Everybody can print money?

Now this is some more interesting news... and its roots go a bit deeper. But I don't want to forget this as Malaysians are very oft to do!

Money, money, money....it’s a rich man’s world

And another article from Malaysia Today that I can't link to properly...

Berjaya fiasco and Malaysia belongs to Vincent Tan?

K.A.K.A

We are not writers but the current situation has prompted us to discuss and analyze facts that are surrounding MALAYSIA. We have known how BERJAYA has secured many contracts and the connections that they have. We were not really bothered at all until recently when it involved a security printing plant of Malaysian currency notes.

First, a bit history about this security printing plant which dates back to 1999. That was the time when BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA (BNM) had given its permission to a company known as FOCUS EQUITY SDN BHD to conduct a feasibility study on printing of our own money, i.e. the currency notes.

Later, the outcome has resulted that the printing plant is viable and timely to be constructed. As such, in 2006, a loan worth of RM600 million was approved by a GOVERNMENT-BACKED BANK to the aforementioned company which will be backed up by a 30-year concession agreement between the government-backed bank, the government and Focus Equity sdn bhd.

But the way this printing plant is going to materialise from the very beginning is questionable. Thus, we are going to discuss the facts and hope to get responses accordingly.

1. WHY BERJAYA?

The shareholding structure of FOCUS EQUITY comprises of corporate shareholders and one significant shareholder is BERJAYA LAND BHD. However, BERJAYA GROUP is under PN17 COMPANY and therefore, under that classification, the said holding company and its subsidiaries’ accounts are placed under BNM’s supervision. Any proceeds into any of the accounts are subject to BNM’s sole discretion and are going to be used for outstanding payments owed by BERJAYA.

Knowing the fact that all Berjaya companies are under BNM’s monitoring, why did the government-backed bank approve the loan? Having Berjaya Land Bhd as the shareholder will invite queries to the said government bank’s manner in approving loan applications. Does the said bank have to succumb to someone in superior or obey blindly instructions from the top?

Furthermore, the government bank’s exposure on Berjaya (before the abovementioned loan was approved) already stood at RM100 million. Thus, the approval of RM600 million would certainly exceeds the bank’s SINGLE CUSTOMER LIMIT for Berjaya Group as a whole and concurrently, breaching the BAFIA Act 1989. As such, why did the government-backed bank’s TOP MANAGEMENT indulge this issue?

Apart from the above, the land where the printing plant will be located will be constructed on a Berjaya’s land at BKT TAGAR, SELANGOR. Indirectly, this implies that Berjaya’s controlling power on this high security project of national interest is uncontrollable and unlimited.

In addition, rumours saying that BERJAYA is going to move its racecourse near to the printing plant. Is the MB of Selangor and the government going to allow such thing to happen?

2. WHY NO GOVERNMENT SHAREHOLDINGS?

Initially, FOCUS EQUITY was wholly-owned by ISTIMEWA RESTU SDN BHD, which is a non-bumi company. Then, the structure has changed whereby the shareholdings are inclusive of BERJAYA LAND BHD, EVOLUSI SIERRA SDN BHD, MENARA SETARA SDN BHD and AP WIRELESS SDN BHD.

Looking at the structure, there is no government shareholding. Why did the government, in particular the MOF, not want to be involved in the so-called NATIONAL HIGH SECURITY STRATEGIC PROJECT? It is a need and the responsibility for government representatives to be involved in the project so as to monitor and learn the security features in setting up a printing plant.

Isn’t it an obvious responsibility for BNM as well to study every aspects of setting up the plant from the earliest stage as to avoid any hanky panky along the way. This is even more crucial since the setting up of the plant involves a CONCESSION AGREEMENT that lasts up to 30 YEARS. BNM is the official OFFTAKER for the printing money. Therefore, the regulator should be part of the shareholdings as well. Furthermore, we can look at the Royal Mint’s structure whereby the company has been privatised but BNM still has a controlling interest in it. So, why is this different now?

As a matter of fact, KEMENTERIAN KESELAMATAN DALAM NEGERI should also send a team of its people into the company. The printing plant of currency notes are indeed and sensibly a very big and sensitive issue. It will affect the country’s financial wellbeing in the future. Therefore, the issue of security is highly applicable here. Why is the said ministry entrusting these shareholders with an unknown background and unfavourable condition (referring to Berjaya) to run the company?

In brief, the project is about printing of currency notes and abuse plus misdeeds could easily happened especially when there is no direct supervision by the government. Our money might be syphoned out of the country and our currency might be reduced to BLACK MONEY. Don’t we realise that Malaysia is infamous for its pirated goods, especially cds and vcds, and we certainly don’t want that our currency to suffer this same fate. Worse still, we have just been recently shocked by the allegation of counterfeit money in the recent Ijok by-election.

Is the government waiting for everything to be finalised and the concession agreement signed being reconsidering whether to be a partner in this venture? Obviously, at that moment, the purchase price would be at a premium and, again, if this happened, our government will have to fork out unnecessary sums of money just like in the case of PANTAI HOLDINGS. If the government could intervene in the early stage, this scenario will not have to be repeated and it is still not too late for the government to do so.

All the printing plants all over the world are owned by the government (correct us if we are wrong), and how rationale is the government in allowing a wholly private-owned company to print our own currencies in our own land where the major issue of security is a great concern? Why don’t we look at singapore (as the current administration is prone in satisfying this so-called “close” neighbour of ours); why that country does not want to build their own printing plant if the plant is really viable? Don’t we know that Singapore is always ahead of us in every aspect even now can freely intimidate and belittle our current administration?

3. WHO ARE THE BUMI SHAREHOLDERS/DIRECTORS?

The current 22% BUMI SHARES belongs to Evolusi Sierra Sdn Bhd, Menara Setara Sdn Bhd and AP Wireless Sdn Bhd.

Who are these companies and the people behind them? Have they involved in the security business before or are they just proxies to some powerful people who are the real masters to the bumis?

In actual fact, the 30% QUOTA FOR BUMI has not been complied with. So, is it the end of the NEP policy which is slowly being taken away and lately, the same thing happened in the SJER/IDR project too (again, here it shows the “close” relationship between our administration and that dynasty ruled country).

4. WHAT IS THE RESULT OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY?

We don’t think that the highly sensitive and top security nature of this project has made known to the public or even to the decision makers. The findings should be disclosed so as to ascertain that this project is in accordance to the recommendations made by the said study and thus informed decisions can be rightfully made. Are the government-backed banks aware of this study and its details? Do they have access to the said study?

5. GERMAN PRINTING PLANT ALREADY EXISTED IN MALAYSIA

Focus Equity proclaimed that they are the only printing plant in MALAYSIA and, even worse, the sole supplier in SOUTH EAST ASIA (correct us if we are wrong). This was highlighted in the latest newspaper article published in the Star dated 18.4.07.

However, this GERMAN COMPANY has long established its presence in MALAYSIA except that the company is not producing Malaysian currencies. They only cater for the foreign market.

We are sure that the company is monitoring closely the development of Focus Equity, as to why Focus Equity could easily produce the Malaysian currencies without going the same procedures as the German company did (correct us if we are wrong). Are there any double standards or self-interest practised here? Is there any kickbacks involved here?

6. CONCESSION AGREEMENT

Is it true that the GOVERNMENT is no longer a party to any concession agreements?

BNM is the PAYMASTER and in any conventional loans there would be an agreement signed by the paymaster/purchaser and the supplier/seller. However, will BNM continue to sign the agreement and look thoroughly into the terms and conditions of the said agreement? BNM is the responsible party that gave its approval to the project and they should also be the signing party as well.

Most importantly, before signing the agreement, did the ATTORNEY GENERAL’s office and all the relevant parties scrutinise the agreement properly?

7. SECURITY IS UNJUSTIFIED

How come the government-backed bank can agree to a gearing ratio of 90:10? To our understanding, the only solid form of security for this printing project is the printing plant land which is worth less than RM100 million against the total loan of RM600 million. Whereabouts can we find any commercial bank which would agree to this kind of credit proposal? Even worse, there are no guarantees given by any of the shareholders or directors of Focus Equity.

Having laid down all the discussion points , we really hope that there will be some intellectual and good feedback from all the readers. Looking at the timeframe when this loan was given out, one hardly notices that it actually coincides with the cabinet OR rather Pak Lah’s decision to scrap the scenic bridge which worth the same amount too, i.e. RM600 million. And finally, we really hope that the rumours on the early resignation of the government-backed bank’s Group Managing Director has nothing to do with this fiasco as the Focus Equity’s account has just turned into NPL this year (correct us if we are wrong) and yes, what a coincidence that the cover page of BNM’s audited report 2006 depicted the printing money technique known as intaglio!

