sultan Perak untuk membubarkan DUN Perak tetapi Tuanku tidak memperkenankan nya. Kerana 4 orang ini,Kerajaan Pakatan yang diberi mandat oleh rakyat telah tumbang.

BN telah menubuhkan Kerajaan Perak pada hari ini, Feb-06, melalui pintu belakang ( lompatan katak). Adakah ini beretika? Rata rata rakyat Perak rasa tertipu. Mandat yang mereka berikan kepada Pakatan Rakyat tidak dihormati oleh BN dan tidak dipertahankan oleh DYMM Sultan Perak.

Lompatan bukan lah suatu amalan yang baik .Lompatan yang menyebabkan kejatuhan Kerajaan yang sah adalah suatu kesalahan besar. Perlembagaan patut dipinda supaya lompatan yang menyebabkan kerajaan sah hilang majoriti, akan menyebabkan kerusi berkenaan dikosongkan secara automatik dan pilihanraya kecil diadakan.

Menang sorak, kampong tergadai

2009-02-06T01:11:00.000-08:00

“Lompatan bukan cara sah untuk menubuhkan kerajaan.Pilihanraya adalah jalan yang sah.” Itu adalah kata kata bijak daripada Ku Li.

Oleh demikian , tindakan Dato Seri Nizar untuk tidak meletakan jawatan merupakan satu keputusan yang baik ,walaupun ianya bercanggah dengan titah DYMM Sultan Perak.

Kenapa pula kerajaan yang sah (halal) , mesti digantikan dengan kerajaan baru yang tidak sah ( haram)? Keputusan DYMM untuk tidak membubarkan DUN Perak merupakan suatu keputusan yang tidak baik , kerana ianya seolah olah menghalalkan apa yang haram.Keputusan Tuanku sepatutnya dibuat atas landasan moral atau hasrat rakyat dan bukan berdasarkan prosedur Perlembagaan.

Kemelut politik di Perak ini tidak akan berakhir dengan perlantikan Kerajaan BN pada Feb-06 . Krisis ini akan berlarutan sehingga kuasa di serahkan kembali kepada rakyat untuk menentukan kerajaan pilihan mereka.

Kuasa rakyat dapat dikembalikan sekiranya 2 Adun BN keluar parti .Yang pasti, sekiranya Pilihanraya di adakan di Perak, rakyat Perak akan menghukum BN dan akan memperolehi majoriti 2/3.

Pakatan Rakyat disarankan untuk guna pakai Tragedi Perak untuk menghasilkan Tsunami Kedua, yang akan memberi pukulan KO kepada BN pada PRU 13 yang akan datang. Bak perpatah, “ Menang sorak, kampong tergadai”.

MPs: Be courageous and cross over

2008-09-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has effectively showcased himself to be the best qualified leader to lead Malaysia out of this economic and political quagmire.

I have reached this conclusion after witnessing how he has triumphed over numerous challenges and obstacles put before him in 2008. Anwar is clearly gifted. He possesses great vision, inspirational leadership, high intelligence and tenacity. I do not see any other Malaysian leader in this day and age that can match him.

So, I would like to issue a clarion call to all our MPs who are still undecided - strengthen your resolve, summon up the courage and cross over. Your sacrifice for a new Malaysia will earn you a place in history. Just as the voters of Permatang Pauh has.

The road to Putrajaya is wide open

2008-08-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

They threw everything they had at Anwar - Saiful, Ezam, Nalla, American agent, Jewish Agent, Mr. Double Face, Sellout to the Malays. He did not waver.

They threw everything they had at the voters of Permatang Pauh-election on working day, hyperactive media propaganda machine, goodies, petrol price reductions etc. They did not waver.

They threw everything they had at the Pakatan Rakyat party workers –roadblocks, intimidation, hostile govt. dept support machinery, phantom voters, uncooperative EC etc. They did not waver.

They did not waver because they know that the rakyat is with them .They did not waver because the hopes of ordinary Malaysians and future of Malaysia rests heavy on their shoulders. They did not waver because they are Nationalists and consider themselves as patriots

Now they have won a strong psychological victory over UMNO and they are relishing every moment of it.History was made on 26th August 2008!

