My Anthem

Saturday, June 30, 2007

EN-tranzED by So You Think You Can Dance?

Was Desi glad and lifted Friday night for two hours, and my recent bout ofpessimism disappeared somewhat when the four "youthful" finalists for So You Think You Can Dance over TV8 geneerated much versatility, hope and enthusiasm that enveloped the judges, the audience and home viewers like Desi -- I was ENtranzED indeed.

It was the depiction of a nation's citizens at their best -- an aura only anchored by God's gifts that truly went beyong race, colour and creed.

I pause hereas I need to take a break and I assure you I am now convinced that the CREATIVE people in Malaysia are not lacking in talent. If only the country gives more attention to the activities that are driven by passion and love, Malaysia as a nation still has some HOPE. I say this amidst much negativity and pessimism much in the Malaysian air over the past 1o months since the 49th Merdeka celebrations.

Just a few days back I had paused and wondered ALOUD, still ALLOWED at Desi's Place, if I should continue the traditional Merdeka Day Essay Series. Now I don't hesitate. I see some glimmer of hope on which I butter my vision of a generation of Malaysians who may make a difference -- IF ONLY CERTAIN SEGMENTS OF MALAYSIA WAKE UP FROM THEIR OWN SELF-DESTRUCTIVE POLITICS AND TAKING MALAYSIA TOWARDS THE EDGE THAT OVERSEES THAT ABYSS.

...To be continued...________________________________________________

From the NST

Dance contest winner reveals his generous side


A jubilant Muhamad Alam Haslan (centre) after he was declared winner of the So You Think You Can Dance finals last night.
KUALA LUMPUR, Sat:

Muhamad Alam Haslan beat three other contenders to clinch the first prize in the 8TV reality show So You Think You Can Dance finals held at Ruums, Kuala Lumpur.

The 21-year-old from Muar, Johor, won RM50,000, RM3,000 worth of jewellery from Poh Kong and a dream role in the musical My Name is Remy ... The Life, The Love & The Inspiration, the latest project by Puteri Gunung Ledang’s lead actress, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina.

For his solo dance performance, he chose to breakdance his way to winning the competition with Evanescence’s Can You Feel It.

"I would like to help people who are out there in the streets dancing to be recognised," he said after the prize-giving ceremony.

He revealed his generous side by presenting the jewellery he won to his fellow contestant Tengku Noor Fatimah who had given him a lot of support during the competition.

Jehan Miskin and Juliana Ibrahim were the night’s presenters, while guest artistes included Reshmonu and Joe Flizzow of Too Phat who performed their hit songs.

Judges for the final were Pat Ibrahim, Judimar Hernandez, Ramli Ibrahim and Tiara, who was the guest judge.

Besides the solo performance, the finalists had to dance in pairs. For the first time, there was a different kind of pairing on the show — the two female finalists danced together, while the two male dancers partnered each other.

Spirit of Reformasi Lives On in Ezam: Syabas!

I was heartened to read the latest initiative by former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor, now in another capacity mainly to maintain the fight against corruption in high places. Nothing less than a loud "SYABAS" to Ezam for maintaining his Reformasi spirit even after breaking ties with Parti Keadilan Rakyat. It's alright he's now using an NGO vehicle as long as the objectives remain noble.

PKR comrades wish him well as long as he's comitted to make progresive change in NegaraKu.

Even PKR de facto chief Sdr Anwar Ibrahim maintains Ezam remains a "friend".

From The Star,

Saturday June 30, 2007


Gerak: Minister involved in CBT


PUTRAJAYA: Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor has no intention of joining another political party for now despite invitations from his friends in Umno and PAS.

He prefers to concentrate on his role as chairman of the Movement for Democracy and Anti-Corruption (Gerak) to “highlight and fight” corruption in the country.

Asked if he had been invited to join other political movements following his resignation from PKR, Ezam said: “Sort of, because I have many friends in Umno and PAS. And naturally, as friends, they have invited me to be with them. But my focus now is on Gerak.”


It took six months to compile the document which contains police reports lodged against the minister... EZAM MOHD NOR
On Tuesday, Ezam announced that he had quit PKR and accused his one-time political idol Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of dictatorial politics. His resignation took effect on April 4 but he had quit all his party posts in February.

Yesterday, Ezam, as chairman of Gerak, handed a 632-page document to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi which contained allegations of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation involving a senior Cabinet Minister.

The document, which according to Ezam took Gerak six months to compile, contained two police reports lodged against the minister made by a chief executive officer of a public-listed company in 1998, statements by the Malaysian Companies Commission as well as receipts and invoices amounting to millions of ringgit.

Asked to reveal the identity of the minister, Ezam said he had made a verbal agreement with the Prime Minister’s Office not to name the individual.

Ezam said he decided not to hand over the document to the Anti-Corruption Agency as he had had “problems with the ACA chief previously, so I think it is better that I go straight to the chief of the ACA chief, which is the Prime Minister, concerning this case.”

_______________________________________

MEANWHILE, from the NST:

Anwar: I hold no grudges


PETALING JAYA:
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he held no grudges towards former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Abdul Rahman Othman and youth chief Ezam Mohd Noor, who quit the party recently.

"We might not always share the same opinions but I still regard them as good friends," he said.

Anwar was speaking yesterday on the defections, which he claimed were not unanticipated.

"It wasn’t a sudden walkout. Abdul Rahman started losing interest and became less involved in the party after his defeat in the 2004 general election. Ezam felt that his values were more in line with Pas’ and made his intentions clear about seven months ago," he said.

Ezam had earlier been reported to have accused PKR leaders of failing to deal with "narrow" and "petty" internal politicking.

On his future in politics, Anwar said he was fully committed to PKR.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Media: Responsible and Crucial, YES!

But to WHOM?

When I first I glanced at the news headline in The NST page 2 today, and I nodded my head.
But when I proceeded to read the body of the story, I am not too sure I nodded my head rightly.

The media -- especially mainstream print media as a key component of the Fourth Estate -- has always been a core interest of Desi, who earned B&B in that field for two decades plus. I am now still in that field, mainly on a freelance basis, trying to walk a more independent path and find more meaning. The trade-off is less moolah-lah!:)(Jest sharing to Y&A thinking of going into freelance-writing: Be Prepared to receive payments after three months, if not six, after delivering your work on time. The payment is seldom/never on time/dime.:(

Okay, back to the news report, reproduced here in full with due acknowledgement to the NST, though I parted with hard-earned RM1.20 for it. Sharing again, for my blogging and earning some side-income dependent on quoting news sources, I rotate buying a copy each day of the dailies -- the NST, The STar, and theSUN, and unlike most of "kedekut" Malaysians -- okay, mayhaps, thrifty is the reason! -- I don't hit the 7ELEVEN at SE7EN am to get dat free/flee kopi of the rising Sun!:(

Responsible media
crucial, says Abdullah


NOTE: I was presumptious that definitely the news item, appearing as lead in Page 2 in the print copy, would be available in NST online, hence I stated I would reproduce it in full; BUT SURPRISE! it's not available! Did Desi miss something?

Can someone help Desi in guessing the reason WHY?Can you check and feedback to me ASAP! My reputation depends on It!:(

Prime Minister's statement of the media, and NST does not have it in its Online edition! Soon someone would come witha CONspiracy Theory the Americans or the EC countries or The Singing Republic is responsible for awe this state of affairs! Hear, this is jest soem pulling of legs, don't send a protest note to my Office!

So dear EsteemedReaders, bear with me while I take a break, and hopefully, some ER cometh back with the full news extract from NST, page 2, can?

UPDATEd @4.40pm:

After responding to Helen's comment, I re-visited NST Online, its Frontpage has several stories on Atlantuya (I understand, the story sells newspapers!:), but I still could not spy Pak Lah's items on the MEDIA! And here's the Proof when I surfed to LOCAL news, with the following highlights:








NST Online » Local News


Bugged by a special beetle since birth
Aviation is in Patrick Francis’ blood, but it is the Volkswagen "beetle" that had "bugged" him since birth. Full Story

At the Dewan Rakyat yesterday: F1 races earned Malaysia RM728m

MALAYSIA spent RM130.5 million on the rights to hold this year’s Formula One race, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Full Story

Home News in Brief: Making ATMs secure

KUALA LUMPUR: Banks will tighten the security of their ATMs following several theft attempts in the Klang Valley recently. Full Story

Cross-country: State swinging to golf tourism
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government is now eyeing the lucrative golf tourism industry. Full Story

Kasitah corruption trial: 'Kasitah did not inform directors of better offer'
Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam failed to inform the board of directors on Oct 22, 1996, of a better offer from PPB Oil Palm Bhd (PPBOP). Full Story

Blame govt and Bar Council too, say lawyers
Comments on the declining quality of lawyers are justified, but the government and the Bar Council are also to be blamed, said several members of the profession. Full Story

Molested child yet to recover from trauma
Life will never be the same for a 6-year-old girl who was cruelly molested by a man on Wednesday. Full Story

Canteen operator to get the sack over food poisoning

Terminate the canteen operator’s services immediately. Full Story

Cabinet nod for our very own ‘Hyde Park’
The setting up of a 188.93-hectare recreational park, similar to that of Hyde Park in London, has been given the go-ahead by the cabinet. Full Story

Puteri Umno chips in for siblings
Puteri Umno will pay for the passports needed for Mariam Johari’s three children to travel to South Korea to be reunited with their long-separated mother. Full Story

‘We are doing it for country, not glory’
It’s not about who gets sent to space, but the technological progress it will bring the country. Full Story

It’s all smooth sailing for now

Malaysia is bidding to become the second Asian nation, after China, to participate in the America’s Cup, the world’s premier sailing event. Full Story

