More Adaptations?

Maguire in Robotech

Now this caught my eye...Tobey Maguire as Rick Hunter? Or would it be Max Sterling? Nah...has to be Rick Hunter. Wow...but it's a bit late in coming though. I love Robotech, maybe a bit more than Transformers. But they have a lot to do to make it better than Transformers; after all it didn't have the following Transformers had back then. Anyway I am chomping at the very fact that they are considering making an adaptation of the movie. The other one the article mentioned was Voltron. This I am not so thrilled...but it'll be interesting too. Just hope they do the lion ones, and not the vehicles - it looked better with the lions. Now there's another that would be interesting to make: Thundercats!

A check with IMDB shows that all three are in pre-production stage; maybe if all goes well it'll hit the cinemas in 2010. Ho!

Record Broken!

Darned it!! For the first time after driving for nearly 15 years, I experienced my first radiator leak yesterday night! And this coming after my car was serviced last week at that. Well, at least the car didn't burst into flames and the engine remains good...but having your car fill with steam isn't a very rewarding experience. Now I have to go to a mechanic and get the whole radiator system checked all over - another day gone...sigh...

Eye opener

Had a management meeting today. Since I am new, everything was quite an eye opener. Never been a person who cared about the mechanics of an organisation (since we doctors were too busy anyway), exposure to such information is really enlightening. Now I know why the company has to work in a certain way to ensure 'profitability'. Erm, that's in inverted commas because I'm in a non-profit organisation - so technically we have to call it surplus - but it basically means profit. Runs right down from the boss to Finance and Administration to Human Resource to Operations and Fund-Raising. All the cogs in the wheel has to be in place and run properly for smooth running of the organisation. The less disruptions the better. I guess that is true for all organisations, big or small.

After the meeting we has a dinner at a seafood restaurant in Section 14. Never realised there was one there. Well I'm not one for seafood, but I had to support it lah...anyway no comments on the food. The price was a bit heavy on the wallet though...maybe I'll bring some friends over there for dinner, and have them pay for it! Yeah...

Petition to the Agong

Petition to the Agong

Something to remember by...

At the last count, there has been at least 10,000 e-signatures and more are coming everyday. It seems that people's power is at work here. But how to pass them to the Agong? Not through the front door it seems....

Yes, we are embroiled in a Constitutional Crisis

Huh? Is the Agong is under house arrest? And when did the Internal Security Minister become so powerful even to prevent family members meeting each other?? Something smells here...and it's not roses!

Daulat Tuanku!

What beast?

Child found sexually assaulted and killed

What beast would do this to another human being? What more on an innocent child? Where is the humanity in this person? The things done to this girl is so unspeakable... And to be then stuffed into a bag and left out there to be found...

What has happened to our society? Rising crime rates, sadistic rapes and mafia-style killings happen irrespective of age, race and social status. Just a few weeks ago - the story of the UTAR student raped and killed by a campus security guard came and went. And who would forget the execution-style killing of a MCA Youth leader, or the many damning reports of unbridled crime in Johor Baru.

Is it a product of the ills associated with a urban society, or just shows the impotence of our police in protecting its citizens? Perhaps it is a combination of both. Influx of both rural and foreign individuals to urban areas in search of better wages where there is little is almost always a fertile breeding ground to those tempted into crime. This is compunded by the fact that the police force is under-staffed or under-motivated to catch these criminals, where more lucrative opportunities lay elsewhere, and by a leadership under siege from within and without.

Certainly there is no quick fix to this. But it is something that must be tackled immediately if we are not to lose confidence in our own safety, even if in our own backyard. What more if we are to attract foreign investors or their families...

Johor Baru: 17-19 September 2007

My first trip down to JB in two years. The drive was quite uneventful - since I started off at 5 in the morning - and smooth. But ran smack into the morning jam in JB town centre! Well, a jam is a jam whether it be in KL or JB. Anyway had to work for the next three days to the bone. It was tiring but I'm glad that the patients are generally uncomplicated. Stayed at the Crystal Crown Hotel - like I said before, I am a person of little expectations, but this hotel fell short of my one only requirement! Anyway it's OK for a short stay. Think it was the same hotel that I stayed in two years ago. The trip was too short for a trip to Singapore. Maybe next time. The drive back today was rather mundane as well. Anyway I survived the trip safe and sound: after all JB has got a real nasty reputation these days.

