The last lamb arriveth at Warren Buffet's table:)
OR
The Fat Lady Sings:(
Desi is highly at the heart of Humour, or mGf newly met DPP alias donPLAYpuks says "Satire", also vely demokratick one, so pick wan of the two options -- like your school/university exams, OBJECTIVE, yes! -- to die.
NST Online » Local News
2008/05/31
Malays now 'don't harp on rights'
KUALA LUMPUR: The "new young Malays" are not concerned about Malay rights, but are more focused on competing to achieve, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said.
Speaking at Gerakan's "White Coffee Talk" last night, she said those who were good usually performed on their own merit and were not bothered about Malay rights.
She used her children as an example of "new Malays".
"My children are doing well today because they worked hard for it. I tell them if you perform, you will do well."
Rafidah said in fact, her children were reluctant to reveal their identity as they would receive comments like "Oh, your mother's a minister, it must be easy for you."
Rafidah said it was unfortunate that these "new Malays" shied away from politics because they considered it a "dirty" game.
The talk, entitled "Race, Religion and Gender in Malaysian Politics: the way forward", touched on issues like the quality of civil service, race-based politics, family values and the need to change mindsets towards a more progressive and united country.
DESI: Someone forgot to add, just paraphrasing what could have issued from the ex-Minister's mouth, if she wasn't so coy:
"By the way, my son-in-law got some shares under the special Bumiputera issues when I wan the MITI head;
"By the way, another relative received some Approved Permits when I was heading MTI.
"Just in case you morons complained that such privileges came under special 'Malay rights', remember then Prime Minister my dear Mentor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also got what!"
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Dr M vs Ezam vs Nalla vs Hang Tuah...
From The Star Online which is more sprightly and news-sy nowadays, here's the latest act of the Sandiwara combining the best of UMNO, ex-UMNO, ex-PKR, ex-MIC ... WoW, Nalla has been co-opted into UMNO's wings, how Desperado can a partee get?
Mayhaps they have fun-D to co-opt Desi? I'll bring along Nicole the socialist, Marilyn the Mammi double decked, and Susie -- you all know the lust wan, head to toe, don't you? ~~ Desi, knottyaSsusual:)
PasS: Should you ask where ***Hang Tuah cometh in, wait for an UPDATE!If you treat Desi well like buying him make a kumbek to gift thee my Komen-toes.
Miss Patience is also Ms Virtuous...remember mGf?
Friday May 30, 2008
Ezam: I’m back because of PM’s commitment to bringing reform
By MANJIT KAUR
PETALING JAYA: Ezam Mohd Nor is back in Umno because of party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's commitment to bringing change and reform.
The former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth leader said he wanted to show his support and commitment, and therefore joined hands with Abdullah and other leaders to continue with their struggles to fight graft and bribery.
Ezam denied that he had made a comeback because he was offered “carrots” or positions in the party.
“If 'carrot' is the consideration, I have been offered many and bigger 'carrots' before,” he told a press conference at a hotel here yesterday.
“I am joining Umno as you all know when it is not in the strongest position, as I have been offered 'carrots' by Umno in their strongest positions before.
“So positions or 'carrots' are never my considerations at all, and my decision is purely based on my convictions, and my convictions are for reform.”
Joining him were former Kedah PKR youth chief Khairul Anuar Ramli, former Perlis PKR youth chief Ahmad Daud Ghani, former PKR youth exco member Azwandeein Hamzah, former PKR Selangor secretary S.D. Johari Yasin and former Selangor PKR state liaison youth secretary Nazmi Rosli.
Former Permatang Pauh youth chief Annuar Shaari, who was also private secretary to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to hand his application form to join Umno to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Parliament.
Ezam added that corruption was the number one challenge to the country.
“The Prime Minister has brought changes to the judiciary and Anti-Corruption Agency in a short period, and we cannot expect him to make drastic changes overnight,” he said.
“For the past 10 or 20 years, I have not seen any prime minister with the courage to introduce these sorts of reforms, and Abdullah had made two major changes in a month.
“I am therefore convinced that more changes and reforms will take place.”
DESIDERATA: Ezam, you got slammed and served time in the SLAMMER, yet you think PM after four years of hibernation is still the best to lead Anti-Corruption fight? What's happening to your GERAK then -- anything to show to date? What happened to your threats to "expose" corruption in high places? Oh, moving from Below, to Above, and now On The Table, izzit?
Well, aiming at tking over Tun Dr M's vacancy, izzit2?
Friday May 30, 2008
Dr M: I’m out, he’s (Ezam) in
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was his usual sarcastic self when commenting on former PKR Youth leader Ezam Mohd Nor rejoining Umno.
“Saya keluar, dia masuk. Baguslah dia sayang Umno (I leave and he is back in. Good that he loves Umno),” he quipped.
The former premier and party president was asked to comment yesterday on Ezam's move to rejoin Umno this week although he had left the party to help set up what was then known as Parti Keadilan.
Ezam, who was once Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, followed Anwar out of Umno in 1998 after the former deputy prime minister was sacked. He was also detained under the Internal Security Act for his role in the reformasi movement.
However, Ezam quit Keadilan last year after a fallout with Anwar and an internal power struggle with current PKR vice-president Azmin Ali.
He then set up Gerak, a non-governmental organisation fighting against corruption and upholding judicial independence.
Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after autographing 100 copies of his book, Dr Mahathir's Selected Letters to World Leaders. The autograph session was organised in conjunction with the international BookFest@Malaysia 2008 exhibition.
In his posting on his blog yesterday, Dr Mahathir thanked Umno members who asked him to return to the party, but reiterated that Umno was no longer what it used to be.
He claimed he was not treated as an Umno member since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became the president and that party leaders were also not allowed to meet him or attend his functions.
“Even the Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) was not allowed to see me until I exposed this. Some Umno leaders even suggested expelling me from the party,” he added.
“The attitude and treatment towards me after I resigned, clearly shows that not only am I not an Umno member, but I am also Umno's enemy. My leaving Umno just 'officiates' my position as a non-member.”
DESIDERATA: Dr Mahathir is wiser after 22+4 years. It's never too late for an Awakening. Some UMNO kings and putera are little Rip van Wrinkles:(:( GBless. Sleep tight. aMore "Et tu, Brute?" to come, yet. Nyet?
P.asS2:)*** As for "Hang Tuah", can you wait a byte? After runch ... a quick lunch on the run, on pocket empty.
DESI agin @3.51PM:
I promised thee Hang Tuah, didn't I? And a writer's word is his bond -- is yours?
UMNO’s Tuah-Jebat Dilemma
By Dr M BAKRI MUSA
May 25th, 2008
The furor over Tun Mahathir’s quitting UMNO cannot hide an increasingly obvious and ugly reality: Abdullah’s incompetence as Prime Minister. Ranting and raving against Mahathir will not alter this singular fact.
Only an ardent few – his family members, closest advisors, and those beholden to him – believe that Abdullah has executed the duties of his office diligently. These individuals will forever remain faithful to him even if he were to drive the country to ruins. Consider that Saddam Hussein and Shah Pahlavi still have their ardent admirers today.
For others, their only excuse for wanting Abdullah to stay is for “party unity.”
DESI: I said I ain't working for Pamper's, so surf ye to bakrimusa.com if you care to add value to thy brain. If not, do you think I care?Somehow a recent Commenter resident at http://donplaypuks.blogspot.com/ reminds Desi of the word satire. I went to TV SMITH to regurgitate somethin' irritatin' to save my ER some precious dime:
if you don't know what satire is even if it bites you in the ass, just call it a joke...
PmyAss: If you have to ask who this TV Smith is, go aRsEk RTM!
Mayhaps they have fun-D to co-opt Desi? I'll bring along Nicole the socialist, Marilyn the Mammi double decked, and Susie -- you all know the lust wan, head to toe, don't you? ~~ Desi, knottyaSsusual:)
PasS: Should you ask where ***Hang Tuah cometh in, wait for an UPDATE!If you treat Desi well like buying him make a kumbek to gift thee my Komen-toes.
Miss Patience is also Ms Virtuous...remember mGf?
Friday May 30, 2008
Ezam: I’m back because of PM’s commitment to bringing reform
By MANJIT KAUR
PETALING JAYA: Ezam Mohd Nor is back in Umno because of party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's commitment to bringing change and reform.
The former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth leader said he wanted to show his support and commitment, and therefore joined hands with Abdullah and other leaders to continue with their struggles to fight graft and bribery.
Ezam denied that he had made a comeback because he was offered “carrots” or positions in the party.
“If 'carrot' is the consideration, I have been offered many and bigger 'carrots' before,” he told a press conference at a hotel here yesterday.
“I am joining Umno as you all know when it is not in the strongest position, as I have been offered 'carrots' by Umno in their strongest positions before.
“So positions or 'carrots' are never my considerations at all, and my decision is purely based on my convictions, and my convictions are for reform.”
Joining him were former Kedah PKR youth chief Khairul Anuar Ramli, former Perlis PKR youth chief Ahmad Daud Ghani, former PKR youth exco member Azwandeein Hamzah, former PKR Selangor secretary S.D. Johari Yasin and former Selangor PKR state liaison youth secretary Nazmi Rosli.
Former Permatang Pauh youth chief Annuar Shaari, who was also private secretary to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to hand his application form to join Umno to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Parliament.
Ezam added that corruption was the number one challenge to the country.
“The Prime Minister has brought changes to the judiciary and Anti-Corruption Agency in a short period, and we cannot expect him to make drastic changes overnight,” he said.
“For the past 10 or 20 years, I have not seen any prime minister with the courage to introduce these sorts of reforms, and Abdullah had made two major changes in a month.
“I am therefore convinced that more changes and reforms will take place.”
DESIDERATA: Ezam, you got slammed and served time in the SLAMMER, yet you think PM after four years of hibernation is still the best to lead Anti-Corruption fight? What's happening to your GERAK then -- anything to show to date? What happened to your threats to "expose" corruption in high places? Oh, moving from Below, to Above, and now On The Table, izzit?
Well, aiming at tking over Tun Dr M's vacancy, izzit2?
Friday May 30, 2008
Dr M: I’m out, he’s (Ezam) in
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was his usual sarcastic self when commenting on former PKR Youth leader Ezam Mohd Nor rejoining Umno.
“Saya keluar, dia masuk. Baguslah dia sayang Umno (I leave and he is back in. Good that he loves Umno),” he quipped.
The former premier and party president was asked to comment yesterday on Ezam's move to rejoin Umno this week although he had left the party to help set up what was then known as Parti Keadilan.
Ezam, who was once Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, followed Anwar out of Umno in 1998 after the former deputy prime minister was sacked. He was also detained under the Internal Security Act for his role in the reformasi movement.
However, Ezam quit Keadilan last year after a fallout with Anwar and an internal power struggle with current PKR vice-president Azmin Ali.
He then set up Gerak, a non-governmental organisation fighting against corruption and upholding judicial independence.
Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after autographing 100 copies of his book, Dr Mahathir's Selected Letters to World Leaders. The autograph session was organised in conjunction with the international BookFest@Malaysia 2008 exhibition.
In his posting on his blog yesterday, Dr Mahathir thanked Umno members who asked him to return to the party, but reiterated that Umno was no longer what it used to be.
He claimed he was not treated as an Umno member since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became the president and that party leaders were also not allowed to meet him or attend his functions.
“Even the Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) was not allowed to see me until I exposed this. Some Umno leaders even suggested expelling me from the party,” he added.
“The attitude and treatment towards me after I resigned, clearly shows that not only am I not an Umno member, but I am also Umno's enemy. My leaving Umno just 'officiates' my position as a non-member.”
DESIDERATA: Dr Mahathir is wiser after 22+4 years. It's never too late for an Awakening. Some UMNO kings and putera are little Rip van Wrinkles:(:( GBless. Sleep tight. aMore "Et tu, Brute?" to come, yet. Nyet?
P.asS2:)*** As for "Hang Tuah", can you wait a byte? After runch ... a quick lunch on the run, on pocket empty.
DESI agin @3.51PM:
I promised thee Hang Tuah, didn't I? And a writer's word is his bond -- is yours?
UMNO’s Tuah-Jebat Dilemma
By Dr M BAKRI MUSA
May 25th, 2008
The furor over Tun Mahathir’s quitting UMNO cannot hide an increasingly obvious and ugly reality: Abdullah’s incompetence as Prime Minister. Ranting and raving against Mahathir will not alter this singular fact.
Only an ardent few – his family members, closest advisors, and those beholden to him – believe that Abdullah has executed the duties of his office diligently. These individuals will forever remain faithful to him even if he were to drive the country to ruins. Consider that Saddam Hussein and Shah Pahlavi still have their ardent admirers today.
For others, their only excuse for wanting Abdullah to stay is for “party unity.”
DESI: I said I ain't working for Pamper's, so surf ye to bakrimusa.com if you care to add value to thy brain. If not, do you think I care?Somehow a recent Commenter resident at http://donplaypuks.blogspot.com/ reminds Desi of the word satire. I went to TV SMITH to regurgitate somethin' irritatin' to save my ER some precious dime:
if you don't know what satire is even if it bites you in the ass, just call it a joke...
PmyAss: If you have to ask who this TV Smith is, go aRsEk RTM!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tell It to the Marines!
In blogosphere I gotten to know two very the heartful mGf who are/were/have been MARINES. They have since graduated to become firm terrestrial buddies; "terrestrial" means on solid land as opposed to the sea, meaning further or nearer we have since met IN PERSON. We like doing things UP FRONT.
One calls himself ANCIENT, the other ... ah, going by Hans Christian Andersen, should read MODERN! ....but No, he calls himself MINDFULL.
I am gonna tell it to these guys, go see Grand Saga people and tell them
Mariners and Desi Don't Fall for Their Tricks Dat Eazily!
NST Online » Frontpage
2008/05/29
Grand Saga denies resorting to thugs
Email to friend Print article
Several residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras continuing their attempts to remove the barrier yesterday. — NST picture by Sairien Nafis
KUALA LUMPUR: Cheras-Kajang Expressway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd has denied allegations that it had employed thugs to beat up Bandar Makhota Cheras residents who tried to tear down a barrier blocking the toll-free access to the highway on Tuesday.
Grand Saga executive director Zainal Abidin Ali said it was not involved in the scuffle, and added that a number of its workers were attacked by the thugs as well.
"We do not believe in using violence. Furthermore, I used to be a senior police officer. Such methods (hiring thugs) is against our principles," he said.
According to witnesses, 15 unidentified men assaulted the residents with sticks and helmets when they pushed down one concrete slab from the barrier.
The conflict on Tuesday is an escalation of the ongoing right-of-way tussle between Grand Saga and Bandar Makhota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd.
It is learnt that Narajaya, when advertising for Bandar Makhota Cheras, had promised a toll-free access to the Cheras-Kajang Expressway.
Zainal said the barrier has been there since 2005 but the protests began only last month when people started to move into area.
"Instead of asking their developer why it failed to deliver on its promises, the residents are blaming us and tearing down our barrier built on our side of the land.
"Furthermore, we are being accused of hiring thugs."
He said although an injunction was previously sought against Grand Saga demanding that a barrier not be built, the court had recently set the order aside.
"We have the right to build the barrier and the opposition politicians who are siding the residents know this," said Zainal, adding that he had shown Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai all legal documents pertaining to the erection of the barrier on many occasions.
"The issue here is not Grand Saga going against the public. It is about Grand Saga going against Narajaya on the right to access a concession highway. It is a legal issue between two corporate bodies.
"Until the court decides on this, I urge the public to remain calm, stop tearing down the barrier and to use the two alternative toll-free routes instead."
In Shah Alam, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government, which holds a substantial stake in Grand Saga Sdn Bhd through a state-owned company, would call an extraordinary general meeting of the toll concessionaire to find out the motive of the company in putting up the concrete barrier.
Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor owns a 20 per cent stake in Tailwork Bhd, which has a 55 per cent share in Cerah Sama Sdn Bhd, which in turn owns Grand Saga.
The menteri besar said the Selangor government would, at the EGM, question whether the move by Grand Saga to barricade the slip road was "ethical and socially responsible".
He said he would also probe allegations that Grand Saga had hired thugs to stop residents from dismantling the barriers.
Khalid said the state government would be writing to the Malaysian Highway Authority and the Works Ministry to determine if Grand Saga had sought permission before putting up the barriers.
"If permission was granted, we will request the move to be rescinded."
DESIDERATA: "UP YOUR FRONT!" is my parting word to Grand Saga's spokesmana..
One calls himself ANCIENT, the other ... ah, going by Hans Christian Andersen, should read MODERN! ....but No, he calls himself MINDFULL.
I am gonna tell it to these guys, go see Grand Saga people and tell them
Mariners and Desi Don't Fall for Their Tricks Dat Eazily!
NST Online » Frontpage
2008/05/29
Grand Saga denies resorting to thugs
Email to friend Print article
Several residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras continuing their attempts to remove the barrier yesterday. — NST picture by Sairien Nafis
KUALA LUMPUR: Cheras-Kajang Expressway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd has denied allegations that it had employed thugs to beat up Bandar Makhota Cheras residents who tried to tear down a barrier blocking the toll-free access to the highway on Tuesday.
Grand Saga executive director Zainal Abidin Ali said it was not involved in the scuffle, and added that a number of its workers were attacked by the thugs as well.
"We do not believe in using violence. Furthermore, I used to be a senior police officer. Such methods (hiring thugs) is against our principles," he said.
According to witnesses, 15 unidentified men assaulted the residents with sticks and helmets when they pushed down one concrete slab from the barrier.
The conflict on Tuesday is an escalation of the ongoing right-of-way tussle between Grand Saga and Bandar Makhota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd.
It is learnt that Narajaya, when advertising for Bandar Makhota Cheras, had promised a toll-free access to the Cheras-Kajang Expressway.
Zainal said the barrier has been there since 2005 but the protests began only last month when people started to move into area.
"Instead of asking their developer why it failed to deliver on its promises, the residents are blaming us and tearing down our barrier built on our side of the land.
"Furthermore, we are being accused of hiring thugs."
He said although an injunction was previously sought against Grand Saga demanding that a barrier not be built, the court had recently set the order aside.
"We have the right to build the barrier and the opposition politicians who are siding the residents know this," said Zainal, adding that he had shown Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai all legal documents pertaining to the erection of the barrier on many occasions.
"The issue here is not Grand Saga going against the public. It is about Grand Saga going against Narajaya on the right to access a concession highway. It is a legal issue between two corporate bodies.
"Until the court decides on this, I urge the public to remain calm, stop tearing down the barrier and to use the two alternative toll-free routes instead."
In Shah Alam, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government, which holds a substantial stake in Grand Saga Sdn Bhd through a state-owned company, would call an extraordinary general meeting of the toll concessionaire to find out the motive of the company in putting up the concrete barrier.
Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor owns a 20 per cent stake in Tailwork Bhd, which has a 55 per cent share in Cerah Sama Sdn Bhd, which in turn owns Grand Saga.
The menteri besar said the Selangor government would, at the EGM, question whether the move by Grand Saga to barricade the slip road was "ethical and socially responsible".
He said he would also probe allegations that Grand Saga had hired thugs to stop residents from dismantling the barriers.
Khalid said the state government would be writing to the Malaysian Highway Authority and the Works Ministry to determine if Grand Saga had sought permission before putting up the barriers.
"If permission was granted, we will request the move to be rescinded."
DESIDERATA: "UP YOUR FRONT!" is my parting word to Grand Saga's spokesmana..
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Looking for Saints in the World of Politics ...
This is YL Chong writing today, at 12.39am Wednesday May 28, 2008. (I assure my Esteemed Readers there is no DDC in this write, for obvious reasons, quoting my buddy resident at mob1900.blogspot.com.) Trained as a journalist, I am moved to pen something reflective, hence subjective and may err in the detail as I traverse long periods -- and based much on my personal experience travelling the journey as writer-political activist-civil society promoter.
