Strategizing Change

Another day at Parliament

2008-05-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/9/parliament/21195296&sec=parliament

Ibrahim’s refusal to apologise to Karpal causes commotion
A COMMOTION broke out in the Parliament lobby during a meeting between Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent – Pasir Mas) and a group of disabled people who demanded that he apologise to Karpal Singh.
The group, known as Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (MADD), urged Ibrahim to retract his recent statement in Parliament requesting that Karpal Singh (DAP – Bukit Gelugor) stand up while speaking in the Dewan Rakyat.
Ibrahim had apologised to the group initially for hurting their feelings over the remarks he made in the Dewan.
However, when he refused to apologise to Karpal Singh, who is wheelchair-bound, several from the group became agitated and this led to a shouting match.

“My problem was with Karpal Singh and never with all of you. I have never offended you and I love disabled people from the bottom of my heart.
“But if you all have misinterpreted my meaning, I extend my sincerest apologies.
“I hope you don’t misunderstand this because there are groups trying to take advantage of you,” he said, referring to several Pakatan Rakyat leaders – Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Lim Lip Eng, Loh Gwo Burne, Gobind Singh Deo and others – who had escorted the group into Parliament.

40-yr old Leaks, MPs using the word "bocor", calling each other "big monkey", not raising right hand during swearing. Can it get more pathetic than this?? When will we move on to more serious issues..... are you sure you voted the right guy??? and really, who really cares whether anwar is returning to Parliament. this is the guy who almost put us in a big debt with IMF and World Bank during the Asian financial crisis. Read my earlier postings about Anwar and his cronies. In the end, they are all the same. How do you think they financed election campaigns and running your constituency during your 4-yr term? with a 8k salary and 8k allowance. yea right.

Youth wing faces new dilemma

2008-05-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

BM: Apparently according to JT, DMM is garnering huge support from outside the party and not from within. I may disagree with that but we'll know for sure after the General Assembly in December. Yes, UMNO needs to start embracing the young, thinking Malays and make the party appealing for this group of youngsters. This is the only way UMNO will revitalize itself to be at par with PR, which has quite a number of young pros holding important portfolio. UMNO needs to rebound and rebound it will. The image of UMNO being to worried about projects and internal politics must be changed to one that is fighting for the true cause. Only thinking Malays emphasize that, not those who are afraid of losing power.

THE STAR:
Umno Youth’s two top leaders are struggling with their own demons as the wing struggles to find its direction in the new political landscape.

DATUK Mukhriz Mahathir was recently featured on the cover of a lifestyle magazine alongside Nurul Izzah Anwar.

The two newly elected MPs, one for Jerlun and the other for Lembah Pantai, were photographed standing back-to-back, in James Bond poses, with the caption, “It's our turn”.

Mukhriz is definitely in demand these days.

He is seen as a voice going against the political conventions in Umno and there is much interest in and curiosity about what this Jerlun MP has to say about politics and Umno.

On Wednesday, he was the prime speaker at a Sekretariat Melayu Muda gathering in downtown Kuala Lumpur. The other speaker was Akhramsyah Sanusi, an oil and gas engineer who also has a famous father, namely, former Umno strongman Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.

The warm reception accorded both men was also because of who their fathers are, given that the audience hailed from the “Mahathir generation”, people who grew up in the Mahathir era.

Both men were essentially speaking to a home ground kind of crowd because the Sekretariat Melayu Muda membership comprises youngish, well educated and, more important, thinking Malays. They are not into yes-men type of politicians and they appreciate critical thinking.

The crowd that evening was essentially seeking answers to the future of the country's Malay leadership after the March 8 results. And because quite a number of those present were Umno members, there was also an unmistakable concern about the sort of political culture surrounding Umno and the future leadership of Umno Youth.

“When you sit down and listen to what people say about Umno these days, it can be a painful experience,” said Akhramsyah, 34, an Umno member since age 20.

Many of them are watching developments in the Youth wing, especially the unfolding contest for the Youth leadership.

There is no doubt that Mukhriz appeals to their notion of a young political leader. They are quite critical of Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo and even more critical of Khairy Jamaluddin, the two other potential candidates.

But the trouble is that young Malays like them are not part of Umno's realpolitick and, thus, have little say on who leads the Youth wing.

And that is Mukhriz's dilemma. His appeal outside the party is greater than his appeal within. For instance, his attempt to meet up with Umno Youth division heads in Kedah resulted in only the Youth heads from Jerlun, Pendang and Merbok showing up.

But as some have pointed out, the Youth wing itself is facing its biggest crisis since the debacle of 1998.

Outgoing chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein is still reeling from the backlash from his apology of sorts over the keris.

The Umno rank and file basically find little wrong with Umno Youth's use of the keris, however offensive it may have been to those outside Umno. They regard Hishammuddin's apology as a sign of weakness.

Malay blogs have slammed him mercilessly and his aides have been deluged by critical smses.

To be fair, Hishammuddin had apologised to non-Malays as well as Malays. To the non-Malays, he said his intention was not to cause fear and that he regretted it. To the Malays, he was sorry he had been unable to defend their cultural symbol.

Hishammuddin was supposed to move on from the Youth wing in a blaze of glory but the general election losses have turned things topsy-turvy.

And with the apology backfiring in his face, he is probably at the lowest point in his political career. As the Malays say, it is truly a case of keris makan tuan (the keris has stabbed its owner).

He is quite aware of that and a few days ago, he said that he was willing “to sacrifice my political career for the party.”

He probably took a calculated risk in biting the bullet.

“I asked him about it and he said it was better to state it now than later. It is now up to the grassroots to evaluate and react to what he had said and done. He is prepared for the consequences,” said Penang Umno Youth chief Datuk Salim Bari.

Hishammuddin, as some have pointed out, is basically an urbane and civilised person at heart.

“He knew people were unhappy with him and he is trying to put the issue to rest so that people can move on to focus on the real issue,” said Umno Youth secretary Datuk Rahman Dahlan.

Hishammuddin is not alone in his dilemma. His deputy Khairy has also been badly damaged.

Actually, public opinion had not favoured Khairy even before the general election but like many political leaders, they seem cushioned from the real world outside and it took the March 8 results to drive the reality home.

It is ironic that groups like the Sekretariat Melayu Muda do not identify with him for he is basically of their generation.

Khairy's problem is the reverse of Mukhriz’s. He has support within Umno Youth but enjoys little respect outside the party.

Many people have noticed how Khairy has taken a much lower profile since the elections. He has in a way lost the mandate to comment on public issues and the next few months will see him concentrate on his role as a parliamentarian.

In that sense, most of the obvious candidates for the top Youth post are imperfect in their own ways.

But the bigger dilemma is that with the two top Umno Youth leaders struggling with their own demons, the wing is finding it hard to play its role or find its way out of the election aftermath.

Hishammuddin has been going down to meet the wing's grassroots leaders in states where the Barisan Nasional lost. He has been to Kedah and Penang and the feedback has been fierce and demanding. But underlying the complaints voiced, there was also a sense of confusion about where Umno Youth was heading.

The Youth wing is not as resilient as the Wanita wing and those in the Pakatan Rakyat-controlled states are probably feeling quite lost.

Whoever takes over will have to seriously revamp the wing and bring in a new political culture.

Umno Youth has become rather too pro-establishment over the years. It has to try to reflect young Malay priorities rather than constantly defend the top leadership's stand on issues.

The next Youth chief also has to realise that he cannot be a Malay ultra in the party and still hope to be seen as a national leader to those outside. He will have to learn how to strike a balance.

It is also a known fact that many young people were turned off by politics because they see politicians as self-serving and politics as dirty and corrupt. Many of the Umno Youth politicians probably do not realise how off-putting it is to see young politicians arriving for village functions in a convoy of expensive SUVs.

Given that, many young Malays if not Malaysians, are likely to be drawn to the idealism and less conventional style of the new and young faces on the Pakatan Rakyat side.

These new wakil rakyat from the other side will be Umno Youth's biggest rivals for the support of Gen X.

Umno Youth will have to match the new talent from the other side if it wishes to re-establish itself among a wide spectrum of young Malays, be it rural youth or thinking professionals like those in the Sekretariat Melayu Muda. Going for it: Mukhriz, seen here with Hishammuddin in Parliament, is making a concerted bid to become the new Umno Youth chief but his dilemma is that his appeal outside the party does not match that inside the Youth wing. Khairy: The Rembau MP has

support in Youth wing but public opinion is against him. Salim: Up to the grassroots to evaluate Hishammuddin's apology about the keris.

Malays must not be a circus elephant

2008-05-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

Tan Sri Ali Hashim is spot on when he reminds the Malays not be like a circus elephant, which looks strong and mighty but is still shackled down. To me, Malays must get rid of the subsidy mentality and strive to attain knowledge and skills to further the cause. For those who unable or unexposed, it should be the responsibility of the educated minds and the priveleged few to influence the young and especially in the suburban area. For those who can afford it, discuss with your alma maters, return to your schools and inspire the young ones. That's the least you could do. Adik Angkat programs are also becoming popular where you 'sponsor' one or more students by giving them monthly and book allowances. With this connection, you could personally educate and influence them.

Don't just complaint, start doing some work or just shut your yap about the quality of Malays in education. I look forward to suggestions.

Melayu jangan jadi gajah sarkas

JOHOR BAHRU 2 Mei - Orang Melayu diingatkan supaya tidak menjadi seperti gajah sarkas yang hanya mengikut telunjuk jurulatih hingga hilang kekuatan yang ada pada dirinya.

Pengerusi Dewan Perdagangan Islam Malaysia (DPIM) Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim berkata, apabila orang Melayu menjadi gajah sarkas ia akan hilang kekuatan kerana mindanya dijajah walaupun pun badannya gagah sehingga ia terlupa kekuatan yang ada kerana telah biasa diberi makan tanpa bersusah payah mencari makanan sendiri.

"Kalau kita menonton pertunjukan sarkas, gajah itu jika disuruh berlakon, maka ia akan berlakon. Apa juga persembahan yang diarahkan, gajah berkenaan akan mempersembahkan seperti yang dilatih, walaupun kakinya dirantai dengan rantai yang kecil, tetapi dia tidak tahu kekuatannya," katanya.

Muhammad Ali yang juga Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Johor Corporation (JCorp.) berkata demikian ketika membentangkan kertas kerja bertajuk Kedaulatan Ekonomi Melayu.

Pemimpin Melayu Perlu Berunding

2008-05-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

One of the smartest thing I've heard all week, I said "Why not?":

Saran pemimpin Melayu berunding

KUALA LUMPUR 1 Mei - Pemangku Ketua UMNO Bahagian Bandar Tun Razak, Datuk Rahim Baba mencadangkan agar pemimpin Melayu dalam UMNO, Pas dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) mengadakan perbincangan meja bulat demi survival orang Melayu di negara ini.

Beliau berkata, langkah itu penting kerana perpaduan Melayu pada hari ini tidak merujuk kepada UMNO semata-mata, tetapi perpaduan semua orang Melayu di seluruh negara.

