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.
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.
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?
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:
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...
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
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.
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.
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?
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!:(
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'sThinking 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.
---------------------------------------------------- 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.
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?
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'sdream 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
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?
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,
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.
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
"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.
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?
I remember some years back a Singaporean leader travelled by car (stand corrected on this point) across the State closest (this word has two possible meanings and both may apply!) to the republic. It hit tyhe news headline, no, not the trip, but the comment that followed with the neighbourly leader's comment to the effect that Johor had become a "cowboy" territory as he traversed the terrain.
I can't recall the "exact details" -- mayhaps some kind ER can furnish, other EsteemedReaders would be grateful, and Desi2! -- but the following news today in The Star could be part of that scenario. Rape of female victim of course compunds the robbery. Slashing the victim's body parts maketh it worse by three times over.
Cowboy TERRORtry? I share Singaporeans' concern should they travel as a couple of male-female, especially armed with SUNG dollars worth more than twice the RM.
I rest my case while we await the Police Chief's response. Or even the IGP's? Things are getting out of hand with violent crimes in NegaraKu -- I am very afraid.I wonder it's just me and my over-reaction? My dear ER, please tell Desi! I offer tehtarik, minus the sugar, honey. The bees are out dare...
Thursday June 14, 2007
Another woman gang-raped
JOHOR BARU: A group of men took a couple on a terror ride before raping the woman, the second such case in as many days here.
A 55-year-old contractor and his 35-year-old female friend had stopped at a petrol station along the Pasir Gudang highway at 10.30pm last week.
As he was filling up, three men armed with parang overpowered him and forced both victims into the car.
The assailants took the victims on a one-hour terror ride before stopping at a secluded area along the highway.
As in the case on Monday, the contractor was slashed in the leg when he tried to escape.
With the injured victim watching helplessly, the men took turns to rape the woman before fleeing in another car driven by an accomplice.
The victims lodged a police report after the incident.
On Monday, a 19-year-old girl was raped by three men as her boyfriend watched helplessly in Taman Tampoi Indah.
Their car was rammed into by another car. Three men in the car then abducted the couple. The boyfriend was also slashed in the leg when he tried to escape.
In another incident, a doctor, in her 50s, fell and injured her head after two thieves on a motorcycle snatched her handbag while she was walking to her car in Taman Melody yesterday.
Passers-by who saw the incident caught one of the suspects. He was handed over to the police.
DESI: In my younger days, I enjoyed many westerns, and when the law-officers (Da Sheriff, with or without a badge! John Wayne, Gary Cooper, where art thou?)caught the culprits, many townsfolk would gather to demand they hang the robber/murderer/rapist from "the tallest tree in the county". Do Malaysians long to restore such cowboy tradition? I sometimes harbour such fleeting yen, yearning, long-ing...two of the three preceding words have my name partially, so it's understandable, yes? They call this a PRE-DILECTION for...Yeah, sometimes cowboys used "BIG" words when their six-shooters weren't so sharp!
WoW, the STORM Tunnel will open ahead of schedule!
Yeah, take out the champagne bottle and let's celebrate! The DID D-G announced that the 9.7km water tunnel of the Sormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) will be opened a week ahead of schedule!
DESIDERATA is delighted that some public works, government-constructed or privatised, are being completed AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! A full seven days, which is 24 X7 hours = 168 hours. Let's be thankful for such breakthroughs. Finally Malaysians, or just KL City folks, are seeing some flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.
But you have to ask 71-year-old S. Joseph if this news was breathtaking. Of course, the DID came out with a Consolation prize after Prime Ministewr Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi raised his voice. Or he fumed. Or as the NST report today put it, ...the flash floods "raised his ire".
From the NST, June 13, 2007, page 13,
'Floods happened on the same day four years ago'
KUALA LUMPUR: "It was like a tsunami. The water level was so high, we even caught a tilapia."
This was the devastating scene which greeted 71-year- old S. Joseph when he opened the doors to the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin in Jalan Ra- ja here on Monday.
: : : DESI: For more of Joseph's deja vu experience, go pay-lah RM1.20 for the paper -- it came a long way through sunheat stroke or rainstorm waters via the vendor network to reach thy neighbourhood. Be grateful to the Company which delivers the news, and to Desi who gave thee a two-para peep. Voyeurs be part of thee be, GBless and no over-showers on thy neighbourhood. I: S: A: ...
Page 12, same paper, bigger headline:
'Blame the floods on rapid growth, poor town planning'
KUALA LUMPUR: Imagine all the water in 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools dumped into the middle of the city.
That was exactly what happened in Sunday’s flash floods when 7.5 million cubic metres of excess water invaded parts of the city.
The flash floods, which raised the ire of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, were the result of years of rapid development and poor town planning, said Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) director-general Datuk Paduka Keizrul Abdullah.
He announced in a statement that to mitigate future floods in the city,the 9.7km water tunnel of the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) will be opened a week ahead of schedule. It was originally scheduled to begin operating at the end of this month.
Keizrul said the department was speeding up the safety checks of the almost-completed water tunnel.
"The highest flood water levels n the city has increased by threefold over the past 20 years as shown in data collected at the Jalan Tun Perak bridge."
Keizrul said that every time a development occurred without planning for proper irrigation, existing rivers would have to cope with two to three times more excess water.
For example, 40 per cent of Subang Jaya is already developed, raising the water level during floods to 1.9 times the maximum capacity of the rivers and catchment areas because the runoff could not be absorbed by the Damansara or Penchala rivers.
Keizrul said apart from the multi-billion-ringgit flood-mitigation projects, the department had also been enforcing the Urban Stormwater Management Manual.
The manual, which was introduced in 2001, requires developers to plan for proper drainage before developing a plot of land, including building correct-sized drains or water retention ponds.
"The impact of the flood-mitigation projects will not be seen immediately but after all the projects are completed by mid-2009, there should be a decrease in the frequency of flash floods."
Okay, one at home first before some Kiasu peeps call us kaukaypohchics! That kau is for Male -- thick as in kopi, thick as in cow or lembu. YOU define Kiasu being of Gen3, as for peeps, methinks it's for "people" in Blogspeak. Kollect me if I am wlong.And awe that gibberish is DDC; if you steal ask what the blardy H*** is DDC, seek oouch Helen sunbathing in Langkawee. Eating benggali roti from Dr M's shoppe.
Okay, after long Intro, which means Desi's still (which is not DDC, as othervice, it would read steal, see?) in knotty mood!
FUME numero uno:
From The NST June 12, 2007 frontpage,
PM FUMES OVER FLOODS
Abullah raps Drainage and Irrigation Department
KUALA LUMPUR:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has expressed dismay at the capital’s inadequate flood control measures.
He turned a few faces red when he rebuked the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for failing to deal with the rising waters that hit several areas in the heart of the city yesterday, despite costly projects such as the much-hyped RM1.93 billion Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART).
The department’s deputy director-general, Ahmad Fuad Embi, then fumbled as he tried to explain that the construction of the dual-purpose tunnel was on schedule and the rainwater channel was only projected to open by next month.