Butterworth: 20-21 July 2007

Hey, this was my first outstation trip for my new work. Quite an uneventful drive - I had to hope that my 8 year-old car wouldn't give up along the way. Apart from a bit of rattling when the speed approches 110 km/h, it behaved admirably. Took four hours, but at least I wouldn't have to worry that I could be caught for speeding! Of course there are a lot of speed demons on the road. Hope they got their dues...

I have never been to Butterworth; only to Penang Island - and that was at least six years back. Can't comment on the town since I saw so little of it. Well, the hotel (Pearl View) was OK - it had the thing I needed most: a free Internet broadband connection!! Managed to go over to a shopping centre - Sunway shopping complex, I think (yes, there is a Sunway there) - but nothing much to shout about, by KL standards.

But the food is really cheap. And tastes good too. Maybe not as good as Penang island, but I can't quarrel with the price. Can't remember the last time eating char kuay teow for RM 2.20, or a humongous claypot chicken rice for RM 7.00! Now that's value-for-money! Maybe the next time I'll have a bit more variety...

Looking forward to my next trip...

Another year older...

Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to meeeeee,
Happy birthday to me.

Yay me!

Sheesh...as if I celebrate my own birthday...

Picture Paints A Thousand Words?

There's been much hoolabaloo about this picture...both from BN and the Opposition parties. Of course it was doctored! Any kid can tell you that...but I truly believe this was done in jest, truly, because I cannot fathom a seasoned politician doing this in such an amateurish way.

Anyway he is adamant about not apologising for what I can infer as a 'work of art and imagination'! Well, I admire his temerity and bravery, and expect the full weight of the law to be brought down on him...unfairly of course!

Anyway, with so many recriminations from both sides, this little episode has taken centre stage and must have provided the PM and IGP much needed respite from the limelight! Surprisingly the very vocal UMNO Youth seems to be tightlipped on such believable accusations were made but instead continue to harp on the above doctored picture! Even BN component leaders who have been very silent on the whole IGP affair came out in support of condemnation! So, I guess another one gets away...laughing all the way to the bank!!!

More price hikes!!

Huh? Now that's a surprise!! Up by 10%!!! Wah lao...the price of almost everything is going up. First it was the petrol and utility prices/charges followed by toll rates; then vegetables and pork; lately there has been increases in flour and cigarettes; and this is the latest blow! Apparently the price of dried chili and groundnuts have also gone up recently. I guess that probably means my favourite chicken rice and nasi lemak is gonna cost a bomb soon...sob, sob...

Now I wonder what is next? We have a toll rate increase next year, likely to be followed by another petrol hike. I'm sure further more are planned somewhere down the line. And I just wonder where the government gets their 1.5% inflation rate?????

I guess this is what you get for giving the civil service a pay rise....

Waste of space

I cannot fathom how our local newspapers have such dearth of stories that matters of little importance like this can be given such space. So much for the light remark about his error...I'm sure he was half-asleep then as well, as he has been doing throughout his tenure thus far. Will he rap himself for the error, as a lesson to all other civil servants? Of course not!

Anyway the space would be better off devoted to highlighting or discussing things of great importance: for instance the continuing claims of corruption against our IGP which our absent-minded PM, as the head of the Ministry, has conveniently ignored about yet again!

What a waste of 10 sen...

New Beginning...

First day of my new job...can't say whether I will enjoy it or not. I hope for the best. I think I need at least a year or two to get a feel for the job, and then I will decide on whether to stay or move on - anything less would not be enough. Stayed a bit late to read operations manuals...geez, there's a lot of reading involved!

Will be starting my attachment in HUKM on Thursday - so it's back to hospital life for me. That's for one month...and after that it's the real work!

New Economic Policy, or Never Ending Policy?

Much ruckus has been stirred this past week about the comments of European Commission's envoy to Malaysia, Thierry Rommel, on the New Economic Policy. Basically it can be inferred from his remarks that the NEP was discriminatory and amounted to protectionism against foreign companies. Well, this is not the first, nor would it be the last, we will hear of such criticism; I'd only hope that the Government would take heed of the increasing voice against the policy both from within and from without.

Thierry Rommel and EU's relevance to Malaysia, vice versa
Najib: Envoy’s remarks moot Government to seek Wisma Putra’s views
Malaysia to send protest note over envoy’s remarks
Rafidah: It’s an attitude problem

Of course one would have expected the volume of criticism against Rommel from the government, especially from Barisan Nasional leaders in defence of the policy. After all this policy has been in place since 1970 and has served those in power well. It would be sad for them to see it end. And it's good political capital too, especially in UMNO, what with the general elections around the corner!

One thing intrigues me though: for one, the actual speech from where the comments were inferred, were never published in mainstream media and only reported in blogs and the Associated Press; and two, there is scarcely any comment from the non-UMNO leaders of the Barisan Nasional about this. And we have heard nothing from our sleeping Prime Minister about this either: only from the Deputy Prime Minister and a smattering of ministers.

To me the point is moot: the NEP is dead in it's original form. It has been hijacked to serve the purposes of those in power. I am resigned to the fact that it will continue indefinitely - until a time when the masses have had enough (by masses I mean the Malays that are blind to the fact that the NEP has not served them well) and a revolt happens. Hopefully a bloodless one...and one which installs a leader brave enough to take the bold step to reverse the many years of rot that had set in with the implementation of the NEP.

Till then, we will continue to see opportunities pass us by; as for me, the saying 'make hay while the sun shines' rings true: because the sun will be setting soon on this land...

Transformers

So OK, I was wrong about Transformers. It was better than I had expected. Of course one would go for all the action, but I find it good for another reason. Comedy. Yup...I may be crazy, but I've got another lame reason to like it. But it is funny, really. Much funnier than Pirates 3! Hats off to Shia LaBeouf - he's come along way his Even Stevens days. I thought he was really good in Disturbia too (erm, that's another movie, yet to be shown here I think), and he can only get better.

Anyway, back to this movie. The storyline is a bit corny, but there's no taking away from the action-packed robot scenes. Well, I cringed a bit at the remake of the Autobots, except Optimus Prime (well he could be better with his trailer attached too!) but the Decepticons were great. The battle scenes were confusing but exciting enough (there's a reason why the colours were bright and brilliant in the original cartoon series). And of course the ending leaves one drooling suspiciously of a sequel. I guess this is one of the better big budget release this summer. I'd rate it just behind Spidey, but way ahead of Pirates and FF4.

For now I won't comment on the upcoming releases: Harry Potter 5 and Die Hard 4.0. Just hope that it is as exciting as this one!

Un-Fantastic Four

So much hype: I wonder what it was all about... I found the whole movie a bit boring and corny. And empty: that was how I felt after leaving the cinema. There's no doubt that the special effects were great, but there was no real storyline. Add in some slapstick but tired comedy from the quartet, and we have a tired movie. But then again, I'm not into comic book-cinema adaptations so maybe I'm a bit biased. I wouldn't say it's a waste of money, but don't have too much of an expectation.

Here's another: after seeing the trailer for Transformers, I really don't think it'll be any better too. Even with Michael Bay at the helm...

Interview

Well, today was my first interview since SPA back in 1999...you knowlah we government doctors are so privileged to have a 'safe' job that we need not go for interviews of any sort. But anyway I decided that I had enough rest and had to look for a job. Not that I need the money, but I felt I had to go out and start practising medicine again.

How did it go? I got the job, so you could say it went well. The questions were pretty standard, but I didn't get to talk much. I had the feeling the MD was waiting for a person like me to come along, and I guess I was rather fortunate. Anyway, the job entails some travelling, so that's one of the perks. Pay is what I asked for (although the MD did say it was at the lower end of expectations - I answered money is not important!) plus all the allowances etc. but I have yet to see the offer letter. But like I said, money is not important... The post involves administrative duties as well, something I don't quite look forward to, but a necessary 'evil' in the private sector.

So I'm due to start in July: a new working environment, a new challenge. I look forward to it...and hope it goes well for me.

TV Season: The End - Part Three

The final installment...