Met a friend of mine with his own clinic on Tuesday night. Guess business was fairly good from the number of patients I see in his clinic. He's a bit modest, but like most Chinese (and like me too!), financially prudent. We had dinner/supper at the Old Town coffee house in Nusa Idaman (or something like that) - it's the biggest one I have seen so far; makes the ones in KL look puny. And business is good too, judging by the number of customers they have at 10.00 p.m. at night!!

Kuching next week then!!

Shocker no more?

THE SHOCK-A-LINGAM TAPE

And we just had the two bailouts, Auditor-General's report, Altantuya murder case, blah...blah...

Should we be surprised? The rumours and stories keep coming in - something that Malaysians know for many years has started to be exposed. Sometimes we wonder what it is all for: political mileage, beating-down the government, revenge against certain individuals? Whatever the reason maybe for the expose, the more important thing is whether action will be taken, or will the perpetrators get off scot free (or maybe a very light slap on the wrist)? The reaction is more important than the action - not just words, but true action!

Otherwise we would just be washing our dirty linen in public...again and again and again... Small wonder our country is not looked up to anymore...

Look East Policy...

You know we had (or are we still having?) a Look East Policy. Well, we came up with a few useful tips on how to manage and improve the country. But I think this is the single best thing we should learn from them: Taking responsibility

Unfortunately our shameless politicians (need we further name them?) - from lowly local councillors, members of parliament, cabinet ministers to the DPM and PM - will lie, cheat and do anything and everything to stay in power - do they know no shame?

And since they so good at mimicking and shouting slogans, maybe they should shout this one and follow the example!

Economic Triple Threat

I came across this in the Edge, and found it as a very interesting read on the global economy:

History tells us that September and October have not been good months for investors. The 1929 Wall Street Crash erupted on Oct 24, causing world markets to plunge by more than 30% and tipping the global economy into the Great Depression. In 1987, the US market crashed on Oct 19, triggering a chain reaction across the globe.

This year, as October approaches, the outlook seems rather glum. The silver lining is that no one is expecting a global recession at this juncture. Already, there has been a spate of negative news that has roiled financial markets worldwide.

First, we have the US subprime mortgage crisis threatening US growth and tipping it into recession. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy contracted in the second quarter, sparking concerns that it, too, may slide into a recession. China isn't doing that well either — its inflation hit a 10-year high in July at 5.6% while its economy continues to expand at a sizzling pace. To make things even more complex, crude oil prices are again rising, hitting a new high of US$80 a barrel last Thursday and heading for the next level of US$90 a barrel. Will the worst come to pass?

The US subprime mortgage crisis, whose roots go back to 2005, became full-blown this year. The problem, even as we speak, is still unravelling, and the danger is that it could spill over to the rest of the US economy and tip it into a recession — if not this year, then the next. The possibility of a recession in the US became more real last week when the US Labour Department reported that non-farm payrolls fell in August for the first time in four years. There was a loss of 4,000 jobs, down from 68,000 job increases the month before. Now, all eyes are on what the US Federal Reserve Board will do when it meets on Tuesday to decide on interest rates. The consensus view is that with the latest downturn in the labour market, the Fed will have no choice but to cut the benchmark overnight federal fund rate (FFR) by at least 25 basis points, from 5.25% to 5%, to ensure a soft landing for the economy.

"A 25 basis-point cut in the Fed Funds policy rate on Sept 18 is all but a done deal," DBS Research wrote in its report, adding that it expects another 25 basis-point cut in October. A recession in the US will spell trouble for Asia, whose main export destination is the US. While there is a growing view that China will take up some of the slack, a recession in the US will still hurt Asia. At this point in time, however, most economists are still betting that a recession won't happen. Projections are for US growth to remain flat at around 2% in 2007 before rising to about 2.5-2.8% in 2008. CIMB Investment Research, in a report, wrote: "At this juncture, we think the (US) economy will be able to ride through this period of uncertainty and volatility without heading into recession. "While problems in the housing and financial markets have hurt consumer confidence, we draw comfort that corporate balance sheets are healthy, non-residential investments are positive while job and income growth are still supporting consumer spending."

