MCA given assurance
Khairy has no intention of hurting Chinese
Page N18 of The Star today features a story centring on what essentially, as hinted by the headlines, involved a statement made by the UMNO Youth deputy chief, KJ, which was deemed to have been "insulting" to the Chinese. And it seems all such controversies and hurts could be "settled" ("kau tim" is often used by the Chinese community in a derogatory way -- meaning that a problem is "settled" outside the normal legal channels, by often bending the rules...)
(IMAgine) Pic of Khairy: Had explained to
Hishamuddin that his
remark was misunderstood
(imaGINE) Pic of Ling: Told Khairy that the
MCA had never taken advan-
tage of the situation in Umno
Desi's NOT going into the details of the case -- some cheap publicity is given to KJ, the famous/infammous son-in-lah to the Prime Minister, and his MCA counterpart, King Hee Leong, who I wrote substantively in yesterday's "bonus"link Post to one ER Mave SM's trick comment on "Mat Rempits" -- sorrrry for sidetracking. This does not qualify as digression, as there is some link, though vague, but verifiable.
WORRYING TREND1:
Some Malay or English-inciting speech or controversy kicked by by an UMBNO or MCA leader can be "kau tim" just by a meeting between UMNO and MCA leaders, top or second or third-echelon.
So why not "kau tim" with a mere meet over tehtarik between a "Malay" scribe and a "Chinese" scribe? Or between an "Indian" scribe and a "Chinese" Scribe and a "Malay" scribe"?
I hate putting "inverted commas" over the ethnic references because I'm offended that after almost 49 years of Independence, we still need to refer to out ethnic classes.
We are are first and foremost MALAYSIAN, Yes or No?
WORRYING TREND2:
BIG words and phrases like "verifiable", "first and foremost" are used sometimes by this Scribe because some quarters have no idea what constitute the ordinary meaning of English words used oin Blogsworld, and when they are used as IDIOMS, and also when used as HYPERBOLE.
The current case involving Blogosphere sifu@screenchots.com, Jeff Ooi, is a case in point. If you don't know what I'm talking about, here's my latest Comment hint, and then Get outa of here and pay Jeff a visit! Give him some moral support-lah:)
"Both references under "hearing" were each -- borrowing nexnews' words -- "is an idiomatic expression commonly used is English".
It's much ado about nothing -- so Ilmran and Commenters' are assured by Jeff's words -- don't lose sleep over this case.
My parting shot to Nexnews Ho, Guna and Nades -- What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Don't gun for Desi, okay! ~~ I'm merely using another English adage.
Posted by: desiderata | August 22, 2006 09:58 AM "
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORRYING TREND3:
Coming! The wolf was spootted but now has run off to hide in the forest of words and changing trends, may emerge as a sheep!
~~~~~~~~~~~
minor worrying trend4:
And even one of mGf is worrying DEsi with three "comments" at DEsi's Place -- replicated at my official Email -- which I COULD NOT track down at Comments at my recent Posts.
Hey, visitor in da steal of the nightie, art thou burying your shy comments in my archives? Your lates refers, reprised from my Email's account~~"DEsi,
This is Ah Moi's blog oi! How come you make so many comments ah...
'
Got pay royalty or not?
--
Posted by Maverick SM to desiderata-ylchong at 8/22/2006 01:26:40 AM
DeleteReplyForwardSpamMove...
Worrying ...because I can't blardy "trace" the comments now numbering THREE at the POsts' comments channle.
Hey, bruddeer, don't hit-and-run! Shoot me if you can, but don't hit...below the belt!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Angelising the Demons, Is it Possible?
mGf mave sm seeks my opinion on the Mat Rempits issue.
I searched for the original item -- here follows tghe Bernama report~~
Rebranding Of 'Mat Rempit' On The Cards
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Illegal motorcycle riders or "Mat Rempit" will be rebranded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at an assembly in the Bukit Jalil National Stadium this November, says Putera Umno Chairman Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.
He said the rebranding of Mat Rempit was to change the illegal race participants' image towards something better, and "we are thinking of a suitable name like Mat Cemerlang (Excellent Mat)."
"We are finding a proper direction for them. We could not stop them to continue with their interests but we can guide them to find a direction," he told reporters after officiating the Malaysian Pengasih Association's Eighth General Meeting here Sunday.
Abdul Azeez said they should not be perceived as a threat, adding that, "If we cannot stop them, we join them. We try to understand them because they are our youths."
At the three-day assembly starting from this Nov 12, several competitions would be held for the Mat Rempit with prizes including a Satria Neo and a motorcycle.
Abdul Azeez said several things that could be learnt from these illegal riders were their strong camaraderie and a large membership of at least 5,000 riders despite being an unregistered club.
"Due to this strong bond, 30 Mat Rempit will beat us if we cause trouble with its members," he added.
He said Putera Umno did not want the bond to be inclined towards negative elements but wanted to drive the youths away from drugs and encouraged them to pursue their studies.
He said for an example, a representative from a Honda motorcycle and car dealer was impressed with the riding skills of these Mat Rempit.
The representative was also amazed with the engineering skills of the Mat Rempit, boosting the speed of their motorcycles to 180 kilometres per hour considering that the company's engineers were having difficulties to achieve a speed of 120 kilometres per hour.
He said these Mat Rempit could actually be assets in building Malaysia if they were given the chance.
Abdul Azeez said this Aug 26, he and Umno Youth Vice Chief Khairy Jamaluddin would come down to the ground on their motorcycles to meet the Mat Rempit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA:
Once I spied this name -- Putera Umno Chairman Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim -- as the protagonist of event under reference, I know there's controversy, and trouble. There have been previous incidents where this guy's academic qualifications were "questioned", then his supposed "role" in one incident of "helping" out a Datuk's son caught in a raid at a Karaoke/Spa (?) joint in Subang Jaya. Mave Sm, I don't know man, this is a tricky issue; I truly hesitate.
But since you asked for it, I give my 3sen worth.
Reading the whole item tthrough, these "guys" think they can "angelise" others linked to less than "role model" activities, and even the evangelists come with "questionable" credentials.
May I answer via two questions, then in a roundabout way?
Will a Rose called by another name lose its fragrance?
Will the poppy flower/seed now gievn a new name called pappy flower/seed be incapable of being processed into a drug?
On the MCA's youth wing, there is another sort of "evangelist" occupying the same position as his UMNO YOuth counterpart, the famous/notorious/popular/unpopular/ questionable second echelon leader of the most important political party in Malaysia.
When the mCA Youth deputy was fighting for the number 2's post at the last MCA party elections, Ling Hee Leong, or Ling Jr as his father was former Transport Ministeer as well as MCVA Prsident,and I'm not implying that his Dad had anything to do with the Jr's successful MCA Youth deputy cheif's election campaign. Ling Jr was asked about his "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" credo, whether it was a good role model for MCA young people to adopt and follow.
He justified that by saying that he had to touch base with the youths by joining them at karaoke, dinner, drinlalong, singalong sessions to foster rapport with the flock. On his past dalliance on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 1997/98, when he was flagged off by MCA-controlled media as a good role model-entrepreneur by controlling FOUR listed companies with a "little help from his (and Daddy's) baker-friends" who extended to the youngest billionaire-at-27 facilities urportedly amounting to RM1.2billion, he was "shy" to recall those "heady" stocks investing days.
In fact he went on record that he did not know one "Datuk Soh Chee Wen", accoording to a Chinese press report; but previously, media reports were a-plenty with reports they formed a "duo" more than just little known to be close business associates in the corporate world.
Now Khairy and Ling Jr, BY COINCIDENCE, are respectively waiting in line to lead "Malay" and "Chinese" youths (those who believe their ethos using UMNO and MCA-lah!) towards "towering" Malaysian status come 2020. A mere 14 yaers away -- and the likelihood that in 10 years time, they could progress to become Ministers in Barisan Nasional. Barring unforeseen circumstances. A "term" well known to market players like Ling Jr and Soh Chee Wen -- so maybe in politics,
The Postman Can Always Ring Twice as in Corporate, Yes?
I'd pray very hard that this Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim would not join Khairy's and Ling Jr's ministerial ranks in good time. With a little help from bankers, and Tuns, Tan Sris and Datuks.
When that happens, I would have nightmares, every day.
Or I would migrate-lah, wonder if any South American country would take this pauper-writer.
Mave sm -- Can you can pull some strings? Cables, better steal!
Of course, this depends on whether Desi has answerted tour question, 'rite:()
I searched for the original item -- here follows tghe Bernama report~~
Rebranding Of 'Mat Rempit' On The Cards
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Illegal motorcycle riders or "Mat Rempit" will be rebranded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at an assembly in the Bukit Jalil National Stadium this November, says Putera Umno Chairman Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.
He said the rebranding of Mat Rempit was to change the illegal race participants' image towards something better, and "we are thinking of a suitable name like Mat Cemerlang (Excellent Mat)."
"We are finding a proper direction for them. We could not stop them to continue with their interests but we can guide them to find a direction," he told reporters after officiating the Malaysian Pengasih Association's Eighth General Meeting here Sunday.
Abdul Azeez said they should not be perceived as a threat, adding that, "If we cannot stop them, we join them. We try to understand them because they are our youths."
At the three-day assembly starting from this Nov 12, several competitions would be held for the Mat Rempit with prizes including a Satria Neo and a motorcycle.
Abdul Azeez said several things that could be learnt from these illegal riders were their strong camaraderie and a large membership of at least 5,000 riders despite being an unregistered club.
"Due to this strong bond, 30 Mat Rempit will beat us if we cause trouble with its members," he added.
He said Putera Umno did not want the bond to be inclined towards negative elements but wanted to drive the youths away from drugs and encouraged them to pursue their studies.
He said for an example, a representative from a Honda motorcycle and car dealer was impressed with the riding skills of these Mat Rempit.
The representative was also amazed with the engineering skills of the Mat Rempit, boosting the speed of their motorcycles to 180 kilometres per hour considering that the company's engineers were having difficulties to achieve a speed of 120 kilometres per hour.
He said these Mat Rempit could actually be assets in building Malaysia if they were given the chance.
Abdul Azeez said this Aug 26, he and Umno Youth Vice Chief Khairy Jamaluddin would come down to the ground on their motorcycles to meet the Mat Rempit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA:
Once I spied this name -- Putera Umno Chairman Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim -- as the protagonist of event under reference, I know there's controversy, and trouble. There have been previous incidents where this guy's academic qualifications were "questioned", then his supposed "role" in one incident of "helping" out a Datuk's son caught in a raid at a Karaoke/Spa (?) joint in Subang Jaya. Mave Sm, I don't know man, this is a tricky issue; I truly hesitate.
But since you asked for it, I give my 3sen worth.
Reading the whole item tthrough, these "guys" think they can "angelise" others linked to less than "role model" activities, and even the evangelists come with "questionable" credentials.
May I answer via two questions, then in a roundabout way?
Will a Rose called by another name lose its fragrance?
Will the poppy flower/seed now gievn a new name called pappy flower/seed be incapable of being processed into a drug?
On the MCA's youth wing, there is another sort of "evangelist" occupying the same position as his UMNO YOuth counterpart, the famous/notorious/popular/unpopular/ questionable second echelon leader of the most important political party in Malaysia.
When the mCA Youth deputy was fighting for the number 2's post at the last MCA party elections, Ling Hee Leong, or Ling Jr as his father was former Transport Ministeer as well as MCVA Prsident,and I'm not implying that his Dad had anything to do with the Jr's successful MCA Youth deputy cheif's election campaign. Ling Jr was asked about his "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" credo, whether it was a good role model for MCA young people to adopt and follow.
He justified that by saying that he had to touch base with the youths by joining them at karaoke, dinner, drinlalong, singalong sessions to foster rapport with the flock. On his past dalliance on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 1997/98, when he was flagged off by MCA-controlled media as a good role model-entrepreneur by controlling FOUR listed companies with a "little help from his (and Daddy's) baker-friends" who extended to the youngest billionaire-at-27 facilities urportedly amounting to RM1.2billion, he was "shy" to recall those "heady" stocks investing days.
In fact he went on record that he did not know one "Datuk Soh Chee Wen", accoording to a Chinese press report; but previously, media reports were a-plenty with reports they formed a "duo" more than just little known to be close business associates in the corporate world.
Now Khairy and Ling Jr, BY COINCIDENCE, are respectively waiting in line to lead "Malay" and "Chinese" youths (those who believe their ethos using UMNO and MCA-lah!) towards "towering" Malaysian status come 2020. A mere 14 yaers away -- and the likelihood that in 10 years time, they could progress to become Ministers in Barisan Nasional. Barring unforeseen circumstances. A "term" well known to market players like Ling Jr and Soh Chee Wen -- so maybe in politics,
The Postman Can Always Ring Twice as in Corporate, Yes?
I'd pray very hard that this Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim would not join Khairy's and Ling Jr's ministerial ranks in good time. With a little help from bankers, and Tuns, Tan Sris and Datuks.
When that happens, I would have nightmares, every day.
Or I would migrate-lah, wonder if any South American country would take this pauper-writer.
Mave sm -- Can you can pull some strings? Cables, better steal!
Of course, this depends on whether Desi has answerted tour question, 'rite:()
The path to hell is paved with...
many good intentions.
And the CEO of Malaysia's sole and earliest to attain developed nation status State, Selangor, has said his officers have "good intentions", and hence cannot be guilty of any "wrongful" actions taken on State projects. Because his officers acted with "good intentions".
With such a pilot, soon the State's ship will reach a false dawn of heavenly state ... adopting all the Menteri Besar's own parameters of what constitute a Developed Nation Status, and even using olde 15th/16th century Melaka maps to steer the ship. Remaking of the Titanic anyone -- maybe the hero and heroine can have a wedding of the year with a State banquet lasting one 'hole month on State expense because they have brought the "good name" of Selangor to super-advanced nation status?
Imagine:
* 21-year-old campus youth caught having sex witha 15-year-old in the lush green bushes.
Officer: Her IC shows she's under the age of consent, so do you know that you can be charged with statutory rape, young man? And you're NOT even using a condom!
Youth: Sorry, tuan. I did it with good intentions.
To show her what heavenly ecstasy having sex can bring. No need drugs like syabu or heroin. Oh, I will definitely use Durex the next time -- thanks for well-intentioned avice.
** 31-year-old woman caught shop-lifting.
Officer: Why did you have to steal baby diapers and girl's wear and Dumex worth only RM100? It can land you in jail for up to two years, Puan (Lady), you know that, don't you!
Woman: Sorry, tuan. I was forced by circumstances to do it. My husband just lost her job. My third child is just one-month-old. And I couldn't go back to work as my two other children are just three- and five-year-olds. I stole with the good intentions of keeping my family in survival state.Can I appeal to your godly intentions to let me go? I promise I won't do it again...
*** Undergraduate caught "copying" during written final examinations.
Officer: Hey young man, this "cheating" can cause you to be expelled from the University, you know that, don't you?
Undergrad: Yes, Sir, I know that. But if I don't resort to "copying", I would definitely fail -- because I had to work half the time and missed half the lectures. My parents are poor rubber tappers and have to sacrifice so much for my studies' sake, and I still owe the Admin 50% of this semester's fees. Please let me off just this time.
I did it with good intentions that my family don't have to suffer for another year.
Desi: So there you have it -- Three possible scenarios where the State admin "underlings" might similar act in good faith to allow the three offenders free. Or the Undergraduate, the Woman, and the Youth could be expected to appeal to the Chief Minister's Office for intervention, with optimism for a kind heart's consideration. The MB indeed has the power to let another three offenders off the hook because they "did it with good intentions".
DESIDERATA: I wonder if the nation's CEO, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, is as kind-hearted to bend the law just a wee, little, bit.
A spiritual leader like Pak Lah must surely be "blessed with many good intentions", Yes?
From the discerning TheSun, and the emphasis is Desi's (THUS BOLDED)~~
(Web edition):
CASE CLOSED
No, Yang Berhormat, you can't decide on your own case and also cannot close the case which involves your own officers. This wouldn't sound right, would it? Only an impartial panel, after thorough investigations, can absolve the officers from blame. If there's nothing to hide, please set up a truly independent panel and hold a public inquiry and come out with the truth."
LAST week, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo blamed senior government officers for adding outdoor advertising billboards to an agreement approved by the state executive council to privatise the building and maintenance of pedestrian bridges and gantries. Asked then if heads will roll, he replied:
"We have to check. We have to see who the culprit is because at the Exco (meeting) it was stated clearly. When I chair a meeting, I remember (what was discussed) even after a year. That's why I am very confident when I say something.
"The Exco only made a decision on (pedestrian) bridges but when the agreement was signed, they added another thing ? outdoor advertising."
But on Friday, he declared that no action will be taken against the officers because "they acted in good faith", with the intention of speeding up the building of pedestrian bridges.
~~~~~~~~~~
Here is another view opposing the Honourable MB's:
`Good intentions' excuse not good enough: TI
`OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN BILLBOARDS FIASCO SHOULD NOT BE LET OFF THE HOOK'
PETALING JAYA: No civil servant should be freed from blame because he incurs expenditure in good faith or for "good intentions".
"In that case, a RM100,000 contract can end up a RM100 million contract instead if an officer just feels he should vary the contract on the basis of good intentions," Transparency International Malaysia (TI) president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said.
He was commenting on the Selangor mentri besar's decision not to take action against officials involved in an agreement with a private company regarding outdoor advertising on pedestrian bridges.
The state exco had privatised the building and maintenance of overhead bridges, gantries and road signs to a company, Bernam Kiara Sdn Bhd, but somehow outdoor advertising rights entered the picture when the agreement was signed in January last year.
The contract was signed by the then state secretary Datuk Ramlam Othman, who is now Shah Alam mayor, and his then deputy director for development, Datuk Dr Abdul Munit Kasmin.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo had on Wednesday promised to find out who had caused the mess.
However, two days later, Khir told reporters that the officers had signed the contract in good faith with the intention of speeding up the building of the pedestrian bridges.
Therefore, he sees no reason for action against them.