Lost (Season 3)

I hope it gets better from here. Much maligned for it's long storylines and confusing flashbacks and sub-plots, the producers did themselves some credit with the final episodes. But it started badly for them: with the first few episodes concentrating squarely on the captured trio, the rest of the characters took a back seat; but I guess it was necessary as the storyline went along. And at least more of the Island and the Others got revealed as well as the varied hidden agendas of the survivors. The final episode was quite intriguing as well: did they really get off the Island? It seems that way... I can't really comment much about the characters because I'm still confused, but I wonder where Walt and Michael ended up? But with Lost seem to continue for another four seasons at least, I'm sure they'll turn up sooner or later. Let's hope the writers make it less confusing for all of us...


30 Rock (Season 1)

It's rare to find a comedy that really makes you laugh these days. 30 Rock is different somehow...it is really funny, although it would be much funnier if you're an American. It's the deep humour, poking fun at the American way of life that makes this show special, not the usual slapstick comedy we see as normal fare nowadays. Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan is hilarious, not to mention the supporting cast too. I just hope the magic continues...


The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (Season 2)
Hannah Montana (Season 1)

It's difficult to find family-orientated comedies these days...seems to have gone out of fashion. The only one I really liked was Malcolm In The Middle but even that seemed to peter out in the last two seasons. So we have Disney, banking on the success of Lizzie McGuire and Even Stevens, they came up with The Suite Life and Hannah Montana. Sigh...what a disappointment. The Suite Life was still funny in it's first season, but the comedy really falls flat this season. No more witty gems, only sparkles here and there. I think the writers are running out of comedic ideas. Hannah Montana too. I just hope it gets a bit better the next season. And the new one, Cory In The House...I don't even bother following it. Go, Kim Possible...

Malaysia 2057

Abdullah envisions a high-achieving nation by 2057

I think this must be the joke of the year! Is the Prime Minister really serious? I guess he must be, since he actually laid it out for all sundry to see... Or is he dreaming. talking his head off in his speech? People will have a field day with this. As for me, I am still ROFLMAO till today...

My vision of Malaysia 2057? Erm, it's hard to imagine, primarily because nothing would have changed!!! Even if the country is going to the dogs! The NEP and concept of Ketuanan Melayu will continue to be enshrined! As for me, I would probably have migrated elsewhere as many disenchanted Malaysians, or would have committed suicide to spare myself from the suffering...

For Real?

This makes interesting reading for all concerned Malaysians...although it would not be something you would pick and up and see on our mainstream media. Courtesy of Malaysia Today:

Malaysia’s organised crime syndicate: all roads lead to Putrajaya
The roaches are scurrying and the rats are hurrying

Well, if you are as cynical as I am in our government, the continued silence on these accusations pleads guilty loud and clear. We have all seen how brutish and loud these defenders of the government can be and how quick they can come to the interested party's defence, but why the stunned silence until now? Confident that control of mainstream media is enough, or that these accusations are easily deflected? Or is Mr. Sleepyhead hoping that all this will blow over because Malaysians have very short term memory? I just wonder what the response is, if any...

TV Season: The End - Part Two

Continuing my two cents worth...

CSI: Las Vegas (Season 7)

CSI: Miami (Season 5)

CSI: New York (Season 3)

I dunno...I feel the CSI series are nearing the end of their staying power. After all, the cases almost look the same, and the forensics are generally so well known now that it becomes second nature to the regular followers. Hence the attempts to spice up the series, while interesting, only holds one's attention for a short time. But they have their days too.

I particularly like the Miniature Murderer theme for CSI: Las Vegas - goes to show that a murderer can get away with it and that the CSI team is not the all-knowing geniuses they turn out to be, and the gripping finale to the season where another CSI is in distress (but not as great as the finale of Season 5, which in my opinion is the best of all the CSI episodes!). I find CSI: Miami a bit humdrum, and I was hoping Delko would have died after being shot - now there seems to be a love story in the making between him and Calleigh; and I wonder how much more of a role Ryan Wolfe will play... Personally I think CSI: New York has the most potential of the two spin-offs, I guess because of Gary Sinise. And I think there's more to the characters in that series that meets the eye, which can be explored to make things interesting...

Criminal Minds (Season 2)

This was a series I missed early on, mainly because it was not such a popular series. But I find this series more interesting than the CSI series, mainly because it explores the human psyche and their criminal behaviours - which lead to the science of profiling. I like the genius (and comic, aren't geniuses always ridiculed?) in the team: Spencer Reid. I especially like his capture, torture, flashbacks and coming to terms: a realistic view. Mandy Patinkin as Jason Gideon is just fantastic! But in general there's not much in terms of action; more talk and thinking. To me it's a must see series!

Bones (Season 2)

Another series that is not too widely popular, but interesting as it is loosely based on real-life experiences of a forensic anthropologist. The various episodes are not too fantastic, but really like the interactions between the characters in the series especially Dr. Brennan with Agent Booth; Angela and Jack; and with Zach as the comic. I loved the episodes when Booth shot a ice-cream truck clown, and his psychiatric evaluations that followed! I think this show has got potential too...

House (Season 3)

Aah, my favourite all-knowing, all-hating, all-sarcastic doctor. Hugh Laurie is great, and deserves his Emmy. I mean the cases are not that believable, but as a character, House is the doctor everyone loves to be. This season we see the softer side of House, as he nearly lost his practice licence after his contemptuous behaviour with a detective and over the resignation of his team. And there is his love-hate relationship with Cuddy and Wilson. Wonder how the series will play out next season? Can't wait...

Pak Lah Ties The Knot...Again

Well congratulations Pak Lah!! That's for his wedding to Jeanne Abdullah today. I guess he'll be busy with their honeymoon after this...

So when you come back to work, please try to keep as much of your promises you made in 2003 in what little time you have left in office. Less sleeping and more working please!

Celebrity Shenanigans

Geez...who does Paris Hilton think she is? Just three short days after starting her 45-day jail term for drunk driving, she was released from prison for home confinement by the Los Angeles County sheriff, against the presiding judges orders!, citing medical reasons such as unwillingness to eat jail food. This created public uproar, and rightly so! After all she was a rich b*&^%...

Unfortunately for her, her newly-found freedom lasted only a day, and she was dragged in tears back to jail. It goes to show that she cannot have her way no matter what. No one is above the law (or obviously she is not rich or influential enough) Justice is served!!

Can we see this happening in this country? Obviously never, since the judiciary is so corrupt that any rich man/woman worth his/her salt can escape jail sentence...

More Questions...

OK, so it was touted to be the trial of the year: the trial of the three individuals who has been accused to have blown up Mongolian model Altantuya Shariibu. Eyes and ears of all interested Malaysians as well as the rest of the world waited for the story that followed. And they got one! The trial was postponed to June 18 because the prosecuting team was changed at the very last minute!!

Now I think that only happens in Bolehland...but this is ridiculous for such a high-profile case! This turn of events brings up even more questions: why was the team changed, and at the very last minute at that; and would the head of civil division be the best person to conduct the prosecution of a criminal case (after all he replaces the heads of the criminal division)? Was there any instructions to the Attorney-General to 'manipulate' the trial? Ahh...so many questions...and yet the Attorney General was simply too silent. On the other side, one of the counsel for the defendents excused himself, citing 'interference' from third parties which does not enable him to discharge his duties to the best of his ability: now who are these third parties?

And a last twist to the story: the father of the murdered model is suing the Malaysian Government for RM 100 million as a result of this farce.

Wow, this is getting interesting...let's wait in anticipation for the latest in what is Bolehland Law!

TV Season: The End - Part One

So that's it. The end of TV season in the U.S. A break of about three to four months before the new season comes online. And a break for me too... My thoughts on some of the series that I have followed throughout this season:

Heroes (Season 1)

I actually first saw the Pilot episode in August and found the concept very interesting. I remember at the end of the episode I was very excited to know what would happen next. And it turns out that this is the top new series for the year. A modern, more believable X-men type series. A lot of twist and turns, with the characters revealed bit by bit ala-Lost, but in a controlled manner, and at the same time not so confusing. And the general storyline was well thought of too. Well, the one month break in between March and April ruined the build-up slightly, but in all it was still riveting. I guess the crowd favourite character was Hiro (my personal favourite too!) but Peter (I had a bit of a problem figuring out what his powers were) and Sylar (the baddie with a taste for cerebral matter) were fantastic too. Let's hope Season 2, and it's spin off: Heroes Origins will be no less exciting.

Jericho (Season 1)

This was also a new series about a town called Jericho and it's aftermath following a nuclear attack on the United States of America. It's interesting because it explores what could be a reality in the near future. Although the characters were a bit shallow, the whole storyline was also well thought of: uncertainty, confusion, tension, danger and survival. The season ended with a cliffhanger. So it was to my aghast that CBS has decided not to renew the series because of its poor ratings. I guess this series is the type you need to follow for it to grow on you, and it has a lot of potential! The latest news is that CBS is reconsidering it's decision - I'm praying that they would at least prolong the series to give it some finality.