Veteran newsman Alan Jenkins dies
Alan Jenkins was a Fleet Street veteran who came on "loan" from the Times of London to train journalists on this newspaper from 1989 to 1992. Full Story

12,000 sign up for Ipoh run
Some 12,000 participants have signed up for the Ipoh International Run (IIR) 2007. Full Story

Indian nationals freed of assault charge
They were first denied their salaries and later accused of assaulting their employer. Full Story

Penchant for robots bags teens top prize

Twins Lew Chi Liang and Lew Chi Wei may not be identical but they share a common interest in robots. Full Story

Pantai Sepat pays price of neglect
It used to be difficult to find an empty spot along Pantai Sepat for a picnic. Full Story

Cabin crew take to the stage for charity
Malaysia Airlines cabin staff and local artistes will take to the stage on July 21 to raise funds for six organisations at a charity dinner in Putrajaya. Full Story

MIC wants space in new housing estates for temples
MIC will ask for space for Hindu temples at new housing estates where there are a lot of Hindus, to stop the sprouting of illegal temples nationwide. Full Story

Party to register 200,000 new voters

MIC has registered 200,000 new voters and aims to register another 200,000 before the general election. Full Story

Malay businessmen eyeing Iskandar
Bumiputera entrepreneurs are stepping up their search for business opportunities in the Iskandar Development Region. Full Story

Movie of Dr Sun set to take China, Malaysia by storm
ROAD To Dawn, which was filmed entirely in Penang last year, premiered in Beijing yesterday, with a proud Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in attendance. Full Story

Building harmony in a civil way
The relationship between Malaysians of different races and religions can be improved if they are more open and civil with one another. Full Story

If you’re a counsellor, it’s time to register with board

Those who hold counselling degrees must register with the Counselling Board before they can call themselves "counsellors". Full Story

RM1.75b suit struck out
The High Court yesterday dismissed a businessman’s RM1.75 billion defamation suit against secretary-general of the Home Affairs Ministry Datuk Seri Aseh Che Mat, the government and nine media organisations. Full Story

Better insurance cover for NS trainees
More benefits have been included in the insurance scheme for National Service (NS) trainees. Full Story

DESI IS DESPERATE: Did I miss something2?

DESI'S SECOND CALL FOR HELP!
Any ER managed to capture the Page 2 news item on the PM, send one over to chongyl2000@yahoo.com, can? I will DHL some cuppas of tehtarik from Haridas, if the plastic cups hold!:):) Cheapskate Desi can't afford Au, Ag or Pt cups -- last few months' cheques had not been delivered. ASIDE: And DID YOU KNOW that a cheque issued in Sibu takes NINE (9) FLOAT DAYS TO CLEAR? Is Sarawak located on planet Mars, ah?
Or the hoRst at allofhelen.blogspot.com will grow IMPatient and never visit Desi's Place again.
Can I sue the NST Online for this predicament, ah?

Petronas profits surge, but pump prices rise...

The National Oil Corporation, PETRONAS, continues its profitable run while the oil pipelines gush on, and on, but where does the ordinary Malaysian figure in these flows of God-blessed riches?

Oil is the country's natural resource -- but do we The Rakyat have any real taste of the past few years' burgeoning oil profits -- RM35.5bil in FYE March2005 followed by RM43.6 billion (NOW re-stated as RM43.1bil) in FYE March2006, culminating with the latest financial year ended March 31, 2007 in a bumper harvest of net profit of RM46.4billion.

Pak Lah must be grinning from ear to ear and may just continue with his never-ending honeymoon abroad. No wonder he could give a handsome pay rise to Government servants -- which I don't begrudge as long as they deliver and improve on productivity! And maybe the logical expectations the Prime Minister would splash on the 50th Merdeka celebrations to create another "feel good" factor, then call the next General Elections. Predictable.

But while profits keep surging, the pump prices also surge in tandem...

DOES THIS ADD UP?

Another predictable -- Petronas would just maintain its elegant silence like in the past two years.

You, dear ER, tell Desi while I take a break and look up last year's comments. I plan to RE-CYCLE because the rationale has not changed. Of course, I am a greenie when the circumstances suit Desi. And if the Government declares a bonus to Malaysians as Merdeka 50th Anniversary Celebrations, I will even turn Government supporter. For the month of August 2007. Can have some oil dollars to celebrate. We can THINK ALLOWED, even DREAM ALOUD, can't we?

From The NST,

Petronas pumps up record RM184b revenue
June 29 2007


PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (Petronas) yesterday reported an 8 per cent increase in net profit to RM46.4 billion for its year ended March 31 2007.

The increase which came on a record revenue of RM184.1 billion was driven largely by increased demand for its petroleum products and the higher crude oil prices.

Revenue for the year was RM184.1 billion and pre-tax profit was RM76.3 billion, both increasing about 10 per cent from the previous year, Petronas president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas' balance sheet continued to strengthen with total assets rising 7.8 per cent to RM294.6 billion while shareholders' funds expanded 16.3 per cent to RM170.9 billion while return on average capital employed remained high at 40.9 per cent.

In short, Mohd Hassan said, Petronas either matched or bettered performances of other major oil players and national oil companies, given the challenging global environment in the industry during the year under review.

Crude oil prices stayed high in 2007 as demand outstripped supply.

Meanwhile, supply disruptions in Alaska and Nigeria, and continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, raised more concerns over security of supply.

Refined petroleum products remained top revenue generator for Petronas, with sales amounting to RM62.7 billion or one third of total revenue.

Revenue from the sale of crude oil and condensates rose to RM45.4 billion compared with RM41 billion registered in the previous year, as a result of higher sales volume as well as stronger crude oil prices.

"Sales volume increased from 184.9 million barrels to 192.4 million barrels, contributed by new crude oil production from Turkmenistan and Sudan," he said.

He said liquefied natural gas (LNG) continued to be the largest revenue contributor for the group.

"Sales volume increased by 2.1 per cent from 23.6 million tonnes to 24.1 million tonnes on the back of higher volume produced from the group's Egyptian LNG, by 1.4 per cent from RM28.5 billion to RM28.9 billion," he said.

The group's revenue from the sales of petrochemical products rose 9.4 per cent to RM13.9 billion from RM12.7 billion on the back of higher average realised prices.

Manufacturing revenue climbed to RM102.9 billion from RM97.6 billion the previous year.

"Without manufacturing activities, group revenue would be reduced by one-third annually," Mohd Hassan said.

Petronas also continued to reap benefits from its globalisation strategy, with its international business revenue, which comprises revenue from international operations and exports from Malaysia, up RM10.9 billion to RMRM141 billion, accounting for 76.6 per cent of total revenue.

In the period under review, Petronas secured six production sharing contracts overseas, namely in Indonesia, Egypt, Timor Leste, Pakistan, Cuba and deepwater offshore Vietnam.

On the strengthening ringgit, Mohd Hassan said it had a negative impact on the financial results of the group as Petronas conducted its business in US dollars.

"The exchange rate impact on the revenue totalled RM7.2 billion," he noted.

The group's total capital expenditure (capex) for financial year 2007 expanded to RM21.6 billion from RM18.7 billion, with the bulk of it going to domestic projects.

Overall, the group's total reserves increased 2.5 per cent to RM26.49 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) from 25.85 billion boe, of which almost 25 per cent was from international ventures.

Average total production was up 7.1 per cent to 1.71 million boe per day from 1.6 million, with international operations accounting for 34 per cent of the combined production compared with about 27 per cent last year.

In the retail sector, Petronas plans to add another three retail stations in Indonesia and acquire 27 sites for future expansion.

"The group also continued to strengthen its position in Thailand's petroleum pro-ducts market with 117 retail stations and successfully entered the aviation sector during the year," Mohd Hassan said.

DESIDERATA:

I promised some "re-cycling", so here's Cut&Paste froma year-ago entry, edited to show only relevant and critical points:

*************** Re-CYCLING STARTS HERE! ****************


:
:
:


A sum of net profit of RM43.6billion i.e. RM43,600,000,000 in one business entity that is equivalent to one year's Government budget allocation for the country under the 9th Malaysia Plan, and one F***ed up reader thinks Desi is over-spending time discussing the ISUUE.

I think ALL CONCERNED MALAYSIANS HAVE BETTER SIT UP TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE.

What ex-PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad hinted at has been confirmed officially with yesterday's PETRONAS RESULTS -- minus the RM30billion paid as taxes to the Government, the national oil corporation has NET PROFIT OF RM43.6BILLION -- is it too much to expect that instead of raising OIL PRICES at the pump, they should be decreased?

I have argued on the same topic that every time the world oil prices head north, out local pump prices should head south ... because MALAYSIA IS A NET BENEFICIARY FROM THE UPWARD PRICE TREND WORLDWIDE AS WE GET MORE REVENUE.
DO YOU FOLLOW THE LOGIC HERE?


IT's just that Petronas is not transparent nor accountable to the people (via Parliament) on how it spends its monies.


:
:
:


"
Kim Quek said...

'We have shown better margins and returns than the majors,' Tan Sri Hassan said.

This statement is blatantly dishonest, as the bulk of Petronas' so-called profits are derived from the the petroleum producers in this country through the "production-sharing" agreements signed between Petronas and these producers. For these incomes from crude oil and gas, Petronas need not have to spend a single dollar in the exploration, production and capital costs relating to these productions.

If Petronas and the Prime Minister have been honest to the people, such incomes derived from the "production-sharing" agreements should have been seprately stated in the accounts, and deducted from its total profits. Only then could we ascertain how profitable is Petronas' operation.

Friday, June 30, 2006 1:40:19 PM


"H J Angus said...

Make the PETRONAS' accounts public and we can all make a good analysis of how effective the government has been to take care of this vital asset of Malaysia.