In response, Ramon said any variation in contract should have been brought to the attention of Mohd Khir.
"The mentri besar should not tolerate this abuse of authority as it will boomerang on him sometimes because he can be let down by his officials.
"He must discharge action and draw inspiration from the Sultan of Selangor who could commission an inquiry into this very serious matter," Ramon said.
Transparency International also hopes the Sultan would intervene to safeguard good governance in Selangor and to restore public confidence in its leadership.
"Political leaders should not think they have the sole authority to lift public officials off the hook," Ramon said.
"That decision should be left to the public through a public inquiry. Any attempt to close the case now is a violation of the principles of transparency and accountability," he said, adding the mentri besar owes taxpayers a full explanation.
DESIDERATA:
I have good intentions too. I want to invite all my ER to join me in a Merdeka Day banquet in Furong on 31 August 2006 from 8.00AM till midnight. Please bring a cheque for 1million -- my intentin is to raise that magical amount to buy our I-LAND for all our worn-out and weary Blogger frineds to adjourn to for a HI-atus, remember?
That idylic island in the sun off Terengganu, or off, Queensland Coast, down under.
RSVP by 24 August: Restricted to only 20 acceptances.
From 25-28th late-comers, surcharge of 0.1million, that's honourable penalty, yes?
Now be a good boy/gal: Can't raise that 1million, never mind. As long as you send Desi that Essay, semuanya Okay! I'd still offer tehtarik, plus choice of Furong Coffee! ~~ Desi
And the CEO of Malaysia's sole and earliest to attain developed nation status State, Selangor, has said his officers have "good intentions", and hence cannot be guilty of any "wrongful" actions taken on State projects. Because his officers acted with "good intentions".
With such a pilot, soon the State's ship will reach a false dawn of heavenly state ... adopting all the Menteri Besar's own parameters of what constitute a Developed Nation Status, and even using olde 15th/16th century Melaka maps to steer the ship. Remaking of the Titanic anyone -- maybe the hero and heroine can have a wedding of the year with a State banquet lasting one 'hole month on State expense because they have brought the "good name" of Selangor to super-advanced nation status?
Imagine:
* 21-year-old campus youth caught having sex witha 15-year-old in the lush green bushes.
Officer: Her IC shows she's under the age of consent, so do you know that you can be charged with statutory rape, young man? And you're NOT even using a condom!
Youth: Sorry, tuan. I did it with good intentions.
To show her what heavenly ecstasy having sex can bring. No need drugs like syabu or heroin. Oh, I will definitely use Durex the next time -- thanks for well-intentioned avice.
** 31-year-old woman caught shop-lifting.
Officer: Why did you have to steal baby diapers and girl's wear and Dumex worth only RM100? It can land you in jail for up to two years, Puan (Lady), you know that, don't you!
Woman: Sorry, tuan. I was forced by circumstances to do it. My husband just lost her job. My third child is just one-month-old. And I couldn't go back to work as my two other children are just three- and five-year-olds. I stole with the good intentions of keeping my family in survival state.Can I appeal to your godly intentions to let me go? I promise I won't do it again...
*** Undergraduate caught "copying" during written final examinations.
Officer: Hey young man, this "cheating" can cause you to be expelled from the University, you know that, don't you?
Undergrad: Yes, Sir, I know that. But if I don't resort to "copying", I would definitely fail -- because I had to work half the time and missed half the lectures. My parents are poor rubber tappers and have to sacrifice so much for my studies' sake, and I still owe the Admin 50% of this semester's fees. Please let me off just this time.
I did it with good intentions that my family don't have to suffer for another year.
Desi: So there you have it -- Three possible scenarios where the State admin "underlings" might similar act in good faith to allow the three offenders free. Or the Undergraduate, the Woman, and the Youth could be expected to appeal to the Chief Minister's Office for intervention, with optimism for a kind heart's consideration. The MB indeed has the power to let another three offenders off the hook because they "did it with good intentions".
DESIDERATA: I wonder if the nation's CEO, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, is as kind-hearted to bend the law just a wee, little, bit.
A spiritual leader like Pak Lah must surely be "blessed with many good intentions", Yes?
From the discerning TheSun, and the emphasis is Desi's (THUS BOLDED)~~
(Web edition):
CASE CLOSED
No, Yang Berhormat, you can't decide on your own case and also cannot close the case which involves your own officers. This wouldn't sound right, would it? Only an impartial panel, after thorough investigations, can absolve the officers from blame. If there's nothing to hide, please set up a truly independent panel and hold a public inquiry and come out with the truth."
LAST week, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo blamed senior government officers for adding outdoor advertising billboards to an agreement approved by the state executive council to privatise the building and maintenance of pedestrian bridges and gantries. Asked then if heads will roll, he replied:
"We have to check. We have to see who the culprit is because at the Exco (meeting) it was stated clearly. When I chair a meeting, I remember (what was discussed) even after a year. That's why I am very confident when I say something.
"The Exco only made a decision on (pedestrian) bridges but when the agreement was signed, they added another thing ? outdoor advertising."
But on Friday, he declared that no action will be taken against the officers because "they acted in good faith", with the intention of speeding up the building of pedestrian bridges.
~~~~~~~~~~
Here is another view opposing the Honourable MB's:
`Good intentions' excuse not good enough: TI
`OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN BILLBOARDS FIASCO SHOULD NOT BE LET OFF THE HOOK'
PETALING JAYA: No civil servant should be freed from blame because he incurs expenditure in good faith or for "good intentions".
"In that case, a RM100,000 contract can end up a RM100 million contract instead if an officer just feels he should vary the contract on the basis of good intentions," Transparency International Malaysia (TI) president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said.
He was commenting on the Selangor mentri besar's decision not to take action against officials involved in an agreement with a private company regarding outdoor advertising on pedestrian bridges.
The state exco had privatised the building and maintenance of overhead bridges, gantries and road signs to a company, Bernam Kiara Sdn Bhd, but somehow outdoor advertising rights entered the picture when the agreement was signed in January last year.
The contract was signed by the then state secretary Datuk Ramlam Othman, who is now Shah Alam mayor, and his then deputy director for development, Datuk Dr Abdul Munit Kasmin.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo had on Wednesday promised to find out who had caused the mess.
However, two days later, Khir told reporters that the officers had signed the contract in good faith with the intention of speeding up the building of the pedestrian bridges.
Therefore, he sees no reason for action against them.
In response, Ramon said any variation in contract should have been brought to the attention of Mohd Khir.
"The mentri besar should not tolerate this abuse of authority as it will boomerang on him sometimes because he can be let down by his officials.
"He must discharge action and draw inspiration from the Sultan of Selangor who could commission an inquiry into this very serious matter," Ramon said.
Transparency International also hopes the Sultan would intervene to safeguard good governance in Selangor and to restore public confidence in its leadership.
"Political leaders should not think they have the sole authority to lift public officials off the hook," Ramon said.
"That decision should be left to the public through a public inquiry. Any attempt to close the case now is a violation of the principles of transparency and accountability," he said, adding the mentri besar owes taxpayers a full explanation.
DESIDERATA:
I have good intentions too. I want to invite all my ER to join me in a Merdeka Day banquet in Furong on 31 August 2006 from 8.00AM till midnight. Please bring a cheque for 1million -- my intentin is to raise that magical amount to buy our I-LAND for all our worn-out and weary Blogger frineds to adjourn to for a HI-atus, remember?
That idylic island in the sun off Terengganu, or off, Queensland Coast, down under.
RSVP by 24 August: Restricted to only 20 acceptances.
From 25-28th late-comers, surcharge of 0.1million, that's honourable penalty, yes?
Now be a good boy/gal: Can't raise that 1million, never mind. As long as you send Desi that Essay, semuanya Okay! I'd still offer tehtarik, plus choice of Furong Coffee! ~~ Desi
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Another Year
Soon another Merdeka Day will dawn on us.
How has the progress of the past year as far as the nation and its ipact on you, plain Citizen Joe and Jane -- been? Good, Bad, Average?
I would be happy to hear EXCELENT, anyone?
Yes, it's another year since Desiderata and a team of bold bloggers ventured into trying our First Essay Series on Merdeka Day.
This is a call to fellow Bloggers, olde (like one year-plus if that qualifies!), new (like maiden visitors in the last seven days?) and not-so-olde & not so nu'e -- the majority of my ER here -- to join the 49th Merdeka Day celebration penning your thoughts. In Prose or in Poetry, it's okay. To each his/her own -- from your olde/young and infan perspectives, I'm again 100% democratic for the next seven days -- so the deadline is: Aug 24, 2006 but stretchiung it a little till 28 Aug, 2006 allowing accomodation for "last minute" adrenaline-flowing at max writers, including Desi himself!
For a flashback to last year's writes, go to Desi's archives of well nigh end-August 2005.
Seriously, please send me an Essay themed "My Merdeka Wish for NegaraKu", Okay!
My email: chongyl2000@yahoo.com,
and No, i don't pass on entries to the SP for approval. SP is for Special Pranch; is there such a word? You ask Desi, who do I ask?:(
Furthermore, this is not desiderata.english sundae!:)
mGf, Libbie, sent me a poem specially to mark the passage of almost 365 days.
Yes, the "mean" time of most EsteemedReaders to Desii's Place is apyly A Year and that calls for a Moment of Reflection -- for Me, you and Our Country.
I've used this Blog to help \grow NegaraKu along lines of Reason,and Rational Discourse, transcending Race, Colour or Creed, beyond Gender and Age too.
It has been a fulfilling journey.
And a greater part of this fulfilment comes from my fellow travellers.
Let's continue this Enjoyable Journey towards National Building,
for a Truly Progressive Advanced Country Status,
More in Towering Spirit and Expansive Mindset than in
Skyrising buildings and August infrastructure.
Another Year
by Libbie Richman
Yesterday is behind closed doors
Sometimes I wish it could be restored;
Today is rushing past
Moments that will not last,
Tomorrow you will wonder where time went
As the hours are spent.
Hold on to your expectations
Plunge ahead without reservation,
When doubts cause you to shed a tear
Just think how lucky you are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Out of the past we came
Taking with us moments that can't be rekindled
again;
Minutes that were sometimes nasty
Others that were nice,
Love affairs that were fire
And relationships that turned to ice.
When you expect too much of today
When you long for a moment from yesterday
When things don't seem completely clear
Just think how lucky you are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Like the shadow of water caressing the sands
Like the gentle touch of a friends hand
Like the sun that kisses the mountain top
Days move ahead, taking the hours away,
And the minutes can't be held by any clock.
Take your dreams into tomorrow
From what you've learned you can borrow;
Cherish what is sublime
The hours that are yours and mine,
And think how lucky we are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Like a love that does not possess
But fills with joy each empty recess
We are given seconds not to use in vain
To follow the sunset till the sun rises again;
So while the path is not always clear
Just remember always how lucky you are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
How has the progress of the past year as far as the nation and its ipact on you, plain Citizen Joe and Jane -- been? Good, Bad, Average?
I would be happy to hear EXCELENT, anyone?
Yes, it's another year since Desiderata and a team of bold bloggers ventured into trying our First Essay Series on Merdeka Day.
This is a call to fellow Bloggers, olde (like one year-plus if that qualifies!), new (like maiden visitors in the last seven days?) and not-so-olde & not so nu'e -- the majority of my ER here -- to join the 49th Merdeka Day celebration penning your thoughts. In Prose or in Poetry, it's okay. To each his/her own -- from your olde/young and infan perspectives, I'm again 100% democratic for the next seven days -- so the deadline is: Aug 24, 2006 but stretchiung it a little till 28 Aug, 2006 allowing accomodation for "last minute" adrenaline-flowing at max writers, including Desi himself!
For a flashback to last year's writes, go to Desi's archives of well nigh end-August 2005.
Seriously, please send me an Essay themed "My Merdeka Wish for NegaraKu", Okay!
My email: chongyl2000@yahoo.com,
and No, i don't pass on entries to the SP for approval. SP is for Special Pranch; is there such a word? You ask Desi, who do I ask?:(
Furthermore, this is not desiderata.english sundae!:)
mGf, Libbie, sent me a poem specially to mark the passage of almost 365 days.
Yes, the "mean" time of most EsteemedReaders to Desii's Place is apyly A Year and that calls for a Moment of Reflection -- for Me, you and Our Country.
I've used this Blog to help \grow NegaraKu along lines of Reason,and Rational Discourse, transcending Race, Colour or Creed, beyond Gender and Age too.
It has been a fulfilling journey.
And a greater part of this fulfilment comes from my fellow travellers.
Let's continue this Enjoyable Journey towards National Building,
for a Truly Progressive Advanced Country Status,
More in Towering Spirit and Expansive Mindset than in
Skyrising buildings and August infrastructure.
Another Year
by Libbie Richman
Yesterday is behind closed doors
Sometimes I wish it could be restored;
Today is rushing past
Moments that will not last,
Tomorrow you will wonder where time went
As the hours are spent.
Hold on to your expectations
Plunge ahead without reservation,
When doubts cause you to shed a tear
Just think how lucky you are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Out of the past we came
Taking with us moments that can't be rekindled
again;
Minutes that were sometimes nasty
Others that were nice,
Love affairs that were fire
And relationships that turned to ice.
When you expect too much of today
When you long for a moment from yesterday
When things don't seem completely clear
Just think how lucky you are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Like the shadow of water caressing the sands
Like the gentle touch of a friends hand
Like the sun that kisses the mountain top
Days move ahead, taking the hours away,
And the minutes can't be held by any clock.
Take your dreams into tomorrow
From what you've learned you can borrow;
Cherish what is sublime
The hours that are yours and mine,
And think how lucky we are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Like a love that does not possess
But fills with joy each empty recess
We are given seconds not to use in vain
To follow the sunset till the sun rises again;
So while the path is not always clear
Just remember always how lucky you are to be here
To conquer yet another year.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
"You wanna be my coffee mate"
Desi is being 100% democratic today -- my ER can fix the Post's title.
Give it a Datuk, Tan Sri or TUN for all I care -- It's Your Call.
Can be writ so many ways, viz:
You wanna be my coffee, mate? (Can be Rhetorical, but note the 'comma')
You wanna be my coffee-mate? (Can be Rhetorical, but note the 'hyphen')
You wanna be my coffee, mate! (Comma, and Verbally expressed in tone of surprise)
You wanna be my cofee-mate! (Surprise, but still note the 'hyphen')
BY now, many of my ER have accused/complained/ (rare few) complimented Desi of speaking in DDC, tongue-in-chic, whatever. WTH! -- no, NOT WTF! because it's all spoken in fun:) -- it's my Blog, so I behave like a hoRst-lah, sometimes neighing, and over-indulging in digression, which is a Blogger's privilege, and sometimes even abusing my "guests", for which I do penance by offering a choice of tehtarik, and now, coffee!
Maybe the news of Sdr Anwar Ibrahim considering running for Kofi Annan's post due to end next year has some influence on Desi's mind. Never mind, it's not significant. The "not" refers to Desi's state of mind, not Anwar's decision, which can amount to great import.(And 'import' does not equal the opposite of 'export' here, and I don't even bill Helen for this quick English lesson! LOL!:)
Disclaimer: This Post is not good for the Health of regulars like Maverick SM and his likes ...I dare not use "ilk" because I on't wanna make an enemy out of his clan ... incidentally (NOT incidently) includes one Anak Merdeka and Howsy, though I expect them to protesteth... But do you think I caresszxeth?)
Okay, what the hell is this Post about?
(One writing technique used in high school Essay-writing is to pose a Question yourself, and then proceed to answer it; you may even cite a diversionary anecdote, or quote, or song, or poem, to make it longer, like what I'm doing now...)
Let me lead you on....first Digest the following lyrics, from Lynn Anderson's greatest country hit:
ROSE GARDEN
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime
When you take you gotta give so live and let live and let go oh oh oh oh
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
I could promise you things like big diamond rings
But you don't find roses growin' on stalks of clover
So you better think it over
Well, if sweet talking you could make it come true
I would give you the world right now on a silver platter
But what would it matter
So smile for a while and let's be jolly love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
I could sing you a tune and promise you the moon
But if that's what it takes to hold you I'd just as soon let you go
But there's one thing I want you to know
You'd better look before you leap still waters run deep
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out
And you know what I'm talking about
So smile for a while and let's be jolly love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime.......
Yes, even in the best of lives -- from Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Doctors, Hawkers to Preachers and Mice-rearers -- there will always be Ups and Downs in daily living.
You can't stay forver in dreamland and not wake up to see the sunshine.
Neither wil the Good Lord let you linger in misery forever and does not give you a lifeline.
Many hands are reaching out to thee -- Will you respond to the outreached hands?
BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT TRUE FRIENDSHIP IS A TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
What am I so "preachY" today, it's not even Sunnyday?
Because, believe me, Desi also has his period -- of Highs and Lows (Normally, I would say His and Los, but that could be mis'leading my ER to believe the myth that Desi is all the time on High, whch can't be true. Afterall, I am as human as the neighbours nearest you. And in cyber-world, all our chatmates are neighbours, yes?
And in this "lo" moment, I behold this Email from mGf based overseas, which inspired this 'rite, and share:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how
things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make
it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It
seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water
and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil.
In the first she placed carrots,
in the second she placed eggs,
and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil, without saying a
word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the
carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and
placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in
a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She
did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter
to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed
the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the
coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean?"
Her mother explained each of the objects had faced the same adversity -
boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside
became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the
boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your
door, how do you respond?
Do you wish to be a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Desi in short response: thanks my dear one, I count thee as a Coffee,
I would like to be another Coffee, or at least your Coffee-mate~~
God Bless all my EsteemedReaders ~~
In Thy LO moement,
Try to be a Coffee
Giveth thee a HI.
Cheerio.
Give it a Datuk, Tan Sri or TUN for all I care -- It's Your Call.