"Can you speed the work up?" a visibly displeased Abdullah repeatedly asked at the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur briefing on the city’s flood preparedness.
"Mobilise all resources. River widening and building of water retention ponds must be given priority. Floods are no longer seasonal and can strike at any time," he said. "Yesterday, rainwater rose 720mm, nine times the average rainfall of 80mm while 89 people from Kampung Periuk had to be evacuated. We may not be able to predict the next heavy rainfall but preparations have to be in place to prevent flash floods," he said.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories Deputy Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said the SMART tunnel could only divert excess water from the Klang river.
"We have started flood allevation projects for the Gombak, Batu, Sri Johor and Kerayong rivers," he said.
The Jinjang river retention pond to be completed last month but work has been delayed due to a "design dispute" and the new completion date is sometime next year.
DESI: Maybe we should re-name that DID as the Damage and Irritation Department?
Oh woe be with thee, Hi&Lo Developed City o' Koala Lumpuh A few yaers ago Industrial Court was flooded Now it's again deja vu -- muddied and mudded But after some lamenting and fuming A few moons later we'd continue waiting
Desi rests and waits I rest my (courtly) case.
FUME numero dua
From The NST, across the Causeway cometh:
Ex-charity head faces 5 years' jail
SINGAPORE: The former head of Singapore's biggest charity was found guilty yesterday of falsifying documents and faces up to five yaers in jail.
T.T. Durai, the former chief ex- ecutive of the National Kidney Foundation, also faces a maxi- mum fine of S$100,000 (RM230,000).
District judge ASedit Abdullah said evidence submitted during the tiral showed Durai was guilty of deliberately cheating the foun- dation with a false invoice of S$20,000. (AFP report)
: : : DESI: Lazy bummers you ER< please invest RM1.20 for dat NST paper, or read nstonline which I could track down, so no C&P, hence typed out in LONG hand (but my hands are blardy short, hence I stopped at THREE paras!:(
THINKING ALLOWED, I wonder how many of Malaysia's charity organisations are not guilty of "hanky-panky"? I detest that so many YoungOnes are put into the streets to seek donations -- yeah, in the name of charity organisations! They RISK LIFE and LIMB, and all for just a pittance (maybe 10% commissions?) of funds raised for charities PRIVATISED TOI PROFESSIONAL FUND-RAISERS!
I have read that these privateers/pirateers? give only 20-30% to the charity organisations. Their bosses sit tight in AC offices using child-youth labour to raise funds for their HI-living!
Can we have an audit of these Modern Pirates -- or send them ona ship of no return to THE CARRIBEAN To meet the real pirates? Johnny Of The Deep?
I lazily surfed to an US attorney-writer jason evans' blog -- clarityofnight.blogspot.com for some Inspiration, and sure enough, he obliged! I think the following extract is so timely and apt to yesterday's PLAYfool, and I don't wish to weigh my ER down with Mondaebiru. I normally steal partially from other Blogs with attribution, but as Jason's Friday (childe born that day is loving and giving...) entry was short and sassy, I reprised in fool; hope he accepts a token "gift" in return in place of royalty as I don't hail from a kingly residence.
______________ Reprise from clarifofnight.blogspot.com____________
Friday, June 08, 2007
Morality Poems--Society
Have you ever heard of the New England Primer? First published in 1690, it was part religious message, part English text book, and part introduction to Puritan ruler-whacking goodness.
I've always been fascinated by the little rhyming couplets the Primer uses as a mnemonic to teach the alphabet. They are ingenious vehicles for indoctrination. It's a lost art (probably a good thing).
These "Morality Poem" posts are my little attempt to philosophize about the world New England Primer style. Can you guess in one word what I'm trying to describe in each of these "lessons?" Hint: each represents something damaging to society.
The mind of justice hears and weighs, The knife of the righteous blindly slays.
Public faces wave the fist Then shiver with secret bedrooms' kiss.
(My first attempt at one of these was a little while ago. Strangely enough, this post gets the most random hits from Yahoo and Google searches. Folks are searching for moral guidance, I suppose.) Labels: morality poem
posted by jason evans at 12:07 AM
_________________________________________________
DESI's vain artempt at a a couple of couplets Primer-style, can?
Minister on high preaches morality Caught with pants down seeks immunity
Dis blardy writHer 'rites mostly nonsense verse Can you stand my swearing, or thou prefer my Werse?
Sundaes for Desi are for reflection on the meaning and/or unmeaning of life, Homo sapiens mainly, but sometimes of the Animal Kingdom too. And it surprises me that often the four-legged friends behave more decently than the so-called two-legged walking tall type.
Sunday of course is the last day, or first day, of the seven-day cycle called a week. I change to read as sundae because in my childhood days, I often passed the Wah Tung coffee house looking at the colourfool pictures of mouth-watering ice-creams that would have cost me a whole seven days plus a half-weak's pocket money to taste just a cuppa. What more you add in a half-a-bana and a double scoop they entice with western sounding nomenclature like Queen's float and King's fool-banaNA split and heavenly sundae. Th lust is my mod day's creation just using Poetic Licence, hence the lower case.
I thou art LOST with some of the references, it is Da Desi Code or DDC(c) which you blame on allofhelen.blogspot.com. for gifting It to Desi in XXchange for some past&PRESENTries.
On Sundays I sometimes, affected by Helen, whoelsee?, get a li'l kapypohchic, throwing caution to the wind, and pen on funny things, fanny somethin', and fonny things. Fonny is a combo of fond and deny -- meaning that I write of subjects whioch I am fond of but am denied -- for one reason or no reasons at all -- from writHing on normal times. That "H" is added to show you how snaky a writer can be. Take it from me, it's Okay if it's of a non-poisonous category -- but some can kill you if you ate it as SpecialBrunch.Even gifted FREE, please taste, don't swallow 'hole, you may die of toxins worse than Desi's famed arSENice laced in his tehtarik... Yes, sometimes I blow my own cover -- naked glory at midnight becomes havenly delight, jest don't peep, at that hour, you're supposed to have both eyes closed. And other orifices shut except for the nostrils. But I digress, which is a Blogger's privilege to abuse -- THAT'S ANOTHER UNSTATED REASON WHY YOU SHOULD START BLOGGING.
MINSIERS too. Othervice someone wouldn't have committed this fatalistic sin of Cut&Paste without adding. AweOfHelen yesterday led me to herGOoDfriend LinPeh's abode @tok3tok4.blogspot.com:
"Friday, June 08, 2007
Samy Write Poem ?
Today, bernama reported that work minister Samy Vellu has penned a poem for the wedding of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Jeanne Abdullah and the Poem goes like this:
From this day forward, You shall not walk alone. Her heart will be your shelter, And her arms will be your home.
A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it...."
For the rest of the story, please-lah, don't be lazy on Sunday, though yo're excused for being Hazy on Langkawi Beach where you got to rely on "stolen" with periit Internet access, bitching about the fine weather and whether Desi's guilty of Playgiarising up to this point, Mouse on the "here" connect at generous Lin Peh. I understand he like Desi is capable of Versifying and Werse!