''Demi masa depan orang Melayu, saya menyeru supaya kesemua pemimpin ini membuat persidangan meja bulat. Duduklah semeja bagi survival orang Melayu,'' katanya.

No Cencorship for Parliamentary Sessions

2008-05-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Quite disagree with the proposal to cancel the telecast. This should be continued, in fact, broadcasted for the whole session by allocating a special channel for it, like C-Span in the US. That way, we can all see which MPs are the hooligans and the 'big monkeys' so that we won't vote for them again, irregardless of party. If we only allow the media to cover, we all know which paper is inclined to cover and filter what.

On a different note, no wonder the Opposition is getting popularity online, by updating their blogs on parliamentary proceedings and presenting facts. BN should start the onslaught and shred them to pieces with quality debates and rebuttals. I'm tired of us getting checked, we need to start checking back instead of being on defensive mode! Let's go guys!!

PM: Cancel telecast in Dewan Rakyat

KUWAIT: The Prime Minister said he was ashamed at what had transpired in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday and agreed that live telecast of the proceedings should be scrapped.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was in the Dewan at the time, adding what happened was just “too much.”

“I felt ashamed if people watched television and saw what was happening in our Dewan. In my heart, I also felt that all this happened because there was a live broadcast at that time.

“Each (MP) wanted to make himself or herself seen debating or ‘aksi’ (acting) in the Dewan. That was how I felt,” he told reporters yesterday after a brief visit here to attend the 4th World Islamic Economic Forum closing session.

To a question, he said that if Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek decided to cancel the live telecast, he would agree.

He said the question of transparency of what went on during proceedings should not arise because sessions were open to all, noting that the media was free to cover the proceedings and report on whatever happened....

Tan Sri Nasimuddin passed away....

2008-05-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Al-Fatihah. I've just been informed that our Malay entrepreneur Tan Sri Nasimuddin of Naza has just passed away due to lung cancer. He was in the US.

Dialog bersama Dato' Mukhriz Tun Mahathir

2008-04-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

A dialogue was held yesterday with YB Dato Mukhriz Tun Mahathir and Saudara Akramsyah Sanusi discussing about current political issues. Kudos to SMM for organizing. Highlights:

Malays have forgotten fundamental characteristics of being a malay: Bersopan santun, menghormati orang tua. The young ones are too eager to attain power and ignoring our wise forefathers who have built the foundation for us. The young ones do not understand why certain policies were put in place. Anak2 Muda perlu mendekati yang tua sebelum mereka semua pergi buat selamanya.
discussion on NEP and its relevance: NEP as a whole was formulated to combat poverty, irregardless of race. Only 2 out of 9 principles covered the special privilege (not rights) of the Malays. The quota of 30% was intended for university entry and entry into government service. Young professionals especially the Malays feel that they are superior and able to compete with other races and globally. They must not forget that they are the minority - Dato' Mukhriz welcomes anyone to join him in Jerlun to visit the hard core poor. The NEP also does not discriminate race. The creation of institutions such as MARA, MRSM, UITM and other higher learning institutions are products of NEP - abolishing the NEP would also imply that we have never agreed to create these and that we should demolish these down.
The infamous keris by DSHH: It was suggested that the keris was highly misinterpreted. A lot of quarters are furious about it. No one seems to remember the incident when Lim Kit Siang pissed on the Malaysian flag in 1969 in front of Dato' Harun's house! What is the keris compared to an act of treason and disgust!
DMM gives his preference to be DNR to be the next PM and urges AAB to expedite the transition of power. It is better for the post of president not to be contested to avoid further split. The rest of the positions should be contested in the spirit of democracy. DNR currently heads 36 cabinet committees and he is literally running the country, although he does not have the final say. It is timely for him to take over because of his vast experience. TSMY will be an excellent deputy.
The huge loss by BN was because of the inability to resolve issues. There were numerous especially in Selangor with the demolition of a temple, Dato' Z's mansion, Bukit Cahaya, Exco houses, flood, etc. Issues are on going but previous administration had the ability to resolve disputes and not just create commissions to resolve something. The election date was also untimely as issues were still hot and BN had one more year remaining in the term.
Cybertroopers of UMNO were established back in 1998 but fundings were cut because of policies from 4th floor. Pakatan Rakyat has intelligently managed this election and won 80+ seats in Parliament and secured 5+1 states. We need to revive our cybertroopers to also tell our story.
UMNO and politics are dirty because the 'clean' people leave it to the 'dirty' people to run it. Young pros are normally 'busy' with work and family. Perjuangan tidak bererti sesuatu perkara yang mudah dan memerlukan pengorbanan, seperti masa, mungkin wang, tenaga, dan sebagainya.

Questions and comments from the floor:

Projects are normally awarded to the minority in UMNO and among cronies. No one else has benefited from the 30% quota to generate a strong economic force to be able to compete with others.
What will DMM do if he wins as KP Malaysia? - DMM will make it easier for people to join UMNO. His own application way back in the 90's took 8 months and that's him being son of President at that time! UMNO people are 'worried' when they see competition. All this mentality needs to change and that will be his drive if he wins. The next election will see 65% being young Malaysian below the age of 40. He will definitely listen to the young ones closely and admits that the voice of the young was not paid attention to. He intends to make a better effort to get to know more NGOs and listen to the grouse of the people.
Land issue in Perak - how Malays now regret swinging their votes to opposition, in the end, the C have made steps to acquire lands for their empire and also demanding the position of Timbalan Menteri Besar.

Ikatan Keluarga dan Politik; Fenomena Global

2006-10-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Dominasi politik keluarga bukanlah satu prekara baru di dunia dan tidak pula tertumpu kepada wilayah atau negara saja.

Trend itu menjadi satu fenomena global yang wujuk sejak berzaman dan seolah-olah tidak lekang dek panas dan tidak luput dek hujan, ia terus mewarnai suasana politik masa kini.

Dari Asia, Timur Tengah hingga ke Amerika Syarikat, soal anak mengikuti jejak langkah ibu, bapa atau datuk dalam meneraju pimpinan politik dan negara memang tidak asing lagi, malah ada yang menjadikan kepimpinan negaar sebagai 'dinasti keluarga'.

Keluarga Nehru, misalnya, mendominasi kepimpinan politik India melangkaui empat generasi - dari datuk turun kepada anak perempuannya dan kemudian cucu.

Anggota keluarga ini yang diterajui Jawaharlal Nehru "memerintah" India selama 37 dari 53 tahun India merdeka. Semua mereka Nehru (1947-1964), Indira Ghandi (1966-1977) dan sekali lagi daripada 1980-1984 dan Rajiv Ghandi 1984-1989 adalah Perdana Menteri negara itu.

Kini janda Rajiv Sonia Ghandi, wanita keturunan Itali pula meneruskan dinasti keluarga ternama India itu. Beliau kini adalah ketua Parti Kongres dan juga ketua pembangkang di negara itu.

Dominasi politik keluarga ini paling ketara, selain India, ialah di Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka dan Nepal.

Keadaan yang sama juga berlaku di Amerika Syarikat yang mana keluarga Kennedy dan kini Bush meneruskan legasi kepimpinan politik keluarga di mana George W Bush kini menjadi Presiden ke-43 Amerika. Bapanya George Bush senior pula adalah Presiden ke 41.

Nama-nama lain yang tidak asing lagi ialah Megawati Sukarnoputri, anak perempuan presiden pertama Indonesia, Sukarno; Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presiden Filipina sekarang, Lee Hsien Loong, Perdana Menteri Singapura, Bashar Al-Assad, Presiden Syria yang mengambil alih pucuk pimpinan selepas kematian bapanya.

Megawati, wanita pertama menjadi presiden Indonesia mengetuai Negara itu dari 2001 hingga 2004, sementara Arroyo adalah anak presiden Filipina ke-12 iaitu Diosdado Macapagal.

Lee Hsien Loong pula adalah anak sulong bekas Perdana Menteri Singapura Lee Kuan Yew yang kini masih menjadi menteri kanan berpengaruh dalam Kabinet negara itu.

Hakikatnya, memang sudah menjadi tuntutan sejarah bahawa ikatan kekeluargaan dan politik adalah satu perkembangan yang bukan luar biasa untuk dicemburui.

Maka apabila sejarah Malaysia masa kini menyaksikan cucu Abdullah Fatim menjadi Perdana Menteri dan anakanda Tun Razak Hussein bakal menjadi Perdana Menteri selepasnya, tidak wajar menjemput rasa irihati mana-mana pihak.

Begitupun tidak dapat dinafikan ikatan kekeluargaan bukanlah faktor penentu jatuh bangunnya atau maju mundurnya seseorang tokoh politik.

Banyak faktor lain umpamanya, Dato' Seri Abdullah dan Dato' Sri Najib memang mempunyai karisma, punya kelayakan, pengalaman, keterampilan dan personaliti unggul yang menyaksikan mereka maju menjadi Perdana Menteri dan Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

Cerahnya masa depan barisan pemimpin pelapis seperti Dato' Sri Hishamuddin, Khairy dan Dato' Mukhriz juga bukan semata-mata kerana faktor kekeluargaan.

Dato' Seri Hishamuddin seorang peguam lulusan University of Wales, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom, yang mewarisi darah perjuangan datuknya, Dato' Onn Jaafar, terbukti tenang menghadapi segala cabaran politik, punya karisma sesuai dengan citarasa generasi muda seangkatannya dan lenggok politiknya amat dewasa dan matang setaraf rakannya dalam Kabinet dan Majlis Tertinggi.

Begitu juga Dato' Mukhriz Mahathir yang mendapat undi tertinggi dalam pertandingan jawatan Exco Pemuda UMNO. Graduan bidang pemasaran dari University Boston, Massachusetts, Amerika itu bijak melakar imej politik dengan menerajui Gerakan Aman Malaysia tajaan Pemuda.

Di situ beliau memahat nama sebagai insan muda yang penyayang, tangkas bertindak membela mangsa tsunami, mangsa kekejaman peperangan, mangsa gempa bumi.

Begitu apabila tiba masanya anak-anak muda seperti Dato' Sri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein - cucu Dato' Onn Jaafar dan Dato' Mukhriz, anak Tun Dr Mahathir - muncul mewarisi kepimpinan negara. Kita terimalah ia sebagai aturan Allah SWT yang tidak mampu kita sekat, halang atau kita curigai dan yang pentingnya mereka semuanya sama-sama layak, sama-sama memiliki karisma dan sama-sama punya daya juang.

Perkara yang sama berlaku untuk Pihak Pembangkang di mana kita menyaksikan Wan Azizah dan anaknya Nurul Izzah sebagai ahli Parlimen, Lim Kit Siang dan anaknya yang juga Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng, Karpal Singh dan juga anaknya.

Screw Lim

2006-10-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

OK Lim, the report from ASLI is full of shit because:

Are you saying that because the government is controlled by UMNO, and UMNO is a Malay party, and because GLCs are owned by the Government, so naturally the Malays own the GLCs?