One man absorbed the entire UMNO onslaught and came out victorious. Not only did Anwar and Pakatan did not waver. They have come out of this fight even stronger and the road to Putrajaya is now wide open.

For UMNO and its BN’s sidekick, the writing is on the wall. As Pakatan Raykat march on to Putrajaya, each of their MPs will have to decide whether to join the victors or face oblivion.

Use indelible ink for Permatang Pauh By-election

2008-08-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Since the by election for the Permatang Pauh will be held soon, I would like to take this opportunity to resurrect the issue of the indelible ink once again.

SPR purchased the ink costing RM 2.4 million of the taxpayers’ money. Rather than letting it go to waste, we might as well use it for this by election. It would be most fitting that this election, which will most likely propel DSAI back into Parliament, will make history as the most transparent ever.

I would like Pakatan Rakyat to raise this issue in Parliament on behalf of the rakyat.

The rakyat would also like to know what action will be taken against the SPR Chairman, the Attorney-general and the National Chief of Police for misleading the public in a live TV telecast, into believing that there was credible evidence of sabotage, which prompted SPR to cancel its use. Being civil servants, their partisan action should not go unpunished.

The rakyat is ready to give BN the boot

2008-07-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Given the sentiment on the ground, BN will be swept out of power if elections are held today.

With the price increases for fuel, food, utilities and services, the ordinary Malaysian is hard pressed to make ends meet.In such a foul mood, Malaysians are scrutinising every single sen that the BN federal government spends of the rakyat’s money.

How could the rakyat have kept BN in power for 51 years is something beyond words. Having awoken from their slumber, the rakyat can’t wait to dump BN into the dustbin of the past.

The talk these days is so long as the BN brand is voted out, any other brand will be acceptable to the rakyat. But wait, there is a problem...

The BN government is legally elected for the next five years but the rakyat has become increasingly impatient and can’t wait that long. How to do it?

Legally, this can only be done with BN parliamentarians crossing over to the opposition or parliament passing a vote of no confidence on the PM.

Can we count on our wakil rakyat to stand up and effect a change in government?

Joke Corner

2008-06-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

A horse, a cow and a donkey were having an argument about who had most contributed to the war effort.

The horse said he had done the most - ‘Without me, the soldiers wouldn't have been able to ride off to war’.

The cow said she was the one - ‘Without me, there would have been no one to feed the civilian
population’.

The donkey, not to be outdone, said, ‘True....but I was the head of government. Without me, there would have been no war!’

Well done donkey , reward yourself with a kick in the ass!

Why the petrol price hike at this time?

2008-06-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

The BN govt. knows that the petrol price hike would result in a backlash against the Govt. but it went ahead regardless. Why? This is the RM13.7b question.

Only Pak Lah has the answer and the ordinary rakyat can only speculate. The coffee shop talk is full of rage against the BN govt.

The official version is that with petrol prices skyrocketing, the govt. cannot afford to maintain the existing subsidy system.True to some extent but 40.6% ? Thats really being insensitive!.So, why did the govt. do it?.

Some say that the country needs the RM 13.7b savings to finance projects with the intention of wooing back the rakyat. The BN states will receive extra allocation .The Opposition States will not get the allocation as punishment for voting against the BN.

Another favorite is that the money is to fund all the Corridor rayas that the govt. has announced

Others say that this is a diversionary tactic designed to get BN to focus and unite on the bigger economic challenges instead of the ongoing internal political fighting.

Yet others say that having failed in using the race card, the BN govt. is now using the economic card to create unrest to justify using the emergency laws to shackle its enemies

One fact though is that the BN govt. promised just before the 2008-March elections, that the price of petrol will not be increased.

The consensus from the raykat is that if an election is held any time soon, BN will surely be swept out of power. Time for Pakatan Rakyat to show Malaysians what they can do.

Joke Corner: Ask the donkey

2008-05-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

The class was discussing the issue of motivation.The lecturer illustrated the carrot and stick approach used on the donkey.

He told them that the carrot was dangled in front of the donkey to motivate it to walk .Sometimes, the stick was used to hit the donkey to walk.

He then turned to the class and asked them which approach is better.

Instead of giving his views, a smart ass student replied, "Why are you asking us Sir ? Logically, you should ask the donkey .The donkey can tell you which method works best for him !?!