Last week, Japan said its gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 1.2% year on year in the second quarter of this year, compared with a contraction of 0.3% in the previous quarter. The drag on growth was a decline in business investment. Now, economists say Japan will not be raising its key interest rate any time soon. Japan's sharper-than-expected economic contraction did not help sentiment any, as it came at a time when investors were already jittery about the possibility of the US sliding into recession. It was not helped either by the political uncertainties resulting from the resignation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Still, economists aren't too worried about the latest statistics indicating a recession for the Japanese economy, noting that machinery orders in July surged 17%, its highest in four years. Economists say that while business outlays underperformed, export growth is still decent, and they expect a moderate recovery in consumer spending, which should keep the economy from contracting further. The projection is for the Japanese economy to expand by about 2% this year and the next.

The news flow out of China isn't very good either. Last week, China said its inflation rate hit a 10-year high of 5.6% year on year in July and that despite attempts to cool growth, its GDP still ran its fastest pace ever, expanding at a scorching pace of 11.9% in the second quarter. Not surprisingly, investors are asking how long the Chinese economy can grow at this breakneck speed without crash landing. China has raised its one-year deposit and lending rates six times since 2006 while the yuan has appreciated 10% since it was unpegged in July 2005.

The kick in the teeth, though, came from rising crude oil prices. Last week, crude oil prices finally surpassed US$80 a barrel. On Thursday, light sweet crude for October delivery closed at US$80.09 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Now, market pundits are seeing the next target at US$90 a barrel. Oil prices were pushed higher by three major factors — a sharper-than-expected drop in US oil inventories, a lower-than-expected increase in oil production by Opec and the hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana coasts, where the refineries are located. A conundrum arises for policymakers if crude oil prices continue to climb. For one, it will fuel inflation, and thus limit the room for the US Fed to cut rates at a time when it may need to do so.

The upshot of all this is that the global economy is heading for some uncertain times. So, we should brace ourselves.

So we have the triple threat. As the author said we are heading for some uncertain times. We better heed the warning and be prepared...

More exciting...

You know badminton nowadays is more exciting under the new points system. I was watching Lee Chong Wei win the Japan Final Open a few hours ago, and I must say it really brings the sport to life. The matches end quicker; there is less reliance on fitness and stamina but more on skill and guile of the players, and concentration is very important. Gone are the days where you can outlast your opponent in marathon games or afford to lose serves instead of points. I think it is a change for the better.

Coming back to the game, Chong Wei should have won easily in the second after leading 15-9; instead he let Taufik back into the match. Deja vu again in the decider after leading 20-14, he allowed Taufik to creep back to 20-19 before winning on a Taufik net return. I must say although Chong Wei played well, he was lucky not to have lost the match.

A good game nonetheless.

What the %$#@?

So frustrated to know that ASTRO for the umpteenth time has changed its programme schedules unannounced. I was so looking forward to catching Criminal Minds at 11.00 a.m. but alas... And it's not just that. All the programmes have been moved to God knows where...

What's worse, there are no programme listings for Star World in the ASTRO channel guide. I wonder why one would need the guide nowadays, paper thin as it is.

Uurgh...

PGCC's web

Whaddaya know? No hangover from last night's drinking session! That must have been a first for me...

And now for some interesting reads...

PGCC boost for Penang
PGCC: Penang's Greedy City Centre?
The Equine Capital Bhd Crash
Datin Wong Mun Yee @ Mrs Datuk Patrick Lim @ owner Kamaluddin Badawi's house
Patrick Lim's Monsoon Cup scam

This shows the web that binds it all...

So who says that the NEP doesn't benefit non-Bumiputras? My only wish is that it doesn't go the way of the PKFZs, PSC-Naval Dockyards, Renongs etc. etc....

Something different...

I'm the kind of person who keeps to himself and is comfortable with daily routines - work, home, sleep. I rarely go out for various reasons, preferring to sit in front of the computer surfing and watching downloaded movies/TV series.