Are you saying that because Malays are priveleged to have 30% of stake in companies going for listing and usually they divest their interest for a profit and because of that the companies must maintain the 30% of Malay equity, that it is a leakage in the system, and the Malays are taking advantage of an 'instant' wealth program? When the report states that the divestment by the Malays are usually channelled back to properties and such, that the volume of Malay wealth is not necessarily decreased, what about the volume of Chinese wealth?

"The rise of the Malays in emerging sectors, especially in key executive positions is a good indication that Malays no longer need the NEP" - well, it doesn't mean we own these companies.

I've got more points, but I hate to argue more. I'm not an economist, but I think even my grandma understands that the report is just crap.

_______________________________________________________________

Lim free to resign based on principle, says Mirzan

PETALING JAYA: Asli’s head of Centre for Public Policy Studies Dr Lim Teck Ghee has resigned over the controversial studies on bumiputra equity ownership in Malaysian companies.

Dr Lim: Disagreed with Mirzan

His resignation, effective from the end of the month, came after Asli (Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute) president Mirzan Mahathir issued a statement on Tuesday that the studies by the centre that showed bumiputra equity ownership could be as high as 45% could not be vigorously justified.

Mirzan said that after re-examining the methodology and conclusions of the report, Asli had concluded that there were shortcomings in assumption and calculation that led to conclusions that could not be vigorously justified.

He also expressed deep regret over the “hurt and confusion felt by all Malaysians” caused by the report.

“Since I cannot agree with Mirzan’s statement and because of the need to defend the position and integrity of independent and non-partisan scholarship, I will be stepping down from my position at the end of the month,” Dr Lim said in a four-paragraph press statement here yesterday.

Kuan Yew sends reply to Abdullah

2006-09-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is Singapore's attempt to destabilize politics in Malaysia and Indonesia. Their attempt to duplicate Israel's way of crushing their enemies is sub par. In addition, this is another attempt to temporarily divert attention from their plans to continue to kill off our effort to build Port Tanjung Pelepas and KLIA to steal more businesses from Singapore. What we need to ponder as Malaysians is this, what can Malaysia offer to the world in the future when we become net importer of oil? 87% of manufacturing work will be setup in China. Almost all IT outsourcing work will be in India. Will we be the provider of food to the world? We can't even be self-sufficient and have a RM1 billion-food bill. Will we be the batik center of the world? What kind of GDP will that generate? Will we be the next Biotech Nexus? How many scores of years and number of failures do Biotech ventures need to go through before hitting it in the bull's eye? Will we be the chosen logistical stop in South East Asia? This is more probable. All we need is another private air courier service, strengthen Senai, connect Senai to PTP, and ensure that the bridge linking Malaysia and Singapore is up to enable ships to by pass Singapore port.

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s founding father and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has written to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over his recent remarks about the Chinese being marginalised in Malaysia.

The Straits Times quoted Lee’s press secretary, Y. Y. Yeong as saying the letter was now with the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

“(It) is ready to be personally conveyed to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi,” she said.

Abdullah wrote to Lee last week seeking clarification over the controversial remarks.

On Sept 15, Lee, 83, told a forum on good governance that the attitude of Malaysia and Indonesia towards the republic was shaped by the way they treated their Chinese communities.

“My neighbours both have problems with their Chinese. They are successful, they’re hardworking and therefore they are systematically marginalised, even in education.

“And they want Singapore, to put it simply, to be like their Chinese, compliant,” Lee had said.

The remarks drew protests from Malaysia and Indonesia, with the foreign ministries of both countries summoning Singaporean envoys to explain Lee’s remarks. – Bernama.

'Jihad' auto dealer ad upsets U.S. Muslims

2006-09-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

CINCINNATI (Reuters) -- A car commercial proclaiming a jihad on the U.S. auto market and offering "Fatwa Fridays" with free swords for the kids is offensive and should not be aired, Muslim leaders said on Sunday.

The radio advertisement for the Dennis Mitsubishi car dealership in Columbus, Ohio, has "a whole jihad theme," said Adnan Mirza, director of the Columbus office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

"They are planning on launching a jihad on the automotive market and their representatives would be wearing burqas ... ," Mirza said. "They mentioned the pope in there and also about giving rubber swords out to the kiddies -- really just reprehensible-type comments."

Details of the radio ad, which has not yet been broadcast, have been reported in the local media, but officials at the dealership declined to comment about the content of the radio spot.

Two employees at the dealership said they had been deluged with calls about the commercial.

"The ad has has never been released, it is not out for public listening," said one employee who declined to give his name.

Mirza said several local radio stations had already rejected the ad and he hoped the controversy would convince the dealership to rethink its sales strategy.

"We've made it clear to this dealer that this campaign runs contrary to our company values and we strongly urged him not to run the campaign," Mitsubishi Motors North America said in a company statement released Monday afternoon. "The dealer has agreed not to run it."

Mirza said the Council on American-Islamic Relations would likely contact the dealer to "offer some kind of cultural or sensitivity awareness training."

New IGP on the roll

2006-09-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Tan Sri Musa spared no time to fight for the basic rights of our men in blue. RM650 as a constable! Yikes, so maids even get more than that and you expect these guys to patrol the streets 24 hours a day and stay clean all day. Funny thing is, even Datuk Johari Baharom missed the boat on this. He was too busy with the election in Kubang Pasu that he forgot to do his job. It's quite a rare occassion when your Minister supports a motion by the IGP, not the other way around. And please, Tan Sri KPPA, stop shooting the cops and give them some support. Yea, we understand that now you're saying hospital helpers get less than that, but they don't have to put their lives on the line for the public.

So we wait for our leadership to support this lonely man in blue.

PUTRAJAYA: The police want a salary revision to meet rising living costs and higher public expectations.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said that low-ranking policemen, including constables, were now drawing a monthly salary of as little as RM650, putting them among the country's hardcore poor.

Musa: ‘A new salary scale is being studied and will be submitted to the ministry’

A salary review, he added, was necessary not only for these policemen to gain respect but also to prevent them from being enticed with money by criminals in exchange for not performing their duties.

“A new salary scale is being studied and will be submitted to the Internal Security Ministry,” Musa told newsmen here yesterday.

“I understand that we cannot ask too much from the Government as there are many people involved (in the force) but their salary is very low.”

The police had their last salary revision about 10 years ago.

GPMS Nafi Laporan Kaitkan Pihaknya Berkempen Di Kubang Pasu

2006-09-11T03:24:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur -- Gabungan Pelajar-Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) kecewa dan menafikan laporan di laman web alternatif yang mengaitkan GPMS dalam kempen pemilihan perwakilan untuk UMNO Bahagian Kubang Pasu yang akan berlangsung Sabtu ini.

Dalam satu kenyataan ringkas kepada laman webPemuda, Setiausaha Agungnya, Mohd Nardin Awang menafikan GPMS telah digunakan oleh pihak-pihak tertentu dalam UMNO untuk berkempen dari rumah ke rumah bagi memastikan bekas Presiden UMNO, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tidak terpilih sebagai perwakilan untuk ke Perhimpunan Agung UMNO, November ini.

Sehubungan dengan itu jelas beliau tidak timbul isu GPMS menghantar ahli-ahlinya untuk turut serta dalam kempen 'anti-Mahathir' sebagaimana yang di laporkan dalam laman web tersebut.

"Agenda perjuangan GPMS berlandaskan kepada pendidikan. Justeru GPMS akan menumpukan kepada asas perjuangan GPMS dalam memperjuangkan dan menjaga hak-hak, mengemukakan segala permintaan dan memperbaiki keadaan pelajar-pelajar Melayu dari segenap lapisan", katanya.

MPs’ right to immunity ‘Civil servants must not question it’

2006-08-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

MP Jasin should be awarded Best Actor or Best Kaki Taichi 2006. What started from him asking favor from Customs to close one eye on his timber import became a barrage on hard working civil servants. Add that with some fiery comments from Nazri Aziz and Bung Mokhtar, some MPs really made the Parliament an august institution in the world (yea rite). Sure Raja Zainuddin, I understand that MPs have priveleges at the Parliament to debate on issues freely, but you must also realize that any ordinary man pushed into a corner naturally would defend himself, as such in the case of Malacca Customs Enforcement Director. You also need to adhere to freedom of speech for the people. So I hope next time if your own flesh & blood gets a threat SMS that you won't go to the Press.

I guess you're scared that people would know that there is a total of 160 names of VIPS who got cars dirt cheap from Customs, ooops, I'm not supposed to say that, sorry, is your name there too? You lambast the civil servants, beat them up real good, and expect the jentera to perform well for 9MP, expect them to be transparent, expect them to service the rakyat efficiently and courteously, expect them to go home with that small salary and be thankful that at least they have a job. I'm sure you sleep well at night dear MPs.

TAIPING: Civil servants should not question the immunity enjoyed by legislators in Parliament, said Backbenchers Club acting chairman Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar.

He said immunity was a right enjoyed by MPs all over the world.

Raja Ahmad Zainuddin said he was concerned over a newspaper report yesterday that Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman would meet the Attorney General to discuss the immunity of MPs who attacked government departments in Parliament.

Samsuddin had said that Government agencies had a job to do and should carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.

“The proposed meeting with the Attorney General should not happen as immunity is our right in Parliament,” said Raja Ahmad Zainuddin after the opening of the Bukit Gantang Umno delegates meeting by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here yesterday.

“Such a move seems as if he (Samsuddin) has no respect for us as the country’s legislators and policymakers.

“I don’t know why this matter (immunity) is being raised as we have been given the freedom to speak and present our views and opinions on every Bill tabled.

“If we don’t play our role, we may be perceived as rubberstamps,” he said.

“Government agencies should concentrate on improving the delivery system and reducing bureaucratic red tape,” he added.

Anwar Simpan Fail Rafidah???

2006-08-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

Bekas Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim mendakwa bahawa beliau ada menyimpan kertas pendakwaan terhadap Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz. Beliau berkata demikian ketika menyampaikan ucapan di Dungun, Terengganu diatas jemputan PAS tidak lama dulu.

Menurut Anwar, beliau berjaya mengambil kertas pendakwaan tersebut dipejabatnya sebelum beliau dipecat dari jawatannya sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

Menurut Anwar lagi, sebelum itu beliau pernah menyerahkan fail tentang Rafidah itu kepada Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (Tun) untuk diambil tindakan terhadapnya.

Sementara itu, difahamkan punca-punca yang boleh dipercayai bahawa Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pernah meminta Rafidah meletakkan jawatan, tetapi beliaau dikatakan enggan berbuat begitu. Dan adakah is mempunyai kaitan dengan pengagihan AP yang bertimbun-timbun kepada dua individu tertentu?

Dalam pada itu bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad baru-baru ini ada menyebut bahawa sebelum beliau mengundur diri, beliau telah diminta Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi agar mengambil tindakan terhadap seorang pemimpin tertentu setelah siasatan dijalankan ke atasnya tetapi menurut Tun Dr. Mahathir, Pak Lah tidak mengambil tindakan apa-apa terhadap pemimpin berkenaan. Mungkinkah pemimpin yang didakwa itu adalah Rafidah atau ada seorang lagi?