But let me start from the beginning:
I surfed to malaysiakini.com about 10 minutes ago, and read the following:
Should Anwar apologise?
Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh | May 26, 08 3:38pm
In a recent interview in The Star, Haris Ibrahim, the initiator behind the People's Parliament, made an intriguing observation. He said that he would like to hear PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim apologise for all his actions (and inactions) during his 16 years in government.
"My contention is very simple," he says. "Tell this nation, 'I was wrong. I am sorry and I want to work with you', and I think we can move forward."
Haris added that he had been tracking Anwar's public statements for the last few years and he has yet to see him make an unqualified apology to the nation.
:
:
:
I stopped here because that was all I could access as I don't hold a subscription to malaysiakini.com. (Aside: I had planned to open one under the CPI account since I started work on a freelance basis for the Centre for Policy Initiatives soon after March 8, 2008, but procrastination is a writer's habit.)
But I don't regret not reading the remaining part of the article by "Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh" who I respect, as I think I would have been constrained writing what I am writing now if I read the full piece. Sometimes one's writing is best and free-flowing without any hampering by pre-conceived thoughts or influence from external factors out of my own mind.
I had wished to write an Essay about Sdr Anwar Ibrahim for some time now, but for some reasons or other, I hesitated. I wasn't motivated enough ... also I believe it wasn't timely. Today I am both motivated and feel it's timely.
Let me start by summarising key timelines in the subject's triumphs, trials and tribulations.
(1) Anwar during the UMNO period was much a creature influenced/powered/constrained by the UMNO politics in the main determined by RACE POLITICS, epitomised by mottos like KETUANAN MELAYU, Championing the NEP, Religion, Race and Country (Agama, Bangsa dan Negara).
(2) Anwar after September 2, 1998 was a creature of new circumstances following his sacking by then UMNO President-cum-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the Deputy UMNO President-cum-Depty Prime Minister. Thus began his fight against his former mentor-leader who had more or less snatched him about 16 years ago from the jaws of PAS to fast track his meteoric rise in race-based bastion of Barisan Nasional that is the UMNO.
(3) A journey of bitter lessons suffering through the Courts, brutality at the hands of the police, nothing less than by the person of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and subject of the basest humiliation from the Government systems he had served for 16 years; at the end of a show-trial, followed by serving six years' jail term on Corruption charges.
(4) Some six years later, post-imprisonment, Anwar is a new creature born into a party founded in his absence by his wife and family and a band of Reformists and first time politicians traumatised by the events post Anwar's fall from grace. But he had to serve out a five-year bar -- yes, Anwar was in political wilderness, like John the Baptist? Is that a good analogy?...) due to his standing conviction on corruption charges (though he fought a successful appeal against "sodomy" charges)
(5) Up till March 8, 2008 Anwar was just aboout 5 weeks shy of being eligible to contest the 12th General Elections (GE2008), but that did not stop him from playing a pivotal role, IMHO, in leading Parti Keadilan Rakyat to a great victory. Along with the party's spectacular gains of 32 Parliament seats from one set held by his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail from GE2004, two other opposition parties, namely DAP and PAS, coasted along the Anwar tsunamic wave to also make tremednous strides, but not as spectacular as PKR's.
Paused @1.05AM as I hear the roar of distant thunder, and I think I smell the vapour soon to rise from the wet grass outside the garden: To be continued...
It is to be recalled that Anwar was a student leader when he had initial brushes with the infamous Internal Security Act, leading university activists under the Islamic banner protesting the BN government during his idealistic youth. It was the time of worldwide times of "anti-establishment" protests epitomised by the youthful anti-war demonstrations in the US against the American involvement the Vietnam War. The young Anwar also shone in social activism via the Muslim movement named ABIM.
PRE-UMNO POLITICAL PERIOD saw Anwar serving with religious fervour promoting the Islamic cause, prefacing a possible embrace of PAS as the political vehicle he would soon embrace. But the supreme strategist of the then PM Dr Mahathir, compelled mainly by the rising PAS tide, recruited Anwar into UMNO -- the term popularly used was that Anwar was "helicoptered" into UMNO. The rising star now considered a prize catch by the leading component party within the Barisan Nasional was singularly honoured with a Ministerial appointment without going through the ranks. This itself was a distinguishing feature which marked Anwar as a politician to watch. His rise in UMNO was best described as meteoric, holding important portfolios like the compulsory -- as for any PM prospect -- EDUCATION MINISTRY, FINANCE and DEPUTY PRIME MINSTER. One significant ministry he could have benefited from but was out of his grasp was HOME AFFAIRS, for that could have had, on hindsight, a bearing for future turning points to other political paths than that which eventually led to the Sungei Buloh prison.
Anwar as Education Minister was definitely radical as during his stewardship, Islamic studies and schools flourished, Bahasa Baku was introduced, and the slide of the English language as a teaching medium in schools and universities CONTINUED. This aspect is of "CONTINUANCE" of the Bahasa Melayu policy -- not initiation! -- was of utmost importance in that in UMNO politics, no PM-ASPIRANT could avoid playing both THE ISLAMIC and RACE, hence the MALAY LANGUAGE, CARDS TO ENSURE A STEADY RISE TO THE NATION'S CEO POST.
So it is mainly during his 16 years in UMNO Anwar chalked up the "evil" record that many of his past, present and furure critics will wield against him. And in this case, it gives rise to the inevitable call by a substantial segment of the Malaysian populace to demand their pound of flesh.
Q1. Would you think by saying "I'M SORRY" Anwar would be able to ensure an easier acceptance by his critics?
Q2. I would even ask: Do you think that even such an APOLOGY is deemed essential for the people's final accetance of Anwar as a future Prime Minister?
Before I give my answers, let me essay on why I titled my Post thus:
"LOOKING FOR SAINTS IN THE WORLD OF POLITICS".
Politics has often been defined as the "art of the possible".
Another acknowledged fact of politics is that politicians often adopt the dictum that "There are no permanent friends or foes in politics, only permanent interests"; so it follows that "The enemy of my political foe is my friend..."
So it is easy to understand why Anwar post-imprisonment was warmly embraced by the likes of DAP and PAS leaders plus Non-Governmental Organisation activists as they all deem the Barisan Nasional as their "common enemy". Any competing differences in ideology, loves and hates are sub-ordinated or subsumed by higher ideals, ncluding the commont cause of OVER-THROWING THE BN GOVERNMENT, which was the only government the Malaysian populace know since Independence in 1957.
Now that Anwar had discarded UMNO politics to lead the party his wife had led for the past decade as President -- Parti Keadialn Negara morphed into the Parti Keadilan Rakyat a few years back -- as its de facto leader the past year leading up to the 12th General Elections meant that his revious opponents in DAP and PAS had come round to accept that Anwar of the UMNO days was, has become, and is now a new political creature.
FOR THE RECORD, ANWAR WAS THE FIRST EX-UMNO LEADER WHO WAS BRAVE ENOUGH TO CALL FOR THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE NEP (NEW ECONOMIC POLICY AND VARIOUSLY RENAMED A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT IN ESSENCE, SIMILAR TO THE ORGINAL NEP...).
And I would postulate -- I believe many, if not most, of my fellow Malaysians would agree -- that the NEP was the most divisive national policy that had long outlived its time and usefulness as originally envisioned, to last just 20 years. And a review, and an overhaul of this policy, is necessary and essential for Malaysia before it can truly start the building of a nation in the 21st century marked by the Globalised Village and Internet which places huge demands on the citizens to build up competitiveness in the borderless and closely ICT-connected, world market.
And Anwar had publcily stated in no uncertain terms on several occasions in public that his party PKR would replace the NEP with a NEW ECONOMIC AGENDA which discards the divisive criteria of colour, race, religion in concept and implementation. And I believe tis NEA was central to the "tsunamic" strides made by the Opposition, especially PKR, in the GE2008, as shown by the PKR raising its parilaemnt seats from 2004's soliatry ONE to 32 in March 2008.
Post March 8, 2008 after FIVE STATES fell into the joint control of PAS, DAP and PKR(under a new born coalition called the PAKATAN RAKYAT(PR), the DAP for the first time in the person of its Secretary-Genral Lim Guan Eng in his early days as Penang's Chief Minister, called for the abolishment of the NEP. To me it was an opportinistic ride the DAP took on the PKR core platform, but never mind, that's another issue.
So the main coalition partners to PKR in PR, that is the DAP and PAS, leaders have accepted that Anwar - even while not even elected as a Member of Parliament -- as de facto leader of the new Coaltion now incontrol of five key States in peninsular Malaysia. It is evident there is then this consensus of acceptance that Anwar's credentials as a "reformist" leader is beyond doubt.
The DAP and PAS laders are practical politicains. They were not, are not, will not, demand the qualities of a saint in Anwar in order for him to lead the coalition which is a probable alternative to form the federal government after UMNO-led BN. The primary reason, tomy ind, is that even the religion-based party like PAS do not use religious yardsticks to measure the worth and talent of a political leader. This demonstrates that reapolitik is far removed from the religious paths demanded by single-minded religionists who believe in the saintly virtues to fulfill in a man before this man can lead them to salvation.
But building a nation is not about seeking spiritual salvation. Nation building is a collective effort based on very human struggles to move cicil society while salvation is an just an individual's ultimate goal to book a place in that place called Heaven for those who believe.
Hencemy conclusion is that the Malaysian electorate have matured. they do ralise reapolitk is to realise the "possible" via politics in the evryday life of the average Malaysian. It is not to pander to some self-righteous voices preaching from high moral grounds.
So the time is right for Desi to give the answers to the two questions under study here.
"NO" -- to the Q1. Would you think by saying "I'M SORRY" Anwar would be able to ensure an easier acceptance by his critics?
"NO" -- to the Q2. I would even ask: Do you think that even such an APOLOGY is deemed essential for the people's final accetance of Anwar as a future Prime Minister?
Such questions are plainly redundant. We are seeking a human being -- not a saint -- to lead us in the new era for CHANGE, the very same message loudly and clearly promoted by the Oppositon parties and NGOs in the lead up to March 8, 2008.
May the Supreme One above bring us Malaysians and NegaraKu
p
e
A
c
e
and Progress Grounded on Change for the Better.
~~ Amen/Amin
UPDATEd at 10.30AM Thursday May 29, 2008:
My buddy resident at www.dinmerican.wordpress.com and dyde-ing out at Sdr Anwar's office in a nanny nook dan korner in Petaling Jaya, coincidentally wrote a piece of mind for the writers whose art was displayed at malaysiakini.com posing that question which motivated my write Yesterday, "when all our (Don's and mine) troubles seemed so far away ...".
Go read
SEPARATING PUNDITRY
from
SOBER COMMENT
thyself, I ain't gonna C&P thou expert since Pamper's doen't pay Desi!:( But one commenter day before JULES holds a candle...Do I see 20million on the far horizon? My Shangri-La to join late Nepalese King now as common as YL can be...?
However, eat this for desSerting me for DJ Din!:(
ylchong Posted May 29, 2008 at 2:28 am Permalink
"mGf Din 1/2americanICEd!
Good piece of mind.Mine of the same subject coincidently/accidentally? appeared at Desi’s Blue Heaven suffering quite a lot of blues nowadays wondering if Sdr Anwar’s plan would be the after shock oof March 8 tusnamic shake…?
I like this reflection: “No doubt, Anwar Ibrahim has done things to be apologetic about, notably his silence during the time of Salleh Abas’s judicial impeachment in 1988 and his quiescence during Operation Lallang in late 1987. Even then, any judgment of his conduct must be tempered by knowledge of the authoritarian character of the numero uno at that time, whom he subsequently defied and paid the price. No small price that!…”
AS I TOO noted in a poem I wrote aeons ago reminding Anwaristas about Tun Salleh Abas’ sacking and that Anwar was part and parcel of the Mahathir regime. As wisely noted by you, the NUMBER 1 dictated the events…
So frankly, my piece yesterday was premised on the fact that Anwar today is a changed “ceature” compared to his 16 years in UMNO for realpolitik dictates that one does the best and utmost under the previaling politcal environment.
So “NO SORRY” reuqired-lah of PKR de facto chief — the party in Selangor must “deliver” over the next 4-5 years, that’s the SUPREME test! — Desi, knottyaSsusual
But let me start from the beginning:
I surfed to malaysiakini.com about 10 minutes ago, and read the following:
Should Anwar apologise?
Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh | May 26, 08 3:38pm
In a recent interview in The Star, Haris Ibrahim, the initiator behind the People's Parliament, made an intriguing observation. He said that he would like to hear PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim apologise for all his actions (and inactions) during his 16 years in government.
"My contention is very simple," he says. "Tell this nation, 'I was wrong. I am sorry and I want to work with you', and I think we can move forward."
Haris added that he had been tracking Anwar's public statements for the last few years and he has yet to see him make an unqualified apology to the nation.
:
:
:
I stopped here because that was all I could access as I don't hold a subscription to malaysiakini.com. (Aside: I had planned to open one under the CPI account since I started work on a freelance basis for the Centre for Policy Initiatives soon after March 8, 2008, but procrastination is a writer's habit.)
But I don't regret not reading the remaining part of the article by "Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh" who I respect, as I think I would have been constrained writing what I am writing now if I read the full piece. Sometimes one's writing is best and free-flowing without any hampering by pre-conceived thoughts or influence from external factors out of my own mind.
I had wished to write an Essay about Sdr Anwar Ibrahim for some time now, but for some reasons or other, I hesitated. I wasn't motivated enough ... also I believe it wasn't timely. Today I am both motivated and feel it's timely.
Let me start by summarising key timelines in the subject's triumphs, trials and tribulations.
(1) Anwar during the UMNO period was much a creature influenced/powered/constrained by the UMNO politics in the main determined by RACE POLITICS, epitomised by mottos like KETUANAN MELAYU, Championing the NEP, Religion, Race and Country (Agama, Bangsa dan Negara).
(2) Anwar after September 2, 1998 was a creature of new circumstances following his sacking by then UMNO President-cum-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the Deputy UMNO President-cum-Depty Prime Minister. Thus began his fight against his former mentor-leader who had more or less snatched him about 16 years ago from the jaws of PAS to fast track his meteoric rise in race-based bastion of Barisan Nasional that is the UMNO.
(3) A journey of bitter lessons suffering through the Courts, brutality at the hands of the police, nothing less than by the person of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and subject of the basest humiliation from the Government systems he had served for 16 years; at the end of a show-trial, followed by serving six years' jail term on Corruption charges.
(4) Some six years later, post-imprisonment, Anwar is a new creature born into a party founded in his absence by his wife and family and a band of Reformists and first time politicians traumatised by the events post Anwar's fall from grace. But he had to serve out a five-year bar -- yes, Anwar was in political wilderness, like John the Baptist? Is that a good analogy?...) due to his standing conviction on corruption charges (though he fought a successful appeal against "sodomy" charges)
(5) Up till March 8, 2008 Anwar was just aboout 5 weeks shy of being eligible to contest the 12th General Elections (GE2008), but that did not stop him from playing a pivotal role, IMHO, in leading Parti Keadilan Rakyat to a great victory. Along with the party's spectacular gains of 32 Parliament seats from one set held by his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail from GE2004, two other opposition parties, namely DAP and PAS, coasted along the Anwar tsunamic wave to also make tremednous strides, but not as spectacular as PKR's.
Paused @1.05AM as I hear the roar of distant thunder, and I think I smell the vapour soon to rise from the wet grass outside the garden: To be continued...
It is to be recalled that Anwar was a student leader when he had initial brushes with the infamous Internal Security Act, leading university activists under the Islamic banner protesting the BN government during his idealistic youth. It was the time of worldwide times of "anti-establishment" protests epitomised by the youthful anti-war demonstrations in the US against the American involvement the Vietnam War. The young Anwar also shone in social activism via the Muslim movement named ABIM.
PRE-UMNO POLITICAL PERIOD saw Anwar serving with religious fervour promoting the Islamic cause, prefacing a possible embrace of PAS as the political vehicle he would soon embrace. But the supreme strategist of the then PM Dr Mahathir, compelled mainly by the rising PAS tide, recruited Anwar into UMNO -- the term popularly used was that Anwar was "helicoptered" into UMNO. The rising star now considered a prize catch by the leading component party within the Barisan Nasional was singularly honoured with a Ministerial appointment without going through the ranks. This itself was a distinguishing feature which marked Anwar as a politician to watch. His rise in UMNO was best described as meteoric, holding important portfolios like the compulsory -- as for any PM prospect -- EDUCATION MINISTRY, FINANCE and DEPUTY PRIME MINSTER. One significant ministry he could have benefited from but was out of his grasp was HOME AFFAIRS, for that could have had, on hindsight, a bearing for future turning points to other political paths than that which eventually led to the Sungei Buloh prison.
Anwar as Education Minister was definitely radical as during his stewardship, Islamic studies and schools flourished, Bahasa Baku was introduced, and the slide of the English language as a teaching medium in schools and universities CONTINUED. This aspect is of "CONTINUANCE" of the Bahasa Melayu policy -- not initiation! -- was of utmost importance in that in UMNO politics, no PM-ASPIRANT could avoid playing both THE ISLAMIC and RACE, hence the MALAY LANGUAGE, CARDS TO ENSURE A STEADY RISE TO THE NATION'S CEO POST.
So it is mainly during his 16 years in UMNO Anwar chalked up the "evil" record that many of his past, present and furure critics will wield against him. And in this case, it gives rise to the inevitable call by a substantial segment of the Malaysian populace to demand their pound of flesh.
Q1. Would you think by saying "I'M SORRY" Anwar would be able to ensure an easier acceptance by his critics?
Q2. I would even ask: Do you think that even such an APOLOGY is deemed essential for the people's final accetance of Anwar as a future Prime Minister?
Before I give my answers, let me essay on why I titled my Post thus:
"LOOKING FOR SAINTS IN THE WORLD OF POLITICS".
Politics has often been defined as the "art of the possible".
Another acknowledged fact of politics is that politicians often adopt the dictum that "There are no permanent friends or foes in politics, only permanent interests"; so it follows that "The enemy of my political foe is my friend..."
So it is easy to understand why Anwar post-imprisonment was warmly embraced by the likes of DAP and PAS leaders plus Non-Governmental Organisation activists as they all deem the Barisan Nasional as their "common enemy". Any competing differences in ideology, loves and hates are sub-ordinated or subsumed by higher ideals, ncluding the commont cause of OVER-THROWING THE BN GOVERNMENT, which was the only government the Malaysian populace know since Independence in 1957.
Now that Anwar had discarded UMNO politics to lead the party his wife had led for the past decade as President -- Parti Keadialn Negara morphed into the Parti Keadilan Rakyat a few years back -- as its de facto leader the past year leading up to the 12th General Elections meant that his revious opponents in DAP and PAS had come round to accept that Anwar of the UMNO days was, has become, and is now a new political creature.
FOR THE RECORD, ANWAR WAS THE FIRST EX-UMNO LEADER WHO WAS BRAVE ENOUGH TO CALL FOR THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE NEP (NEW ECONOMIC POLICY AND VARIOUSLY RENAMED A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT IN ESSENCE, SIMILAR TO THE ORGINAL NEP...).
And I would postulate -- I believe many, if not most, of my fellow Malaysians would agree -- that the NEP was the most divisive national policy that had long outlived its time and usefulness as originally envisioned, to last just 20 years. And a review, and an overhaul of this policy, is necessary and essential for Malaysia before it can truly start the building of a nation in the 21st century marked by the Globalised Village and Internet which places huge demands on the citizens to build up competitiveness in the borderless and closely ICT-connected, world market.
And Anwar had publcily stated in no uncertain terms on several occasions in public that his party PKR would replace the NEP with a NEW ECONOMIC AGENDA which discards the divisive criteria of colour, race, religion in concept and implementation. And I believe tis NEA was central to the "tsunamic" strides made by the Opposition, especially PKR, in the GE2008, as shown by the PKR raising its parilaemnt seats from 2004's soliatry ONE to 32 in March 2008.
