Happiness Map

Well, I came across this...thought it would be something different: original context here

This survey was done in 2006: Malaysia is ranked 17th (3rd happiest in Asia behind Bhutan (??) and Brunei (of course they would be happy there!)); our southern neighbour is 36 rungs below us - they are not that happy after all...

With all the turmoil recently, I just wonder what the happiness level would be now?

The HINDRAF Conundrum

Well, I guess the government (or I should say UMNO) has its tail up against HINDRAF - judging by the media blitz in the mainstream media. Not a day goes by without the trumpet of accusations and comments about this hitherto low-key group. Wow, what a way to get publicity!!

Well, let's recap. It all started with a memorandum to the British Prime Minister: allegedly about the plight of migrant Indians and their subsequent generations brought to this country over the last two hundred years, and to claim compensation from the British government (about RM 1 million per Indian - hello, as if that is ever gonna happen!!?) for bringing them to this country. The organisers then planned a rally for support to hand this memorandum to British High Commission officials, which was held on 25 November.

Of course the authorities did their usual stunts: denial of police permit (of course...), warnings over the mainstream media, then followed by the now-oh-so-popular road blocks which aimed to cause inconvenience to the public. Still the sympathy and support were with the organisers of this rally.

Coming on the heels of the BERSIH rally, one would really expect nothing other than an over-reaction from the UMNO-controlled police. Being a single-race, minority group rally it played right into their hands; as has been reported widely - the reaction was swift and brutal. Despite what the mainstream media tried to portray, first hand accounts were of a peaceful rally initially, until the police started shooting. The rest is history.

Well initially there was some support from the odd coalition member, and of course the opposition; however as news of the actual content of the memo got out the numbers of supporters began to dwindle, even among those that initially supported them. Even the Opposition is distancing themselves from the group. Come on now: ethnic cleansing? And how would you try to garner support for your cause by making such, as well as other, allegations? It doesn't help matters if the issue is politicised in India, or if the HINDRAF leaders seeks foreign support.

Sensing victory (if you could call it that), the mainstream media pushed on the advantage...

So we have allegations of links to terrorist groups and possible use of violence to further their cause... If this does not alienate the moderates in this country, I don't know what will. It would probably do more harm than good to the Opposition parties, as they are being painted as pulling the strings behind the scenes!

But is there more than meets the eye here, as alleged by this juicy piece? After all everyone likes conspiracy stories...why one earth do you think that X-Files was so successful? And away from the rally site to Batu Caves, where a witch hunt is ongoing against 31 individuals - attempted murder? Even the Attorney-General has descended from his lofty abode to lead this witch hunt!! Oh, how the whole issue is being blown out of proportion! After all, eyewitness accounts paint a very different picture from the 'official, yet contradictory, accounts!!

It just goes to show how 'desperate' the government is!! Even to the extent of revoking the business licence of a company just because it is named Hindraf!

The whole HINDRAF issue has opened a can of worms. Discontent has been building up over the years among the minority groups. Like a dormant volcano, it may appear to be calm outside, but pressure is building on the inside: it has to erupt somewhere, and somehow. It is just a matter of time. The coalition may say they have MIC and PPP to look after the welfare of the Indians; while we cannot deny that they have made strides in improving the outlook for Indians, they (not we!) must also admit there has been severe shortcomings - just look at how the issue of the MAIKA scandal has been handled all these years.

Looking past the blown-out-of-proportion issues, we are still left with the tough meat to chew - a minority group has come out openly to highlight the issue of discrimination. It is no secret that this happens in this country, whether overtly or covertly. The ball is in the coalition's court - whether to grab the bull by its horns (i.e. acknowledging the issue and addressing it) or to continue to turn a blind eye in the name of Ketuanan Melayu or NEP. There's no prize for guessing this one correctly...

Who knows, it might be the Chinese next...stranger things have happened!

Religious Intolerance?

First we had the whole Kudat Ma-Tzu statue issue - I thought it was just a one-off thing. Then we had the Indian temple demolitions that even the all-powerful Samy Vellu couldn't stop. Now we have the cries for cross removal from missionary schools!!


At least the Star today had something worth reading!!

Why bring this up, now? Especially when sentiment is simmering following the HINDRAF rally two weeks ago...unless there is a hidden agenda here! I am not against Islam - there are more similarities than differences to Christianity: both are religions that promote peace and understanding - but I fear for the worse when this religion of peace is subverted and used as a clarion call for violence. Just look no further than the world's troubled hotspots and you can see how much it worries me...

It is usually the end-game when religion comes into play - I certainly hope that this is not the case for our country!!

What Clean Up?

Well it has been expected and has become a reality: our new Chief Justice. But what is disconcerting to many people is the very fact that he will retire in a year, and his place would be taken over by...most probably an UMNO-yes man!!

