p a k s h a h

Wee joins the fray

2010-02-06T21:31:00.000+08:00

Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong supports fellow PKR MPs Zahrain and Tee Beng who had called
Penang CM Lim Guan Eng ' dictator' and 'no class'.

However, he denies he is jumping ship.

Give Oil Royalty

2010-02-05T21:40:00.001+08:00

Former Petronas chairman and former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (Ku Li} says it again that Petronas must pay oil royalties to the relevant state govts .

State govts are entitled to a 5% royalty for petroleum extracted off their waters. There is no mention in the Petoleum Development Act of wang ehsan (goodwill payments) that the Federal Govt insisted that states such as Kelantan was only qualified for,

Ku Li told the new Petronas CEO and president Shamsul Azhar Abbas to work in accordance to the law and not to follow directions of politicians.

Jet engines found

2010-02-05T21:07:00.000+08:00

AG Gani Patail announced that the two missing F5E jet engines have been found in Uruguay, South America.

The two engines had been stolen between December 2007 to January 2008 from an RMAF base.

An air force sergeant and a scrap dealer have been charged for the theft. Both claim trial.

No senior RMAF officers have been charged, though the theft happened under their noses.

Nasir says he is sorry

2010-02-04T22:14:00.001+08:00

Nasir Safar , a former aide of PM Najib makes public apology to all Malaysians for the racist remarks he made at the 1Malaysia seminar in Malacca.

He said he never intended it to be racist.

PM's aide snubs Najib's 1Malaysia

2010-02-02T16:46:00.001+08:00

In historical city Malacca, Nasir Safar. a special officer in PM Najib's Office, wanted to rewrite Malaysian history.
He told a multi-racial group of participants at a 1Malaysia seminar that the Chinese immigrants came to Malacca
in the 1400s as prostitutes and pimps. And the Indian immigrants who came around later were mostly beggars.

Did he forget to mention that the Malay kings were descended from pirates.?

After that offensive statement. he was told to resign.

Najib's 1Malaysia Dream is not going to work if there are such racists in the govt and his own party.

Tee Beng to Guan Eng : No class

2010-02-01T11:24:00.001+08:00

Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng (PKR) backs up fellow MP Zahrain in attacking Penang CM Lim Guan Eng and his govt.
Tee Beng called Guan Eng ' a leader without class'.

It is rumored that MP Tan has some personal problems and was refused help by the state leaders.

Burning bridges

2010-01-31T18:44:00.002+08:00

In response to Bayan Baru MP Zahrain's verbal attacks on him, Penang CM Lim Guan Eng says :

" If he wants to burn bridges with the Penang govt, that is his choice.Let us wait and see if other Penang leaders will support him."
" It is business as usual in Penang. After all he (Zahrain) is not a state assemblyman."
" Of course, the media will try to create a sense of crisis and that is what BN wants to achieve."

PKR adviser Anwar Ibrahim said Zahrain's attack on CM Lim was uncalled for.

No need for Inter Faith Commission

2010-01-30T20:56:00.001+08:00

DPM Muhyiddin : There is no need to form an Inter-Faith Commission (IFC) to tackle sensitive religious issues.

He said continuous dialogues were sufficient, as there were not many issues, except on the High Court ruling on the use of the word Allah.

Zahrain attacked

2010-01-30T17:28:00.001+08:00

Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow said Bayan Baru MP Zahrain is politically frustrated.

He was unhappy over his removal as Penang PKR chairman and now wants to break up the Pakatan coalition in Penang.
Zahrain was frustrated because CM Lim had refused to endorse Zahrain's decision to award the tender for the privatised management of the Bukit Jambul Golf Club to a RM2 company.

Who owns that RM2 company ?

Zahrain attacks Guan Eng

2010-01-29T11:01:00.000+08:00

Bayan Baru MP Zahrain Hashim called Penang CM Lim Guan Eng " a dictator, a chauvinist and communist minded".
" Lim does not like to be criticized. He is quick to label those who criticize him as BN agents.Even his own party (DAP) colleagues do not have a say once he makes up his mind."
" He is reluctant to push for local council elections because it may diminish his power."
" He also promised an open tender system, but he made the process worse by chairing the tender board."
" I am certianly not an Umno agent, I just do not want to see Pakatan going against its promises."
" Lim is not suitable to be Penang CM as he was not a local and did not understand local sentiments."

Zahrain was formerly Penang PKR chairman, but has been replaced by DCM Mansor.

Govt Transformation Program (GTP)

2010-01-28T20:44:00.001+08:00

PM Najib Razak launches the Govt Transformation Program (GTP) Road Map.

Among its highlights :

Promoting an all inclusive media.
The 1Malaysia concept should be promoted in the media and be sensitive to the feelings of the various communities. (Tell that to Utusan especially).

Eliminating Corruption.
Monitor compliance of enforcement agencies (Police,Customs,RTD,Immigration)..
Reduce support letters asking to close one eye or both eyes.
Publish details of Govt contracts at the e-Govt portals for public viewing.
Politicians and political parties to disclose their sources of funding.
Protect whistleblowers.
Database of offenders.

Improving Education.
Increase pre-schools enrolments.
Raise literacy rate from 87% to 90%.
Develop 20 high performance schools this year.

Transport
A one card system for public transport and trains.

Higher living standards for low income households.
Eradicate hardcore poverty.
Reducing the incidence of poverty from 3.6 to 2.8 %

Kedah Regency Council

2010-01-25T18:33:00.001+08:00

Kedah's Sultan Abdul Halim appoints a Council of Regency to handle his State functions while he is away deputising for the Agong Sultan Mizan, who has left for Germany for medical treatment.

His younger brother Tunku Bendahara Anuar will be council president.
The other members are Tunku Temenggong Sallehudin, Tunku Laksamana Abdul Hamid Thani and his daughter Tunku Putri Intan Safinaz.

Sultan Abdul Halim will be acting YDP Agong for a month, until Feb.25th.

King Ghaz dies

2010-01-24T12:14:00.002+08:00

Former Home minister Tun Ghazali Shafie died last night. He was 88 years old.

He had served as Information minister and Foreign minister under PM Tun Razak.

He was Home minister under PM Hussein Onn.

Sultan Ibrahim of Johore (2010)

2010-01-23T23:02:00.000+08:00

The eldest son of the late Sultan Iskandar of Johore, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail was proclaimed the new Sultan of Johore.

The eldest of 10 siblings.He is married to Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris from the Perak royalty.
They have five children.

The late Sultan Iskandar's remains was buried, a few hours after the royal proclaimation.

Zul reports Khalid

2010-01-23T21:40:00.000+08:00

Kulim MP Zulkifli Noordin (PKR) lodges police report against Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad (PAS) for sedition against the Selangor sultan and Selangor state laws.

Khalid stated in his blog that Selangor State enactment 1988 which forbids other religions from using the word Allah, was outdated.
Khalid had mentioned that when the enactment was passed in 1988, the Muslim's understanding of Islam was so low that they needed to be protected.

Zulkifli said Khalid had insulted the Sultan of Selangor, the state govt and Muslims in general.
" This is not a political issue. This is serious. I am obligated to defend Islam."

Sultan Iskandar (1932-2010)

2010-01-22T22:51:00.001+08:00

Sultan Iskandar of Johore passed away at the Puteri Specialist Hospital in Johore Baru.
He was 77 years old
He was born on April 8th 1932.
Sultan Iskandar became the Sultan on May 11 1981, succeeding his father Sultan Ismail.
He was Malaysia's 8th King from April 26th 1984 until April 25th 1989.

Two hours before his death, his son Crown Prince Ibrahim Ismail was appointed Regent.

Sultan Iskandar is survived by his wife Sultanah Zanariah and 10 children.

May Allah forgive him for all his mistakes and misdeeds when he was alive.Amin.

Shah Alam MP meets Sultan

2010-01-22T22:49:00.002+08:00

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad had said that non-Muslims should be allowed to use the word "Allah".

Today, he got called up for a chat with Selangor's Sultan Idris Shah.

Khalid said he is taking all the Sultan's advise in good faith.

DPM refutes Human Rights report

2010-01-22T22:24:00.001+08:00

Deputy PM Muhyiddin said Human Rights Watch report on Malaysia not fairly assessed.

He said that the govt is constantly improving its approach to human rights issues.

His view is that Human Rights performance was based on perception and this caused misconception.

He said " We have done our best."

Oh yeah, Muhyiddin, we did'nt know that, really?

Ibans regain NCR land

2010-01-21T23:52:00.001+08:00

Plantation company Ladang Sawit Bintulu ordered to return an area which is NCR (native customary rights) land to a group of Iban longhouse folks in Bintulu.

The piece of land was wrongly awarded to the company by the Sarawak govt.

Judge David Wong ordered the company to leave the disputed area and return it to the Ibans.

The Ibans led by Tuai Rumah Agi Bungkong had filed the suit in 2001 against Ladang Sawit Bintulu, 4 others and the Sarawak state govt.

Counsel Baru Bian is delighted that there are judges who appreciate and understand native customary rights law.

Human Rights Watch on Malaysia

2010-01-21T23:02:00.002+08:00

" The Malaysian Govt appears to be more interested in pursuing short term political advantage rather than safeguarding rights" : Human Rights Watch Asia director Phil Robertson.

Human Rights Watch said, when Najib became PM in April 2009 he promised to respect the fundamental rights of the people but his govt has failed to undertake the systematic reforms needed to fulfil that pledge.

The Govt harassed the Opposition, restricted the right to peaceful expression, association and assembly, and
mistreated migrants.

The govt has tried to rein in non-traditional media, putting them and bloggers under closer scrutiny.
HRW also voiced concern over continued govt control of the traditional media.