Well it's been some time since I did something different...so I went for makan and exepctedly, a drinking session with a friend tonight. The last time I had liquor was the New Year eve celebrations in 2005 - and that was hard drinking. I wonder how much I could take, but I needn't be overly worried. A few glasses of beer and some whisky coke hardly dented me. I guess I need more to be really drunk. But my friend and I had quite a bit to catch up...not enough for one session. Will have to arrange more similar sessions...and more drinks to go with that!

Wonder whether I'll get a hangover in the morning?

Of earthquakes, aftershocks and tremors

Every time an earthquake strikes these days, the first picture that comes to mind is a tsunami. After all, tsunami was stuff of legends before 2004. So when an earthquake struck southern Sumatra on Wednesday - tsunami warnings went off all over the region. Dunno about you, but for tsunami to strike Penang when the earthquake is in southern Sumatra seems far-fetched to me. Anyway I am not an expert. Of course it is better to be safe than sorry.

But the aftershocks really caused some tremors here in KL. Actually I thought I felt something, but it could have been my stomach rumbling. Anyway, any vibration is enough to send people scurrying out of their high-rises these days.

Since we are so close to the Ring-of-Fire, we should brace ourselves for more tremors and tsunami warnings. It is unavoidable. Let's pray there is no repeat of 2004.

Old story - new life

Actually this is an old story given a new lease of life...after all it comes in the wake of the Port-Klang Free Zone bailout...

Najib must bear brunt of the RM6.75 billion naval scandal

And this involves a massive bailout too - Boustead Sdn. Bhd. had to fork out money to 'save' the company, PSC-Naval Dockyard, a subsidiary of PSC Industries (or is it Tan Sri Amin Shah's butt?) whose major common shareholders are Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera. Incidentally the bank most affected, Affin bank, has a major shareholder in Boustead. So it is a bailout bigger than that of PKFZ. PSCI was once a public-listed company on Bursa Malaysia; if you wonder where it has gone, don't worry - it has been renamed Boustead Heavy Industries (BHIC).

One question I want to ask: will the Tan Sri involved in the centre of this bailout ever be brought to court for mismanagement of funds? After all the billions of ringgit 'disappeared' just like that...of course into pockets of certain individuals...

Wait: let me give you the answer - no, and never will. After all, this is Bolehland.

What else is new?

Paying through the nose for tools

So what else is new? It's an open secret for many years. It'll blow over after a few weeks or months and it's business as usual. So much wastefulness that it doesn't shock anyone anymore. But what is this compared to the PKFZ and naval patrol boat (PSC-Naval Dockyard) scandals?

Retch...

P.S.: Can anyone tell me where I can get the report for remembrances sake? Since we Malaysians are so forgetful?

Ouch!!

Missed this 233% increase in brokerage fees when I was going through the Budget 2008. Now that's a pain in the arse... A lot of negative reaction from retail investors because it affects us a lot. Basically it means the entry and exit charges amount to at least 8% (not including stamp duty, clearing fees); this is even more than charges for unit trusts! You have to buy at least RM 6,000 worth of shares before the increase becomes negligible...and very little retail investors can afford to invest this amount on a single stock! I can see the justification but certainly not the quantum of increase. To encourage investing and not speculating? Hmmph...our market is not conducive to investing as there is so much speculation going around; and to think the degree of market manipulation that occurs shudders me. No investor in his right mind would want to sit on their shares for long periods of time. I think it would kill off whatever little enthusiasm among the retail investors - so much for encouraging retail participation in the stock market.

Anyway there's still three months for the authorities to change their mind. If not, I plan to stop trading and switch back to unit trusts. Probably make all my buys by the end of the year and sit on them. Anyway I'm not too optimistic of the stock market these days...sob...

Fraying at the edges?

Now this is a bit of a shocker!

Ceramah clash in Terengganu

Heard of the incident yesterday when having dinner in Kota Baru. And I was actually quite surprised! Friend of mine said one of the victims was still in Hospital USM ICU in stable condition.

After all it was said to be a peaceful ceramah, and ended up with a riot and two victims shot. And some flag burning to boot too! Have to go through the blogs to see the reaction - can't trust the mainstream media - too pro-government. Who knows...it might have been started by an agent provocateur!