And we haven't even formed the Royal Commission for the Lingam-gate scandal yet!! So much for cleaning up the judiciary...

For Whom Do The Tolls Toll?

Malaysian road users can breathe a temporary sigh of relief at the news that toll charges will not be raised for four major highways next year. Better than nothing, right? Well, it's not if you are one of the users of the other six highways slated for an increase...

The notion of ever increasing toll charges have touched nerves on many a Malaysian driver; the toll increase early this year sparked protests and called into question the one-sided agreements signed between the government and toll concessionaires. When it was called for the agreements to be made public, the Official Secrets Acts were used as an excuse to keep them secret. I just wonder what secrets are they hiding within those tomes? The names of the beneficiaries probably? Well I wouldn't put it past them...after all isn't the Malaysia Boleh rallying cry apply here too?

Back to the present: Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad's suggestion that the government buys back the highways from the concessionaires seem to be a good idea - after all, the government is paying through the nose in compensation anyway. But our learned Works Minister said that it was too expensive to do so...

Let's see now, if we value the shares of PLUS at RM 4.00/share (which incidentally is about 20% premium to its current share price) the cost of takeover would be only RM 20 billion. What? Only RM 20 billion? Is it really that costly? Hmmm...you know there's always Petronas...after all where are all their profits going to? At RM 20 billion, they can afford it at their current proft level! After that, all the other concessionaires could probably be bought for another RM 20 billion. This still leaves Petronas some loose change...

Of course this is a simplistic view of things. But if you could spend hundreds of billions of ringgit for the various corridors as well as other mega projects, why not just spend a fraction to reduce the burden of the people? It's not that it is too expensive. There are vested interests that have to be protected and sustained - it is as simple as that. And to hell with the Malaysian people...

And oh, let us not forget the wastages of the current government thus far would have paid for the purchases on its own: the Perwaja Steel rip-off, Bank Bumiputra scandal, MATRADE building fiasco, Port Klang Free Zone white elephant, the Navy offshore patrol boat prolonged project, blah blah... And what do I hear of this 3 billion ringgit investment fiasco our Chief Justice-to-be Zaki Azmi was involved in?

So, please don't tell us it's too expensive. We could, and can still afford it. Make the right decision, and there may still be hope for BN.

Still Dangerous Days

Hmm, coming hot on the heels of the kidnapping of a lady in Shah Alam, is another kidnap victim in Subang Jaya - this time the girl was not so fortunate as she was raped by her kidnappers. And there's another story about a possible murder mutilation in Balakong.

Well the police have responded by setting up a squad to hunt the criminals involved...good luck to them!

Meanwhile we still cower in fear...

Dangerous Days

And while the Police goes after peaceful protesters (read HINDRAF rally last weekend) and UMNO poster boy attackers, here we have rampant crime unchecked!! One kidnapping and one cold-blooded murder, both here in Petaling Jaya. Isn't this country becoming a scary place to live by the day?

And oh, what happened to the Sungai Buloh cop-killers as well as poor Nurin Jazimin's killer(s)?? We are still waiting...

Grrrr...

Well today has been a fine day...for idiots that is... Why am I so pissed??? I thought it would be a straightforward day at the bank, after all this is a Saturday (though probably I'd have expected a small crowd) and some people are away for the weekend; I went to the Uptown Maybank branch - lo and behold - only one of the four ATMs and one of three CDMs were working - so you can imagine the lines there. Geez, the banks are raking in big bucks and they can't even maintain their machines in working order, and it was only 11.00 a.m. on a Saturday! I think I can count my lucky stars that the machine has not run out of money yet by the time I reached it...

As looked at the menu, I couldn't find a withdrawal amount of RM 2000 or more, only RM 1500...again I wonder whether there is a neat plan in place here: remember only Maybank (as far as I know) has a policy of four free withdrawals using ATM a month, subsequent withdrawals will be charged 50 sen per transaction - so if I want to withdraw RM 2000, I have to use up two of the free withdrawals on the first day of the month it self!!! Don't you think there's a planned conspiracy to weed more money from their customers here? Not to mention Interbank transfers online (which would save the hassle, except that it would only be processed on a working day) which command a RM 2 transaction fee...and what was I saying about banks raking in the dough??

After that I strolled over to AmBank next door - lo and behold - you guessed it, one of three CDMs worked...I think it was working overtime when it suddenly seized on a lady, RM 200 in the deposit slot with another RM 100 note half in and half out!! When the lady tried to ask for help from an employee inside, we were told that the machine was 'outsourced' and wasn't too keen to help. Outsourced??? So doesn't AmBank take the responsibility on the machines? Bad enough when that was the only machine working!!!! A few angry glares and stares finally made the guy call someone...