Can be writ so many ways, viz:
You wanna be my coffee, mate? (Can be Rhetorical, but note the 'comma')
You wanna be my coffee-mate? (Can be Rhetorical, but note the 'hyphen')
You wanna be my coffee, mate! (Comma, and Verbally expressed in tone of surprise)
You wanna be my cofee-mate! (Surprise, but still note the 'hyphen')
BY now, many of my ER have accused/complained/ (rare few) complimented Desi of speaking in DDC, tongue-in-chic, whatever. WTH! -- no, NOT WTF! because it's all spoken in fun:) -- it's my Blog, so I behave like a hoRst-lah, sometimes neighing, and over-indulging in digression, which is a Blogger's privilege, and sometimes even abusing my "guests", for which I do penance by offering a choice of tehtarik, and now, coffee!
Maybe the news of Sdr Anwar Ibrahim considering running for Kofi Annan's post due to end next year has some influence on Desi's mind. Never mind, it's not significant. The "not" refers to Desi's state of mind, not Anwar's decision, which can amount to great import.(And 'import' does not equal the opposite of 'export' here, and I don't even bill Helen for this quick English lesson! LOL!:)
Disclaimer: This Post is not good for the Health of regulars like Maverick SM and his likes ...I dare not use "ilk" because I on't wanna make an enemy out of his clan ... incidentally (NOT incidently) includes one Anak Merdeka and Howsy, though I expect them to protesteth... But do you think I caresszxeth?)
Okay, what the hell is this Post about?
(One writing technique used in high school Essay-writing is to pose a Question yourself, and then proceed to answer it; you may even cite a diversionary anecdote, or quote, or song, or poem, to make it longer, like what I'm doing now...)
Let me lead you on....first Digest the following lyrics, from Lynn Anderson's greatest country hit:
ROSE GARDEN
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime
When you take you gotta give so live and let live and let go oh oh oh oh
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
I could promise you things like big diamond rings
But you don't find roses growin' on stalks of clover
So you better think it over
Well, if sweet talking you could make it come true
I would give you the world right now on a silver platter
But what would it matter
So smile for a while and let's be jolly love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
I could sing you a tune and promise you the moon
But if that's what it takes to hold you I'd just as soon let you go
But there's one thing I want you to know
You'd better look before you leap still waters run deep
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out
And you know what I'm talking about
So smile for a while and let's be jolly love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine there's gotta be a little rain sometime.......
Yes, even in the best of lives -- from Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Doctors, Hawkers to Preachers and Mice-rearers -- there will always be Ups and Downs in daily living.
You can't stay forver in dreamland and not wake up to see the sunshine.
Neither wil the Good Lord let you linger in misery forever and does not give you a lifeline.
Many hands are reaching out to thee -- Will you respond to the outreached hands?
BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT TRUE FRIENDSHIP IS A TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
What am I so "preachY" today, it's not even Sunnyday?
Because, believe me, Desi also has his period -- of Highs and Lows (Normally, I would say His and Los, but that could be mis'leading my ER to believe the myth that Desi is all the time on High, whch can't be true. Afterall, I am as human as the neighbours nearest you. And in cyber-world, all our chatmates are neighbours, yes?
And in this "lo" moment, I behold this Email from mGf based overseas, which inspired this 'rite, and share:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how
things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make
it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It
seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water
and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil.
In the first she placed carrots,
in the second she placed eggs,
and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil, without saying a
word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the
carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and
placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in
a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She
did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter
to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed
the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the
coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean?"
Her mother explained each of the objects had faced the same adversity -
boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside
became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the
boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your
door, how do you respond?
Do you wish to be a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Desi in short response: thanks my dear one, I count thee as a Coffee,
I would like to be another Coffee, or at least your Coffee-mate~~
God Bless all my EsteemedReaders ~~
In Thy LO moement,
Try to be a Coffee
Giveth thee a HI.
Cheerio.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Mr DPM, don't use the "western" bogey
It is passe.
Page N8 of The Star today refers to the Wild, wild west?
Western ideas warping young minds
KUALA LUMPUR: Some of the younger generation today have “swallowed” so much Western liberal ideology that they have begun questioning the country's policies and laws which they claim stifle freedom, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said they had, in the name of freedom, demanded flexibility in some laws and for the repeal of others.
“But it is these laws and regulations which have ensured that the country remained prosperous and stable all this while,” he said in his speech yesterday at the Main Struggle Towards Independence exhibition at the Tun Abdul Razak memorial here.
“These people do not consider that what they have been touting as freedom could cause chaos and misunderstanding. What is important to them is absolute freedom.”
Najib said such thoughts stemmed from the lack of understanding and appreciation of the country’s history.
“If we do not know something from the beginning to the end, then it’s very easy to make assumptions based on what we see on the surface.
“Such actions based on shallow assumptions can be destructive to our people and the country.”
Najib said the younger generation should accept that the action taken by the Government was in line with the realities and situation of the country, and and not follow the philosophy of others.
“These post-Independence kids do not realise that racial harmony today did not happen on its own. It is the result of thorough planning on the part of the Government to make sure that the sharing of power and distribution of wealth is fair to all races,” he said.
“They do not understand how difficult it was for us to develop this country from a poor nation to one that is highly regarded by other countries.”
Najib also launched the book Cabinet Governing in Malaysia written by Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
The hardcover English copy costs RM100. The book is currently being translated into Malay.
DESIDERATA: Sometimes I just want to throw my arms up, like Y&A Sabrina Tan down in LOTR territory. (I remember Mave's counsel, NO DDC like terratry or terrortry, and keep it short, like miniskirts:)
NO, it' just that some of our leaders find IT so convenient to blame the Young -- also the "western" bogey. Does the DPM really believe in what he's saying?
Questioning a country' laws -- is that a privilege only of western democracies?
Younger generation, really?
To my mind, most of all countries which became independent from Colonialist GREAT BRITAIN adopted the Westminster model of parliamentary democratic adminstration, e.g. India, Singapore and Malaysia.
That's not necesarily a bad thing, unless some better-informed leaders think that what's good for them -- obtaining a Western education in the UK aand returning to become the ruling elite -- is not so good for other fellow Malaysians.
So this "freedom" preached by the more modest sounding United Kingdom -- whihch was what drove our Independence fighters to champion Merdeka -- presently is now becoming a "threat" to Malaysia's democratic government. Especially to the Young so much influenced by Western ways and trends?
(Just an aside, I think some sections of Asian societies lice far more decadent lives -- long string of wives/mistresses/concurbines and resplendent banquets lasting days? Did the Westerners blame their society ills on influence from the East? I never heard any...)
So various quarters, mainy nongovernmental organisations, have called for the repeal of the Internal Security Act, the Printing Presses and Publications 1984 Act -- but the leaders of such NGOS would hardly qualify as "young", Mr Deputy Prime Minister, No?
IN fact Desi wished that Najib Tun Razak, who benefited from a partial western education too, was right in that more of such "young" people were among the groups calling for the abolishment of repressive laws. It would then show that our Young Minds can think in line with modern and fast changing times, and are progresive in their outlook, not like "frogs under the coconut shell"!
I think our Young Minds -- especially undergraduates at the local universities -- are sso well brain-washed by the Authorities, and kept in check by oppressive legislation like the Univerities and University Colleges Act -- are so closeted that they have become "inarticulate and unexpressive and lacking a critical mind". No less than an academic luminary Profesor Emeritus Dr Khoo Kay Kim had lamented that he found many of our local graduates hardly able to "communicate", what more engage in intelligent and critical discourse.
Maybe the YB DPM does not think feedback from the older generation of academics and profesionals (like representatives of the Bar Council and Malaysian Medical Association) qualify as "mature" and independent of so-called "western" (read: negative)influence?
When politicians want to shift attention of the public from more important problems facing the nation,they resort to "bogeymen". I'm afraid the May 13, 1969 bogey will stay around for some decades to come when General Elections draw nigh.
Wonder if these national leaders think that Malaysia has not entered the Internet age? Follow the leader no matter what?
"Do as I say, Not What I do" -- how about adopting this new credo, Mr Barisan Nasional adminstrators. Yeah, change lifetyle!
Have your holiday locally, don't go to Hollywood or Tokyo Disneyland.
But the villagers don't even venture out of their kampong more than once a year -- maybe visit the lucky Uncle in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, during their Hari Raya, Deepevali or Kong Hee festival -- that's their luxury Vacation.
Create more Musa Aman, Khir Toyol, Mohd Ali Rustam -- they take the constituents as kindergarten kids.
Hey, dear leaders, Malaysia after some 48 years of Independence, have generally grown up beyong secondary level schooling. Even the Young Minds can see through the Little Napoleons' wearing the "transparent" Emperor's clothes -- they do read Enid Blyton or Hans Christian Andersen, you know!
Bye, I better hold my peace lest my national leaders say I prostesteth too mush. Zam already has a most difficult job to oversee as it is. Yes, maybe it may help him with the authorities licensing the Internet (remove Hollywood, and the terrible western decadence et al!); yeah, censor all serious Blogs and serious discusions.Starting with Article 11, to be followed with Arts X, Y, Z...
Give the Rakyat more fairie tale weddings costing how much? RM12,888,888. Chicken feed-lah -- we have created so many billionaires and millionaires-at-27; or missed the boat a little, at old age of 30, good enough?
Meanwhile, plantation wrokers' union leaders were/are doing a song&dance after fighting for years to get a minimum wage of RM350 (or ws it RM300?)per month for rubber tappers, oil palm planters and harvesters ...
And Petronas announced a net profit of more than RM40.00BILLION for financial year ended March 2006; yet a few months earlier the authorities said it had no choice but raise petrol pump price by 30sen per litre.
Are these leaders close to hearing the pulse of the nation and its people?
I don't know whether to laugh or cry for NegaraKu, cometh its 49th birthday.
Page N8 of The Star today refers to the Wild, wild west?
Western ideas warping young minds
KUALA LUMPUR: Some of the younger generation today have “swallowed” so much Western liberal ideology that they have begun questioning the country's policies and laws which they claim stifle freedom, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said they had, in the name of freedom, demanded flexibility in some laws and for the repeal of others.
“But it is these laws and regulations which have ensured that the country remained prosperous and stable all this while,” he said in his speech yesterday at the Main Struggle Towards Independence exhibition at the Tun Abdul Razak memorial here.
“These people do not consider that what they have been touting as freedom could cause chaos and misunderstanding. What is important to them is absolute freedom.”
Najib said such thoughts stemmed from the lack of understanding and appreciation of the country’s history.
“If we do not know something from the beginning to the end, then it’s very easy to make assumptions based on what we see on the surface.
“Such actions based on shallow assumptions can be destructive to our people and the country.”
Najib said the younger generation should accept that the action taken by the Government was in line with the realities and situation of the country, and and not follow the philosophy of others.
“These post-Independence kids do not realise that racial harmony today did not happen on its own. It is the result of thorough planning on the part of the Government to make sure that the sharing of power and distribution of wealth is fair to all races,” he said.
“They do not understand how difficult it was for us to develop this country from a poor nation to one that is highly regarded by other countries.”
Najib also launched the book Cabinet Governing in Malaysia written by Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
The hardcover English copy costs RM100. The book is currently being translated into Malay.
DESIDERATA: Sometimes I just want to throw my arms up, like Y&A Sabrina Tan down in LOTR territory. (I remember Mave's counsel, NO DDC like terratry or terrortry, and keep it short, like miniskirts:)
NO, it' just that some of our leaders find IT so convenient to blame the Young -- also the "western" bogey. Does the DPM really believe in what he's saying?
Questioning a country' laws -- is that a privilege only of western democracies?
Younger generation, really?
To my mind, most of all countries which became independent from Colonialist GREAT BRITAIN adopted the Westminster model of parliamentary democratic adminstration, e.g. India, Singapore and Malaysia.
That's not necesarily a bad thing, unless some better-informed leaders think that what's good for them -- obtaining a Western education in the UK aand returning to become the ruling elite -- is not so good for other fellow Malaysians.
So this "freedom" preached by the more modest sounding United Kingdom -- whihch was what drove our Independence fighters to champion Merdeka -- presently is now becoming a "threat" to Malaysia's democratic government. Especially to the Young so much influenced by Western ways and trends?
(Just an aside, I think some sections of Asian societies lice far more decadent lives -- long string of wives/mistresses/concurbines and resplendent banquets lasting days? Did the Westerners blame their society ills on influence from the East? I never heard any...)
So various quarters, mainy nongovernmental organisations, have called for the repeal of the Internal Security Act, the Printing Presses and Publications 1984 Act -- but the leaders of such NGOS would hardly qualify as "young", Mr Deputy Prime Minister, No?
IN fact Desi wished that Najib Tun Razak, who benefited from a partial western education too, was right in that more of such "young" people were among the groups calling for the abolishment of repressive laws. It would then show that our Young Minds can think in line with modern and fast changing times, and are progresive in their outlook, not like "frogs under the coconut shell"!
I think our Young Minds -- especially undergraduates at the local universities -- are sso well brain-washed by the Authorities, and kept in check by oppressive legislation like the Univerities and University Colleges Act -- are so closeted that they have become "inarticulate and unexpressive and lacking a critical mind". No less than an academic luminary Profesor Emeritus Dr Khoo Kay Kim had lamented that he found many of our local graduates hardly able to "communicate", what more engage in intelligent and critical discourse.
Maybe the YB DPM does not think feedback from the older generation of academics and profesionals (like representatives of the Bar Council and Malaysian Medical Association) qualify as "mature" and independent of so-called "western" (read: negative)influence?
When politicians want to shift attention of the public from more important problems facing the nation,they resort to "bogeymen". I'm afraid the May 13, 1969 bogey will stay around for some decades to come when General Elections draw nigh.
Wonder if these national leaders think that Malaysia has not entered the Internet age? Follow the leader no matter what?
"Do as I say, Not What I do" -- how about adopting this new credo, Mr Barisan Nasional adminstrators. Yeah, change lifetyle!
Have your holiday locally, don't go to Hollywood or Tokyo Disneyland.
But the villagers don't even venture out of their kampong more than once a year -- maybe visit the lucky Uncle in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, during their Hari Raya, Deepevali or Kong Hee festival -- that's their luxury Vacation.
Create more Musa Aman, Khir Toyol, Mohd Ali Rustam -- they take the constituents as kindergarten kids.
Hey, dear leaders, Malaysia after some 48 years of Independence, have generally grown up beyong secondary level schooling. Even the Young Minds can see through the Little Napoleons' wearing the "transparent" Emperor's clothes -- they do read Enid Blyton or Hans Christian Andersen, you know!
Bye, I better hold my peace lest my national leaders say I prostesteth too mush. Zam already has a most difficult job to oversee as it is. Yes, maybe it may help him with the authorities licensing the Internet (remove Hollywood, and the terrible western decadence et al!); yeah, censor all serious Blogs and serious discusions.Starting with Article 11, to be followed with Arts X, Y, Z...
Give the Rakyat more fairie tale weddings costing how much? RM12,888,888. Chicken feed-lah -- we have created so many billionaires and millionaires-at-27; or missed the boat a little, at old age of 30, good enough?
Meanwhile, plantation wrokers' union leaders were/are doing a song&dance after fighting for years to get a minimum wage of RM350 (or ws it RM300?)per month for rubber tappers, oil palm planters and harvesters ...
And Petronas announced a net profit of more than RM40.00BILLION for financial year ended March 2006; yet a few months earlier the authorities said it had no choice but raise petrol pump price by 30sen per litre.
Are these leaders close to hearing the pulse of the nation and its people?
I don't know whether to laugh or cry for NegaraKu, cometh its 49th birthday.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Signages of Pride1 and Shame2
Continuing from where I hinted yesterday about the Billboards, our Pride has again gone down the drain when...
The CEO of the Only Developed Nation state in NegaraKu, Selangor, openly declared that he's clueless about what his underlings had signed in the name of the State administration!
SHAME1
From the ghostbusting Sun Exco team cometh the frontpage headline today:
MB blames officers
KHIR: BILLBOARDS
MONOPOLY DEAL
WAS NOT WHAT
EXCO APPROVED
SHAH ALANM: Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk
Seri Khir Toyo yesterday indicated
heads will roll after admitting there were
material differences between what the State
Executive Council (Exco) approved and what
his officers committed the government to on
the issue of billboards.
Promising an investigation into
who and what caused the mess
the sate government has been
caught in, he said: "I was not
aware of this (the discrepancy)
until I received the agreement."
:
:
:
DESIDERATA: I already can see many of my ER shaking their heads,
-- including Sabrina hiden among the misty LOTR terrortry because
I hear Inya's haunting lyrical tale -- so I shall stop here.
In case some of you should PUKE, and I don't have water to clean up the mess (on my computer screen-lah, not in the sate of Nine States where I reside with a policy of
Ignorance is Bliss/Iblis.
SHAME2
Not so long ago, I had asked Sabahans to demand accountability from their State CEO, maybe take a leaf from the brave Sarawakians to pursue TWO important issues --
* Rape of Sipadan and the CM Musa Aman doing a "Semuanya Okay" on esteemed federal CEO Pak Lah;
** also the rampant reported cases of foreigners given Identity Cards in double quick time, leading to a state of "public insecurity" and WWW (wild wild west, not world wide web, which is to be proud of!) crime.
I'll let the Opposition do an update, and Desi was NOT even well informed about many more (reprised in full here with Desi's highlights (BOLDED THUS) from on a press statement by the DAP S-G) of the "wrongs" going on in a neighbouring state. Wonder if AirAsia will give this freelan'' journolist a free-range ride into the WWW!? It's a half rhetorical question, so I can't say I'd be uunhappy if I heard from Datuk Tony Fernandez!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A copy of the press statement I sighted at malaysia-today.net but the attriobution is to the DAP Secretary-General, alright!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
DAP challenges Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman
Press Conference Statement Speech By DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng In Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu
"DAP challenges Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman to state when BN will resolve the 8 major issues to save Sabah from being the most undeveloped state, the worst place to live and the most dangerous state in Malaysia. The following 8 facts based on the 9MP, are reasons why Sabah is the living nightmare for 3 million Sabahans in Malaysia as follows:-
1. Sabah has the largest number of illegal immigrants and those with ICs fraudulently given ICs granted under “Project M” estimated at nearly 1 million. The extraordinary growth of the Sabah illegal immigrant population can be shown that in 1960, the Kadazandusun population was 168,000 and equaled the number of other Bumiputeras. In 2000, while the Kadazandusun population increased to 560,000, the population of other Bumiputeras had grown to 1.1 million;
2. A high crime rate and one of the most dangerous place(s) to live in Malaysia where police officers can not even protect themselves from criminals much less protect the public;
3. Sabah is the least developed state in Malaysia, ranking last on the Development Composite Index (DCI) scoring 90 as compared to the highest of 109.6 of Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Even Kelantan is ahead of Sabah with a DCI of 93.1.