Sebenarnya, banyak lagi perkara yang membabitkan Rafidah yang tersiar dalam internet dan sesungguhnya menurut ramai pemimpin, Rafidah sebagai Ketua Pergerakan Wanita UMNO Malaysia sudah tidak layak lagi memegang jawatan itu kerana nama beliau sudah tercemar.

So persoalannya ialah, kenapa DSAI simpan fail Rafidah? Untuk sabotaj atau minta favor?

Crisis in the Government

2006-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

So a little bird has just informed that Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat has gotten both Agong and one Sultan Pahang to do lobbying work for him for the KSN seat. Let's just go through this guy's profile.

During the last general election, he was seen holding a Nokia Communicator for Pak Lah on National TV, standing on the stage at Bilik Gerakan and passing the phone to Pak Lah. Some machai. Not really professional, has got nothing to do with politics and there he was, sucking and licking.

Son was suspended for money politics against the now Ketua Pemuda Putrajaya during the race for Ketua Pemuda Putrajaya. Apparently the son used his dad's position to mobilize some money from Pelita Nasi Kandar.

Reported to have bomoh working for him.

He was so excited about the prospect of becoming the next KSN that he gathered his closed cronies with the senior govt officer group and promised them promotions and kickbacks if they support him.

What does he gain from being the next KSN? Damn, just about everything within the power of KSN. Now that RMK9 is about to kickstart, look out for a lot of land acquisition approvals within Wilayah Persekutuan.

I hope he tries to enter politics after his retirement, would like to see him get stomped and slapped around.

Oh wait, did I mention that his cousin is the KP of ACA, so don't even worry about him getting screwed for corruption. KP himself has 6 petrol stations across the Peninsular.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Now we know the real story behind the foreign labour issue

NEWS FLASH

The Immigration Department is currently facing a dilemma. Azmi Khalid, the Minister under which the department comes, has issued licences to six companies giving them approval to bring in foreign labour. One of the companies is controlled by his son, Johan, while another by Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, the ‘Six Million Dollar Man’ from Perak, a close acquaintance of Tan Sri Megat Junid, also a Perakian.

(Megat Junid was the Minister then who was the kingpin of the foreign labour syndicate and who removed Dato’ Syed Daniel from the Immigration Department when he tried to smash the syndicate).

Azmi Khaid issued the licences during the time of the moratorium declared by the Prime Minister. The Secretary General of the Ministry, Aseh Che Mat, says he knows nothing about these licences though copies have been sent to his department.

The Immigration authorities are in a quandary as to whether the letters of approval are genuine or fake though they have been signed by the Minister himself and on official government letterheads. On the other hand, they are also scared of complying with the letter as this runs contrary to the orders from the Prime Minister's office.

Perhimpunan Gabungan Pemuda Malaysia - 22 Aug 06

2006-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Baldy: second from left, instigated crowd by promoting Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Anti-Israel campaign (get a life bro)

UMNO, MCA, PAS, Keadilan, DAP, Gerakan, MIC in the same room? Sounds far fetched, but that was what happened at Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka tonight. Perhimpunan Gabungan Pemuda Malaysia was organized by DBP to show unity of voice in condemning the Israeli invasion in Southern Lebanon. It's the first time in my lifetime to witness all Ketua or Naib Ketua Pemuda of these parties sitting together with their supporters behind them voicing out the same issue. The Pemuda Malaysia condemns the invasion with their utmost distaste and disgust. All of Ketua Pemuda took the podium and delivered sound speeches on the brutality of the Israeli Defence Force (mind you that only Singapore and Israel carry the word Defence for their Armed Forces).

Of course Naib Ketua Pemuda Keadilan Shamsul Iskandar a.k.a. Baldy (maybe baldi sounds better) had to play spoiler like always. He started his speech with "Salam Sejahtera Tuan2 Puan, Salam Reformasi". He had to include political content in his speech. He said that if it were Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim in power, this whole movement of youth leaders to condemn the attacks would have taken place the minute Israel began their invasion, not a month after! That's when the whole hall started booing and shouting. Keadilan supporters stood up and started protesting, seeing their leader dead on his tracks and being target practice for Pemuda UMNO supporters. Of course there were only a handful of them, so their rationale kicked in and they sat down quietly.

MCA Youth Leader then took the podium and lambasted the fool to dust.

The grand finale was Dato' Seri Hisham's speech, which as always excited the crowd with his fiery words. He took a second jab at Baldy by telling everyone this is not the forum for political purposes.

Baldy, sorry man, it wasn't your night after all.

Hall of Shame

2006-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

What a mess. I don't know how NST got these figures, but it's shocking. No wonder UMNO suggested earlier that Mayor of cities be elected. Maybe PAC can start auditing these guys one by one to enhance confidence of the people in the authorities involved.

NST Aug 20:
RM10m spent on study tours
RM33m spent on cars

Nobody is perfect. Least of all the local councils. For too long, they have been accused of operating behind a thick veil of secrecy, running the councils as if they were their fiefdoms. Transparency, accountability, consensus - these words don't exist in their vocabulary.

So why are the ratepayers always critical of local authorities? Here's why:

Kuala Lumpur City Hall spending RM10.5million over five years on trips abroad for its officials; RM33.4million to buy vehicles; and RM5million to fete its employees;
A RM350,000 flagpole erected at the Ipoh Padang;
The Seberang Prai Municipal Council gave a multi-million ringgit contract for the supply of fresh flowers to its office;
A bus and taxi terminal in Cameron Highlands not built to specifications by the district council;
The Selayang Municipal Council sending some officers and others on a "foreign study" tour although it had no money;
The Selayang Municipal Council, again, forcing residents to buy bins from it or risk not having their rubbish collected;
Subang Jaya Municipal Council directing all eateries to engage the services of a seven-company consortium providing pest control services at exhorbitant fees. And the seven were not even registered with the National Association of Pest Control Companies;

Freshmen calculus: Socialist =/ Malaysia

2006-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

So who's really hyped up about forming a Socialist Party in Malaysia? Why should we sponsor the lazy bums and beach bums when we slave ourselves at work or at the farm trying to earn a living?

Thank God Its ROS

OK, here’s the deal Dr Nasir Hashim, first of all, you wish to start up a national political party but you can’t even get representation from 7 states. Well, hard work would pay off, as long as UMNO rules, Malaysia will be a democracy, and as long as democracy strives, you will have a chance to form your own party, with 7 reps from diff states of course.

Court of Appeal says “no” to PSM

Putrajaya: Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s PSM bid to form a political party at national level has again failed after the Court of Appeal dismissed its appeal yesterday. “This is not the end, we will continue to fight”, said pro tem chairman Dr Nasir Hashim. Justice Datuk Gopal Sri Ram said is it the ROS’s policy not to grant national level registration unless there is representation from at least seven of the states in the committee of a political society.

Yikes my 15min WIFI access is almost up!!!

Aiming for Ketua Pemuda or Cabinet seat next?

2006-08-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hero Melayu, reporting from across the border after a good massage and heavy dinner with ex-gf. Still can't figure out the difference between "no monopoly" and "it was open tender but only one company submitted proposal".

Selangor MB Dato’ Sri Khir Toyo needs to step up against bombardment of attacks since the Bukit Cahaya deal, flooding in Shah Alam after announcement of Selangor Maju, the controversial RM40million Exco residences and now billboard issues. Selangor grass root making noise about representation of Selangor YB’s in the cabinet, which is nil. Well, here’s your chance unless you think MB seat is pretty damn warm and relaxing to leave.

The Sun reported today that Selangor MB indicated “heads will roll after admitting there were material differences between what the EXCO approved and what his officers committed the government to on the issue of billboards. Promising an investigation into who and what caused the mess, the state government has been caught in, he said “I was not aware of this (the discrepancy) until I received the agreement”.

Although Mohd Khir said there is no monopoly, no open tenders were invited and neither was there any competitive bidding – only one company’s proposal was accepted. The letter to Bernam Kiara was signed by a senior officer Azizan Mohd Sidin and a copy was extended to exco member Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Ahmad Dahlan. If there was something wrong, surely Mokhtar would have kicked up a ruckus.

“Everybody can have their own signboard but they need to contribute to the state or to the local authorities. That is our position, we don’t keep changing our word”, he said. “We encourage any company that wants to build bridges. Kalau the Sun nak buat, we are willing. We are very happy because the cost is very high. We have to build about 60-100 overhead bridges and we will stick to our decision. Build a new bridge and you can put up your billboards”.

Wrong info circulated via SMS - Lina Joy

2006-08-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

If you happen to receive the following SMS, ignore it!

"Lina Joy dah menang kat court. Pertubuhan Melayu Murtad (IFC) dah diluluskan. Pergi ke www.myislamnetwork.net untuk bantahan. Cukup 1 juta petisyen, IFC akan dibubarkan. Sebarkan msg ni, plz!"

Malay brilliance - Just add water

2006-08-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

So who would have thought that our Malay scientist could invent a car engine that uses water as supplementary fuel? Dr Halim Ali from Johor has done just that and the engine boasts 50% fuel consumption saving. 2 models were launched by YAB PM yesterday, the Tourer priced at RM58,888 and the Trekker at RM84,888, both carrying 2.4-litre engines. 80% of the cars will be exported to the Middle East and Asean countries. The launching of the 2 models took place at the Zon, JB, owned by the famous Datuk K. Also present were Dato' Seri Khaled Nordin, MECD minister and Dato' Shahrir Samad, JB MP.

Because of the potential growth in this product, President and chief executive officer Abdul Uzza Shikh Mohamed had asked YAB PM to give JB automotive hub title, same as Gurun or Tanjung Malim.

The night before, YAB PM was at the official residence of Johore MB to meet Johore politicians and businessmen. All 26 Division leaders of Johore pledged undeniable support to YAB PM.

Pemuda PJU: Program Jasamu dikenang bersama Tun Mahathir

2006-08-12T00:04:00.000-07:00

So here's the juice. Pemuda UMNO Bhg Petaling Jaya Utara planned to invite Tun Mahathir to officiate their Mesyuarat Perwakilan, without the consent of Ketua Bahagian, Senator Dato' Ikhwan and crew. So after the big hoo haa that Tun Mahathir cannot officiate any UMNO official functions, Pemuda UMNO PJU decided to organize a separate function for Tun called 'Jasamu dikenang'. This program was supposed to be after the Perasmian of Mesyuarat Perwakilan. So we waited patiently this morning for the arrival of Tun M, Dato' Ikhwan and gang. When the MC took over, he gave the normal welcoming speech and passed the mike to Timbalan Setiausaha Pemuda. This guy announced that there was a slight change of plan. They postponed the Perasmian to 3pm and moved up Tun's program. Of course, everyone was happy about it, except for Dato', hahah, should see the look on his face.

Azli, Ketua Pemuda PJU, took the floor. He mentioned that he's not sure why people are afraid of inviting Tun M. He doesn't care about the repercussions because to him, honoring a national hero is more important than to tow the line. Well, good luck to him and his political career.