Well I can't be waiting for the outsourcing firm employees to come - God knows how long that would take (Malaysian style) - so I went to the SS2 branch. At least that still works...but I had to contend with a lady BMW driver who insists to double park at an empty lot - but she drove away hurriedly before I could get a photo of her (maybe I could get RM 50 for my troubles from the Star's pic of the day??).

Wonder what else would happen on this eventful day? It's just only 12.30...

Keepsake

I'm putting this here as a keepsake...articles like this should be saved for posterity...

Father-in-law and Son-in-law Berhad

Where's The Logic?

This issue started anonymously enough...newspaper reports about a Pahang state councillor who bid RM 62,400 for a car number plate. So what else is new right? We've heard it all before... What's different this time around is that the Menteri Besar himself came out and warned that such individuals will be given the boot!! Of course the individual involved came out with a swift denial, as usuallah! Then for some strange reason this paricular Menteri Besar fanned the flames further, as chronicled in Utusan Malaysia:

Untuk kereta tetamu – MB

KUANTAN 27 Nov. – Menteri Besar Pahang, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob berkata, nombor pendaftaran kenderaan CCC 9 bernilai RM48,000 yang dibida pihaknya bukan untuk kegunaan peribadi beliau tetapi kenderaan tetamu kenamaan kerajaan negeri.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya akan tetap membeli nombor CCC 9 itu walaupun melibatkan kos yang tinggi kerana ia telah dibincang dan diluluskan dalam mesyuarat Exco serta tidak dianggap sebagai satu pembaziran.

“Soal membazir tidak timbul, pasal duit itu kerajaan bayar kepada Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ). JPJ pula akan gunakan duit itu untuk membayar gaji.

“Apa membazir pula? Duit itu pusing daripada kerajaan ke kerajaan. Bukan untuk Adnan Yaakob (tetapi) untuk kerajaan,” jelasnya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas Majlis Penyerahan Bayaran Penebusan Bon Tranche Pertama 2007 sempena perasmian Kompleks Dagangan Mahkota di sini hari ini.

Adnan berkata, beliau sendiri mahukan nombor pendaftaran kenderaan itu menggunakan nombor satu angka iaitu sembilan.

“Kenapa sembilan? Sebab sembilan paling besar. Saya sendiri suruh ambil sembilan. Itu ceritanya,” kata beliau.

Menurut Adnan, penggunaan nombor pendaftaran satu angka juga bertujuan memudahkan pengenalan kereta kerajaan negeri yang membawa tetamu.

Namun, beliau juga tidak menafikan nombor satu angka itu boleh menjadi sasaran mudah pihak yang berniat jahat.

Beliau secara peribadi tidak menggunakan nombor pendaftaran satu angka dan tidak gemar jika ada Exco yang menggunakannya.

“Dulu, Exco semua guna nombor tunggal. Bila saya jadi Menteri Besar, tidak ada single digit, itu yang bercelaru sikit,” katanya.

Menurut Adnan lagi, nombor pendaftaran satu angka juga mampu memberi pulangan lumayan jika dijual.

Ini kerana jelasnya, anggota Exco, Datuk Shahiruddin Abdul Moin pernah ditawarkan RM40,000 untuk nombor pendaftaran CAP 8 yang digunakannya.

Utusan Malaysia hari ini melaporkan, Pejabat Menteri Besar memenangi tender bagi mendapatkan nombor pendaftaran CCC 9 selepas membida pada harga RM48,000 walaupun Adnan, pada Jumaat lalu, memberi ingatan kepada Exco kerajaan negeri supaya tidak membida melebihi RM10,000.

Now where is the logic in his statements? Not a waste of money? Hello...this is ultimately the taxpayer's money!! Pahangites that work their socks off so that they can pay the salary of these individuals!!! Not waste the money on buying car number plates, no matter what the ridiculous reason. The poor taxpayers in Pahang...taken for a ride.

And here's the kicker: Pahang’s deficit to balloon to RM50mil

Really, where's the logic now?

OMG!!

Well, this is way too much!!! And I wonder why baby Yok Shan's plight got so much attention, when such gross negligence in our government hospitals are left unpunished? Why would giving 'first class' treatment (actually, there is no such thing as a first class treatment in government hospitals, unless you are royalty, minister etc.) to this poor lady divert attention from the issue at hand? How could a surgeon leave a whole forceps (looks like a clamp maybe) and the entire OT team miss it? That instrument is actually quite big, and thank god that it hasn't perforated a major organ!! All instruments and gauzes used in a surgery must be accounted for prior, and after the surgery. Has there been a grave oversight on the part of those responsible...or worse, is there a cover up of sorts?