The govt failed to distinguish refugees and asylum seekers from undocumented migrants and for its use of an ill-trained, abusive civilian force (Rela) to crack down on undocumented migrants.

The HRW report also criticized Malaysia for continuing to criminalize adult consensual sexual behavior and said it is about time the govt brought its criminal code into the 21st century.

Dr M on 9/11

2010-01-21T12:33:00.004+08:00

Tun Mahathir said that the September 11 attacks on the US that killed nearly 3,000 people could have been 'staged'..

" I am not sure now that Muslim terrorists carried out these attacks. There is evidence that the attacks were staged."
" If they can make Avatar, they can make anything."
" But whether real or staged. the 9/11 attacks have served the US and western countries well.
They have an excuse to mount attacks on the Muslim world."

Could it be possible ?

# yorais /malaysia sniggers

2010-01-20T22:24:00.004+08:00

After his 'advise' to Malaysian Facebook and Twitter users.
What Malaysians say about ancient minister Rais :

"... are Malaysians 12 (years old)?
" I'm Malaysian and not in any culture shock (when using the internet)"
"The West did not give you will power. If an individual cannot control what they take in, something must be wrong with him or her."
" Rais is so ancient, Parameswara asked him for directions."
" Rais is so ancient, he knew Burger King when it was still a prince."
" Rais is so ancient, he is on a first name basis with the pharaohs."
Me : nuffsaid lol

FELDA pays RM11 million damages

2010-01-19T21:00:00.001+08:00

The Federal Court (CJ Zaki Azmi,FCJ Zulkefli Makinudin & FCJ Gopal Sri Ram) ordered FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) to pay damages costing RM11 million to 354 settlers from Felda Kemahang scheme.

Felda had underpaid them for their oil palm fruit harvest from 1996 to 2002, claiming it was of inferior quality.
The settlers had brought the suit against Felda in 2002.

Why do these officers (Felda, Felcra) like to take advantage of their fellow Malays/Muslims in the rural areas ?

Dont take these rural folks as fools anymore. they are smarter now.

Facebook Phobia

2010-01-16T12:56:00.001+08:00

The Internet Phobia/Paranoia has struck another Malaysian Information minister.

Minister Rais Yatim warns Malaysians to be wary of Facebook and Twitter.
Malaysians who use internet services on social networking sites should be careful with what they see and hear.

To comfort himself perhaps, he said that we should not be quick to condemn or look down on those who do not use Facebook.
He said that newspapers (meaning BN controlled rags) are still relevant, so is Facebook but do not be carried away with everything and disregard the old system.

Why do all our info ministers get dumbstruck with fear by this interet/ networking phenomenon ?

Cave man Fuad

2010-01-14T14:19:00.002+08:00

This chap Fuad Zakarshi must have been living in a cave all these years, with only Utusan and Umno cyber punks to inform and entertain him.

This caveman really believes that Anwar Ibrahim and Raja Petra are buddy-buddy with ex NST chief Kalimullah.

Kalimullah despises both of them, and now he despises Fuad Zakarshi.

Earthquake in Haiti.

2010-01-13T14:03:00.002+08:00

Caribbean island nation Haiti struck by 7.0 Richter scale earthquake.

Thousands of structures from schools and shacks to the National Palace were crushed.
Untold numbers are still trapped under the ruins.

President Rene Preval and his wife survived the earthquake.

The quake was also felt in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and in eastern Cuba.

Deputy minister James Dawos

2010-01-13T13:47:00.002+08:00

Mambong (S'wak) MP James Dawos sworn in as Tourism deputy minister.
He replaces Sulaiman A.Rahman Taib who resigned.
Sulaiman is the son of Sarawak CM Taib Mahmud.

FELCRA pays up RM6.3 million

2010-01-12T13:37:00.002+08:00

The Johore Bahru High Court ordered FELCRA (Fed.Land Reclaimation Authority) to pay up RM6.3 million as compensation to 30+ settlers from a FELCRA scheme in Gelang Patah.

Each settler would be awarded RM 168,311.

The court found that FELCRA had breached the terms and conditions of its contract.

The law suit was filed in 2001.

ROS stalling BALKIS decision.

2010-01-11T13:05:00.002+08:00

ROS (Registrar of Societies) stalling to block a suit by the Selangor state govt.

The S'gor govt had queried if ROS had the right to dissolve and de-register BALKIS ( the wives of S'gor elected representative association) on Feb.11.

Nation's first woman minister dies

2010-01-10T12:48:00.001+08:00

Tun Fatimah Hashim , the first Malaysian woman minister, passed away last night. She was 85.
Her late husband was Tan Sri Kadir Yusof, a former AG and Law minister.
She was laid to rest beside her husband's grave at the National Mosque warriors cemetery.

The next woman minister after her was Aishah Ghani, then came Rafidah, Shahrizat and Yen Yen.

Let It Be

2010-01-09T21:08:00.000+08:00

As a Muslim, I feel very very ashamed about my misguided and extremist Muslim brothers who had attempted to burn a few churches in KL and Selangor.

I understand that they are very angry about the recent court decision which allowed the Catholic Herald newsletter to use the name Allah in translation for the name God in its Malay language edition, for the benefit of the East Malaysian Christians who are not English language literate.

My brothers, that's not the way to show your dissatisfaction. Not by burning the places of worship of other religions.That will make people hate us Muslims even more.
The govt has already said it will appeal the decision through a higher court. So, let it be.

To my Christian friends, you should feel grateful you have won this battle.
For the sake of peace and harmony in this country, I leave it to the wisdom of your leaders.

Let it be.

Senior officers not involved

2010-01-05T22:38:00.001+08:00

Today's big expose by AG Gani Patail.

The govt is in touch with Interpol to trace the whereabouts of the 'stolen' jet aircraft engines from the RMAF.
Our investigations conclude that no senior military officers were involved, only the lowly rank and file.

Now can you believe that. Those corporals and sergeants can pull off such a big heist all by themselves without the knowledge of their senior officers.
Come on lah Gani, try pull another fast one on me. LOL.

My birthday resolutions

2010-01-02T21:41:00.002+08:00

Its my birthday today.

People make resolutions on New Year's eve. I make my resolutions today.

First, how about consuming less sugar. It costs 20 sen more per kg.
Then, the perennial resolution, smoke less or give it up.
Don't miss my daily prayers.I might go for Haj this year.
Don't spend too much time playing Facebook games.
Pay more attention to the spouse and kids.
Get off my butt and start exercising.

That's not all , I might add more later or even dump some.

I was not born to be ruled and restricted. I just want to be free, could I ?

New Year Day

2010-01-01T20:33:00.002+08:00

The Noughties decade has closed at the end of 2009. What will they call this decade 2010-2019 ?

It looks like we (Malaysians) are in for some feuds among Muslims ( the extremes and the moderates) and the non-Muslims (Christians).
All because a non-Muslim judge allowed a Catholic publication to use the word Allah in its Malay language publication, as a translation for the word God.
The editor of the publication said it was meant for the Christian natives in East Malaysia who are not proficient in the English language. It is claimed that the natives had been using the name since centuries ago.
The name Allah has and is still used by Arab speaking Christians in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and other Arabic countries.
But here, the majority Malay Muslims insist that the name Allah is exclusively for Muslims and cannot be used by other religions for fear of contradicting and confusing the Muslims.

After Friday prayers today, many groups of Muslims were seen protesting the court's decision with
shouts of Allah Akbar (Allah is Great) in front of mosques and a big group was reported protesting in front of the KL high court.

I can only say that the govt was wicked to let a non-Muslim judge (Judge Lau Bee Lan) make the decision in such a sensitive issue, which a Muslim judge dares not handle ( even if he agrees).

Today we heard about the death of Tok Mat (Mohamed Rahmat) a former minister of information in Dr Mahathir's cabinet.
It was very well known that Allahyarham Tok Mat was the best Propaganda director and spin master in the Malaysian govt.

And we also heard about the death of judge Augustine Paul. He was the judge in Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy and graft trial. He always dismissed defence lawyers arguments with the word ' not relevant'.

No matter how you personally feel about these gentlemen, remember they were people who had families and friends who love and will mourn them.

Happy New Year 2010. Ten years more to achieve developed nation status. (Remember Wawasan 2020).

Aidil Adha

2009-11-29T02:38:00.001+08:00

Had a nice Hari Raya Aidil Adha this year.
The missus and me are very happy and grateful to Allah that all our children are home.

My latest grandson Habib is 5 months old already. He looks big for a baby that age. All chubby and round and very friendly, ready with a smile and guggles.
His big brother Hasif does'nt seem to grow much, looks small for a 6 year old. Very very hyper active.
Always running and jumping everywhere.
He only keeps still when he's playing games on the computer.

My son Shahman took part in the qurban (sacrifice). I made arrangements with our local Imam, when he was asking for participants. It costs RM350 for a portion.
(Each sacrificial cow is shared seven ways. From your 1/7 part, 2/3 is given to the mosque for distribution to the poor, you can take home 1/3 of the meat. With your 1/3 you can consume all of it, or you can share with your relatives and neighbors.)

The qurban began, soon after Aidil Adha prayers, about 10.00 am.
3 cows were sacrificed in the morning, and 7 more right after Friday prayers, all on Friday. 13 more cows wer sacrificed today. My son's portion was completed in the earliest session.

On Friday night, my sons teamed up with my next door neighbor for a barbecue session. They grilled chicken and ikan kembong.

Did you miss me ?

2009-10-15T16:11:00.004+08:00

Hi there, did you miss me ? I'm still alive and kicking. Have'nt been blogging since May, I think, due to the unfortunate 'demise' of my former pc. Now, I have me a new one which my son Shahman DIYed. So many things to catch up with. Keep in touch. Will be back very soon.

