I Love Malaysia

Malaysia is 50 years old today. Celebrations across the nation began late last night. At the stroke of midnight the present PM , emulating the late great first PM Tunku Abdul Rahman, shouted out `Merdeka !' seven times. Pak Lah's 'Merdeka ' sounded a little feeble, when compared with the late Tunku. This ritual was carried out in every state by the state MBs and CMs. This morning, there were the parades of proud Malaysians, putting their best feet forward. And just concluded was the day's finale the Persembahan Raksasa (Mammoth presentation ?) at the historic Stadium Merdeka, showcasing the eras of the past 4 PMs and the present PM, in dances and patriotic songs. All the state rulers and the Agung attended the show. Just for today, everyone felt that they belonged to this country. But, what about tomorrow, when Arrogance, Avarice and Inefficiency creeps up again to our elected officials, civil servants, and political upstarts. Then the victimised would wish they were not Malaysians. I really love my country and its people, but I dislike people who just love to make our lives miserable, I don't like people who don't care about the poor, the weak and the disabled. Go on and create your wealth, but not at the expense of the defenceless. Go after the crooks and don't cover up your crooked pals. This country has potential to be a great country. Lets not lose our respect and credibility in the eyes of the world. You (the people ? the PM ?) hold the cards.Play it right. Happy Birthday Malaysia.

Shafiq is Thirteen

Yesterday, 23rd August was my youngest child Shafiq's 13th birthday. And I feel so awful that I had forgotten about it yesterday. All of yesterday, I was on the island, attending a seminar on PDKs ( Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti or Rehabilitation in the Community). This is a centre for disabled children and adults, set up by the Social Welfare department, for the disabled within their own community. Most of the kids here were rejected by the Special Education section of the Education Ministry. The main reason was that, some of these kids were not capable of looking after themselves (meaning that they cannot handle them if they wet or dirty themselves). Shafiq attended one of those classes when he was seven. But each time I went to pick him up, after school, I would find him wet or dirty. They never changed his diapers. Even though we provided enough spare diapers, a towel and change of clothes. After a few months, my wife and I decided to send him back to the PDK. He had attended the PDK since he was six, instead of kindy. At least the PDK teacher was more caring than those specialist teachers. Well, he's a big boy now. Good looking and very neat. He is not wearing diapers anymore. He can control his bladder during class. When at home, if he feels like peeing or pooping, he would go to the bathroom and take a bath, fully clothed. After soaking himself, he will strip off his clothes, do his business and continue with his 'hosing' bath. His mum or dad got to soap him up, and let him continue his bath. He will be 'showering' four or five times a day. As for dressing, he likes the comfortable soft worn out ones. He hates the new crispy clothes. And no collared shirts please. The only collared shirts he wears is his uniform. He is very particular about his footwear. If the slipper or sandal straps burst and if his feet outgrows them, we got to find the same design,color as the old one. Those mentioned are some of Shafiq's 'quirks' and habits , we the family has to learn to accept.Its not easy to change him. He does'nt want to change. I'm sorry son, I forgot your birthday. Promise I'll make up to you. (Lina says sorry too, she also forgot your birthday).

Blogophobia

Drats ! The government `wet blankets' are annoyed with us bloggers. If they really "read " blogs they ought to know that not every blogger is a trouble-maker. Are they so naive to think that bloggers are so influential (some bloggers think and claim that they are the most influential bloggers in the land) and can provoke anarchy and riots in this country. They also ought to know that not everybody reads those political blogs. How many percent of Malaysians have access to the internet ? Its so minimal, and yet the government is scared shit of these political bloggers. Some prominent bloggers have made some interesting revelations about governmental misdeeds ( with documental evidences) and this has upset those in power. These expose's should be followed up by the responsible officers, if found to be true. But, no, they want to shut up the 'messengers'. We live in a free country, we are free to talk, to believe and to think. That's what blogging is, a channel to share our views, our thoughts with fellow netizens. And now, I'm not to write what's really on my mind, my opinion of the way this country is being managed, I cannot tell anyone that minister so and so is an idiot (when he really is). Sorry Government, I pay my taxes ,I pay my bills (to pay you) and I pay for my internet access, I have every right to write, to say what I damn please. ( middle finger to you!)