Datukship for Nicol David?

2008-05-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to suggest to the Penang State Govt to award Nicol David with a Datukship.

It boggles my mind that Malaysia’s best achiever and world class sporting personality has not been given the due recognition that she truly deserves. I have read of lesser mortals who have been conferred Datukship for some some obscure reason or silly feats ,so it does beg the question of why we missed this opportunity?

Can the Penang govt. live up to its motto of “Penang Leads” and give the daughter of Desmond David her due?

This would be the right thing to do and Penangnites will be thankful to the Pakatan State Govt.

Response to Mahathir's letter to the Sun Newspaper

2008-05-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Mahathir’s letter to The Sun newspaper published today , May 9th ,is not a surprise given his well known penchant for selective memory.

Undoubtedly, Mahathir does have an impact in Malaysian politics. BN’s major victory in 2004 was in part due to his exit after 22 years and Pak Lah’s promise of a better Malaysia, in a post Mahathir era.

The ‘Melayu Mudah Lupa’ ex Premier needs to be reminded that it was not just his
UMNOputra supporters who voted against the BN in the last elections.

To be exact, 51 % of Peninsular Malaysians of all races, religions and creed voted against the BN. They are UMNOputras, BN members, Opposition members and non party members.

Why did the Rakyat vote against BN? After 2 months of reflection, I believe most Malaysians know why. The dissatisfaction ranges from economic pressures, govt. abuses & misdeeds, broken promises as well as leadership failure.

One clear outcome of the 12th PRU is that ordinary Malaysians now realize that the real power is in their hands. If they unite, they can unleash a potent tsunami that can flush the corrupt, arrogant and mean into history.

Joke Corner : Professional Fisherman Will Always Mark Their Spot X

2008-04-20T02:03:00.000-07:00

Two friends rented a boat and fished in a lake every day.One of those days they caught an amazing 50 fishes.

So one of the guys said to his friend, “Mark this spot so that we can come back here again tomorrow.”

The next day, when they were driving to rent the boat, the same guy asked his friend, “Did you mark that spot?”His friend replied, “Yeah, I put a big ‘X’ on the bottom of the boat.”

The first guy said, “You stupid fool! What if we don’t get that same boat today!?!?”

Message to the YAB Menteri Besars & Chief Minister of Pakatan Rakyat

2008-04-19T08:56:00.001-07:00

Dear YABs,

The 2008 political tsunami was a clear demonstration of the rakyat’s hunger for change and a resounding rejection of the status quo.

The rakyat that voted you in does not expect you to give them contracts, crony status or other preferential treatment. For the most part, what they want is a better quality of life, and what better way than to start with the 6 states (incl. KL) that Pakatan Rakyat now controls.

Although some matters are under the Federal govt., there are other matters within the purview of the State govt., which can help to improve the quality of life and environment.

In my opinion, the YABs should focus their energies in the following areas within the control of the State Govt:

1. Make the neighborhood clean and livable. Ensure that the garbage are collected, reinforce the anti litter campaign and fine litter bugs. How about regulating painting of buildings? Some buildings are eyesores.

2. Ensure that eating outlets are clean and strictly supervised. Prices of food at govt. built eating outlets should be controlled and in return, rental should be nominal.

3. Rather than build new Parks, spend money to ensure that current parks are in tip top condition. Do park maintenance work on weekdays and during non peak period.

4. Provide at least one playing field in each neighborhood and maintain them properly.

5. Organize functions such as gotong royong, mass aerobics and family day etc to foster better relationship within the neighborhood.

6. Provide sufficient parking areas and slap heavy fines on inconsiderate drivers. Lower parking fees or no parking fees on off days, would help to reduce the burden of the rakyat.

7. Abolish the toilet fee. Make building owners responsible for maintenance of clean toilets. Public toilets should be adopted by private sector sponsors.

8. Do roads work only on Weekends or at night. We don’t want road jams and accidents caused by improperly planned road works.

9. Make State Agencies more efficient and user friendly. 1st on my list would be the Local Councils. 2nd on my list would be the Land Office. These two depts. are notoriously slow, giving rise to “coffee money” or “cable pulling” to speed up the process.