Lina's a law student

2009-06-10T00:45:00.004+08:00

Last Sunday, 7th June 2009, my one and only daughter Lina Masturah formally became a student of the Multimedia University, Melaka branch. She signed up for the two-year Law (foundation) course. Since the MMU hostel facilities are undergoing renovation works, this batch of freshies are being put up at the Melaka Water City resort in Bukit Katil, about 7 km away from the main campus in Ayer Keroh. This accomodation puts all the other hostels to shame. Six students to a two-room apartment with air-cond, kitchen, clean bathroom, comfortable beds, tv with Astro and wi-fi is available too. And most importantly, bus transport is provided at scheduled times for students to commute to and from campus to hostel and vice versa. Lina and her friends will be staying there for the whole course year. The 'hostel fees' of RM 850 had to be paid up on the spot. She has made some new friends, I've met them and their folks and looks like very decent people. Lina, if you are reading this, study hard and be friendly with everyone and I pray that you will be successful and happy and will become a great woman one day. We love you.

Baby Season

2009-05-03T00:51:00.005+08:00

Its Baby Boom Year for the Dadameah clan. Sha'azim and Ika started off in mid-March with a baby boy, their first, Grandpa Didi's third grandchild. Name is Sha' ixack Zarfanne Dadameah, such an exclusive name. In April, Qholiff & Maheran welcomed their second son Qashif Dadameah . Also Grandpa Ijon's second grandson. Also, in April Ileena Qassim, daughter of cousin Zuveea Dadameah, gave birth to a boy. End of April, Nashriq Dadameah had a baby boy named Ryan Adam Dadameah, his first son and second child. The second grandchild for the late Noor Nikman Dadameah. And hopefully by mid-June or later, my son Firdaus and d.i.l. Zuraida will be presenting us his second son (if the scan was correct) and our second grandson.

POLITIC FREE BLOG

2009-04-15T00:18:00.002+08:00

FROM TODAY, I DECLARE THIS BLOG FREE OF POLITICS. I WILL NOT BE COMMENTING OR REPORTING ON ANY THING THAT SMELLS OF POLITICS. I SHALL FOCUS MORE ON OTHER TOPICS, BUT NOT POLITICS. I SHALL HAVE PEACE OF MIND. POLITICS SUCK.

New Cabinet

2009-04-09T18:44:00.001+08:00

PM Najib announced his Cabinet of 28 ministers and 40 deputy ministers. As expected, Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed as deputy PM. Ministers dropped were Syed Hamid Albar, Azalina Othman, Ong Ka Chuan, Zin Mohamad, Muhamad Taib, Zulhasnan Rafique, and Amirsham Aziz. Six new Senators were sworn in today to join the Cabinet. The full line-up, see here.

Death sentence

2009-04-09T12:24:00.000+08:00

C/Insp. Azilah Hadri and Cp Sirul Azhar Umar were sentenced to death for the murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu on October 2006. Azilah and Sirul were police officers in the Special Action Unit (Unit Tindakan Khas). Altantuya's ex-lover Razak Baginda, a close associate of Najib Razak, was earlier charged as an accomplice but has been acquitted.

PM Najib's first speech

2009-04-03T21:37:00.000+08:00

In his first address to the nation, PM Najib urged Malaysians to help him renew Malaysia with the slogan One Malaysia.People First.Performance Now. With immediate effect, he lifted the temporary ban of Harakah and Suara Keadilan. 13 ISA detainees will be released too, effective immediately. Don't be so thrilled yet folks, that's just sugar coating.

Judicial review

2009-04-03T20:00:00.000+08:00

High Court judge Aziz A Rahim allowed Nizar Jamaluddin (PR Perak CM) to apply for a judicial review of the legality of the appointment of Zambry Kader as the CM of Perak. Judge Aziz pronounced that the application filed by Nizar was not frivolous or vexatious . There was a prima facie case to be argued in court. Nizar had not questioned the decision made by Sultan Azlan Shah but only the legality of the appointment of Zambry as Perak CM. Nizar had contended that he was the lawful CM under the Perak constitution because he had advised the sultan to dissolve the state assembly, not resigned from the post and neither was a no confidence vote passed against him. Nizar also called for Zambry to show under which law the CM appointed by Barisan Nasional became the legal CM.

PM Najib Razak

2009-04-03T19:03:00.000+08:00

Mohd Najib Tun Razak was sworn in before the YDP Agung Tuanku Mizan as Malaysia's 6th PM. He succeeds Abdullah Badawi who has retired. At the same ceremony Abdullah and his wife Jeanne Abdullah were confered with 'Tun' titles by the YDP Agung in appreciation of their national services. Later in the afternoon, Tun Abdullah handed over the PM's duties and office to PM Najib. Najib's father, the late Tun Abdul Razak was Malaysia's 2nd PM.

Pak Lah chairs last Cabinet meeting

2009-04-01T19:34:00.000+08:00

PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi chaired his last Cabinet meeting, before he hands over the premiership to DPM Mohd Najib Razak. Shahrir Samad submitted his resignation letter, but was told to hang on with the other cabinet members until new PM Najib forms his Cabinet line-up.

Eradicating poverty in Penang

2009-04-01T17:25:00.000+08:00

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng had announced on Monday that the state gov't had managed to eradicate poverty in the state. The state has provided financial aid and economic activities to 726 households, registered under the hardcore poor category. Now, some parties are politicising the program. Lim said : I want to know why it is wrong to give money to the poor. Is it right for them to give money to corruption ? The previous state govt should apologise to the people for condoning corruption. They have also brought about loss of funds to the state govt and I will reveal further details on this, in two days time. The previous state govt should also apologise for being unable to do what the current administration has achieved in one year. They can't answer why they could not eradicate poverty in 51 years, so they question our success in achieving this within a year. If there are any hardcore poor families that have not recieved assistance, tell us and we are prepared to immediately give them aid. We give aid to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation. BN should not politicise this issue but apologise for failing to do this and support our cause. We provide land for the poor to start herbal and spice farms. The Career Assistance & Training (CAT) Center will be conducting job matching services. BN leaders are too lazy to check the facts before criticising the state's poverty eradication program.

Penang's Free Wi-Fi service

2009-03-26T18:44:00.000+08:00

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng launched Penang's free Wi-Fi service with 26 active hotspots where the service could be accessed free by the public. The state was targeting to set up 750 spots so the whole state could be covered with free internet service by 2010. The free service is now available at Komtar, Bukit Jambul, Mayang Mall, Chulia Street, Penang Road and Permatang Pauh.

Pak Lah's last call

2009-03-26T00:22:00.002+08:00

Abdullah Badawi gives his last opening speech as Umno president. He will be handing over the leadership to his deputy Najib Razak, after the Supreme council elections. He told the delegates that the party is now facing a life or death situation. It is up to the new leadership and members to bring positive changes to rebrand the party. He agreed with Najib's suggestion to give every member voting rights to choose their national leaders to overcome money politics. Some points he made : Limit the tenure of Umno office bearers. Discard the old ways such as restricting the freedom of our citizens and silencing their criticisms. Never adopt racial or religious positions that are extremist to the extent that non-Malays view it as a racist party. Don't destroy the unity among the races that we have built. We must rediscover the cooperation that formed the basis of our national unity.

Najib's wish

2009-03-24T22:32:00.000+08:00

Umno deputy president Najib Razak launched the joint assembly of Umno's Women's, Youth & Puteri wings. In his speech, he outlined what he wanted to do, the changes he planned to make, when he becomes Umno president and PM. One of his proposals was to abolish the nominations quota for party elections. He would like every member to have a vote. With the present system, only delegates are allowed to vote for their leaders.

Penang govt appoints PAS leaders

2009-03-24T18:28:00.001+08:00

PAS leaders have been appointed to Penang's state agencies. PAS vice-president Mohamad Sabu was appointed as a director of state owned Penang Water Supply Corpn (PBAPP). CM Guan Eng is the chairman of PBAPP. Penang PAS state chief Salleh Man and deputy chief Hamdan Rahman (Ptg Pasir assemblyman) were appointed as directors in the state-operated Halal Hub Sdn Bhd.

Tok Guru says No Unity-Govt with BN

2009-03-15T21:54:00.001+08:00

Tok Guru Nik Aziz ( PAS supreme leader & Kelantan CM) is very much against a unity gov't with BN. The idea was mooted by Tengku Razaleigh (Gua Musang MP). PAS president Hadi Awang had agreed with the proposal a few days ago. Nik Aziz said the PAS-BN coalition had been tried before, but PAS's contribution was not appreciated. Now, he does'nt trust any BN offer. If Hadi is still keen on this unity gov't, bring up this motion at the next muktamar ( general assembly) in June.

Mini-Budget 2009

2009-03-10T22:13:00.000+08:00

DPM/Finance minister Najib Razak presented a RM60 billion mini-budget to save the Malaysian economy from recession. The package is targeted at workers, consumers, investors, small & medium businesses, exporters and unemployed graduates. The mini-budget will have four thrusts : 1) Reducing unemployment and increasing employment opportunities (RM 2bil.) 2) Easing the burden of the rakyat, in particular vulnerable groups (RM10 bil.) 3) Assisting the private sector in facing the crisis (RM 29bil.) 4) Building capacity for the future (RM 19bil.) Opposition MPs said the mini budget did not have enough measures for the small man, but was beneficial to the corporate sectors. Where the money is coming from : RM 15 bil. - Fiscal injection RM 25 bil. - Guaranteed funds RM 10 bil. - Equity investments RM 7 bil. - Private finance initiatives (PFI) and off-budget projects RM 3 bil. - Tax incentives See who gets what .

Remember Altantuya ?