Such error is totally unforgiveable, and if I were the lady, no 'first class' treatment is enough!!! I say let's sue the government to high heaven!!! And bring the offender to the book!!! No cover-ups please!

P.S. What ever happened to baby Yok Shan's compensation anyway? Has the whole story died a natural death? Like all stories here in this countries?

Good Move

Well at least this is a move in the right direction...and hopefully will ensure that the new trainees will have adequate exposure in the main medical and surgical fields. Perhaps exposure to Ophthalmology and ENT would be helpful too, especially to those whom will be sent out to far-flung district hospitals but at least this is the first step...

Reaction

So this is the horrific market reaction to Proton's news yesterday...well like I said it was quite unexpected, so much so even people in the know were caught off guard by the news!

It has been reasoned that since Proton is turning around, the management must be given a chance to prove themselves. And if they fail, they can go looking for Volkswagen or General Motors again! Hello...do you think these multinational giants are gonna sit around waiting for Proton to come begging? No, they will move on and look for better opportunities elsewhere!!! Wake up!! The chance has come and gone...it's boom or bust for Proton! And have they started grasping at straws already?

What's in store for us consumers? I guess there won't be a swift end to the protectionist policies, so we still have to brace ourselves for pricey foreign marquees; so much for the New Automotive Policy...unless the intent is to wreck Proton from the start!! Gee...there's so many possibilities here...

I just wonder whether in the greater scheme of things, this would really spell the end for Proton...

Down and Out

So much for being given a lifeline last weekend...might as well Russia had won their game and sent England out there and then. But the Englishmen and England fans were given false hopes that they would do the necessary at home to secure the one point needed for them to qualify...

But alas it was not to be!! And again it was goalkeeping errors that led to England's exit from Euro 2008; not to say that they played well anyway - perhaps they were in the mistaken impression that Croatia would not put up a stiff fight, having already secured their place in the Finals.



Goes to show that although the Premier League is one of the hottest shows in football, there are actually not many good English players, and as a result their national team suffers.

So nasi sudah jadi bubur. Will McClaren get the sack? Probably, and again goes the hunt for the new England manager...

Eh?

Now this is a big surprise...but is it for better or for worse? After months of subdued silence, a report surfaced a week ago that a deal was at hand between Khazanah and a foreign carmaker (bandied around to be Volkswagen AG), bringing cheers I'm sure to many a beleaguered investor in Proton. Even as late as Monday, there was high expectations that the long-drawn out negotiations were coming to a conclusion.

Well that was surely shortlived as the headlines blared out today! I don't know, but I have a feeling that this announcement caught a lot of people by surprise.

More importantly, why the sudden about-turn? Were there unseen forces at hand in the decision? And was nationalistic pride again put ahead of business consideration in the decision making process? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Sweep Away, Kick Away, please!

Finally when someone tries to do something productive for a change, he gets brickbats instead of bouquets! Whatever his underlying intention, Selangor Menteri Besar's broom award is a step in the right direction. Well, maybe it is not in the Malaysian psyche to be publicly 'humiliated' but I believe the individuals involved should look beyond and improve the services rendered instead of making hue and cry in the media!! What more with other parties joining the witch-hunt fray, which includes our sleepy PM for a change...

But after drawing the latest round of flak, he decided to take one step back and two steps forward: to give the boot! Of which I think would be even more effective than the broom!

So congratulations Mr. Toyo...you may not be so toyol after all...but please walk the talk!!! We will all be watching your next move...

Confused

After the successful 10/11 rally last week, UMNO must be falling over themselves trying to limit the damage (why UMNO? because there's hardly a peep out of MCA, MIC or Gerakan!) First the quarter-hearted fiasco by Zam Zam Alakazam...then 101 East interview with SIL and Naz(r)i (who seems not to know anything...), and the latest this denial from the Istana. Well the headlines screamed "No Consent" but there are a few things we need to ask for ourselves:

1. Did we ever ask for any consent for the rally? As far as I know, the rally was to call for electoral reforms, and the memorandum for reforms was to be handed to the Agong; at no point was the Agong's consent asked for. And the only consent I know of was that the Agong 'consented' to receive the memorandum via palace officials!

2. Who is this Comptroller of the Royal Household joker anyways? This is the first time I've heard of him! Again, as far as I know, announcements from the Agong is issued via the Royal Keeper of Seals (something like that la!)...so why the sudden change in protocol?

3. Another break in protocol: the media was called in for a press release instead of the usual release-by-fax...is the peaceful rally so serious as the Comptroller made it out to be? And serious to who: the Agong, the people, or to UMNO?