Post March 8, 2008 after FIVE STATES fell into the joint control of PAS, DAP and PKR(under a new born coalition called the PAKATAN RAKYAT(PR), the DAP for the first time in the person of its Secretary-Genral Lim Guan Eng in his early days as Penang's Chief Minister, called for the abolishment of the NEP. To me it was an opportinistic ride the DAP took on the PKR core platform, but never mind, that's another issue.
So the main coalition partners to PKR in PR, that is the DAP and PAS, leaders have accepted that Anwar - even while not even elected as a Member of Parliament -- as de facto leader of the new Coaltion now incontrol of five key States in peninsular Malaysia. It is evident there is then this consensus of acceptance that Anwar's credentials as a "reformist" leader is beyond doubt.
The DAP and PAS laders are practical politicains. They were not, are not, will not, demand the qualities of a saint in Anwar in order for him to lead the coalition which is a probable alternative to form the federal government after UMNO-led BN. The primary reason, tomy ind, is that even the religion-based party like PAS do not use religious yardsticks to measure the worth and talent of a political leader. This demonstrates that reapolitik is far removed from the religious paths demanded by single-minded religionists who believe in the saintly virtues to fulfill in a man before this man can lead them to salvation.
But building a nation is not about seeking spiritual salvation. Nation building is a collective effort based on very human struggles to move cicil society while salvation is an just an individual's ultimate goal to book a place in that place called Heaven for those who believe.
Hencemy conclusion is that the Malaysian electorate have matured. they do ralise reapolitk is to realise the "possible" via politics in the evryday life of the average Malaysian. It is not to pander to some self-righteous voices preaching from high moral grounds.
So the time is right for Desi to give the answers to the two questions under study here.
"NO" -- to the Q1. Would you think by saying "I'M SORRY" Anwar would be able to ensure an easier acceptance by his critics?
"NO" -- to the Q2. I would even ask: Do you think that even such an APOLOGY is deemed essential for the people's final accetance of Anwar as a future Prime Minister?
Such questions are plainly redundant. We are seeking a human being -- not a saint -- to lead us in the new era for CHANGE, the very same message loudly and clearly promoted by the Oppositon parties and NGOs in the lead up to March 8, 2008.
May the Supreme One above bring us Malaysians and NegaraKu
p
e
A
c
e
and Progress Grounded on Change for the Better.
~~ Amen/Amin
UPDATEd at 10.30AM Thursday May 29, 2008:
My buddy resident at www.dinmerican.wordpress.com and dyde-ing out at Sdr Anwar's office in a nanny nook dan korner in Petaling Jaya, coincidentally wrote a piece of mind for the writers whose art was displayed at malaysiakini.com posing that question which motivated my write Yesterday, "when all our (Don's and mine) troubles seemed so far away ...".
Go read
SEPARATING PUNDITRY
from
SOBER COMMENT
thyself, I ain't gonna C&P thou expert since Pamper's doen't pay Desi!:( But one commenter day before JULES holds a candle...Do I see 20million on the far horizon? My Shangri-La to join late Nepalese King now as common as YL can be...?
However, eat this for desSerting me for DJ Din!:(
ylchong Posted May 29, 2008 at 2:28 am Permalink
"mGf Din 1/2americanICEd!
Good piece of mind.Mine of the same subject coincidently/accidentally? appeared at Desi’s Blue Heaven suffering quite a lot of blues nowadays wondering if Sdr Anwar’s plan would be the after shock oof March 8 tusnamic shake…?
I like this reflection: “No doubt, Anwar Ibrahim has done things to be apologetic about, notably his silence during the time of Salleh Abas’s judicial impeachment in 1988 and his quiescence during Operation Lallang in late 1987. Even then, any judgment of his conduct must be tempered by knowledge of the authoritarian character of the numero uno at that time, whom he subsequently defied and paid the price. No small price that!…”
AS I TOO noted in a poem I wrote aeons ago reminding Anwaristas about Tun Salleh Abas’ sacking and that Anwar was part and parcel of the Mahathir regime. As wisely noted by you, the NUMBER 1 dictated the events…
So frankly, my piece yesterday was premised on the fact that Anwar today is a changed “ceature” compared to his 16 years in UMNO for realpolitik dictates that one does the best and utmost under the previaling politcal environment.
So “NO SORRY” reuqired-lah of PKR de facto chief — the party in Selangor must “deliver” over the next 4-5 years, that’s the SUPREME test! — Desi, knottyaSsusual
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Pakatan Rakyat Calls for Boycott of Utuasan Papers
For inciting racial sentiments and biased reporting against PR leaders.
But there is acknowledgement by Parliamentary Leader cum PKR President Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail that the rest of the MSM (mainstream media) are showing signs of opening up, and giving more balanced coverage to both Opposition and Barisan Nasional parties.
Way to go, to those Fourth Estate members moving in the right direction. For the "delinquent" ones like Utusan, pray the Editors there see the light.
What light, you ask? Ask the ordinary reporters inthe Utusan Group -- they know best!
From the star.com.my:
Tuesday May 27, 2008 MYT 11:45:07 AM
Opposition: Boycott Malay papers for fanning racial hatred
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakatan Rakyat alliance has called for an immediate boycott of Malay newspapers Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia for what it said was unfair reporting and for allegedly fanning racial sentiments.
In a joint statement issued at a press conference in the lobby of Parliament, Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the mainstream media had shown signs of opening up since the results of the March 8 polls.
However, many publications still gave wider coverage to Barisan Nasional and its component parties, while stories on Pakatan Rakyat tended to be full of distortion and misinformation to discredit the alliance parties and their leaders, she claimed.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat president was accompanied by alliance members DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa in reading out the joint statement.
Dr Wan Azizah said the worst were the two aforementioned newspapers, which she claimed unfairly criticised and demonised Pakatan Rakyat leaders.
She also alleged these publications were always trying to provoke narrow ethnic sentiments, "clearly with the intention of creating anger among Malays against Pakatan Rakyat component parties."
But there is acknowledgement by Parliamentary Leader cum PKR President Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail that the rest of the MSM (mainstream media) are showing signs of opening up, and giving more balanced coverage to both Opposition and Barisan Nasional parties.
Way to go, to those Fourth Estate members moving in the right direction. For the "delinquent" ones like Utusan, pray the Editors there see the light.
What light, you ask? Ask the ordinary reporters inthe Utusan Group -- they know best!
From the star.com.my:
Tuesday May 27, 2008 MYT 11:45:07 AM
Opposition: Boycott Malay papers for fanning racial hatred
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakatan Rakyat alliance has called for an immediate boycott of Malay newspapers Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia for what it said was unfair reporting and for allegedly fanning racial sentiments.
In a joint statement issued at a press conference in the lobby of Parliament, Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the mainstream media had shown signs of opening up since the results of the March 8 polls.
However, many publications still gave wider coverage to Barisan Nasional and its component parties, while stories on Pakatan Rakyat tended to be full of distortion and misinformation to discredit the alliance parties and their leaders, she claimed.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat president was accompanied by alliance members DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa in reading out the joint statement.
Dr Wan Azizah said the worst were the two aforementioned newspapers, which she claimed unfairly criticised and demonised Pakatan Rakyat leaders.
She also alleged these publications were always trying to provoke narrow ethnic sentiments, "clearly with the intention of creating anger among Malays against Pakatan Rakyat component parties."
monday and tuesday blues
Penning a note to myself
you nosey parker, stop reading now and here
but should you proceed
pay no heed to my wondering
it's just continuing sunday's random thoughts
still making desi's worlde a reverie
monday went past like the storm
dull, chilly and cold
i didn't write any, why you needn't know
tuesday in the dark hours of 2AM
i wonder if I even know who I am
shifting sands in my mind of the past 48 hours
wond'ring where goeth May showers
maybe the flowers
have gone down under
perhaps to the graveyard to keep some lost souls company
i only see dark clouds on the horizon
maybe i need my continental breakfast more often
can we then have two sundaes in a week?
maybe then at the sunshine on monday
i'll seek
meanwhile i play
song sung blue one more time
you don't like neil diamond, you say?
then, how about sweet caroline?
you nosey parker, stop reading now and here
but should you proceed
pay no heed to my wondering
it's just continuing sunday's random thoughts
still making desi's worlde a reverie
monday went past like the storm
dull, chilly and cold
i didn't write any, why you needn't know
tuesday in the dark hours of 2AM
i wonder if I even know who I am
shifting sands in my mind of the past 48 hours
wond'ring where goeth May showers
maybe the flowers
have gone down under
perhaps to the graveyard to keep some lost souls company
i only see dark clouds on the horizon
maybe i need my continental breakfast more often
can we then have two sundaes in a week?
maybe then at the sunshine on monday
i'll seek
meanwhile i play
song sung blue one more time
you don't like neil diamond, you say?
then, how about sweet caroline?
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Random thoughts on a May sunday
This holyday, I wish each and everyone of my esteemed readers: "may each day be a GOoD day". That is the title of a song made famous by Andy Williams, do you still remember him? I do, of course, otherwise, how could I have quoted it, eh?
Sometimes we ask obvious questions. Redundant. But that's the way to break the ice in conversation. But this is a bad metaphor -- icey converse? Nah,let's make it hot, Nescafe hot! Some old mates of mine told me I could have made a gOod Ad man, writing copies on commission. I agreed, but I ain't greed-y. So I let the $RM passe.
Nostalgia sometimes is a goOd thing, not godly though, for that's so human. It -- meaning Nostalgia, not GOD, forbid! -- makes one recall good times as if they were heavenly.
It even recalls bad times as if they could have been worse. They call this positive thinking.
This thing called AGE catches up with everyone -- but some ladies try very the heart to fight the wrinkles and drness that the cold winds of Age bring along. Not like a tsunami. More stealthily like the thief removing the chicks from the coop at night. But nowadays they prefer the chicks in the ladies' cahmber ... BUT I won't belabour this point, lest some feminists (do they have a Morality Squad in cybersphere?) lodge a report against Dsi citing sexual harassment for suggestive encouragement.
I pause here, I hear some noise in the barnyard. I hhope it's not Molly Flanders invading my neighbourhood...
Actually MF wasn't dare -- it's a disappointment. So I re-played Tom Jones at the highest decibels my neighbourhood would allow me. Yes, I used to indulge in Hi-volume song&dance numbers to excite the neighbours -- don't know if they appreciate it though. Never ind, so far the PDRM had not visited -- maybe too much distraction handling the schoolboys distracted by the schoolgals coming of age dowing their cleavages through transparent white coloured blouse that earned a Muslim leader's aweful earfulls. Double "ll" jest to emphasis the two ars were receiving the vibes. OtherVICE, cik Muniraha has wasted her lung power,which will be a shame.
The after brought on thunder and lightning, so I could not continue my Post -- I was burnt once so I ain't gonna test lady Fate again. The "lady" part indicates its awesome sound bytes and burning fury -- influnced by that saying "Hell knoweth not the fury of a woman scorned..."or somethin' like that. My memory -- unlike Barbra Streisand's -- is failing while hers riss to a crescendo. If you can't cath the connection, nah mind, as I say,t's all quite random. AsI had said a few times recently, "quite" can mean a little, much and gigantic ...quirks of matsally language. Mat is from Malay genteelman, sally is for the fickle minded English lady - quite like the English weather. Or does it spell wether? Either? Neither?
The last line is just to irritate nudecomers to Desi's Place like donplaypuks:) -- welcome to DDC, aka as Da Desi Code which BTW, is copylefted (CL)
Sometimes we ask obvious questions. Redundant. But that's the way to break the ice in conversation. But this is a bad metaphor -- icey converse? Nah,let's make it hot, Nescafe hot! Some old mates of mine told me I could have made a gOod Ad man, writing copies on commission. I agreed, but I ain't greed-y. So I let the $RM passe.
Nostalgia sometimes is a goOd thing, not godly though, for that's so human. It -- meaning Nostalgia, not GOD, forbid! -- makes one recall good times as if they were heavenly.
It even recalls bad times as if they could have been worse. They call this positive thinking.
This thing called AGE catches up with everyone -- but some ladies try very the heart to fight the wrinkles and drness that the cold winds of Age bring along. Not like a tsunami. More stealthily like the thief removing the chicks from the coop at night. But nowadays they prefer the chicks in the ladies' cahmber ... BUT I won't belabour this point, lest some feminists (do they have a Morality Squad in cybersphere?) lodge a report against Dsi citing sexual harassment for suggestive encouragement.
I pause here, I hear some noise in the barnyard. I hhope it's not Molly Flanders invading my neighbourhood...
Actually MF wasn't dare -- it's a disappointment. So I re-played Tom Jones at the highest decibels my neighbourhood would allow me. Yes, I used to indulge in Hi-volume song&dance numbers to excite the neighbours -- don't know if they appreciate it though. Never ind, so far the PDRM had not visited -- maybe too much distraction handling the schoolboys distracted by the schoolgals coming of age dowing their cleavages through transparent white coloured blouse that earned a Muslim leader's aweful earfulls. Double "ll" jest to emphasis the two ars were receiving the vibes. OtherVICE, cik Muniraha has wasted her lung power,which will be a shame.
The after brought on thunder and lightning, so I could not continue my Post -- I was burnt once so I ain't gonna test lady Fate again. The "lady" part indicates its awesome sound bytes and burning fury -- influnced by that saying "Hell knoweth not the fury of a woman scorned..."or somethin' like that. My memory -- unlike Barbra Streisand's -- is failing while hers riss to a crescendo. If you can't cath the connection, nah mind, as I say,t's all quite random. AsI had said a few times recently, "quite" can mean a little, much and gigantic ...quirks of matsally language. Mat is from Malay genteelman, sally is for the fickle minded English lady - quite like the English weather. Or does it spell wether? Either? Neither?
The last line is just to irritate nudecomers to Desi's Place like donplaypuks:) -- welcome to DDC, aka as Da Desi Code which BTW, is copylefted (CL)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
PM (and DPM previously) talking cock!
Oops,lest I be hauled up by the UMNO morality squad, change the last word in the Post title to POPPYCOCK!
Here's why Desi's so hot up he resorts to flowery/fowl language, pick either, in the traditionally democratic spirit hear!
Saturday May 24, 2008
Change lifestyle to curb inflation
By MERGAWATI ZULFAKAR
TOKYO: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Malaysians to change their lifestyle to reduce the impact of rising inflation.
The Prime Minister said he would encourage Malaysians to save more and reduce wastage to ease their burden.
“Some people may not think it is important but a change of lifestyle a little bit in times of difficulty is important,” he said in an interview with the Japanese media after attending the Nikkei International Conference here yesterday.
Abdullah was responding to a question on the possible need for a strong ringgit to offset inflationary pressures.
He admitted that Malaysia was facing a lot of difficulties but the Government was implementing aggressive measures.
“We are developing measures to respond to the inflation we are now experiencing. We have to increase productivity and be more competitive.
“We are also seeking cooperation with other countries in strategic areas like food and agriculture,” he added.
Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, refuted a report by the US Treasury that the ringgit was undervalued.
“Our ringgit has established its true value. We do not intervene to make the ringgit go up or down, it has established a value which we believe to be realistic,” he said.
“There has been no serious fluctuations or volatility,” he added.
The Treasury report issued before last Friday’s market opened said “a persistently large current account surplus coupled with still-low domestic investment” was evidence that the ringgit was undervalued.
Abdullah also said that everyone, including economists, were free to express their opinions about currencies, including the ringgit.
Later, briefing Malaysian journalists accompanying him for his working visit to Japan, the Prime Minister said that during his meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yasuo Fukuda he spoke on food security and cooperation in agriculture in view of increasing food prices.
“We need to go high-tech where food production is concerned.
“I also said that it would be good if Japan can be involved in the halal food industry, apart from investment in plantation, aquaculture and manufacturing,” he said.
Fukuda, he said, responded positively by encouraging the private sector to participate.
DESIDERATA: Last year, when the Rakyat complained of spiralling prices of everyday necessities like noodle, rice and nasi lemak, char keow tiau dan mee goreng (by as much as 10-20 percent at regular intervals te preceding two to four years...while salaries remain quite static?), the deputy prime minister is his apparent wisdom advised the Rakay "to tighten your belt" and live within their means. The second family followed up with some PR (BIG mistake in retrospect because the Rakyat don't buy this PR, but voted for the Other PR in GE2008!) showing the wife Datin Ros...somethin'...buying some low-priced shoes. Wonder where she hid those branded ones she invested in during her shopping sprees downtown gay Paree and Orchard Road...OR was it Desi's or RPK's or Tian Chua's wilde imagination she holidayed dare?
Never mind.
Why bother to fight inflation if it was running just 2.0 to maximum 3.0 percent per annum?
It boggles my mind that the PM and DPM think Inflation is a problem faced by the Rakyat if what the Statistics Department has been churning out figures that said/say/will say CPI is only about 2% to 3%, year in year out for the past two decades! The World Bank would be happy to sing Malaysia's praises as a MODEL NATION in keeping Inflation limbo-rocky "how low can you go"!
So the next thing bothering Desi's mind: can I infer that the Government's department has been "cooking"up its figures?
Maybe 7th American Idol DAVID COOK can help Malaysians sing away the Rakyat's Blues...
Badder steal, runner-up DAVID ACHULETA, could be persuade tomigrate to NegaraKu and help us wit' his out-of-this-wrold's rendition of IMAGINE...?/em>strong>
Here's why Desi's so hot up he resorts to flowery/fowl language, pick either, in the traditionally democratic spirit hear!
Saturday May 24, 2008
Change lifestyle to curb inflation
By MERGAWATI ZULFAKAR
TOKYO: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Malaysians to change their lifestyle to reduce the impact of rising inflation.
The Prime Minister said he would encourage Malaysians to save more and reduce wastage to ease their burden.
“Some people may not think it is important but a change of lifestyle a little bit in times of difficulty is important,” he said in an interview with the Japanese media after attending the Nikkei International Conference here yesterday.
Abdullah was responding to a question on the possible need for a strong ringgit to offset inflationary pressures.
He admitted that Malaysia was facing a lot of difficulties but the Government was implementing aggressive measures.
“We are developing measures to respond to the inflation we are now experiencing. We have to increase productivity and be more competitive.
“We are also seeking cooperation with other countries in strategic areas like food and agriculture,” he added.
Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, refuted a report by the US Treasury that the ringgit was undervalued.
“Our ringgit has established its true value. We do not intervene to make the ringgit go up or down, it has established a value which we believe to be realistic,” he said.
“There has been no serious fluctuations or volatility,” he added.
The Treasury report issued before last Friday’s market opened said “a persistently large current account surplus coupled with still-low domestic investment” was evidence that the ringgit was undervalued.
Abdullah also said that everyone, including economists, were free to express their opinions about currencies, including the ringgit.
Later, briefing Malaysian journalists accompanying him for his working visit to Japan, the Prime Minister said that during his meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yasuo Fukuda he spoke on food security and cooperation in agriculture in view of increasing food prices.
“We need to go high-tech where food production is concerned.
“I also said that it would be good if Japan can be involved in the halal food industry, apart from investment in plantation, aquaculture and manufacturing,” he said.
Fukuda, he said, responded positively by encouraging the private sector to participate.
DESIDERATA: Last year, when the Rakyat complained of spiralling prices of everyday necessities like noodle, rice and nasi lemak, char keow tiau dan mee goreng (by as much as 10-20 percent at regular intervals te preceding two to four years...while salaries remain quite static?), the deputy prime minister is his apparent wisdom advised the Rakay "to tighten your belt" and live within their means. The second family followed up with some PR (BIG mistake in retrospect because the Rakyat don't buy this PR, but voted for the Other PR in GE2008!) showing the wife Datin Ros...somethin'...buying some low-priced shoes. Wonder where she hid those branded ones she invested in during her shopping sprees downtown gay Paree and Orchard Road...OR was it Desi's or RPK's or Tian Chua's wilde imagination she holidayed dare?
Never mind.