Battlestar Galactica (Season 3)

OK, this is a modern remake of the 1980s classic - with a modern undertone. Hmm, cylons taking on human form...interesting. So the season is all about the human journey to Earth. From the Cylon occupation of New Caprica to their rescue and escape by Galactica to their travels on the way to Earth, the fillers got a bit boring and side-tracked along the way (most Sci-Fi shows are anyway); we still have no idea who the remaining human-form Cylons are. I guess my favourite character is still Gaius Baltar (I love to see how he interacts with humans and Cylons alike). Starbuck's 'death' was premature (as expected) and it'll be interesting to see how she leads the convoy to Earth.

Stargate SG-1 (season 10)

So finally the series come to an end. Personally I thought the best time to have ended the series was at the end of Anubis' defeat at the hands of the Antartic Ancient weapon, or when the Replicators were defeated at Takkara. But no, they had to bring out the Ori as the new adversary to vanquish. Interesting as it was, it was getting a bit stale after ten seasons. So when they decided to end the series, they had to finish off the storyline rather quickly...hence the quick demise of the Ori, adaptation of the Asgard technology and defeat of the Ori ships (which until then no one could destroy). Well, it's not totally over: there are another two direct-to-DVD episodes to tie up all the loose ends. And of course there's still...

Stargate Atlantis (Season 3)

The spin-off! New galaxy, new enemies, old enemies. First they had the Wraith, the Genii, and finally the Replicators (in the form of the Asurans). An interesting mix. And this season we saw the death of Dr. Beckett, the resident doctor on Atlantis (hmm, the Stargate series like to kill off their medical doctors don't they?). So will McKay find a way to guide the powerless Atlantis hurtling through deep space to another planet? Of course he will. And in Season 4, he will renew his love-hate relationship with Capt. Samantha Carter as she crosses over to the Atlantis series. Can't wait for it! All in all, Atlantis is less interesting than the first few seasons of SG-1, but I hope the producers will rediscover the old formula, otherwise we might be looking at another premature end.

To be continued...

Health care issues

My thoughts on a few health care issues that were highlighted recently in the papers:

Qualifying exam for doctors

First it was exams for those graduating from unrecognised universities, and now this. It seems that the Ministry of Health has got little to do these days. All in the name of safeguarding the standards of new doctors in this country. So what is the reason for recognising a university anyway, if you don't want to trust the doctors they produce? And what about the standards of doctors coming right out of our medical universities here? While the Ministry is right about safeguarding the standard of medical care in this country, they must understand such a measure entails additional cost expenditure and time. Currently it takes about six months from the time these doctors graduate until they start work (if they pass their exams). Imagine if this was to apply to all the doctors graduating from foreign medical schools. Time we cannot waste while the whole public health care remains under considerable strain.

30 protest over ambulance blunder

Not another one! It appears the lesson of two months ago has not filtered down to the grassroots level. All ambulances must be available, in working condition and fully fueled at all times, especially those identified for inter-hospital transfers. It is this simple! Ensure proper individuals are in-charge; perform regular spotchecks. Offenders have to be punished. Where possible such a rule must encompass the basic minimum equipment needed for transfers: here the ambulance oxygen supply and resuscitation equipment is usually overlooked. It is also essential that medical transfers are performed by trained personnel, whether it be a doctor or a paramedic. Ambulance services is essential and it is time the Health Minister pays attention. Don't go around spending millions promoting practice of traditional Chinese alternative medicine when even the basic services are in shambles! We don't want incidents such as this and in Seberang Prai to happen all over again. Please get your priorities right Mr. Chua!

Chan wants report on asthma death at LCCT

I wonder why this has caught the attention of the Deputy Transport Minister when the Health Minister and Director-General of Health did not see it fit to be on their agenda. And this coming in the wake of a well-known entertainer having a heart attack just a few short months back at the LCCT! So much for promises of medical services there. Obviously nothing has been done. And now another person has died. While there is a medical clinic (presumably) at the KLIA, none is available at the LCCT; and we know how far apart the two are. If one gets a severe asthma attack, heart attack or something that requires immediate medical attention I wonder where he/she would get the help from. The nearest hospital (Serdang or Putrajaya) would be 30 minutes away at least. One would be already dead by the time they arrive! But I can see that no amount of deaths among commoners would suffice. I think it has to be a well-publicised death of a VVIP or foreign national (where our local media could not suppress) to bring this the attention it needs.

More dengue deaths

Dengue fever is an endemic disease in this country. It gets more attention than another major killer - malaria - because it primarily affects urban areas. We can go into the various details, but suffice to say that the number of cases are increasing because of increased awareness, change in strain of the virus itself and environmental promotion of breeding of the Aedes mosquito. Urban hospitals are continuously under strain to admit patients suspected to have dengue fever; while admission is always advisable, it is never practical. We can build a whole new hospital for dengue fever patients and it would still be overcrowded. The public must be made aware of the important signs and symptoms of the disease (there's hardly, if any, public health awareness programmes on the television or radio!) and not to see a doctor just because of a fever. General practitioners must also play their role in giving out proper medical advice and also exercise judicious blood investigations. Medical officers in government hospitals must be doubly alert as they need to triage the ones needing admission. And finally public health officials must do their job in controlling the breeding places of the vectors of this virus.

New hospital’s ceiling panels fall off

Not again! Now this involves the new Sultan Abdul Halim hospital in Kedah. Well, with problems plaguing each and every new hospital that is being built I'm not surprised. It'll be a matter of time before something happens and kills someone. I shudder at the thought of that, killed in a place that is meant to save lives! Of course until then the government will continue to turn a blind eye to things... Seriously though, how can they not see some steps have to be taken to rectify the shoddy workmanship that has been affecting government buildings recently - hospitals, the Parliament, government offices in Putrajaya and the new court complex? In other countries action would have been taken immediately (just look at our neighbour down south!) This is indeed Bolehland...

Shame, shame...

Corrupt customs officers at Johore-Singapore Second Link
Customs officer transferred to desk duty after allegations

Well we can all now see how the Malaysian government treats corrupt civil servants. Even blatant transgressions such as this - soliciting a bribe - is merely punished by transferring the individual to a desk job. And we are scratching our heads why the civil service is unnecessarily bloated, and filled with irresponsible and ineffective individuals such as this. And mind you, this person is not the actual plain customs officer involved, but his superior. Would not such a person be punished more severely as a deterrent to others? Of course not...instead he is merely transferred, and still with a chance to continue his corrupt ways. I'm not surprised that after this 'transfer' he would still get his salary increase along with his other perks...

Unfortunately he is only one of the few who are caught. For each one, there are probably ten or more out there still plying their trade. It is quite blatant these days; no more under the table incidents - now it is not just on the table, it is in the open. It happens everywhere: you name it, you'll find it. So much for reducing corruption in the civil service; like I said before, there will not be an improvement in civil service mentality without a mindset change i.e. perform or get the boot...

'Cemerlang, gemilang, terbilang?' My foot...

Another show?

RM22,500 fine for selling Milo at RM1.80

An episode at every turn: when there is a pay rise, when there is an increase in prices of foodstuff, utilities etc., around the festive seasons, and so on and so forth. SO predictable...but they must (put on a) show the public that they mean business.

But this must be taking thuggery to new levels. OK, The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs are well within their rights to slap fines on businesses as they see fit, (probably) confiscate merchandise but tearing down signboards? And I wonder where the confiscated foodstuff goes to? Yeah, probably to the lucky officers' pantries and kitchens...

There is something called supply-and-demand, which is probably an unfamiliar term in this country due to the manifold subsidies and monopolies. Basically when there are choices, people will naturally go to a cheaper alternative. It's an economic check-and-balance in the business world. Now I really wonder whether there is an ulterior motive in all this (read now laid-low Dr. Z's satay competitor - literally bulldozed), i.e. abuse of power... There is no reason to be overly excited with slapping fines on petty shopowners when the larger fish escapes (read steel producers, for example); or is this just another sandiwara for the masses?

Let's see what is the next episode in this series, but I won't hold my breath...

Now that's a lot of pig!

MONTGOMERY, Alabama (AP) -- Hogzilla is being made into a horror movie. But the sequel may be even bigger: Meet Monster Pig.