2009-03-05T12:04:00.006+08:00

Malaysians have been so diverted by silly political games. So, have we forgotten about the Mongolian lady Altantuya's murder ? Take a look here. This is awesome stuff.

"Chain reaction of illegality"

2009-03-04T23:35:00.000+08:00

Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh said : The BN takeover of Perak has set off a chain reaction of illegality which has left Perak quite possibly a state without a legitimate government.One of our most prosperous states has been reduced to a failed state. One lie leads to many lies.Each bad action leads to a cascade of follies. Particularly when the lie or the violation concerns something very basic. This is a principle we teach our children. It is a simple but universal truth now being demonstrated in Perak. Those who so blithely ignore the Constitution for political ends are quite literally wrecking the foundations of this country to further their own interests. This must stop. With each violation, the sense of decency and restraint, and the habits that bind us to the Constitution are loosened. The confidence in the rule of law that makes civilized life possible is diminished. The Constitution is not just any law. It is the set of laws that founds our nation, defines its basic principles, guarantees our individual rights and prescribes the structures, duties and powers which make a national community possible. It is the very foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of Malaysia. Laws are invisible things. They exist only when they are understood and observed. When the gov't of the day ignores foundational principles such as the separation of powers, the Constitution becomes a dead piece of paper.

Sitting under a tree

2009-03-04T23:13:00.006+08:00

Perak state assembly speaker S.Sivakumar presided over an extraordinary session of the state assembly. The meeting was called to conduct a vote of confidence for Nizar Jamaludin as the legitimate chief minister (menteri besar) of Perak. All members said yes. Then the speaker called for a vote to seek the Sultan's consent to dissolve the state assembly, paving the way for new state elections. All assemblymen agreed. Finally the speaker asked the assemblymen to vote on the speaker's suspension of BN's appointed chief minister Dr Zambry and his six executive council members. All agreed. All these proceedings were carried out, under a tree, in the compound of the state assembly building. When the speaker issued letters informing the assemblymen of a special sitting of the state assembly today, all the BN assemblymen and 3 independents were told by BN leaders not to attend. The state secretary and state assembly secretary took drastic measures to prevent the meeting.The entrance to the assembly building was locked and guarded by police and what looks like Umno bouncers. To prevent physical violence, the speaker moved the meeting outside the assembly building. And so, for the first time in Malaysian history, a state assembly meeting was held outdoors. Meanwhile BN's MB Zambry had been busy, and managed to get a restraining order to stop assembly speaker Sivakumar from convening any more assembly meetings. My view : Like other disgusted Malaysians, I hope every bloody politician will come to their senses soon. We've had enough of your silly games. Nobody wins. The rakyat are the big losers. I hope HRH Sultan Azlan Shah will wisely put a stop to all this nonsense.

No toll hikes for now

2009-02-27T23:17:00.001+08:00

Yesterday the Gov't said they were increasing toll rates by 33% along 5 highways. Today, the Gov't said no toll rates hike. The hikes are postponed till December 2009. Why the sudden u-turn ? Its obvious, that the Gov't is facing two by-elections (Bukit Gantang & Bukit Selambau) and another one coming in Sarawak. And the situation in Perak looks shaky. If the Pakatan Rakyat gets to dissolve the state assembly, a whole state election looks possible. The toll hike will not make the BN gov't popular. Of course, Pak Lah and Najib will surely deny that is the reason for postponing the toll hikes.

Pak Lah's achievement

2009-02-24T19:54:00.001+08:00

Pak Lah takes pride in his 'achievements' such as judiciary reforms and the formation of the Malaysian anti-corruption commission (MACC). He told some businessmen at a dinner held in his honor. There were more 'failures' in his resume, which he did not want to mention. He did take a swipe at 'bloggers' and the media who he said should be more responsible when disseminating information. He said he has a higher level of tolerance than the previous PM Mahathir but the people must be responsible.

Use cops to catch truants

2009-02-23T22:46:00.000+08:00

The Kelantan education department is enlisting the police to nab school truants. Truancy is rampant in the urban areas and looks like its catching up in the rural areas. This truancy problem exists in all the states, so the various education departments should follow what the Kelantan education dept. is trying to do. Malay students are the majority of the truants seen at the shopping malls and other public places. This is real, not racist. This is a major Malay problem, as well as national.

Law for Invasion of privacy

2009-02-22T21:25:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian Bar Council wants the Gov't to implement specific laws to curb invasion of privacy. Existing laws are too general or lenient. The Council's Human Rights Committee chief Sonya Liew said : " Many past cases and the recent one involving assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong have proven how inadequate our laws are in protecting us from getting our privacy violated." " Currently we don't have a specific law to charge anyone taking a photo or videotaping someone in a compromising situation. All the relevant sections under the Penal Code are related to the distribution and possession of the material." " In former minister's Dr Chua Soi Lek sex DVD case, the police were only able to arrest those caught in possession or distributing it. They could not prove who installed the hidden camera in the hotel room and they could not take action against the hotel for trespassing as we have no privacy law." Recently in Johore, a man was fined only RM100 for photographing a young girl urinating in a public toilet, with his handphone camera. " Unless there was an Act which recognises the right to privacy, it would be difficult to deal with the intrusion of privacy" " Privacy was not even recognised in the Constitution."

Pak Lah's selective hearing

2009-02-19T22:27:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, Pak Lah the PM of Malaysia told us Malaysians " I'm listening to you. I have big ears you know. I can hear your complaints." Now he says these things (on the Perak political crisis) : Asked if the political twists and turns can be resolved by going to the polls, since that's what the people of Perak want. He said : There is no need for elections. BN should continue ruling Perak to ensure stability. When the Pakatan Rakyat won in the 2008 elections, BN gave way to them to form the state gov't. Now the situation has changed and BN is deemed as the legitimate state gov't so it should function as " demanded by the people." Whose people Pak Lah ? Only your people, not the people's people. You are not listening to the Perak people, Pak Lah. You stuffed your ears with I don't know what so you can't hear their complaints, their wishes.

Eli Wong, you done no wrong

2009-02-16T23:14:00.001+08:00

I'm really sorry and disappointed that some people would stoop so low to bring down a dedicated and popular state assemblywoman like Elizabeth Wong (Bukit Lanjan - PKR). The scum who posted those MMSes of her 'exposed' body to the public, must have made some money from her political enemies. Elizabeth, don't listen to those wolves and hounds baying for your blood,wanting you to quit. You done nothing wrong. You are the innocent victim. Be strong, take them on, kick ass , stand up for your rights. Show those goons you won't be cowed. My very best to you Eli, you deserve better.

Dr M : Pak Lah, THINK !

2009-02-04T22:05:00.004+08:00

Pak Lah is willing to accept anybody who wants to join Umno. That is Umno's policy. Tun Dr Mahathir said : The two PKR reps Jamaludin Radzi and Osman Jailu are guys with problems because they are involved in corruption cases. (Jamaludin and Osman are charged with accepting bribes and sexual favors for approving a RM180 million housing project in Sri Iskandar,Perak Tengah. At the time, Jamaludin and Osman were state exco members). The trial begins 10th February. Is Umno so desperate that it cannot wait for the court's decision on the two accused, before accepting them as Umno members ? If they are accepted now, and should they get acquitted by the courts, you know what people are going to say ? They are going to say that the government ( led by Umno) influenced the courts. Whether justified or not, is not the question. The people's perception will not change. This will have an impact on the next general elections (GE13). Umno is already assumed to be deep in corruption, always breaking promises, and favoring the PM's cronies in Terengganu. (Yeah, Dr M's cronies lost out). If that is not enough, you want to bring in people accused of bribery and sexual favors, to soil further Umno's already tarnished image. So, Pak Lah think properly before you eagerly accept such people.

Indonesia's latest fatwas

2009-01-27T20:57:00.000+08:00

For your information : Fatwa (edicts) issued by the Indonesian Religious Council (MUI) : 1. A ban on aspects of Yoga that contain Hindu elements. 2. A ban on vote abstention if ' qualified' candidates exist. 3. A ban on smoking by children and pregnant women, and in public places. 4. A ban on abortion unless the mother is a rape victim, the pregnancy endangers her life, or the foetus is aged less than five weeks. 5. A ban on vasectomy because the process is ' irreversible'. 6. A ban on marriage with minors, based on a 1974 law that forbids men under 19 and women under 16 years old from marrying. Justification for fatwa No.2 : Islam obliges Muslims to elect their leaders if the latter meet certain criteria. The criteria include - being Muslim, honest, briliant and ready to fight for the people. Nahdatul Ulama (the biggest Islamic organisation in Indonesia) disagreed that : Yoga as practised in Indonesia, was a pastime and must not be seen in a religious context. To discourage smoking, the MUI should not use ' Islamic law' as a tool. What's important is to inform the public of of the bad effects of smoking and urge the govt to enforce policies to discourage smoking. The MUI should not force people to vote, it was their democratic right to vote or not. A religious body should not dictate political behavior.

Happy Year of the Ox

2009-01-26T13:30:00.000+08:00

To all my friends and readers I wish you a happy, prosperous and peaceful Year of the Ox. Thanks for the oranges. By the way, President Obama was born in the year of the Ox 1961. My brother , former Star reporter Adyll, was born in the Ox Year of 1949. Gong Xi Fa Chai !!!

Gitmo to be closed

2009-01-23T23:26:00.001+08:00

US President Obama ordered the closure of the notorious Guatanemo Prison within one year. He also ordered other secret prisons to be closed. What has ex-president George W Bush gotta say about that ?

44th US President

2009-01-21T13:51:00.001+08:00

Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the USA at 11.00 am 20/1/09 US time (our time 1.00 am 21/1/09). I watched the event on the Internet. RTM was broadcasting live, but there were too much chatter from the RTM presenter and his guests. The Internet broadcast was slower by 5 minutes, I think. Great speech by Obama, and lots of promises which we hope he can keep.