Why bother to fight inflation if it was running just 2.0 to maximum 3.0 percent per annum?
It boggles my mind that the PM and DPM think Inflation is a problem faced by the Rakyat if what the Statistics Department has been churning out figures that said/say/will say CPI is only about 2% to 3%, year in year out for the past two decades! The World Bank would be happy to sing Malaysia's praises as a MODEL NATION in keeping Inflation limbo-rocky "how low can you go"!
So the next thing bothering Desi's mind: can I infer that the Government's department has been "cooking"up its figures?
Maybe 7th American Idol DAVID COOK can help Malaysians sing away the Rakyat's Blues...
Badder steal, runner-up DAVID ACHULETA, could be persuade tomigrate to NegaraKu and help us wit' his out-of-this-wrold's rendition of IMAGINE...?/em>strong>
Friday, May 23, 2008
Conjunction of The Stars
March 8, 2008 saw a conjunction of the stars on the Malysian political landscape that would be worthy of a PhD thesis and perhaps a fictional writer's better-seller. No best-seller in Malaysia (I am referiing to writings in English here) because one would be a fool to think you can rake in millions using the colonialists' bequeathed language, however rich.
To say that there was any single Malaysian out here among 25million who could have predicted the 140 to 82 BN versus Opposition combined outcome in the 222-arliamentary seat apportioning, I won't believe that guy! Not een among the most PKR leaders had harboured more than 20 MP seats, yet they scored 32. (I hope I got this right -- my mind hesiatedon recall, it could read 31; never ind, here we are not arguing accuracy. Most PKR leaders pre-March 8 said it would have been fantastic they could get from 10-20, and were looking at four-five years down the line for the real Winds of Change.
The "American Idol" finale between two Davids also witnessed a conjunction of stars that threw up a "surprise" otcome. Most of the audience (numbering 70,000?) in the Nokia Theatre were crying out SAchuleta's name on his fadoing notes of the Beatle's optimistic song that youths allover the world have/had/will adopted/adopt as a sort of world anthem for
p
e
A
c
e.
I do. I too watched over TV the finale, and I could not have "imagine"-d the younger David losing to elder Cook, who did cook up a storm, but that surely lost out to a tsunami. That was the general concensus if anyone used the "vibes" in the air as a counter.
But when you buy ONE lottery ticket among let's say 7million tickets sold, your chance of striking is still a 1-in-a-7million chance, compared with your neighbour who bought 2 tickts, he had 2-in-7million chance.
So when you leave the American Idol judging to millions of people who sent in their choices in a four-hour-period, it's a conjucntion of stars which went against "normal" expectations -- which upset even the three offcial judges -- Randy, Paula and Simon, who by any standards, could be deemed to be experts in this very specialised field. YET ...
So when against all odds, you strike the 1-in-7million lottery, you could feel what was the impact on the new American Idol, DAVID COOK.The verdict came onthe heels of 97.5million votes! And that sort of numbers could throw off any ordinary human being's individual mind when they coalesce into that "defining" collective will I terms as the COTS.
Ending on a political note, when friends asked Desi "Do you believe that DSAI will enter Parliament and crowned the Prme Minister by the next Malaysia Day, September 16, 2008?",
my guarded answer is always:
WAIT FOR THE CONJUNCTION OF STARS.
PS: See no exclamation mark after STARS? 'Cos it is "guarded", by the gods, angels and devils and whatever spirits that tread quielty, or loudly, among the stars.
**************************************************
Borrowing from one Philip Lim, writing for the NST, in his review as it reflected the status of AI -- which now as I typed, I realised it coincides with the initials of Anwar Ibrahim! -- finale pretty well.
NST Online » Features
American Idol 2008: King David rules!
By : Philip Lim
2008/05/22
An overwhelming support for rocker David Cook. (NST Online » Features
Email to friend Print article
American Idol 2008: King David rules!
By : Philip Lim
2008/05/22
An overwhelming support for rocker David Cook.
After 97.5 million votes were counted, David Cook won by a comfortable margin of 12 million. It may have shocked David Archuleta’s fans but the voters have spoken. PHILIP LIM looks back on the night of the grand finale.
BY the time, David Archuleta finished his third song, Imagine, everybody at the packed Nokia theatre in Los Angeles, including the judges, thought the title was his to lose. However when the numbers were crunched, a tsunami of votes swept into David Cook’s corner.
For Archuleta’s fans, it was a big disappointment but there’s no denying the numbers. Cook cried on receiving the good news. It was too much of a pleasant surprise.
The road to the title was long and arduous but the two Davids were almost household names on finale night with millions in America and millions more around the world watching them.
David Cook took to the stage first with I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. He was eminently good with this song. His showmanship was faultless when he sang amid the audience and when he danced on the crescent-shaped table behind the judges.
Everybody loved it. It was reminiscent of what Season 5 Idol Taylor Hicks did on his road to victory. From the applause that reverberated across the hall, the verdict was clear, Cook had nailed this one down.
Randy Jackson quickly said: “It was a great way to start the duel.” Paula Abdul looking resplendent on the big night added: “We have found David Cook. Amen.”
Simon Cowell’s comment was the icing on the cake. “It was phenomenal.” So it was unanimous. Great song and marvellous performance.
Second number was Dream Big. Cook didn’t exactly falter on this one but if all of us were waiting for the oomph, we had a long wait. Even when the song ended, we were still waiting.
This 25-year-old from Blue Springs, Missouri, who had at the beginning of the competition declared “I am going to be who I am” didn’t fire up his engines on this one. Like some of us at home, the three judges knew it too.
Simon cut to the chase when he bluntly said: “The good news is there’s a third song.” All of us knew what he meant.
So apart from the “just OK” comments, Dream Big woke up to face some harsh realities. The second number was supposed to be something new, and Cook in black leather gear and strumming his guitar looked the part.
Millions believed in Cook and they voted accordingly. His third song, The World I know, was clearly better than his second.
His voice was better as usual. Expectations were high. After all, this was the big showdown. Cook was teary-eyed when the music ended. He had done his best and left the rest to America.
No one doubted the sincerity of his performances. The man dubbed Mr Original has clearly left an indelible impression on all those who have religiously watched him week after week.
Nobody really knew what David Archuleta was capable of right up till the final night. But his first song was the harbinger of an extraordinary evening.
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me was one of the most stirring numbers ever performed by high school student Archuleta. He peaked on the most crucial of all Idol nights. Half way through the song, everybody in the hall, bar none, knew the sun will never again set on Archuleta.
HIs stellar performance sent a wave of warmth that embraced the hearts of all listeners. Clive Davis, head honcho of BMG America, gave Archuleta a standing ovation, along with 7,000 others in the theatre. Randy said that was one of his best performances.
“My heart is still pounding,” said Paula. Simon didn’t mince his words: “Round One to Archuleta.” No argument from anybody.
Archie (Archuleta), as host Ryan Seacrest called him, powered down the musical superhighway with In This Moment as his second song. The girls went wild. The louder the cheers, the better was Archuleta’s voice.
The song was right, the vibes were great and Archuleta was undeniably magnificent. It was a heartfelt moment that made many young people wish they had a brother like little David. I agreed with Simon, round two to Archuleta again.
Nobody in his right mind could dislike Archuleta. He has an innocence that’s refreshing and a smile that melts any trace of cynicism that dares to show up.
His third number was again a winner. John Lennon’s 1971 hit Imagine was a moment frozen in Idol time. The girls at the front of the stage went berserk.
The climax of the evening was timed perfectly with Archuleta’s last song. It left Paula speechless and she admitted it. Randy enthusiastically proclaimed: “Dude, you are exactly what the competition is all about.”
All it left was for Simon to add the seal of approval and he said: ”David, you came out tonight to win. From what we have witnessed, it is a knock-out!”
However, just before the results were announced yesterday morning, Simon changed his mind and said both Davids were equally good and he didn’t care who won.
Not me, I was aghast and could only exclaim: “What?” Personally, I think Archuleta should have been crowned the winner.
This season, the Idol contest has triggered a groundswell of response that broke all records. It has been a fun season. There have been a few unpleasant surprises but these are very much part of reality TV. What would TV entertainment be if there were no sudden twists and turns. Till the next season then, cheers.
the picture of Cook's triumph;don't wait formy portrait, it will dawn come AI 2009,and you ain't a patient!--Desi)
After 97.5 million votes were counted, David Cook won by a comfortable margin of 12 million. It may have shocked David Archuleta’s fans but the voters have spoken. PHILIP LIM looks back on the night of the grand finale.
BY the time, David Archuleta finished his third song, Imagine, everybody at the packed Nokia theatre in Los Angeles, including the judges, thought the title was his to lose. However when the numbers were crunched, a tsunami of votes swept into David Cook’s corner.
For Archuleta’s fans, it was a big disappointment but there’s no denying the numbers. Cook cried on receiving the good news. It was too much of a pleasant surprise.
The road to the title was long and arduous but the two Davids were almost household names on finale night with millions in America and millions more around the world watching them.
David Cook took to the stage first with I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. He was eminently good with this song. His showmanship was faultless when he sang amid the audience and when he danced on the crescent-shaped table behind the judges.
Everybody loved it. It was reminiscent of what Season 5 Idol Taylor Hicks did on his road to victory. From the applause that reverberated across the hall, the verdict was clear, Cook had nailed this one down.
Randy Jackson quickly said: “It was a great way to start the duel.” Paula Abdul looking resplendent on the big night added: “We have found David Cook. Amen.”
Simon Cowell’s comment was the icing on the cake. “It was phenomenal.” So it was unanimous. Great song and marvellous performance.
Second number was Dream Big. Cook didn’t exactly falter on this one but if all of us were waiting for the oomph, we had a long wait. Even when the song ended, we were still waiting.
This 25-year-old from Blue Springs, Missouri, who had at the beginning of the competition declared “I am going to be who I am” didn’t fire up his engines on this one. Like some of us at home, the three judges knew it too.
Simon cut to the chase when he bluntly said: “The good news is there’s a third song.” All of us knew what he meant.
So apart from the “just OK” comments, Dream Big woke up to face some harsh realities. The second number was supposed to be something new, and Cook in black leather gear and strumming his guitar looked the part.
Millions believed in Cook and they voted accordingly. His third song, The World I know, was clearly better than his second.
His voice was better as usual. Expectations were high. After all, this was the big showdown. Cook was teary-eyed when the music ended. He had done his best and left the rest to America.
No one doubted the sincerity of his performances. The man dubbed Mr Original has clearly left an indelible impression on all those who have religiously watched him week after week.
Nobody really knew what David Archuleta was capable of right up till the final night. But his first song was the harbinger of an extraordinary evening.
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me was one of the most stirring numbers ever performed by high school student Archuleta. He peaked on the most crucial of all Idol nights. Half way through the song, everybody in the hall, bar none, knew the sun will never again set on Archuleta.
HIs stellar performance sent a wave of warmth that embraced the hearts of all listeners. Clive Davis, head honcho of BMG America, gave Archuleta a standing ovation, along with 7,000 others in the theatre. Randy said that was one of his best performances.
“My heart is still pounding,” said Paula. Simon didn’t mince his words: “Round One to Archuleta.” No argument from anybody.
Archie (Archuleta), as host Ryan Seacrest called him, powered down the musical superhighway with In This Moment as his second song. The girls went wild. The louder the cheers, the better was Archuleta’s voice.
The song was right, the vibes were great and Archuleta was undeniably magnificent. It was a heartfelt moment that made many young people wish they had a brother like little David. I agreed with Simon, round two to Archuleta again.
Nobody in his right mind could dislike Archuleta. He has an innocence that’s refreshing and a smile that melts any trace of cynicism that dares to show up.
His third number was again a winner. John Lennon’s 1971 hit Imagine was a moment frozen in Idol time. The girls at the front of the stage went berserk.
The climax of the evening was timed perfectly with Archuleta’s last song. It left Paula speechless and she admitted it. Randy enthusiastically proclaimed: “Dude, you are exactly what the competition is all about.”
All it left was for Simon to add the seal of approval and he said: ”David, you came out tonight to win. From what we have witnessed, it is a knock-out!”
However, just before the results were announced yesterday morning, Simon changed his mind and said both Davids were equally good and he didn’t care who won.
Not me, I was aghast and could only exclaim: “What?” Personally, I think Archuleta should have been crowned the winner.
This season, the Idol contest has triggered a groundswell of response that broke all records. It has been a fun season. There have been a few unpleasant surprises but these are very much part of reality TV. What would TV entertainment be if there were no sudden twists and turns. Till the next season then, cheers.
UPDATEd Saturday 12.00 May 24, 2008: wit' a snippet from The Associated Press just to show you how I spoli my ER! So Stay Tuned wit' Desi so I don't commit Hara Kiri on this ***My Blue Heaven, OK!:) *** turned a li'l brownish by slowly ripening Pu-erh tea!"Health Is Wealth", my MUM taught me, so stay yummy wit' me.
"...By strict "Idol" standards, being rebellious turned out to be worth the gamble for Cook, whose hip and scruffy style and ability to work the camera with a soulful gaze also proved to have overwhelming appeal. There were moments of tears, too, after Tuesday's performance and again after yesterday’s win.
Cowell, who seemed to dismiss Cook and his chances of winning on Tuesday, offered an apology in the moments before the winner was announced, saying he was too harsh and that it "wasn't quite so clear cut as we called it." Cowell even let on that, for the first time, he felt either finalist would have been a worthy winner.
Archuleta, 17, was the prodigy who consistently dazzled the show's judges and thrilled screaming young fans. He would have been the youngest "Idol" ever if he'd won, beating last year's winner Jordin Sparks by mere days..."
To say that there was any single Malaysian out here among 25million who could have predicted the 140 to 82 BN versus Opposition combined outcome in the 222-arliamentary seat apportioning, I won't believe that guy! Not een among the most PKR leaders had harboured more than 20 MP seats, yet they scored 32. (I hope I got this right -- my mind hesiatedon recall, it could read 31; never ind, here we are not arguing accuracy. Most PKR leaders pre-March 8 said it would have been fantastic they could get from 10-20, and were looking at four-five years down the line for the real Winds of Change.
The "American Idol" finale between two Davids also witnessed a conjunction of stars that threw up a "surprise" otcome. Most of the audience (numbering 70,000?) in the Nokia Theatre were crying out SAchuleta's name on his fadoing notes of the Beatle's optimistic song that youths allover the world have/had/will adopted/adopt as a sort of world anthem for
p
e
A
c
e.
I do. I too watched over TV the finale, and I could not have "imagine"-d the younger David losing to elder Cook, who did cook up a storm, but that surely lost out to a tsunami. That was the general concensus if anyone used the "vibes" in the air as a counter.
But when you buy ONE lottery ticket among let's say 7million tickets sold, your chance of striking is still a 1-in-a-7million chance, compared with your neighbour who bought 2 tickts, he had 2-in-7million chance.
So when you leave the American Idol judging to millions of people who sent in their choices in a four-hour-period, it's a conjucntion of stars which went against "normal" expectations -- which upset even the three offcial judges -- Randy, Paula and Simon, who by any standards, could be deemed to be experts in this very specialised field. YET ...
So when against all odds, you strike the 1-in-7million lottery, you could feel what was the impact on the new American Idol, DAVID COOK.The verdict came onthe heels of 97.5million votes! And that sort of numbers could throw off any ordinary human being's individual mind when they coalesce into that "defining" collective will I terms as the COTS.
Ending on a political note, when friends asked Desi "Do you believe that DSAI will enter Parliament and crowned the Prme Minister by the next Malaysia Day, September 16, 2008?",
my guarded answer is always:
WAIT FOR THE CONJUNCTION OF STARS.
PS: See no exclamation mark after STARS? 'Cos it is "guarded", by the gods, angels and devils and whatever spirits that tread quielty, or loudly, among the stars.
**************************************************
Borrowing from one Philip Lim, writing for the NST, in his review as it reflected the status of AI -- which now as I typed, I realised it coincides with the initials of Anwar Ibrahim! -- finale pretty well.
NST Online » Features
American Idol 2008: King David rules!
By : Philip Lim
2008/05/22
An overwhelming support for rocker David Cook. (NST Online » Features
Email to friend Print article
American Idol 2008: King David rules!
By : Philip Lim
2008/05/22
An overwhelming support for rocker David Cook.
After 97.5 million votes were counted, David Cook won by a comfortable margin of 12 million. It may have shocked David Archuleta’s fans but the voters have spoken. PHILIP LIM looks back on the night of the grand finale.
BY the time, David Archuleta finished his third song, Imagine, everybody at the packed Nokia theatre in Los Angeles, including the judges, thought the title was his to lose. However when the numbers were crunched, a tsunami of votes swept into David Cook’s corner.
For Archuleta’s fans, it was a big disappointment but there’s no denying the numbers. Cook cried on receiving the good news. It was too much of a pleasant surprise.
The road to the title was long and arduous but the two Davids were almost household names on finale night with millions in America and millions more around the world watching them.
David Cook took to the stage first with I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. He was eminently good with this song. His showmanship was faultless when he sang amid the audience and when he danced on the crescent-shaped table behind the judges.
Everybody loved it. It was reminiscent of what Season 5 Idol Taylor Hicks did on his road to victory. From the applause that reverberated across the hall, the verdict was clear, Cook had nailed this one down.
Randy Jackson quickly said: “It was a great way to start the duel.” Paula Abdul looking resplendent on the big night added: “We have found David Cook. Amen.”
Simon Cowell’s comment was the icing on the cake. “It was phenomenal.” So it was unanimous. Great song and marvellous performance.
Second number was Dream Big. Cook didn’t exactly falter on this one but if all of us were waiting for the oomph, we had a long wait. Even when the song ended, we were still waiting.
This 25-year-old from Blue Springs, Missouri, who had at the beginning of the competition declared “I am going to be who I am” didn’t fire up his engines on this one. Like some of us at home, the three judges knew it too.
Simon cut to the chase when he bluntly said: “The good news is there’s a third song.” All of us knew what he meant.
So apart from the “just OK” comments, Dream Big woke up to face some harsh realities. The second number was supposed to be something new, and Cook in black leather gear and strumming his guitar looked the part.
Millions believed in Cook and they voted accordingly. His third song, The World I know, was clearly better than his second.
His voice was better as usual. Expectations were high. After all, this was the big showdown. Cook was teary-eyed when the music ended. He had done his best and left the rest to America.
No one doubted the sincerity of his performances. The man dubbed Mr Original has clearly left an indelible impression on all those who have religiously watched him week after week.
Nobody really knew what David Archuleta was capable of right up till the final night. But his first song was the harbinger of an extraordinary evening.
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me was one of the most stirring numbers ever performed by high school student Archuleta. He peaked on the most crucial of all Idol nights. Half way through the song, everybody in the hall, bar none, knew the sun will never again set on Archuleta.
HIs stellar performance sent a wave of warmth that embraced the hearts of all listeners. Clive Davis, head honcho of BMG America, gave Archuleta a standing ovation, along with 7,000 others in the theatre. Randy said that was one of his best performances.
“My heart is still pounding,” said Paula. Simon didn’t mince his words: “Round One to Archuleta.” No argument from anybody.
Archie (Archuleta), as host Ryan Seacrest called him, powered down the musical superhighway with In This Moment as his second song. The girls went wild. The louder the cheers, the better was Archuleta’s voice.
The song was right, the vibes were great and Archuleta was undeniably magnificent. It was a heartfelt moment that made many young people wish they had a brother like little David. I agreed with Simon, round two to Archuleta again.
Nobody in his right mind could dislike Archuleta. He has an innocence that’s refreshing and a smile that melts any trace of cynicism that dares to show up.
His third number was again a winner. John Lennon’s 1971 hit Imagine was a moment frozen in Idol time. The girls at the front of the stage went berserk.
The climax of the evening was timed perfectly with Archuleta’s last song. It left Paula speechless and she admitted it. Randy enthusiastically proclaimed: “Dude, you are exactly what the competition is all about.”