RPK came out with a twist though, lightning quick: Silap mata

While I think his version is more believable (he is of royal blood after all), we must always take care not to be easily hoodwinked (like most Malaysians!??) and used for some different agenda. It can easily be confusing - on one hand we can totally write off the mainstream media, but while blogs can be useful sources of truthful and up-to-date information, we have to discern!! Not all blogs and writings have the people's interests at heart...

Anyway today is a Saturday - so out with the royal colours everyone!!

Are We Surprised?

Are we surprised at such repeat offenders? It was less than a month ago after his remarks about the disabled in the Parliament caused an uproar, and now we have this! Perhaps we are too lenient with these people...after all, just by apologising they think it gives them the leeway to continue on with their misdeeds. Oh, probably I'm old-school: thinking that apologies are meant to atone for some grave error, never meant to be repeated again.

In Malay, we have a word to describe this indviduals: biadap. In the past such rebuke would be thought-provoking, but I guess nowadays such people are too thick-skinned! And to think there are Malaysians who vote this individuals to be a Member of Parliament...what were they thinking?

Here's the other two amigos:

Mr. close-one-eye: Jasin MP - Datuk Mohd Said Yusof

Monkey King (no offence to the smarter species, OK?):
Kinabatangan MP - Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin

It just sickens me to see their faces: there should be a wall of shame for them!

News of such behaviour should filter down to the people, so that they know how unbecoming their MPs are, and that they should effect a change in the next election! Unless our sleepyhead PM decideds to wake up and do something about them...but don't hold your breath.

Until then, we will continue to see more such shenanigans from these shameless individuals...

Another Building, Another Collapse

Well, it had to happen again you know...the stories of government buildngs collapsing (previously it was part of a building, but I guess this time it reached new heights!) has not ended there. So this time we have one in Perak: the Perak State Park Corporation administrative building which was by Tasik Bending. But this building was not without problems of its own; completed in 2004, it has not been occupied since then, and had started showing signs of trouble a few weeks ago.



And Samy Vellu is shocked and wants answers? Malaysians are shocked and wants answers too...but we don;t get them. I think most hav already forgotten about the Parliament, Court complex, Putrajaya buildings and hospitals that have fallen victim to shoddy workmanship - he wanted answers then, but till now?

Will we get the answers our esteemed minister wants too? A voice inside my head tells me that it would all be soon forgotten...

Ice Hockey, Malaysian Style!

Geez, I didn't even know that Malaysia has got ice-hockey teams...not until a friend of mine from Canada wanted to see the Malaysian ice-hockey team play! Well, there's only one ice-rink here in Malaysia, so that's a no-brainer... Well, it could be a nascent sport - who knows what a few years will do...

Up close and personal then...

In case you are wondering, there is a netting in front of me...

Close up shot on the action

A clearer view

More of the fast-paced action!

The only shot where I could catch the puck!

Zee Zamboni

10/11

What 4,000 people??

I hope this day would mark a turning point in Malaysia; a day when at least 40,000 Malaysians irrespective of age, race or religion came heeding the call for concrete electoral changes, participating in a peaceful rally in Kuala Lumpur...it was so unfortunate I could not join them as I was away. Nevertheless, my spirit was with them all the way.

As expected the police (aka Government, aka Barisan Nasional, aka UMNO) tried scare tactics to dissuade people from joining the rally...but came they did. On that day, not even water cannons, chemical water or tear gas made any difference; the people made their point. The memorandum was delivered to the Istana Negara as planned. Now the Government has to sit up and listen...

What irks me the most is that the local media hushed the whole event up, with minimal mention of the rally. Is this how journalism has degenerated over the years in this country? Is there no journalists with balls left? So much for press freedom in this country... Thank God for the Internet - now every Malaysian can see for themselves the real news that matters to us!

Let us see for ourselves how the event was carried by the local and foreign media:

The NTV news footage

The Al-Jazeera news footage

And as usual you have those certain individuals who has their foot-in-their-mouth while trying to explain the whole situation (OK, not explaining...more like berating the news channel), and making the country the laughing stock of the international community...

Zam, oh Zam

He did mention that Malaysians are laughing at the reporter for being an actor (maybe what he means is that he is over-dramatizing the whole police action?)...more like Malaysians are laughing at him for his stupidity...

"We are Burma, we are Myanmar?" He also does not know that Myanmar and Burma is the same country now...back to school for Geography lessons?

And hello, the rally is for electoral reforms...everyone knows that it is not about whether elections are held regularly or not...aaaaaaaaaduh!!

Finally, if the police cannot disperse demonstrators in the future, they will compromise and allow the demonstrators to do what they intend to do in the first place!!?? Hell yeah!

Bodoh! Bodoh! Bodoh!

Anyway, here's a link where you can get the pics of the historic day!

P.S.: And I wonder which 10,000 people went for this gathering?