KT voters reject BN

2009-01-17T23:03:00.002+08:00

The voters of Kuala Terengganu gave the parliament seat to PAS man A.Wahid Endut. Even though the BN with DPM Najib had dished out lots of goodies to the KT folks, they still rejected BN's man Wan Farid, by more than 2,000 votes. Najib and other federal BN leaders left town early as if they had known they were going to lose. Syabas YB Wahid and PAS.

Lina is 18 today.

2009-01-17T12:23:00.000+08:00

Lina Masturah turns 18 today. She's one of the lucky teenagers who did not have to go to PLKN ( National service training camps). I'm quite happy with that. To pay for her driving lessons, she took a part time job in the office where brother Fahmie works. She passed her Undang-undang (highway code) test today. She's grown up now, and sooner or later I would have to give her some kind of freedom, which I hope she will use wisely and with responsibility. Remember, your mum and dad and brothers love you. Make us proud, whatever you do.

Seat belt dilemma

2009-01-02T00:59:00.000+08:00

On New Year's Day, we drove to Alor Star to spend some time with my eldest son Firdaus and family. This is the day that the govt enforces the compulsory wearing of seat belts for back seat passengers. Initially there were five of us going. As our car, a Toyota Avanza can seat seven people, that should not be a problem. But we had to bring along Fadzlil's wheel chair. The back row seat had to be folded to carry the wheel chair, that leaves only three seats in the second row. The seating arrangement was me and Shahman, in front. Fadzlil, Milah and Lina in the second row with Shafiq, bouncing in between them (unbelted). Then, Lina decided not to go. She said it was too cramped up. Shafiq is not so little anymore and gets excited when travelling. We sent her to her friend's house to spend the day. Fahmie was working overtime, so there was no one at home. Imagine, another family with four or five kids, wanting to travel together in a Kancil or Proton Saga/Wira . Because of the heartless 'seat belt ruling', somebody got to be left behind. They wanted us Malaysians to support the local car industry. They sold us cars that are affordable for the average wage earners. Then they make this unreasonable ruling, that keeps the family separated. Now Proton will be producing MPVs to force Malaysians to buy. Is this the reason for introducing this rule ?

New Year 2009

2009-01-01T02:37:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year 2009. 2008 is now History. Did we learn anything ? Make this year and years after this better and safer for our children and grand-children.

Sime Darby, keep your filthy paws off IJN !

2008-12-21T00:33:00.002+08:00

I'm glad that the govt has agreed to postpone the privatisation of Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) (National heart Institute) by Sime Darby. The IJN has given excellent service to many Malaysian heart patients, rich and poor. If it was privatised (diswastakan) , many poor patients will not be able to be treated . Privatised institutions are notorious for raising fees beyond the means of low-income earners. Sime Darby has no good reason to take over the IJN, other than to make money from people's miseries and to fill the wallets of its cronies. Finance minister and in-coming PM Najib, the postponement is to enable the govt and Sime Darby to further study the matter. That is all bullshit, you know and I know and Najib also knows, this privatisation will become an issue at the coming Kuala Terengganu by-elections, and the BN will lose a lot of votes as well as the seat, if the govt goes thru with it. Even the doctors at IJN are against it. No decent Malaysian wants it. So, Sime Darby and cronies keep your filthy paws off IJN.

Ketuanan Melayu

2008-12-03T21:36:00.005+08:00

Ketuanan Melayu or Malay Supremacy or Malays Must Be the Boss and other races just shut up or get arrested for sedition. Every day, the press and TV stations keep on highlighting this topic. Who's for, who's against, who's got a point of view. I'm telling you Malaysians, this ketuanan thing is already established. The Agung is a Malay, the PM and DPM are Malays, the Chief Justice is Malay, the Armed Forces chief is Malay, the Inspector General of Police is Malay, the Attorney General is Malay, the top civil servant is a Malay, most of the GLC 's CEOs are Malay or Bumiputra. Wonder why the Malays are so worked up about this Malay supremacy thingy ? The Malaysian Chinese, Indians and other races are not trying to take over those positions. Its all in the minds of simple minded Malays, brain-washed by desperate unsuccessful Malay politicians and businessmen. What the non-Malays want is fairness, due justice and equal opportunities. If a non-Malay is better qualified , let him or her have that chance. Do'nt pick a second rater just because he or she is a Malay/bumiputra. I'm a 'certified' Malay (just like Dr Mahathir, Hussein Onn, Pak Lah). My roots stretch out everywhere from Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, China and the Nusantara islands. To me, this Ketuanan Melayu is just political crap.

Islam disapproves tomboys and yoga

2008-11-23T20:47:00.002+08:00

Muslim women who are masculine in manner and dressing are decreed un-Islamic by the National Fatwa Council. The council enforcers don't give a shit about the psyche or emotional condition of these 'un-women'. My advise to the 'tomboys' is to keep out of the public eye with your girlfriends. You are safe ,in a private place. And the council cannot arrest you for khalwat (close proximity) since both of you are biological females. Yesterday, the Fatwa council announced that Muslims must not practise the ancient Indian exercise of Yoga. It is feared that Muslims will be led astray from Islam, by following some of the yoga rituals. Many Muslims that I know of, have been practising yoga as a physical exercise for several years but they have'nt strayed from Islam. Whatever it is, I really hope that no over-zealous Religious Dept enforcers, would go snooping in people's private homes or grounds to nab so called offenders. Another fatwa should be created to declare that unwarranted spying on people is illegal.

Are We Ready For CHANGE ?

2008-11-06T21:50:00.004+08:00

Barack Hussein Obama will become the next president of the United States. Americans , thank you for not bothering about his race and origins. You just picked a person who you think can be a good leader, better than George W Bush. In congratulating Obama, PM Pak Lah said, we could be like America where every race can get a chance to be PM. Its easy for him to say that, after all he is part-Chinese. I cannot imagine if a Chinese or Indian would dare to have such ambitions. Don't think that the Umno or PAS Malays are gonna keep quiet and allow that to happen. They are already quarrelling with the Selangor govt for appointing a Chinese officer (who is very experienced and qualified )to act as PKNS general manager. Sad to say, meritocracy is worthless in Malaysia. Only Malay officers, no matter how useless, are supposed to be Pengarahs and Pengerusis of govt agencies. Americans have voted for CHANGE but we, Malaysians are not ready for that, because the Umno and PAS Malays don't want to CHANGE. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Barack Hussein Obama terpilih sebagai bakal presiden Amerika Syarikat. Terima kasih kepada rakyat Amerika kerana tak hirau kaum dan asal-usul Barack tu. Hampa memilih orang yang boleh jadi pemimpin yang baik, lebih baik dari Bush tu. PM kita Pak Lah ucap tahniah kepada Obama. Pak Lah kata, kita boleh jadi macam Amerika, di mana semua bangsa boleh dapat peluang nak jadi PM. Senang dia cakap, dia tak pah lah, dia dah ada sikit darah Cina. Aku tak boleh bayangkan ada orang Cina atau India yang ada cita-cita lagu tu. Hang ingat orang Melayu Umno dan PAS nak dok diam dan biak benda ni jadi. ? La ni depa dok bara dengan k'jaan negeri Selangor pasai melantik pegawai bangsa Cina ( yang memang layak dan berpengalaman) untuk memangku jawatan pengurus (GM) PKNS. Dukacita nak kata, meritokrasi tak laku di Malaysia. Hanya pegawai Melayu, walaupun ada jenis yang haprak, saja yang boleh jadi pengarah atau pengerusi agensi-agensi kerajaan. Rakyat Amerika dah pilih PERUBAHAN (Change) tapi kita rakyat Malaysia tak sedia lagi pasai orang Melayu Umno dan PAS tak mau BERUBAH.

Tan Seri George W Bush

2008-10-22T21:47:00.003+08:00

Our Melaka CM is surely going to lose a lot of nominations for Umno veep, since his state nominated Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan for a datukship. Questions flying all around the press, the coffee shops, the fish markets.. what has he done for Melaka to deserve that ? Bet he does'nt even know what a 'Datuk' title is. Melaka CM's answer - Shahrukh helped put Melaka on the tourist map, by shooting some scenes of Melaka in his movies. Maybe the answer could be that some smittened Mak Datin insisted on it ? Amitab Bachan would make a more distinguished Datuk, don't you think so ? Hey, since we like to show our appreciation by honoring foreigners, I think the govt should consider confering an award to this foreign leader who's retiring next month. I'm talking about George W.Bush the out-going president of the United States. Why, because the USA is Malaysia's biggest trading partner. Malaysians love watching American movies, playing and listening to American music, reading American books and comic books. Some of our young people already speak like Americans (just tune in to Hitz FM, Fly FM, the TV presenters, anybody not schooling in a Malaysian school). Not to forget, the little kids favorite snacks KFC,MacDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and other US food & beverage franchises. Yes we are, like it or not, greatly influenced by the Americans. Yes, we should honor George W.Bush with at least a Tan Seri. Happy retirement Tan Seri George W. Bush.