Hope this is not a start of something worse...especially with the general elections around the corner and May 13th incident so fresh in our minds...

Kota Baru: 8-11 September 2007

Was in Kota Baru over the weekend for a company trip. Wow...it's amazing how the town has grown over the last ten years since the last time I had been there. And there are traffic jams too! Weather was a bit on the hot side...I guess it was better than if it was raining. The hotels were nothing to shout about (I won't name names) - pretty old and run down but live-able, if your expectations are not too high. I'll make it a point to stay at the newer hotels the next time around. People there are rather nice as a whole, although they view non-Kelantanese a bit suspiciously. I'm not surprised as Kelantanese supposedly are very parochial and more xenophobic than people from other states.

Was introduced to this fare called nasi kukus - which is supposed to be like some form of glutinous rice with your choice of dishes. Unfortunately for me, I can't tell the difference so it ended up tasting up like normal rice for me! Anyway, it's a change from the usual food I partake. Sorry, no pics! Maybe the next time around. But I missed tasting nasi kerabu (which I quite fancied when I was in Kota Baru previously).

A bit difficult to travel around though, as the buses and taxis were difficult to find. You have to call for taxis, and the charges were exorbitant - so a bit difficult if you have to lug bags all over the place. Guess I need a car if I want to explore. Didn't have the time to visit the places of interest. It's all about work.

Speaking of work - it is quite enjoyable as I get to travel around and see different places. Not so boringlah... Next stop Johor Baru!

Reactions?

Haven't been able to get online for the last three days...but there seems to be a muted reaction to the Budget 2008 both on mainstream media, and online. Of course I am not surprised!

But there are lot sof other news to hog the limelight!

Rumours...

PM: Transport Minister Chan has not resigned

I caught the rumblings in the blogs last night...but I wonder how much of it is true. Of course I am not holding my breath. It would be a first for this country!

Budget 2008

Eh? That's all? So much was expected of the Budget...especially being a pre-election one - would have thought there would have been a bevy of goodies for the man-in-the-street. Alas I guess I was mistaken! And judging by the stunned silence in the online community, I think a lot of people is in agreement. Of course this perception will be quickly corrected tomorrow when the 'spin papers' hit the streets!

Anyway, here's a rundown of the 'highlights' of the Budget:

1. Corporate tax to be reduced to 25% by 2009. Good, indirectly.
2. Single tier tax system, i.e. no more taxation of dividends at recipient level. Good.
3. Commissions for internet stock trading is negotiable. Clearing fees down to 0.03%. Good.
4. 50% stamp duty reduction for house purchases less than RM 250,000. Good.
5. Monthly withdrawals from EPF Account 2 for home loan repayment. Definitely good.
6. Tax-relief up to RM 5,000 for post-graduate education. Good.
7. Tax-relief up to RM 300 for purchase of exercise/sporting equipment. Good?
8. PLC's have to disclose employment composition by race and gender. Very bad.
9. No bonus for civil servants. Definitely bad.

Anyway, I have not much to look forward to, so I'm gonna give it some rest. If you read between the lines, this budget also outlines many opportunities for the well-connected to make money off the people - so in a way it is not so different from the previous Budgets.

Yawn...can't wait for tomorrow to read what the reactions are!

Hubba, hubba...

Look out! Behind you!!!

Dog-gone it!

RM15,000 for dog catching

I wonder who came up with this rather ludicrous idea. Especially when financial rewards are in the picture, human cruelty may know no bounds. Who or what else will be safe in the future?

Can we organise a contest like this to catch the ever-increasing Mat Rempits or those involved in misuse or misappropriate public funds? I think that would be more worthwhile!

Under fire

Seems that our Transport minister has been under the kosh lately, and stress has been getting to him. Now he is on medical leave! Or is it to escape the scrutiny that is piled on the Port Klang Free Zone fiasco/scandal/bailout? Only he knows.

And speaking of medical leave, don't our politicians trust our local doctors? Is he suffering from something so rare that our doctors are helpless? They don't need to shamelessly spend tax-payers' funds to go for medical consultation out of this country...unless it comes out from their own pockets!