Fields of Hope

One of the more beautiful songs I've heard for a looooong time...and guess what? It's from an anime: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny...enjoy!



And here we have a very interesting piano solo of the same song...enjoy that too!

Square Off!

I know a lot of Malaysians do not appreciate American Football...sure glad that ESPN here shows them weekly (but bad, bad choice of matches though...) for those odd ones out there, like me!

Here's highlights of the most hyped-up game of the regular season - New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts. Both were unbeaten coming into the match: Patriots pretty much whipping everybody back into last season with their performances thus far, and Colts is about the only team able to stop the Patriots in their tracks, but can they?

Watch and see...

Funny? Maybe Not...

It was supposed to be a joke...but it won't be funny if the rumours that the next quantum of increase maybe 70 sen per litre come true; which would make the price at the pump RM 2.72!! And coupled with everything slated to increase next year, would make the Government very, very unpopular...

Which is why I fully expect the elections very soon...

Record-breaking...

You've got to hand it to Rafa and his merry men...it takes despair to bring out the best in the them!! Yeah, smile Rafa, smile...you've just gone into the record-books!

The question now is: how much will he chop and change for the upcoming match against Fulham? I've said before, I like the thought of Crouchie in front, preferably with Torres; maybe Gerrard would relish a role just behind them, in a 3-4-1-2 formation. With that he can have the freedom to rotate the midfield - Liverpool is full of quality midfielders (Momo aside...), so no worries there. Unfortunately that would mean Rafa going defender-shopping (which is not a bad thing, since we have lack of cover in central defence as it is) - Coloccini perhaps?

Hopefully this is a sign of better things to come...

From The News Desk

Hmmph...as if those publicity crazy people have had enough! I just wish these two would go back to what they have been trained to do, and serve the people!! But let me guess: they would probably need not work for quite sometime, with all these publicity stunts...meanwhile their overworked colleagues would have to bear their share of the work while they get all the attention. Then again, who said life was fair?

From around the UMNO General Assembly:

He also revealed that Russia has offered to sell the Soyuz spacecraft, which carried Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to space, to Malaysia.

Dr Jamaludin said he was in the midst of gathering feedback from people on whether the spacecraft should be bought before presenting the proposal to the Cabinet.

He told the MPs to support the proposal and discuss the issue in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I would gather feedback first to see whether the people are for it and whether the price offered is good before making any proposal to the Cabinet,” he said.

Who is he trying to kid? Isn't there enough colossal wastage of money in this country without some lame-brained idea such as this? Feedback of the people? Try doing that with cost of living rocketing (sic!), and the last thing they'd be interested to see is a chunk of metal. That is if they don't throw it at you first!

The foundation would also take care of the welfare of the two Angkasawan who were regarded as national treasures, he said.

National treasures? Ooookayyy...

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein described deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s opening speech as touching on the foundations of the party’s struggle and how Malays could further improve themselves.

“For me, the most important point now is how to interpret the messages into action,” he said of Najib's speech at the opening the Wanita, Youth and Puteri assemblies.

His deputy Khairy Jamaluddin said Najib’s message was not one of Malay-bashing but one that “gives us confidence and to tell us that there is no challenge that we cannot overcome.”

Puteri chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad said the focus had to be on the youth as expectations from them was very high in these times.

Hmm, the boot-licking culture is alive and well in UMNO...but only worth it if Najib becomes DPM!!

For the first time, Wanita Umno is presenting gold medals and a RM1,000 award each to non-Malay university students in recognition of their academic excellence.

Well, if it's not an election gimmick, then there should be awards next year right? We'll see...

To update its membership roll and thank its 3.2 million members for their loyalty, Umno has started a mobile community programme that offers discounted call rates and free phones.

I guess bribes are getting cheaper and cheaper...maybe the UMNO warlords are feeling the pinch too?

Rocket Clubs will be set up in schools to instil interest in aerospace and astrophysics, Umno Youth vice-chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.

Maybe Rempit clubs will be more appropriate...after all it seems to be their favourite past time... I'd think that SIL would do better creating appropriate activities to first promote Science and Mathematics before going into something as advanced as Aerospace and Astrophysics. Why run before you can walk?

That's this edition for today...stay tuned for the news tomorrow!

Short Cut!

Got this off the Star online job adverts...

I just didn't know whether to laugh or cry...

I wonder, since I have had paediatric experience for 5 years, I guess I'd be eligible to apply; if successful I would be called a consultant paediatrician...so who says you have to take a postgraduate exam to become a consultant?

Closer to Reality

It seems that the winds are blowing again. While I do foresee that this congestion charge plan would eventually become a reality, I doubt it would take any form in the near future; primarily because of the upcoming general elections. Then they'd have to take months to conduct a feasibility study, then run it through the cabinet and then Parliament blah blah, it'll probably take a year or two; that is if the protests haven't stopped it dead in its tracks by then...