An 11-year-old boy used a pistol to kill a wild hog his father says weighed a staggering 1,051 pounds and measured 9 feet 4, from the tip of its snout to the base of its tail. Think hams as big as car tires.

If the claims are accurate, Jamison Stone's trophy boar would be bigger than Hogzilla, the famed wild hog that grew to seemingly mythical proportions after being killed in South Georgia in 2004.

Hogzilla originally was thought to weigh 1,000 pounds and measure 12 feet long. National Geographic experts who unearthed its remains believe the animal actually weighed about 800 pounds and was 8 feet long.

Regardless of the comparison, Jamison is reveling in the attention over his pig.

"It feels really good," Jamison said. "It's a good accomplishment. I probably won't ever kill anything else that big."

Jamison, who killed his first deer at age 5, was hunting with father Mike Stone and two guides in east Alabama on May 3 when he bagged Monster Pig. He said he shot the huge animal eight times with a .50-caliber revolver and chased it for three hours through hilly woods before finishing it off with a point-blank shot.

Through it all, there was the fear that the animal would turn and charge them, as wild boars have a reputation for doing.

"I was a little bit scared, a little bit excited," said Jamison, who lives in Pickensville on the Mississippi border. He just finished the sixth grade on the honor roll at Christian Heritage Academy, a small, private school.

His father said that, just to be extra safe, he and the guides had high-powered rifles aimed and ready to fire in case the beast, with 5-inch tusks, decided to charge.

With the animal finally dead in a creek bed on the 2,500-acre Lost Creek Plantation, a commercial hunting preserve in Delta, trees had to be cut down and a backhoe brought in to bring Jamison's prize out of the woods.

It was hauled on a truck to the Clay County Farmers Exchange in Lineville, where Jeff Kinder said they used his scale, recently calibrated, to weigh the hog.

Kinder's scale measures only to the nearest 10, but Mike Stone said it balanced one notch past the 1,050-pound mark.

"It probably weighed 1,060 pounds. We were just afraid to change it once the story was out," he said.

The hog's head is being mounted by Jerry Cunningham of Jerry's Taxidermy. Cunningham said the animal measured 54 inches around the head, 74 inches around the shoulders and 11 inches from the eyes to the end of its snout.

"It's huge," he said. "It's just the biggest thing I've ever seen."

Mike Stone is having sausage made from the rest of the animal. "We'll probably get 500 to 700 pounds," he said.

Jamison, meanwhile, has been offered a small part in "The Legend of Hogzilla," a small-time horror flick based on the tale of the Georgia boar. The movie is holding casting calls with plans to begin filming in Georgia.

Jamison is enjoying the newfound celebrity generated by the hog hunt, but he said he prefers hunting pheasants to monster pigs: "They are a little less dangerous."

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. Story courtesy of CNN.com

Proton: Where to now?

Proton saga continues
What's the deal with Proton?

Proton: our national car company. Once pride of the nation, now the sick man of the nation. How did you go from such lofty heights to murky lows? Where is your long-awaited saviour? Or will there be a saviour? Or will Proton fall victim to the backroom dramas of the political tussle that is now Mahathir vs. Badawi?

To recap: Proton was the brainchild of our then Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohammad in 1985, who was to transform Malaysia from an natural resource-based industry into one based on manufacturing. Indeed it was a far-sighted plan as at the time, most of the region still imports cars from established countries like Japan, Korea and the United States as they are without a national-car company of their own. And with Proton's success it would spur a whole new growth of industries that would eventually ebb and flow along with Proton. Initially Proton was a success, propelled by a combination of national pride and heavy import taxes that made foreign vehicles out of reach for most Malaysians. Proton even exported its Iswara models to various countries (you can see one in an episode of Mr. Bean comedy series!) But somehow Proton lost its direction along the way. Now it is in dire-straits, faced with falling market share, lack of new models and the looming liberalisation of motor-vehicle imports, one wonders what the Government plans to do with Proton...or will the government do anything for Proton? A whole industry on its last legs...not a pretty sight to see.

Where did the rot first start? It probably would be not difficult to pinpoint: in protecting Proton our leaders robbed the company from competitiveness that would have provided the impetus to move forward. Instead it languished behind as the other car makers moved forward while we made copycats of older foreign models. Slow and unable to respond (due to inertia of the government and company management) it relied to heavily on high import taxes on foreign cars to maintain sales. The purchases of Lotus and MV Augusta which was to help transfer technology and improve on branding failed miserably. It also had to support the various industries it spawned with it's creation: the various spare-parts suppliers and car dealers; too dependent on Proton, it's staring at oblivion in the face.

The birth a second national car, Perodua didn't help matters. Initially unspectacular, it gradually caught on with Malaysian car-buyers, especially after the 1998 Asian financial crisis, for its affordability and better quality. (Better quality is still relative; foreign cars are still better) It's Kancil and Kelisa models were very popular; now with it's Myvi models selling like hot cakes, it has overtaken Proton in sales.

No decision on Proton partner
VW chief yet to turn up for Proton partnership talks

Two years ago, there was a ray of light: possibility of a tie-up with a foreign marquee - Volkswagen AG of Germany. However, with national pride overriding business concerns, talks stalled and failed. In the meantime, Proton continued it's spiral downwards. Early this year, hopes were revived again - apparently with all parties involved bending over backwards to make the tie-up a success. The March 31st dateline came and went without even a whimper; now we wonder whether the powers-that-be have decided to let Proton die a painful death. Or would the government continue the bailout the likes of Bank Bumiputra, Renong and Malaysian Airlines of the past?

Things going from bad to worse for Proton dealers

The quality of Proton cars rolling off the assembly line leave much to be desired. Admittedly this slow degradation occurred over a long period of time: the initial models of Proton Saga and Proton Iswara were well-built, but with many various industries to support, quality issues took a back seat to quantity. It was apparent that Proton was churning out more cars than it could sell; upstream providers needed the business. But those unfortunate enough to be downstream: the car dealers, suffered. As the country progressed and people got richer, more were turning away to foreign models. Now, not even RM 28,000 price tag could sell enough cars to make a difference.

I wonder whether there is actually a concerted effort to save Proton. It is after all a 'Mahathir' project, and with the new Prime Minister stamping his mark, little attention would be given to Proton (just look at the Multimedia Super Corridor). And of course those depending on Proton for survival, would have to be compensated, as well as relocated to other in-vogue industries. Proton, unfortunately has become a political pawn which will eventually have to be sacrificed to advance the agenda of others. Let's hope that this does not come true.

Pirates Ahoy!

OK, OK I couldn't stand the suspense and hoop-la behind the movie...so I had to go and see it on it's second day of release. And this coming from a person who can't remember a thing about the second movie except Jack Sparrow being chased by a horde of angry cannibals...

If you went to see it for its action, it was great. A lot of great special effects and CGI - the crabs carrying the Black Pearl to the sea, the battle scenes between the Flying Dutchman and the Black Pearl, the marine crew of the Black Pearl (Davy Jones included) to name a few. But the storyline while intact, was to me a bit confusing. And coupled with fast waning slapstick comedy and puns interspersed in between too. Where did Calypso come into the picture anyway? And why the scene with the imaginary Jack Sparrow crew? Lord Beckett's death was too dramatic (just die lar...). Maybe that's because I didn't finish watching the second series (but I managed to gather enough from the crumbs to make out a coherent story). The actors were great and no fantastic acting required - this is of course an action movie. Maybe Chow Yun-Fat's character could have been granted greater time on the show though - he died too fast for my liking. I'm also not sure whether the movie needed the almost-three hour running time it had; it could have been more gripping (and less tedious) if unnecessary scenes were cut out.

The ending left an option for a sequel, which I think would be ill-advised. Too many sequels spoil the trilogy (look what happened to Star Wars). And oh, for those cinema-goers, don't leave the cinema so soon after the credits...you might miss something!

Win One, Lose One

So this is the morning after...a mixture of elation and dejection. Two finals - evenly spread results.

UEFA Champions League Finals: AC Milan vs. Liverpool
Alas it was not to be: a repeat of the result two years ago. Milan nicked it this time with a 2-1 win. Most expected it to be quite one-sided and it was, but unexpectedly it was Liverpool who was doing most of the footballing last night in Athens. Yeah, Rafa got his midfield and defence spot on - Kaka and co. was neutralised for most of the match, and I actually can't recall a single clear cut chance for Milan in either half apart from both goals. On the other hand Liverpool came out firing, and could have been 2-0 up inside the first twenty minutes. They created the chances throughout the match, but could not find the finishing touch. Even as Kuyt scored the goal near end of normal time, the spirit of 2005 was very much alive; the referee put paid to that by playing only 2 1/2 minutes of the allotted 3 minutes of stoppage time. Admittedly I don't think it would have made much of a difference, but at least there could still be one last chance. Inzaghi was the difference, taking Milan's little chances where Liverpool failed miserably: the first was a chance deflection of a freekick; the second more sublime, with Kaka's throughpass beating Liverpool's offside trap for the first and last time. But all credit to Ancelotti and Milan. For Liverpool, while we mourn today, the team can only get better next season. Rafa and our new American owners will see to that.