10. Make our neighborhood safer. Although, the Police Dept. comes under Federal responsibility, I believe that there are some things we can do at the State level to improve safety .We can incorporate security & safety features into the building design, adding Guard post, security cameras & fencing. Building owners should be made responsible for security and safety of their buildings.

These little things does not cost that much money but the rakyat will love you more for making Malaysia a better place to live in. And this love will translate into even more votes at the next general elections.

TDM: 22 “fiascos” in 22 years in power ?

2008-04-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Without Prejudice

Many of those who worshipped TDM cannot understand why Malaysians blame TDM for the woes of the country.

I have compiled excerpts of articles which were published in the media in past years to refresh the memories of Malaysians, as to why many Malaysians feel that TDM did more bad than good for the country in his 22 years.

These 22 “fiascos” were published in the form of questions directed to TDM:

1) On clean government
You came to power in 1981 and introduced the slogan bersih, cekap dan amanah (clean, efficient and trustworthy). What did you do to further that? Did you make the Anti-Corruption Agency more independent and effective? Did you ensure that the police and judiciary did their jobs properly and reduce corruption in their ranks? Did you ensure that ministers and chief ministers not have income beyond their legal means? How many big guns were prosecuted for corruption offences during your tenure? What happened to bersih, cekap dan amanah?

2) Press freedom
Your criticism of the government got plenty of coverage in the local media whereas, during your time, criticisms against you by two former prime ministers were muted in the mainstream newspapers. Editors in Umno-linked newspapers too were removed for not toeing the line. What did you do to advance the cause of responsible press freedom?

3) Proton
You went ahead with the national car project in 1983 despite a number of experts disagreeing with you, especially with respect to the lack of economies of scale. Isn’t it true that Proton’s profits over the past 20 years came from the vastly higher prices that the Malaysian public have had to pay to subsidies Proton, resulting in considerable hardship for Malaysians who need cars because of the poor public transport system? Why was it necessary for Proton to buy a stake in a failed Italian motorcycle manufacturer when it could not even produce cars competitively?

4) Heavy industries
Why did you push into heavy industries such as steel and cement in the 1980s, ignoring studies which suggested developing natural resource-based industries instead? They caused major problems and billions of ringgit in losses.

5) Immigration
Why did you allow hordes of people to emigrate, mainly from Indonesia, in such an unregulated way that there are as many or more illegal immigrants than legal ones now, accounting for some two million or more people? Did you not realize that this would cause serious social problems?

6) Operasi Lalang
Why did you have to resort to this move in October 1987, when you used the Internal Security Act to detain over 100 people, close down four newspapers and cause a wave of fear throughout the country? Was it to consolidate your tenuous hold on power then by using an oppressive law?

7) Judiciary
What was your motive to take action in 1988 to remove the then lord president and several Supreme Court judges from their positions under allegations of judicial misconduct, a move which was heavily criticized by the Bar Council and other bodies? Was it because you needed more compliant judges whose rulings would not threaten your position of power in a number of cases in court? Was this the first step in dismantling the judiciary’s role as a system of checks and balances against the legislature and the executive? What have you to say to repeated assertions by many, including prominent ex-chief justices, who maintain that this led to the erosion of judicial independence?

8) Education
Why did you allow our national school system, which is the ideal place to develop ties among young Malaysians, to become so divisive? Why is it that our local Universities, once the preferred choice of tertiary education, have deteriorated to a level that even students who gained admission prefer to enroll into local private Universities.

9) Malaysian Airlines System
Why did your government sell MAS (private sale) to Tajuddin Ramli who had no knowledge whatsoever about running an airline? Why did your government then later bail out Tajuddin by paying RM8 per share when the shares were trading at only RM3.60 in the open market, costing close to RM 1 billion of the rakyat’s money.

10) Privatization
Why did you allow privatization to take place in such a manner that the most profitable parts of government operations were sold away like Telekom Malaysia,Pos Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional? Toll roads had guaranteed toll increases and compensations in the event traffic projections were not met. Independent power producers had contracts that guaranteed them profits at the expense of Tenaga Nasional .What was the justification of privatizing the government medical stores to Southern Task Sdn Bhd, and the resulting increase of prices of medicines?

11) Putrajaya
What is the justification for spending RM20 billion on a grandiose government city at a time when office space was available in Kuala Lumpur? Could the money not have been put to better use, such as improving educational resources?