At the moment it seems to be the personal fund of the PM as even our MPs are kept in ignorance.

Friday, June 30, 2006 3:57:31 PM "


"desiderata said...


I support Kim QWQuek and HJ Angus' viewpoints.
I have stated even last year when Petronas announced a NET PROFIT OF RM35.5billion that its performance is based on reaping a nation's natural resource (dwindling no doubt, but Lucky Country Malaysia gets new oil fields find every now and then, keeping Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's admin afloat!)

My conetntion here is EVERYTHING BEING EQUAL, there is a NET RISE IN REVENUE OF RM43.6billion MINUS RM35.5billion = RM8.1 billion for 2006 over last year, and this can easily absorb any world price rise and WE CONSUMERS SHOULD GET A DECREASE IN PUMP PRICEE, not a rise!

The Gomen and Petronas have been working hand-in-glove just disclosing the quantum rise in SUBSIDIES, but hide the fact of the extra RM8.1billion. On top of that, there is the RM30billion in taxes collected from Petronas, which is RISING EVERY YEAR, so the Gomen in fact SHOULD BE LOWERING PUMP PRICES everytime there is a wrold price rise because WE ARE A NETT BENEFICIARY!

(NOTE: What Malaysia produces is a higher grade crude called Sweets, fetching a PREMIUM over the imports which we use locally; so everytime the world price rises, the NATION'S COFFERS GET MORE, not less! TO SPEND!)

Petronas Chief, can you oplease explain the true nett position in the Income & Expenditure Columns as far as revenues from our oil production goes, as pointed out by Kim Quek, which are anyway jointly undertaken with MAJOR foreign oil companies like EXXON, SHELL, etc...

Friday, June 30, 2006 8:32:36 PM

******************* Re-CYCLING ENDS HEAR! **************

DESI: a knotty PS can?

Will Malaysians be spared a "temporary" HONEYMOON INTER:LUDE (An angpow from the newly-wed First Couple?) of NO MORE PETROL/DIESEL PUMP PRICE INCREASE from now till the General Elections? I think so. But after the GE2007 or GE2008 latest, another petrol price rise would follow. Erection, anyone?

Don't blame Desi for being "sceptical" because it has become habitual for Petronas to maintain elegant silence and ignoring the constant and sensible calls by various parties, including parlaimentarians -- Opposition-lah, not the Barisan Nasional because they are another predictable, maintaining Silence of the Lambs, eh? -- that Petronas be made accountable to The Parliament and hence report its Financial Statements to the august House for debate and scrutiny.

And where is its Corporate Corpoprate Rersponsibility as the largest business entity, and also the most profitable, and listed among Fortune's 500?

Can I end with a poem quite inspired every year at this Petronas financials reportage time...?

Bleeding Malayisans

Oil fields offshore Malaysia are a-plenty
Yet when world prices rise
Malaysians pay more for their petrol

Shouldn't it be the other way around?
We produce an oil surplus
Which command premium prices

No, the politicians smartly tell us
The oil subsidies keep rising
Hence, we raise the pump prices

We chase away Malaysians in their youth
To study in faraway land
A decade or two later
We beg them to come back
To "serve" the motherland

Who bleeds more, my dear?
Malaysians or Malaysia?

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Sandiwaraesque appeal?

When the ERIC CHIA case first came to court, I was sceptical just based on ONE FACT -- that isthe sum involved as in the charge against the former PERWAJA STEEL chief -- RM76.4million.

When a copany suffered losses to the tune of several billion ringgit, what's RM76.4million in comparision?

Simple arithmetic would tell you they were not going after the REAL FISHES. Someone was being made a scapegoat.

When a teacher LOSES RM5,000 in a classroom, it would NOT add up by the princiapl calling up one "naughty" boy found with RM10 in his pockt at recess and made the "fall" guy, would it? Hey look for the MISSING RM4,900 before you pull up that boy in front of the school assembly to pronounce "guilty", okay!

So, what more Sandiwara do we expect some more? Let's see...:(

From the NST, using a bErnama report~~~

Prosecution appeals against Chia’s acquittal


PUTRAJAYA, THU.:

The prosecution has filed a notice of appeal against the acquittal of Tan Sri Eric Chia Eng Hock, former managing director of Perwaja Steel Sdn Bhd, on charges of criminal breach of trust by the Sessions Court yesterday.

Head of the Prosecution Division in the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden, said the notice was filed yesterday soon after the court had delivered its judgment in the case.

Sessions Court judge Akhtar Tahir had acquitted and discharged Chia of the CBT charges involving RM76.4 million without calling for his defence. The decision came after a hearing that stretched over three years.

"The decision to appeal was made because we are dissatisfied with the (acquittal) decision which, in our view, was against the weight of evidence.

"We have yet to receive the full grounds of the decision and the reasons of our appeal will be made known once the petition of appeal is filed," Yusof said at the A-G’s Chambers here.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail yesterday said that he had instructed his officers to write to the Sessions Court to obtain the grounds of judgment as soon as possible. — Bernama

_________________________________________________


From ANWARIBRAHIM, Desi performing a COMMUNITY SERVICE, Aloud? Allowed??Hey, this is a BILINGUAL NOTE< so it lends to helping brush up your Bahasa Malaysia (Desi's too, I admit!) and English (Yours-lah, not Desi's because his's right DOWN DARE!:). NB: his's is exceptional English as t resembles some sound eitting from a blardy dangerous slithery one, Be carrefool, it bytes!:(


KENYATAAN MEDIA



27 Jun 2007



KEPUTUSAN KES ERIC CHIA MEMBURUKKAN LAGI IMEJ SISTEM KEHAKIMAN NEGARA


Pembebasan Tan Sri Eric Chia semalam menjadi satu lagi bukti bagaimana sejak Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menjadi Perdana Menteri beliau gagal mengotakan janjinya untuk memerangi gejala rasuah.



Kesungguhan mahkamah untuk membuktikan bahawa pihak pendakwaan gagal membuktikan kes terhadap Eric Chia langsung tidak munasabah memandangkan wujud bukti salahlaku yang jelas di dalam kes ini. Mutu siasatan yang dijalankan terhadap skandal serius ini juga amat mengecewakan.



Sebaliknya, saya telah mengumpulkan fakta yang cukup lengkap sebagai bukti rasuah dan penyelewengan berdasarkan laporan audit Price Waterhouse Coopers. Bahan-bahan ini telah melibatkan Chia di dalam pelbagai kegiatan bertentangan dengan undang-undang daripada melupuskan dana sehinggalah pembayaran yuran yang tinggi dan tanpa sebab kepada firma guaman Datuk VK Lingam.


Dengan rekod sistem kehakiman negara yang telah tercemar, memang tidak mengejutkan bahawa perbicaraan ini akan berakhir dengan pembebasan selepas sandiwara yang begitu berpanjangan. Apabila wujud bukti rasuah yang jelas dan tidak dapat dipertikaikan Peguam Negara telah mengenepikannya, kesalahan di mana beliau dan Ketua BPR sepatutnya meletak jawatan atau disiasat segera.

.
Ketika kita di ambang apa yang dijangkakan pilihan raya wal, rakyat Malaysia sepatutnya memahami niat dan matlamat kerajaan Barisan Nasional dengan jelas. Rasuah masih lagi cara pilihan kita, dan retorik anti-rasuah hanyalah untuk digunakan untuk kempen politik tetapi akan dilupakan apabila melibatkan kepentingan mereka sendiri.


Pada masa yang sama, kita boleh menjangkakan berbilion-bilion ringgit yang diselewengkan daripada Perwaja, Transmile dan lain-lain skandal, wang yang sepatutnya diperuntukkan untuk membasmi kemiskinan, pendidikan dan kesihatan akan terus berada di dalam kocek perasuah dan penjenayah yang terus bermaharajalela di negara kita.



ANWAR IBRAHIM



MEDIA STATEMENT



27 June 2007



ERIC CHIA'S ACQUITTAL ANOTHER MOCKERY OF MALAYSIA'S JUDICIAL SYSTEM


Tan Sri Eric Chia's acquittal yesterday offers yet another stark reminder that since coming to power in 2003 Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's anti-corruption drive has been an utter failure.



The Court's determination that the prosecution failed to present a compelling case against the former Perwaja chief is wholly unsatisfactory. At the same time, the quality of investigation over this serious scandal has also been disappointing.



On the contrary, I have adduced substantive facts as evidence of corruption and malfeasance based on audit reports issued by Price Waterhouse Coopers. These documents implicate Chia in a wide range of illegal activities ranging from misappropriation of funds to the payment of exorbitant and unsubstantiated fees to Datuk VK Lingam's law firm.


Given the unreliable conduct of Malaysia's judicial system it was no stretch of the imagination to predict, as I did in 2004, that the trial would end in acquittal after many meaningless hours of theatrics. Where evidence of corruption was clear and incontrovertible the Attorney General systematically suppressed it, a sin for which both he and the Chief of the Anti Corruption Agency should immediately tender their resignations or face immediate investigations.


On the eve of what many believe will be early elections, the Malaysian people should be clear in their understanding of the current government's aims and intentions. Corruption remains the preferred style of doing business, and talk of anti-corruption is merely a banner to be waved at press conferences and political rallies but conveniently ignored when one of its own is brought to task.



In the meantime, we can expect the billions of stolen ringgit from Perwaja, Transmile and other Enron-like scandals, money that should be allocated towards poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare, will stay in the pockets of the corrupt and crooked who rule this land.



ANWAR IBRAHIM

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

THINKING ALLOWED, but...

DO YOU THINK ANYONE IN KEY POSITIONS BOTHERS?