4. Sabah is the poorest state with the worst incidence of poverty at 23% in 2004 as compared to Sarawak’s 7.5% and Kelantan’s 10.6%. The incidence of poverty in Peninsular Malaysia is 3.6% and for the entire country 5.7%;
5. Sabah has the highest income inequality between the rich and poor with a mean monthly household income of RM 2,487 ranking eight out of 14 states in Malaysia but the worst poverty levels at 23 %
6. Sabah has also the highest population growth rate in the country at 3.1% as compared to the national average of 2.3%. Its population jumped by 530,000 or more than 20% in the space of 5 years from 2.6 million in 2000 to 3.13 million in 2005, mostly due to illegal immigrant from neighbouring countries fraudulently given identity cards. Malthusian theory has made it clear too big a population would result in greater scarcity of resources and less developme.;
7. Sabah has the most frequent power supply breakdowns in the country with the System Average Interruption Duration Index(SAIDI) of 4,109 minutes per customer per year. In other words 4,109 minutes is lost from power interruptions in Sabah each year by every customer. Each user will face almost 3 days out of 365 days without power supply in Sabah earning SESB the description Sabah Energy Supply Breakdown company. 3 days is probably an underestimation as many Sabahans are so fed up as to have given up on reporting power breakdowns. This compares unfavourably with TNB’s 147 SAIDI or only 147 minutes lost per year in Peninsular Malaysia.
8. Sabah has the second lowest water supply coverage of 75% throughout the state just ahead of the 70% water supply coverage in Kelantan.
The power struggle between Prime Minster Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has resulted in the people’s problems being neglected when each is fighting for political survival. In this battle for survival the people’s problems such as those in Sabah are forgotten. The people should know that only DAP is serious and committed in their problems and gaining their mandate not for power but to benefit the people.
LIM GUAN ENG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ends DAP S-G's press statement ~~~~~~~~~~~
Proud3 to follow while I go for a break, can? Meanwhile, please DO NOT INSERT ANYTHING INTO MY POST, okay! It's an "offence" punishable by a shoot-out at the OK Korral nigh Ipoh if I catch any cowpricks hawking into my terrortry!:(~~
Proud3 because yesterday Desi offered two p(b)rides.
This could also qualify as Shame3 on the part of the corporate involved!
From page 21 of theSun, also available @www.theedgedaily.com fom where I just C&P-lah!: Thanks!
Business as usual at
Top Glove despite
Immigration probe
Top Glove Corporation Bhd's operations have
not been disrupted although the company
was found to have allegedly run foul of
laws for having 2,500 foreign
workers without valid work permits, its
executive director K M Lee said on yesterday (Aug 16).
He said the world's largest glove maker
faces “a few million ringgit” compound for
immigration law infringements arising from
an administrative oversight and not a RM121
million fine as reported by a local daily.
"Our foreign workers have not been
detained and production is on as usual.
“Our workers were all brought in with proper
papers and the failure to renew their work
permits was an oversight and without fraudulent
intent,” he told Financial Daily on Aug 16.
Lee said it was him and the company's legal
manager who were questioned by the immigration
officials and not its managing director Datuk
Seri Lim Wee Chai, who is currently in China.
:
:
He added that Top Glove had been employing
foreign workers since the past nine years and
that this was the first time it had failed
to renew the permits on time.
“This was due to our rapid expansion and the fact
that only one person was handling matters
pertaining to our foreign workers.
have since identified the problem and de-centralised
human resource tasks to individual factories,” he said.
:
:
Meanwhile, Immigration enforcement chief Datuk Ishak Mohamed said the two senior executives of Top Glove had been released on bail on Tuesday night after being detained for allegedly employing illegal foreign workers.
However, he said the duo have to report to the department daily to assist further investigations.
On Tuesday, Ishak was reported as saying that 2,500 foreign workers in the company did not have valid work permits. The authorities found that the permits of 2,071 workers had expired, 353 did not have permits and 72 were without passports.
Ishak said it was unacceptable for the company to claim that the resignation of its human resource manager last month had caused the delay of the renewal.
"Some of the working permits had expired for almost one year. It's alright if you have only 20-30 workers' permits expire. But more than 2,000 permits were expired.
"To me, its not acceptable to give that excuse," he said, adding that the investigating team will complete its probe "as soon as possible" and action will be taken, with the minimum punishment being a compound.
The employer of the illegal workers may also be liable to a fine of up to RM25 million and even imprisonment. He believes the case is the biggest of its kind so far.
DESIDERATA: I've highlighted (BOLDED THUS) the excellent follow-up report, and wish to remind my ER that under the present PM's administration, there have been a lot more "measures" to promote transparency and corporate respo0nsibility in the corporate world, especially on corporance by Bursa Malaysia Listed Companies. (FYI, I monitor this segment of Malaysian Business quite closely as part of my Cari-cari Makan -- NOT PLAYING THE STOCK MARKET, but doing some press writing and editing!
I want to put on record to say "SYABAS" to Ishak and his men. Keep up the good work!
Again, look at what this Top Glove guy dared to say:
“This was due to our rapid expansion and the fact
that only one person was handling matters
pertaining to our foreign workers.
Does that sound like some Selangor Exxco speaking?
No wonder the one and only Human Resource man ran away!
He must have been working himself to nigh-death!
The CEO of the Only Developed Nation state in NegaraKu, Selangor, openly declared that he's clueless about what his underlings had signed in the name of the State administration!
SHAME1
From the ghostbusting Sun Exco team cometh the frontpage headline today:
MB blames officers
KHIR: BILLBOARDS
MONOPOLY DEAL
WAS NOT WHAT
EXCO APPROVED
SHAH ALANM: Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk
Seri Khir Toyo yesterday indicated
heads will roll after admitting there were
material differences between what the State
Executive Council (Exco) approved and what
his officers committed the government to on
the issue of billboards.
Promising an investigation into
who and what caused the mess
the sate government has been
caught in, he said: "I was not
aware of this (the discrepancy)
until I received the agreement."
:
:
:
DESIDERATA: I already can see many of my ER shaking their heads,
-- including Sabrina hiden among the misty LOTR terrortry because
I hear Inya's haunting lyrical tale -- so I shall stop here.
In case some of you should PUKE, and I don't have water to clean up the mess (on my computer screen-lah, not in the sate of Nine States where I reside with a policy of
Ignorance is Bliss/Iblis.
SHAME2
Not so long ago, I had asked Sabahans to demand accountability from their State CEO, maybe take a leaf from the brave Sarawakians to pursue TWO important issues --
* Rape of Sipadan and the CM Musa Aman doing a "Semuanya Okay" on esteemed federal CEO Pak Lah;
** also the rampant reported cases of foreigners given Identity Cards in double quick time, leading to a state of "public insecurity" and WWW (wild wild west, not world wide web, which is to be proud of!) crime.
I'll let the Opposition do an update, and Desi was NOT even well informed about many more (reprised in full here with Desi's highlights (BOLDED THUS) from on a press statement by the DAP S-G) of the "wrongs" going on in a neighbouring state. Wonder if AirAsia will give this freelan'' journolist a free-range ride into the WWW!? It's a half rhetorical question, so I can't say I'd be uunhappy if I heard from Datuk Tony Fernandez!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A copy of the press statement I sighted at malaysia-today.net but the attriobution is to the DAP Secretary-General, alright!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
DAP challenges Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman
Press Conference Statement Speech By DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng In Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu
"DAP challenges Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman to state when BN will resolve the 8 major issues to save Sabah from being the most undeveloped state, the worst place to live and the most dangerous state in Malaysia. The following 8 facts based on the 9MP, are reasons why Sabah is the living nightmare for 3 million Sabahans in Malaysia as follows:-
1. Sabah has the largest number of illegal immigrants and those with ICs fraudulently given ICs granted under “Project M” estimated at nearly 1 million. The extraordinary growth of the Sabah illegal immigrant population can be shown that in 1960, the Kadazandusun population was 168,000 and equaled the number of other Bumiputeras. In 2000, while the Kadazandusun population increased to 560,000, the population of other Bumiputeras had grown to 1.1 million;
2. A high crime rate and one of the most dangerous place(s) to live in Malaysia where police officers can not even protect themselves from criminals much less protect the public;
3. Sabah is the least developed state in Malaysia, ranking last on the Development Composite Index (DCI) scoring 90 as compared to the highest of 109.6 of Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Even Kelantan is ahead of Sabah with a DCI of 93.1.
4. Sabah is the poorest state with the worst incidence of poverty at 23% in 2004 as compared to Sarawak’s 7.5% and Kelantan’s 10.6%. The incidence of poverty in Peninsular Malaysia is 3.6% and for the entire country 5.7%;
5. Sabah has the highest income inequality between the rich and poor with a mean monthly household income of RM 2,487 ranking eight out of 14 states in Malaysia but the worst poverty levels at 23 %
6. Sabah has also the highest population growth rate in the country at 3.1% as compared to the national average of 2.3%. Its population jumped by 530,000 or more than 20% in the space of 5 years from 2.6 million in 2000 to 3.13 million in 2005, mostly due to illegal immigrant from neighbouring countries fraudulently given identity cards. Malthusian theory has made it clear too big a population would result in greater scarcity of resources and less developme.;
7. Sabah has the most frequent power supply breakdowns in the country with the System Average Interruption Duration Index(SAIDI) of 4,109 minutes per customer per year. In other words 4,109 minutes is lost from power interruptions in Sabah each year by every customer. Each user will face almost 3 days out of 365 days without power supply in Sabah earning SESB the description Sabah Energy Supply Breakdown company. 3 days is probably an underestimation as many Sabahans are so fed up as to have given up on reporting power breakdowns. This compares unfavourably with TNB’s 147 SAIDI or only 147 minutes lost per year in Peninsular Malaysia.
8. Sabah has the second lowest water supply coverage of 75% throughout the state just ahead of the 70% water supply coverage in Kelantan.
The power struggle between Prime Minster Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has resulted in the people’s problems being neglected when each is fighting for political survival. In this battle for survival the people’s problems such as those in Sabah are forgotten. The people should know that only DAP is serious and committed in their problems and gaining their mandate not for power but to benefit the people.
LIM GUAN ENG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ends DAP S-G's press statement ~~~~~~~~~~~
Proud3 to follow while I go for a break, can? Meanwhile, please DO NOT INSERT ANYTHING INTO MY POST, okay! It's an "offence" punishable by a shoot-out at the OK Korral nigh Ipoh if I catch any cowpricks hawking into my terrortry!:(~~
Proud3 because yesterday Desi offered two p(b)rides.
This could also qualify as Shame3 on the part of the corporate involved!
From page 21 of theSun, also available @www.theedgedaily.com fom where I just C&P-lah!: Thanks!
Business as usual at
Top Glove despite
Immigration probe
Top Glove Corporation Bhd's operations have
not been disrupted although the company
was found to have allegedly run foul of
laws for having 2,500 foreign
workers without valid work permits, its
executive director K M Lee said on yesterday (Aug 16).
He said the world's largest glove maker
faces “a few million ringgit” compound for
immigration law infringements arising from
an administrative oversight and not a RM121
million fine as reported by a local daily.
"Our foreign workers have not been
detained and production is on as usual.
“Our workers were all brought in with proper
papers and the failure to renew their work
permits was an oversight and without fraudulent
intent,” he told Financial Daily on Aug 16.
Lee said it was him and the company's legal
manager who were questioned by the immigration
officials and not its managing director Datuk
Seri Lim Wee Chai, who is currently in China.
:
:
He added that Top Glove had been employing
foreign workers since the past nine years and
that this was the first time it had failed
to renew the permits on time.
“This was due to our rapid expansion and the fact
that only one person was handling matters
pertaining to our foreign workers.
have since identified the problem and de-centralised
human resource tasks to individual factories,” he said.
:
:
Meanwhile, Immigration enforcement chief Datuk Ishak Mohamed said the two senior executives of Top Glove had been released on bail on Tuesday night after being detained for allegedly employing illegal foreign workers.
However, he said the duo have to report to the department daily to assist further investigations.
On Tuesday, Ishak was reported as saying that 2,500 foreign workers in the company did not have valid work permits. The authorities found that the permits of 2,071 workers had expired, 353 did not have permits and 72 were without passports.
Ishak said it was unacceptable for the company to claim that the resignation of its human resource manager last month had caused the delay of the renewal.
"Some of the working permits had expired for almost one year. It's alright if you have only 20-30 workers' permits expire. But more than 2,000 permits were expired.
"To me, its not acceptable to give that excuse," he said, adding that the investigating team will complete its probe "as soon as possible" and action will be taken, with the minimum punishment being a compound.
The employer of the illegal workers may also be liable to a fine of up to RM25 million and even imprisonment. He believes the case is the biggest of its kind so far.
DESIDERATA: I've highlighted (BOLDED THUS) the excellent follow-up report, and wish to remind my ER that under the present PM's administration, there have been a lot more "measures" to promote transparency and corporate respo0nsibility in the corporate world, especially on corporance by Bursa Malaysia Listed Companies. (FYI, I monitor this segment of Malaysian Business quite closely as part of my Cari-cari Makan -- NOT PLAYING THE STOCK MARKET, but doing some press writing and editing!
I want to put on record to say "SYABAS" to Ishak and his men. Keep up the good work!
Again, look at what this Top Glove guy dared to say:
“This was due to our rapid expansion and the fact
that only one person was handling matters
pertaining to our foreign workers.
Does that sound like some Selangor Exxco speaking?
No wonder the one and only Human Resource man ran away!
He must have been working himself to nigh-death!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Signages of pride...
No, not those billboards.
Though on this related topic, the first of the emperors "caught with their pants" down by The Sun Exco had been derobed -- from The Star, page n4:
PJ mayor Termizi bids farewell
and don't forget also Star METRO frontpage:
Only
two
months
Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh's tenure
as Petaling Jaya's first mayor has ended.
DESIDERATA: Now we'll await PAtiently to see if the chief protagonist (Emperor, Hans CA?) the CEO of the only Developed State in Malaysia, can survive beyond the next General Elections, COMING SOON, at the cinetheque nearest you, featuring, I mean, The Man from the Water -- there are many Toyols flying around willing to take over, eh?
Proud S1
also from The Star, page N3:
Wednesday August 16, 2006
Scientist claims to have
cracked water-fuel secret
JOHOR BARU: A car that runs on water and petrol? That would be a breakthrough technology in these times of escalating fuel prices. And one man says it can be done.
Dr Halim Mohd Ali, 40, claims he can reduce fuel consumption by half with the Hydrogen Fuel Technology (HFT) or hydroxene.
Dr Halim, director of Hydrogen Fuel Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, said hydroxene uses water as a complementary fuel.
POWERING AHEAD: (Visualise the pic!:)LM Star Autoworld president Abdul Uza Sheikh Mohamad (right) and Dr Halim speaking to reporters on the hydroxene technology in Johor Baru yesterday.
Water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen through high compression nano-technology before being pumped into the fuel line, he said.
“The new fuel mixture of petrol or diesel, hydrogen and oxygen is then injected into the engine where combustion takes place,” he said at the launch of hybrid cars by LM Star Autoworld Sdn Bhd here.
Dr Halim, who has a research centre in Putrajaya, said that he first patented hydroxene four years ago and would be re-filing the patent in the next two months.
He said that although he has received offers to sell the technology, some offers amounting to US$26mil (RM95.7mil), he had no intention of letting foreign parties get hold of it.
As simple as it sounds, Dr Halim is quick to add that the technology is difficult to copy, as it has a “secret recipe” which very few people know about.
“There are only 12 people in the world who know how hydroxene works and even then they only know 70% of the technology,” he said, adding that the core aspects of the technology remained with him.
Dr Halim, who has a doctorate in Physics from Birmingham University, said over RM12mil had been spent on hydroxene research and development in the last four years.
About 40% of the funding came from overseas, including Europe and the United States.
Dr Halim said the technology had been tested on some 200 Proton cars, as well as on a vehicle used by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
DESIDERATA: If what is reported and claimed by Dr Halim is proven to be true, we have a Malaysian patent with all its potential energy that might just earn NegaraKu approaching its 49th birthday soon an equivalent of a Dr YANG Chen Ning (the Nobel laureatte who visited us a second time just recently, remember?)
We wait with PAtience, but hold your breath for a few more years.
Such breakthroughs neeed time, tenacity and true grit -- and yes, our prayers.
Proud S2
Now go to page N10:
Bar wants
sacking
of judges
reviewed
And for those ER who ask what's there to be proud of,
I will replicate the headline in CAPS,
and it's NOT french.
And if you need to ask for more, be prepared
to be french FRIED!
BAR WANTS
SACKING
OF JUDGES
REVIEWED
Hint:
I wrote somewhere, something about
What goes around comes around.
Dear ER, ponder if there's any thread with the heading above.
If like Oliver/Olivetti, you ask for more,
please Email Desi-lah and see you catcheth him in the mood.
Proud to be Malaysian,
Dear (some) ER, have you started on that Essay nyet?
PS:@1.13PM~~ As someone offered to buy Desi lunch soon, I'm in a good mood -- so I'd pamper thee on
Proud S2
but from theSun, which has been ontaining KUDOS @anakmerdeka.blogspot.com -- nominating Nadesawran for some Award or somethin' -- like making Desi smell s rat that she has a big 'steak' there!:)
Re-examine 1988 judicial crisis: Council
The Bar Council wants the government to conduct a thorough and impartial re-examination of the events of the 1988 judiciary crisis.