Don't get me wrong. I respect Tun Mahathir to death, but rules are rules. First, if you're planning to invite Tun to your Bahagian, what's the problem discussing it with Ketua Bahagian. He's not there for nothing. No. 2, if you really want to have Tun to speak, you can always use other platforms, i.e. NGO. No. 3, on top of that, you embarassed your Ketua Bahagian and made his program less important. Remember that you're gonna be long in that Bahagian, you are just Pemuda.

Anyway, Tun started with his appetizers of Malaysia's history, that Malaysia has been colonized for 450 years since some screwed up guy from Portugal came down and conquered Malacca. He then talked about the past leadership and their contemporaries. Although leaders come and go, UMNO will continue to move on.

For his main course, he gave an analogy of imam and saf. If imam fumbles during prayers, the jemaah is obliged to advise. Same with the current political scenarios. He talked about the bridge and why we are offering our kedaulatan to Singapore if we allow planes to fly over Johor airspace and make Singapore 1.5times bigger by selling sand to them and allowing them to build casinos.

For dessert, he talked about the AP kings and how the priveleged few were misusing the concept of helping out Bumiputera in the automotive industry.

Sorry folks, nothing controversial was discussed today.

Sijil Pembaptisan Lina Joy

2006-08-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

PEMBELA gabungan NGO-NGO Islam, menyokong penuh inisiatif Hj Taib bin Hj Hashim yang telah membuat laporan polis berkaitan sebuah gereja, Church of Our Lady of Fatima, beralamat di Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields yang telah mengeluarkan sijil pembaptisan kepada Lina Joy. Inisiatif beliau ini dilihat sebagai lambang keprihatinan rakyat Malaysia berhubung dengan isu-isu melibatkan kedaultan Islam dalam masyarakat.

Dalam laporan tersebut, beliau juga menyatakan gereja tersebut bercanggah dengan Perkara 11(4) Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan menjadi satu jenayah di bawah Seksyen 298A Kanun Keseksaan.

PEMBELA memohon Polis DiRaja Malaysia menjalankan siasatan serta-merta berhubung laporan tersebut. Sekiranya perkara tersebut mempunyai asas, gereja tersebut perlu dikenakan tindakan sejajar dengan lunas undang-undang negara. Tindakan tersebut secara terang-terangan boleh menggugat ketenteraman dan keharmonian beragama di negara ini. PEMBELA memandang isu ini sebagai satu kesalahan yang serius.

2 times 5 = MP Jasin??

2006-08-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

Kereta idaman Datuk

So what's Datuk Mohd Said up to? He is trying to clean up his own mess or is he diverting attention? So it's ok for him to tell Customs to close one eye, but it's not ok for ex-government officers to work for contractors of Govt. 2 kali lima je. He needs a better political advisor to advise him on how to create political mileage or maybe he doesn't have one. MPs, where's the follow up? You're gonna let this guy get away with the timber import? Kalau politician ada girlfriend, gossip satu bulan, but on more serious issues, buat tak tahu.

MP: Ex-senior government staff should not deal with former departments

By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

PENANG: Jasin MP Datuk Mohd Said Yusof said retired senior government officers should be barred from taking up positions in private companies dealing with their former agencies.

He cited an example of some retired senior Customs officers who were now working as advisers to a well-known company that import and assemble cars.

“Their job is to make sure the process of bringing in foreign cars runs smoothly. Networking with former subordinates and colleagues works to their advantage,” he said.

Citing another example, he alleged that a retired senior Immigration officer had been appointed an adviser to an agency involved in securing foreign workers.

Mohd Said, who made headlines in June after allegedly calling Customs officials to “close an eye” on the size of the logs his company imported from Indonesia, said it was wrong for retired officers to take advantage of their networking within the agency for the benefit of the company they were working for.

IMPLICATION FROM THE WORD "INDIVIDUAL" - LINA JOY

2006-08-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

Good that everyone is focused on our current political scenario. However, we must not forget the other imminent danger - the status of Islam in the eye of the Constitution. So what if LJ wins her case??!

1. According to the Constitution, Muslims are allowed to convert after the age of 18. This is contradictory to Article 160 which states that Malays in Malaysia are defined as Muslims, someone who live in Malay customs and speak the language.

2. Syariah court may no longer be relevant if Lina Joy wins. So, our future offenders of the religion can just challenge the Syariah court and take it to the Court of Appeals, then Federal.

3. Our king and sultans are no longer the symbol of the Protector and Guardian of Islam in the country.

4. Muslim parents would not be able to guide/force/encourage/convince their kids not to convert should they choose to, after the age of 18.

5. Rukun Islam in principal is no longer valid in Malaysia. If we are really serious in the campaign for Islam Hadhari, we need to give stronger support to Syariah court and whack the shit out of JAKIM and the other Jabatan Agama Islam's and the ustads and officers to work. Start a nationwide roadshow and identify the potential Murtads. Help them out. It ain't moving an inch!

Why this case?

1. This case is supported not just locally, but internationally, especially by enemies of Islam. If this case goes through, let's just say there's going to be a long line at JPN to take out the word "Islam" from people's ICs.

2. It is a clear indication that Islam is under threat. Golongan Kufur can just question the standing of Islam in this country.

3. Another case that challenges the authority of the Syariah court, just like Aishah Bukhari, Hartini Kamarudin, Moorty.

4. After Muhammad Abdullah @ Moorthy, S. Sharmala's case, Article 11 Group has been pushing hard for Lina Joy. We need to be on guard for the next onslaught and ready to defend our turf.

5. The sad thing about Article 11 group or Inter-Faith Commission (IFC) is that most of them are Malays, including the Sister-in-Islam (SIS). WTF?

6. If Syariah court is challenged directly and Article 121(A) is amended to suit the decline of power in the Syariah Court, it is a direct challenge of the rules imposed by our Creator. Masyallah!

7. There are approximately 100,000 murtads in this country according to the Mufti of Perak, waiting for Lina Joy's case to go through.

8. International support for IFC is widespread. Funding is pouring in like it's Tsunami all over again.

9. So who's this Malik Imtiyaz Sarwar, from Bar Council. A Muslim who presented his case supporting Lina Joy in Putrajaya without the consent of BC. Malik agrees that Muslims should have the freedom to choose their religion of choice. Somebody shoot this guy!

This is what Lina Joy's defence council said:

"....it is time that we must knock into the heads of Malays that our country Malaysia has never been an Islamic country. Strong message must be thrown at the Muslims to tell them that in Malaysia, Islam is just a subservient to the Constitution..."

Tun Mahathir - The Economic Czar

2006-08-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

So I had the privelege of attending another forum with the great Tun M this morning. This time it is about the past Premiers foreign policy, from Tunku Abdul Rahman to his time. Malaysia foreign policy shifted from pro-Western during post-colonizalition period, to non-aligned+pro-ASEAN, to critical of the West. Of course a question was asked about the roll of OIC and OPEC. He urged OIC countries to boycott the US dollars. The US apparently is in deficit of roughly USD 14 trillion. That's a lot of zeroes! Tun M, also the advisor to Petronas, did challenge Petronas to take up that bold step. The Euro is further strengthening itself against the US dollars. It's high time we wait for losers in the Arab League, OIC and OPEC, all worried about their vested interest with the US or fear of bombardment from scores of B-2 squadrons from the great US armada.

July 29, 2006 19:17 PM

Dr M Tells World To Use Dollar Weapon To Pressure Washington

LANGKAWI, July 29 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Saturday urged countries in the world to stop using the US dollar in their international trade in order to pressure Washington to end its support for Israel's savage attack on Lebanon.

He said the oppression and cruelty of Israel against the Lebanese and Palestinians would not end so long as the United States continued to support and give aid to the Jewish regime.

"Switching out of the US dollar to using other currencies such as the euro and yen or gold will somewhat weaken the US and put pressure on it," he told reporters after visiting several development projects here.

He was asked to comment on the fierce land, sea and air bombardment of Lebanon in the past few weeks which had destroyed much of southern Lebanon and killed more than 600 Lebanese.

Dr Mahathir said Israel would not have dared to attack Lebanon without the financial and arms support given to it by America.

He said Israel was definitely wrong in attacking Lebanon but the bigger wrong was committed by the US in supporting the Israeli action.

"If the world is sincere in helping the Lebanese and Palestinians, they should reject the use of the dollar in international trade.

"When the demand for the dollar falls, America will be weakened and it will lack the ability to act as a bully in the global stage," he said.

He said the suggestion to stop using the dollar in international trade would be difficult to implement because many countries relied on it and they were also afraid of offending the US.

Even the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) did not have the courage to take on the US because its members were divided in their stand, with some supporting the US while others were opposed.

"We cannot hope for OIC to do anything. Only when the Western world acts, then the OIC might follow suit," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Featured Quote #1

2006-08-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

"Orang Melayu janganlah mengharapkan 100 peratus haknya dipenuhi dan begitu juga orang-orang bukan Melayu hendaklah ingat bahawa negeri ini asalnya negeri Melayu. Jika mereka (orang Melayu) diusik, maka sudah tentu mereka marah. Orang-orang Melayu ini ada budi bahasa, tetapi bila hak mereka dirampas, maka mereka tidak akan berdiam diri." - Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj

Of bull and whiners - PAS

2006-08-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmmm, now this is really something. Fabrication of crap on the net. Harakahdaily needs consulting on spin doctoring. PAS/Keadilan bitching about double standard of police towards them. They don't realize that this is an OIC meeting, not some Mesyuarat Bahagian. Security is of paramount importance! Read on.

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 Ogos (Hrkh) - Peserta Himpunan Wanita PAS dan KeADILan kesal dengan sikap biadap dan tindakan polis yang menggunakan kekerasan menghalang peserta perhimpunan mara ke kawasan hotel JW Marriot di sini bagi menyerahkan memorandum membantah kezaliman rejim Zionis.

1. You gotta be early to these kind of functions, especially when you have high security risk VIPs attending, i.e. President of Iran. You can't just waltz in at your leisure. PAS is saying that Police did not grant them access to the hotel. Heck, even Dato' Rahman, Setiausaha Pemuda, could not get his car into the compound. Had to walk a bit to get to the hotel. 80% of Pemuda were outside the barracade. So what's PAS bitching about?

2. Wanita KeADILAN and kids were there? Don't know whether it's true, but I didnt see no women nor kids. Even if they were there, why do you torment kids and bring them to political rallies?? Don't they have schools to go to or other kids to play with???

3. They're upset that Pak Lah sent his Press Secretary to receive memorandum instead of OIC secretary. Bak kata orang Melayu, 'dah bagus orang hantar, banyak pulak songel'.

Here's the article from Harakahdaily.

Wanita KeADILan, PAS kesal Pengerusi OIC tidak hantar wakil terima memorandum
Thu | Aug 03, 06 | 05:54:41 PM
Oleh Saidatul Amani

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 Ogos (Hrkh) - Peserta Himpunan Wanita PAS dan KeADILan kesal dengan sikap biadap dan tindakan polis yang menggunakan kekerasan menghalang peserta perhimpunan mara ke kawasan hotel JW Marriot di sini bagi menyerahkan memorandum membantah kezaliman rejim Zionis.