Poverty ?

Pak Lah said that the government is serious about eradicating poverty and all of us must play a part toward this target - Zero Hardcore Poverty by 2010. Pak Lah, I'm afraid that you will not achieve that target, looking at how foodstuff prices have been rising, the ever escalating toll charges, utility tariffs, fuel and transport charges and just about every necessity. We are getting poorer while you and your fat cats are getting richer. You blamed Dr M for indulging in mega projects, so what do you call your brainchild economic regions , aren't they giga-mega projects ? You are all the same, so will the next PM, whoever he is. We don't need anymore developments. We need land, decent homes, affordable transport and reasonably cheap decent food.

ICT Illiterates

Deputy Home minister Tan Chai Hoe urged Malaysian cops to be more ICT savvy. He said that 'cyber' criminals are using their ICT expertise to commit con-jobs in cyberspace. And our cops are caught 'flat-footed' - unable to counter the cyber crooks. You can tell your fellow ministers too, to take ICT courses. Some can't tell the difference between a blog author and a commenter. Always blaming the blogger. What a shame.

Why Blame JKR ?

Works minister Samy Vellu should not be ashamed of JKR. JKR is not to be blamed for the recent constructional malfunctions. JKR (Public works department) has been around since 1872. Look at the old government buildings and public roads in the cities and small towns in the peninsula. Some have stood the test of time, sturdy and strong until they had to make way for new developments. Minister Samy, why don't you tell the Malaysian public that the recent 'defective incidents' involving government buildings were not built by JKR. Why let them point fingers and say that JKR did it. You have to inform the public, as well as the 'clueless' politicians (ruling and opposition) that since Dr Mahathir's premiership, many government projects were taken away from JKR, to be handled by the respective ministries and agencies who set up their version of JKR called PMCs. These PMCs are headed by politicians and businessmen who have little technical knowledge.Sure, they employ technical staff to look professional. But they (the CEOs ) don't listen to their technical professionals. Jobs are given by negotiation to certain 'hand-picked' contractors. Sad to say, but most of these contractors are incompetent. Remember the uncompleted 'school science labs' projects that dragged for so many years. Who cleaned up the mess ? JKR of course. Mr Samy, if JKR has to clean up all the shit that these agencies make, why give them the job in the first place ? Political pressure from the top. Mr Samy, you should have stood up for JKR, throw the shit back at them and wash your hands off it. Yes, even JKR has some cleaning up of its own mess. Supervision was unsatisfactory in some jobs. Not enough training you think. Its not enough dedication and responsibility. Many young officers tend to get sidetracked by generous contractors. Its technical training and moral/integrity training they need. I served in JKR until I retired in 2003. I care about JKR.

Register your handphone

Some 'bright spark' from the Communications & Multimedia Commission wants us to register our handphones/cellphones to prevent thefts (of handphones). You have to register the serial number, model type of your handphone. Just like you register your car or motorbike. Unlike cars or motorbikes you cannot transfer ownership to another person. This official claims that this registration is being practiced in the UK,France & Germany. So, Malaysia must keep up with these 'developed' nations . There are at least 20 million active handphones all over the country. Just how are the Commission going to keep up when the rush for registration starts. We know what to expect, knowing our 'not so dedicated but want more pay' civil servants. Anyway, this proposal is still under study. Don't be surprised if they really implement it. What will they think of next ?

PM Pak Lah Getting Married

It has been rumored for some time already. And now, at last, the PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Pak Lah) finally announced that he is getting married again. Pak Lah's first wife, Allahyarhamah Endon Mahmood passed away on 20th October 2005, from breast cancer. The lady he is marrying is Madame Jeanne Abdullah. She was a former manager of the Deputy PM's residence and Kompleks Perdana in Putrajaya. Coincidentally , she is the former sister-in-law of the late Kak Endon. The wedding ceremony (akad nikah) is scheduled to be held this Saturday 9th June. Congratulations Pak Lah and Mdm Jeanne. Have yourselves a good life. Pak Lah, please get down to business, after your honeymoon. There are many things that you have not settled.