Anak Merdeka's casual -- okay, may not be maybe but deeply probing... -- makes me ponder. Her comment at Desi's Sundae Inter:lude reads:

"That's two you pinched off me - why so nostalgic Desi? 31 August is coming up, are you feeling sorry for yourself & our homeland for not living up to the promises of 50 yrs ago?


By Anak Merdeka, at 2:04 PM

Yes,AM, I ponder.
Deeply.

With the whirlwind of predictable giving back by national leaders (Ah, all from UMNO, anf that's all that matters, is it?) from DPM, Foreign Minister Education Minister to the EU Envoy's frank comments on issues related to the NEP and their effects on EU-Malaysia's trade talks and negotitaions (as indeed seen in the US-Malaysia inconclusive FTA negotiations), I as a Malaysian wonder, after 50 years of Indpendence, are we anywhere near towards emerging as "one nation".

Are we still only hearing voice from the UMNO only as representative of Malaysian? What's happending to the voices of MCA, MIC, even DAP and PKR in all things national?

Many yaers ago, a neighbouring republic laeder took on himself the role of commenting on Johor being a "Cowboy State", immediately earning a chorus of protets of a foreigner interfering with Malaysia's internal affairs.

A decade later, the foreign leader's words were proven true and justified because Johor residents marched to the MB's residence to protest the "violent crimes" now prevalent and besieging Johor.

Would my beloved country a decade hence see some foreign envoy's words becoming true and justified when inaction of matters raised by him were deemed "interference" instead of mature minds analysing the issues raised and seeing if there were indeed triuth to the mater and then corrective measures taken to address the said problems?

AnakMerdeka, I will ponder over your question.
In fact, I wonder if I would do the tradional Merdeka Essay Series I had underaken with fellow bloiggers the past two years at end-August. I don't feel there is any point. Mayhaps I can be ALMOST PERSUADED.

Nostalgia, anyone?

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Some Poems Borrowed at Priceless Interest

Last Sunday I said I'd try to narrate Encounter 2 of Universal Truth and Godliness; but while the spirit is willing, the body is spirited elsewhere and tear.

So Almighty-willing, sext Sunday?

First, a special message to a cyber-friend whose name is part of RM20million My Dream I-LAND spiriteDEStination.

I reprise from somewhere in cyberspace
when in dark moments friends bringeth forth
rays of light
to shine through fog, mist and storms
And RELIEF cometh true as a heart resonates
to voices of empathy, consolation
like a bridge o'er troubled water
from out of despairing failing light
emerging from sprays of lashing rain and Nature's fury

SweetSpirits receiveth her Nick safely home
and they taste once again the Joy of Young times
frugal dimes notwithstanding
safe times
close times
Friends embrace
Almighty Bless. ~~ DEsi


Forever Young Lyrics

Bob Dylan

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.


May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.


May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.


SECOND, the following comprises a few poems, some ANON, (Madmonk, art thou so modest you don't want thy name attached?) which Desi would gladly claim ownership if only certain Voices out dare nodded their head.


The Cold Within


Six humans trapped by happenstance
in black and bitter cold.
Each one possessed a stick of wood,
or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,
The first woman held hers back.
For of the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.

The next man looking 'cross the way
Saw one not of his church,
And couldn't bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third man sat in tattered clothes;
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store,
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except for gain.
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.

The logs held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof of human sin -
They didn't die from the cold without,
They died from the cold within.


__________________________________


Are you seeking liberation?

I have not heard from thee
I thought I saw you just yesterday
it's also like eternity
Time is frozen
in summer heat of love-making
in springtime of dancing among daffodils
in saying farewell in the fall
but cold, cold winter freezes body, bones and all

In your journey of wanderlust
do you seek Truth or love?
Or liberation from human wants?
Is it truly purity,
lberation of body and mind?

Do you suffer not apprehension
like all humans do most times
Not finding One's true self?

Some fly to unknown nooks and corners
Seeking liberation
In new places, among new faces
in new and bold adventures
But the bird still need to come Home
To where the heart is
Beating to a familiar beat
Touching a familiar rhyme

Isn't it time?


___________________________________

If You Forget Me

By Pablo Neruda


I want you to know
one thing.
You know how this is
if I look at the crystal moon,
at the red branch of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch near the fire the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,

as if everything that exists:
aromas, light, metals were little boats that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loveing me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.



____________________________________________

And for Nostalgia sHakes among friends, I plucked this off anakmerdeka.blogspot.com's garden, trying to lure the Eve itno the bright daylight. It's daylight robbery, sort of! Butt still/steal silence. As coy as Jena before the PM arrives. Of course, she's to live up to her nama, AM!:)


Thursday, January 25, 2007


THE UNCOMMON MAN



I do not choose to be a common man.
It is my right to be uncommon if I can.

I seek opportunity - not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled,
dulled,
by having the State look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk;
to dream and to build;
to fail or succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive to a dole.


I prefer the challenges of life
to the guaranteed existence;
the thrill of fulfillment to the calm state of Utopia.

I will not trade freedom for benefiance
nor my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any master
nor bend to any threat.


It is my heritage
to stand erect, proud and unafraid;
to think and act for myself;
to enjoy the benefits of my creation,
and to face the world boldly and say -
This I have done!


- Anon

Anon: can I replace with Desiderata-YL Chong, ah?
24 June 200SE7EN

********************
And because the names are familiar, I also reprise, wit':) or withOoouch permit!:(

posted by Anak Merdeka at 11:18 AM

8 Comments:
Helen said...
Amen...



26/1/07 15:06
Maverick SM said...
Wah...now super poem! I really am absorbed into it.

27/1/07 12:33
desiderata said...

anak M:

Well recited, got me excited.
For my sycophancy
where's the handout I fancy?

Saturday, June 23, 2007

If you feel beleaguered, here's some MBA laffter!

I seldom salute Establishment leaders -- you know YL's predilections, no? -- but when viewing Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek on Prime News TV3 last night, I take my hat (Though how's that possible I dunno, I don't wear wan!:) off to that MCA Minister. He looked as cool as a cucumber (I learnt this metaphor in Standard 4, long time, steal remember, seeloh!) even after a dark and dank briefing on the problems besieging yet another hospital. Most other miniSTERS would have appeared agitated. Maybe, constant practice -- medical or othervice -- maketh perfect. Pak Lah should consider mutual switching of this Health expert with that "JKR" expert and we may have less leaks. It won't help some monkey brains at that Zoo House along Jalan Parlimen -- they are in a rarified category.

Okay, let's surf to the relevant news, from The Star, June 23, 2007 page N26:

Pekan Hospital a 'sick project'
:
:
: to follow if I can Cut&Paste!:)
Miss Patience is also Virtuous:)


My patience also ran oouch, so here's FIRST PARA only, at my expense of RM1.50, typing out long-hand, so
be gladfool eh!

PEKAN: Another newly built government
building has been found with defects. This
time, it is the RM90mil Pekan Hospital.

_________________________

Now be a good media supporter, buy-lah one kopi of the People's Paper:)________________________

I do hope my ER -- and I believe the good doctor too! -- have time for light moments. No, don't light up in the hospital compound, don't send off the patients to h'aven too early, it's already overly crowded down dare, with so many righteous Malaysians wanting to look after their neighbours' spiritual salvation.

DISCLAIMER: Some contents may offend, so it's knot recommended for children above 18.
And all kinds of religious fund-AMENTALISTS whose main objective is to raise more and aMore funds to build ladders to that h'aven I spoke about. It may be downwards spiralling, go shopping at Carrefool more ofTEN!:)

__________ LAFFTER IS THE BEST MADSIN!_______________________

A CUP OF TIPS TO START UP THE DAY
courtsey of email from an MBA lecturer, I suppose.
I don't know if mGf maverciksym iucludes such in his curriculum on top of his baby ("bayi") hogwash? Jest Thinking Allowed, so that's both rhetorical and non-rhetorical Q.


LESSON 1
A junior manager, a senior manager and their boss are on their way
to a meeting. On their way through a park, they come across a wonder lamp.
They rub the lamp and a jinn/ghost appears. The jinn says, "Normally, one is
granted three wishes but as you are three, I will allow one wish each."

So the eager senior manager shouted, "I want the first wish. I want
to be in the Bahamas, on a fast boat and have no worries." Pfufffff...
And he was gone.
Now the junior manager could not keep quiet and shouted "I want to be In Florida with beautiful girls, plenty of food and cocktails." Pfufffff... And he was also gone.

The boss calmly said, "I want these two idiots back in the office after lunch at 12.35pm."

MORAL OF THE STORY IS: "ALWAYS ALLOW THE BOSS TO SPEAK FIRST"


LESSON 2

Standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand,
"Listen," said the CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important
document, and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young executive. He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.

"Excellent, excellent!" said the CEO as his paper disappeared
inside the shredder machine. "I just need one copy."

MORAL : "NEVER, NEVER ASSUME THAT YOUR BOSS KNOWS EVERYTHING"

LESSON 3
An American and a Japanese were sitting on the plane on the way to
LA. When the American turned to the Japanese and asked, "What kind of -ese
are you?" The Japanese confused, replied, "Sorry but I don't understand
what you mean."

The American repeated, "What kind of -ese are you?"
Again, the Japanese was confused over the question.

The American, now irritated, then yelled, "What kind of -ese are
you ... Are you a Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese! Etc......??? "

The Japanese then replied, "Oh, I am Japanese."

A while later the Japanese turned to the American and asked what
kind of 'key' was he.
The American, frustrated, yelled, "What do you mean what kind of
-kee' am I?!"
The Japanese said, "Are you a Yankee, donkee, or monkee?"

MORAL : "NEVER INSULT ANYONE"

DESIDERATA: I think I spied many Americano-clones in that Zoo House?
Do you see, even with one eye closed?