American Idol 2006/2007 Finals: Blake Lewis vs. Jordin Sparks
This is hot off the TV set! Jordin beats Blake after 74 million votes America-wide. I think that the beat-boxing wore thin after a while, and America came to their senses after their blooper last week. The judges all called in her favour and this time they were not disappointed. The singer won; after all this is a singing competition, though Blake gets top marks for his performances. And the finals show looked so different now; a bit dreary and protracted for my liking, but they have to do something to fill the two hours... They had a tribute to Sanjaya too! (love him or hate him, he was one of the reasons to remember this season) They should continue with the Golden Awards gimmick - it's good publicity, celebrating the good as well as the awful - thanks William Hung! For me, I will be following the top three's music career closely now - to see whose is most successful.

Till next season, adieu!

Tale of Two Finals

The big day: 23 May 2007. Two finals I closely watch will play itself out today, and there'll be only one winner in each.

UEFA Champions League Finals: AC Milan vs. Liverpool
OK i'm a Liverpool fan at heart, and I really want them to win the championship for the sixth time. But wait: in their way is AC Milan, the very team that swept away Manchester United two weeks ago. The very team that Liverpool so miraculously came back from to edge in extra-time two years ago. Let's face it, on paper, AC Milan has the better team in terms of style and players. But finals are a funny thing, and Milan experienced it two years ago. Rafa has almost always got it right in European competitions, and I'm sure he has a game plan to shackle Milan's star players as well as a way to prise the Milan defence and hopefully nick a win. It'll be sweet.

American Idol Finals: Blake Lewis vs. Jordin Sparks
Let's face it: the winner was voted out last week. So this is like an anti-climax. Sure there were a lot of cheering fans at the Kodak centre last night, but the judges couldn't hide their disappointment. I sure was not impressed by Blake, again with his beat-boxing: to me it was just getting stale. Jordin was consistent with her singing, but not fantastic. Well, it's a voting competition: it's just difficult to judge the winner, especially after last week's shocker. But I'm rooting for Jordin - she's a better singer than Blake, although I admit Blake is the better performer.

We'll know the winners in a few hours. I need to get some sleep, and get prepared. It's gonna be a busy day ahead...

Windfall Indeed?

Pay rise for civil servants
Civil servants pledge to be responsible and disciplined

Wow! Now that is a huge amount: RM 8 billion a year - the amount needed to fund the salary hike granted by the to 1.2 million civil servants starting from this July. Granted that this has long been in coming, one cannot shrug off that nagging feeling on the government's affordability, and whether such a hike will contribute to a feeling of increasing inflation. It was hoped such a pay rise would lead to increased efficiency and productivity among civil servants as well as reduced levels of corruption but I will not hold my breath. As long as there is no 'get out if you're not functioning' mentality, coupled with an impartial assessment of civil servants' performances, we will continue to experience the current levels of service, albeit with a slight improvement (I hope).

Nik Aziz: Pay rise timed for elections
The public sector deserves raise and Government can afford it now, says PM

Gracious as the move was, one cannot hide from the fact that such a move was ultimately politically motivated, what with the General Elections around the corner. Why wasn't the pay hike approved last year - with increases in petrol, electricity and water tariffs and oil prices at its height? No one can deny such a move now is definitely politically motivated. But of course not something that came out of the blue. The Government was slowly preparing for this - the recent increase in working hours in all Government Departments was an example.

While there is no increase in basic utility and petrol prices this year, one cannot say the same after the General Elections. While we may be able to afford it this year, how is the Government going to fund the increased salaries in the coming years? The world economy is leaving us behind while we bicker about equity percentages in our businesses, delaying approvals for businesses which wish to set up shop in this country, and which of our laboured industries we intend to save. The Malaysian stock market is a laboured entity, pushed and prodded at the whims of foreign investors. There is only one way: the very people that so-called benefits from the salary increase - the people of this country. I expect widespread increases in utility, petrol and toll prices after the elections, maybe not immediately but eventually. And God forbid, a rise in the income tax.

So a windfall indeed? Maybe, but we are going to have to pay...literally, eventually.

Bocor - what's next?

Let off despite ‘sexist’ remarks
Groups slam MPs for making sexist ‘joke’ against women

Bocor - in the Malay language this means leak. Well, it used to just mean what it means - that is until two Member of our Parliament used it to refer to the monthly 'leaks' (periods) a woman has, during a debate on leaking roofs on our Parliament buildings. Of course such unsavoury remarks are not tolerated by our partisan Opposition voice in the house - which made headlines in the local (and I'm sure foreign) media as well. And over the next few days various women's groups came out to voice their unhappiness at this derogatory remark by these two MPs.

Malaysian law minister defends alleged sexist remark by Parliament colleagues
MP says sorry to women, then retracts his apology
MPs say sorry

Ruling cabinet ministers and MPs added fuel to the fire by making ill-judged remarks, and claims that it had been blown out of proportion by the Opposition and media. No apology was forthcoming until ordered by the Cabinet, and last Friday, a closed door meeting followed by an 'apparent' apology was tendered by the two MPs involved. Worst part is, the apologies were insincere and tantamounts to an insult to all those offended by the incident. However, as far as we are (supposed to be) concerned, it's over. But we of course know that it is all mere sandiwara for our entertainment (why not, since terrestial TV programmes are pathetic, and pay TV is getting expensive!)

There they go again

Well it is no secret that our Parliament has long ceased to function as the executive body it once was. Now controlled by the ruling party, it has degenerated into a mere playground where Government policies are rubber-stamped and intellectual debates are of little merit. Try as they might what little voice the Opposition has are usually stampeded into submission - remarks such as this are common, and will not be the last. And it's not just the MPs which are the problem.

Samy finds rubbish, debris clogging roof gutter
Wear and tear among reasons for leaking roof at Parliament House
Government has no choice but to fix roof immediately, says Najib
Electrical wiring is just as bad

The physical building itself is in shambles - leakage in the roof may lead to collapse of the structure if not quickly attended to. For a 44-year old building, some problems such as this would be expected. But coming in the wake of a RM90 million renovation just two years ago, questions have to be answered - then again, a lot of them have been posed but not answered in the Parliament debates either, so don't expect much. More of course will be expected in monetary terms for inspections and repairs, even as we hold with bated breath.

On the flip side, the Malaysian public is in need of regular reminders, of how and why they have been chosen (hey they are elected anyway, by hook or by crook!); and our MPs in the Parliament, for all their worth, never disappoint.

And ironically, in the furore of the whole incident: Act on sexual harassment cases, or face RM10k fine. I wonder, does this apply?

Speechless...

I'm still reeling from the shock...Melinda voted off the Finale next week! The judges tried hard to hide their disappointment, but it showed on their faces, especially on Simon's... Without taking anything away from the two Finale-ists, Americans have simply voted off the wrong person. But that is how the format is: the two highest votes go through; maybe enough her fans thought she was shoo-in and just didn't vote - a critical mistake. For as long as I have followed American Idol (three seasons now), I could not recall any other finalist ever coming close to matching her vocals or repertoire of performances. It's a loss, just a great loss...

For Melinda, greatness now beckons. I know she'll probably be very successful in her music career, maybe even rivalling Kelly Clarkson's. And she's got the repertoire to do it too. Goodbye, and good luck Melinda!!

4Mbps surfin!

Well there has to be a reason why there is so much throttling recently, and now we know why!!

The gist of the package is this:
1. 4Mbps download and 512kbps upload (sic!) for an introductory offer of RM198/month (offer period 1 month only) after which the actual monthly price is RM268
2. Available only in KL and Petaling Jaya areas, up to 3km from the exchange (but not all areas, it seems)
3. Minimum subscription period of 12 months
4. Some other associated free offers as sweeteners

Oh come on...4Mbps package? And they can't even deliver proper service to the other packages, and they're talking about a 4Mbps one. How long do you think it will last? A few months before they start throttling this package as well? Probably, since we use broadband mainly for p2p downloads...