TO MY DEAR ER,I declare thus:
If you copy one of my lines, Like till the earth touches the sky and awe the writHings in my Anthology but attribute-lah Desi for using his Thingy It's okay, I won't sue thee, just pay the fines RM20million, and Jest don't ask why!
We Bloggers also use other people's works We also Cut&Paste and with our 2sen worth add aMore value With Google robber barons can't run and hyde But this BIG-made-in-Malaysia guy so used to .....ing and worse He just reprised 2-into-1, and out came babe of semi-value
Oh, PM, our beloved Prime Minister You've been gifted with stolen goods From midnight steal can you lead us out of the woods Excise this delinquent quite sin-ister Cut the crap and get us Rakyat from his foul moods!
I first read the NST print newspaper dated June 9, 2007 page 8, and there ws a report by its own reporter A. Hafiz Yatim headlined:
Michael Chong files defamation suit against daily
On surfing to NST Online wanting to do a quick C&P, I was greeted by a Bernama version:
» NewsBreak 2007/06/08
Michael Chong sues Chinese daily BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Public Service and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong today filed a defamation suit against Guang Ming Daily for publishing a report which allegedly referred him as "Ah Long King".
The suit was filed at the High Court (Civil Division) Registry through Messrs Amrit & Co. Named as defendants in the suit were the Chinese daily’s publisher, Guang-Ming RiBao Sdn Bhd, and chief editor, Ch’ng Li Suang.
In the statement of claim, Chong said that daily had on Dec 8, 2006, published a report which gave a meaning that he was "Ah Long King" and supported unlicensed money lending activities.
The report also carried a meaning that he could not be trusted, a criminal, a liar and a dishonest person and not fit to head the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department, he said.
Because of the report, Chong said, he was hated, ridiculed and humiliated by society members, friends, staff and members of MCA and other political parties. Also following the report, the public had called him “Ah Long King” and he had been summoned by the MCA president for explanation on unlicensed money lending activities.
He said the publication of the report had severely tarnished his professional status, character and reputation and exposed him to public scandal.
Besides exemplary and aggravated damages, he sought an injunction to prevent the defendants from repeating or publishing the alleged defamatory sentences. He also sought an apology from the defendants and to have it published in all media which had published the alleged defamatory sentences.
Meanwhile, MCA Public Service and Complaints Departmet chief legal adviser Datuk Theng Book told reporters that Chong was seeking RM10 million in damages. — BERNAMA
Rank this story
DESI: Since NST asked readers to rank this story, I gave it a TenOnTen. But Desi would not comment on the suit. My dear ER (EsteemedReaders-lah, why you ask wan?) are similarly advised NOT TO COMMENT on said item.
Please cooperate;I won't co-opt, I won't copulate either for I ain't that sort of politikus.
UPDATEd @5.20pm, YOU MAY COMMENT ON THE UPDATEd ISSUE!
I read NST's report in the copy bought by mGf Mr Coww at breakfast. At lunchtime I spent a precious RM1.50 (I dropped RM1.20 at the 7ELEVEN counter and walked off... the sweetie called me back in raised desibelles that "Sekarang RM1.50 wickedend!"
I scoured the paper thoroughly for another news treatment on the MICHAEL CHONG ISSUE. I no see any. Did you see any? First I closed one eye. Then I opened BOTH eyes. Still no see any. Unless I miss'd somethin' -- which is possible but not probable because I'm approaching V2020 seriously -- I think The People's Paper had failed in its primary duty of keeping the Readers informed. And this public figure from MCA -- though a Datuk and belonging to the party that has indirect majority equity control over the highest-circulating English daily -- defintely was a newsmaker with his law suit against another daily, Chinese it may be.
Did I hear mGf from Ipoh whisper: What you expect, double Latuk protecting the interests of single Latuk-lah!
Well, now we know where some highly placed journo's dedication/loyalty lies, don't we?
Today Desi will do some homework, though it's mainly Cut&Paste, but it's revealing IF YOU SPEND SOME TIME working on God's unique gift -- those grey cells up dare, remember? -- to everyman. Okay, very woman too iuf you need to be so gender-sensitive. But then how do you term those mankeys in that Zoohouse along Japan Parlimen?
_____________________ First, knot necessary the best! from the Peoiple's Paper_____________________________
Friday June 8, 2007
17 Sarawak gangs put out of business
KUCHING: Police have bust 17 gangs in Sarawak after 84 leaders and members were arrested under the anti-gangsterism Ops Cantas Kenyalang since April.
Those arrested included four leaders from Miri, Sarikei, Kuching and Sibu and their right-hand men, Federal CID director Comm Datuk Christopher Wan said.
All have been charged with offences ranging from armed robbery, criminal intimidation and extortion to kidnapping in order to commit murder.
Police also seized several weapons including three pistols, a shotgun, knives and swords.
One of the gangs was the notorious Sibu-based Hua Kee, which has an estimated 50 members.
“Its leader and 13 members have been arrested and eight charged with kidnapping in order to commit murder and gang robbery.
“They are being detained in Sibu prison awaiting trial,” Comm Wan told a press conference during his visit to the state police headquarters yesterday.
He said other gangs included the Sungai Merah and Kong Pia in Sibu, Taxi Station in Miri, Market in Kuching, Ah Seng in Sarikei and Tua Chek in Bintulu.
He said 1,310 people had been arrested for offences linked to gangsterism.
Of the number, 679 had been charged.
The anti-gangsterism operation is being carried out by a task force comprising Federal and state police.
“We will continue to flush out the remnants of the gangs and take further action to hunt down the leaders,” Comm Wan said.
DESI: The Star's news report was based solely on Datuk Christopher Wan's press conference. NO MENTION AT ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS OF THE ARESTS WITH POLITICIANS AND BUSINESSMEN.
_________________ From The NST ___________________________
2007/06/08
Police closing in on gangsters
KUCHING: Police have discovered leads connecting gangsters in the state to senior politicians and businessmen.
The leads surfaced in the interrogations of several gang kingpins who were picked up under Ops Cantas Kenyalang.
The kingpins were among 1,310 gang members nabbed in the operation.
The operation has also seen the crippling of 17 gangs operating in the state.
These include the notorious Sungei Merah, Kong Pia, Hua Kee (Sibu), Taxi Station (Miri), Market (Kuching), Ah Seng (Sarikei) and Tua Chek (Bintulu) gangs. Federal CID director Datuk Christopher Wan Soo Kee, however, refused to jump to conclusions on the successes so far.
Sources told the New Straits Timesthat a task force was working towards proving the existence of a link between the gangs and prominent individuals.
Of the arrests, 84 gang members, including several leaders, have been charged in court for various gang-related criminal activities. Eight have also been placed under the Emergency Ordinance 1969.
Offences include possession of firearms, dangerous weapons, involvement in vice and illegal gambling and border encroachment activities.
Police have also confiscated three pistols, a shotgun, knives and several parang.
Wan said the operation so far was only the tip of the iceberg.
"We will not rest. This success is the result of intelligence provided by the public, via SMS, the Sarawak Police hotline, emails and even letters. This shows the public here is committed to helping us eradicate this menace," he said.