________________________ SEX THERAPY___________________________

Can I reserve this Session for tomorrow, being a Sundae day for Rumination?
Ooops, some holy, holey ones might peep in, so I will cuntinue...
As you will see, I not only C&P, I also left all the warts and arrows
and improper paragraphings alone LEST I DISTURB THE COUPLES DOING IT!
If the machine ain't broke, why fix it?
I think Dr Chua won't agree with Desi on this one when it comes to life-saving oxygen machines.

Butt these guys and gays are taking in too much oxygen and exhaling too much carboin dioxide w'ile at it, so they cuntribute to the "ozone hole" thinning which cuntributes to Global Warming, which shortens life on earth. So let's hurry 'em on!
Desi's always promoting Community Service, remember?

> SOCIAL SECURITY SEX
>
>
>Two men were talking. "So, how's your sex life?"
>
>"Oh, nothing special. I'm having Social Security sex."
>
>"Social Security sex?"
>
>"Yeah, you know; I get a little each month, but not enough to live
on!"
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>
>
>LOUD SEX
>
>
>
>A wife went in to see a therapist and said, "I've got a big problem,
>doctor. Every time we're in bed and my husband climaxes, he lets out
this
>ear splitting yell."
>
>
>
>
>"My dear," the shrink said, "that's completely natural. I don't see
what
>the problem is."
>"The problem is," she complained, "it wakes me up!"
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>QUIET SEX
>
>
>
>Tired of a listless sex life, the man came right out and asked his
wife
>during a recent lovemaking session, "How come you never tell me when
you
>have an orgasm?"
>
>She glanced at him casually and replied, "You're never home!"
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>CONFOUNDED SEX
>
>
>
>A man was in a terrible accident, and his "manhood" was mangled and
torn
>from his body. His doctor assured him that modern medicine could give
him
>back his manhood, but that his insurance wouldn't cover the surgery
since
>it was considered cosmetic. The doctor said the cost would be $3,500
for
>"small, $6,500 for "medium, $14,000 for "large."
>
>
>
>The man was sure he would want a medium or large, but the doctor
urged him
>to talk it over with his wife before he made any decision. The man
called
>his wife on the phone and explained their options. The doctor came
back
>into the room, and found the man looking dejected.
>
>
>
>
>"Well, what have the two of you decided?" asked the doctor.
>
>
>
>
>The man answered, "She'd rather remodel the kitchen."
>
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SEX
>
>
>
>A husband and his wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th
>wedding anniversary. The husband yells, "When you die, I'm getting
you a
>headstone that reads: 'Here Lies My Wife-Cold As Ever'."
>
>
>
>
>"Yeah," she replies, "when you die, I'm getting you a headstone that

>reads: Here Lies My Husband - Stiff At Last.'"
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>
>
>WOMEN'S HUMOROUS SEX
>
>My husband came home with a tube of K Y jelly and said, "This will
make
>you happy tonight."
>He was right. When he went out of the bedroom, I squirted it all
over the
>doorknobs. He couldn't get back in.
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>ELDERLY SEX
>
>One night an 87 year old woman came home from Bingo to find her 92
year old
>husband in bed with another woman. She became violent and ended up
pushing
>him off the balcony of their 20th floor assisted living apartment .
>Killing him instantly.
>
>
>
>
>Brought before the court on charge of murder, the judge asked her if
she
>had anything to say in her defense. She began coolly, "Yes, your
honor, I
>figured that at 92, if he could have sex .. He could fly"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
DESI: I thank tow awesome readers who contributed these gems via emel; I shan't name them, but if I receive any defamation suits, I promise I will forward them to the ritefool address. I am only the messenger. Don't shout at me!:(

Friday, June 22, 2007

Will UMNO Youth Shout: Stop Interfering

In Malaysia's Internal Affairs?

I recalled in last week's Post on the terrible state of criminal activities reported in Johor Bharu and how many years back, a neighbouring republic's leader was ticked off for remarking that "Johor Bharu" was a "cowboy town".
Now it's citizens in Johor who recently showed their wrath by marching to the Menteri Besar's residence calling for his resignation.

So here's one recent assessment on NegaraKu. I wondered aloud if UMNO Youth led by its fiery second-in-command ( I dunno why other Bloggers like to refer to him as the SIL?) would yell: STOP INTERFERING IN OUR COUNTRY'S AFFAIRS?

June 21, 2007, 4:48AM
EU Envoy Blasts Malaysia's NEP


By EILEEN NG Associated Press Writer


KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Europe's top envoy to Malaysia Thursday urged the government to roll back its affirmative action policy for majority Malays, saying it is discriminatory and amounts to protectionism against foreign companies.

In unusually frank comments that ignored diplomatic niceties, Thierry Rommel openly criticized Malaysia's 37-year-old New Economic Policy, or NEP, that gives a host of privileges in jobs, education, business and other areas to ethnic Malays.

"In a dominant part of the domestic economy, there is no level playing field for foreign companies," Rommel, the ambassador and head of the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia, said in a speech to local and foreign businessmen.

Ethnic Malays and other indigenous groups, known as Bumiputras, comprise more than 60 percent of Malaysia's 26 million people. The government says they have a disproportionately low share of the corporate wealth compared to the minority Chinese, and need the NEP to increase their standard of living.

The government did not immediately respond to Rommel's comments.

Rommel said the government is using the NEP as an excuse to practice "significant protectionism of its own market," including the automotive sector, steel, consumer goods, agricultural products, services and government contracts.

Malaysia claims these are "infant" industries that need to be protected but "in reality .. it is the Malay-centered Bumiputra policy that drives protectionist policies," Rommel said.

As part of the NEP, all public-listed companies are required to allocate 30 percent of their shares to Malays. Companies without Malay directors or employees are excluded from lucrative government contracts. Employers have quotas for hiring Malays.

Eric Reuter, sales and marketing director of freight forwarder ABX Logistics, said the Belgium-based company has a 51 percent Bumiputra partner and is required to work with local companies on government-related projects.

The limitations have eroded his profit margin, he said.

"We cannot be as flexible as we want to be and chances that corruption comes into play is higher. It is an interruption to the free market," Reuter told The Associated Press.

Besides foreigners, minority ethnic Chinese and Indians also see the NEP as a discriminatory tool. Many Malays also have complained the policy has benefited only a few well-connected people.

NEP was started in 1970 when the Malays' corporate ownership was 2 percent. The aim was to raise it to 30 percent by 2010, from 19 percent now. Chinese, who form a quarter of the population, control 40 percent of corporate wealth.

Rommel stopped short of saying the NEP should be scrapped but told reporters separately: "We (in Europe) have bitten the bullet on a number of sensitive issues, why can't you?"

He warned the NEP could "lead to problems" in free trade negotiations between the EU and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Malaysia is a key member.

The two groups agreed last month to launch free trade talks, which could raise ASEAN's exports to the EU by up to 20 percent, Rommel said. Senior officials are expected to hold their first meeting in Vietnam next month, he added.

_________________________________________________

So what else is new, dear Malaysians?
This same DIPLOMAT wrote to theSUN, June 22, 2007 page 18, to give us an outsider's take on the behaviour of these Wakil Rakyat who have turned the Parliament House into worse than a Zoo.
Don't pay an entrance ticket to Zoo Negara in Zoosville; you gget a more entertaining show down Jalan Parlimen.



'Bocor’ remark
hurts Malaysia


"I would wish to convey a third party opinion, prodded by internal discussions, on the possible effects of sexist remarks made by prominent Malaysian citizens on Malaysia's international reputation.

The short answer to this pertinent question is yes, for a number of reasons. It is a violation of the spirit of the Universal Human Rights Declaration more so coming from persons who are in a position of influence and power. Malaysia is a member of the UN Human Rights Commission, further raising expectations of exemplary and ambitious approach to upholding human rights, including gender equality, and fundamental freedoms. Finally, such remarks have a far greater and adverse impact than some people in position of power care to admit.

Witnessing moreover, the impunity that has accompanied such remarks, astonishment and disbelief prevail. "


Thierry Rommel
Ambassador - Head of the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia.



DESI: Can you tell me anymore "STUPID! STUPIID! STUPIIID!" remarks from the Yang Berhormat?

My saiko "JeffOoi" says: Malaysians get the government they deserve.

Desi's interpretation: Hey, the majority of you people crosse against the Dacing, GE after GE! So stop complaining-lah. Desi seconds Jeff's Thinking Allowed!

UPDATEd June 23, 12.48pm:

From The Star, June 22, 2007~~


Debate takes ugly turn

At the Dewan Rakyat


STRONG words were exchanged between Barisan Nasional MPs and their colleagues in the Opposition when the issue of corruption came up during question time.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz was speaking about Malaysia's poor ratings on the Transparency International corruption index when Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang stood up and accused the Government of not doing anything about corruption.

Lim brought up the case involving Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharum who is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency.

Johari had earlier denied allegations made in the Internet of a politician receiving money to ensure the freedom of suspects detained under the Emergency Ordinance.

Lim questioned why Nazri, who was in charge of legal affairs, could not say anything about the investigations.

Nazri said he could not reply on behalf of the Attorney-General because that would be seen as trying to usurp his powers.

“Malaysia cannot become a successful and developed country if such people (Lim) are in the House.

“Why are you so bodoh (stupid). Sit down, Sit down!” Nazri shouted at Lim and several DAP MPs who began to stand up to argue with him.

At this point, shouts of bodoh flew between both sides of the floor.

Several DAP MPs then turned to Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib and asked him to cite Nazri for using unparliamentary language.

Ramli however said he could not make such a ruling because such language was used all the time.

“But I must say that everyone should not use improper language while debating,” he said.