I really think there is more to it than meets the eye...

Like I said - nothing new!

So amputation it is! I really feel for the parents who were given the run around by the officials. Although I am not privy to the information provided by the specialists and hospital administration, I just wonder how much false hope has been planted that the arm could be saved. Even in the very first photo (unclear as it was) the demarcation was clearly evident. The arm was not salvageable. Maybe it was a PR stunt to show that they were trying the best - but the time lost was irreplaceable. And they were still giving the infection background story - please own up!

I pity the specialists too - now they would have to come in whenever the slightest worry or call comes about! Doesn't our esteemed Health Minister know that specialists on-call hardly comes in if there was an emergency? Almost all instructions are through the phone! Period. So the poor medical officers and house officers are the ones to shoulder the burden and responsibility. Worse for them, there are those specialists who scold them whenever there is a call for advice!! Even though the specialists are ultimately responsible for the care given to patients. Sometimes I don't get it - I myself find it difficult to give advice over the phone without seeing the patient first hand - maybe these specialists has got super vision or mind reading abilities or something. Now it has come a full circle to haunt them, especially the specialist involved in this unfortunate baby's case.

So unless Chua Soi Lek has been living in a tempurung - it is nothing new!

Merdeka!

Yay! Merdeka...but not much to celebrate about, sniff... As we celebrate our 50 years of independence, we enter a period of increasing corruption, crime rate, standards of living and racial polarisation - even as our national leaders espouse the exact opposite. Everything seems to be hunky dory if the mainstream media and government spin doctors are to be believed...but the truth is more painful to the world.

Tell that to the poor whose lands are taken over and/or taken advantage of by the Government or their cronies.

Tell that to those whose family members and friends are killed indiscriminately in the streets.

Tell that to those who struggle to make a living, and to make ends meet every single day - what with the rising fuel, transportation and food costs.

Tell that to those who has to bear the rhetoric on Bumiputras and Islam on a daily basis.

People are angry and fed up - all talk and no action. They want action. Actions which none up there want to, or willing to take. Guess that is why not many Malaysians want to fly the national colours - even if it was given free! I definitely wouldn't...

What's worse is all this talk of patriotism...so what if I do not fly the flag? Call me unpatriotic - I don't care. Patriotism is something you develop through experience and interaction - I am not surprised if the majority of Malaysians can be considered unpatriotic today. I believe Namewee is more of a patriot that most of the self-serving politicians out there!

So happy 50th anniversary Malaysia...

Is it true?

It is mind-boggling to think that we have our national investment company, Khazanah Nasional, to thank if such rumours turn out to be true! But of course such news would fail to come ashore here, thanks to our media censorship - unfortunately we Malaysians have to read of such failings in the blogs, which have come under fire of late. And if blogs were proven to be more reliable source of information than our mainstream media, so be it; it is sad that as our nation celebrates its 50th Merdeka Day, we still have a government which tries to blackout news of such importance. Of course if it turns out to be true...

Well, even if the story is not entirely true - that the sale of one of the MV Agusta brands to BMW netted an amount less than the reported 93 million Euros - it would still make Khazanah Nasional the laughing stock of the investment fraternity. It would look like Proton had not done their homework, or the sale was done in extreme haste. Or was it? Is there more behind the scenes? Did someone make money out of this deal at the expense of Proton? More questions are being raised as the deal unfolds...

While Proton reels from yet another quarterly loss, little has been made public regarding its efforts to rope in Volkswagen AG to prop up the ailing company: I am wondering whether they are truly still at the negotiating table. And as usual there is some glossiness projected over the new Persona model and exports of its cars to China and an Egyptian escapade.

Maybe it is time to put Proton out of its misery. And with that maybe Malaysians will be entitled to something it has been deprived of for nearly 25 years - an affordable and reliable car.

Smokescreen

I guess Jeff Ooi sums up the Namewee issue best: a smokescreen

PM's chief judge
The bailout (Part 2)
The bailout (Part 1)

Let me add to the ever growing list:

Proton's MV Augusta shocker
More evidence of corruption?
Trouble in the police
Bloggers under siege
Trials and tribulations

These are to name a few. More maybe on the way...