Ops Cantas Kenyalang is said to be the direct result of Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s speech in parliament about gangsterism in Sarawak on March 29.
Speaking during a motion of thanks to the king for his address in the Dewan Rakyat, Tiong said secret societies in Sarawak were having a "field day".
Wan said the operation had allowed police to compile a complete profile on all current gang members in the state.
"There is no way they can evade the law in the future."
DESI:
The NST (Syabas!) goes one up on The Star to quoite other sources -- besides Datuk Christopher Wan -- and the role of a Sarawak MP for some important issues already in the public knowledge, so the updates were indeed useful and relevant.
Note esp the highlights (ALL MINE--Desi) e.g.
~~Sources told the New Straits Timesthat a task force was working towards proving the existence of a link between the gangs and prominent individuals.
~~Ops Cantas Kenyalang is said to be the direct result of Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s speech in parliament about gangsterism in Sarawak on March 29.
_________________ And from theSun ____________________
BUT quoting a Bernama report-lah! Read in full from the free paper, here I only summarise this was largely similar to The Star's report, except for the last two lines which is relevant enough, but not so complimentary as The NST's. Yes, you must read in between the lines!
~~ Wan said since the operation, police statistics show that the number of serious crime (sic) had dropped.
He also said that police were inves- tigating claims tahe politicians were involved in secret societies. -- Bernama
DESI:
What can I say but that, without its own coverage in Kuching that day, theSun at least played the item up on Page One, but it's to the National New Agency's credit that it had the cow sense that The Star lacks in weaving in relevant points. Hey, I am proud I walked through Bernama's news room for five (B....y? or !) years:)
Hi, Saudara Yong Soo Heong, first *Malaysian Chinese Editor-in-Chief there/dare, Congrats, for some goode work done, some time. * Also a credit to Pak Lah; if you have to ask Desi where's da relevance? Who do I get an answer from?
NOW for another LONG look at the same subject, go to malaysia-today.net. I ain't sticking my head, and neck, and Rabbit's ears ooouch! Cutting'&Pastin' the whole article from RPK. I no no eough RM20milliion -- not even 20mil Rupiahs! -- to fight a claim for Plagiarism:(
But a two-para Teaser can-lah, I believe Pete has a soft spot for fellow Bloggers, esp after serving him free Roast lamb at unexpected AP that May 19 (k)night! -- Regards, Desi ("luckily you did not follow G7 to tehtarik afterword!"...)
____________________ From Raja Petra Kamarudin's __________________
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
In Europe, they say that all roads lead to Rome. Well, in Malaysia, they say all roads lead to Putrajaya. How true is this saying? Is this fact or fallacy? Malaysia Today decided to find out, at least in relation to Malaysia’s thriving and lucrative organised crime which includes prostitution (in particular girls from China), drugs (four types of ‘designer’ drugs) and illegal gambling (4D lotteries and slot machines).
On 14 May 2007, the new Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) Director-General, Ahmad Said Hamdan, succeeded his now retired and disgraced boss, Zulkipli Mat Noor, who was forced to exit under a cloud of dirt due to allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct. This is of course not unusual. Heads of government agencies being forced to retire under sexual and corruption scandals is very common and quite the norm in Malaysia. In fact, one would be very suspicious if a head of a Malaysian government agency retired with a squeaky-clean record and is remembered by all and sundry as a spotless gentleman.
Hold on, maybe I should rephrase that: In fact, TODAY, one would be very suspicious if a head of a Malaysian government agency retired with a squeaky-clean record and is remembered by all and sundry as a spotless gentleman. Yes, that is the key word; TODAY; because in times of past this would be quite normal. The slime-ball and scumbag Malaysian civil servant would be an extremely rare commodity, then, while on the other hand the gentleman Malaysian civil servant was the norm.
DESI: Yes, I know, I said two paras, but it's three I reprised. It's because as I C&P and read on, I couldn't stop...so to entice thee, I pasted three. See, it also rhymes!:)
Desi woke up this morn feeling fine I heard It already on the grapevine "PM to wed on Saturday", reads the NST headline It's an occasion quite sublime, so divine Let's be happy for Pak Lah He was once sleepy Now he's so skippy I'm sending this DEDICATION in Hi-desibelles Everything's gonna be swell, soon will ring Da Wedding Bells Malaysians will raciously wish the PM well Go forth and multiply Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi We all celebrate too for thee Now a leader not so shy-shy!
Jean the Song was by Oliver, actually written by Rod McKuen?
Jean, Jean, roses are red All the leaves have gone green And the clouds are so low You can touch them, and so Come out to the meadow, Jean
Jean, Jean, you're young and alive Come out of your half-dreamed dream And run, if you will, to the top of the hill Open your arms, bonnie Jean
Till the sheep in the valley come home my way Till the stars fall around me and find me alone When the sun comes a-singin' I'll still be waitin'
For Jean, Jean, roses are red And all of the leaves have gone green While the hills are ablaze with the moon's yellow haze Come into my arms, bonnie Jean
(Jean, Jean) Jean, you're young and alive!! Come out of your half-dreamed dream And run, if you will to the top of the hill Come into my arms, bonnie Jean
Today from the NST frontpage:
PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday announced that he will remarry this week, saying his love for his late wife, Endon, remains strong but that he has fallen in love again.
Abdullah, 67, will wed Jeanne Abdullah, 53, at the prime minister's official residence in a function open to family members only.
DESI: Syabas, Pak Lah, goode times/dimes are a-comin' God bless Malaysia, God bless our beloved Prime Minister Bliss be with thee and bonnie Jeanne Peace and Progress cometh along to NegaraKu with thy ecstasy
The last time Desi witnessed a drama in court, Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland came to mind, and the above quote is extracted from that dainty children's fairy-tale.
We are back to deja vu with the latest courtroom drama on Monday, and the Bar Council has described it as "very unusual" and also the abrupt decision to change the prosecution team "had given rise to a lot of speculation. Desi thinks Ms S. Ambiga was being diplomatic.
I would say it's "fishy". Very fishy. I could smell the rotten "potential" curry fishhead all the way in Furong from the Shah Alam court because someone with a Big Head did not sprinkle enough fragrance or pesticide on the head. Whose head, you ask? Dare you! Desi dare not answer! I was once a cowherd LOST somewhere in Spain, trying to touch base with a young shepherd boy in Andalucia as we both shared a similar dream. But that's digressing too far away.
From The Star June 6, 2007, page N4:
Bar: Reason for change of prosecution is unusual
KUALA LUMPUR: The reason offered by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail for the sudden change of DPPs in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case was “very unusual”.
Bar Council chairman S. Ambiga said that although Abdul Gani had the prerogative to choose his team, the nature of how the change was made – on the first day of the trial – had given rise to a lot of speculation.
She was referring to Abdul Gani’s statement on Monday that he had replaced the previous team of prosecutors with a new one to ensure a “fair trial” to all parties concerned.
“My interest is to ensure that the public knows exactly what happened and how the police investigated the case,” he had said.
The new team of prosecutors, however, admitted in court on Monday that they were not ready to handle the trial and sought a month-long postponement.