When Nazri stood up again to continue speaking, he quickly said: “OK, tidak cerdik (not smart) then. It’s like stupid too.”

Ramli again had to tell the DAP MPs, who were shouting, to calm down and Nazri then continued with his reply.

____________________________________________________

UPDATEd Sunday 24 June 2007:


UMNO Youth is Knot HI Enuf!

----------------------------------------------------
June 23, 2007 17:25 PM

Don't Meddle In Malaysia's Domestic Affairs - Warns Najib


KUANTAN, June 23 (Bernama)
-- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed regret over the statement by the Ambassador and Head of the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia with regard to the New Economic Policy (NEP), saying that the envoy should not interfere in Malaysia's domestic affairs or policy.

Refuting the facts submitted by the envoy, the Deputy Prime Minister said that as an ambassador accredited to this country, Thierry Rommel should play a role to forge closer relations between the two countries.

"Normally, an ambassador or envoy does not comment on the affairs of the country to which they are accredited. This has been the practice because when we comment on the policies adopted by the country concerned, it means that we are intefering in the affairs of the host country," he told reporters after launching the national level Campaign On Early Intervention To Prevent Children's Disability, here.

Najib said this when asked to comment on Rommel's statement yesterday which was carried by a foreign wire agency, The Associated Press.

The foreign news agency quoted Rommel as saying that the NEP gave a host of privileges in jobs, education, business and other areas to the ethnic Malays.

He also urged the Malaysian government to roll back its affirmative action policy for the Malays, saying it was discriminatory and amounted to protectionism against foreign companies.

"As part of the NEP, all public-listed companies are required to allocate 30 percent of their shares to the Malays. Companies without Malay directors or employees are excluded from lucrative government contracts," he said in a speech to local and foreign businessmen on Thursday.

On Malaysia's action or official protest against the statement, Najib said: "Wait first, I will seek the opinion of Wisma Putra (the Foreign Ministry)."

"The role of the ambassador is to forge closer relations between the country he represents and the host country. In terms of diplomatic principles and practice, his action contradicts the practice that we adopt.

"What was raised can certainly be disputed in terms of the fact," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

DESI: Online news, power of the Internet: You can yell butt you can't hyde or deny!
I hold my peace; everyone can say his/her piece. It's a free world.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Street Justice -- Dark or Light?

This pieces of news via news.com.au sets Desi's mind on a whirlwind tour of what modern society has to face when one steps out of the door into open, shared space.

Death often lurks for the unwary -- or the young, innocent ones like your four-year-old child.
I am very afraid for my children' generation -- whether back home in NegaraKu or venturing abroad. Broadly the potency is the same. As they say, the difference is often a matter of degree. Whether you hold one or not, it doesn't matter. Whether you agree or disagree, it's still a matter of difference in degrees.

Substitute Austin (be it in USA, Europe or Down Under) with a local dateline like Seremban, Ipoh or Johor Bharu, this foreign incident could have happened right in front of Malaysian eyes.

The question arises then: IS IT JUSTIFIED FOR CITIZENS TO TAKE THE LAW INTO THEIR HANDS?

Angry crowd kills man after car hits child
June 21, 2007 06:51am


'Two or three people' attacked man
Man's friend hit child with car
Tennessee drag-racer 'devastated' - ex-wife

A TEXAS man was beaten to death by enraged onlookers after the car in which he was riding struck a four-year-old girl, said police in Austin.

Investigators believe David Rivas Morales, 40, was beaten by two or three men on Tuesday night after the girl was struck in the car park of an apartment building, said an Austin police commander.

People watched attack

About two dozen people watched the fatal assault.

The girl was treated at an Austin hospital and released.

The men initially attacked the driver of the car but turned on Mr Morales after he got out of the vehicle to try to stop the assault, said Commander Harold Piatt of the Austin police homicide unit.

No weapon

"There was no weapon, it appears he was beaten with hands and feet," Cdr Piatt said.

The driver was able to leave the area in his car and was cooperating with homicide detectives.

Mr Morales' sister, Margaret Morales, said her brother's killing was a "nightmare."

"You see it done somewhere else in other towns, but you never, never, think it could happen to you, that it would be one of your family members," she said.

While Mr Morales is Hispanic and his attackers were black, police said they don't believe the attack was racially motivated.

"This wasn't a hate crime," Cdr Piatt said. "This wasn't a racist crime. There is absolutely no reason to think race had anything to do with this."

Tennessee drag-racer 'in hiding'

The mob attack comes only a few days after Australian-born Troy Critchley lost control of his drag car during a parade and ploughed into a crowd of onlookers, killing six people and injuring at least 23 others.

Associated Press reported that Critchley's ex-wife said he had gone into hiding.

"He's not holding up real well,'' said Paige Jackson Critchley. "He's a good person. I'm sure he's terribly devastated by the accident.''

Ms Jackson Critchley said she had spoken with her ex-husband after the accident, AP reported.

Critchley, a 36-year-old Queenslander, is being investigated by Tennessee authorities after his high-performance Corvette crashed during a "burnout", spinning into a crowd unprotected by safety barriers.

The drag car driver gave a blood sample to authorities after the event, but results of drug and alcohol tests have not yet been released, according to AP.

- With wires

DESIDERATA:
EON light years ago, in a land far far away -- okay this blardy writHer exaggerates, maybe 1-1/2-decades back! and it's in a typical city in USA -- there was a Judge doing duty in dalylight hours. But at night he hnuts after those accused brought to his court who got away free, despite being clearly guilty of alleged offence. This Judge riding his huge bike ( you call him a biker then just beause he drives a BIG one, so what do you call small riders like Desi on Honda cxub?) wreaks his own justice as he sees it in the dusk, okay, my favourite phrase -- IN THE STEAL OF THE NIGHT.

I am sure many fellow Malaysians had wished that such a Justice existed in NegaraKu, for I venture an educated guess that almost 90 percent of my mates would agree that "many" criminals in Malaysia got away because they could bend the system. they could afford million-buck lawyers, who could afford to holiday with the judges in broad daylight (Okay even at night but captured by camera, hence caught with their pants down!)

I even have fellow bloggers overseas, when V: for VENDETTA was hot on the big screens months back, wishing Malaysians could have a replicate of such a character to take us out of our present woes.

I still prefer the Three Musketeers plus D*Art. Okay, this is my prejudice for three Other reasons. Anak Merdeka, Howsy and Maverick, w'ear art thou?

I don't mind Zorro either, as long as mGf Bernrad Khoo bringeth Catherine Zeta-Jones to the partee. Lake Beaut Harbour, anywan?

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

"Your business is healing"

Health Ministry D-G tells docs to stop flirting with dubious practices

This is the headline in The Star June 20, 2007 page N20.

The adviser: Tan Sri Ismail Merican
The target: Medical professionals
Kaypohchick readers: Desi and kaypoh and chic readers, esteemed or steamed, thy democratic choice

NB: I have allofhelen; madmonk; theels, followed by groupies anakmerdeka, maverickysm and howsy in mind... Why you ask only these names? I Q thee back: Who do I arsek?


As a newshound, Desi pledges that he will not hound down (up?) Anak Merdeka anymore for a w'ile.Not in Furong, not in Koala Lumpuh, but I dunno about timbucktree!:(
I am trying my hunt at other domains, so how about alternative headlines like the following haunts? ~~

Imagine PKR has formed the nu'e Government (We can dream, kan?)

Desi's dream headlines:

"Your business is teaching"
New Education Minister tells off teachers who spned more time at tuition centres than at school


"Your calling is to heal spiritually"
Mind Minister tells ulama, church leaders and temple priests,
Not venture into healing diseases like cancer, AIDS and quackery

"Your vocation is to bring up children with ethical values"
Family Development Minister tells parents and child minders
Not just expensive gifts and holidays abroad for their birthdays

"Your business is to read and think, aloud or in silence"

And don't ask of this hoRst silly questions
Desi's Qs are mostly rhetorical!
Non-rhetorical Qs have a stock and staedy answer: No Comment

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

T'ANKQ, YOU!

I am be-mused by mGf TwistedHeels, on receiving my signed kopi, says all the way (OR awedawei?) from Germany, Danke, danke!, adding:

"When in Germany, do as the Germans do."

Back home, it's Terima kasih (Receive my love, how romantik!)
In Japan, it's Arigato! (Please correct Desi if I am wlong, I am no Nipponlang)
In Malaysia, the Chinoserie in me, it's Sieh, sieh!
In Mainland China, swept into a western frenzy of learnin' Engrish as a potential passport to the Land Of Dreams, US of A:
T'ankQ, You!

So back to mGf Theels, of course it's in culltural field that we all adapt to:

When in Rome, Do as the Romans do.
So as a tourist in Italiy, and you feel knotty, try pinching the Sophia Loren-lookalike, her posterior, I mean, her swaying backside.
She may share your sense of humour and take a swipe at thee with her sling-bag.
Worse, she may call the gendarme. Damn, damn! for Malaysian sense of rumour that all gals are fare game in Italie.

Which brings me back to some ten years back when a lecturer giving a Management lecture (Yes, a lecturer lectures, watelse? tokkok?) asks knottily (yeah, I could have inherited this trait from that burger; Dr Lewis, where art thou?):
When you in France (methinks, and you is a femail hear!) shake somebody's hand, and he twirls his middle finger in thy palam, what message is he sending you?

Silence. Longer silence. Pin-drop silence.
One smarkaleck with a funny-spelt nama like Stephan(norwich?) finaaly answered:
"Can you allow me to get into you?"

OBlimey me, I thought that was the Malaysian way in upmarket Bangsar! SarongPartyGal, anywan?