In Memory of Mak

2008-10-07T18:05:00.004+08:00

Among us brothers and sisters, there are two significant days in the year which we will never forget. That is 11th of August, and 7th of October. 11th of August is our late father's birthdate. 7th of October, which is today is our late mother's birthdate. (She would have turned 83 today). I would like to share with you, these words of love from her children, in remembering this special day : From 7th child (6th son) Fajar : I love you Mak from deep down in my heart (our hearts). We love you Mak. Al Fatihah.. From 3rd child (3rd son) Maher : She sees in me like no other sees me, knows me like no others know me. All of us has a special place in her heart as she is in ours. May Allah bless my mother Hajjah Haniffa bt Hamad Abdul Azyze and may He keep her safe at all times. Al Fatihah.... From 5th child (1st daughter) Jeniffa : Al Fatihah... for the dearest, sweetest, kindest soul, our beautiful Mak. From 6th child (5th son) Izron : With only ALLAH's consent we live till this day 7th October 2008. We are able to remember that today the QUEEN of all our hearts was born. How did we serve her when she was around is what that counts. How much are we now helping her with prayers and deeds to keep her at ease while in Eternity, that counts too. The Queen of all our hearts will never fade even until we meet our fate. May her soul be blessed and in peace. Al-Fatihah........ I feel that there are not enough words to express how much we all love and miss her. Al Fatihah ... to Mak and Bapak and also Abang. From 8th and youngest child (2nd daughter) Helinna : Words (like you say) cannot do justice.I miss Mak, her face, her touch, her smile, her kindness, Al Fatihah......... (Will update if there are more messages).

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-09-30T23:33:00.003+08:00

Alhamdulillah we have completed the month long fasting of Ramadzan and tomorrow, the first of Shawal we celebrate our 'victory' on Hari Raya. The past month has not been a good month for us Malaysians. What with all that power hustlings and locking up 'non-terrorists' citizens, and all the prices of every day essentials shooting up. We, ordinary folks , survived through our own sheer will and detemination, did'nt we ? Looking at the future , within the next few months, looks like nothing will change for better or worse. No matter who rules the country, there will always be dissatisfaction among certain pockets of society. Let them go for each other's throats, but they better not incovenient us, the plain folks. My wish to you, my dear readers, is to be thankful to Allah, be faithful to your beliefs and cherish and watch out for your family and loved ones. Forgive me if I have slighted or hurt any feelings within my blog. I wish you all a Selamat Hari Raya, love and best wishes.

Charged with ISA

2008-09-13T22:28:00.001+08:00

Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin, DAP MP & Selangor senior exco Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, are a threat to national security and public order, so said Home minister Syed Hamid Albar, so they were arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA ). Raja Petra, allegedly, insulted Islam and Muslims in his blog. If one had the brains to understand his writings, it was more about his criticising the hypocratic ways of the Muslim Malays. The insulting was by his blog commentators. So, the authorities (govt & police) afraid to face him in a court trial, chose to charge him under the ISA. Which means to imprison without trial. Seputeh MP Teresa Kok was arrested for, allegedly, trying to cause inter-racial and inter-religious tension between Muslims and non-Muslims. She was accused by Dr.Khir Toyo (ex-MB of Selangor) and reported by Utusan Malaysia, for her involvement in a residents' petition against the calling of 'azan' at a Puchong mosque. She has denied the allegation and has demanded an apology from Dr Khir and Utusan. Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was arrested for reporting Umno Bt Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail's racist remarks during the Ptg Pauh by-election campaign. This is very weird, the racist gets let off with a three-year suspension, but is still unapologetic about his seditious remarks against the Malaysian Chinese, and the reporter got arrested under the ISA. The latest news is that reporter Tan has been released. Albar said she was taken by the cops, for her own safety. Really weird. Generally speaking, I do not see any 'tension' among the races in my town or anywhere else. Don't believe the NST, Utusan, Berita Harian, RTM or TV3 news. Its only the Govt and BN (especially Umno) who are uneasy, and are trying to cause all the misunderstandings, so that they can continue to rule the country without opposition. And 3 newspapers were given 'show cause' letters for going against publication guidelines. The Sun for manipulating and highlighting sensitive issues. Sin Chew Daily for reporting racially sensitive contoversial statement involving Penang Umno former Bt Bendera chief Ahmad Ismail. Suara Keadilan for reporting that IGP Musa Hassan has been paralysed after undergoing coronary bypass surgery.

Merdeka 51 Years. Malaysia 45 Years

2008-08-30T15:23:00.004+08:00

Tomorrow is 31st August, 51st anniversary of our country's independence. 51 years ago, our country was called Malaya. We had 11 states, and our population was about 7 million. The ruling political party was the Alliance Party, a combination of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malayan Indians Congress (MIC). The prime minister was the then Umno leader Tunku Abdul Rahman. The Alliance also formed the 11 state governments. 51 years later, now in 2008, our country is now called Malaysia. Malaysia was formed on September 16th 1963, when the former British colonies of North Borneo (now called Sabah) and Sarawak (also in Borneo) and Singapore joined Malaya. Singapore was expelled in 1965. Now Malaysia has 13 states, 3 Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan island near Sabah). And our population has grown to 27 million. The ruling party is now called the National Front (consisting of 14 component political parties, including the original Alliance members) at the federal level. Umno is still the premier party, and present leader Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is the PM. But in the March 2008 GE, the voters of Penang, Kedah, Kelantan ,Perak, Selangor and the federal territory of KL rejected the National Front as their state governments .The NF also lost its two-third majority in parliament. A month ago, the parliament opposition leader Wan Azizah of PKR, vacated her seat of Ptg Pauh, so that it will be recontested by her husband, one time DPM Anwar Ibrahim which he won convincingly on the 26th of August 2008. Anwar is now the parliament opposition leader. Tomorrow we will celebrate our 51st Merdeka, but I can't help noticing the lack of enthusiasm among our national and state leaders. Worrying about their political future, I suppose. The rakyat is not so happy too. What with the rising costs of foodstuffs and transportation. Abdullah's budget did not help most of us, only the civil servants, lowly paid pensioners and transport providers (meaning Scomi ). What I thought was funny about this budget was how do you consume RM20 of electricity in this day and age ? And why are the smokers punished and not the drinkers and gamblers ? Happy Merdeka day and selamat berpuasa. Versi Bahasa Melayu (macam Che'Det lah) ......................................................................... Esok 31 Ogos, ulangtahun ke-51 kemerdekaan negara kita. 51 tahun dahulu, negara kita nama Malaya. Ada 11 negeri dan bilangan penduduk lebih kurang 7 juta orang. Diperintah oleh parti Perikatan ,gabungan Umno, MCA dan MIC. Masa tu Perdana menteri ialah ketua Umno Tunku Abdul Rahman. Semua 11 negeri pun diperintah oleh Perikatan. Selepas 51 tahun, la ni 2008, negara kita dah bernama Malaysia. Malaysia ditubuh pada 16hb September 1963, apabila negeri-negeri jajahan British di pulau Borneo (Kalimantan) iaitu North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak (dari Borneo jugak) dan Singapura bergabung dengan Malaya. Singapura telah disingkir pada tahun 1965. La ni Malaysia ada 13 negeri, 3 wilayah persekutuan (KL, Putrajaya dan Pulau Labuan dekat Sabah). Bilangan penduduk dah naik 27 juta orang. Parti yang perintah dinama Barisan Nasional (gabungan 14 parti, termasuk yang asal dari Perikatan). Umno parti utama dalam BN dan ketua Umno Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pegang jawatan PM. Pada Pilihanraya Umum Mac 2008, negeri-negeri Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak dan Selangor tolak kerajaan BN. BN juga hilang kelebihan dua-pertiga di parlimen.

Bulan lepas, Ketua pembangkang di parlimen, Dr Wan Azizah dari PKR, kosongkan kerusi parlimennya di Ptg Pauh, untuk membolehkan suaminya, bekas DPM Anwar Ibrahim, bertanding dalam p/raya kecil, dan Anwar telah menang kerusi tu dengan cemerlang pada 26hb Ogos 2008.

Anwar kini dilantik Ketua Pembangkang di parlimen.

Esok kita sambut Hari Merdeka yang ke51. Tapi saya nampak macam tak bersemangat saja pemimpin-pemimpin negara dan negeri. Dok pikiaq pasai masa depan politik depa kot ?Rakyat pun tak berapa seronok jugak. Harga barang, makanan semua dok naik, duit tambang pun dok naik.

Bajet Pak Lah tak membantu sangat. Yang untung - orang kerajaan, pesara pensyen rendah dan pembuat pengangkutan (Scomi kot ?).

Antara janji yang pelek Pak Lah ialah pengecualian bayar bil letrik kurang dari RM20. Di zaman dan masa la ni, boleh kah guna letrik banyak tu ?

Awat nak tambah cukai kepada rokok tapi tak naik pun cukai arak dan judi ?

Selamat Hari Merdeka dan selamat berpuasa.

O my Papa

2008-08-11T22:11:00.004+08:00

This morning I recieved several smses from my siblings remembering our dear aruah Bapak. My brother Maher sent a few lines of the song 'O My Papa'. I wonder why, whenever I hear that song, I get all misty eyed and all choked up when I sing it. I'll try to put down the lyrics here (as far as I can remember) so that his grandchildren and great grandchildren can read or sing it, and feel what we feel about their own papas. O my papa, To me he was so wonderful O my papa,to me he was so good. O my papa so gentle , so adorable O my papa ,he always understood. Gone are the days When he would take me on his knees And with a smile He changed my tears to laughter

O my papa,so loving, so adorable Always a clown,so funny in his ways O my papa to me, he was so wonderful

O my papa,to me he was so good.

In memory of arwah Bapak, Hj Mohammad Ibrahim Dadameah, born on this day (11th August), 90 years ago.

Al-Fatihah for arwah Bapak, Mak, Abang and other dearly departed family members. May Allah bless their souls and keep them amongst the blessed. Ameen.