Walaupun peserta perhimpunan aman itu tidak melebihi 100 orang yang terdiri daripada wanita dan kanak-kanak, pihak polis menggunakan kekerasan termasuk menggunakan dua ekor anjing dan dua trak pasukan simpanan polis (FRU).

Perhimpunan diadakan lebih kurang 100 meter dari hotel JW Marriot bermula jam 12 tengah hari. Pemimpin Muslimat PAS, Aiman Athirah Al-Jundi melaungkan takbir 'Allahu Akbar!, Hidup! Hidup Islam, jahanam! jahanam Yahudi, hancur Yahudi, hidup Hamas, hidup Hizubullah, 'we want peace', diikuti orang ramai.

Suasana perhimpunan digamatkan lagi apabila peserta bergerak menuju ke hotel JW Marriot, tetapi dihalang oleh pasukan polis. Aiman meminta kebenaran daripada pihak polis untuk meneruskan perjalanan tetapi seorang pegawai polis yang memakai tanda nama, Rizami menghalang dan berkata; "Saya kata tidak boleh kebelakang..."(nada menjerit serta menengking).

Athirah meneruskan laungan, "jahanam Yahudi! hidup Islam!" Serentak itu dua ekor anjing dikejarkan di hadapan peserta perhimpunan, lebih kurang tujuh meter jaraknya.

Pegawai polis lain turut memberi amaran antaranya, Rahim berkata; "Saya nak tanya satu, saya nak cakap atau anjing bercakap'." Kedengaran suara peserta menjawab; "Berkuasa sangat ke..." Rahim menjawab; "Ya, saya berkuasa saya PDRM, nak jaga perempuan, ini semua perempuan. Perempuan tak reti bahasa, pergi ke belakang. Nak saya guna bahasa binatang."

Serentak dengan ugutan dan jeritan pegawai polis, kanak-kanak yang ada di situ terus menangis ketakutan dengan nyalakan anjing.

Walaupun peserta perhimpunan itu digertak dan diugut dengan nyalakan dua anjing tetapi sedikit pun tidak mematahkan semangat juang mereka yang berada di bawah pancaran matahari.

Pihak polis hanya membenarkan lima orang wakil ketua wanita NGO pergi ke hotel JW Marriot untuk menyerahkan memorandum iaitu, AJK Muslimat PAS Pusat, Ustazah Nuridah Mohd Salleh; Ketua Muslimat PAS Selangor, Ustazah Wan Hasrina Wan Hassan; Fauziah Salleh; wakil pelajar, Anfal Sahri dan Nurul Iman.

Bagaimanapun, memorandum itu tidak diserahkan kepada Pertubuhan Persidangan Islam (OIC) kerana Pengerusi OIC tidak turun berjumpa dengan degelasi itu, sebaliknya hanya menghantar wakilnya iaitu, Setiausaha akhbar PM, Azhar Othman.

Penggerak utama Himpunan Wanita dan Kanak-kanak, Ustazah Nuridah kesal dengan pihak berkuasa polis yang menggunakan ugutan menggunakan dua anjing untuk menghalang himpunan wanita itu bergerak ke hotel JW Marriot.

Beliau kesal kerana pihak polis sentiasa menggunakan kekasaran dan kekerasan ketika berhadapan dengan rakyat.

"Suatu yang amat menyedihkan, pihak polis kata kita menggunakan kanak-kanak, sebenarnya kita mahu menunjukkan kepada OIC kanak-kanak seperti inilah yang menjadi mangsa keganasan rejim Israel di Palestin dan Lubnan," katanya.

Beliau ditemui selepas menunggu lebih 20 minit kehadiran Pengerusi OIC, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi di hadapan hotel JW Marriot untuk menyerahkan memorandum mendesak OIC perlu mengambil tindakan segera.

Nuridah yang juga Ketua Muslimat PAS Wilayah Persekutuan kesal kerana pihak polis melayan mereka dengan kasar, dijemput ke dalam pun tidak, hanya berdiri di luar dan pihak polis beberapa kali mengarahkan mereka bergerak keluar dan menghalang menghampiri kawasan pintu masuk hotel.

"Sebenarnya kami memang marah dan kami beritahu kepada polis tadi, kami datang dengan jiwa dan perasaan bukan datang saja-saja, malangnya inilah yang kami dapat daripada kerajaan Malaysia," keluhnya.

Tambah beliau, jika Pengerusi OIC memberi alasan semua ahli Jawatankuasa OIC sibuk; "Kami berdoa mudah-mudahan alasan yang diberi itu benar semoga OIC dapat buat sesuatu keputusan yang drastik untuk menyelamatkan umat Islam di sana."

Katanya, "jika pendirian OIC setakat O...I...See...kami akan buat lagi perhimpunan aman, insya-Allah."

Sementara itu, Ketua Wanita KeADILan, Fauziah Salleh kesal dengan alasan Abdullah yang hanya menghantar setiausaha akhbarnya, Azhar Othman untuk menerima memorandum kepada OIC.

Menurutnya, ramai wakil OIC yang hadir, takkan seorang wakil tidak boleh dihantar untuk menerima memorandum, kenapa Pengerusi OIC hantar setiausaha akhbar PM.

"Abdullah tak faham ke perbezaan antara setiausaha akhbar PM dengan setiausaha OIC. Tindakan Pengerusi OIC yang gagal menghantar salah seorang wakilnya menunjukkan kegagalan dan kelemahan beliau sebagai pemimpin," tegasnya.

Tambah beliau, jika begitu lemah menjadi Pengerusi OIC tidak boleh mengarahkan seorang ahli jawatankuasanya untuk menerima memorandum bagaimana beliau mahu mendesak Israel dan AS menghentikan peperangan di Lubnan dan Palestin.

"Saya tidak yakin dan nampak OIC akan mampu melakukannya ditambah pula dengan Pengerusinya yang hanya menghantar setiausaha akhbarnya untuk menerima memorandum," katanya.

PRETENDER #1 - ANWAR IBRAHIM Part 3

2006-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

Cara merompak keenam:

Bagaimana RHB dibenarkan membeli Sime Bank? Ini semua kehendak Anwar Ibrahim kerana tamak. MRCB ada 27% dalam RHB. Apabile RHB tidak boleh buat placement untuk pembeliannya, Anwar telah arahkan Tong, Phileo Allied untuk mengambil placement ini dengan 'aku janji' oleh Anwar bahawa placement ini akan dibeli oleh agensi kerajaan seperti EPF dan lain-lain sedikit masa lagi. Mana Phileo Allied ada duit, tetapi Bank Negara telah menjamin dan Bank Negara juga jamin jika RHB tidak dapat kutip hutang lapok Sime Bank, Bank Negara akan bayar. Ini kerja Mat Dom dan Murad yang korup. Dulu Murad telah tipu Bank Negara untuk mengambil alih CCB sekarang Phileo Allied. Cuba suruh BPR geledah Bank Negara bagaimana transaksi CCB. Murad boleh masuk penjara tetapi BPR pun takut dan dengar cakap Anwar Ibrahim. Phileo Allied ini pon kepunyaan Murad dan Anwar. Sheeda, istera Azmin yang menjaga hak Anwar disini. Dengan gelagat ini, bagaimana ekonomi negara hendak pulih?

Cara merompak ketujuh:

Anwar memastikan kesemua projek-projek pembinaan yang cara negosiasi diberi kepada Johawaki. Siapa punya Johawaki? Depan YB Mahud, Johawaki mempunyai projek lebih dari RM2 billion dan Anwar Ibrahim ada saham melalui bekas setiausaha politiknya YB Solomon yang pergi mengutip wang dari Johawaki. Anwar juga pastikan pengswastaan dari EPU diberi kepada syarikat-syarikat yang dia puya kepentingan sehingga teksi KLIA yang Latif Mirasa dapat pun dia ada saham. Ini Latif Mirasa sendiri yang memberitahu umum bahawa dia sendiri kumpul wang dari rasuah dan peras ugut untuk politik Anwar dan dia sudah ada RM250 juta. Latif dengan bangga memberitahu orang-orang UMNO macam mana kabinet telah luluskan teksi Mercedeznya tanpa cukai. Ini kerja Anwar...Mahathir boleh buat apa?

Anwar Ibrahim hanya bertopengkan Islam. Apa yang dia lakukan masakini tidak langsung memikirkan umat Muhamad dan makhluk Allah. Dia hanya hendak mencapai matlamatnya untuk menjadi kepada negara dan memuaskan nafsunya. Tunggu dan lihat bagaimana Tan Sri Rashid Hussein RHB akan dia musnahkan apabila MRCB dan Phileo Allied menjadi pemegang saham utama RHB.

Bila ekonomi negara tidak pulih mengikut rancangannya, Mahathir pula akan dikorbankan. Sekarang ini, Anwar Ibrahim seperti musang yang sedang menjaga kandang ayam. Bila musang makan ayam, bulu dan tulang pun kita tidak dapat cari dalam reban.

PRETENDER #1 - ANWAR IBRAHIM Part 2

2006-07-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

So apparently a friend of mine, a Malaysian Immigration Officer in London, mentioned that he met DSAI a few months ago. He said that DSAI looked really fit and healthy. Doesn't look like someone who just recovered from surgery (so what was he doing in Germany again after his release??)

ANWAR MEROMPAK UNTUK KEKAYAAN: PART 2

CARA MEROMPAK KEDUA

Bangunan baru Telekom yang berharga RM600 juta, kontrak diveri kepada PROJAS. Siapa punya PROJAS? Kamaruddin Jaafar. Inilah salah satu sebab lagi kenapa Tan Sri Rasdan diberhentikan kerana Anwar tahu kalau pengacau rancangannya ada maka barangkali PROJAS yang langsung tidak terkenal dalam pembangunan bangunan tinggi pasti tidak dapat kontrak yang lumayan ini. Yang sedihnya, PROJAS dan Kamaruddin Jaafar hanya makan komisyen sahaja. Kerja kontrak sebenar bukan mereka buat. Kamaruddin Jaajar dapat 30% keuntungan. Untuk Anwar Ibrahim, lebih kurang RM180 juta upfront.

CARA MEROMPAK KETIGA

Tanah KTM di Brickfields depan Museum Negara yang dikenali sekarang sebagai KL Sentral telah diswastakan kepada MRCB. Harga pembelian tanah swasta KTM ini oleh MRCB hanya RM20 satu kaki persegi. Lepas itu MRCB membuat banyak blok di atas tanah dan telah mula menjual blok-blok kepada syarikat dari Singapura, Jepun, Eropah dengan harga RM1,000 satu kaki persegi. Berapa billion MRCB untung?? KTM bodoh ke?? Apa boleh buat, kata budak2 KTM, Anwar TPM dan Menteri Kewangan. Siapa berani soal? Anwar yang punya MRCB.