__________________________ SERIOUUUUUS MODE_________________________

From theSUN June 19, 2007 page 5:

Act if allegationsnot true, IGP urged

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan should take action if the allegations that police are not taking action against organised crime are not true.

Former IGP Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar said yesterday Musa should be concerned about recent allegations highlighted in a political website as the credibility of the police force will be damaged by such allegations.

"Police work requires credibility and public perception of the police's ability and willingness to function is extremely important," Hanif told reporters at a press conference following his induction as an honorary member of the Pudu Rotary Club.

"Thus, the management of public perception of the police force is very important."

Two weeks ago, it was alleged in a political website that gambling, loan-sharking, drugs and human trafficking in the peninsula was rampant as the authorities have been corrupt and turning a blind eye to such activities.

Asked whether Musa should come out to clarify the allegations, Hanif, who was IGP for 20 years, said:

"I will leave that to him and what he considers important or not. That is a question of perception.

"The IGP, surely, must be concerned if it is being damaged by something like this openly and if the allegations are not true, action should be taken," he told reporters

Hanif said inaction might cause people to take these allegations as being true and they might believe that the extent of corruption is the root of the problem.

"We may keep on tightening the laws but effective enforcement of the laws is the key (to solve the problems)," he said.

In his column in an English newspaper on Sunday, Hanif who had described the allegations as "exceptionally defamatory" and that " it won't not do for the maligned authorities to merely wish them away".

Earlier, during his talk on "The Malaysian Journey" at the Pudu Rotary Club luncheon, Hanif said when he was the IGP, the Rukun Tetangga neighbourhood watch patrols was introduced and people were keen to take part in it to safeguard their neighbourhoods.

However, when the crime rate had gone down, he said people stopped the patrols and that caused the crime rate to rise again.

"If you also have an efficient police force that is dedicated and cannot be bought (crime can be controlled). Otherwise, they (police) can allow crimes to grow if they are corrupt," he said.


DESIDERATA minus the humour and rumour:

I support the ex-IGP's stance.

I also recall the present IGP's stance when the Government announced a pay-price for all civil servants including the Police personnle, with the lowest ranks being lifted some 45% presummably out of the poverty line. Musa had said words to the effect: Now there is no excuse for policemen to be on the take (implying that previously, the temptation was there because many were living way below the poverty line...).

My initial thoughts were: Pak Lah has taken the initiative long propounded by the South-Of-The-Bother republic's government (Desi's take okay! If you beg to disagree, welcome to being a Voltaire's brood...If my ER should ask Desi whatImean, I shan't give thee an answer, for sometimes, Ignorance is Bliss:)

Suffice to conclude, this blardy lecturer at the Masters level has also preached when it comes to Corruption, like when the mata-mata caught you beating the lights as it turned Amber and you steal shot across:

"When in Rome, Do as the Romans do."


So How?

Dear Esteeemed Readers. YOU tell me --

(1) You do what most Malaysians would do -- pay the bugger RM30 on-the-spot to get out of the RM300 spot later?

(2) You behave like an Honourable Citizen Joe and Jane or TwistedHeels or Untwisted:

Ask the PC to do what he/she must do, and YOU just have to do what is THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

Borrrowing the tagline from the Transport Ministry's campaign against road accidents,

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Monday, June 18, 2007

In Shades of Blue -- The Whole Spectrum

(2).

The (1) spirited away into Nothingness, so I jest LET IT BE. NSTman would like that!

On the poet Hayley:

"Thy friendship oft has made my heart to ache: --

So be my enemy, for friendship's sake." ~~


William Blake.


IF thou feel like being a Blake todie, just Email desi, then Move On with a smile, or full of guile.

IF thou feel like being a Dr Jekyll, just don't Hyde out in some bird's nest in Furong -- that's AM's privileged hydeout. Thou aren't got that AP! Who sayeth so? This poet-PM says so, you dun wanna to no!


I came back from Petaling Jaya sojourn -- some pleasant, some not so present:

UNpleasant:

Stopped for my tehtarik at PJ newtown where the banks meet, was reading my own Anthology (Ego eh?) to passe time so I could throw some dozen kopies on an unsuspecting prospect turning up late due to a drizzle, no sizzle. Pai the bill -- and that guy asked for RM1.40 for a normal cuppa. NOT BIG. Biasa, tehtarik.

Can some PJ folk please do CS (Community Service-lah, why so dumpy on Mondae frumpy?) -- check this normal coffee shop (No AC; if Got, I undersatnd you add 20 sen or 40 sen depending on 1/2 or fool blast!), then report to Citizen-Nades?

Pleasantry:

I got yakking with another walk-in customer at a cyber-cafe in Subang Jaya yesterday and I showed him my Anthology of Poems (Yeah, Ego2), and after 10 minutes of salestalk, the guy parted with RM15 for a Kopi. Of course I gave him a discount in the form of a Blue Kopi next door wher we adjourned for some light banter. Heavy banter could have cost more than RM20 big bucks, and a goode salesperson must never suffer a loss, could he/she? Howver plesant the nu'e company. It wasn't an Ursula, dressed or undress, so don't you people snigger. AweOfHelen, thanks for the wickedend past&PRESNTries!:):) Oh, madmonk2!:):):)

Before I leave thee to undergo Mondae blues, share a pleasant Shades of Biru with you, say Yes!~~~~~~~~

VISIONS

by Cliff Richard

Visions of you in shades of blue

Smoking, shifting, lazily drifting,
My darling, I miss you so.

Time goes by, no wonder my
Senses go reeling, your eyes so appealing
I see the whole night through.

When will we meet again? When? When? When?
When will we meet again? When? When? When?

I remember the days, beautiful days
Tenderly gleaming, my whole life seeming
To start and end with you.

Visions of you in shades of blue
Smoking, shifting, lazily drifting,
My darling, I miss you so.

When will we meet again? When? When? When?
When will we meet again? When? When? When?

I remember the days, beautiful days
Tenderly gleaming, my whole life seeming
To start and end with you.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Universal Truth and Godliness

In aMore chicky mood, I would have said: GodlyNURSE.
Sundaes for Desi are to go for mindful excursions and if I am tempted to appraoch anywhere near God's territory, it's always with trepidation. But today I venture forth because a few "encounters" need to be recorded. Okay, also to be shared as I am going public. You may react but I urge that you be NOT personal, hence no naming names.

As I had told some close friends, I was brought up in a Christian home, exposed to many activities fom childhood into teenage years until early adulthood in environs closely associated with Christ very much in the air.

But working as a journalist from age 25 slowly tempered my religious bent as I interacted lots with other faiths, even fully secular beings including non-God believers -- you call them agnostics or atheists, to me it does not matter, it's all terminology anyway, still manmade -- so I describe myself as a "highly critical, liberalised" Christian if any "classification" (again articially defined by man) was needed. Most fervent born-again ones would often be on collision course with Desi once we venture into Religious Discourse, hence my reluctance to tread into this TERRORtry. Oft said here, it doesn't serve useful purpose as it is debate of the "Till the cows come home" variety. Desi admits he doesn't have that Patience to wait till the last lembu gets back as some -- like some members of Homo sapiens-lah -- are pretty obstinate. Yes, some are also pretty as Madonna but still stubborn like a mule.

If the foregoing is an INTRO, I don't know where I am headed. Guess the next few lines welcome the BODY.

My esential premise today is to endorse what one visiting Dr Karen Armstrong strongly stated as reported thus in The Suday Times, page 14:


Author: Religion makes sense when you practise it



KUALA LUMPUR:
Religion is a matter that should be put into concrete practice in order to discover the truth, says well-known author on world religions, Dr Karen Armstrong.

She said people should not stop with just having thoughts of the religion they professed but must put them into practice.

"Religion makes sense when you practise it," she told an audience of about 1,500 at a public lecture on the "Role of Religion in the 21st Century" here yesterday.

The lecture was part of the two-day International Conference on Islam and the West: Bridging the Gap, organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations Malaysia, which ended yesterday.

British-born Armstrong, a former nun, has written on Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Judaism. Some of her books, however, have been banned in Malaysia.

Armstrong said despite the changes and challenges the world was undergoing today or would be in future, religion would not disappear.

"Each tradition has challenges... and, of course, religions have to adapt to changing times."


She also said it was important for young people to be taught the traditions of others so that they would not harbour any ill feeling or hatred towards others.

"Violence that is happening today should not be solved with violence but is an opportunity for a revolution of spiritual awakening." — Bernama

DESIDERATA:


Key words are "put into concrete practice".

Oh, how many members of this species called Homo sapiens can put into practice whatever they profess as their "religion"?

I am posing this question and won't say more than that I believe my answer is: Mighty Few.

Now this is ONE BLARDY INDIVIDUAL'S VIEWPOINTS expressed by Desi at Desi's Place today; you, dear EsteemedReaders, are not begged to agree or disgree. What I'm writing this Sunday is rarely done, as rare as Desi ingesting Steak-Rare wit' blood still oozing from the meat! as I still think "timely" for the following encounters:

E1!:


Last week, one "church elder" accidentally bumped into Desi at a noodle centre quite near MengKee (Why I used MK as reference point, please track down Furongite AnakMerdeka and she'll oblige...methinks). Anyway, the first few lines of CONversation went like this:

"(*Desi) I haven't seen you for a long time -- don't waste your talent God has given you! Come back to The Lord..." (and you can get the drift-lah!)

"I must get ....(name of Christian author)....(Title of book) for you to read. You will learn to come back to the Right Path..."

"(**Jack), before you ramble on, can I also recommend you read Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist?" was my short response. (I also said something to the effect "Get a copy of my First Anthology, read it and come back next time and we will discuss our life's journeys more...You, discerning ER, get the drift2.)