All it left was for Simon to add the seal of approval and he said: ”David, you came out tonight to win. From what we have witnessed, it is a knock-out!”
However, just before the results were announced yesterday morning, Simon changed his mind and said both Davids were equally good and he didn’t care who won.
Not me, I was aghast and could only exclaim: “What?” Personally, I think Archuleta should have been crowned the winner.
This season, the Idol contest has triggered a groundswell of response that broke all records. It has been a fun season. There have been a few unpleasant surprises but these are very much part of reality TV. What would TV entertainment be if there were no sudden twists and turns. Till the next season then, cheers.
the picture of Cook's triumph;don't wait formy portrait, it will dawn come AI 2009,and you ain't a patient!--Desi)
After 97.5 million votes were counted, David Cook won by a comfortable margin of 12 million. It may have shocked David Archuleta’s fans but the voters have spoken. PHILIP LIM looks back on the night of the grand finale.
BY the time, David Archuleta finished his third song, Imagine, everybody at the packed Nokia theatre in Los Angeles, including the judges, thought the title was his to lose. However when the numbers were crunched, a tsunami of votes swept into David Cook’s corner.
For Archuleta’s fans, it was a big disappointment but there’s no denying the numbers. Cook cried on receiving the good news. It was too much of a pleasant surprise.
The road to the title was long and arduous but the two Davids were almost household names on finale night with millions in America and millions more around the world watching them.
David Cook took to the stage first with I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. He was eminently good with this song. His showmanship was faultless when he sang amid the audience and when he danced on the crescent-shaped table behind the judges.
Everybody loved it. It was reminiscent of what Season 5 Idol Taylor Hicks did on his road to victory. From the applause that reverberated across the hall, the verdict was clear, Cook had nailed this one down.
Randy Jackson quickly said: “It was a great way to start the duel.” Paula Abdul looking resplendent on the big night added: “We have found David Cook. Amen.”
Simon Cowell’s comment was the icing on the cake. “It was phenomenal.” So it was unanimous. Great song and marvellous performance.
Second number was Dream Big. Cook didn’t exactly falter on this one but if all of us were waiting for the oomph, we had a long wait. Even when the song ended, we were still waiting.
This 25-year-old from Blue Springs, Missouri, who had at the beginning of the competition declared “I am going to be who I am” didn’t fire up his engines on this one. Like some of us at home, the three judges knew it too.
Simon cut to the chase when he bluntly said: “The good news is there’s a third song.” All of us knew what he meant.
So apart from the “just OK” comments, Dream Big woke up to face some harsh realities. The second number was supposed to be something new, and Cook in black leather gear and strumming his guitar looked the part.
Millions believed in Cook and they voted accordingly. His third song, The World I know, was clearly better than his second.
His voice was better as usual. Expectations were high. After all, this was the big showdown. Cook was teary-eyed when the music ended. He had done his best and left the rest to America.
No one doubted the sincerity of his performances. The man dubbed Mr Original has clearly left an indelible impression on all those who have religiously watched him week after week.
Nobody really knew what David Archuleta was capable of right up till the final night. But his first song was the harbinger of an extraordinary evening.
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me was one of the most stirring numbers ever performed by high school student Archuleta. He peaked on the most crucial of all Idol nights. Half way through the song, everybody in the hall, bar none, knew the sun will never again set on Archuleta.
HIs stellar performance sent a wave of warmth that embraced the hearts of all listeners. Clive Davis, head honcho of BMG America, gave Archuleta a standing ovation, along with 7,000 others in the theatre. Randy said that was one of his best performances.
“My heart is still pounding,” said Paula. Simon didn’t mince his words: “Round One to Archuleta.” No argument from anybody.
Archie (Archuleta), as host Ryan Seacrest called him, powered down the musical superhighway with In This Moment as his second song. The girls went wild. The louder the cheers, the better was Archuleta’s voice.
The song was right, the vibes were great and Archuleta was undeniably magnificent. It was a heartfelt moment that made many young people wish they had a brother like little David. I agreed with Simon, round two to Archuleta again.
Nobody in his right mind could dislike Archuleta. He has an innocence that’s refreshing and a smile that melts any trace of cynicism that dares to show up.
His third number was again a winner. John Lennon’s 1971 hit Imagine was a moment frozen in Idol time. The girls at the front of the stage went berserk.
The climax of the evening was timed perfectly with Archuleta’s last song. It left Paula speechless and she admitted it. Randy enthusiastically proclaimed: “Dude, you are exactly what the competition is all about.”
All it left was for Simon to add the seal of approval and he said: ”David, you came out tonight to win. From what we have witnessed, it is a knock-out!”
However, just before the results were announced yesterday morning, Simon changed his mind and said both Davids were equally good and he didn’t care who won.
Not me, I was aghast and could only exclaim: “What?” Personally, I think Archuleta should have been crowned the winner.
This season, the Idol contest has triggered a groundswell of response that broke all records. It has been a fun season. There have been a few unpleasant surprises but these are very much part of reality TV. What would TV entertainment be if there were no sudden twists and turns. Till the next season then, cheers.
UPDATEd Saturday 12.00 May 24, 2008: wit' a snippet from The Associated Press just to show you how I spoli my ER! So Stay Tuned wit' Desi so I don't commit Hara Kiri on this ***My Blue Heaven, OK!:) *** turned a li'l brownish by slowly ripening Pu-erh tea!"Health Is Wealth", my MUM taught me, so stay yummy wit' me.
"...By strict "Idol" standards, being rebellious turned out to be worth the gamble for Cook, whose hip and scruffy style and ability to work the camera with a soulful gaze also proved to have overwhelming appeal. There were moments of tears, too, after Tuesday's performance and again after yesterday’s win.
Cowell, who seemed to dismiss Cook and his chances of winning on Tuesday, offered an apology in the moments before the winner was announced, saying he was too harsh and that it "wasn't quite so clear cut as we called it." Cowell even let on that, for the first time, he felt either finalist would have been a worthy winner.
Archuleta, 17, was the prodigy who consistently dazzled the show's judges and thrilled screaming young fans. He would have been the youngest "Idol" ever if he'd won, beating last year's winner Jordin Sparks by mere days..."
violence, violence, VIOLENCE everywhere
and no an eyelid would blink
'cos the human soul is numbed
and the neighbour's eyes are blind
another neighbour's mouth is muted
but his ears could still hear the child's screams
Pray every night
furongknight, penangite, Desi's writHe
in the steal of the malaysian night, stars shining bright
the the screams did not issue from thy very own, now miss-ing
from theSun Online
which I could now C&P because a kind Samaritan
came to help techie-challenged Desi to install Adobe Writer...Ooops, Reader!
Is it esteemed, I know not because I am still struggling with the philosophy of
Internet tools having breath, hence a life, hence capable of suffering pain?...
From sun2surf.com:
WEB EDITION :: International News
Boys said to have killed two-year-old girl
BUENOS AIRES (May 22, 2008): Two young brothers, aged seven and nine, are said to have tortured and killed a two-year-old girl with "full understanding" of what they did to the victim.
Prosecuting Judge Marta Pascual was quoted by Telem agency yesterday as saying that the two boys not only had "no mercy for the pain suffered by little Milagros Belizan, but they also appeared to have taken pleasure in the killing".
The judge, who sits in Lomas de Zamora near Buenos Aires, said her observations were based on the findings of an examination by a psychiatrist who talked to the two boys.
"I don't know if their childish imagination allowed them to realise they were committing a crime. But they understood very well that they were torturing Milagros, who had to suffer a long time before her death," the judge said.
She indicated the brothers had come from a violent home, and one could not exclude that they were doing to the little girl what had been done to them at home.
"The extent of the violence for children who are not even youths, but are so little themselves, is shocking," Pascual said.
The two boys were taken into police custody along with their mother to protect them from a vigilante mob. It was unclear what would happen to them. The boys were extremely violent and needed an adult hand to show them the right way that was stronger than currently present, the judge said. - dpa
'cos the human soul is numbed
and the neighbour's eyes are blind
another neighbour's mouth is muted
but his ears could still hear the child's screams
Pray every night
furongknight, penangite, Desi's writHe
in the steal of the malaysian night, stars shining bright
the the screams did not issue from thy very own, now miss-ing
from theSun Online
which I could now C&P because a kind Samaritan
came to help techie-challenged Desi to install Adobe Writer...Ooops, Reader!
Is it esteemed, I know not because I am still struggling with the philosophy of
Internet tools having breath, hence a life, hence capable of suffering pain?...
From sun2surf.com:
WEB EDITION :: International News
Boys said to have killed two-year-old girl
BUENOS AIRES (May 22, 2008): Two young brothers, aged seven and nine, are said to have tortured and killed a two-year-old girl with "full understanding" of what they did to the victim.
Prosecuting Judge Marta Pascual was quoted by Telem agency yesterday as saying that the two boys not only had "no mercy for the pain suffered by little Milagros Belizan, but they also appeared to have taken pleasure in the killing".
The judge, who sits in Lomas de Zamora near Buenos Aires, said her observations were based on the findings of an examination by a psychiatrist who talked to the two boys.
"I don't know if their childish imagination allowed them to realise they were committing a crime. But they understood very well that they were torturing Milagros, who had to suffer a long time before her death," the judge said.
She indicated the brothers had come from a violent home, and one could not exclude that they were doing to the little girl what had been done to them at home.
"The extent of the violence for children who are not even youths, but are so little themselves, is shocking," Pascual said.
The two boys were taken into police custody along with their mother to protect them from a vigilante mob. It was unclear what would happen to them. The boys were extremely violent and needed an adult hand to show them the right way that was stronger than currently present, the judge said. - dpa
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Breaking Down the Bricks of Fear...
Lately I have been privileged to work with an a-teAm of colleagues laying the bricks of foundation for a new Website at -- www.cpiasia.org -- under the wings of the Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI) headed by renowned economist-researcher Dr Lim Teck Ghee.
Another CPI colleague well known to Malaysians -- and non-Malaysians I hastily add! -- is a similarly minded (as with TG...) Malaysian prsently resident in the United States, Dr Azly Rahman, has also been laying multi-coloured bricks to ensure not just a solid fundation but that it has breadth and depth.
As I am on the road today, I reprise via C&P -- a task so primary in Blogosphere it is such that you call it kindie stuff when compared with schooling -- an article which deserves re-reading. Yes, there are some materials, including my humble stuff under desiderata.english, which taste better the second time around, just like old wine I hear. I hear because I don't drink this hard stuff -- mGf Zorro says it's free and eazy at the NPC because he has got many Fishermen's Wharfie friends to buy.or butt! -- not that I'm averse to alcohol, it's just that of a case of the spirit is willing, the body protesteth. Furthermore, I am a hardcore teatotaller, remember? And mGf says Pu-erh adds on one year to one's short life on Mother good Earth for every cake you invest in consuming, costing RM300 to upwards of RM1,000) weighing 250 to 500 grammes.
If thou wanna aMore, see that Banner ad up there? I dare you to surf and place an order. I declare I get 30% in kind, so you do render NS when drinking mGf's Pu-erh all the way from KunMing -- yes, you contribute to Desi's good health, and allevaite the pain of China's populace a little by enhancing its tea trade.
Now hear's somethin' more valuable than my every dose of 150 gm of Pu-erh I take when the pockets are overfilled. Tehtarik is socialist while Pu-erh is capitalist, and I think I've publicised my tendencies, haven't I-I?
Asli's gift to academicians
By Azly Rahman
From Malaysiakini
Nov 6, 2006
'Fazilah (a researcher at Universiti Malaya), when contacted by malaysiakini (Nov 1, 2006), declined to comment on her research. …She also refused to entertain questions on the issue of bumiputera corporate equity ownership, saying that as a university staff, she has to comply with the 'Akujanji' (pledge of good conduct). …Under the 'Akujanji', academicians are barred from making media statements without prior approval from the university's authority. … The government has always maintained that the country has yet to achieve the 30 percent bumiputera equity ownership target.'
'All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action (from Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Last Sermon, 9th Day of Dhual Hijjah).
The two quotes above respectively represent a fear and a hope.
We need to start living with the reality of open dialogue and leave behind the fear of speaking up in honour of intellectual freedom. The quote from Fazilah is a testament to the totalitarianism of the document of blind loyalty called the Surat Akujanji. Even PhD holders with good training in defending dissertations become fearful of those out to destroy the integrity and honour of the academicians. We must take control or be controlled, speak up or be silenced.
Now that the ***Asli report is out, what do we do with it? As the prophets of any religion would enjoin, how should we abolish all forms of superiority by way of economic design?
How do we get our academicians, activists, students, scholars, farmers, workers and even our rulers to read it, make informed judgment and act upon the recommendations that call for human solution to statistical problems?
How do we perceive it as a national test by first respecting the enterprise of the interpretation of data as yet another reminder to do periodic reality checks on the state of our political-economic well being?
Fertile area of research
How do our local scholars/academicians transform this seemingly controversial report from a document of denial into a fertile area of research into this Malaysian post-modern human condition?
Will our economists extend the Asli study into a more complex analysis of the interplay between Capital, Technology, Nature and Labour? Will our historians see it as good platform for the study of the interplay between the history of the ownership of private property and revisit our analysis of dialectical and historical materialism we left off in our planning of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
Will our sociologists now answer the question of how we have gotten to this critical juncture in history in which the accumulation of wealth has produced more visible class structure in all spheres of living? How will our educators see the relationship between schooling and labour, education and class-ethnic stratification, or even how the NEP continues to maintain the tyranny of racism and racial discrimination?
How will our political scientists use the report to understand the need to revamp the structure of political consciousness and to affect political action through grassroots activism when the NEP is showing signs of ideological bankruptcy and a waning of affect?
How do our social scientists learn from the report so that they can train social workers to be 'colour-blind' especially in helping the Indians and other marginalised ethnic groups gain their dignity as respectable Malaysians who laboured as hard as the other races in building this country into what it is now?
We need a kaleidoscopic view of research; one that will give us a holistic picture of the NEP and next give us academicians the tools to denounce our 'neutrality' so that we may become like engaged artists who subscribe to the idea of committed art (in the service of the masses) rather than to the ideology of art for art's sake (in the service of the bourgeoisie).
But our academicians continue to traverse the road to serfdom, carrying their backpacks of self-imposed fear. We need to groom the Jean Paul Sartre and the Albert Camus among us.
What we need to do with the Asli report will be the intellectual task for our nation. This exercise should take us away from the increasingly fruitless and nauseating squabbling between the previous and the present prime ministers on the issue of whose family is amassing more wealth than the other. This debate is not adding value to our need to look at the NEP in newer perspective.
In fact, the Mahathir-Abdullah debate is only good for matters of 'issue versus non-issue' and for the clever design of 'mystification' - in the ultimate analysis, it creates a mental smog over the issue of alternative ways of looking at political, economic, social and cultural change.
Radical redesign
I have read the Asli report produced under the direction of Professor Lim Teck Ghee, an academician of high intellectualism and integrity. The report is an encouraging inquiry into the possibilities of social justice and radical economic desconstructionism and redesign.
There is a human face to the findings of the report. It confirms the perception that our politicians, especially the ones that went berserk/haywire after reading the findings, have not evolved much in their critical and intellectual sensibilities. Yet they still want to represent the people in public office. This is troubling. Hegemony lies in the rule of the blind but arrogant.
The Asli report is the kind of report and reporting we are used to in doctoral work in institutions such as Columbia Princeton, Stanford, Harvard or even Oxford - a place we now often hear as a model of Malaysia's emulation for 'world class-ism'.
I see the possibilities of extending the inquiry and going into deeper analysis of the geneology, anatomy, post-structurality and possibilities of the NEP, using the language of neo-marxism and post-structuralism. Academicians should continue to comment on the Asli report and demand that the government explores the nature of poverty as it neatly and artificially create a new class of multi-cultural poor (immigrants and all), creating a powerful political elite that will devise strategies to protect their interest by buying over our universities and all academicians in them.
We should move towards a symbolic analysis of wealth and power and deconstruct these symbols both in their physical as well as in their symbolic manifestations. We should explore what the Japanese Nobel Laureate Yasunari Kawabata would call "neo-sensualism" in the way we compose the portrait of progress and its contradictions.
So, what next after the Asli report? How do we reflect upon the findings? How do we enrich the data and design cumulative studies that will explain why are how we have arrived at a juncture where political ethics seem to be worsening as economic power of the bumiputera and non-bumiputeras continue to be concentrated on the few.
The acronym 'Asli' tells us something. Its means 'original' (in Bahasa Melayu) or the real things in its original state, of Man/Human Being in its Natural state of things.
This means that the Asli report is inviting us, like Jean Jacques Rousseau did in his essay 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality', to go back to the natural state of things.
What this means is a challenge for us all - academicians, students, scholars, tinkers, tailors, soldier, spies, politicians - and all Malaysian who were made to believe that poverty will be restructured and wealth equitably shared.
Fellow academicians wake up! The greatest enemy of fear is fear itself. We must become the organic intellectuals the rakyat is waiting for.
______________________________________________
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/57219
*** Study: 30% bumi equity target exceeded
Andrew Ong | Sep 23, 06 3:50pm
The Asli Report The New Economic Policy (NEP) target of 30 percent bumiputera corporate equity ownership has been well exceeded but the method is an inefficient barometer of Malay wealth, suggested a new study.
+ GLCs must be included
+ More transparency please
DESIDERATA: The emphasis (BOLDED thus) is allmine. The mental wine and Pu-erh is all Azly's (spelt wit' a zee,not an ass!). We do have time for some fun-D and humour and digression, even justifiable aggression, in our self-made hustle and bustle and rustle of modern life, don't VVe? Read WH DAVIES' Leisure-ly... if you care to add one more brick to thy knowledge bank!
Another CPI colleague well known to Malaysians -- and non-Malaysians I hastily add! -- is a similarly minded (as with TG...) Malaysian prsently resident in the United States, Dr Azly Rahman, has also been laying multi-coloured bricks to ensure not just a solid fundation but that it has breadth and depth.
As I am on the road today, I reprise via C&P -- a task so primary in Blogosphere it is such that you call it kindie stuff when compared with schooling -- an article which deserves re-reading. Yes, there are some materials, including my humble stuff under desiderata.english, which taste better the second time around, just like old wine I hear. I hear because I don't drink this hard stuff -- mGf Zorro says it's free and eazy at the NPC because he has got many Fishermen's Wharfie friends to buy.or butt! -- not that I'm averse to alcohol, it's just that of a case of the spirit is willing, the body protesteth. Furthermore, I am a hardcore teatotaller, remember? And mGf says Pu-erh adds on one year to one's short life on Mother good Earth for every cake you invest in consuming, costing RM300 to upwards of RM1,000) weighing 250 to 500 grammes.
If thou wanna aMore, see that Banner ad up there? I dare you to surf and place an order. I declare I get 30% in kind, so you do render NS when drinking mGf's Pu-erh all the way from KunMing -- yes, you contribute to Desi's good health, and allevaite the pain of China's populace a little by enhancing its tea trade.
Now hear's somethin' more valuable than my every dose of 150 gm of Pu-erh I take when the pockets are overfilled. Tehtarik is socialist while Pu-erh is capitalist, and I think I've publicised my tendencies, haven't I-I?
Asli's gift to academicians
By Azly Rahman
From Malaysiakini
Nov 6, 2006
'Fazilah (a researcher at Universiti Malaya), when contacted by malaysiakini (Nov 1, 2006), declined to comment on her research. …She also refused to entertain questions on the issue of bumiputera corporate equity ownership, saying that as a university staff, she has to comply with the 'Akujanji' (pledge of good conduct). …Under the 'Akujanji', academicians are barred from making media statements without prior approval from the university's authority. … The government has always maintained that the country has yet to achieve the 30 percent bumiputera equity ownership target.'
'All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action (from Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Last Sermon, 9th Day of Dhual Hijjah).
The two quotes above respectively represent a fear and a hope.