No one needs 4Mbps just for surfing...or is the picture giving us a hint?

American Idol Triple Threat

So this season's American Idol is now down to the bottom three!! I just watched the triple threat performances: three finalists, singing three songs each, chosen by three different individuals and commented upon by three judges.

Melinda Doolitle
Can she do anything wrong? She has already amazed us with her consistency and vocal performances; she has already proven she can run through the gamut of styles without breaking a sweat; she leaves her opponents eating her dust!! I just wonder how she could be just a background singer all this while... She took on Whitney Houston and Tina Turner's songs and wowed, and even Simon predicted she would be in the finals.

Jordin Sparks
She definitely has style; she definitely has vocals. She has also been quite consistent and her performances amazing. The only thing she doesn't have is age: 17 years may be considered young for a singer - that may work against her, or maybe it won't, as Sanjaya proved in his too-long run through the Finals.

Blake Lewis
The only guy left in the Finals. But at least he's the best of the lot. His forte is beat-boxing: it adds a different dimension to the songs and his performance, but I'm just a bit worried that he has overdone the beat-boxing part and less on emphasising his vocals. Admittedly that is not his strong point, but he has a lot of support - although this is a singing competition, the voting Americans do not solely rely on vocal strength as a criterion.

Randy feels that there will be two girls in the Grand Finals; Simon voted Melinda only (making a point perhaps of the future winner?) and Paula stood on the fence.

As for me, I stick to my earlier prediction: Melinda vs. Jordin. Let's see what the Americans think...

Armed and Dangerous

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- "Bubba" Ludwig can't walk, talk or open the refrigerator door -- but he does have his very own Illinois gun permit.

The 10-month-old, whose given name is Howard David Ludwig, was issued a firearm owner's identification card after his father, Howard Ludwig, paid the $5 fee and filled out the application, not expecting to actually get one.

The card lists the baby's height (2 feet, 3 inches), weight (20 pounds) and has a scribble where the signature should be.

With some exceptions, the cards are required of any Illinois residents purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition within the state. There are no age restrictions on the cards, an official said.

Illinois State Police oversee the application process. Their purpose, said Lt. Scott Compton, is to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons, those under an order of protection and those convicted of domestic violence.

"Does a 10-month-old need a FOID card? No, but there are no restrictions under the act regarding age of applicants," he said.

Ludwig, 30, of Chicago, applied for the card after his own father bought Bubba a 12-gauge Beretta shotgun as a gift. The weapon will probably be kept at Ludwig's father's house until the boy is at least 14.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press, story courtesy of CNN.com

Throttled...Part Deux

Well, I think it's official...our only broadband service provider has throttled local p2p connections too!! It is bad enough that throttling has taken its toll on foreign p2ps, but now even local ones...this is enough to make anyone's blood boil! Speeds crawling at single digits! And talk about killing the goose that lays the golden egg; don't these people understand that it is applications such as this that promoted the widespread use of broadband??

There are a lot of angrier people out there, but we have no voice or means to take action. Once a company has monopoly such as this, there is very little we can do. For me, it means I will downgrade my package - why should I pay an exorbitant amount just to surf the Net? Maybe if enough people cancel or downgrade their subscriptions, they will sit up and take notice.

Yeah, right...

Rain and hail

Wow, there was heavy rain this afternoon - no surprises there. 15 minutes into the storm, hailstones size of golfballs rained down for about half-hour. What a racket. Not to mention the howling winds too; unfortunately there were no flying debris to add to the excitement. Well I wanted to go out and take some pics but I guess I would have been stoned to death.

What's life without a bit of excitement?

Premiership 2006/2007 Roundup

So it's finally over! After nine months of pure anticipation, excitement, grief and sorrow, not to mention the many sleepless nights we bid adieu to this season's English Premiership. Although there is still the FA Cup Final to play for next week, and Champions League Finals the following Wednesday, the season is effectively over for us soccer fan-atics... We can now go into our annual three-month hibernation awaiting the start of the new season in August. Sigh...

So this season we crown another champion in four years: Manchester United. Undoubtedly the most consistent and imaginative team this year, thanks to the prodigious Cristiano Ronaldo, they pipped defending champions Chelsea to the finishing line, with Liverpool (sob!) and Arsenal a distant third. At the bottom of the table, Watford, Charlton and (surprise surprise) Sheffield United were relegated, with West Ham performing the great escape. So here's the table summary:

Champions 2006/2007: Manchester United
Runners-up: Chelsea
Third place: Liverpool
Fourth place: Arsenal
UEFA Cup places: Tottenham, Everton, Bolton
Relegated: Sheffield United, Charlton, Watford
Promoted: Sunderland, Birmingham, ??

Here I celebrate what I believe are the finest and the worst of the lot in this season's Premiership. Well, my opinions may differ from football pundits all over the world, but everyone's entitled to their opinions right?

Team of the Season
Obviously Manchester United. Though I'm not a Red Devil fan, one must give credit to the way they have played all season - to eke out undeserving 1-0 wins, drawing matches when the chips are down, and winning with large margins where it suited their attacking flair. You can hardly find a match where they did not find the back of the net. It's an all-round team, strength being in midfield and attack - thanks to Carrick, Ronaldo and Rooney, though they probably need better strikers; their defence is still a suspect, but if they still manage to score more than they concede, they would still end up winning matches!

Best Team of the Season (outside the top four)
Would you believe it: Reading! Just in the Premiership for one season, and it's making waves with their exciting play. And coming from a team without the millions to spend unlike their counterparts. Fast attacking football and a solid midfield and defence; it's a shame that they just missed out on a UEFA Cup place. Let's hope they don't turn out to be a one season wonder like Wigan last season...

Flop Team of the Season
Ooh, this is a difficult one...but I choose Newcastle with Charlton coming in a close second. The Geordies, with a passionate fan base and skillful yet underperforming players - oh, what a sad combination. Poor Michael Owen...if you just had stayed at Anfield! And a mid-table finish is unjustified for a team of your stature...poor Roeder, you have to take the blame. Maybe big Sam is the man to relive the glory days of yore...if they choose him.

Player of the Season
Well there's no doubt about it: Ronaldo is definitely player of the season. Despite his reputation for simulation, he is definitely a skillful player with vast potential, and he would be well advised to stay in the Premiership rather than plying his trade in the continent, until he is the wiser. He probably won United the title this year single-handedly...

Goalkeeper of the Season
Robert Green. Mainly because of the performances he put in to help in West Ham's great escape. You can't forget the saves he made in the game against Arsenal. And there is still the England jersey up for grabs with Paul Robinson in poor form...

Defender of the Season
Jamie Carragher. Not because I'm a Liverpool fan. His performances speak for himself. Always decisive in his tackling and no-nonsense defending, he and his partner (mainly Daniel Agger this season) has made the Liverpool defence almost inpenetrable. And I still wonder how he is missed by the England coaches again and again. I rate him much better than Rio Ferdinand, and on par with John Terry...

Midfielder of the Season
Oh this is a difficult one. I guess there is no one outstanding midfielder out there, but I have to appalaud the performance of Cesc Fabregas; young as he is, he is a dominant playmaker, slick passer of the ball and gets into positions where he can and does score goals. And he can only get better. Eat your heart out Frank Lampard...

Striker of the Season
Without doubt top scorer of the season: Didier Drogba. He came into his own this season, despite Chelsea's failings as he tried vainly to defend their title. He is strong, fast and with his deadly feet, he can score from anywhere - his 32 goals this season attest to that. If only he has a reliable strike partner...

Flop player of the Season
It's a toss up: Andrei Shevchenko or Michael Ballack. I think I'll choose both. No matter what their reputations are, it proves that you can't buy instant success. But both of them are in their first season, and hopefully once Chelsea cleared up whatever problems they have in the background they would start to perform. But until then, the jury is still out...

Manager of the Season
Well it's easy to vote Sir Alex Ferguson but to me, it's West Ham's Alan Curbishley - mainly for instilling the belief of West Ham players and supporters, from a sure-to-be-relegated team in January when he took over, to a team which beat the champions to ensure survival in the Premiership. He may have inherited a team in turmoil, but things could only look up from here on.

My Premiership Team of the Season
GK: Robert Green
Defender: Jamie Carragher, John Terry, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole
Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas, Paul Scholes, Mikel Arteta, Cristiano Ronaldo
Strikers: Didier Drogba, Dimitar Berbatov
Subs: David James, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Ricardo Carvalho, Carlos Tevez

So that's it for this season folks...till August, bye!