Permatang Pauh Prelude

2008-08-02T22:42:00.004+08:00

Opposition leader Wan Azizah Ismail vacated her Ptg Pauh parliament seat, to enable her husband ex-DPM Anwar Ibrahim to contest for her seat. There were all kinds of reaction and comments. Ex PM Dr Che' Det remarked that its an act of a loving wife as expected. His wife (Dr Hasmah) would have done the same and was babbling some nonsense about running fast or slow. And the stupid reporters, wanting to humor him, laughed along like idiots. Were they laughing with him or at him, I wonder. It's common knowledge that this old man can't stand this Anwar or anyone close to Anwar getting the limelight. That was a pathetic sight. Home minister Albotak commented its all for her love for her husband. Again the idiot reporters laughed. Does your wife love you or not, Albotak ? This time I think the reporters laughed at him for sure. Who can forget how he made KL a traffic nightmare by closing several roads, because of a rumor. He wanted to sound Mahathir-ish but he flopped big time. Che'Lah PM's son-in-law Khairy wanting to show his machoness said Anwar is afraid to lose so Anwar is taking an `easy ride' and is running for a safe seat. This young upstart forgets that he too, had an 'easy ride' to the Umno Youth No.2, and had also contested a safe seat, Rembau in the elections. But Che'Gubard did provide some 'bumps' on the way. Did he remember the 'lashing' he got from Wan Azizah in parliament, for trying to be a smart-ass. Melaka CM (Umno VP) Ali Bhai said Anwar 'sacrificed' his wife for his own political interest. Education minister Hisham said Anwar is distracting people from the police report against him. Wanita MCA leader Yen-yen said, Wan Azizah played out her voters and has made a mockery of the parliament. Secretly, Wan Azizah is Yen-Yen's role model.She is going for one of the MCA vice-president's chair.The first ever MCA woman to do so. DPM Najib admits that the BN has got a big fight in hand. Kelantan's Annuar Musa, suggests that BN boycott the by-election . That's one big coward. Che'Lah PM said the BN is not scared of Anwar, but the law will take its course. Meaning that Anwar can go ahead and run for elections but he can still get arrested for any 'crime' reported against him. Such bravado from a man who just discovered that only 42% of Malaysians thinks he's doing a good job as PM. Recently, in an attempt to win back some popularity, Che' Lah PM promised to bring down petrol prices by September. And September 16 is Pakatan Rakyat's target to take over the Malaysian govt. So, lets wait for the EC to announce the nomination and election day this coming Wednesday. This is gonna be a big bang of an election.

Hard luck

2008-07-23T22:10:00.003+08:00

The petrol price rise has really affected the ordinary Malaysians in so many ways. Every guy wants to make up for the extra buck used up for petrol. Some, car-pool to their working places, sharing petrol money. Some, use the public transports, take the bus or train, adjusting their time to keep with the schedules. Some, keep their cars at home, ride a motorbike to work. Consumes less petrol than cars and can wiggle through most traffic jams. Some, who only own a motorbike, mostly low-wage earners, got no other choice. Pay more for petrol. Why not cycle to work ? No need to fill petrol and good exercise too. Sure, but do you think its worth it, if your work-place is 5km or 10km or more from your home ? Can you feel safe when you are side-tracked into the road-side ditch by bullying trucks and busses ? The most popular mode of transport in Penang is the motorbike. Second-hand bikes are being sold like hot cakes here. Just be careful when buying these second-hand bikes, you might end up buying a stolen bike, you might be buying my stolen motorbike. No, I kid you not, my motorbike was really stolen last Thursday night. I never dreamed this could happen to me, only to other 'unfortunates'. Now I'm an 'unfortunate'. That night, there was a pasar malam in town. Just before maghrib I drove my bike down there to buy some food for the family (wife and daughter were fasting that day). I bought some laksa, pasembur ,murtabak and chicken rice. Got home, parked my bike in the porch, I just closed the front gate,unlocked. I was just in time, the bilal had just begun the azan for maghrib prayers, and my wife and daughter can break their fast. After the prayers, dinner, I went out to the porch for a smoke. I noticed that the gate was opened. Did I or did'nt I close the gate just now ? Hey, why am I feeling some barrenness in the porch, like something's missing. Then it dawned on me, my motorbike,PFS 496 is not there. Who moved it ? Have I been careless or not, I'm not sure. My motorbike has been stolen right in my own porch. And no one heard any unusual sound or noise. My two boys Fadzlil and Shafiq were watching tv in the living room. They did'nt hear anything. My nearest neighbors did'nt see or hear anything .They had closed their doors and windows, same as us. Its just circumstances, every Muslim household would close their doors and be indoors when its maghrib. And the thief took advantage of the situation. After I had calmed myself , my daughter Lina accompanied me to the police station, down the road to make a report. You know, this place Tasek Gelugor, every public building (police station, govt clinic, post office,BSN, Agro Bank, market, schools) is easily accessible by foot. Its already been a week, no news from the police. And I don't expect my bike to be found or returned intact. These thieves would strip the bike and take the parts that can be sold to the scrap-iron shops. Now I'm looking for a replacement. Its a necessity.

No Muzakarah with Umno

2008-07-20T22:53:00.002+08:00

Badawi admits that he has had 'muzakarah (meetings )' with some PAS leaders. I wonder who those PAS members are, but its definitely not Tok Guru Nik Aziz. Tok Guru is very sceptical about Umno's invitation 'untuk bangsa dan ugama'. When Umno talks about kehilangan kuasa Melayu it is actually about kehilangan kuasa Umno. Now Umno needs PAS to get back its two-third majority in parliament and also to get back its power in Selangor,Perak ,Kedah and Kelantan. I'm sure those wayward PAS fellas must have been promised high government positions (say DPM, ministers,deputy ministers, exco and GLC chairs). Tok Guru Nik Aziz (also Tok Guru Hadi) has experienced what happened to PAS when Asri brought PAS into the BN after being invited by Tun Razak. The union did not last very long. Tok Guru Nik Aziz does not want history to be repeated. He said its okay to muzakarah with individuals but not the party (Umno).

Damn these price hikes

2008-06-09T22:36:00.004+08:00

Fuel price gone up and will be going up again.... maybe. The knowitalls say take a bus. What ? Bus fares are going up too. And the gas suppliers are raising their prices for domestic gas cylinders. You can bet the roti canai and nasi lemak will increase some more. The RM625 for cars and RM150 for motor bikes refund is easy money for con-men. Today Che' Lah proudly announced that his ministers will take a 10 percent cut off their entertainment allowances, not their bloody salaries.What a cheek ! When workers asked for a minimum wage to be set, it was disallowed. How are these lowly paid workers going to manage ? I'm sure they have school-going kids and bills to pay. Me, I am suffering too. I'm just a pensioner with two schooling kids, and one son in college without scholarship. I have to maintain a car, a motorbike, and a house for which I am still repaying the housing loan. Did I mention, the special expenses for my two children with disabilities ? My two working sons cannot support me, their mum and younger siblings, for they too are struggling with their own finances. Thank you BN govt, I hope you guys will be replaced soon.

Ezam joins leaky ship Umno

2008-05-29T16:02:00.002+08:00

Why is all the media making such a big deal of that ex- Youth leader of Parti Keadilan, Ezam Mohd Noor rejoining Umno. Did you see the 'staged' handing over of his membership forms to none other than Captain Paklah of the leaking ship called Umno. One wonders why Ezam wants to join this crew, and why Captain Paklah was so eager-beaver to welcome him with open arms. Ezam said he wants to help Captain Paklah rebuild Umno back to its former stature. Retired skipper Tun Dr M has lost confidence in this new skipper and wants him removed. Can this Ezam do what Tun M has tried vainly to do, to bring back Umno's former glory. My personal view is that, Ezam has all the 'dirty little secrets' of Umno officials in his pocket, so Umno has to take him in, for their own security.

Man overboard !

2008-05-21T17:52:00.003+08:00

I just want to add my few sens worth about Tun Dr Mahathir quitting Umno. I don't know if that's a wise decision or some kind of strategy on Tun M's part. Tun, if you don't like the captain, you should'nt jump overboard first, just throw the captain (Pak Lah) overboard without a lifeboat. That is, if you really love your ship and shipmates.

Mothers Day & National Service

2008-05-11T23:08:00.003+08:00

Its Mothers' Day today. The world pays tributes to mothers everywhere. As usual the medias will spotlight the 'celebrity moms'. Offsprings expressing their love and affection for the world to view. Meanwhile, in far flung places of the universe, unsung ' heroines ' toil and sweat and bleed to put a decent meal on the table for their young ones. Here, in our own developed country, on Mothers' Day, a mum is broken hearted. Her tears will never bring back her daughter, who she had entrusted with the government program called the National Service Training. That incompetent organisation failed to take immediate action when her 18 year old daughter complained of illness. That poor girl died after suffering her pain for several hours. Before that, 15 (maybe more, I'm not sure) other teenaged trainees, had died during the national service training, set up since 2003 for 5th formers, while waiting for their SPM results. Their mothers are crying too, on Mothers Day. Read what Malaysian Medical Resources blog has to say. Should we allow more of our teenagers to suffer in this failed training program. I want the government to dump this program immediately. I have a daughter who's sitting for SPM this year.I pray that she will not be selected. I wish all mothers, young and old, have a good Mothers' Day. And I advise all children, young and old, especially my own, love , cherish and protect your mom, as she is the only one you'll ever have.

Tun Dr M Go Blog

2008-05-01T22:04:00.000+08:00

Former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed has joined the blogging community. Read what he said about the government's plan to set up a Judicial Commission on appointment of judges. There's a lot for Pak Lah to ponder upon. I'm going to visit there quite often. Should be very interesting.