We need to start living with the reality of open dialogue and leave behind the fear of speaking up in honour of intellectual freedom. The quote from Fazilah is a testament to the totalitarianism of the document of blind loyalty called the Surat Akujanji. Even PhD holders with good training in defending dissertations become fearful of those out to destroy the integrity and honour of the academicians. We must take control or be controlled, speak up or be silenced.
Now that the ***Asli report is out, what do we do with it? As the prophets of any religion would enjoin, how should we abolish all forms of superiority by way of economic design?
How do we get our academicians, activists, students, scholars, farmers, workers and even our rulers to read it, make informed judgment and act upon the recommendations that call for human solution to statistical problems?
How do we perceive it as a national test by first respecting the enterprise of the interpretation of data as yet another reminder to do periodic reality checks on the state of our political-economic well being?
Fertile area of research
How do our local scholars/academicians transform this seemingly controversial report from a document of denial into a fertile area of research into this Malaysian post-modern human condition?
Will our economists extend the Asli study into a more complex analysis of the interplay between Capital, Technology, Nature and Labour? Will our historians see it as good platform for the study of the interplay between the history of the ownership of private property and revisit our analysis of dialectical and historical materialism we left off in our planning of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
Will our sociologists now answer the question of how we have gotten to this critical juncture in history in which the accumulation of wealth has produced more visible class structure in all spheres of living? How will our educators see the relationship between schooling and labour, education and class-ethnic stratification, or even how the NEP continues to maintain the tyranny of racism and racial discrimination?
How will our political scientists use the report to understand the need to revamp the structure of political consciousness and to affect political action through grassroots activism when the NEP is showing signs of ideological bankruptcy and a waning of affect?
How do our social scientists learn from the report so that they can train social workers to be 'colour-blind' especially in helping the Indians and other marginalised ethnic groups gain their dignity as respectable Malaysians who laboured as hard as the other races in building this country into what it is now?
We need a kaleidoscopic view of research; one that will give us a holistic picture of the NEP and next give us academicians the tools to denounce our 'neutrality' so that we may become like engaged artists who subscribe to the idea of committed art (in the service of the masses) rather than to the ideology of art for art's sake (in the service of the bourgeoisie).
But our academicians continue to traverse the road to serfdom, carrying their backpacks of self-imposed fear. We need to groom the Jean Paul Sartre and the Albert Camus among us.
What we need to do with the Asli report will be the intellectual task for our nation. This exercise should take us away from the increasingly fruitless and nauseating squabbling between the previous and the present prime ministers on the issue of whose family is amassing more wealth than the other. This debate is not adding value to our need to look at the NEP in newer perspective.
In fact, the Mahathir-Abdullah debate is only good for matters of 'issue versus non-issue' and for the clever design of 'mystification' - in the ultimate analysis, it creates a mental smog over the issue of alternative ways of looking at political, economic, social and cultural change.
Radical redesign
I have read the Asli report produced under the direction of Professor Lim Teck Ghee, an academician of high intellectualism and integrity. The report is an encouraging inquiry into the possibilities of social justice and radical economic desconstructionism and redesign.
There is a human face to the findings of the report. It confirms the perception that our politicians, especially the ones that went berserk/haywire after reading the findings, have not evolved much in their critical and intellectual sensibilities. Yet they still want to represent the people in public office. This is troubling. Hegemony lies in the rule of the blind but arrogant.
The Asli report is the kind of report and reporting we are used to in doctoral work in institutions such as Columbia Princeton, Stanford, Harvard or even Oxford - a place we now often hear as a model of Malaysia's emulation for 'world class-ism'.
I see the possibilities of extending the inquiry and going into deeper analysis of the geneology, anatomy, post-structurality and possibilities of the NEP, using the language of neo-marxism and post-structuralism. Academicians should continue to comment on the Asli report and demand that the government explores the nature of poverty as it neatly and artificially create a new class of multi-cultural poor (immigrants and all), creating a powerful political elite that will devise strategies to protect their interest by buying over our universities and all academicians in them.
We should move towards a symbolic analysis of wealth and power and deconstruct these symbols both in their physical as well as in their symbolic manifestations. We should explore what the Japanese Nobel Laureate Yasunari Kawabata would call "neo-sensualism" in the way we compose the portrait of progress and its contradictions.
So, what next after the Asli report? How do we reflect upon the findings? How do we enrich the data and design cumulative studies that will explain why are how we have arrived at a juncture where political ethics seem to be worsening as economic power of the bumiputera and non-bumiputeras continue to be concentrated on the few.
The acronym 'Asli' tells us something. Its means 'original' (in Bahasa Melayu) or the real things in its original state, of Man/Human Being in its Natural state of things.
This means that the Asli report is inviting us, like Jean Jacques Rousseau did in his essay 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality', to go back to the natural state of things.
What this means is a challenge for us all - academicians, students, scholars, tinkers, tailors, soldier, spies, politicians - and all Malaysian who were made to believe that poverty will be restructured and wealth equitably shared.
Fellow academicians wake up! The greatest enemy of fear is fear itself. We must become the organic intellectuals the rakyat is waiting for.
______________________________________________
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/57219
*** Study: 30% bumi equity target exceeded
Andrew Ong | Sep 23, 06 3:50pm
The Asli Report The New Economic Policy (NEP) target of 30 percent bumiputera corporate equity ownership has been well exceeded but the method is an inefficient barometer of Malay wealth, suggested a new study.
+ GLCs must be included
+ More transparency please
DESIDERATA: The emphasis (BOLDED thus) is allmine. The mental wine and Pu-erh is all Azly's (spelt wit' a zee,not an ass!). We do have time for some fun-D and humour and digression, even justifiable aggression, in our self-made hustle and bustle and rustle of modern life, don't VVe? Read WH DAVIES' Leisure-ly... if you care to add one more brick to thy knowledge bank!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dr Mahathir's Gambit Is Sandiwara Again?
Desiderata is NOT alone saying that it's another Act and scene on the PWTC STage, and soon it may be the final curtain call on a spent force whose fading presence is in self-destruct mode.
In the wings -- not necessarily at the PWTC but at Parliment House is PM-in-waiting is his former DEPUTY Saudara Anwar Ibrahim, with a boyish-yet-sly grin as opposed to that trade-mark Dr Mahathir's smirk.
You wanna Desi tell that story of the banter between the PM and DPM...? Meet me at Lingam's and pay for kambing while I but tehtarik!:)
From www.nst.com.my:
2008/05/21
Analysts play down resignation
By : David Yeow
(Visualise this, I know some of you guys have vivid imaginaton and would make killings at the KL Bourse at such interestng times/dimes...No?) Professor Dr Ahmad Nidzammuddin Sulaiman says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation is just political theatrics.
KUALA LUMPUR: Smoke and mirrors, a distraction and sandiwara. These were the words used by political analysts to describe Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation from Umno.
Although Dr Mahathir branded his decision as "radical, brave and the only way" to revive Umno and dared other members to follow his example, political analysts are calling his bluff.
Professor Dr Ahmad Nidzammuddin Sulaiman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Political Science Department said Dr Mahathir's announcement was a classic display of political theatrics.
He said those unfamiliar with Dr Mahathir might believe that he was starting a media war with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"I think he is trying to draw attention away from possible investigations over the V.K. Lingam case."
(Dr Mahathir, on Saturday challenged the government to charge him for his alleged involvement in a judge-fixing scandal)
"He (Dr Mahathir) is doing everything he can to discredit Abdullah. I think he is hoping that Abdullah becomes too preoccupied with the threat of a mass exodus from Umno to take action against him."
Ahmad Nidzammuddin said Dr Mahathir's action to quit will not result in a domino effect.
"Apart from party veteran Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, no one has followed suit," he said.
Even Dr Mahathir's son and Jerlun member of parliament Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir had announced that he won't be leaving the party.
Ahmad Nidzammuddin said the belief that Dr Mahathir's departure would cause a split in the party was unfounded.
Another political analyst Wong Chin Huat, agreed.
"I think the status quo in Umno would remain, at least until December. Threats of a splinter group forming should only be entertained if Umno MPs or cabinet members start following Dr Mahathir's move," said Wong.
"Currently, what is happening with Dr Mahathir's rebellion is a lack of collective action. There is no incentive for others to follow suit.
"If no MP quits in the next two days, his gambit will lose steam and die a natural death."
Wong added that if Abdullah plays his cards right in the next few days, Malaysia might indeed see the end of the Mahathir era.
With Dr Mahathir gone, Wong said Abdullah would be rid of a powerful critic within the party.
He feels Abdullah can focus on rebranding his leadership style, building his own era by demo-cratising the country further.
"If he does so then Abdullah stands a chance of not only proving to Umno that he is a strong leader but win back public confidence as well," Wong said.
In the wings -- not necessarily at the PWTC but at Parliment House is PM-in-waiting is his former DEPUTY Saudara Anwar Ibrahim, with a boyish-yet-sly grin as opposed to that trade-mark Dr Mahathir's smirk.
You wanna Desi tell that story of the banter between the PM and DPM...? Meet me at Lingam's and pay for kambing while I but tehtarik!:)
From www.nst.com.my:
2008/05/21
Analysts play down resignation
By : David Yeow
(Visualise this, I know some of you guys have vivid imaginaton and would make killings at the KL Bourse at such interestng times/dimes...No?) Professor Dr Ahmad Nidzammuddin Sulaiman says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation is just political theatrics.
KUALA LUMPUR: Smoke and mirrors, a distraction and sandiwara. These were the words used by political analysts to describe Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation from Umno.
Although Dr Mahathir branded his decision as "radical, brave and the only way" to revive Umno and dared other members to follow his example, political analysts are calling his bluff.
Professor Dr Ahmad Nidzammuddin Sulaiman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Political Science Department said Dr Mahathir's announcement was a classic display of political theatrics.
He said those unfamiliar with Dr Mahathir might believe that he was starting a media war with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"I think he is trying to draw attention away from possible investigations over the V.K. Lingam case."
(Dr Mahathir, on Saturday challenged the government to charge him for his alleged involvement in a judge-fixing scandal)
"He (Dr Mahathir) is doing everything he can to discredit Abdullah. I think he is hoping that Abdullah becomes too preoccupied with the threat of a mass exodus from Umno to take action against him."
Ahmad Nidzammuddin said Dr Mahathir's action to quit will not result in a domino effect.
"Apart from party veteran Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, no one has followed suit," he said.
Even Dr Mahathir's son and Jerlun member of parliament Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir had announced that he won't be leaving the party.
Ahmad Nidzammuddin said the belief that Dr Mahathir's departure would cause a split in the party was unfounded.
Another political analyst Wong Chin Huat, agreed.
"I think the status quo in Umno would remain, at least until December. Threats of a splinter group forming should only be entertained if Umno MPs or cabinet members start following Dr Mahathir's move," said Wong.
"Currently, what is happening with Dr Mahathir's rebellion is a lack of collective action. There is no incentive for others to follow suit.
"If no MP quits in the next two days, his gambit will lose steam and die a natural death."
Wong added that if Abdullah plays his cards right in the next few days, Malaysia might indeed see the end of the Mahathir era.
With Dr Mahathir gone, Wong said Abdullah would be rid of a powerful critic within the party.
He feels Abdullah can focus on rebranding his leadership style, building his own era by demo-cratising the country further.
"If he does so then Abdullah stands a chance of not only proving to Umno that he is a strong leader but win back public confidence as well," Wong said.
Optimism versus Negative Forces
Today's post is instigated (contrasted with "inspirted") by a few "negative" forces I encountered in Blogosphere, especially via "Comments" channel/s,both mine and at a few of my buddies' (they know who they are:).
As a writer, I believe most people gifted with the talent with a flair for words -- I use the term "wordsmithry" though I ain't sure if it's available in the Oxford dick -- use it as a positive instrument. In other words, I postulate that most writers are by nature OPTIMISTIC in their works. I know I am and I try to encourage such positive vibrations in the people I interact with, whether in person or via cyber-space.
But a recnt few encounters with what I term "negative forces" forced Desi to DELETE several comments and at a last resor, give fair warning to these "grating" voices that they are BARRED from my Blog.
It's Desi's Place, and Desi the woner lays down the rules -- this warning is spet out to at least two such elemnst "sad pipe" who doesn't have the balls to properly ID himself/herself, and one YapChongYee who just doesn't follow certain norms of ethics and etiquette as a Guest visting other people's abode/s. There is an unwritten code among civil society members that there is mutual respect between guest/s and host; otherwise, there is NO MEANWHILE CONVERSATIONS, so the Guest/s must leave, not the option of the Host must cease.
I have been advised by several Blogger-mateys to activate "WORD VERIFICATION", or hold the Comments for moderation, but I am reluctant to do tis as I believe in SPONTANEITY in conversations with my ESTEEMED READERS (ER). "Esteem" means a respect which lays a burden on both parties -- Host and guest -- and so it takes two to tango.
On this reluctant note, I hope I have got my message across very clear that while I hold dear to the credo promoted by VOLTAIRE in public discourse, I won'tlietrally "defgend to the death" some moron's right to go off tangent from the TOPICunder discussion to rant and rave like a mad man promoting hatred and disharmony. That can be done at an asylum, and even then, he/she must pay for his/her own treatment.
There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
I want to continue to write, and I am proud of my endeavours doing my litle bit/byte for Malaysia, let no negative forces stop or deter me frommy optimism.
And I especially abhor morons who wear the cloak of being "martyrs" exiling themselves to foreign lands ("I am afraid to come to Malaysia, they will arrest me under the ISA!" is their mournful defence... F*** you, don't put yourself up on such high pedestal! is Desi's disdainful response...) when the TRUTH is that they have departed as PR to their adopted country seeking what they deem greener pastures, and most times, have ONE LEG there and another back in their land of departure. Safely escounced in their new "home", they then let fly with their condemnations of their previous homeland (i this case, NegaraKu) and then make victims of those who stay back in Malaysia to genuinely fight for their homeland, for better or worse.
These are scumbags of the worst kind I do not even wish to dignity with a second word -- SO FARE THEE WELL WITH NO REGRETS FRO DESI.
As a writer, I believe most people gifted with the talent with a flair for words -- I use the term "wordsmithry" though I ain't sure if it's available in the Oxford dick -- use it as a positive instrument. In other words, I postulate that most writers are by nature OPTIMISTIC in their works. I know I am and I try to encourage such positive vibrations in the people I interact with, whether in person or via cyber-space.
But a recnt few encounters with what I term "negative forces" forced Desi to DELETE several comments and at a last resor, give fair warning to these "grating" voices that they are BARRED from my Blog.
It's Desi's Place, and Desi the woner lays down the rules -- this warning is spet out to at least two such elemnst "sad pipe" who doesn't have the balls to properly ID himself/herself, and one YapChongYee who just doesn't follow certain norms of ethics and etiquette as a Guest visting other people's abode/s. There is an unwritten code among civil society members that there is mutual respect between guest/s and host; otherwise, there is NO MEANWHILE CONVERSATIONS, so the Guest/s must leave, not the option of the Host must cease.
I have been advised by several Blogger-mateys to activate "WORD VERIFICATION", or hold the Comments for moderation, but I am reluctant to do tis as I believe in SPONTANEITY in conversations with my ESTEEMED READERS (ER). "Esteem" means a respect which lays a burden on both parties -- Host and guest -- and so it takes two to tango.
On this reluctant note, I hope I have got my message across very clear that while I hold dear to the credo promoted by VOLTAIRE in public discourse, I won'tlietrally "defgend to the death" some moron's right to go off tangent from the TOPICunder discussion to rant and rave like a mad man promoting hatred and disharmony. That can be done at an asylum, and even then, he/she must pay for his/her own treatment.
There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
I want to continue to write, and I am proud of my endeavours doing my litle bit/byte for Malaysia, let no negative forces stop or deter me frommy optimism.
And I especially abhor morons who wear the cloak of being "martyrs" exiling themselves to foreign lands ("I am afraid to come to Malaysia, they will arrest me under the ISA!" is their mournful defence... F*** you, don't put yourself up on such high pedestal! is Desi's disdainful response...) when the TRUTH is that they have departed as PR to their adopted country seeking what they deem greener pastures, and most times, have ONE LEG there and another back in their land of departure. Safely escounced in their new "home", they then let fly with their condemnations of their previous homeland (i this case, NegaraKu) and then make victims of those who stay back in Malaysia to genuinely fight for their homeland, for better or worse.
These are scumbags of the worst kind I do not even wish to dignity with a second word -- SO FARE THEE WELL WITH NO REGRETS FRO DESI.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
BM MSM Under Boycott ...
Desiderata has always declared a special interest in the Fourth Estate, which encompasses the Press as represented by the daily newspapers. Being half a WOG -- if you have to ask what a WOG is, check wit' Desi again coming Sunday! -- I spend time perusing, which is a tougher word for reading, the dailies in English mainly eg The NST, The Star and theSun, the last being my fave because of its "investigative reporting" teAm headed by Citizen-Nades.
But today I spiedan item about an initiative taken by all the five Pakatan Rakyat chief ministers taking joint action in BOYCOTTING THE UTUSAN papers. I reproduce the item attributed to Harakah, the party organ of PAS, as reported in malaysia-today.net which is the Blog run by RPK. If you have to ask who RPK is please get outa here because I boycott you!
5 MB Pakatan Rakyat ajak rakyat boikot akhbar Utusan
Posted by Super Admin
Friday, 16 May 2008
(Harakah) - Majlis Menteri-menteri Besar lima buah negeri yang ditadbir di bawah Pakatan Rakyat, menyeru rakyat supaya memboikot akhbar Utusan Malaysia dan Mingguan Malaysia.
Salah seorang ahli majlis, Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim berpendapat akhbar itu bersikap keterlaluan dan tidak profesional serta tidak adil, kerana terus memburuk-burukkan serta memutar-belit berita tentang pentadbiran negeri dan juga gabungan Pakatan Rakyat.
Khalid juga menegaskan akhbar terbabit membesar-besarkan isu untuk menimbulkan kemarahan rakyat terhadap pentabiran serta parti dan juga membakar api perkauman yang sempit.
Katanya, semua ahli majlis ini meminta semua jabatan dan institusi kerajaan di lima negeri di bawah pentadbiran Pakatan berhenti membeli akhbar tersebut dan juga berhenti memberikan iklan kepada mereka.
Justeru, ahli majlis ingin menyeru supaya semua pembaca Utusan Malaysia dan Mingguan Malaysia berhenti membeli akhbar tersebut serta-merta.
Sehubungan itu, katanya, para pemimpin parti-parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat kesal dan bimbang kerana kontroversi mengenai kuasa serta kedudukan
Raja-Raja dipolitikkan secara besar-besaran dan tidak bermaruah, terutama oleh media milik parti-parti dalam kerajaan BN Pusat dan sesetengah pemimpin Umno.
"Kami berpendirian tegas mendukung kedudukan Raja-Raja sebagai Raja ber-Perlembagaan, sebagaimana yang termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.
Katanya, semua pihak harus menerima bahawa seseorang Menteri Besar mempunyai bidang kuasa untuk memindahkan mana-mana pegawai eksekutif di negerinya.
Namun, katanya, bagi jawatan yang berkaitan dengan Majlis Agama Negeri, Sultan sebagai Ketua Agama Negeri seharusnya dirujuk terlebih dahulu.
Justeru, Ahli Majlis Menteri-menteri Besar menegaskan pendirian yang dikemukakan oleh Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh adalah pandangan beliau dari perspektif undang-undang.
"Kami menerima penjelasan YB Karpal Singh bahawa beliau tidak bertujuan untuk menghina Sultan. Kami berharap semua pihak akan menerimanya juga dan berhenti segera dari menggembar-gemburkan isu ini sehingga boleh menimbulkan ketidakstabilan dan ketegangan kaum," kata Khalid.
But today I spiedan item about an initiative taken by all the five Pakatan Rakyat chief ministers taking joint action in BOYCOTTING THE UTUSAN papers. I reproduce the item attributed to Harakah, the party organ of PAS, as reported in malaysia-today.net which is the Blog run by RPK. If you have to ask who RPK is please get outa here because I boycott you!