"History requires the truth, and society demand what is just," said council president Yeo Yang Poh.
He said the reexamination is necessary "to uncovering truth, leaving no stone unturned, correcting the errors and injustices perpetrated, and restoring the honour of the judges who for no more than asserting their independence were so cruelly sacrificed at the altar of political power play".
"It's time to return to them the good name they never deserved to lose, and to make amends for what they had lost for no fault of their own," he said in a statement today (Aug 15, 2006).
Yeo said if an independent judiciary can be savagely destroyed and those who engineered or allowed the destruction can get away with it forever, the rest of society has little hope for justice.
"This is absolutely crucial, not just for those judges and others who have suffered at the unseen hands of the perversion of justice. This is equally important for the institution of the judiciary, and indeed for the nation as a whole," he added.
In 1998, a bombshell was dropped on the country's judiciary system when then Lord President Tun Salleh Abas, senior supreme court judges Tan Sri Wan Sulaiman and Datuk George Seah were sacked.
Critics said the dismissal was the inference of the executive into the judiciary and had destroyed the concept of separation of power.
"The wounds have neither healed nor closed. Society has suffered, and will continue to suffer, from the gross injustice some 18 years ago, that has given birth to other injustices," said Yeoh.
DESI: HEAR! HEAR! here.
Though on this related topic, the first of the emperors "caught with their pants" down by The Sun Exco had been derobed -- from The Star, page n4:
PJ mayor Termizi bids farewell
and don't forget also Star METRO frontpage:
Only
two
months
Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh's tenure
as Petaling Jaya's first mayor has ended.
DESIDERATA: Now we'll await PAtiently to see if the chief protagonist (Emperor, Hans CA?) the CEO of the only Developed State in Malaysia, can survive beyond the next General Elections, COMING SOON, at the cinetheque nearest you, featuring, I mean, The Man from the Water -- there are many Toyols flying around willing to take over, eh?
Proud S1
also from The Star, page N3:
Wednesday August 16, 2006
Scientist claims to have
cracked water-fuel secret
JOHOR BARU: A car that runs on water and petrol? That would be a breakthrough technology in these times of escalating fuel prices. And one man says it can be done.
Dr Halim Mohd Ali, 40, claims he can reduce fuel consumption by half with the Hydrogen Fuel Technology (HFT) or hydroxene.
Dr Halim, director of Hydrogen Fuel Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, said hydroxene uses water as a complementary fuel.
POWERING AHEAD: (Visualise the pic!:)LM Star Autoworld president Abdul Uza Sheikh Mohamad (right) and Dr Halim speaking to reporters on the hydroxene technology in Johor Baru yesterday.
Water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen through high compression nano-technology before being pumped into the fuel line, he said.
“The new fuel mixture of petrol or diesel, hydrogen and oxygen is then injected into the engine where combustion takes place,” he said at the launch of hybrid cars by LM Star Autoworld Sdn Bhd here.
Dr Halim, who has a research centre in Putrajaya, said that he first patented hydroxene four years ago and would be re-filing the patent in the next two months.
He said that although he has received offers to sell the technology, some offers amounting to US$26mil (RM95.7mil), he had no intention of letting foreign parties get hold of it.
As simple as it sounds, Dr Halim is quick to add that the technology is difficult to copy, as it has a “secret recipe” which very few people know about.
“There are only 12 people in the world who know how hydroxene works and even then they only know 70% of the technology,” he said, adding that the core aspects of the technology remained with him.
Dr Halim, who has a doctorate in Physics from Birmingham University, said over RM12mil had been spent on hydroxene research and development in the last four years.
About 40% of the funding came from overseas, including Europe and the United States.
Dr Halim said the technology had been tested on some 200 Proton cars, as well as on a vehicle used by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
DESIDERATA: If what is reported and claimed by Dr Halim is proven to be true, we have a Malaysian patent with all its potential energy that might just earn NegaraKu approaching its 49th birthday soon an equivalent of a Dr YANG Chen Ning (the Nobel laureatte who visited us a second time just recently, remember?)
We wait with PAtience, but hold your breath for a few more years.
Such breakthroughs neeed time, tenacity and true grit -- and yes, our prayers.
Proud S2
Now go to page N10:
Bar wants
sacking
of judges
reviewed
And for those ER who ask what's there to be proud of,
I will replicate the headline in CAPS,
and it's NOT french.
And if you need to ask for more, be prepared
to be french FRIED!
BAR WANTS
SACKING
OF JUDGES
REVIEWED
Hint:
I wrote somewhere, something about
What goes around comes around.
Dear ER, ponder if there's any thread with the heading above.
If like Oliver/Olivetti, you ask for more,
please Email Desi-lah and see you catcheth him in the mood.
Proud to be Malaysian,
Dear (some) ER, have you started on that Essay nyet?
PS:@1.13PM~~ As someone offered to buy Desi lunch soon, I'm in a good mood -- so I'd pamper thee on
Proud S2
but from theSun, which has been ontaining KUDOS @anakmerdeka.blogspot.com -- nominating Nadesawran for some Award or somethin' -- like making Desi smell s rat that she has a big 'steak' there!:)
Re-examine 1988 judicial crisis: Council
The Bar Council wants the government to conduct a thorough and impartial re-examination of the events of the 1988 judiciary crisis.
"History requires the truth, and society demand what is just," said council president Yeo Yang Poh.
He said the reexamination is necessary "to uncovering truth, leaving no stone unturned, correcting the errors and injustices perpetrated, and restoring the honour of the judges who for no more than asserting their independence were so cruelly sacrificed at the altar of political power play".
"It's time to return to them the good name they never deserved to lose, and to make amends for what they had lost for no fault of their own," he said in a statement today (Aug 15, 2006).
Yeo said if an independent judiciary can be savagely destroyed and those who engineered or allowed the destruction can get away with it forever, the rest of society has little hope for justice.
"This is absolutely crucial, not just for those judges and others who have suffered at the unseen hands of the perversion of justice. This is equally important for the institution of the judiciary, and indeed for the nation as a whole," he added.
In 1998, a bombshell was dropped on the country's judiciary system when then Lord President Tun Salleh Abas, senior supreme court judges Tan Sri Wan Sulaiman and Datuk George Seah were sacked.
Critics said the dismissal was the inference of the executive into the judiciary and had destroyed the concept of separation of power.
"The wounds have neither healed nor closed. Society has suffered, and will continue to suffer, from the gross injustice some 18 years ago, that has given birth to other injustices," said Yeoh.
DESI: HEAR! HEAR! here.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
"Bye, BUY" & "Lie, SHY"
The New Straits Times frontpage today is succint, burying the myth giving a lie that Mr Elegant Silence is a softie as has been proclaimed by many parties, including my Blogger friends/foes.
But there are no takers for Dr Mahathir's ceasefire offer.
His bridge demand is seen as a threat, even blackmail.
The anwer is an emphatic ...
NO!
IT"S NOT ON!
'The decision to cancel the scenic bridge stays.
He can say what he wants. I am the Prime Minister.
I decide what's good for the people.'
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
DESI: Dear ER, in line with the Education Ministry's efforts to promote the English language, please use RM1.20 usefully to go BUY a copy of the NST (tighten your belt a little, forego ONE tehtarik (also in line with earlier DPM's call: Change Lifestyle...), then
turn to >> P6/7 for fuill report...
Bye for now, while I go BUY a copy of TheSun -- arrived at the nearest Mamak shop where I usually get a freebie, BUT I was kedekutedly beaten... so there goes another gelas of air iced kosong for 30sen.
Ctd @10.40AM:
I LIE when I bid thee Bye, Bye just now.
I did NOT go to BUY theSun, it was UP more than five hours ago.
I bought time to Google "Daim Zainuddin, Buy, Bye News Stock Market" ... to be seen to act like a journalist, check and double check what I gonna write.
Be forewarned, what I'm recalling next for YOUR BENEFIT is based only on memory recall.
Google refuserd to hjelp.
Neither could I "reach" the players involved, so don't shoot Desi for any "inaccuracy".
~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was in the stock market heydays of 1980s; I was then NOT in MSM but at Jalan Yap Kwan Seng and was enscounced within a writHing prison.
Then Fiance Minister Daim Zainuddin was interviewed by the press amid "volatile" times at the KLSE. (If you have to divert my attention by asking what KLSE means...get outa of herelll!)At the tailend, someone sought the YB's comment on the stockmarket, and he waved: "Bye, BYE!" Of course, it rhymed with "Buy, BUY!"
When the reports mentioned "BUY", the punters followed like cows, or is it cattle? Or Lembu? Oh, it's Bulls! (Stockspeak refers to Bull run for a market jump, and a bear run for a market plunge...SEE, free trading lessons!)
But within 48, I think, a Singaporean leader cautioned about speculation and trading on rumours on the stock markets. The KLSE plunged soon after... and punters were left quite perplexed, with this question elegantly eloquent on their faces ~~ What the hell is happening?
Someone even blamed IT on the messenger -- an editor who wrote about the issue/s.
You know what -- yes, he even threatened to "shoot him"! Literally sent him a "bullet" in the mail!
Back to the "Dime" man -- this is a moniker many commoners bequeathed him for his humble lifestyle, as he was once quoted as saying: "I don't dabble in the KLSE in a big way; only small, loose change-lah", or words to similar effect.
So the FM was cornered by the press some time later, to talk again about the stock market's big fall. They cionfronted him with a reminder: "You advised to 'BUY'!"
"NO, I din't. I only said Bye, bye! as in Good-Bye, see you again!"was the FM's reply, words to similar effect-lah.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, GO to frontpage of theSUN, and see WHO ELSE IS LYING. Also lying low as in SHY!
Stay shy of the Bursa Malaysia if you don't have a friendly adviser like Desi, okay!
After much consultation with my Economist buddy, my caution: The chances for a retail player/invester/punter at winning on the stockmarket is less than 10.00%. In fact, he said 0.001 percent, but heis going stricly by Statistics while Desi tempers it with some laymen (trading room kaki-lah!) terming and timing...
Your chances at Genting are about 40% (give +10% to the House/Banker; otherwise, how to pay the humongous staff and gigantic salaries, share dividends and bonus?)
Back from Digression, the Sun's headline:
Facts don't lie
by theSun Exco
TEN DAYS ago, attempts were made by
various authorities to deny the existence of
any privatisation agreements areklated to the
monopoly of outdoor advertising in Selangor.
Today, we debunk all the claims and denials by
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Toyo and
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh
and we have the documents to substantiate them.
:
:
:
DESIDERATA: The above was two para from the Print edition, following is the Web edition, which of course saved my time/dime with C&P! I don't get paid for Blogging, okay! Maybe I'll considfe putting up PAYPAL--cheaply/chiefly inspired by a few Malaysian Bloggers! -- soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MB's 'no monopoly' claim debunked
PETALING JAYA: Ten days ago, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Khir Toyo denied theSun's front page report that one company will be given the exclusive rights to manage billboards in the state. His contention - the state did not want a monopoly.
theSun can now reveal that the state government had not practised what it is preaching - 20 months earlier, it had entered into a monopolistic agreement with Bernam Kiara Sdn Bhd.
The documents in our possession reveal the following:
>> the State Executive Council (Exco) approved the deal at its weekly meeting on Jan 27, 2004.
So for the mentri besar to claim "No, there is nothing (on the privatisation of billboards)", we can prove him wrong and debunk what he said: I think this is theSun exco which has made a decision, not the Selangor Exco. I think theSun has its own exco to decide on the state of Selangor.
>> Initially the monopoly was restricted to the privatisation of maintenance and sponsorship of pedestrian bridges, gantries and signages.
The offer letter signed by Azizan Mohd Sidin of the privatisation section of the State Economic Planning Unit set out the specific terms and a concession of 15 years with an option to renew for another five years.
However, the state entered into an agreement where the company was given wider powers in relation to outdoor advertising.
>> On Jan 12 last year, the state signed a contract with Bernam Kiara for the "privatisation of maintenance, build and operate pedestrian walks, pedestrian bridges, gantries, road directional signs, overhead bridges and outdoor advertising in the whole state".
Therefore for Mohd Khir to claim that the state did not want a monopoly was erroneous because it had already entered into such a contract 20 months earlier.
The contract was signed by the then State secretary Datuk Ramlan Othman and his then deputy director for development Datuk Dr Abdul Munit Kasmin.
Bernam Kiara's signatories were its directors Abdul Rahman Shamsi and Aiman Firdaus Tan Abdullah.
The mentri besar may have not been aware if he had not attended that Exco meeting. Even copies of the offer letter were extended to only one Exco member - Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Ahmad Dahlan.
Perhaps the mentri besar's colleague can shed light on the matter and offer some explanation as to why Mohd Khir was kept in the dark - if he ever was in the first place.
>> Annual returns of RM30,000 per billboard and a licence fee of RM3,000. The licence fees is payable to the local authority, but to whom does the RM30,000 go to? The state government, the local authority or the sports clubs of local authorities?
Mohd Khir said that billboard companies can contribute to the local authorities voluntarily to various causes like sports development and the building of places of worship.
So, how much revenue had been derived from this contract which has been in existence since January last year?
Updated: 10:30AM Tue, 15 Aug 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA: My challenge to Toyo and Termizi --
theSun has in effect called you LIARS; you have been caught with your pants down.
Don't be SHY. Rebut the Sun Exco by showing up with your Developed State exco, dressed in the full regalia so resplendent and regal. The childerren of Selangor are very SHY ones, they won't shout: Liars, Liars!
The smart ones among them will shyly remark: I don't see the Emperor wearing any clothes.
But this Exco might not even have heard of Hans Christian Andersen, right?
And that's a rhetorical question.
And if Toyo or Termizi should ask what a rhetorical question is, I'd refer them to The People's Paper(who runs a counter Exco to theSun's, obviously) who also runs a Mind Your Language column, yes!
But there are no takers for Dr Mahathir's ceasefire offer.
His bridge demand is seen as a threat, even blackmail.
The anwer is an emphatic ...
NO!
IT"S NOT ON!
'The decision to cancel the scenic bridge stays.
He can say what he wants. I am the Prime Minister.
I decide what's good for the people.'
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
DESI: Dear ER, in line with the Education Ministry's efforts to promote the English language, please use RM1.20 usefully to go BUY a copy of the NST (tighten your belt a little, forego ONE tehtarik (also in line with earlier DPM's call: Change Lifestyle...), then
turn to >> P6/7 for fuill report...
Bye for now, while I go BUY a copy of TheSun -- arrived at the nearest Mamak shop where I usually get a freebie, BUT I was kedekutedly beaten... so there goes another gelas of air iced kosong for 30sen.
Ctd @10.40AM:
I LIE when I bid thee Bye, Bye just now.
I did NOT go to BUY theSun, it was UP more than five hours ago.
I bought time to Google "Daim Zainuddin, Buy, Bye News Stock Market" ... to be seen to act like a journalist, check and double check what I gonna write.
Be forewarned, what I'm recalling next for YOUR BENEFIT is based only on memory recall.
Google refuserd to hjelp.
Neither could I "reach" the players involved, so don't shoot Desi for any "inaccuracy".
~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was in the stock market heydays of 1980s; I was then NOT in MSM but at Jalan Yap Kwan Seng and was enscounced within a writHing prison.
Then Fiance Minister Daim Zainuddin was interviewed by the press amid "volatile" times at the KLSE. (If you have to divert my attention by asking what KLSE means...get outa of herelll!)At the tailend, someone sought the YB's comment on the stockmarket, and he waved: "Bye, BYE!" Of course, it rhymed with "Buy, BUY!"
When the reports mentioned "BUY", the punters followed like cows, or is it cattle? Or Lembu? Oh, it's Bulls! (Stockspeak refers to Bull run for a market jump, and a bear run for a market plunge...SEE, free trading lessons!)
But within 48, I think, a Singaporean leader cautioned about speculation and trading on rumours on the stock markets. The KLSE plunged soon after... and punters were left quite perplexed, with this question elegantly eloquent on their faces ~~ What the hell is happening?
Someone even blamed IT on the messenger -- an editor who wrote about the issue/s.
You know what -- yes, he even threatened to "shoot him"! Literally sent him a "bullet" in the mail!
Back to the "Dime" man -- this is a moniker many commoners bequeathed him for his humble lifestyle, as he was once quoted as saying: "I don't dabble in the KLSE in a big way; only small, loose change-lah", or words to similar effect.
So the FM was cornered by the press some time later, to talk again about the stock market's big fall. They cionfronted him with a reminder: "You advised to 'BUY'!"
"NO, I din't. I only said Bye, bye! as in Good-Bye, see you again!"was the FM's reply, words to similar effect-lah.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, GO to frontpage of theSUN, and see WHO ELSE IS LYING. Also lying low as in SHY!
Stay shy of the Bursa Malaysia if you don't have a friendly adviser like Desi, okay!
After much consultation with my Economist buddy, my caution: The chances for a retail player/invester/punter at winning on the stockmarket is less than 10.00%. In fact, he said 0.001 percent, but heis going stricly by Statistics while Desi tempers it with some laymen (trading room kaki-lah!) terming and timing...
Your chances at Genting are about 40% (give +10% to the House/Banker; otherwise, how to pay the humongous staff and gigantic salaries, share dividends and bonus?)
Back from Digression, the Sun's headline:
Facts don't lie
by theSun Exco
TEN DAYS ago, attempts were made by
various authorities to deny the existence of
any privatisation agreements areklated to the
monopoly of outdoor advertising in Selangor.
Today, we debunk all the claims and denials by
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Toyo and
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh
and we have the documents to substantiate them.
:
:
:
DESIDERATA: The above was two para from the Print edition, following is the Web edition, which of course saved my time/dime with C&P! I don't get paid for Blogging, okay! Maybe I'll considfe putting up PAYPAL--cheaply/chiefly inspired by a few Malaysian Bloggers! -- soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MB's 'no monopoly' claim debunked
PETALING JAYA: Ten days ago, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Khir Toyo denied theSun's front page report that one company will be given the exclusive rights to manage billboards in the state. His contention - the state did not want a monopoly.
theSun can now reveal that the state government had not practised what it is preaching - 20 months earlier, it had entered into a monopolistic agreement with Bernam Kiara Sdn Bhd.