No surprise...

It's so easy to get the charges against you dropped in Malaysian courts these days. Hire a fu-yoh lawyer? Play badminton with the judges? No need to be so strenuous on the pockets or body lar...just don't turn up in court! Malaysia Boleh! Or should I say Datuk Z Boleh!? Or RM xxxx Boleh!? Well, in more developed countries, I guess you would be jailed for contempt of court or evasion or something of that nature - but here they will just drop the charges against you. I guess that is why crime and corruption is on the rise here...sigh...

Really...every Malaysian worth his salt would have seen it coming. In this country if you have money and power, you will go scot free or just with a slap on the wrist. Altantuya (I guess) found that the hard way.

Such sad state of affairs in this country of ours...

Frustrated!

Is it just me or has Streamyx gotten slower since its so called upgrading exercise over the week? Website page loading, Youtube, Blogging...you name it - everything is so slow since then!! Not to mention of course: BT; while I fully expect them to clamp further on file sharing to enhance speeds, I could not have expected surfing to be equally affected.

But then again what do you expect? Malaysia Boleh! Or is there an ulterior motive? After all the unwanted publicity from the blogosphere and YouTube...maybe they have a bone to pick?

Double Talk

To be a good politician you must learn to double-talk. You must not only learn to please your supporters, but also the opposition - if you do it well, then you will be a successful politician. Well that may be difficult to do elsewhere in the world when the free media hounds your every word, but much much easier here when Malaysians in general forget easily, and when the 'free' media is actually under your thumbs.

Compare the above to this comment a month ago from our successful politician regarding the 30% Bumiputera programme of the NEP

Little wonder that the New Economic Policy has been called, is now called, and very likely will be called Never Ending Policy...or maybe Old Economic Policy?

Rob-bed!

I guess this must be the buzz word of the day on Merseyside!!! Shocker of a decision by referee Rob Styles denied Liverpool a deserved victory over Chelsea...I dare anyone to defend the penalty decision. Certainly a game of that magnitude, which hitherto was dominated by Liverpool, should not have deserved such poor refereeing! And to top that off, he nearly gave a double yellow-card to Essien, which led to some amount of confusion towards the end of the second-half. In all fairness Liverpool should have finished Chelsea off with a host of chances in the second half, but alas it was a victory not to be.

But we take heart from Liverpool's performance - perhaps a sign of better things to come? Keeping my fingers crossed!

High School Musical 2

Oh no! Another sequel... And you know how sequels are...never as good as the original. I was kind of hoping that High School Musical 2 would be different but alas, I was greatly disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high? But my expectations for sequels were never high to begin with, and unfortunately I was right to the money.

I wish they would have just let the first be it's one and only incarnation, but somehow the $$$ allure was too great. The first was a hit, and raked in the dough...so why should this be any different? Sure there will be those who will watch it once, but I don't think many will watch reruns. It has lost a lot of it's magic compared to the first...the songs and dance moves were just so so, and the actors seemed less energetic and fresh compared to last year; somehow the oomph was not there...maybe the novelty had worn off in the last one year. The storyline was fair, but I think the writers could have done much better. And a good thing is that the spotlight this time around was not so much on Troy and Gabriella, so there was some balance to the characters. However that could not save the show in my eyes.

Let's hope they leave this one alone and not have another sequel next year...pleaaaaseeee!

Ouch!

It was not a pretty sight this last one week. The stock markets have taken a beating, especially in Asia. This is all caused by a fear of a credit crunch as a result of losses suffered by major financial institutions all over the world by investing in the US subprime market - mortgage lenders, hedge funds, mutual funds, even banks were not unscathed. As of yesterday, our KLCI composite index closed at 1191.50, regaining much ground from an intra-day low of 1143.90 after much panic-selling in the early afternoon trading.

In early July, Bear Stearns announced losses suffered by two of its hedge funds investing in subprime loans; followed lately by BNP Paribas and another fund in Australia - it has grown from a local problem in the US into a worldwide one. The problem is no one knows how deeply entrenched are the losses as the subprime loans have been themselves repackaged into different investment grade bonds/money market instruments. Such is the nebulousness of the financial markets these days.