Queried by trial judge Justice Mohd Zaki Md Yasin, the new lead prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah said he was not privy to the reason for the change and that he had only received instructions to take over on Sunday afternoon.
Tun Abdul Majid also could not give an answer when the judge suggested that he should work with the previous team for the first few days since he was not familiar with the case.
Asked whether the remarks insinuated that the previous team might not be able to ensure a “fair trial”, Ambiga said: “I don’t know but we are looking into it. The circumstances are certainly unusual”.
She hoped that the A-G’s Chambers would clarify the matter as soon as possible to put an end to the speculations.
Tun Abdul Majid dropped a bombshell on Monday when he announced that his team had taken over the charge of prosecuting in the high profile case involving two policemen and political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda.
The change of DPPs caused the trial to be postponed to June 18.
C/Insp Azilah, 31, and Kpl Sirul Azhar Umar, 36, are charged with murdering Altantuya in Mukim Bukit Raja, Selangor, between 10pm on Oct 19 and 1am on Oct 20 last year. Abdul Razak, 47, is accused of abetting the two Unit Tindakan Khas (Special Action Force) personnel at the Bangunan Getah Asli in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, between 9.54am and 11.05am on Oct 18 last year.
The previous prosecutors, Salehuddin Saidin and Noorin Badaruddin, the same team who prosecuted in the Canny Ong murder trial that led to the conviction of Ahmad Najib Aris, had been handling the Altantuya case from the start.
DESI: All the highlights in the news report (THUS BOLDED) are Desi's.
A reprisal to jog thy memory, can? It's WedNURSEdae, slated by fairie folklore to be a DayOfWoe -- so Desi hopes you are KNOT a wednesday's childe, born to be alone! -- but let's enjoy some versifying, though it's this Scribe trumpeting his own -- whatelse? -- trumpet, taken out from June 1's entry flagging off that Anthology of Poems around Midnight when you sometimes hear strange Voices -- Unusual? YES. Fishy? No-lah! -- beckoning.
Dr. Mahathir’s 22-year as helmsman of Malaysia has also seen the country through many good, and bad, and ugly, times. The most tumultuous event would, in my humble opinion, be the “sacking of Anwar Ibrahim” as the deputy premier and as deputy president of UMNO, which was followed by a series of “strange events” in the courts, and in the streets of Kuala Lumpur. For me as a journalist, these events amounted to what I’d term as “rude awakenings”; but there was not much room for putting down in words one’s feelings of bewilderment and outrage at these events. Most just watched with a sense of resignation at the unfolding drama; many termed it as “sandiwara” (Malay opera), but these “shows” at least stirred many Malaysians from their life-goes-on-as-usual life-style. For once, many became more politically conscious, if not active, and they asked questions, if not in public, at least at the teh-tarik stall or higher class coffee-house, or at their favourite water-hole. People began to wonder what’s happening, and where are we, as a nation, headed? Featured here is one poem composed during these interesting times, relating to the then unfolding, mainly political, events:
It Gets Curiouser and Curiouser
When I was young I was told Spinning a story you must be bold But it still must have a beginning And an ending, and somethin’ in between
But lately my motherland Gave birth to very strange events The cycle was like a record Being played out from the end
Remember Michael Jackson’s video clip When uprooted trees regained their standing stature Dried up safari land became green pastures And elephant carcasses stood majestically alive again
It gets curiouser and curiouser As was observed in Alice in Wonderland And events in Malaysia the past decade Closely mirror Lewis Carroll’s rich imaginings
The story purportedly started in September 1998 As many Anwarists would want you to believe That Reformasi was galvanized When the deputy PM was excised from the head
But my friends, be reminded It was way back on a May Day in ‘88 When the court sat on a holy day A panel of junior judges sacked their chief
Salleh Abas Lord President was dismissed in a jiffy But then DPM Anwar Ibrahim held his tongue A decade later with one fell swoop Anwar became a lauded victim in the vicious loop
Refomrasi Anwar started, his loyalists proclaim They forgot Salleh and his Brave Ones Who stood their ground for justice They indeed were the unheralded Originals
Reformation is not only taking to the streets It’s changing of the mindset What became of the Judiciary following Salleh? It was downhill all the way…
It led the country’s leading judicious mind The late Tun Suffian Hashim to lament in 2000: "I wouldn’t like to be tried by today’s judges, Especially if I am innocent.”*
*Quotedfrom a speech on March 10, 2000 that the former Lord President delivered at a Bar commemoration for the late Justice Tan Sri Wan Sulaiman.
PETALING JAYA: Senior lawyers were split over the Attorney-General (A-G)'s explanation on his decision to replace the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) in the murder trial of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu at the last minute.
While former Bar Council president Datuk Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari said Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail's decision was based on reasonable grounds, other lawyers had different views.
Kuthubul told theSun yesterday he was satisfied with the A-G's explanation over the replacement of DPP Salehuddin Saidin with Tun Abdul Majid Hamzah, a senior and experienced DPP.
Abdul Gani had said on Wednesday he made the change after he was informed that Salehuddin had been seen playing badminton with trial judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin.
"To ensure fairness in a trial, justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done," Kuthubul said.
"If the DPP and judge have some kind of interest that would prejudice the issue, there is reasonable ground for the A-G's position."
On the first day of the high-profile case on Monday (June 4), Abdul Majid told the court he was only instructed to take over the case from Salehuddin the night before. As a result, the case had to be postponed to June 18.
Abdul Gani was later quoted as saying in an English daily he made the change "to ensure a fair trial" but did not elaborate.
This prompted several lawyers, including Kuthubul, and the Bar Council to urge Abdul Gani to explain himself to prevent speculation.
Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenavasan could not be reached for comment today.
On Noorin Badaruddin, the other prosecuting lawyer who was replaced, Kuthubul said it was up to the A-G to decide.
Kuthubul said while it was not necessary for the whole team to be dismissed if the lead prosecutor was replaced, he believed Abdul Gani had made the right decision.
"Maybe, some elements of influence could be there because they have been working together a number of times before this," he said.
Salehuddin is the head of the Classified Cases Unit, and Noorin is head of the General Crimes and Sexual Unit in the A-G's Chambers in Putrajaya.
They had been handling the Altantuya murder case from the time Chief Insp Azilah Hadri Azilah and Cpl Sirul Azhar Umar were charged on Nov 15.
The two officers were charged with committing the crime in Bukit Raja, Selangor, between 10pm on Oct 19 and 1am on Oct 20 last year. Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda is also charged with abetting them.
In Penang, lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran said most lawyers and judges knew each other, some from their college days, so this should not be the reason to disqualify lawyers from a case.
He said it was common for lawyers and judges to know each other as most moved in the same social circles.
"Some of us even studied in the same colleges and universities," he said.
On Karpal Singh's appeal to disqualify Hazman Ahmad from representing one of the accused because Hazman's late wife was the judge's niece, Kumaraendran said this should not be grounds for disqualification.
Another senior lawyer, Datuk V. Sithambaram, said generally, it should not be a problem if a judge was distantly related to the lawyer.