WHICH BRINGS ME TO THIS SENSITIVE SUBJECT OF RELIGION and PRACTICE.

Obviously the church elder thinks Desi is a lost soul just because he had not seen me around the church and other places where his church members gather. He straight away judged that Desi's a lost soul and need to "come back to The Lord...". Hence, the recommended text to read.

Can I swear a bit/byte?

NOTE: NO, this following monologue was not expressed in front of Jack.
This is my Sundae's Inter:Lude for June 17, 2007.


"Hey, Jack what the hell makes you think it's me who's lost?

"You had not seen me for two blardy years and first off you start to preach from a moral high ground. Is that what the revelation of thy religious journey has taught you?


DESI has so often encountered such similar scenes myself, also wirnessed similar acts played out involving my non-Christian mates meeting a new "Christian" born-again type trying to preach to him (maybe a Buddhist, perhaps a Hindu, mayhaps, an atheist...)

The trouble is that so many "believers" want to impress othesr with their religious knowledge, quoting this, quoting that from The Holy Book -- but do they even pause about what and how the listener/s (especially first-timers) would react to their proclamations from on-High?

It is the daily lives the believers of any faith lead that witness for their faith, not the high and mighty pontifications of The Truth.
The truth is sought by an individual in his/her own unique journey as he/she encounters various tests and obstacles as he/she strugles, fumbles seeking the truth.

I believe there is a universal Truth in every individual's quest for finally attaining that level of enlightenment -- and no other second person can promise him/her that "sate of consciousness" of attainment. THat point is an epiphany in itself.

If Desi could find epiphanic turning points in Life's short journey, I wish there are less Jacks around, and more Paulo Coelho to share their lessons in Life to help me attain the peak of that Symphony of Life. Till then, Jack, it's not Godliness you are really after. You may find a GodlyNURSE like Florence Nightingale. Read and digest Dr Karen Armstrong and it will make the world around us a happier place to all people of all faiths to conduct decent and gracious conversations.

I seek my discernment and solace from within my soul and heart's daily beats that concord with my unique rhythm and rhyme. Hopefully, I also sometimes touch the vicinity of Truth. Other times, I continue my quest like the little shepherd boy from Andalucia, Spain, seeking his heart's desire in a wanderlusting journey into strange lands and unexpected encounters.

NOTE:
* and ** are not the actual names used in reality.

E2!
cometh next Sunday if the GoOD Lord so allows. ~~ Merci! Desi

Saturday, June 16, 2007

I am in the mood for some Poetry todie

"cause one shy monk sent Desi a few Anonly why
So-shy, so-shy
First Anak Merdeka refused to meet Desi
Now a monk goeth mad yet writeth such fine poetry
It goes to how rite the saying dainty
That
Genius is just a kin to being crazy

I am not saying Mad Monk is crazy or anything
I am saying Desi asspiring poet is chasing aft da mad thing
when i can't find the right word i rely on Code
actually it's a scheme to deceive syts from their Innocent abode
If aweofhelen is not carrefool
She may just fall all o'er into madmonk's pool!:)

DESI: THE A'OVE POEM IS DEDICATED TO AWE MY EsteemedReaders
Who loveth poetry, much, mush or just a little
It matters much to Desi someone took so much trouble
To pen sixteen ***"heads" into one ditty
I think I have a rival hear
I may have to ack up as I take that farewell dear
In a madmonk I've found my Guest writer for Poesy.


Anonymous said...
Desi, my old friend, have a happy weekend and a poem for you:

"Animal farm says with glee,
Task force cuming to town,
To check on thee,
So watch your crown,
And clean your website,
Don't be a clown,
Watching your backside,
You may frown,
Or sigh,
No censorship, only regulate,
Says Napoleon,
It's never late,
Added the chameleon,
So check your gate,
My friend, the end of freedom,
Bloggers' fate,
From the officialdom




madmonk

1:06 PM

***An earlier Dedi for Desi!:)

Desi, dedicated to you:

Alas, June 12 2007 two days ahead,
Again, huge black Columbus clouds threatening overhead,
Officialdom cracking their heads,
Of floods and shame head-on,
Headaches and heartaches,
Biting and snapping for head off,
Who's responsible, the floods brought to a head,
Asked the headman,
It's him, it's her, it's them, the chorus blamed the head count,
Where are we heading?
Heady wet days ahead,
Headwinds aplenty,
You need a headhunter,
My friend, to choose a headstrong,
A new head of state,
For a flood free headland.


By Anonymous, at 4:05 PM

DESI: Please count the number of "kepala" this madmonk squeezed into the small nunnery
He calls it dedication, I call it GreaT poetry!
THANKs again,
Blogging indeed has its bargain.

Friday, June 15, 2007

CSM on Altantuya from DSAI

Desi is on the move todie and this short Post is public service rendered as an "interested party" (Your gas/guess is as good as Desi's what?). Maybe later tonght I gather some thoughts and pen some original lines.
If not, your time is well conserved.

KENYATAAN MEDIA



14 Jun 2007



Adalah dikhuatiri tanda-tanda perkembangan yang luarbiasa timbul di dalam perbicaraan kes pembunuhan Altantuya telah pun timbul pada Mac 9 apabila perbicaraan itu secara tiba-tiba diambil daripada Hakim K.N. Segara dengan alasan penjadualan semula kes-kes di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alama dan salah satu daripada pihak tertuduh telah memohon untuk perbicaraan awal. Sekiranya benar pun kes ini hendak dibawa keh hadapan, tidak ada alasan kukuh untuk memindahkan kes ini dari Hakim Segara kepada hakim yang lain. Perpindahan kes ini, untuk mematuhi prinsip-prinsip kebebasan kehakiman, seharusnya timbul daripada hakim yang mengadili kes tersebut sendiri yang jelas sekali tidak berlaku di dalam kes ini.



Kini wujud spekulasi meluas bahawa akan ada perkembangan mengejutkan apabila perbicaraan disambung minggu hadapan. Ini termasuklah cadangan bahawa dakwaan terhadap Abdul Razak Baginda dan sekurang-kurangnya salah satu daripada pihak tertuduh akan digugurkan dan kemungkinan hakim perbicaraan akan ditukar sekali lagi semua tindakan ini untuk menghalang fakta-fakta tertentu dari muncul fakta-fakta yang mungkin mengaibkan seorang menteri.



Spekulasi sebegini telah menjadi lebih rancak dengan pertukaran pihak pendakwaraya secara tiba-tiba sebagaimana terjadi pada 4 Jun 2007. Penjelasan Peguam Negara bahawa perubahan ini perlu memandangkan beliau mendapat maklumat bahawa Timbalan Pendakwa Raya utama sering bermain badminton dengan Hakim yang mendengari kes ini tidak melibatkan isu-isu pokok yang telah ditimbulkan. Kini telah jelas bahawa sesi badminton ini sudahpun diketahui umum di kalangan peguam dan hakim maka amatlah amatlah tidak munasabah bahawa Peguam Negara tidak mengetahui perkara ini lebih awal lagi.



Lebih penting lagi, mengapakah Ketua Bahagian Sivil, Tun Majid Tun Hamzah yang mempunyai banyak tanggungjawab di sana, mengendalikan kes ini? Mengapakah Peguam Negara mengenepikan keseluruhan Bahagian Jenayah yang diketuai Datuk Yusof Zainal Abidin, adakah wujud konflik dalaman berkaitan kes ini?



Saya menyeru Peguam Negara untuk menjawab isu-isu ini dan menangani spekulasi yang telah timbul.



Juga yang menjadi kekhuatiran kami ialah dakwaan bekas peguambela Zulkifli Nordin yang mewakili Inspektor Azilah (salah satu pihak tertuduh) bahawa beliau mendapat tekanan dari "campurtangan pihak ketiga" untuk menarik diri. Ini tuduhan yang teramat serius dan mestilah disiasat secara serius dan segera oleh Peguam Negara.



Sistem pengadilan Malaysia juga kini sedang diperhati oleh seluruh dunia di dalam kes ini. Peranan polis, Kamar Peguam Negara dan kehakiman akan dipantau secara dekat.



Sebelum ini, saya juga telah menarik perhatian kepada kelemahan yang amat serius di dalam penyiasatan pihak polis. Persoalan yang telah saya timbulkan berkaitan tiadanya siasatan terhadap peranan Timbalan Perdana Menteri Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak masih belum dijawab. Persoalan mengenai sama ada kes ini ada kaitan dengan kontroversi berkaitan pembelian kapal selam Scorpene dan komisyen yang cukup tinggi bernilai RM530 juta kepada Perimekar Sdn. Bhd., sebuah syarikat yang mempunyai hubungan dengan Abdul Razak Baginda dan rakan-rakannya juga belum dijawab. Kini, perkembangan terbaru ?termasuk perubahan hakim perbicaraan dan penukaran pendakwaraya pada saat-saat akhir ?akan mengecewakan lagi harapan orang ramai bahawa perbicaraan ini akan dijalankan secara telus dan adil. Seluruh dunia dan rakyat Malaysia mahukan jawapan sebenar di dalam mahkamah berkenaan bagaimana Altantuya dibunuh, mengapa beliau dibunuh dan siapakan yang bertanggungjawab di dalam mengarahkan pembunuhannya.



ANWAR IBRAHIM

DESI:
My only comment is wrt "Spekulasi sebegini telah menjadi lebih rancak dengan pertukaran pihak pendakwaraya secara tiba-tiba sebagaimana terjadi pada 4 Jun 2007." -- that it is indeed justiffied for the public to speculate on this last-minute replacement of Prosecution team. The only inference that is safe to draw is that "there has been a compromise".
The question then arises: In which direction, and in whose favour, and to whose disfavour?

Yes, your gas/guess is as good as Desi's!