CARA MEROMPAK KEEMPAT

TNB telah memberi kontrak power transmission kepada MRCB berjumlah RM500 juta atas arahan Anwar Ibrahim. Pada hal, Ruslan Ali Omar yang mencadangkan projek ini kepada Anwar. Anwar telah ambil kertas kerjanya dan beri kepada MRCB. Roslan sokong Syed Hamid, bukan orang Anwar.

CARA MEROMPAK KELIMA

Apabila Sikap Power tidak boleh berjalan selepas diberi hak pengswastaan power plant kepada Zainal Osman, Astaman anak Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Kassim Mahmud, bekas Ketua Bahagian Larut, orang kuat Anwar. Anwar telah arahkan MRCB untuk mengambil alih dengan memberi keuntungan kepada Zainal, Astaman dan Kassim, RM50 juta seorang. Hanya dengan jual lesen dengan ‘aku janji’, maka akhirnya Anwar kemudian arahkan MRCB jual Sikap Power yang mempunyai modal berbayar RM1 juta kepada Malakof dengan keuntungan RM400 juta. Lepas itu membernarkan Malakof mejual 15% kepada syarikat British dengan keuntungan RM250 juta pula dua minggu selepas itu. Dalam kegawatan ekonomi ini pun, kurang dari 2 bulan Anwar untung RM650 juta. SC luluskan transaksi ini seperti kilat kerana Munir burung terkokok Anwar Ibrahim. Kalau syarikat public listed lain pasti banyak soalnya. Apa boleh buat, budak2 SC kata ini TPM dan Menteri Kewangan punya kehendak dan MRCB Anwar punya.

PRETENDER #1 - ANWAR IBRAHIM

2006-07-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

yes yes we know, we can't predict the future. Your enemies today could be your friends tomorrow, vice versa. Regardless, we're going to start monitoring and 'pantau' the wannabe's and the upcoming and promising politician/corporate figure. We call it the Pretenders and Contenders!!

Pretender # 1: Anwar Ibrahim

So how would Anwar fit into the grand scheme of things? Ever wonder why he was released? Beats the hell out of me. Before we even talk about what he is capable of, we must remember history.

History teaches man that man never learns from history.

ANWAR MEROMPAK UNTUK KEKAYAAN DIRI: PART 1

Tahukah anda bagaimana Anwar merompak? Bagaimana 4 wartawan boleh mengambil alih MRCB yang akhirnya punya pegangan dalam NST, TV3, Emartel, Sikap Power, KL Sentral, RHB dan banyak lagi? Mula-mula, 4 orang mempunyai 25% saham seorang seperti janji Anwar Ibrahim kepada mereka kerana dakyah mereka menaikkan imej Anwar melalui media. Tetapi sekarang 3 orang hanya ada 20% dan Nazri Abdullah seorang editor Berita Harian 80%. Cuba fikirkan bagaimana editor ini punya wang untuk memegang saham sehingga 80%. Pasti dia ini orang depan. Tahukan anda orang depan siapa? Anwar Ibrahim lah!

4 orang memang tiada wang. Pada suatu ketika dulu, MRCB hendak bankrupt. Tetapi apabila Anwar tuan punyanya Kementerian Kewangan berbagai cara telah dilakukan untuk memastikan MRCB kukuh. Disinilah dia mula merompak dengan memberi kontrak pengswastaan dan menjual projek yang MRCB ada keuntungan.

CARA MEROMPAK PERTAMA

Menyuruh Telekom membeli Emartel. Tan Sri Rasdan ketika itu Pengerusi Telekom tidak setuju kerana Emartel belum beroperasi pasti rugi. Tetapi tidak boleh buat apa-apa kerana dia bukan TPM dan Menteri Kewangan. Anwar telah paksa Telekom membeli MRCB, untuk 600 juta ringgit. Syarikat yang belum beroperasi dengan sepenuh pun boleh dapat untuk kerana lessen yang Anwar telah dapatkan dahulu. Anwar Ibrahim tidak maafkan Tan Sri Rasdan sehingga dari Pengerusi Eksekutif diturunkan pangkat kepada Pengerusi dan apabila tamat tempoh, Tan Sri Rasdan diberhentikan dari Telekom oleh Anwar Ibrahim.

Round 2: Pemuda UMNO vs Rice

2006-07-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe it’s too absurd to have the US Secretary of State meet our Pemuda Leadership. KJ really used strong words against Rice, telling her that her visit is not welcomed by the Malaysian community and that the terrorism by Israel and support of US are equivalent that of Osama Laden. As much as you don’t like this guy or as much as you want to believe the gossips you hear about him, he’s quite charismatic in moving the crowd today. Times like this, especially when people say Pemuda “sudah hilang taring”, it’s refreshing to see an injection of energy. All Rice could say was that the US is also concerned about the situation in the Middle East and that they are pursuing the best course of action. 10 points for bullshit!

Kuala Lumpur -- Hujan lebat yang turun jelas tidak menghalang kira-kira 10,000 terus menunjuk perasaan anti Israel dan dasar Amerika Syarikat di hadapan Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) selepas solat Jumaat petang tadi.

Dengan laungan “Jahanam Israel” “Hancur Amerika” “Jahanam George Bush” “Selamatkan Palestin dan Lubnan” penunjuk perasaan yang berkumpul di perkarangan Masjid As-Syakirin berarak dan berkumpul di hadapan KLCC.

Perarakan dan tunjuk perasaan itu yang diketuai Naib Ketua Pemuda UMNO Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin dan beberapa pemimpin Pemuda UMNO dan BN yang lain terus bersemangat biarpun dalam keadaan hujan yang mula turun.

Pelbagai sepanduk dan kain rentang dipaparkan antaranya, “Stop Israel”, “Selamatkan Palestin” “Save Lubnan” “Laknat Amerika”, “Rejim Israel Zalim” “Hentikan Israel” dan pelbagai sepanduk lain memenuhi ruang perhimpunan.

Kemuncak perarakan tersebut, gambar-gambar Presiden Amerika Syarikat George Bush, Perdana Menteri British, Tony Blair, dan Rice dibakar oleh penunjuk perasaan.

Beberapa Pemimpin Pemuda UMNO dan BN yang berucap di hadapan ribuan penunjuk perasaan sepakat mengutuk kekejaman Israel dan tindakan berdiam diri AS dalam konflik di Lubnan dan Palestin.

Perkarangan venue KLCC bergema dengan laungan “Allahuakbar” yang penuh bersemangat dan “Jahanam Israel dan Jahanam Amerika” oleh ribuan penunjuk

perasaan yang dikawal ketat oleh pasukan keselamatan.

Turut kelihatan unit simpanan persekutuan serta disokong oleh unit udara, penembak tepat dan unit anjing pengesan, berada dalam kawalan.

Perhimpunan tersebut berakhir kira-kira jam 4.30 petang setelah Khairy Jamaluddin berjaya menyerahkan nota bantahan kepada Setiausaha Amerika Syarikat, Condoleezza Rice.

Melentur Buluh Biar Dari Rebungnya..

2006-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

I marvel at how imbecilic individuals can manage a smile that wide. To the Lim’s and the rest of the rocket symbol (please do something about that pathetic rocket) party, Malaysia is where it is today because of the stability and harmony managed by UMNO through its collaboration with various parties in BN. I guess it is not fair for Lim Jr. to fully shoulder these critics, as with most individuals, we are a product of our parents efforts, as the Malay proverb says; ‘melentur buluh biar dari rebungnya’. I wonder how much effort Lim Sr. deposited here?

I refer to the press statement by Lim Guan Eng, 25th July 2006 on the DAP website; ‘Hishammuddin is Wrong to Say that Article 121(1A) Makes Malaysia An Islamic State’. I am not an advocate of the notion ‘holier than thou’; nevertheless I am realistic and just. To me, Islam is the national religion as the Malay language is the national language. Therefore we Malaysians must except it and have to be considerate. There has been a great deal of consideration practiced within the nation, however there are the minority few that persist to be a pain.

Why do we have various school streams (SRJK (C), (T)…etc)? It is obvious that the government has taken into consideration the feedback from all races before implementing such a system. Today we have a multi lingual society, unlike Indonesia and Thailand, where everyone speaks one language, the national language, where there is only one type of national school, no ‘jenis ‘cina or ‘jenis tamil’. Go meet an Indonesian Chinese, they speak the same lingo the maids and construction workers in Malaysia. However, most non-Malay Malaysians speak broken bahasa.

Back to the topic mentioned by Lim Jr., it’s a matter of interpretation. Many things said and done by the government may be subjective to few, however excepted by many. We live in a democratic country, hence majority of votes decide the ruling party. Ask yourself this question, is it in the interest for all, if a political party’s 30 leadership positions are represented by 2 from the majority race? That is DAP for you..!!

FAKTA KES LINA JOY

2006-07-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

1. Selepas berkahwin dengan seorang India Kristian, beliau memohon untuk pendaftaran perkahwinan, tetapi tidak dibenarkan sebab di dalam Kad Pengenalan masih tertulis beragama Islam walaupun beliau berjaya menukar nama dalam kepada Lina Joy.

2. Berusaha untuk menghilangkan perkataan agama Islam tersebut dengan permohonan kepada Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) pada tahun 2000.

3. Permohonan ditolak oleh JPN disebabkan tiada perakuan dari Mahkamah Syariah yang menyatakan beliau keluar dari Islam.

4. Mahkamah Syariah menggunakan pakai undang2 Islam yang tidak membenarkan seseorang Muslim keluar dari Islam (Murtad), dan "Sijil Tukar Agama" seperti yang dikehendaki oleh JPN tidak dikeluarkan.

5. Permohonan bermula di Mahkamah Tinggi tahun 2000, seterusnya ke Mahkamah Rayuan pada September 2005, dan keduanya mengiktiraf bahawa kes ini adalah dalam kuasa Mahkamah Syariah untuk membenarkan beliau keluar dari Islam dan membolehkan JPN menukar perkataan Islam di dalam KP.

6. Setelah semuanya tidak berjaya, peguambela, Dato' Dr Cyrus Das, juga bekas Presiden Majlis Peguam, berjaya mendapat kebenaran untuk kes dibawa kepada Mahkamah Persekutuan.

7. Kes didengar oleh 3 Hakim (2 Muslim & 1 Non-Muslim: Ketua Hakim Tun Fairuz, Dato' Alauddin & Dato' Richard) pada dasarnya berpendirian yang sama menyokong tindakan kedua mahkamah terdahulu HINGGALAH Majlis Peguam yang diketuai oleh Peguam Malik Imtiaz Sarwar dan beberapa yang lain, yang hanya menjadi barisan peguam pemerhati beserta banyak lagi NGO yang menyokong Lina Joy meminta untuk memberi hujah & bersuara, dan DIBENARKAN oleh mahkamah yang terlibat.

8. Itu adalah permulaan isu ini dibesarkan yang mana tidak pernah dalam sejarah perundangan negara peguam pemerhati dibenarkan berhujah di mahkamah.