What I am more concerned about is the fact that there has been minimal, if any, improvement in our Klang Valley public transport system; it has to be improved before congestion charges are implemented. Otherwise there would not be any benefit to road users in Kuala Lumpur, apart from the connected few which stand to reap the impending monetary harvest. Obviously the promise early in this year when petrol subsidies were cut to use the savings to improve public transport has come to nought.

This plan is still a long way from seeing daylight. We shall see whether it eventually will come to fruition.

What Freedom?

And you talk about freedom of the press...poorah...media slammed for carrying Opposition reports...who are you kidding? It is finally out in the open - the media must show favoritism to the government when reporting news, and certain English media (I think we know which one it is...but you better watch out, you could have your licence suspended!) have been ticked off for giving emphasis on the Opposition. Of course in reality news-reporting in this country could hardly be even described as one-sided; how much news is devoted to the Opposition anyway? Zero? Also it cements the very fact that Malay language media are just Government (oops...UMNO) propaganda tools, not worth wasting our shrinking income on...

Small wonder why our enlightened citizens are turning to blogs for more accurate reporting on the true comings-and-goings in this country. But we better stand ready: the next battlefield would be in cyberspace, and it would not be a pretty sight...

More Entertainment?

I just wonder how true this report is: Gone beserk

I mean would an UMNO leader, invited to speak at a fellow coalition members' meeting utter such comments about the member? And then go beserk insulting his fellow UMNO members? And what of the poor victim...keeping quiet while this maniac turns the whole event into a farce? Of course there is very little publicity in the the mainstream media...but I guess this joker is trying to play the 'Malay hero' card with the UMNO General Assembly just a few weeks away.

Well the sleepy PM has decided to investigate the reports...which would probably end up 'tak ada apa-apa - case closed'.

Now we have another twist to the story: another coalition member wants this hapless party expelled!

There's no shortage of entertainment in this country, now is there?

Attacked Again!

News flash!

Well, this is hot off the shelves...the Malaysia Today site is again under attack. Think it started just before midnight...was reading through some of the articles posted and then poof...the proof is up there!

God, won't RPK be pissed! My thoughts are with you...

Updates, 6.00 a.m., 04/11/2007:

Awoke with a start, came up and checked - the site is back and running again...good work guys! However there's a catch...

Apparently some of the articles have been ?hacked (maybe not restored completely). There were four articles that I could find at such short notice; the rest of the articles were fine....well, at least it's better than the whole site being down. I'm sure they're working their best to restore the site to full functionality!

But seriously, maybe RPK should consider some of the readers' suggestions of moving to another hosting site, upgrading the server software, and/or backing up the data to a mirror server/hard disk etc... I don't mind donating for that purpose. Anyone else?

Everyone Can Be A Datuk

Here's an interesting take on this subject: Datuk, Datuk, Datuk

I guess everyone knows that Datukships carries minimal value these days, if any at all. Much has been written about the Datuk-for-sale fiasco a few years back and of course whether Datukships were the prerogative of the conferring Ruler, or as certain quarters suggested, at the behest of the ruling government. I always thought that these titles were conferred to individuals whom have done much for the betterment of society and state - but then again, I always wondered why my ex-boss in Sabah never got any titles despite almost single-handedly improving health delivery for children there! Who am I kidding?

Nowadays unfortunately Datukships can not only be bought, it can be used to pay off, bribe or coerce 'recalcitrant' individuals - well it may be a bit cheaper than paying cold hard cash. It becomes a 'come join the club' membership programme. And the members of this once exclusive club are getting bigger - once it becomes too large, it cheapens the whole. But these people don't give the least of a damn; to the poor and poorly-educated, a Datuk is like God to them - instead of being in a privileged position to help them, the power is more oft than not used to abuse and subvert these people to their own benefit, be it for publicity or in kind. That is the sole reason why it is in such good demand.

Oh, this is again truly Malaysia Boleh!

Fun Fair @ Bandar Utama

In the past I would never voluntarily go to a fun fair, but since I'm with a new company, I guess certain things would have to change... Well, this was at Bandar Utama last weekend and not on a big scale, but it was a different experience nonetheless...

A view of the fun fair

Some of the stalls available

More views of the fun fair

For the kids

Shoot the animals!

The dunking machine

This is the opening ceremony - the balloons are actually on the way up!

Kids performing the Chinese yo-yo to music

I'll top up the pics later as there are some taken using the company camera...

Attacked yet again...