The documents in our possession reveal the following:
>> the State Executive Council (Exco) approved the deal at its weekly meeting on Jan 27, 2004.
So for the mentri besar to claim "No, there is nothing (on the privatisation of billboards)", we can prove him wrong and debunk what he said: I think this is theSun exco which has made a decision, not the Selangor Exco. I think theSun has its own exco to decide on the state of Selangor.
>> Initially the monopoly was restricted to the privatisation of maintenance and sponsorship of pedestrian bridges, gantries and signages.
The offer letter signed by Azizan Mohd Sidin of the privatisation section of the State Economic Planning Unit set out the specific terms and a concession of 15 years with an option to renew for another five years.
However, the state entered into an agreement where the company was given wider powers in relation to outdoor advertising.
>> On Jan 12 last year, the state signed a contract with Bernam Kiara for the "privatisation of maintenance, build and operate pedestrian walks, pedestrian bridges, gantries, road directional signs, overhead bridges and outdoor advertising in the whole state".
Therefore for Mohd Khir to claim that the state did not want a monopoly was erroneous because it had already entered into such a contract 20 months earlier.
The contract was signed by the then State secretary Datuk Ramlan Othman and his then deputy director for development Datuk Dr Abdul Munit Kasmin.
Bernam Kiara's signatories were its directors Abdul Rahman Shamsi and Aiman Firdaus Tan Abdullah.
The mentri besar may have not been aware if he had not attended that Exco meeting. Even copies of the offer letter were extended to only one Exco member - Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Ahmad Dahlan.
Perhaps the mentri besar's colleague can shed light on the matter and offer some explanation as to why Mohd Khir was kept in the dark - if he ever was in the first place.
>> Annual returns of RM30,000 per billboard and a licence fee of RM3,000. The licence fees is payable to the local authority, but to whom does the RM30,000 go to? The state government, the local authority or the sports clubs of local authorities?
Mohd Khir said that billboard companies can contribute to the local authorities voluntarily to various causes like sports development and the building of places of worship.
So, how much revenue had been derived from this contract which has been in existence since January last year?
Updated: 10:30AM Tue, 15 Aug 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA: My challenge to Toyo and Termizi --
theSun has in effect called you LIARS; you have been caught with your pants down.
Don't be SHY. Rebut the Sun Exco by showing up with your Developed State exco, dressed in the full regalia so resplendent and regal. The childerren of Selangor are very SHY ones, they won't shout: Liars, Liars!
The smart ones among them will shyly remark: I don't see the Emperor wearing any clothes.
But this Exco might not even have heard of Hans Christian Andersen, right?
And that's a rhetorical question.
And if Toyo or Termizi should ask what a rhetorical question is, I'd refer them to The People's Paper(who runs a counter Exco to theSun's, obviously) who also runs a Mind Your Language column, yes!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Financial news digesting is extremely Challenging...
Difficult and Hazardous too.
Desiderata was/is lucky to have served as Journalist/Press Officer across a spectrum of news fields -- general, encomapssing crime and court, politics and diplomatic, and in recent years now close to eight years, financial-cum-business. Another reason whioch I did not state in asnwer why Desi refrained from visiting one webBlog was that, besides the host being Anon (the definition is 'qualified' here as my degree of expectations iis highest when the Blogger is highly vocal on national/political issues...), also the topic touches lots on finance-corporate matters.
Take it from Desi for what it's worth, IMHO, of all the fields in Journalism, the Finance area is the most challenging, hence most difficult, field to cover, especially so for a journalist without an economics/fiannce background. I had basic Econs101, and the benefit, as I indicated, of some 7-8 years field experience. Someone with an agenda -- I hinted at Agitators, worse yet, mayhaps even Agents Provocateur -- could selectively "zero" in on "parts" of an issue and play it up to the extent many Readers -- gullible ones like Li'l Red Riding Hood -- would soon be taken for a long ride. Does the Seven Blind Men guessing what an Elephant looks like ring a Belle, Helen?
This was the issue that I refrained from writing on until almost the tail-end, and today, I'd bring IT to a penultimate close. Pen- and not ultimatebecause there might be an *SC enquiry as called for by certain parties.
*If you have to ask what SC is, please visit klsetracker.com at leisure, OK!
From last
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Khairy Jamaluddin Sells Entire Stake In ECM Libra Avenue
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin has sold his entire stake of 10.2 million shares representing 1.23 per cent of ECM Libra Avenue Bhd, an investment and stockbroking-based company, it was announced Saturday.
Khairy sold his shares for 65 sen a share yesterday. He had bought them at 71 sen a share in December last year.
:
:
:
From The Star today, page N3~~
Khairy: I ;ost RM200,000
KUANTAN: Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has revealed that he suffered losses amounting to RM200,000 when he sold his shares in ECM Libra Avenue Bhd.
He said he disposed the shares in the interest of the company, minority shareholders and the Government.
“I do not want the company’s reputation to be affected due to some quarters questioning the manner in which I purchased the shares and as one of its shareholder.
“Frankly, I received no less than three offers to buy over my shares. One is from a government-owned company, another from an international company while a Chinese businessman offered a very profitable sum.
“I rejected the first offer as people will claimed that it was a government bailout to rescue me while the subsequent offers will see the shares falling into the hands of outsiders and non-bumiputras.
“I will not let that happen and will rather suffer losses as long as the shares remain in the hands of our people.”
He told this to reporters after opening the Paya Besar Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri division meetings at the Agro Semuji Resort near here yesterday.
Khairy said he would concentrate on politics for now as there was a lot of work and challenges ahead that needed his attention.
On Friday, Khairy sold his entire stake of 10.2 million shares in ECM Libra Avenue, representing 1.23% of the company, for 65 sen a share.
He had bought the shares at 71 sen a share in December last year.
ECM Libra Avenue chairman Datuk Kalimullah Hassan Masheerul Hassan had also reduced his stake in the company to 40 million shares or 4.8%.
The 26,467,220 shares belonging to Khairy and Kalimullah were bought by Hikkaya Jaya Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of AmcorpGroup Bhd, for a total of RM17.2mil.
In Kepala Batas, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said his son-in-law had told him the reason for selling his shares in ECM Libra Avenue.
“These are his shares, not mine. I cannot comment further. He only informed me,” he added.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA:
I won't go into the details of miles and miles of verbiage spent of KJ and his ECM-Libra investment, and the more controversial subsequent ECM-LIbra and Avenue Capital merger because yuou can read tonnes of it at Screenshots (and others, including the One one of my ER refreed me to to read and digest and I politely said NO.)
I'd just ask that you bear with Desi while I bore thee with a reprise from JeffOoi's (enhanced with some slight Touch-Up and BOLDING THUS, influenced by another ER FashionistA:)~~
"jeff:
I had refrained from speaking on KJ's involvement in ECM-Libra until now after listening to Dr Mahathir, his spokesman-henchman Matthias Chang, now PAC chairman Sharir Samad etc.
Let me just say that some parties have become very "patrioctic and alert" citizens via selective memory highlighting KJ's RM9.2million (RM9,200,000) buy (via loans) of ECM-Libra shares.
Indulge me a little to recall 1997/98 Asian financial crisis (I was then a MSM biz jurno...)when just preceding it, there was a minister's son -- Ling Jr who was extended banking facilities purported to be RM1.2BILLION -- RM1,200,000,000 -- to buy control of at least FOUR KLSE-listed companies. Did we hear from Elegantly Silent Matthias Chang and his hero, then PM, then?
What happened was not long after the stockmarket crashed -- leading to a banking crisis, leading to bailout via Danaharta and Danamodal, don't we remember?
Indeed if you compare with 1997/98 Asian financial crisis-stockmarket crash era with the past few years, I believe the SC has increased surveillance and raised transparency standards; so this KJ's RM9.2million is CHICKEN FEED compared with the youngest-billionaire-at-27 dalliance, yes? (I don't condon KJ's act if it can be proven to be an offence; what I'm saying that such transactions of a few millions for stock trading is as common as you and me having our tehtarik at mamak stall, and of all the people, Dr Mahathir should know best -- did not his two sons indulged in stocks Controlling a shippinh company etc, involving hundreds of millions, how come Matthias did not do a song&dance act/s then?
Dear readers of Screenshots, spend some time to read lah the current case involving > Founder of RHB Bank Tan Sri Rashid Hussain & 4 (former)assocaites being sued for close to RM600million...;
>> Also Metramac-Fawziah Holdings case;
>>>also Danaharta vis Tajudin Ramli billion-dollar suit and counter suit;
>>>>plus MAS-Tajudin Ramli case.
Did these incidents happen duting the last 3 years ...?
Ponder, ruminate -- then you may just escape becoming accessories to the act of fanning another financial meltdown (2007/2008?) due to the machinations of yes, Iblis-demons-devils; Make sure you catch the right ones!
Meanwhile, pray every night that the 1998 economic recession does not repeat, with God's blessings on NegaraKu; say I.S.A-men with Desi?
PS: I declare that I have no love for Barian Nasiona, especially UMNO, for its race-based policies. From the very beginning, Desi has declared that by virtue of being of the fraternity of Writers the world over -- more so also as aspiring Bardist -- we tend to be generally Anti-Establishment, as a common denominator among scribes is the bent for reforms, Yes?
Also, more recently, I analysed (amateurishly-lah, but to the best of my abuility, No?) the current political Sandiwara going on the PWTC Stage, examined the Options before Malaysians, and I unashamedly told you my proposed choice is on Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Anwar Ibrahim. The emphasis is on keADILan, and on Saudara, yes, that's how he would like us address him. Try entering Putrajaya without an AP with a Datuk, Datuk Seri or Tan Sri, Pun Seri ... and see if you can get beyond the guards...I digress. Pretty aggressive nowadays eh?
Is Desi becoming Badder or Worse?
Mave, don't shoot me!
I wanna live to see my 20mill!
Bye, BUY? (What's thuis? Shall tell you an anecdote in a w'ile,
if thou buyeth Desi a banana split.
Mave and Howsy and Desi have mush in common, the Monkees!
To be continued...
@5.41PM I just came from reading malaysiakini.com; I advise my ER to read the first letter stamped August 11, 2006 of whuich I'd reproduced only first THREE paragraphs. It's a pay-to-view site; therefore Desi would NOT wish to pamper my ER too much. Many of them already are suffering First World symptoms like Gout, Overweight and Memory Loss before Time/Dime...
Mahathir is a hypocrite
Anwar Dahlan
Aug 11, 06 3:18pm
After Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s latest salvo calling for the resignation of the prime minister, not much can be certain about Mahathir anymore. This is especially so given that the reasons for calling on Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down are premised on the inability of the government to break international law and build a crooked bridge.
However, despite the fact that Mahathir’s ranting expose serious doubts about who he actually is, there are two things that emerge as definite certainties as far as the public is concerned. One, that he has served as Malaysia’s prime minister for just over 22 years and two, that Mahathir is a true hypocrite.
From an endless source of examples of his hypocrisy and double standards that many, many others have pointed out, I choose two. The first is the fact that he closed down national newspapers and approved of the takeover of media companies by BN parties yet now he complains about the lack of press freedom. :
:
:
The Bye, BUY tale will follow tomollow, Insya-Alllah...
Desiderata was/is lucky to have served as Journalist/Press Officer across a spectrum of news fields -- general, encomapssing crime and court, politics and diplomatic, and in recent years now close to eight years, financial-cum-business. Another reason whioch I did not state in asnwer why Desi refrained from visiting one webBlog was that, besides the host being Anon (the definition is 'qualified' here as my degree of expectations iis highest when the Blogger is highly vocal on national/political issues...), also the topic touches lots on finance-corporate matters.
Take it from Desi for what it's worth, IMHO, of all the fields in Journalism, the Finance area is the most challenging, hence most difficult, field to cover, especially so for a journalist without an economics/fiannce background. I had basic Econs101, and the benefit, as I indicated, of some 7-8 years field experience. Someone with an agenda -- I hinted at Agitators, worse yet, mayhaps even Agents Provocateur -- could selectively "zero" in on "parts" of an issue and play it up to the extent many Readers -- gullible ones like Li'l Red Riding Hood -- would soon be taken for a long ride. Does the Seven Blind Men guessing what an Elephant looks like ring a Belle, Helen?
This was the issue that I refrained from writing on until almost the tail-end, and today, I'd bring IT to a penultimate close. Pen- and not ultimatebecause there might be an *SC enquiry as called for by certain parties.
*If you have to ask what SC is, please visit klsetracker.com at leisure, OK!
From last
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Khairy Jamaluddin Sells Entire Stake In ECM Libra Avenue
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin has sold his entire stake of 10.2 million shares representing 1.23 per cent of ECM Libra Avenue Bhd, an investment and stockbroking-based company, it was announced Saturday.
Khairy sold his shares for 65 sen a share yesterday. He had bought them at 71 sen a share in December last year.
:
:
:
From The Star today, page N3~~
Khairy: I ;ost RM200,000
KUANTAN: Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has revealed that he suffered losses amounting to RM200,000 when he sold his shares in ECM Libra Avenue Bhd.
He said he disposed the shares in the interest of the company, minority shareholders and the Government.
“I do not want the company’s reputation to be affected due to some quarters questioning the manner in which I purchased the shares and as one of its shareholder.
“Frankly, I received no less than three offers to buy over my shares. One is from a government-owned company, another from an international company while a Chinese businessman offered a very profitable sum.
“I rejected the first offer as people will claimed that it was a government bailout to rescue me while the subsequent offers will see the shares falling into the hands of outsiders and non-bumiputras.
“I will not let that happen and will rather suffer losses as long as the shares remain in the hands of our people.”
He told this to reporters after opening the Paya Besar Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri division meetings at the Agro Semuji Resort near here yesterday.
Khairy said he would concentrate on politics for now as there was a lot of work and challenges ahead that needed his attention.
On Friday, Khairy sold his entire stake of 10.2 million shares in ECM Libra Avenue, representing 1.23% of the company, for 65 sen a share.
He had bought the shares at 71 sen a share in December last year.
ECM Libra Avenue chairman Datuk Kalimullah Hassan Masheerul Hassan had also reduced his stake in the company to 40 million shares or 4.8%.
The 26,467,220 shares belonging to Khairy and Kalimullah were bought by Hikkaya Jaya Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of AmcorpGroup Bhd, for a total of RM17.2mil.
In Kepala Batas, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said his son-in-law had told him the reason for selling his shares in ECM Libra Avenue.
“These are his shares, not mine. I cannot comment further. He only informed me,” he added.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA:
I won't go into the details of miles and miles of verbiage spent of KJ and his ECM-Libra investment, and the more controversial subsequent ECM-LIbra and Avenue Capital merger because yuou can read tonnes of it at Screenshots (and others, including the One one of my ER refreed me to to read and digest and I politely said NO.)
I'd just ask that you bear with Desi while I bore thee with a reprise from JeffOoi's (enhanced with some slight Touch-Up and BOLDING THUS, influenced by another ER FashionistA:)~~
"jeff:
I had refrained from speaking on KJ's involvement in ECM-Libra until now after listening to Dr Mahathir, his spokesman-henchman Matthias Chang, now PAC chairman Sharir Samad etc.
Let me just say that some parties have become very "patrioctic and alert" citizens via selective memory highlighting KJ's RM9.2million (RM9,200,000) buy (via loans) of ECM-Libra shares.
Indulge me a little to recall 1997/98 Asian financial crisis (I was then a MSM biz jurno...)when just preceding it, there was a minister's son -- Ling Jr who was extended banking facilities purported to be RM1.2BILLION -- RM1,200,000,000 -- to buy control of at least FOUR KLSE-listed companies. Did we hear from Elegantly Silent Matthias Chang and his hero, then PM, then?
What happened was not long after the stockmarket crashed -- leading to a banking crisis, leading to bailout via Danaharta and Danamodal, don't we remember?
Indeed if you compare with 1997/98 Asian financial crisis-stockmarket crash era with the past few years, I believe the SC has increased surveillance and raised transparency standards; so this KJ's RM9.2million is CHICKEN FEED compared with the youngest-billionaire-at-27 dalliance, yes? (I don't condon KJ's act if it can be proven to be an offence; what I'm saying that such transactions of a few millions for stock trading is as common as you and me having our tehtarik at mamak stall, and of all the people, Dr Mahathir should know best -- did not his two sons indulged in stocks Controlling a shippinh company etc, involving hundreds of millions, how come Matthias did not do a song&dance act/s then?
Dear readers of Screenshots, spend some time to read lah the current case involving > Founder of RHB Bank Tan Sri Rashid Hussain & 4 (former)assocaites being sued for close to RM600million...;
>> Also Metramac-Fawziah Holdings case;
>>>also Danaharta vis Tajudin Ramli billion-dollar suit and counter suit;
>>>>plus MAS-Tajudin Ramli case.
Did these incidents happen duting the last 3 years ...?
Ponder, ruminate -- then you may just escape becoming accessories to the act of fanning another financial meltdown (2007/2008?) due to the machinations of yes, Iblis-demons-devils; Make sure you catch the right ones!
Meanwhile, pray every night that the 1998 economic recession does not repeat, with God's blessings on NegaraKu; say I.S.A-men with Desi?
PS: I declare that I have no love for Barian Nasiona, especially UMNO, for its race-based policies. From the very beginning, Desi has declared that by virtue of being of the fraternity of Writers the world over -- more so also as aspiring Bardist -- we tend to be generally Anti-Establishment, as a common denominator among scribes is the bent for reforms, Yes?
Also, more recently, I analysed (amateurishly-lah, but to the best of my abuility, No?) the current political Sandiwara going on the PWTC Stage, examined the Options before Malaysians, and I unashamedly told you my proposed choice is on Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Anwar Ibrahim. The emphasis is on keADILan, and on Saudara, yes, that's how he would like us address him. Try entering Putrajaya without an AP with a Datuk, Datuk Seri or Tan Sri, Pun Seri ... and see if you can get beyond the guards...I digress. Pretty aggressive nowadays eh?