___________________________________
DESI: I won't add any comment but still, I have my doubts about Gani Patail's being 100% forthright in telling the "truth of the matter". Just an aside, what was his stance when a former Chief Justice was shown to be holidaying in New Zealnd with a lawyer (handling a high-rpofile case involving a tycoon) in the infamous expose code-named Bowman's Papers?
Desi has made known he's not a piad macai for PKR or any of its leaders. I also run Community ervice Messages for other parties, but I am also not thier paid macai. But I can serve as a willing messenger for anyone DOING COMMUNITY SERVICES. Jest don't shoot the messenger, K!:)
This was recieved from asSpirant-MP Tony Pua -- is he a crony? I duno, ask Tony!:)
"Hi all, Once again, if you could help promote the following dialogue/forum, that'll be great ;) It's a dialogue which will cover both sides of the debate, and we hope to have a good rational and reasoned discussion going. ;)
Tony -----
Malaysia, After Lina Joy: A Dialogue
"To say that she is not under the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court 'because she no longer professes Islam' is not appropriate... In other words, one cannot embrace or leave a religion according to one's whims and fancies." ~~ Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim
"Illegal and unreasonable... to expect the appellant (Lina) to apply for a certificate of apostasy 'when to do so would likely expose her to a range of offences under the Islamic law' is, in my view, unreasonable." ~~ Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Richard Malanjum
"I am disappointed that the Federal Court is not able to vindicate a simple but important fundamental right that exists in all persons; namely, the right to believe in the religion of one's choice... The Federal Court has not only denied me that right but to all Malaysians who value fundamental freedoms." ~~ Lina Joy
Details of the Forum are as follows:
Date: 7 June 2007 (Thursday) Time: 7.30pm Venue: Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya
Panel of Distinguished Speakers:
Ambiga Sreenevasan, Malaysia Bar Council President Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, PKR Secretary-General Yusri Mohammad, President of Angkatan Belia Islam (ABIM) Dr Azmi Sharom, Associate Professor, Universiti Malaya Leonard Teoh, Legal Advisor to Malaysia's Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General
Desiderata from the beginning of starting this cyber-home has stated a few times that one field of writing he fears to tread into is RELIGION -- God, Life/Death/After-Life and Salvation. It's only with trepidation -- and after much reflection and reluctance -- I had ventured to post on a few topics that intrude into my personal space E.g. Malacca's Mat Skodeng (Moral Snoop Squad) initiative supported by its Chief Minister; whatelse, I can't recall off-hand.
I wrote not a single line on the recent much-publicised LINA JOY case, climaxed with 2-1 decision so expected. "Expected" because it "could not" have gone otherVICE, knowing how justice is often the handmaiden of politics, or is it the Other way around, I'M LOST.
In the huge and ming-twisting mishmash and matrices of opinion swirling with a milliuon words in Blogosphere in the seven days after the highest court in the land decision put an end (?) to a tragic case, I only was transfixedy one word at my saikojeffooi's screenshots -- "Voyeurism".
I have an idea what Jeff wanted to succictly infer, so here goes and I am prepared to take a rap on my wrist if this doesn't coincide:
"THAT much of all writers and commenters on Lina Joy's situation were mainly spectators at large, savouring as peeping toms do -- if they were honest to admit it! -- an voyeuristic act."
To Desi, Lina's plight is a dilemma to be faced by Lina, yes, her alone, as an individual with a conscience to go the path of her Chosen Almighty. A thousand other voices in support, or in opposition, will not make an iota of difference, to her joy, or pain that kicks at her heartstrings through the seconds, minutes, hours till the dying light of dusk and midnight brings a short cover of relief of penetrating eyes. Let her find her own Path to realisation.
As the case for Salvation (if you believe in such), no individual can seek It on someone else's behalf. No, not even for your spouse, your siblings, your children. This is clearly a territory where everyman/everywoman is for him/herself.
After the long, rambling Intro for my own contemplation, so don't throw pies in my face OK! because RELIGION is one sphere where discourse is one of "till the cows come home" -- And Desi does not have that luxury of patient Time.
__________________COMMUNITY SERVICE MESSAGE starts here_____________
4 Jun 2007
KEPUTUSAN MAHKAMAH PERSEKUTUAN MENGENAI LINA JOY
Keputusan Mahkamah Persekutuan pada minggu lepas berkenaan persoalan undang-undang yang timbul dari permohonan Lina Joy untuk membuang perkataan 'Islam' dari kad pengenalannya telah menimbulkan lebih banyak kontroversi. Di dalam perbahasan yang timbul, pelbagai pihak telah mengeluarkan berbagai kenyataan yang menggambarkan salah faham terhadap isu sebenar yang mendasari kes tersebut.
Kontroversi ini meruncing sebahagian besarnya kerana kegagalan pihak pentadbiran untuk memperkukuhkan keyakinan orang ramai terhadap Mahkamah Syariah. Perspesi ini timbul kerana prestasi yang kurang memuaskan oleh Mahkamah Syariah sebelum ini. Meskipun wujud keputusan yang baik, kebanyakan keputusan-keputusan terbaru ynag mendapat perhatian ramai memberi gambaran bahawa Mahkamah Syariah gagal untuk menyelesaikan isu-isu pokok yang melanda rakyat Malaysia. Pihak berkuasa juga telah gagal untuk menangani isu ini dengan cara yang dapat memberi keyakinan kepada orang bukan Islam bahawa kebebasan beragama mereka sebagaimana diperuntukkan oleh Perlembagaan tidak dikompromikan. Kerajaan juga tidak berusaha mencapai muafakat bersama dengan menolak sebarang perbincangan antara agama. Adalah amat mendukacitakan kerajaan tidak menunjukkan kepimpinan yang tegas untuk memupuk keharmonian antara agama berikutan keputusan ini, tetapi cuba mengambil kesempatan untuk kepentingan sempit politik mereka.
Meskipun keputusan Mahkamah Persekutuan ini menggambarkan seolah-olah kegusaran bukan Islam terhadap kebebasan beragama terbukti benar, pada pandangan saya, keputusan ini tidak bermakna orang bukan Islam tidak dapat terus mengamalkan agama pilihan mereka. Keputusan tersebut juga sama sekali tidak bermakna mana-mana pihak boleh memaksa orang bukan Islam memeluk Islam. Kebebasan beragama secara keseluruhannya masih dipelihara.
Saya berpendapat keputusan tersebut menetapkan bahawa orang Islam mestilah menggunakan prosedur Mahkamah Syariah untuk meninggalkan Islam, sekiranya mereka hendak berbuat demikian secara rasmi, seperti Lina Joy yang telah memohon untuk membuang perkataan Islam dari kad pengenalannya. Ia tidak memberi kuasa yang baru kepada Mahkamah Syariah yang tidak dimilikki sebelum ini. Ia juga tidak memberi kuasa kepada Mahkamah Syariah untuk menentukan status agama bukan Islam sebagaimana pandangan sesetengah pihak. Keputusan tersebut bukan untuk memaksa Lina Joy kembali kepada Islam meskipun beliau secara terbuka telah menganut agama Kristian, tetapi undang-undang dan peraturan mestilah dipatuhi apabila mana-mana individu hendak keluar dari Islam. Saya percaya perkara sedemikian mesti kekal di bawah bidang kuasa Mahkamah Syariah, dan sama ada keputusan tersebut berpatutan atau tidak Mahkamah Syariah lah mesti menentukannya. Ini jelas sekali mengikut peruntukan undang-undang Syariah di setiap negeri sebagaimana undang-undang penceraian, wasiat dan harta peninggalan. Meskipun wujud perbezaan dari segi undang-undang dan prosedur berkenaan murtad antara tiap-tiap negeri, Perlembagaan Persekutuan memperuntukkan perkara tersebut berada di bawah bidang kuasa eksklusif Mahkamah Syariah.