The Malaysia Today website has been offline for the last two days - in an apparent
hackers' attack. Initially the site was not accessible, and as service was restored it became apparent some of the recent postings were removed. Yesterday, the site was accessible but only postings from a week ago were available for viewing. RPK and his staff must have been working tirelessly around the clock to restore the site - which fortunately is now back in 'full' service again.

The powers-that-be must be desperate to shut the site up whichever way possible. Just gives credibility to whatever reports that is published at the site. And it just means that the elections are that little bit closer...

Gardens @ MidValley

I was on leave, so I decided to drop by at the Gardens for some photo-blogging; I wasn't too impressed but anyways...

The main entrance to the Gardens: everything is still under construction

From the ground floor: like the couches

From the upper floors - interesting design there on the roof

Another view of the design panels on the side of the roof

At either end, there a domed roof - here's a view of the cupola

A look down at the fixtures and the atrium below

This is a sculpted design at the foyer - wonder what it is?

Since it's nearly Deepavali, kolams are very popular

Haven't really noticed these tower blocks from the MidValley side

At least some form of traffic control, especially with all the construction going on and people walking by

CSI New York

You know after watching all the CSI incarnations to-date, I must re-emphasise that CSI: New York must be one that is on the cutting edge in terms of character development and storyline. Hey, it's gripping in its own way - and this season we are given a glimpse into many new angles: spray-on condoms (first episode), Second Life (wow, one whole episode half-virtual with a femme fatale extraordinaire - and it's not concluded yet!), and of course the creepy Halloween-voodoo edition which I just watched.

And of course I can't wait to see how Mac Taylor's stalker story angle unfolds; I think I've mentioned before that Danny Messer is one can of worms yet to be exploited by the show's producers. I'm quite surprised actually that to read that this series has not got respectable ratings and viewership (but then again, I thought Jericho would be a hit!).

Keep 'em coming!

Ratatouille

Well, this is another good Disney movie for you; I must commend them for coming up with a good idea for cartoons. A rat which aspires to be a chef...has got to be a gem of a cartoon. And it is. Maybe not in the class of Cars, Incredibles or Surf's Up, but much better than the fare dished out last year.

Of course all eyes were on the rat Remy. Wishing to be something more than what life has in store for him is a something we can all relate to; and while he had the talent, he had to rely on the help of a two-legged unwilling Linguini (actually he does walk on two legs, and controls his human counterpart by tugging on his hair!) to make the culinary magic happen. So along the way they had the mishaps and laughs trying to keep their common secret, encounter with the baddies but when the going finally got tough, Remy's estranged family (quite an extended family) came up trumps!

Well, the highlight of the show was of course the heartwarming finale where the food critic, Ego was served 'ratatouille' (this you have to watch to experience it!), and Remy finally earned the recognition he deserved for the cook he is. Of course the ending where both rodent and human, and critic-turned-regular each finally got their rewards was exquisitely done.

Good work Disney! Do keep coming up with such genius!!

Dangerous Times

It's dangerous times these days: the story of two policemen killed during a drug raid shows that criminals are getting more and more brazen. Well, it is very clear that crime is getting slowly but surely on the rise over the past few years: break-ins and burglaries (the killing of an ex-IGP during a burglary) , snatch thefts (popular a few years back), then robberies (remember the goldsmith robbery in Subang Parade?), car-jackings (oh so popular now!), exploding models (aah...) and now this.

While crime is always omnipresent in any society, it leaves us to wonder whether other factors have made crime worth the risk. Obviously money is scarce if you are doing an honest day's job, and the rising cost of living isn't helping either; and there is some amount of glorification of criminal figures as well as not-so criminal figures (read: Mat Rempit). Not helping is the mess the police force is in: so-called factional battle for control at Bukit Aman.

So here we see two policemen killed and here we have the IGP ordering a thorough probe focusing on whether procedures have been followed during the raid. Hello...it's a week and they have no leads on the cop-killers? Of course there are the usual calls for improvements in equipment which is approved which lightning speed (this in a country with such lengthy red-tapes that people usually go elsewhere, but of course there's money to be made here for the connected - hence the urgency!)

Lastly not wanting to sound racist, but since the ones killed aren't from the privileged race, we won't see the state or national-type funerals attended by top dignitaries, or the posthumous promotions or donations to the grieving families usually accorded to them...

But that's life here in this country...we learn to gripe, and then move on...

Halloween $100?

It's gonna be a $100 oil very very soon...it's been rising almost $1 per barrel a day on concerns of tight supplies and tension in the Middle East (Iran, Turkey, you name it...). Well, at least for now it is at $96 but I doubt it will remain there for very long. There's a lot of speculative trading involved, not unlike trading in stocks whenever a certain psychological level is reached - right now the bullseye is at $100. Who knows, if we are lucky tonight, we might see a Halloween $100 oil - spooky thought, isn't it?