5 MB Pakatan Rakyat ajak rakyat boikot akhbar Utusan
Posted by Super Admin
Friday, 16 May 2008
(Harakah) - Majlis Menteri-menteri Besar lima buah negeri yang ditadbir di bawah Pakatan Rakyat, menyeru rakyat supaya memboikot akhbar Utusan Malaysia dan Mingguan Malaysia.
Salah seorang ahli majlis, Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim berpendapat akhbar itu bersikap keterlaluan dan tidak profesional serta tidak adil, kerana terus memburuk-burukkan serta memutar-belit berita tentang pentadbiran negeri dan juga gabungan Pakatan Rakyat.
Khalid juga menegaskan akhbar terbabit membesar-besarkan isu untuk menimbulkan kemarahan rakyat terhadap pentabiran serta parti dan juga membakar api perkauman yang sempit.
Katanya, semua ahli majlis ini meminta semua jabatan dan institusi kerajaan di lima negeri di bawah pentadbiran Pakatan berhenti membeli akhbar tersebut dan juga berhenti memberikan iklan kepada mereka.
Justeru, ahli majlis ingin menyeru supaya semua pembaca Utusan Malaysia dan Mingguan Malaysia berhenti membeli akhbar tersebut serta-merta.
Sehubungan itu, katanya, para pemimpin parti-parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat kesal dan bimbang kerana kontroversi mengenai kuasa serta kedudukan
Raja-Raja dipolitikkan secara besar-besaran dan tidak bermaruah, terutama oleh media milik parti-parti dalam kerajaan BN Pusat dan sesetengah pemimpin Umno.
"Kami berpendirian tegas mendukung kedudukan Raja-Raja sebagai Raja ber-Perlembagaan, sebagaimana yang termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.
Katanya, semua pihak harus menerima bahawa seseorang Menteri Besar mempunyai bidang kuasa untuk memindahkan mana-mana pegawai eksekutif di negerinya.
Namun, katanya, bagi jawatan yang berkaitan dengan Majlis Agama Negeri, Sultan sebagai Ketua Agama Negeri seharusnya dirujuk terlebih dahulu.
Justeru, Ahli Majlis Menteri-menteri Besar menegaskan pendirian yang dikemukakan oleh Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh adalah pandangan beliau dari perspektif undang-undang.
"Kami menerima penjelasan YB Karpal Singh bahawa beliau tidak bertujuan untuk menghina Sultan. Kami berharap semua pihak akan menerimanya juga dan berhenti segera dari menggembar-gemburkan isu ini sehingga boleh menimbulkan ketidakstabilan dan ketegangan kaum," kata Khalid.
CSM: Dr Lim Teck Ghee's Press Statement ...
Debate On Education and Malaysian Identity
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar’s latest opinion pieces on the history and identity of Malaysia are wrongly premised as well as targeted (see NST 11 May and The Sun, 15 May 2008). If he is truly concerned about empathy and rapport amongst the various communities, then he should do a better job of identifying those that are deliberately falsifying history and the role of the different communities in the making of the country as well as those inciting racial hatred and intolerance. Railing against non-Malay Tan Sris and Datos and their lack of appreciation for the Malay origin of their titles may score a petty debating point but it distracts from a clearer analysis of how we have arrived at this point in our history and who are the opportunists and enemies of “justice … and genuinely non-ethnic motherland for all … citizens”.
The late Rustam Sani – a true Malaysian intellectual had written - “There is so much of our culture today that are pushing us away from those requirements of a “true” society built on trust toward a world of fast paced isolation and fantasy. There is no institution or force on the horizon – including the leaders of the government (many are conspicuously intellectual imbeciles), their inadequately socialised and ill-schooled apparatchiks and the greatly debased social and government institutions – to pull us in the other direction. All have but become part of the vortex of self-serving insincerity and pretense, all under great pressure to conceal or defend their crippling intellectual and moral inadequacies”.
Within his lofty perch in a position subsidized by Malaysian tax payers, Dr. Chandra is in a privileged position to conduct research into the way in which state institutions such as the schools and universities are providing fair and unbiased accounts of Malaysian history on all the major pivotal points and events identified by Chandra in his writing.
What has Dr. Chandra to say about the compulsory Race Relations foundation module course being offered by Malaysian universities? Most Malaysians will also welcome his analysis of what is propagated by ‘greatly debased social and government institutions’ referred to by Rustam Sani; and this would include the Biro Tata Negara (BTN).
I am sure there are many well-wishers and benefactors – assuming state funds are not available – that would be happy to fund Dr. Chandra and a team of researchers of his own selection in analyzing the content, ideological underpinnings and scholarly integrity of these and other important channels of education and propaganda that are currently shaping the consciousness of young Malaysians.
Kuala Lumpur
20 May 2008
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar’s latest opinion pieces on the history and identity of Malaysia are wrongly premised as well as targeted (see NST 11 May and The Sun, 15 May 2008). If he is truly concerned about empathy and rapport amongst the various communities, then he should do a better job of identifying those that are deliberately falsifying history and the role of the different communities in the making of the country as well as those inciting racial hatred and intolerance. Railing against non-Malay Tan Sris and Datos and their lack of appreciation for the Malay origin of their titles may score a petty debating point but it distracts from a clearer analysis of how we have arrived at this point in our history and who are the opportunists and enemies of “justice … and genuinely non-ethnic motherland for all … citizens”.
The late Rustam Sani – a true Malaysian intellectual had written - “There is so much of our culture today that are pushing us away from those requirements of a “true” society built on trust toward a world of fast paced isolation and fantasy. There is no institution or force on the horizon – including the leaders of the government (many are conspicuously intellectual imbeciles), their inadequately socialised and ill-schooled apparatchiks and the greatly debased social and government institutions – to pull us in the other direction. All have but become part of the vortex of self-serving insincerity and pretense, all under great pressure to conceal or defend their crippling intellectual and moral inadequacies”.
Within his lofty perch in a position subsidized by Malaysian tax payers, Dr. Chandra is in a privileged position to conduct research into the way in which state institutions such as the schools and universities are providing fair and unbiased accounts of Malaysian history on all the major pivotal points and events identified by Chandra in his writing.
What has Dr. Chandra to say about the compulsory Race Relations foundation module course being offered by Malaysian universities? Most Malaysians will also welcome his analysis of what is propagated by ‘greatly debased social and government institutions’ referred to by Rustam Sani; and this would include the Biro Tata Negara (BTN).
I am sure there are many well-wishers and benefactors – assuming state funds are not available – that would be happy to fund Dr. Chandra and a team of researchers of his own selection in analyzing the content, ideological underpinnings and scholarly integrity of these and other important channels of education and propaganda that are currently shaping the consciousness of young Malaysians.
Kuala Lumpur
20 May 2008
Dr Mahathir's gambit -- from an MSM vantage
Desiderata will feature only two news reports on the main protagonists in the next scene of the Sandiwara on the PWTC Stage. The final curtains are ready to fall.
On other accounts, please invest RM1.20 on The People's Paper which must be selling better in view of the March 8 political Tsunami, and now the after-shocks.
Tuesday May 20, 2008
Dr M quits Umno
ALOR STAR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has announced he is quitting Umno, in what is seen as his final push to force Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down as Prime Minister and party president.
His wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali has also quit, according to his website www.chedet.com
Dr Mahathir also called on Umno members to join him in this radical move, which he likened to “removing gangrene” in order for the party to survive.
Except for two party veterans and one branch in the Merbok division, there were no other takers.
Fans gather: Several people surrounding Dr Mahathir (centre) as he leaves the forum venue after announcing he was quitting Umno in Alor Star Monday.
Abdullah, who expressed shock at Dr Mahathir's decision, however, reiterated that he would not give in to the pressure from the former premier.
Party deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak offered to meet Dr Mahathir to “discuss the decision” to quit.
Dr Mahathir has been on the warpath against Abdullah since 2004, claiming his successor was unfit for the job and has stepped up his attacks after Barisan Nasional's disastrous results in the March 8 general election.
Related Stories:
(Which Desi won't LINK as he does not wish to make any ER a lazy BUMmer like him. One is more than enough at Desi's Place!:): But to show I am democratic in Blogospheric overage, even on UMNO affairs, I gift my ER the Dr Mahathir's target's views after this! -- YL Chong
*********************************************
Dr M cuts ties with Umno
PM refuses to be cowed by ‘shocking’ decision
PAS man lit the ‘resignation’ fuse
Najib: I’m willing to meet Dr M
A desperate plea to Umno
Reconsider decision, Ka Chuan urges Mahathir
Umno leaders shocked at move
Ku Li: I’ll stay to fight Abdullah
Mahathir’s decision a blessing, says Musa
Dissatisfaction against leadership
A contest of wills and wiles
Nik Aziz happy with Dr M’s move
300 Merbok branch members take the cue from Dr Mahathir
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's journey in Umno
**************************************************
Tuesday May 20, 2008
PM refuses to be cowed by ‘shocking’ decision
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he will not bow to pressure from former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign as prime minister and Umno president.
He said he was “shocked and surprised” over Dr Mahathir’s sudden decision to quit Umno, calling the move a drastic action.
He also said the resignation and call to other members to quit would not shatter the party as Umno had over three million members.
“Maybe some will leave but I believe most of them still love Umno. I don’t know what Umno members are going to do but I would like to believe that the members will not leave,” he said.
He urged Umno members to be taat setia (loyal) to the party and stay strong to continue the party’s struggle just like when it was first founded, adding that Umno’s existence was due to member loyalty.
“I, as an Umno member, from the beginning until now, have never left the party and I will continue to fight for the party.
“Umno has contributed much to the country and the people of all races, and we want Umno to continue the struggle,” he said after meeting party vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam here yesterday.
Abdullah hoped that Umno members would think carefully before making any decision.
He believed that the majority of party members would stay true to Umno.
“Leaving Umno means leaving Barisan Nasional, that’s what it is,” he said, adding that he also believed that those who were likely to quit would not be among the MPs.
He said this when asked to comment on whether the resignation of Umno MPs would reduce the number of Barisan MPs in Parliament.
Abdullah also said he did not see why he should quit as Umno president and prime minister, as he “still had work to do”.
On whether he would meet Dr Mahathir personally to advise him against his decision, he said: “Don’t ask me that question.”
He also refused to comment on Dr Mahathir’s statement that the latter would only return to the party when Abdullah steps down from his party and government positions.
PS: I spend quite some time -- "quite" here can mean either "a little", "substantial", or "a lot" your pick! as I often say, I am pretty democratic wit' my ER who have a SENse of humour buying Desi tehtari'! -- surfing Blogs, and at rockybru's just now, I spied a Commenter's comment (what else you ask!) which I find worthwhile to reproduce here.
I tried to get the Commenter's permission as I seldom reprise other Comments at mGf's blogs -- but this one calls for exception, as inlife, one cannot be absolutely stickily inflexible. But when I mouse-d on ,it led to a non-active blogsite...or rather access is not open to BUMmers like Desi, I dunno y!:(
"Dear MarGeeMar if you are reading this by 1-1,000 chance: emailme via chongyl2000@yahoo.com and I buy thee tehtari', even lamb,, at Lingam's,kambing?"
***************************************************
MarGeeMar said...
Malaysiakini reported today that former PM Mahathir has quit Umno. It also reported that former Kedah MB and former Agriculture Minister Sanusi Junid has also quit. It appears to me that Mahathir is trying to use Kurt Lewins philosophy of change management by asking Umno members to leave Umno now but rejoin it after Badawi 'has left the building'. This is akin to Lewins’ Freeze-Change-Unfreeze mechanism in Managing Change.
The only problem here is that the Umno members by now wouldn’t want to gamble with their political careers but would be pretty enticing and justifiable for them to be Independent MP’s, meaning they are neither BN or Pakatan Rakyat (PR). When this happens, we would actually have an interesting scenario where Pakatan Rakyat will come to power by default without even needing the ‘kataks’ (frogs) as PR will be able to form a minority Government with BN fragmented.
Why to do think former DPM Musa Hitam’s protégé Shahrir Samad is talking about a possible snap election? These UMNO racists will try anything now just to stay in power, as they know their days are numbered. The greatest fear the BN/UMNO politicians and their benefactors have is that when PR comes to power, you can just imagine the amount of dirt the new Pakatan Rakyat government will expose for all to see. You can expect even Bukit Aman to be turned inside out. Even IGP Musa Hassan’s toilet will not be spared. Say your prayers folks, for the Day of Judgement is at hand for BN/Umno and their cronies!
As for Mahathir’s use of Kurt Lewin’s Change Model for Umno, I’m afraid Mamak Tongkang’s plan will only backfire. You see, Umno, Gapena, Majlis Pemuafakatan Melayu must come to a realization that communal politics in Malaysia is history. No amount of Keris rattling is going to bring Malay support back to Umno. The same goes to non-Malay support for non-Malay BN component parties. Today, a new dawn has come to Malaysia. Today, we call ourselves as Bangsa Malaysia. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Eurasians don’t exist in this country any more. It only exists in our DNA. We are Malaysians for Ketuanan Rakyat! We are Bangsa Malaysia! Hidup Malaysia!
11:01 PM
DESIDERATA salutes the last point I highlighted, thus:
"... Today, we call ourselves as Bangsa Malaysia. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Eurasians don’t exist in this country any more. It only exists in our DNA. We are Malaysians for Ketuanan Rakyat! We are Bangsa Malaysia! Hidup Malaysia!"
On other accounts, please invest RM1.20 on The People's Paper which must be selling better in view of the March 8 political Tsunami, and now the after-shocks.
Tuesday May 20, 2008
Dr M quits Umno
ALOR STAR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has announced he is quitting Umno, in what is seen as his final push to force Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down as Prime Minister and party president.
His wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali has also quit, according to his website www.chedet.com
Dr Mahathir also called on Umno members to join him in this radical move, which he likened to “removing gangrene” in order for the party to survive.
Except for two party veterans and one branch in the Merbok division, there were no other takers.
Fans gather: Several people surrounding Dr Mahathir (centre) as he leaves the forum venue after announcing he was quitting Umno in Alor Star Monday.
Abdullah, who expressed shock at Dr Mahathir's decision, however, reiterated that he would not give in to the pressure from the former premier.
Party deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak offered to meet Dr Mahathir to “discuss the decision” to quit.
Dr Mahathir has been on the warpath against Abdullah since 2004, claiming his successor was unfit for the job and has stepped up his attacks after Barisan Nasional's disastrous results in the March 8 general election.
Related Stories:
(Which Desi won't LINK as he does not wish to make any ER a lazy BUMmer like him. One is more than enough at Desi's Place!:): But to show I am democratic in Blogospheric overage, even on UMNO affairs, I gift my ER the Dr Mahathir's target's views after this! -- YL Chong
*********************************************
Dr M cuts ties with Umno
PM refuses to be cowed by ‘shocking’ decision
PAS man lit the ‘resignation’ fuse
Najib: I’m willing to meet Dr M
A desperate plea to Umno
Reconsider decision, Ka Chuan urges Mahathir
Umno leaders shocked at move
Ku Li: I’ll stay to fight Abdullah
Mahathir’s decision a blessing, says Musa
Dissatisfaction against leadership
A contest of wills and wiles
Nik Aziz happy with Dr M’s move
300 Merbok branch members take the cue from Dr Mahathir
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's journey in Umno
**************************************************
Tuesday May 20, 2008
PM refuses to be cowed by ‘shocking’ decision
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he will not bow to pressure from former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign as prime minister and Umno president.
He said he was “shocked and surprised” over Dr Mahathir’s sudden decision to quit Umno, calling the move a drastic action.
He also said the resignation and call to other members to quit would not shatter the party as Umno had over three million members.
“Maybe some will leave but I believe most of them still love Umno. I don’t know what Umno members are going to do but I would like to believe that the members will not leave,” he said.
He urged Umno members to be taat setia (loyal) to the party and stay strong to continue the party’s struggle just like when it was first founded, adding that Umno’s existence was due to member loyalty.
“I, as an Umno member, from the beginning until now, have never left the party and I will continue to fight for the party.
“Umno has contributed much to the country and the people of all races, and we want Umno to continue the struggle,” he said after meeting party vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam here yesterday.
Abdullah hoped that Umno members would think carefully before making any decision.
He believed that the majority of party members would stay true to Umno.
“Leaving Umno means leaving Barisan Nasional, that’s what it is,” he said, adding that he also believed that those who were likely to quit would not be among the MPs.
He said this when asked to comment on whether the resignation of Umno MPs would reduce the number of Barisan MPs in Parliament.
Abdullah also said he did not see why he should quit as Umno president and prime minister, as he “still had work to do”.
On whether he would meet Dr Mahathir personally to advise him against his decision, he said: “Don’t ask me that question.”
He also refused to comment on Dr Mahathir’s statement that the latter would only return to the party when Abdullah steps down from his party and government positions.
PS: I spend quite some time -- "quite" here can mean either "a little", "substantial", or "a lot" your pick! as I often say, I am pretty democratic wit' my ER who have a SENse of humour buying Desi tehtari'! -- surfing Blogs, and at rockybru's just now, I spied a Commenter's comment (what else you ask!) which I find worthwhile to reproduce here.
I tried to get the Commenter's permission as I seldom reprise other Comments at mGf's blogs -- but this one calls for exception, as inlife, one cannot be absolutely stickily inflexible. But when I mouse-d on ,it led to a non-active blogsite...or rather access is not open to BUMmers like Desi, I dunno y!:(
"Dear MarGeeMar if you are reading this by 1-1,000 chance: emailme via chongyl2000@yahoo.com and I buy thee tehtari', even lamb,, at Lingam's,kambing?"
***************************************************
MarGeeMar said...
Malaysiakini reported today that former PM Mahathir has quit Umno. It also reported that former Kedah MB and former Agriculture Minister Sanusi Junid has also quit. It appears to me that Mahathir is trying to use Kurt Lewins philosophy of change management by asking Umno members to leave Umno now but rejoin it after Badawi 'has left the building'. This is akin to Lewins’ Freeze-Change-Unfreeze mechanism in Managing Change.
The only problem here is that the Umno members by now wouldn’t want to gamble with their political careers but would be pretty enticing and justifiable for them to be Independent MP’s, meaning they are neither BN or Pakatan Rakyat (PR). When this happens, we would actually have an interesting scenario where Pakatan Rakyat will come to power by default without even needing the ‘kataks’ (frogs) as PR will be able to form a minority Government with BN fragmented.
Why to do think former DPM Musa Hitam’s protégé Shahrir Samad is talking about a possible snap election? These UMNO racists will try anything now just to stay in power, as they know their days are numbered. The greatest fear the BN/UMNO politicians and their benefactors have is that when PR comes to power, you can just imagine the amount of dirt the new Pakatan Rakyat government will expose for all to see. You can expect even Bukit Aman to be turned inside out. Even IGP Musa Hassan’s toilet will not be spared. Say your prayers folks, for the Day of Judgement is at hand for BN/Umno and their cronies!
As for Mahathir’s use of Kurt Lewin’s Change Model for Umno, I’m afraid Mamak Tongkang’s plan will only backfire. You see, Umno, Gapena, Majlis Pemuafakatan Melayu must come to a realization that communal politics in Malaysia is history. No amount of Keris rattling is going to bring Malay support back to Umno. The same goes to non-Malay support for non-Malay BN component parties. Today, a new dawn has come to Malaysia. Today, we call ourselves as Bangsa Malaysia. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Eurasians don’t exist in this country any more. It only exists in our DNA. We are Malaysians for Ketuanan Rakyat! We are Bangsa Malaysia! Hidup Malaysia!
11:01 PM
DESIDERATA salutes the last point I highlighted, thus:
"... Today, we call ourselves as Bangsa Malaysia. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Eurasians don’t exist in this country any more. It only exists in our DNA. We are Malaysians for Ketuanan Rakyat! We are Bangsa Malaysia! Hidup Malaysia!"