Saya berharap orang bukan Islam secara keseluruhannya dapat menerima bahawa persoalan murtad ini amat sensitif di negara kita dan tidak boleh diperlekehkan. Pada masa yang sama, umat Islam mestilah mengiktiraf hak bukan Islam untuk mengamlkan agama-agama mereka akan terus dipelihara dan dihormati, dan memahami bahawa mereka juga sensitif di dalam isu-isu agama. Saya menyeru semua rakyat Malaysia untuk menjaga kata-kata dan tindakan berkaitan isu ini serta perkara-perkara lain yang mungkin mengeruhkan hubungan antara agama. Setiap rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira kaum dan agama mestilah terus memegang muafakat yang dicapai menerusi Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Selain dari kebebasan beragama, kita juga mestilah berusaha memelihara kebebasan-kebebasan lain yang diperuntukkan Perlembagaan kita.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
MEDIA STATEMENT
4 June 2007
FEDERAL COURT DECISION ON LINA JOY
Last week's decision by the Federal Court on legal questions arising from the application by Lina Joy for the word 'Islam' to be deleted from her National Registration Department identity card has created further controversy. In the debate that has been generated, much has been said from various quarters that suggest a serious misunderstanding of the issues at hand.
It must be pointed out that this controversy has been largely compounded by the failure of the authorities to strengthen public confidence towards the Shari'ah courts, no doubt in part contributed by the dismal record of their performance. With very few exceptions, recent decisions have lent credence to the general view of their incompetence and inability to resolve otherwise simple issues. The authorities have also failed to deal with this issue in a manner that would reassure non-Muslims that their Constitutional freedom in respect of religion has not been compromised. Instead of trying to achieve a broad consensus, the government has decided to stop any form of discourse on inter-faith issues. It is also most deplorable that instead of demonstrating a new resolve to forge inter-faith harmony in the light of this decision, the government is trying to gain political mileage from it.
Though the Federal Court decision appears to have reinforced certain misgivings about the freedom of religion on the part of non-Muslims as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, in my view, there is nothing in this decision that should give the notion that non-Muslims will not be able to continue to practice or profess the religion of their choice. Nor is there anything in the decision that would make it lawful for anyone to forcibly convert non-Muslims to the religion of Islam. Freedom of religion remains largely intact.
To my mind, the decision does not concern the propriety or otherwise of Muslims to renounce their religion but only makes it mandatory for erstwhile Muslims to apply to the Shari'ah court should they wish to formalize their renunciation, as in this case of Lina Joy in respect of her application for the word 'Islam' to be deleted from her identity card. It does not confer any new area of jurisdiction to the Shari'ah courts which they do not already have. It certainly does not authorize the Shari'ah courts to determine the religious status of non-Muslims as some views would seem to suggest. The decision is not about compelling Lina Joy to return to Islam despite her professing to be a Christian but about the rules that must be complied with when an individual wishes to renounce Islam as his or her religion. I believe that such a matter must remain within the jurisdiction of the Shari'ah courts and whether or not such a renunciation is appropriate is a matter for the Shari'ah courts to decide. This is clearly in keeping with the established Shari'ah laws in the various States governing the issues of apostasy just as it applies to issues pertaining to the various aspects of the Islamic law of personal status such as divorce, wills and inheritance. Though the substantive law and procedural requirements governing apostasy may vary in degree from state to state, the Federal Constitution provides that such matters are within the exclusive purview of the Shari'ah courts.
It is hoped that non-Muslims generally are able to appreciate that the question of renunciation of religion by Muslims in this country is a very sensitive matter and should not be trivialized. At the same time, Muslims must demonstrate greater commitment to the non-Muslims that the freedom to practice religions other than Islam will continue to be protected and respected and to appreciate that they are also sensitive about matters of religion. I call on all Malaysians to exercise the utmost restraint in speech and action in matters relating to these issues as well as other matters that have the potential to stir up communal tension. All Malaysians regardless of race or religion must hold fast to the social compact that is to be found in the Constitution. Apart from the freedom of religion, we must also strive for the protection of our other fundamental liberties.
Like mGf Elizabeth Wong who blogs more often than Desi on PKR matters, I am not a paid-macai of Parti Keadilan Rakyat or any of its leaders. I had controibuted a bit to its Suara Keadilan when it ran an English section (alongside another mGf the late towering M.G.G. PILLAI (this is mainly for the knowledge of his son Sreejit as he wanted to know aMore about my friendship with his Dad). I am just an ordinary PKR card-carrying member, and I will see how Sdr Anwar I. takes the party the next ten years.-- Desi
I spotted this at benkaiser.net where sometimes I find some "truthfool" gems, viz:
Probable as truth
June 4th 2007 18:43 It is probable everyday, isn't?
"It is a truth very certain that when it is not in our power to determine what is true we ought to follow what is most probable." ~~ Rene Descartes,Discourse on Method
Malaysia is a Lucky Country. Damned lucky -- we have oil, rubber, oil palm, virgin jungle and lush forests. But we also have men. And mice. And politics.
WQe play politics everyday -- so when I hear of people saying they are "not interested" in politicvs, thye don't know how much they are surrendering into the hands of those who play politics very waking hour, And that's the trouble with NegaraKu -- politiucs is not attractive the "right" sort of people into it as an honourable occupation. "Uneducated" railway gate-keepers, chauffeurs and mama's boys and girls who were well-schooled but yet remain uneducated, fill the chambers of law-making. And do we wonder that state assemblymen are the first the break municipal council laws and still/steal getting away with it? And are we surprised that Parliamentarians still consistently berate their sisters and mothers' genders with boorish behaviour and labelling deserving of the zoo or madhouse than an august body ... and when pressed to "face the music", all they do is tender an unconvincing qualified apology worse than a six-year-old schoolboy saying "sorry" to the teacher for not doing his/her homework?
There will be mice flourishing as long as people leave food a-plenty for these rodents to just eat, drink and be merry. And multiply. They do us a kindness if they also do not spread the plague to teach careless and negligent Homo sapiens a lesson in healthy living. And caree ofr the environmentr.
And men will always fall into two categories. I read a comment from whatalulu.blogspot.com from a conversationist I seem to know, calling himself, or herself, "madmonk", and I shall borrrow from his comment sighted at "what a lulu!" to demo this point about the sort of people who make up Malaysian society that explains our state of affairs the country is in. I pray the "gentlemen with right on the mind" -- the junzi -- finally triumph.
___________________________________________
Anonymous said...