Is Desi becoming Badder or Worse?
Mave, don't shoot me!
I wanna live to see my 20mill!
Bye, BUY? (What's thuis? Shall tell you an anecdote in a w'ile,
if thou buyeth Desi a banana split.
Mave and Howsy and Desi have mush in common, the Monkees!
To be continued...
@5.41PM I just came from reading malaysiakini.com; I advise my ER to read the first letter stamped August 11, 2006 of whuich I'd reproduced only first THREE paragraphs. It's a pay-to-view site; therefore Desi would NOT wish to pamper my ER too much. Many of them already are suffering First World symptoms like Gout, Overweight and Memory Loss before Time/Dime...
Mahathir is a hypocrite
Anwar Dahlan
Aug 11, 06 3:18pm
After Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s latest salvo calling for the resignation of the prime minister, not much can be certain about Mahathir anymore. This is especially so given that the reasons for calling on Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down are premised on the inability of the government to break international law and build a crooked bridge.
However, despite the fact that Mahathir’s ranting expose serious doubts about who he actually is, there are two things that emerge as definite certainties as far as the public is concerned. One, that he has served as Malaysia’s prime minister for just over 22 years and two, that Mahathir is a true hypocrite.
From an endless source of examples of his hypocrisy and double standards that many, many others have pointed out, I choose two. The first is the fact that he closed down national newspapers and approved of the takeover of media companies by BN parties yet now he complains about the lack of press freedom. :
:
:
The Bye, BUY tale will follow tomollow, Insya-Alllah...
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Sweetspirits
Ah, and Scammers.
Lately, many people, including the Prime Minister, have written about Spirits. The negative one like Demons and Devils have a word in Malay -- Iblis -- which was used by dear Pak Lah. I was proud he used that word because it was about time he spoke what was on his mind, after holding his tongue for so long -- former DPM described it as keeping "elegant silence"; Mr Opposition countered it was "inelegant". Many haeds spent volumes wondering a certain MSM journalist was spinning changing "elegant" to "eloquence" -- and many of these were the "same" mouthers/ defenders of "shoot that 'Gina' ...for good" remark by Ilmran...I believe too much politics in blogsworld recently has made many usually sane minds go bonkers...
Another friend shared with Desi about the problem of "spammers" in Blogging. All of us would face this "unwelcome" category of visitors at one time or another... usually they visit in "da Steal of the Nite"...(with apologies to Mave SM who keeps Desi in check from overkilling...).
I was once asked by another ER if I entertain Anonymous bloggers seriously; I told her NO.
Another ER asked me to the face when I replied to her query if I cared to visit a certain weblog, so to be consistent to my earlier answer, I said I don't take seriously to people blogging on serious issues behind Anonymity. I got an advice that I should read the contents, forget the face behind the writes.
Being an idealist, I would like to see or know the singer as well as listen to the song. Hence, beautiful songs of faith by beautiful Faith Hill. Inspirational songs by towering Johnny Cash. I'll stop belabouring this point. Actually I was reluctant to take on this topic, but it weighed on my mind. Just like certain blogsworld friends -- they are, like Willie Nelson sings, (You're) Always On My Mind.
I felt constrained in elaborating on my answers because I would then have to share "personal" experiences to anchor my stands/stances, which I am reluctant. After sitting on the egg for about a week or so, today I break my elegant silence. A FEW DAYS AFTER MY ESTEEMED PRIME MINISTER DID HIS -- See, the power of association?
Okay, the following is especially dedicated to Helen, inspired also by a Fashionista and a Libbie, whom I have not met but like I say, our personae coalesce -- doe they collide sometimes? -- much. I'm happy we connect, and I trust one day we will meet and become Reality friends, graduating fom cyber, Yes?
You would have noticed that in certain Posts at Desi's -- these are normally Posts discussing national issues, chiefly touching on politics, civil society, and occasionally, race and religion -- I disallowed Commenters without a pseudonym that links to a website/blog, that is, what I term "Anonymous" commenters. Pennames e.g. Anak Merdeka and Twisted Heelsand Sweetspirits are alright by Desi as they connect to blogsites with whom I can interact, and I am proud to say I read the "personlaity" behind these two names, for instance, pretty well. (Does the reverse hold,you ask them and get back to me, SEMUANYA OK?:)
So my reservations in engaging with Anon, maybe I'm paraphrasing RPK (who I hold in high esteem for writing without fear or favour) a bit here, so some thoughts coincide ~~
What are there son many Malaysians so full of opinions that they are so vocal about -- writing under various nicknames -- but dare not identify themselves? I have commenters coming writing under different nciks -- black panda, white panda, fierce panda etc, etc pandering to his ever-chaning fancies and inclinations -- are these people serious?
I have enough experience there are many "spammers" coming in to spoil for a fight! I had had first hand experience of Agitators and even a case of a now-famous Blogger who writes in under various nicks to amplify his "particular school" of thought. You want name/s? Buy me tehtarik at Haridas', or better still, send me an Email plus a check for r0million... Desi has become quite mercenary nowadays -- influenced by the politics of the day?
On balance, I find the conversationists who visit regularly are more than proud to identify themselves, and also stand proudly with their views, consistent and in tandem with their "character" that has formed in my mind. Yes, you are always on my mind, and I often ask my guardian angels to waxtch over my Blogsworld friends too.
To such sweetspirits is a poem I borrow from my Sifu, Max Ehrmann:
The Noise of the City
If the noise of the city offend you,
go ahead when you may, with the birds and
the wild, free life that troubles not;
The growing grain and the placid sky
have a kind of voice; and though you are
alone, the boundlessness of the universe
is with you.
Go afield and dream and forget:
and you will see that you are changed when
you return and the lights of the city
gleam in the twilight.
When Desiderata wrote about Demons, Ghouls & Iblis, Devils
last Friday, it was mainly a sigh of relief that finally our
Esteemed Prime Minister fell back to his 'spiritual" soul in him
to rebut the strongest challenge -- IMHO-lah -- that has been
levelled at him, for months. I salute his "enduring" spirit.
Many of my ER would deem that a weakness (I gather tis inference
from their blog writings or comments!), I call that a "redeeming" asset
of a national leader -- and that's why we are lucky to have him as PM for now.
There is such a thing as "hiting below the belt". Pak Lah the
Mr Nice Guy had had taken many Blows Below The Belt before he
resorted to the metaphor of Iblis and Adam to convey a
"subtle" message to fellow Malaysians I hope the "majority" of
the Rakyet received the message. Decoding is quite an interesting
past-time at Desi's Place. If you have doubt, email me,
accompanied by a check, NOT kangaroo please.
Meanwhile, have a nice Sunday ahead. If you can find Desi through
the Furong Maze, I'll but thee CON BF at the usual korner from 9.00AM
through 11.30AM; ask Anak Merdeka for directions.
If she claims Ignorance, Ignorance is Iblis.
On parting, a minor dedication to mGf in blogosphere~~
Remember me in thy prayers
Just as Desi would in his
That our spirits be calm and genteel
as we bid farewell to each tired day
That the breeze of nightfall blows
an Angelic wind
To calm jagged nerves
Restores some smoothness
on the furrowed brow
Beware that through all the
cacophony of manmade sounds
There sometimes lurks an Iblis
Selling a smile in disguise
Putting a few foul dollars in one's ready palm
But when one's bodily needs easily succumb
The priceless soul is slowly corroded
And during this Double Ghost Ghost season
There roam many hungry ghosts
Actually they are just
Devils in disguise
Could be a commoner
like you and me
Could also be a
VVIP.
May my and your guardian angels
combine forces
To watch over us because we deserve it
We are God-fearing creatures
Sweetspirits all.
Finally, the nigh-springtime winds carried these sweetnotes from Down Under to Seremban valley so thae Desi can have a GOoD APpetite for CON BF eight hours hence...Thanks to a sweetspirit.
Friday, August 11, 2006
EVERYTHING
Find me here
and speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
you are the light
that's leading me
to the place
where I find peace again
you are the strength
that keeps me walking
you are the hope
that keeps me trusting
you are the life
to my soul
you are my purpose
you're everything
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this yeah
you calm the storms
and you give me rest
you hold me in your hands
you won't let me fall
you still my heart
and you take my breath away
would you take me in
take me deeper now
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
cause you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this.
Lately, many people, including the Prime Minister, have written about Spirits. The negative one like Demons and Devils have a word in Malay -- Iblis -- which was used by dear Pak Lah. I was proud he used that word because it was about time he spoke what was on his mind, after holding his tongue for so long -- former DPM described it as keeping "elegant silence"; Mr Opposition countered it was "inelegant". Many haeds spent volumes wondering a certain MSM journalist was spinning changing "elegant" to "eloquence" -- and many of these were the "same" mouthers/ defenders of "shoot that 'Gina' ...for good" remark by Ilmran...I believe too much politics in blogsworld recently has made many usually sane minds go bonkers...
Another friend shared with Desi about the problem of "spammers" in Blogging. All of us would face this "unwelcome" category of visitors at one time or another... usually they visit in "da Steal of the Nite"...(with apologies to Mave SM who keeps Desi in check from overkilling...).
I was once asked by another ER if I entertain Anonymous bloggers seriously; I told her NO.
Another ER asked me to the face when I replied to her query if I cared to visit a certain weblog, so to be consistent to my earlier answer, I said I don't take seriously to people blogging on serious issues behind Anonymity. I got an advice that I should read the contents, forget the face behind the writes.
Being an idealist, I would like to see or know the singer as well as listen to the song. Hence, beautiful songs of faith by beautiful Faith Hill. Inspirational songs by towering Johnny Cash. I'll stop belabouring this point. Actually I was reluctant to take on this topic, but it weighed on my mind. Just like certain blogsworld friends -- they are, like Willie Nelson sings, (You're) Always On My Mind.
I felt constrained in elaborating on my answers because I would then have to share "personal" experiences to anchor my stands/stances, which I am reluctant. After sitting on the egg for about a week or so, today I break my elegant silence. A FEW DAYS AFTER MY ESTEEMED PRIME MINISTER DID HIS -- See, the power of association?
Okay, the following is especially dedicated to Helen, inspired also by a Fashionista and a Libbie, whom I have not met but like I say, our personae coalesce -- doe they collide sometimes? -- much. I'm happy we connect, and I trust one day we will meet and become Reality friends, graduating fom cyber, Yes?
You would have noticed that in certain Posts at Desi's -- these are normally Posts discussing national issues, chiefly touching on politics, civil society, and occasionally, race and religion -- I disallowed Commenters without a pseudonym that links to a website/blog, that is, what I term "Anonymous" commenters. Pennames e.g. Anak Merdeka and Twisted Heelsand Sweetspirits are alright by Desi as they connect to blogsites with whom I can interact, and I am proud to say I read the "personlaity" behind these two names, for instance, pretty well. (Does the reverse hold,you ask them and get back to me, SEMUANYA OK?:)
So my reservations in engaging with Anon, maybe I'm paraphrasing RPK (who I hold in high esteem for writing without fear or favour) a bit here, so some thoughts coincide ~~
What are there son many Malaysians so full of opinions that they are so vocal about -- writing under various nicknames -- but dare not identify themselves? I have commenters coming writing under different nciks -- black panda, white panda, fierce panda etc, etc pandering to his ever-chaning fancies and inclinations -- are these people serious?
I have enough experience there are many "spammers" coming in to spoil for a fight! I had had first hand experience of Agitators and even a case of a now-famous Blogger who writes in under various nicks to amplify his "particular school" of thought. You want name/s? Buy me tehtarik at Haridas', or better still, send me an Email plus a check for r0million... Desi has become quite mercenary nowadays -- influenced by the politics of the day?
On balance, I find the conversationists who visit regularly are more than proud to identify themselves, and also stand proudly with their views, consistent and in tandem with their "character" that has formed in my mind. Yes, you are always on my mind, and I often ask my guardian angels to waxtch over my Blogsworld friends too.
To such sweetspirits is a poem I borrow from my Sifu, Max Ehrmann:
The Noise of the City
If the noise of the city offend you,
go ahead when you may, with the birds and
the wild, free life that troubles not;
The growing grain and the placid sky
have a kind of voice; and though you are
alone, the boundlessness of the universe
is with you.
Go afield and dream and forget:
and you will see that you are changed when
you return and the lights of the city
gleam in the twilight.
When Desiderata wrote about Demons, Ghouls & Iblis, Devils
last Friday, it was mainly a sigh of relief that finally our
Esteemed Prime Minister fell back to his 'spiritual" soul in him
to rebut the strongest challenge -- IMHO-lah -- that has been
levelled at him, for months. I salute his "enduring" spirit.
Many of my ER would deem that a weakness (I gather tis inference
from their blog writings or comments!), I call that a "redeeming" asset
of a national leader -- and that's why we are lucky to have him as PM for now.
There is such a thing as "hiting below the belt". Pak Lah the
Mr Nice Guy had had taken many Blows Below The Belt before he
resorted to the metaphor of Iblis and Adam to convey a
"subtle" message to fellow Malaysians I hope the "majority" of
the Rakyet received the message. Decoding is quite an interesting
past-time at Desi's Place. If you have doubt, email me,
accompanied by a check, NOT kangaroo please.
Meanwhile, have a nice Sunday ahead. If you can find Desi through
the Furong Maze, I'll but thee CON BF at the usual korner from 9.00AM
through 11.30AM; ask Anak Merdeka for directions.
If she claims Ignorance, Ignorance is Iblis.
On parting, a minor dedication to mGf in blogosphere~~
Remember me in thy prayers
Just as Desi would in his
That our spirits be calm and genteel
as we bid farewell to each tired day
That the breeze of nightfall blows
an Angelic wind
To calm jagged nerves
Restores some smoothness
on the furrowed brow
Beware that through all the
cacophony of manmade sounds
There sometimes lurks an Iblis
Selling a smile in disguise
Putting a few foul dollars in one's ready palm
But when one's bodily needs easily succumb
The priceless soul is slowly corroded
And during this Double Ghost Ghost season
There roam many hungry ghosts
Actually they are just
Devils in disguise
Could be a commoner
like you and me
Could also be a
VVIP.
May my and your guardian angels
combine forces
To watch over us because we deserve it
We are God-fearing creatures
Sweetspirits all.
Finally, the nigh-springtime winds carried these sweetnotes from Down Under to Seremban valley so thae Desi can have a GOoD APpetite for CON BF eight hours hence...Thanks to a sweetspirit.
Friday, August 11, 2006
EVERYTHING
Find me here
and speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
you are the light
that's leading me
to the place
where I find peace again
you are the strength
that keeps me walking
you are the hope
that keeps me trusting
you are the life
to my soul
you are my purpose
you're everything
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this yeah
you calm the storms
and you give me rest
you hold me in your hands
you won't let me fall
you still my heart
and you take my breath away
would you take me in
take me deeper now
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
cause you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Asking for special treatment,eh?
Frankly, Desi won't blame the Government for many instances of commssion of DOUBLE STANDARDS. Often it's the people themselves asking for such treatment.
WITNESS the news yesterday, in The Star:~~
Friday August 11, 2006
Discussion ban on all, says Radzi
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad has reminded all groups, including Muslims, not to organise inter-religious discussion forums which are deemed sensitive.
“What the Prime Minister said is meant for everybody. It is not applicable only to non-Muslims,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“The Prime Minister asked everyone to cool off and hold on. I don’t know why some Muslims groups should be doing it now. It will only create unnecessary misunderstanding, tension and suspicion.”
Radzi said the groups should call off the conferences and seminars.
“I’m not trying to pick on the opposition but it is irrespective of political party. Religion is sensitive. Everyone should follow the Prime Minister’s advice and stop (inter-faith discussions),” he said.
A group calling itself Secretariat Himpunan Ulama Rantau Asia (Shura) is organising a two-day seminar at Hotel de Palma, Shah Alam, over the weekend to discuss Challenges Facing the Muslims.
The secretariat, when contacted, confirmed there would be discussions on Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and the Lina Joy case, among other things. Article 11 refers to freedom of religion.
At the Shura seminar, Jemaah Islah Malaysia president Zaid Kamarudin will speak on The Issue of Freedom and Human Rights in a Democratic Nation, while Abim’s Dr Nur Manuty is expected to present a paper on Religious Pluralism: From an Islamic Perspective, while PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Md Isa will talk on Big Agenda for Muslims to Combat Apostasy.
Another group calling itself Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic Non-governmental Organisations, a coalition of 14 Muslim NGOs, is organising a seminar on Challenges on the Rights of Muslims on Saturday at Hotel Plaza.
Last week, several university Muslim student bodies held discussions at Universiti Malaya to oppose the Article 11 forums and express unhappiness over incidents, which they said challenged Islam.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had on May 25 called for the immediate stoppage of inter-faith forums, including on Article 11, because they were deemed to have caused tension in the multi-religious society.
The Prime Minister had then said the Government would act against those who did not heed the warning.
The forums were organised by Article 11, an umbrella body of 13 NGOs which came together following concerns over cases involving inter-faith issues.
~~~~~~~
WITNESS the news today,in The Star page N31:
Groups: Our talks
on Muslims not
against PM's oder
KUALA LUMPUR: Two groups organising semionars
on the challenges facing Muslims said their programmes would
go on because they believe these do not contradict the
Prime Minister's directive to lay off inter-religious issues.
Secretariat Himpunan Ulama Rantau Asia (Shura) and the Allied
Coordinating Committee of Isalmic non-governmental organisations
(Accin) said they were not going to specifically touch on Article
11 of the Federal Constitution, which refers to freedom of religion.
:
"We are focusing on international issues such as the different
mazhabs (schools of thought), like Sunni and Sh'ite, and the
Muslim world as a whole," said Shura chairman Abdul Ghani Shamsudin.
"Our speakers and delegates are scholars from all over.
They are learned people.
"If one or two of our speakers indirectly touch on
Article 11, we can't stop them because that is within their right.
"But it won't cause religious tension because this will be
from an educated and knowledgeable perspective and not to incite
people to riot," Abdul Ghani said.
He stressed that Article 11 was not the focus of the seminar.