I have two saucy mGf from the hgh Cs!
So this morning I start wit' borrowed gems from one resident at
promptus.blogspot.com just as I closed lust night wit' the Other
resident at cyusof.blogspot.com. I'm aweways fair to my mates!
"There is nothing so bad that politics cannot make it worse."
"There is nothing that politicians like better than handing out benefits to be paid for by someone else."
"In politics, the truth is strictly optional and that also seems to be true in parts of the media."
"You have to have a sense of humor if you follow politics. Otherwise, the sheer fraudulence of it all will get you down."
"What is history but the story of how politicians have squandered the blood and treasure of the human race?"
Thomas Sowell
promptus.blogspot.com just as I closed lust night wit' the Other
resident at cyusof.blogspot.com. I'm aweways fair to my mates!
"There is nothing so bad that politics cannot make it worse."
"There is nothing that politicians like better than handing out benefits to be paid for by someone else."
"In politics, the truth is strictly optional and that also seems to be true in parts of the media."
"You have to have a sense of humor if you follow politics. Otherwise, the sheer fraudulence of it all will get you down."
"What is history but the story of how politicians have squandered the blood and treasure of the human race?"
Thomas Sowell
Monday, May 19, 2008
Dr Mahathir De News-maker, Aweways
I am C&Ping from the NST Online a news development that's historic because of the Player involved -- Yes, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who ruled NegaraKu for 22 long years with an iron fist.
The former Prime Minister who handed over the reins of power to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in November 2003 willingly now acknowledges he has made a BIG mistake in picking Mr Nice Guy as his successor.
My picking up this report is mainly FOR THE RECORD, this being Wesak Day holiday I had not planned to write anything, but leisurely surfing for past one hour saw Dr Mahathir's latest "move" totally IN CHARACTER with the person/personality I know as a journalist tracking the ex-PM's acts and scenes on the UMNO Stage.
I have said often you either like Dr M or you hate him -- seldom there's the shades of love-hate inbetweens. But one thing all newhounds like about him-- Dr M never fails in giving the press contents for GOOD COPIES!
So here's another one, and before September 16, 2008, expect at least ONE MORE NEWS-BREAKING -- or is it NERVE-CRACKING? -- MOVE!
2008/05/19
Dr M quits Umno after accepting ‘dare’ to be first to resign
By : Noor Adzman Baharuddin & Adib Povera
ALOR STAR, Mon:
After goading Umno members today to temporarily resign from Umno as a sign of protest against the party president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took up a “dare” to take the lead by resigning from the party he had been a founding member of since
1946. However, he implored Umno members taking up his challenge not to join any other party and remain independent, at least until the Umno leadership was determined (after the December party elections). He indicated that he will only rejoin the party when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down as Umno president.
Dr Mahathir, an Umno life member, was answering questions from the floor after giving a talk at a forum entitled 'Future of the Malays after the 12th General Election' at the Star City Hotel in Alor Star, organised by the Kedah Malay Assembly Hall, when a member of the audience asked him if he would take the lead in quitting Umno.
Identifying himself as Ismail Jaziz, he asked Dr Mahathir if he would take the lead since he had mooted the idea. To this, Dr Mahathir, in a serious tone said: “Waa, saya di cabar ni…(looks like I have been dared). Yes, I will leave Umno...until the party leadership is determined. Other Umno members should follow me.”
Loud cheers erupted from the 1,500 attendees, which included assembly chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad, Jerlun Umno division chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin, State Assemblyman for Kuala Nerang Datuk Syed Sobri Syed Hashim, State Assemblywoman for Sungai Tiang Suraya Yaacob and former Kedah Menteri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.
"Malays, Umno members and many other people have sent Abdullah messages to express dissatisfaction with his leadership, especially after the March 8 general election but he remains unaffected. We have to be radical and brave and this is the only way to bring him down," he said.
It is not immediately clear if his son, Datuk Mukhriz, also the MP for Jerlun and an Umno Youth Exco member, would follow suit. Another of Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Mokhzani, was reported as saying that his father's decision was a “sign of no confidence” in Abdullah’s leadership.
Abdullah, in an immediate reaction, expressed shock at Dr Mahathir's resignation, saying" I didn't expect him to leave but I will continue to fight for the party."
One notable Umno leader who has apparently took on Dr Mahathir's call to resign is Sanusi, who said he will release an official statement later.
However, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, once Dr Mahathir's greatest foe but now seen as a key ally, dismissed expectations that he too would quit Umno, saying that he will continue with his bid to challenge Abdullah for the party presidency in the December party elections.
Datuk Shahrir Samad, an Umno supreme council member and Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, was quoted by AFP as saying that Dr Mahathir's resignation may precipitate a general election.
"The shock resignation may compel many Umkno members, especially MPs, to quit Umno, thus forcing the Prime Minister to form a new Government or call for a snap election," Shahrir was quoted as saying.
The former Prime Minister's announcement also caught his aides by surprise.
Dr Mahathir explained that this was not the first time he was out of Umno. “Between 1969 and 1970, I was expelled from Umno but later, when many Malays and Umno members still supported me, I re-entered Umno. There was no problem. Just don’t join other parties.”
At a Press conference later, Dr Mahathir said he will submit his resignation from Umno as soon as possible.
He explained that that he decided to leave Umno because he felt the party could no longer serve as a genuine political party to protect Malay rights and interests, Umno's founding objectives.
Dr Mahathir claimed Umno had now been made a party to only recognise Abdullah as Umno president and accord importance to the prime minister's family interests, with the nation's welfare taking a backseat.
"I can list out the things that Abdullah had done to the detriment of our nation's interests," he said. "The Umno of today no longer holds to the party's founding goals when it was formed 62 years ago. That is why I have no hesitation whatsoever to leave the party," he said.
Dr Mahathir said it was high time for Umno members who love the party to be bold for the future of Malays and that such a move would not cause the Malays to lose their political power.
"The Malays would not lose their political power. They want to correct things not because they simply want to leave. If they are brave to safeguard the party and the Malay struggles, then they must also be brave to take actions. However, we find that many Umno members can't even attend certain gatherings...division chairmen also cannot attend...what is this?"
Dr Mahathir said when Tengku Razaleigh opposed him in 1988, former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had thrown his support for his opponent but he had never stopped any member to campaign against him (Dr Mahathir).
"Now, we cannot say anything against the prime minister or the party president. This is not Umno," he said.
Asked if Umno state assemblymen and MPs should also quit the party, he said they should if they truly love the party.
Asked if his call and decision could be construed as him giving up on Umno, Dr Mahathir said he would not ask others to follow him if he himself was afraid to do so.
Asked if his call would give added pressure for Abdullah to resign from his posts soon, Mahathir said: "I don't know about pressure. This man could not understand anything."
Dr Mahathir insisted that his resignation had nothing to do with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip.
"That is a court matter and I go to the courts. If they make allegations against me, I could also do the same and if I am found guilty, they can put me in jail but if I am not guilty, please don't arrest me anyway," he said. “I am just protesting against the Abdullah’s leadership of Umno and country."
In their report leaked to the Press, the Commission of Inquiry named Dr Mahathir, lawyer Datuk V. K. Lingam, former chief justices Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Tun Eusoff Chin, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan and former tourism minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, for conspiring to fix the appointments and promotions of judges.
The government's then instructed the Attorney-General to begin investigations into the six figures named but Dr Mahathir responded by claiming that he would "not settle for less" than his day in court so that he could defend himself against allegations that he was at the centre of a judicial appointments scandal in 2001.
Dr Mahathir had hoped that when investigations into the conspiracy were completed, he would be charged so that he can reveal what really went on behind the scenes at the time, including instances of judges lobbying him for promotions.
Mahathir’s resignation was a culmination of two years of vitriolic criticisms against Abdullah. Dr Mahathir began finding fault with Abdullah after the latter cancelled several mega projects initiated by the ex-PM, notably the new bridge that would link Singapore with Johor Baru.
In an immediate reaction, former Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat said Dr Mahathir is was the only leader who left Umno, pointing to Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn who never returned to Umno.
“Yet, they were founding fathers of the party. They never return to the party after retiring so there is nothing unusual about his resignation. It has happened in the past and it happens now. It is unfortunate that after making so much noise, he is leaving the party.
“His leaving would not have a serious effect to the party and I do not think that his action will be heeded by other members as they still love the party. After the last general election, Umno members have reflected deeply on what they should do to revive and revitalise Umno. They would not desert the party.”
MCA vice president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the resignation came as a shock to him because he never expected Dr Mahathir to do it. “Not at this juncture. At the moment, I am not sure what sort of effect or ripples it will cause BN and MCA. But I am convinced Umno, as an established party within the BN coalition, would have sufficient experience and maturity in resolving such problem. What is more important now is for BN to stay firmly together”.
Gerakan secretary general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye expressed shock at Dr Mahathir’s resignation. “This is shocking, it’s hard to believe. I hope this will not bring further instability to Barisan Nasional. I also hope things will settle down and the matter resolved in a calm manner.”
MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said it was unfortunate for Dr Mahathir to resign from the party which he had been a president for a long time. “His instigating others to follow suit in light of the current problems faced by the party, will further weaken it. We hope other members will be clear-headed in this matter.”
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said Dr Mahathir’s resignation sent shock waves because of his immense influence among Umno grassroots.” I think the nation is in for some exciting politics,” he said.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Liew Vui Keong said Dr Mahathir’s decision should be respected and accepted by all concerned. “I can only wish him the best. His resignation may cause a ripple, but how far it will have an effect is best left to the party.”
Sabah Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Yahya Hussin described the resignation as “very unfortunate” because he was “our president.”
PS:I found this peace of flotsam along Sungei Ujong late this evening -- I didn't know there were swans in Seremban Ribber. Are we now twoinned wit' Perth, Capt Yu...The Great White is kambing!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Swan Song
Picturise the picture that the
tsunami swept away!:(
(Source: Malaysiakini)
The silver Swan, who living had no Note,
when Death approached, unlocked her silent throat.
Leaning her breast against the reedy shore,
thus sang her first and last, and sang no more:
"Farewell, all joys! O Death, come close mine eyes!
"More Geese than Swans now live, more Fools than Wise"
- Orlando Gibbons, The Silver Swan
In a breaking news, Malaysiakini reports, here, that former UMNO president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today announced that he was quitting UMNO with immediate effect and urged other members to emulate him. "I will only come back to the party when there is a change in leadership," the ex-premier said. However, he asked these members not to join other political parties.
Well, he has jumped ship, which is clearly sinking into murky waters and hoping that his other misguided and delusional ship mates will join him. Lets hope the sharks don't get him first.
He also probably must have thought that this was going to be his last hurrah, but it may just turn out to be his swan song instead.
Logged by The Ancient Mariner at 16:37
The former Prime Minister who handed over the reins of power to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in November 2003 willingly now acknowledges he has made a BIG mistake in picking Mr Nice Guy as his successor.
My picking up this report is mainly FOR THE RECORD, this being Wesak Day holiday I had not planned to write anything, but leisurely surfing for past one hour saw Dr Mahathir's latest "move" totally IN CHARACTER with the person/personality I know as a journalist tracking the ex-PM's acts and scenes on the UMNO Stage.
I have said often you either like Dr M or you hate him -- seldom there's the shades of love-hate inbetweens. But one thing all newhounds like about him-- Dr M never fails in giving the press contents for GOOD COPIES!
So here's another one, and before September 16, 2008, expect at least ONE MORE NEWS-BREAKING -- or is it NERVE-CRACKING? -- MOVE!
2008/05/19
Dr M quits Umno after accepting ‘dare’ to be first to resign
By : Noor Adzman Baharuddin & Adib Povera
ALOR STAR, Mon:
After goading Umno members today to temporarily resign from Umno as a sign of protest against the party president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took up a “dare” to take the lead by resigning from the party he had been a founding member of since
1946. However, he implored Umno members taking up his challenge not to join any other party and remain independent, at least until the Umno leadership was determined (after the December party elections). He indicated that he will only rejoin the party when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down as Umno president.
Dr Mahathir, an Umno life member, was answering questions from the floor after giving a talk at a forum entitled 'Future of the Malays after the 12th General Election' at the Star City Hotel in Alor Star, organised by the Kedah Malay Assembly Hall, when a member of the audience asked him if he would take the lead in quitting Umno.
Identifying himself as Ismail Jaziz, he asked Dr Mahathir if he would take the lead since he had mooted the idea. To this, Dr Mahathir, in a serious tone said: “Waa, saya di cabar ni…(looks like I have been dared). Yes, I will leave Umno...until the party leadership is determined. Other Umno members should follow me.”
Loud cheers erupted from the 1,500 attendees, which included assembly chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad, Jerlun Umno division chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin, State Assemblyman for Kuala Nerang Datuk Syed Sobri Syed Hashim, State Assemblywoman for Sungai Tiang Suraya Yaacob and former Kedah Menteri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.
"Malays, Umno members and many other people have sent Abdullah messages to express dissatisfaction with his leadership, especially after the March 8 general election but he remains unaffected. We have to be radical and brave and this is the only way to bring him down," he said.
It is not immediately clear if his son, Datuk Mukhriz, also the MP for Jerlun and an Umno Youth Exco member, would follow suit. Another of Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Mokhzani, was reported as saying that his father's decision was a “sign of no confidence” in Abdullah’s leadership.
Abdullah, in an immediate reaction, expressed shock at Dr Mahathir's resignation, saying" I didn't expect him to leave but I will continue to fight for the party."
One notable Umno leader who has apparently took on Dr Mahathir's call to resign is Sanusi, who said he will release an official statement later.
However, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, once Dr Mahathir's greatest foe but now seen as a key ally, dismissed expectations that he too would quit Umno, saying that he will continue with his bid to challenge Abdullah for the party presidency in the December party elections.
Datuk Shahrir Samad, an Umno supreme council member and Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, was quoted by AFP as saying that Dr Mahathir's resignation may precipitate a general election.
"The shock resignation may compel many Umkno members, especially MPs, to quit Umno, thus forcing the Prime Minister to form a new Government or call for a snap election," Shahrir was quoted as saying.
The former Prime Minister's announcement also caught his aides by surprise.
Dr Mahathir explained that this was not the first time he was out of Umno. “Between 1969 and 1970, I was expelled from Umno but later, when many Malays and Umno members still supported me, I re-entered Umno. There was no problem. Just don’t join other parties.”
At a Press conference later, Dr Mahathir said he will submit his resignation from Umno as soon as possible.
He explained that that he decided to leave Umno because he felt the party could no longer serve as a genuine political party to protect Malay rights and interests, Umno's founding objectives.
Dr Mahathir claimed Umno had now been made a party to only recognise Abdullah as Umno president and accord importance to the prime minister's family interests, with the nation's welfare taking a backseat.
"I can list out the things that Abdullah had done to the detriment of our nation's interests," he said. "The Umno of today no longer holds to the party's founding goals when it was formed 62 years ago. That is why I have no hesitation whatsoever to leave the party," he said.
Dr Mahathir said it was high time for Umno members who love the party to be bold for the future of Malays and that such a move would not cause the Malays to lose their political power.
"The Malays would not lose their political power. They want to correct things not because they simply want to leave. If they are brave to safeguard the party and the Malay struggles, then they must also be brave to take actions. However, we find that many Umno members can't even attend certain gatherings...division chairmen also cannot attend...what is this?"
Dr Mahathir said when Tengku Razaleigh opposed him in 1988, former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had thrown his support for his opponent but he had never stopped any member to campaign against him (Dr Mahathir).
"Now, we cannot say anything against the prime minister or the party president. This is not Umno," he said.
Asked if Umno state assemblymen and MPs should also quit the party, he said they should if they truly love the party.
Asked if his call and decision could be construed as him giving up on Umno, Dr Mahathir said he would not ask others to follow him if he himself was afraid to do so.
Asked if his call would give added pressure for Abdullah to resign from his posts soon, Mahathir said: "I don't know about pressure. This man could not understand anything."
Dr Mahathir insisted that his resignation had nothing to do with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip.
"That is a court matter and I go to the courts. If they make allegations against me, I could also do the same and if I am found guilty, they can put me in jail but if I am not guilty, please don't arrest me anyway," he said. “I am just protesting against the Abdullah’s leadership of Umno and country."
In their report leaked to the Press, the Commission of Inquiry named Dr Mahathir, lawyer Datuk V. K. Lingam, former chief justices Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Tun Eusoff Chin, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan and former tourism minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, for conspiring to fix the appointments and promotions of judges.
The government's then instructed the Attorney-General to begin investigations into the six figures named but Dr Mahathir responded by claiming that he would "not settle for less" than his day in court so that he could defend himself against allegations that he was at the centre of a judicial appointments scandal in 2001.
Dr Mahathir had hoped that when investigations into the conspiracy were completed, he would be charged so that he can reveal what really went on behind the scenes at the time, including instances of judges lobbying him for promotions.
Mahathir’s resignation was a culmination of two years of vitriolic criticisms against Abdullah. Dr Mahathir began finding fault with Abdullah after the latter cancelled several mega projects initiated by the ex-PM, notably the new bridge that would link Singapore with Johor Baru.
In an immediate reaction, former Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat said Dr Mahathir is was the only leader who left Umno, pointing to Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn who never returned to Umno.
“Yet, they were founding fathers of the party. They never return to the party after retiring so there is nothing unusual about his resignation. It has happened in the past and it happens now. It is unfortunate that after making so much noise, he is leaving the party.
“His leaving would not have a serious effect to the party and I do not think that his action will be heeded by other members as they still love the party. After the last general election, Umno members have reflected deeply on what they should do to revive and revitalise Umno. They would not desert the party.”
MCA vice president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the resignation came as a shock to him because he never expected Dr Mahathir to do it. “Not at this juncture. At the moment, I am not sure what sort of effect or ripples it will cause BN and MCA. But I am convinced Umno, as an established party within the BN coalition, would have sufficient experience and maturity in resolving such problem. What is more important now is for BN to stay firmly together”.
Gerakan secretary general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye expressed shock at Dr Mahathir’s resignation. “This is shocking, it’s hard to believe. I hope this will not bring further instability to Barisan Nasional. I also hope things will settle down and the matter resolved in a calm manner.”
MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said it was unfortunate for Dr Mahathir to resign from the party which he had been a president for a long time. “His instigating others to follow suit in light of the current problems faced by the party, will further weaken it. We hope other members will be clear-headed in this matter.”
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said Dr Mahathir’s resignation sent shock waves because of his immense influence among Umno grassroots.” I think the nation is in for some exciting politics,” he said.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Liew Vui Keong said Dr Mahathir’s decision should be respected and accepted by all concerned. “I can only wish him the best. His resignation may cause a ripple, but how far it will have an effect is best left to the party.”
Sabah Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Yahya Hussin described the resignation as “very unfortunate” because he was “our president.”
PS:I found this peace of flotsam along Sungei Ujong late this evening -- I didn't know there were swans in Seremban Ribber. Are we now twoinned wit' Perth, Capt Yu...The Great White is kambing!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Swan Song
Picturise the picture that the
tsunami swept away!:(
(Source: Malaysiakini)
The silver Swan, who living had no Note,
when Death approached, unlocked her silent throat.
Leaning her breast against the reedy shore,
thus sang her first and last, and sang no more:
"Farewell, all joys! O Death, come close mine eyes!
"More Geese than Swans now live, more Fools than Wise"
- Orlando Gibbons, The Silver Swan
In a breaking news, Malaysiakini reports, here, that former UMNO president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today announced that he was quitting UMNO with immediate effect and urged other members to emulate him. "I will only come back to the party when there is a change in leadership," the ex-premier said. However, he asked these members not to join other political parties.
Well, he has jumped ship, which is clearly sinking into murky waters and hoping that his other misguided and delusional ship mates will join him. Lets hope the sharks don't get him first.
He also probably must have thought that this was going to be his last hurrah, but it may just turn out to be his swan song instead.
Logged by The Ancient Mariner at 16:37
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