RM 22 million for what?

Checks for defects will cost RM22m, says Samy

This statement really befuddles me. Coming in the wake of the disgraceful government buliding mishaps in Putrajaya, our Works Minister now further requests an additonal RM 22 million for inspections ordered by our Prime Minister on Workers' Day!! Nowithstanding that these costs are to be borne by Malaysian taxpayers, of which I am one of, questions still remain unanswered:

1. How did the RM 22 million figure came about?
2. Who is performing the inspections? If it is the Public Works Department - why RM 22 million?
3. Is there any further transparency on the actual usage of the RM 22 million?

The shambolic misuse of government funds (in reality, taxpayers money!!) over the years have been repeatedly swept under the carpet: Matrade building scandal, our 'crooked bridge' horror, MRR Two bridge fiasco, and so on and so forth - or had it been used un-wisely to enrich the pockets of those politically connected?

I think all Malaysians worth their salt know the answer...

Why? Why?

MCA: Maybank move discriminatory
Maybank adheres to Cabinet order
Backing for Maybank’s terms for legal firms

Oh why Malaysia? Why is thing happening again and again? After 30 years of NEP, shouldn't the Bumiputras be competing on solid ground, a level playing field? And if they still need discriminatory policies such as these, what volumes would these speak of our country?

'Give an inch, and they will ask for a foot' - Anon

First it will be legal firms: What next? Who next? Where next? Eventually these policies will drive out foreign investors (who may tolerate a small amount of discrimination, but will not yield to it as there are alternatives elsewhere), and then what would be left?

The narrow-minded must open their eyes now!! The world is leaving us behind...no amount of kicking and screaming, or political sweeteners, or boot-licking will bring them back when that happens!

Street Kids!

Pic courtesy of The Star

Street kids - this is a common sight in East Malaysia! This is the fact-of-life for those children living from day-to-day there. Coming from impoverished families, whether they be Malaysian or immigrants, they while their time away in the streets, walkways, shophouses and shopping centres while their parents try to make a living. They do not go to school; instead they hang around with their own kind.

Well, it is small wonder they often fall prey to the dregs of society which abuse them into working for beggar, pickpocket and other gangs, and inevitably drug use. Glue sniffing is the cheapest of the various alternatives - I'm sure they will move on to more expensive options in due time.

These scenes are certainly not shocking to us who've been around them. While it certainly is for certain politicians, it is still left to be seen what could, and would, be done for them apart from highlighting their plight in national newspapers.

As expected...

As expected, civil servants will get a pay rise this year - though the quantum has not been decided yet. Our esteemed Prime Minister say they (the civil servants) deserved it. And while the jury is still out on that particular statement, my own view is that a salary adjustment is long overdue - the last being in 1993 I think - but it would not lead to better productivity or service, nor would it reduce the need for civil servants to have part-time jobs, as some have hoped.

Reason: inflation. Those decision-makers probably need to go and do shopping for themselves at the local wet market, (or hypermarkets for that matter), fill their own petrol tanks, pay their own toll charges, pay their own utility bills or (what the heck!) just eat out at your local coffeeshop/mamak stall for them to realise this. While the pay rise have been hoped to lighten the burden on civil servants, who is to say that this would not lead to further increases in the future? "Hey, last time we increased the petrol price, you say no pay rise - now you should not complain ma..."

And for the ruling government to use this as a gimmick for their election plans - widely anticipated it may be - would only distract the short-sighted and money-minded; larger issues remain ignored and unsolved. While I'm sure this latest gimmick will win the ruling coalition a number of votes and ultimately the coming general election, I'm not so sure that things will remain upbeat after the elections are over...

My crystal ball reads: 'toll and utility increases across the board after the general election' and sad to say, it is hardly wrong...

Spiderman 3

So I finally went to a cinema for a movie - the last time I went was two years ago (hmm, it was Kingdom of Heaven)!! Well I owe this to the wonders of BitTorrent. And saved me quite a few bucks too...

Anyway it wasn't my intention to see the show yesterday, but as I trawled through 1U, I stopped by at the GSC Cinema - whoa RM11 for a ticket!! Forget it! And look at the lines! A lot of rich kids nowadays. Then I moseyed over to TGV - the lines were shorter and tickets were RM4 cheaper. So what the heck. Had a quick lunch, bought a few things and did more window shopping. Got myself a drink and I was ready for the show.

Well, I guess it was kinda OK: had a lot of action and storyline was relatively fine, but I didn't feel so much for this installment compared to Spidey 2 (now that one you really feel for him). I really like Sandman; Venom came and went pretty fast, and Harry's death at the end gave rest to a tortured soul. I give the show probably 7/10 and definitely worth watching just for pure entertainment purposes. I'm sure it'll make lotsa money in the box-office. But I wonder whether there will be a fourth series in the offing...the ending really wraps up the Harry-Peter storyline. Who knows?

Milan masters!

So it's final! A repeat of the May 2005. Milan vs. Liverpool. Frankly a lot of observers rate this final as the least probable of the various possibilities. But you can't dismiss the underdogs. Trailing by that late Rooney winner from the Theatre of Dreams, the dreams turned into a nightmare right from the word go. Kaka and co. were superb, slicing through the MU defence, apparently strengthened by Vidic's return (but to me the makeshift defence played a bit better the week before), with apparent ease. Took them only 11 minutes to find the goal, and United was disunited. Another goal in each half finished them off.

It's just that MU played so badly that they hardly had a look at goal - only one shot in the whole match that Dida saved easily. Nothing worked for them. Not even Ronaldo's sidesteps. Milan just revved up the engine and stepped up the gears and MU was left way behind. The Milan midfield was superb - Gattuso in my mind is the linchpin; Pirlo and Seedorf played very well too. Credit must be given where it is due - Sir Alex at least paid tribute to the Milan winners.

So now Rafa has three weeks to figure out the antidote to Milan's early fire. The 3-0 experience of two years ago clearly shows what Milan could do off the blocks. But I'm sure Rafa will find a way.

Athens Ho!!

We did it again!! Overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, our Anfield heroes made it a night to remember with a spectacular display of football to book our place in the Champions' League finals.

Chelsea were the odds-on favourites but at Anfield anything could happen. The defence marshalled superbly by Carragher and Agger thwarted any form of Chelsea aggression - leaving them with only one chance from Drogba which Reina easily saved. Joe Cole, so often the nemesis of Liverpool, hardly had a look at goal; Lampard was his usual unremarkable self.

Liverpool needed to score and Agger scored a striker's goal in the 22nd minute. There was a time where Chelsea threatened towards the end of the first half, but came to nought. In the second half, Liverpool had all the attacking play and chances - two saves from Cech and a Kuyt attempt ricocheting off the crossbar; clearly Liverpool were the better team but still no goals.

Went on to extra time with little difference as we were the hungrier of the two teams - a harshly disallowed goal from Kuyt and a last gasp save at the death from Cech ensured a nailbiting penalty decider: in the end Reina made two great penalty saves while we scored all four!! Appropriately my man-of-the-match Kuyt scored the winning penalty (that guy deserved it, he worked his socks off!!)

As usual the 'Special One' was all sour grapes as he claimed the better team on the night lost - come on, even the blind could see who the better team was; Rafa rightly praised our 'special ones' for our victory - the fans who waved, shouted and sang the team to victory!

So who are we going to meet in Athens? For now we don't care...because we can beat the best - bring it on!! But I have a sneaky feeling that we will have a repeat of the 2005 finals come end of this month...

Speak your mind!

Now I wonder who would be so brave?

Gee, not me...but I hope there are brave people willing to speak out for me! But not only for me, but all the oppressed people in this country - what the heck, the whole world!!!!

In the meantime, I'll just imagine myself as David - in private!

Deja vu!

Pak Lah orders immediate inspection of government buildings

Frankly to tell you the truth I'm not surprised. Coming in the wake of problems facing government buildings, two further ceiling collapses in a matter of days strikes home the point. Of course the blame game will go on and on, but I wonder who will be made the scapegoat...

But it's no surprise that these things mainly happen to government buildings. Goes to show the amount of palm-greasing that happen behind-the-scenes, well until attention-grabbing news like this occurs. Shoddy workmanship, poor quality materials and poor maintenance: these are to blame. Of course the not mentioned greed among the main contractors that get the job culminates in this.

Like I said before, only happens to government bulidings because the authorities will close one eye after a while irrespective of the initial furore - just wait and see. And private construction companies plying their trade overseas cannot afford for these to happen - so the best is saved for those projects. Isn't it sad?