12) Indah Water Konsortium
What was the basis of granting Indah Water Konsortium a concession to manage the national sewerage system? Could you explain the RM1.4 billion soft loan to IWK which is clearly has irrecoverable losses?

13) Konsortium Perkapalan Berhad
Why did you rescue Konsortium Perkapalan Berhad (then owned by Mirzan) and which had debts of RM1.7 billion using funds from Petronas? Was it not your administration which forced Malaysian International Shipping Company (MISC) to acquire the assets of Konsortium Perkapalan Nasional?

14) Time Dotcom Bhd.
Why did your administration bail out Time Dotcom Bhd which was saddled with a RM5 billion debt? Why did your government use RM904 million from Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pencen to buy up 273.9 million of unwanted Time Dotcom shares incurring an instant loss of RM280 million?

Did you not force the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to buy 81.6 million unsubscribed public portion of the initial public offering (IPO) of Time Dotcom Bhd at RM3.30 per share when the shares were trading at only between RM1.95 and RM2.10 and in the process incurring an instant loss of RM100 million?

15) LRT
Why did you bail out the light rail transit operators Projek Usahasama Transit Ringan Automatik Sdn Bhd (Putra), which belonged to Renong, and Sistem Transit Aliran Ringan Sdn Bhd (Star) using almost RM600 million from EPF, which still resulted in EPF having to write off RM135 million with a share loss of RM96 million?

16) North South Expressway
Why did your administration award North South Expressway concession to UEM (who then formed Plus) and then provide them with a loan of RM1.6 billion which was half of the tender price of RM3.2 billion. What was the justification for your administration to grant Plus such over generous terms, which included annual increment of toll rates and guaranteed traffic volumes?

17) PSC Industries Berhad
Why did your administration in 1998 award a RM24.3 billion contract to PSC Industries Berhad, together with an advance of more than RM2.5 billion to build naval patrol boats? Why were they also given exclusive rights to service the Malaysian navy’s entire fleet? Could you confirm that the first two ships built by PSCI could not even pass pre-delivery trials? How would you answer to the Public Accounts Committee’s revelation that it will cost the government another RM120 million just to salvage the first two vessels nearing completion after seven years?

18) Bakun Dam
Why did you award Ekran Bhd the contract to build the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam in Sarawak? Why did your administration take over the construction of the dam by bailing out Ekran by almost RM200 million for ‘work done’?

19) InventQjaya
What was the basis of inviting Libyan-American Sadeq Mustaffa to Malaysia to set up InventQjaya Sdn Bhd and to also give him a grant of RM440 million? What was the benefit for Malaysia and how has Malaysia benefited? What happened to InventQjaya now?

20) Forex Losses
Why did your administration dabble in speculation of the money market which ultimately cost Bank Negara almost RM9.3 billion in losses?

21) Bank Bumiputra
Why did you allow the mismanagement of Bank Bumiputra, to the extent that it had to be bailed out 3 times, costing the country a total of RM 3 billion? Again, dipping into Petronas’s funds?

22) Perwaja Steel
Why did your administration allow Perwaja Steel to be mismanaged resulting in RM 2.9 million of the rakyat’s money being squandered?

Lingam-gate tapes

2008-01-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

In a week where the KLSE is going south, I must thank Lingam & his cronies for putting a smile on my face.

I picture Lingam looking at the mirror and saying, " It looks like me ,it sounds like me but are you sure it is me ?" Going fast forward, I can see Lingam saying the same thing to his reflection in the mirror at Tanjung Rambutan.

It also tickles me that some enterprising Malaysian ,in the spirit of Malaysia Boleh, has cashed in on Lingam's popularity to come up with "Lingam spoke to me" T-shirts.

As for the former PM's ," Melayu mudah lupa", a "Dr.M mudah lupa" is such a fitting response.

The explanation of Tun Eusoff is another joke.Luckily for Malaysia,he has retired from the bench but unluckily for Tun , the circus magician failed to make the little bird disappear from the hat.

With the circus in town, Malaysians can look forward to another week of top rated comedy. Look out for the next episode of the Lingam-gate show! Meantime, could someone get Lingam to speak to me pleasseeee.............