A lot of investors got burnt this time around. The last time, the markets rebounded quickly and surged on. Will lightning strike twice in the stock market? Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed...

Closing time?

Closing early? Now that's a first! When are those who leave their offices late or have other things to do gonna fill their petrol tanks? Shall we just drive to the nearest highway just to fill petrol? Or should we just keep quiet and let these dealers dictate terms and conditions? In a way I'm glad that the government is putting their foot down in this matter, but it is by no means resolved.

I also understand the plight of the unfortunate petrol dealers who has little business after certain hours - perhaps the Government and the petrol dealers' associations can work out an arrangement agreeable to all. But to have a blanket rule of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. opening hours borders on the ridiculous.

And there is still the thorny issue of the credit card charge which the petrol dealers are absorbing. In my opinion if they want the consumers to bear the charges, I say go ahead...but I feel that the Government should also step in and ask the banks to waive this ridiculous charge; after all such charges are waived elsewhere, and banks are making lots of profits - so why burden either the consumer (credit card user) or petrol dealers for the use of credit cards?

For now I am still glad that petrol stations are still open after 10 p.m.: let's hope it stays that way.

Nothing new...

News flash to people out there: This is nothing new!! Things like this happen in the medical world - in one form or another. Admittedly this is not a common occurrence, but a doctor would have to face a situation like this in their working lives. Most of the time the condition does not occur to such a degree and the limb is usually salvaged in the end - but unfortunately for this poor baby it is very likely that the limb would have to be amputated in the end. The demarcation is very clear - amputation would have to be done above the elbow. I would not like to speculate what exactly happened but it is clear to me that an artery has been cannulated and subsequently thrombosed. The official reason as infection being the cause is just a smokescreen - it is not an infection!

We'll just have to see how this works out. By the way, this is not the first, nor will it be the last. The previous case if I'm not mistaken was another baby in Penang. Maybe Malaysians have poor short-term memory. So like I said - this is nothing new...

Negarakuku

This is the infamous video clip that has rattled the nation!



Personally I don't find anything offensive in this video...maybe he poked fun at certain religious practices, but hardly anything to warrant this kind of reaction. Word has it that it has been distorted by quarters in the mainstream media to look as if he has insulted a certain ethnic group and their religion.

I'm sure the storm is just on the horizon...

Mis-Advertisment?

400 SMS for RM 2 alone? Yep, we are talking about that very radio advert peppering our ears since the start of the month...wow it sounded too good to be true? I guess it is...

The radio adverts definitely did not mention the 'surprising' terms and conditions noted in the Hotlink (oops!) website advertisment - so can this be misconstrued as a mis-advertisement? I don't recall the radio adverts mentioning 'Terms and Conditions apply' either. Can the consumer sue if they are not happy?

Accident waiting to happen

What is there left to say? Motorcyclists waiting out the rain under an overhead bridge is all a too common sight. I guess this is an an accident waiting to happen... It is about time the government build proper waiting areas for these motorcyclists to wait it out! They are available on the North-South Highway you know...just find a suitable location to build them!

How many deaths does it take for the government to take action? Judging from their previous actions - a great deal more. Meanwhile every rainy day is Russian roulette for motorcyclists...

Nuri Down!

Well at least we are hoping that it would be more of an entertainment fare than its previous predecessor: Black Hawk Down! Unfortunately it was not a movie - just another sad state of affairs involving Malaysia's perennial military aircraft crashes. And now starts all the spin doctor's PR music...

Sultan offers his personal copter in operations
Some survivors from missing copter spotted
Nuri wreckage found, no survivors
Nuri will be phased-out in 3 years
Father of dead Nuri pilot gets insurance cheque

Some of them are just cheap publicity stunts - very cheap ones indeed! Plus the fact that the country would have to purchase new helicopters in the near future would probably mean kickbacks for those in the sweet spot - i.e. Sukhoi fighter jet deal and submarine buy. I guess the rich grows richer - even at others' expense and sorrow!

Btw, not that I am disrespectful, but how could a helicopter pilot be 'rich' enough to afford a BMW car? Just mind boggling...

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!