"When scholars have discussion, the temperature is different. It is done in a learned way," he added.
~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA: I won't comment much but ask my ER to note the HIGHLIGHTED PORTIONS (Desi's BOLDING THUS). Just wonder whether this Shura guy wants us to take his "words" as gospel assurances, and his implications that his group and participants are "learned" but not those who organised the Article 11 Forums IN PENANG AND JOHOR BARU RECENTLY, BOTH ENDED PREMATURELY BY THE PROTESTERS WHO MOST LIKELY ALSO COMPRISED SOME OF THESE LEARNED PEOPLE.
"...temperature...different" Yeah, how? Lower, or Higher? Shura has a golden thermometer, yes?
I am amazed by this Shura guy's line...""If one or two of our speakers indirectly touch on Article 11, we can't stop them because that is within their right.
WoW, such great assurance in the same breath earlier that "...they were not going to specifically touch on Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which refers to freedom of religion."
In Malaysia they feed differenyt diets to the Goose up north and the Gander down south or central? Or a better analogy is that It's gold when Shura spokesman spits fire; it's shit when Desi speaks, IS IT?
I hope my ER would ponder over the two news items above if you agree that some of our Malaysian brethren are calling on the Government to practise DOUBLE STANDARDS, which already it has been guilty of many times over. I pray IT won't add one more soon ...
When it comes to discussions on Religion and on cultural milieu I'm not adequately ionformed about -- especially outside my own limited field of knowledge -- I usually seek other resources which I deem to be better equipped, so I rely on another item to share. Thinking ALLOWED, is there a THREAD between the following extract and the foregoing reports, please feedback me, mty dear ER.
So for spirited starters,or dessert after lunch, I reprise substantially from Raja Petra Kamarudin's August 8, 2006's post entitled
Dear Waiter 2
:
:
"...I realise when you read some of the comments by the Malay readers, who are Muslims by birth but not necessarily by practice mind you, it gives an impression that Malaysia is no better than Iran or Afghanistan. Actually, these are postings of but a handful of readers who certainly do not represent the view of the majority of Malaysians. I mean, when we get an enormous number of hits a day, we are bound to attract a dozen or so weirdoes who talk from the other end of their anatomy, if you know what I mean. I am sure even in the UK you come across patronising bigots and narrow-minded individuals who make you sick. But just like what you do in the UK, in Malaysia we too ignore them and pass them off as numbskulls that need not be given the time of day. Malaysians in general are a friendly lot, but unfortunately they would rather remain the silent majority while these few dear-know-alls monopolise the stage and give the impression that they speak for the majority.
I too sometimes feel like screaming when I read or hear what they write or say. But then, if I do that, I would also be viewed as a nut. So, instead, I retaliate by writing uncomplimentary articles in my column and take them to task. Then I sit back and enjoy the spectacle of all these people crawling out from their holes to scream and holler that I am an apostate, enemy of Islam, ignorant (the word they use on me is ‘jahil’, the Arabic word for ignorant), and much more. It is actually quite funny watching these narrow-minded people telling me how ignorant I am. Most times they do not even understand what I am saying, but they not only pretend they do, they also try to give this impression that they are more learned than me and that they have studied Islam thoroughly and know more about Islam than even Prophet Muhammad himself.
I do not of course want to reveal to them where I have studied religion and who my tutors were. I purposely allow this perception that I am unlearned. It is more fun when they whack me with this holier-than-thou and I-am-more-learned-than-you attitude. If I were to attack them and challenge their view on Islam, then they would go on the defensive. I tried that a few times but they do not respond to that. They keep quiet and ignore me and pretend that they did not read what I wrote. For example, as a joke, I inserted a ten-point ‘test’ questionnaire which I called ‘ujian keislaman’ in my previous article and all those who had earlier been screaming and shouting about Islam did not dare take the test. It’s really very hilarious.
Anyway, as I said in one of my previous letters, I know the Western media has been very unkind towards Islam. But things are not really as bad as what the media portrays, especially in Malaysia. You will not find Malays with dynamite strapped around their chest embarking on a suicide mission or ‘jihad’. In fact, all you need to do is organise a protest demonstration in front of the United States Embassy, and if it rains or the sun is too hot, not many would turn up. All it takes is the rain or sun to dampen their spirits. Imagine if it was raining bullets or the heat is from bombs. These people would abandon their ‘jihad’ and migrate to England. Actually, jihad does not mean killing as what you probably understand from the media reports. Jihad means struggle and it is basically your personal struggle against temptation and other vices. This is where the western media has been most unkind to Islam. They make it appear like jihad is an Islamic concept of killing or dying. It is not.
In fact, even in Christianity you have jihad. For example, when you say “get behind me Satan”, that is jihad. You are asking that temptation (or nafsu in Malay) be cast aside. The only thing is you do not have a name for it while Islam calls it jihad, plain and simple. But the term jihad has been twisted to mean killing and dying which is actually very wrong. For example, Jesus was against usury. The Jews too are against usury and they would never charge interest if they lend money to a fellow Jew. But it is kosher if they charge interest to a non-Jew. So Islam is no different from either Judaism or Christianity. The only thing is most Jews, Christians and Muslims do not practice what their religions profess.
:
:
:
I know my outspokenness is going to get me into trouble one of these days. Well, I have been getting into trouble since the 1970s. So I suppose after 30 years what difference can it make? Anyway, Islam teaches us that we must never be frightened of fellow humans. Ultimately, man proposes but God disposes. As much as man may plot, at the end of the day God decides. And if God has already decided that I will go to jail, then who am I to fight against this? And as long as God does not will it, then it will not happen. That is how you are supposed to live the life of a true Muslim. But Malays are more frightened of the government than God. So, in that sense, Malays are bad Muslims. I mean, they do not even dare post comments in the Blogs under their own names. They are so scared of openly telling the truth lest they suffer arrest. Islam considers this as putting another power above God and that demolishes one’s faith; which is called akidah in Arabic.
You know, I almost stood up to interrupt the imam during last Friday’s prayer sermon at the mosque near my house in Sungai Buloh. The imam actually misinformed the congregation and I thought it was my Islamic duty to correct this error. (DESI: This reminds Desi of one Ipohlang putting up her hand, with significantly Other's when asked by her Pastor who among them did NOT speak in tongue... Guess who?) But in Malaysia this is not allowed. So I did the wrong thing -- I just sat there quietly without saying anything. During the Prophet’s time, members of the congregation can stand up to question the imam or dispute what he says if they feel he is wrong. But in Malaysia we are warned we cannot do this and if we do then our Friday prayers become nullified. Sheesh, and they say Islam in Malaysia is the Islam that the Prophet taught us. I would of course not dare publicly say this as this statement of mine will attract an outrage from those pretending to be ‘true’ Muslims but who in fact have no inkling of what Islam is really all about..."
:
:
:
~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA:
First, I recommend that you visit malaysia-today.net to read the article in full -- woth severeal times that Nazi berani you're gobbling now, I can assure you.
Second, I don't have RPK's patience, to suffer such fools gladly allowing them so much space, especially the Anon; but reading the comments on his blog, I truly find therapeutic value -- Chuckling to myself, maybe the next-door neighbours would think there's a "nut" case beyond the wall that separates us. (For more on this, I would add to Helen's chuckles tomorrow...Insya-Allah, when I inter-lude on, Again, Ghouls and Demons!
PS: I feel very tired and wearied again just after returning from Hiatus one week.
Maybe I should retire?
Can any of my ER send desi 20million?
Okay, rupiahs also can! Beggars can't be choosers...
Spirit you tomollow!
WITNESS the news yesterday, in The Star:~~
Friday August 11, 2006
Discussion ban on all, says Radzi
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad has reminded all groups, including Muslims, not to organise inter-religious discussion forums which are deemed sensitive.
“What the Prime Minister said is meant for everybody. It is not applicable only to non-Muslims,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“The Prime Minister asked everyone to cool off and hold on. I don’t know why some Muslims groups should be doing it now. It will only create unnecessary misunderstanding, tension and suspicion.”
Radzi said the groups should call off the conferences and seminars.
“I’m not trying to pick on the opposition but it is irrespective of political party. Religion is sensitive. Everyone should follow the Prime Minister’s advice and stop (inter-faith discussions),” he said.
A group calling itself Secretariat Himpunan Ulama Rantau Asia (Shura) is organising a two-day seminar at Hotel de Palma, Shah Alam, over the weekend to discuss Challenges Facing the Muslims.
The secretariat, when contacted, confirmed there would be discussions on Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and the Lina Joy case, among other things. Article 11 refers to freedom of religion.
At the Shura seminar, Jemaah Islah Malaysia president Zaid Kamarudin will speak on The Issue of Freedom and Human Rights in a Democratic Nation, while Abim’s Dr Nur Manuty is expected to present a paper on Religious Pluralism: From an Islamic Perspective, while PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Md Isa will talk on Big Agenda for Muslims to Combat Apostasy.
Another group calling itself Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic Non-governmental Organisations, a coalition of 14 Muslim NGOs, is organising a seminar on Challenges on the Rights of Muslims on Saturday at Hotel Plaza.
Last week, several university Muslim student bodies held discussions at Universiti Malaya to oppose the Article 11 forums and express unhappiness over incidents, which they said challenged Islam.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had on May 25 called for the immediate stoppage of inter-faith forums, including on Article 11, because they were deemed to have caused tension in the multi-religious society.
The Prime Minister had then said the Government would act against those who did not heed the warning.
The forums were organised by Article 11, an umbrella body of 13 NGOs which came together following concerns over cases involving inter-faith issues.
~~~~~~~
WITNESS the news today,in The Star page N31:
Groups: Our talks
on Muslims not
against PM's oder
KUALA LUMPUR: Two groups organising semionars
on the challenges facing Muslims said their programmes would
go on because they believe these do not contradict the
Prime Minister's directive to lay off inter-religious issues.
Secretariat Himpunan Ulama Rantau Asia (Shura) and the Allied
Coordinating Committee of Isalmic non-governmental organisations
(Accin) said they were not going to specifically touch on Article
11 of the Federal Constitution, which refers to freedom of religion.
:
"We are focusing on international issues such as the different
mazhabs (schools of thought), like Sunni and Sh'ite, and the
Muslim world as a whole," said Shura chairman Abdul Ghani Shamsudin.
"Our speakers and delegates are scholars from all over.
They are learned people.
"If one or two of our speakers indirectly touch on
Article 11, we can't stop them because that is within their right.
"But it won't cause religious tension because this will be
from an educated and knowledgeable perspective and not to incite
people to riot," Abdul Ghani said.
He stressed that Article 11 was not the focus of the seminar.
"When scholars have discussion, the temperature is different. It is done in a learned way," he added.
~~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA: I won't comment much but ask my ER to note the HIGHLIGHTED PORTIONS (Desi's BOLDING THUS). Just wonder whether this Shura guy wants us to take his "words" as gospel assurances, and his implications that his group and participants are "learned" but not those who organised the Article 11 Forums IN PENANG AND JOHOR BARU RECENTLY, BOTH ENDED PREMATURELY BY THE PROTESTERS WHO MOST LIKELY ALSO COMPRISED SOME OF THESE LEARNED PEOPLE.
"...temperature...different" Yeah, how? Lower, or Higher? Shura has a golden thermometer, yes?
I am amazed by this Shura guy's line...""If one or two of our speakers indirectly touch on Article 11, we can't stop them because that is within their right.
WoW, such great assurance in the same breath earlier that "...they were not going to specifically touch on Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which refers to freedom of religion."
In Malaysia they feed differenyt diets to the Goose up north and the Gander down south or central? Or a better analogy is that It's gold when Shura spokesman spits fire; it's shit when Desi speaks, IS IT?
I hope my ER would ponder over the two news items above if you agree that some of our Malaysian brethren are calling on the Government to practise DOUBLE STANDARDS, which already it has been guilty of many times over. I pray IT won't add one more soon ...
When it comes to discussions on Religion and on cultural milieu I'm not adequately ionformed about -- especially outside my own limited field of knowledge -- I usually seek other resources which I deem to be better equipped, so I rely on another item to share. Thinking ALLOWED, is there a THREAD between the following extract and the foregoing reports, please feedback me, mty dear ER.
So for spirited starters,or dessert after lunch, I reprise substantially from Raja Petra Kamarudin's August 8, 2006's post entitled
Dear Waiter 2
:
:
"...I realise when you read some of the comments by the Malay readers, who are Muslims by birth but not necessarily by practice mind you, it gives an impression that Malaysia is no better than Iran or Afghanistan. Actually, these are postings of but a handful of readers who certainly do not represent the view of the majority of Malaysians. I mean, when we get an enormous number of hits a day, we are bound to attract a dozen or so weirdoes who talk from the other end of their anatomy, if you know what I mean. I am sure even in the UK you come across patronising bigots and narrow-minded individuals who make you sick. But just like what you do in the UK, in Malaysia we too ignore them and pass them off as numbskulls that need not be given the time of day. Malaysians in general are a friendly lot, but unfortunately they would rather remain the silent majority while these few dear-know-alls monopolise the stage and give the impression that they speak for the majority.
I too sometimes feel like screaming when I read or hear what they write or say. But then, if I do that, I would also be viewed as a nut. So, instead, I retaliate by writing uncomplimentary articles in my column and take them to task. Then I sit back and enjoy the spectacle of all these people crawling out from their holes to scream and holler that I am an apostate, enemy of Islam, ignorant (the word they use on me is ‘jahil’, the Arabic word for ignorant), and much more. It is actually quite funny watching these narrow-minded people telling me how ignorant I am. Most times they do not even understand what I am saying, but they not only pretend they do, they also try to give this impression that they are more learned than me and that they have studied Islam thoroughly and know more about Islam than even Prophet Muhammad himself.
I do not of course want to reveal to them where I have studied religion and who my tutors were. I purposely allow this perception that I am unlearned. It is more fun when they whack me with this holier-than-thou and I-am-more-learned-than-you attitude. If I were to attack them and challenge their view on Islam, then they would go on the defensive. I tried that a few times but they do not respond to that. They keep quiet and ignore me and pretend that they did not read what I wrote. For example, as a joke, I inserted a ten-point ‘test’ questionnaire which I called ‘ujian keislaman’ in my previous article and all those who had earlier been screaming and shouting about Islam did not dare take the test. It’s really very hilarious.
Anyway, as I said in one of my previous letters, I know the Western media has been very unkind towards Islam. But things are not really as bad as what the media portrays, especially in Malaysia. You will not find Malays with dynamite strapped around their chest embarking on a suicide mission or ‘jihad’. In fact, all you need to do is organise a protest demonstration in front of the United States Embassy, and if it rains or the sun is too hot, not many would turn up. All it takes is the rain or sun to dampen their spirits. Imagine if it was raining bullets or the heat is from bombs. These people would abandon their ‘jihad’ and migrate to England. Actually, jihad does not mean killing as what you probably understand from the media reports. Jihad means struggle and it is basically your personal struggle against temptation and other vices. This is where the western media has been most unkind to Islam. They make it appear like jihad is an Islamic concept of killing or dying. It is not.
In fact, even in Christianity you have jihad. For example, when you say “get behind me Satan”, that is jihad. You are asking that temptation (or nafsu in Malay) be cast aside. The only thing is you do not have a name for it while Islam calls it jihad, plain and simple. But the term jihad has been twisted to mean killing and dying which is actually very wrong. For example, Jesus was against usury. The Jews too are against usury and they would never charge interest if they lend money to a fellow Jew. But it is kosher if they charge interest to a non-Jew. So Islam is no different from either Judaism or Christianity. The only thing is most Jews, Christians and Muslims do not practice what their religions profess.
:
:
:
I know my outspokenness is going to get me into trouble one of these days. Well, I have been getting into trouble since the 1970s. So I suppose after 30 years what difference can it make? Anyway, Islam teaches us that we must never be frightened of fellow humans. Ultimately, man proposes but God disposes. As much as man may plot, at the end of the day God decides. And if God has already decided that I will go to jail, then who am I to fight against this? And as long as God does not will it, then it will not happen. That is how you are supposed to live the life of a true Muslim. But Malays are more frightened of the government than God. So, in that sense, Malays are bad Muslims. I mean, they do not even dare post comments in the Blogs under their own names. They are so scared of openly telling the truth lest they suffer arrest. Islam considers this as putting another power above God and that demolishes one’s faith; which is called akidah in Arabic.
You know, I almost stood up to interrupt the imam during last Friday’s prayer sermon at the mosque near my house in Sungai Buloh. The imam actually misinformed the congregation and I thought it was my Islamic duty to correct this error. (DESI: This reminds Desi of one Ipohlang putting up her hand, with significantly Other's when asked by her Pastor who among them did NOT speak in tongue... Guess who?) But in Malaysia this is not allowed. So I did the wrong thing -- I just sat there quietly without saying anything. During the Prophet’s time, members of the congregation can stand up to question the imam or dispute what he says if they feel he is wrong. But in Malaysia we are warned we cannot do this and if we do then our Friday prayers become nullified. Sheesh, and they say Islam in Malaysia is the Islam that the Prophet taught us. I would of course not dare publicly say this as this statement of mine will attract an outrage from those pretending to be ‘true’ Muslims but who in fact have no inkling of what Islam is really all about..."
:
:
:
~~~~~~~~~~
DESIDERATA:
First, I recommend that you visit malaysia-today.net to read the article in full -- woth severeal times that Nazi berani you're gobbling now, I can assure you.
Second, I don't have RPK's patience, to suffer such fools gladly allowing them so much space, especially the Anon; but reading the comments on his blog, I truly find therapeutic value -- Chuckling to myself, maybe the next-door neighbours would think there's a "nut" case beyond the wall that separates us. (For more on this, I would add to Helen's chuckles tomorrow...Insya-Allah, when I inter-lude on, Again, Ghouls and Demons!
PS: I feel very tired and wearied again just after returning from Hiatus one week.
Maybe I should retire?
Can any of my ER send desi 20million?
Okay, rupiahs also can! Beggars can't be choosers...
Spirit you tomollow!
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