My 1 sen worth comments. For one, even Singapore at one stage of its political milestone encouraged opposition members in parliament.
Annihilate all opposition in "a democracy". Only an empty headed skull can think of this.
Anyway, idiotic remarks by a half-past six Oxfart University trained graduate showed his own remarkable stupidity, probably not the fault of the University. Showed there are still people who have wasted their time and money there, who have emerged "uneducated" in the number of years spent there. The ancient Chinese edifice on the educating process used to be the "Thung Shu" or Thung Xing, remember the old version embodies ancient sayings of wisdom, horoscope and astrology etc, elderly Chinese proficient in the classical chinese language today still use to select "good days" to move house, getting married etc.
That classical text till today in essence still teaches the chinese younger generation basically one thing. How to "be" humane as a human being, morally and virtuous lifestyle, behavior, etc as one progresses from this life to the next world.
In contrast, what do this generation learn in unversities nowadays? Basically the bottomline: how to amass wealth.
So Lulu, you didn't miss much by not prolonging the schooling process because universities DON'T EDUCATE people nowadays. They MERELY SCHOOLED people. It's better to be truly "educated" in "Life University" (in Canotnese, means, "Sai Kai Tai Hok")
Simple folks who have never been to universities are by far better better educated through life experiences and certainly more importantly, "wiser" people compared to so-called degree holders (i.e.idiots)in question.
Confucius classified humans into "small men" (xiaoren) and "gentlemen" (junzi).
Simply analysed by Confucius on political courage and whether it is a virtue (quote): "The gentlemen puts rightness before courage. A gentlemen who has courage but does not know rightness will become a trouble maker.
We now know who this small man who has courage and does not know rightness is the political brigand."
I don't think Confucius confused himself in his definition. And we are not confused in identifying who this tyrant is either. madmonk
3:43 PM
_____________________________________________________ Desiderata:madmonk -- you know who you are, wherever thou beth -- have a good day, and I will remember your wise words about the role of men in building a civil society.
Can I count of thee to buy me the next goblet of tehtarik, minus the arSEN.. but plus-ing Miss Sunthi?
KUALA LUMPUR: Bahasa Malaysia will again be the official term to be used to refer to the national language.
In a unanimous decision last April, the Cabinet felt that reverting to the term Bahasa Malaysia would help inculcate a sense of belonging for all citizens irrespective of race, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.
All ministries, public universities and local institutions of higher learning have been directed to inform their relevant departments and agencies to begin using the term Bahasa Malaysia in letters, notices and documents with immediate effect.
It is understood that the heads of the various ministries are sending out these directives following the Cabinet order.
“The Malay language belongs to Malaysians of all races and not just the Malays. The term Bahasa Malaysia would instil a sense of belonging,” Zainuddin told The Star yesterday.
He said the term Bahasa Malaysia was introduced by Tunku Abdul Rahman after the country's independence to inculcate a Malaysian identity.
“It was generally accepted and no one asked for a change until (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim became the education minister (in 1986).
“He dropped the term Bahasa Malaysia for Bahasa Melayu and it has remained that way. But now, we feel we should go back to the original term,” he said.
“RTM will use the term Bahasa Malaysia to refer to the Malay language from now. I have also instructed all private television and radio stations to comply.
“All newspapers, irrespective of language, will also have to refer to the language as Bahasa Malaysia,” he said.
By using the term Bahasa Malaysia, he said a psychological barrier would be removed, not just for Malays but also other races.
“The Malays, for example, must not see Bahasa Malaysia as a language used (solely) by themselves. If Malays truly want to promote the language regionally or globally, they should not be worried if others use it for religious reasons such as their books and sermons.
“Similarly, non-Malays would also not see the language as a Malay language but a language that belongs to them,” he said.
DESIDERATA:
And why do you think Desi reproduced this Frontpage item from The Star June 4, 2007 after introducing the Post about Politics, Mice and Men?
See if you find a THREAD between the three politicians named in the report and my subject.
For ZAM's information, I could NOT have been bothered since when they re-named the subject to Bahasa Melayu or Bahsa Baku. In my vocabulary, in my CV, in all my job applications, I have always stated under "Language Proficiency -- Excelent in English; Competent in Bahasa Malaysia, Competent in Mandarin".
It doesn't make a differencve in my short life 40 years ago, today in in another 40 years' time. I only know how to recognise the "small" men and the mice who scurry in the night, scavenging for spoils.
In appreciation of a poem enjoyed And reciprocated with words that flow like wine
Sweet is the tender touch Of words that overflow, mingle and out form a new baby of shared thoughts and even some unmeaning just plain words that rhyme
It does not matter if a thrid party does not perceive Some may even think it gibberish But in two soulmates visited ny The Touch
It's ecstasy unspoken To last through the midnight hours Till the dawn of another virgin day Filled with potentail greatness If only humans dare to imagine And like little seagulls Make a dash for unknown shores Maybe Malaysia is not that unfamiliar
I have been engaging occasionally with a fellow Blogger, Jason Evans, based in Pennsylvania, USA. Qualified as a lawyer, he also writes for a living, and has run severeal writing contests at his Blog, attracting entries from near and far.
I find a recent post interesting and revealing, and I extract the initial paragraphs. For more, surf to clarityofnight.blogspot.com:
________________INSPIRATIONS_____________
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 Inspirations by Jason Evans
Once in a while, a person speaks some words which stay with us. Maybe it was praise, or maybe it was tough love. I'd like share some of the quintessential moments in writing when a person cared enough to point me the right way.Think about some of your own moments when someone reached out to you and inspired you. It doesn't have to be about writing. It can be about life in general. Feel free to share in the comments.
Whatever you do in life, I hope you make a place for writing.--9th Grade English Teacher, 1984
The first person who seriously encouraged me to write. His enthusiasm was strong and infectious. I owe a great deal to him.
The writing feels like it came out of a meat grinder. It's all the same.--College English Professor, 1988
The first direct, blunt, and undeniably correct criticism I received. He taught me that stories are more than mere communication. Magic happens when the language itself has wings, when you strive to say things in new ways.
Do you want me to do this?--A friend uncomfortable with my reaction to a critique of my first novel, 2001
I learned that there are two people responsible for a critique. The one giving it should be firm and honest, yet positive. The one receiving it should fight the urge to be defensive, hurt, or depressed.
_____________________________________________
Desiderata: I believe one Eugene Chua would feel some synchonocity with the third quote by Jason; I did. Even as I write this, I could picture the half-smile sliding cross mGf from Pahang's face. No, not the face of Pahang, Eugene's.
I shall pause here for a w'ile while I think about such moments of awakening in a writer's journey, ah, but before I say adieu, let me knock in a short one.
I think you have coipied some lines from somewhere, I don't know, Chong. Better you write something original. A cikgu commenting on a poem I wrote at age 10.
I must admit I did steal one or two phrases (from a piece of writing by a Singaporean? Cos it had some reference to the republic Down south I had not visited then. The furthest I had travelled away from Peyton Place Furong was Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital; ven then, I was not impressed!) Perhaps Desi learnt from young about the danger of this thingy called Plagiarism, but again, I remember Juslo's...