Monorail derailed

2008-04-28T11:37:00.000+08:00

On Tuesday (22/4/08) Pak Lah told Penangites that the 32 Km Second Penang Bridge project will be delayed for another nine months due to problems in buying land (land acquisition), design and the rising cost of building materials. (Pak Lah should be consulting the ex-DCM Rashid about the land part.He was the wheeler-dealer on land matters with the previous state govt.) Any developer knows that land acquisition should be cleared up first before planning any project. micro or mega. Land-owners are smarter now, not like their grandpas in the old days. Hope that our bridge contractor from China is not hopping mad for being made to wait to start work. Original estimated cost RM3.6 billion, now shot up to RM4.3 billion.In nine months time RM 10 billion ? (I say, if you can't get the site or you don't have the money, drop the project, or move it to a shorter route.) On Saturday (26/4/08) MOF2 Nor Mohamed, told the state Federal Action Council meeting that some proposed mega-works in Penang have not been approved yet, namely the mono-rail and Penang Outer Ring Road. (I hope the islanders can live without these projects. I'd be very glad if both these projects are dumped.) On Sunday (27/4/08) Ex-CM Tsu Koon clarified that he had stated that federal projects commited to before elections will go on. Today, Nor Mohamed came down off his high horse and said the Federal govt is sincere about working with the Penang-PR govt and has no intention of cancelling projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan. He said the purpose of the Penang FAC meeting was to call for more cooperation from the state govt. (Well now, who's the next minister to come and punish Penangites for voting PR ?)

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them !

2008-04-24T09:22:00.003+08:00

Lee Kah Choon (former deputy sec.gen. of Gerakan) has proven to us Penangites that he is ready,willing and able to put the Penang rakyat's interests above political loyalty. Since he was appointed as a director of the PDC and chairman of InvestPenang by Penang CM Lim Guan Eng, he had been attacked from all sides by the BN people. Acting Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon (under pressure from BN) issued a 'show cause' letter to Kah Choon. Instead of replying to that letter, Kah Choon chose to quit the party. That's the trouble with sore losers, hate to see one of their own being appreciated by the winners. They should be contemplating this instead - If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them !

No tourist ringgit

2008-04-08T23:37:00.001+08:00

Tourism minister Azalina makes her move to weaken the tourism industry of the PR states. She stated that all MOUs (Tourism Action Councils) with the PR -led states will be terminated because of the change in leadership. All programs planned earlier by the previous govt will go on as planned. The difference is that all funds will be handled by the federal govt, not by the state govts. That means no tourist-ringgit is coming to Penang,Kedah,Perak,Selangor & Kelantan states. The federal govt gets the tourist- ringgit instead, is that how it goes ?

No Petronas money for Second Bridge

2008-04-03T23:10:00.000+08:00

At his first official 'one to one' meeting with the PM , Penang CM Lim Guan Eng's request to use Petronas money to finance the Second Penang Bridge project was refused by Pak Lah. Pak Lah's reason ,Petronas does not finance infra-structure projects. Wonder if Petronas helped finance the annual T'ganu Monsoon Cup show, or the Crystal Mosque or the T'ganu Islamic village, or the development of luxury houses and resorts on T'ganu's islands ? Pak Lah setting an example for his ministers to follow, bully the PR governments.

Tun Dr M lost faith in Najib.

2008-04-02T23:38:00.000+08:00

Ex-PM Tun Dr Mahathir, has lost faith in DPM Najib Tun Razak. Now he says he is not supporting Najib to take over from PM Abdullah. It looks like Muhyiddin Yassin has caught his eye. Muhyiddin is quite 'vocal' these last few days, disagreeing with most of Pak Lah's and Pak Lah's latest 'apple polisher ' MM Taib's views. That's MM Taib's way of showing his gratitude to his benefactor.

Pakatan Rakyat

2008-04-01T23:00:00.000+08:00

PKR (KeADILan),DAP and PAS leaders proposed to consolidate the co-operation among the three parties under the name 'Pakatan Rakyat' ( People's Alliance). Their pledge is to uphold the rights and interests of all Malaysians no matter what race or religion. The state govts of Kelantan,Kedah,Penang,Perak and Selangor will be known as Pakatan Rakyat governments (not PAS govt,DAP govt,PKR govt, not PKR-DAP-PAS govt). Anyway, this name is a little better than Barisan Rakyat or Barisan Alternative. Why not ' Rakyat Muafakat' ? RM more value than PR.

Maulidur Rasul 2008

2008-03-21T12:34:00.000+08:00

The YDP Agung Tuanku Mizan Zainol Abidin, leads 10,000 Muslims from various public and private organisations at the Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad (SAW) birthday) national-level celebration at the Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil. He called on Malaysian Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad's outstanding personality in carrying out Allah's commands, to create outstanding Muslims who are an example to the world. The king was accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Nur Zahirah. Also present was PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, DPM Najib Razak, minister in charge of religion (Min,in JPM) Zahid Hamidi, and other Muslim ministers and deputy ministers.

Abdullah's Cabinet 2008

2008-03-18T23:13:00.001+08:00

PM Abdullah announced his new Cabinet. Ministries reduced from 32 to 27 (XXL to XL). No parliamentary secretaries posts. Notable inclusions are millionaire lawyer and ex-MP (Kota Baru) Zaid Ibrahim, banker Amirsham Abdul Aziz in the PM's department. Recycled minister Shahrir Samad returns to the Cabinet after 22 years. He was FT minister from 1983-1986 under Mahathir. And was it a good idea to include Mamat Mamat Taib (from Senate back door) as a minister ? Among the ministers dropped was Umno Wanita chief & ex-MITI Rafidah Aziz. She said if she was not going to be appointed, she should have been told in advance. She should'nt have run for elections and should have retired. And to add salt to her wounds, her deputy chief Shahrizat (who lost in the GE) was named as special cabinet advisor (with ministerial status) on Women,Family & community development affairs. Also dropped were anti-Shahidan Perlis MPs Radzi Sheikh Ahmad & Azmi Khalid. Other ministers dropped were Tunku Adnan Mansor & Abdullah Md Zin. A disappointed Radzi resigned as Umno and BN secretary-general , effective immediately. There were 16 new ministers, some promoted from deputy. Some 'leftovers' from MCA and MIC made ministers and deputies. BN's strong supporters from Sabah & Sarawak were under-represented. Umno Youth deputy chief, Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau MP) not appointed to cabinet.

Ku Li calls for EGM.

2008-03-16T12:46:00.000+08:00

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (Gua Musang MP/Ex-Finance minister/Ex-Umno v.p.) has written a letter to all 193 Umno divisions to call an extraordinary general meeting on May 11, before the party polls scheduled this year. Matters to be dicussed are the weakening leadership and overall pathetic performance of the party in the recent GE. He seemed doubtful that Umno will never rule the country again with the present crop of leaders and attitudes.

Mega Projects On

2008-03-15T12:23:00.001+08:00

PM Abdullah assured the Penang govt that the federal govt will not abandon major projects promised to Penang. Penang BN should respect the PM's decision and accept their defeat. CM Guan Eng : Pak Lah made the right decision.

Umno protests

2008-03-14T23:28:00.004+08:00

Those Penang Umno chaps are such sore losers. They sabotaged their own party candidates, because their chiefs were not selected. They lost Balik Pulau and Nibong Tebal and of course, Permatang Pauh and seven state seats. Gerakan and MCA lost all their seats (parliament and state) and accepted their losses like ladies and gentlemen. The out-going CM Koh Tsu Koon was even present at the swearing-in of new CM Lim Guan Eng of DAP. Umno reps stayed away. Just after being sworn-in the new CM Guan Eng said that among his agenda was to skip the NEP (New Economic Policy/Dasar Ekonomi Baru) especially the selective tendering of projects to favored contractors ( Umnoputeras). Open tender will be practised. Yesterday, the new opposition leader Azahar Ibrahim (he was slated to be the DCM but BN lost) threatened the people of Penang that he will ask the federal gov't to pull back all the mega- projects promised for Penang (the second Penang bridge is one of them). As for me, they can take it all back, we Penangites do not need more developments, all we want is clean air, less traffic hassle,a safer environment and cheaper consumer products. Today, about 1000 some say actually about 500 (the rest are passers-by and shoppers) Umno members, led by Azahar gathered at Komtar, where the state gov't office is situated. They were shouting and screaming like crazy nuts protesting against the DAP-PKR joint gov't's uncompromising stand against the NEP. (This New Economic Policy/DEB is already 37 years old). Banners declaring Hidup Melayu (Long live the Malays), Melayu Pulau Pinang menyokong kepimpinan Pak Lah (the Penang Malays support Pak Lah's leadership), Anwar Ibrahim pengkhianat bangsa (Anwar, traitor of the Malay race), Tak akan Melayu hilang di Pulau Pinang ( Malays will not be sidelined in Penang) ,Kepimpinan DAP dibantah oleh Melayu Pulau Pinang ( Penang Malays against the DAP led gov't) and Jangan hapuskan DEB (Don't terminate the NEP). Take note that it is the Umnoputeras who are stirring disturbances. Because they are the big losers, when the NEP is taken away. The police and FRU were there, but nobody was arrested or charged for unlawful assembly. No water cannons were used. Well, different rules for different FOOLS.

The people's choice

2008-03-09T22:32:00.002+08:00

The people have decided on March 8 2008. Denied the 2/3rd majority to the ruling BN gov't in Parliament. There'll be new state governments for Penang (my home state), Kedah, Perak (unexpected) and Selangor (totally unexpected). And the people of Kelantan chose to be ruled by PAS again. Those elected must remember who put them in parliament and the state assemblies. You must not fail the rakyat who trusted and voted for you. Congrats to the winners and to the unelected, don't lose heart, try again next time. I salute blogger Chegubard for giving a good fight to that BN boy in Rembau. Although you didn't win , I bet you scared him out of his socks. His 'reinforcements' were more powerful than yours. Hoping for an 'improved' government.