9. Hujah yg dibawa oleh barisan peguam pemerhati yang diketuai oleh Majlis Peguam tersebut melarikan isu sebenar kes berkenaan daripada penghujahan hak & kuasa Mahkamah Syariah TETAPI membawa hujah bahawa Lina Joy berhak untuk mempraktikkan kepercayaannya, agama barunya & dilindungi oleh perlembagaan sebagai hak individu seperti yang terkandung dalam Artikel 11 Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

10. Isu Mahkamah Syariah seperti yang diputuskan oleh mahkamah terdahulu sudah tidak releven lagi pada hujah Majlis Peguam, dan isu yang kebebasan mutlak individu yang diperjuangkan oleh Kumpulan Artikel 11 & IFC dijadikan isu utama kes ini di Mahkamah Persekutuan.

11. Isu yang diperjuangkan oleh kesebelas NGO non-Muslim atas nama kumpulan Artikel 11 & Inter-Faith Commission (IFC) adalah untuk mendefinisikan perkataan "person" (individu) yang terkandung di dalam artikel 11 tersebut untuk merujuk kepada individu per se (secara peribadi), bukan lagi kumpulan atau agama secara umumnya.

12. Ini adalah kali pertama dalam sejarah Malaysia attempt yang sebegitu berani & bersikap kurang ajar yang dilakukan untuk menghuraikan definisi tersebut untuk menguraikan ikatan Islam mengikut kefahaman peribadi seseorang penganut itu sendiri, dan menafikan hak Islam sebagai agam untuk mewajibkan umatnya mempraktikkan amalam & syariat Islam seperti yang terkandung dalam undang2 Islam.

NEXT POSTING: IMPLIKASI DARI DEFINISI "INDIVIDU"

Our un'joy'ness about Lina Joy

2006-07-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

ISLAM DIHINA, UMMAT ISLAM DICABAR!

Golongan Kuffar sudah berani mengajak anak2 kita meninggalkan aqidah Islam yang mereka pegang. Fakta yang terkandung dalam tulisan ini diringkaskan berdasarkan pelbagai kajian kes Murtad di Malaysia serta kupasan kes Saudari Azlina Jailana (Lina Joy) lawan MAIS, Kerajaan Malaysia & JPN, yg dibincangkan di hadapan peguam2 Islam Malaysia & organisasi bukan kerajaan (NGO) yg hadir pada taklimat isu murtad pada 12 Julai 2006 di Bilik Mesyuarat Mahkamah Syariah Kuala Lumpur, serta berdasarkan beberapa siri taklimat kepada masyarakat & NGO Islam tentang Isu Murtad di Malaysia.

LATAR BELAKANG

Bangsa Melayu khususnya di Malaysia adalah satu2nya bangsa di dunia yang menggunakan pakai definisi yg jelas di dalam perlembagaan Negara untuk mentakrifkan definisi perkataaan Melayu serta skop yg merangkuminya.

Istilah Melayu ditakrifkan dengan jelas dalam Artikel 160 Perlembagaan Persekutuan sebagai seorang yang penganut agama Islam, berketurunan Melayu dan mengamalkan dan bercakap Bahasa Melayu mengikut definisi perlembagaan sama sekali tidak boleh dipisahkan.

Oleh itu, Melayu dan bangsa lain yang menganut agama Islam di Malaysia adalah tertakluk sepenuhnya di bawah syariat Islam & perundangan Mahkamah Syariah di Malaysia.

SAUDARI AZLINA JAILANI @ LINA JOY

Nama asal: Azlina Jailani, pernah memohon pada tahun 1997 untuk ditukar kepada Azlina Lelani tetapi ditolak sebab beralasan telah tukar agama Kristian.

Permohonan kedua untuk tukar kepada Lina Joy pada 1999 tanpa menyatakan sebab pertukaran kepada agama Kristian telah diluluskan, dengan Kad Pengenalan tertera perkataan Agama Islam.

Ayah bernama Jailani bin Shariff dan ibu bernama Kalthum binti Omar, keduanya beragama Islam dan mengamalkan hidup sebagai Muslim.

Berwajah ‘typical’ Melayu, berbangsa Melayu keturunan Jawa, berumur 42 tahun.

Mengisytiharkan tidak pernah mempraktikkan Islam sejak lahir, beragama Kristian sepenuhnya sejak tahun 1990, mempunyai sijil Baptis dari Gereja yg dikeluarkan pada 1998, dan pada tahun 2000 menyatakan hasrat untuk berkahwin dengan seorang India Kristian dan meminta untuk didaftarkan perkahwinan tersebut untuk mengesahkan perkahwinan beliau.

Telah beberapa kali dipanggil dan dinasihat untuk bertaubat & masuk Islam semula oleh MAIS, tetapi beliau mempertahankan dengan alasan pilihan keluar dari Islam adalah kehendak sendiri dan telah dimaklumkan pada kedua ibu bapanya.

POSTING SETERUS NYA: FAKTA KES!!

PAS our savior!!!!

2006-07-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

Suddenly PAS leadership has gotten revelation from Kedai Kopi Kak Leha that taking sides is not an option, PAS needs to save the country. Question is, save it from what?? Why do they think for a second that the country needs saving, especially from these wannabes?? The leadership has stated that it's no longer about the bickering between 2 premiers, but about saving the nation. I just love how their wannabe, small time spin doctors try to formulate strategies like these.

What they need to do is address more serious issues like the apostasy of Lina Joy and leave the real politik to the big boys.

MARANG, 22 Julai (Hrkh) - Dato' Seri Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang menegaskan bahawa PAS tidak mengambil kira kepentingan bekas dan Perdana Menteri sekarang untuk menyelamatkan negara.

Beliau menambah, PAS meletakkan kepentingan Islam untuk menyelamatkan negara ini yang mengatasi segala-galanya termasuk pertembungan antara Tun Mahathir Mohamad dengan Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"PAS tidak kira siapa sama ada Mahathir atau Abdullah Badawi kerana yang penting, kita hendak menyelamatkan negara ini," ujar Presiden PAS itu ketika ditemui di rumahnya di Rusila, semalam.

Ini, katanya kerana negara telah dilanda dengan musibah politik, ekonomi, sosial dan lain-lain yang melahirkan pelbagai gejala kepada rakyat.

"Ini menjadi tanggungjawab kita untuk menyelamatkan negara dan kita mengajak semua pihak jangan hanya menjaga kepentingan diri masing-masing. Kita hendaklah meletakkan kepentingan Islam untuk menyelamatkan negara, mengatasi segala-galanya," ujarnya lagi.

Semasa ditanya apakah yang dijangkakan jika pertelagahan antara Mahathir dan Abdullah berlarutan, beliau berkata perkara yang akan datang berada dalam ilmu Allah SWT.

Tambahnya, manusia tidak tahu perkara yang berlaku pada masa akan datang.

"Apa yang kita buat ialah kita merancang, merangka strategi perjalanan parti kita dan yang penting untuk menyelamatkan negara kita tanpa mengira siapa," ujarnya lagi.

Beliau juga menjelaskan berhubung kesediaan PAS memaafkan bekas Perdana Menteri itu, keputusan PAS menghantar wakil ke majlis syarahan dan dialog dengan Mahathir pada 24 Jun lalu, hubungan dengan parti KeAdilan berikutan keputusan itu, kesediaan wakil PAS hadir jika Mahathir melakukan road show ke negeri-negeri dan lain-lain lagi.

PAS and it's confusion

2006-07-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

This is another classic example of no action, talk only. PAS is pointing the finger at the Government for not taking a tougher action against the famous Lina Joy. What they fail to see is that this whole mess is about Lina Joy trying to get a new IC issued without the word 'ISLAM' on it. She has converted and is now a Christian. That's water under the bridge if you ask me. What we need to focus on is why these NGOs are providing a strong support for this one girl? We do not wish to set a precedence in this country, that's why the judiciary is trying to battle this with the Constitution as our weapon, that Islam and Melayu are one in Malaysia. Don't like it, TAKE A HIKE! Imagine if the Executive wing interferes, then, PAS would have another angle, which is there is no separation of power and will continue to bombard the Govt. It was announced in Perak that there were 100,000 Murtads in the country. He should just join PAS and become another talker. He's a Mufti and he's trying to blame the Govt because he can't do his work.

Small time talkers.

Excerpt from Harakah:

Antara perbincangan yang menarik perhatian hadirin ialah isu Lina Joy, di mana pemimpin negara dikatakan tidak berbuat apa-apa dengan kes berkenaan, serta usaha-usaha untuk menghalang pihak bukan Islam mencampuri urusan agama Islam.Turut hadir dalam forum berkenaan ialah Setiausaha Agung PAS, Dato' Kamarudin Jaffar, AJK PAS Pusat, Mahfuz Omar, Timbalan Ketua Pemuda PAS Pusat, Ustaz Idris Ahmad, Ahli Majlis Tertinggi KeADILan, Ustaz Badrul Amin Baharun, Pengerusi Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, dan Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Excerpt from MMJ's sources:

13 Julai 2006

Peguam Kes Murtad Shazalina/Linda Choy (Ust Zulkefli Nordin), beliau telah memberi ceramah pada malam tadi di Surau As Sakinah, TTDI Jaya, Selangor tentang kumpulan kafir Artikel 11/ IFC.

Mereka ini (IFC) sedang bergiat untuk menghapuskan keistimewaan orang Islam di Malaysia, pihak Mahkamah Persekutuan hanya ada masa 6 minggu sahaja lagi untuk membuat keputusan sama ada meluluskan atau tidak.

Kalau LULUS maka orang Islam dalam bahaya besar. Boleh hubungi Ust Zulkefli sendiri (0133998718) untuk penjelasan lebih lanjut, pihak peguam Muslimmemberi penerangan tentang perkara ini.

Apa bahayanya...?

1) Semua anak-anak selepas berumur 18 tahun bebas menukar agama, keluar masuk mana-mana agama macam masuk panggung wayang. Mereka punyai hak untuk menukar perkataan agama di kad pengenalan, cuma mengisi borang di kaunter saja. Kalau sekarang, mereka yang mahu menukar agama, ( menjadi murtad ) perlu memohon di jabatan Agama atau pihak berwajib. Diproses, kemudian dikaunselling untuk beberapa tempoh oleh tertentu oleh beberapa siri ustaz-ustaz yang berwibawa untuk menyelamatkan akidah orang-orang yang terkeliru ini.

Namun jika sekiranya kumpulan Artikel 11 atau IFC ini menang tiada lagi benteng rasmi terakhir kita. Cuma itu yang kita ada sekarang.

2) Lahirlah keluarga -keluarga yang mempunyai pelbagai anutan dalamnya. Seperti di Jogjakarta, hari ni semua Islam , esok ayah dan anak hindu, lusa emak kristian. Kubur boleh campur sebab dah tak ada pemisahan akidah yang sahih, itulah pengalaman kami di sana tempohari..

3) Banyak lagi hak-hak orang Islam yang tercabar dan akan di batalkan. Apabila Rasulullah s.a.w. membawa risalah Islam, dan telah jelas pemisahan antara kebenaran dengan kebatilan, maka kebenaran itu perlu
dipertahankan, perlu dibela dengan sebaik-baiknya. Bagi muslim, Islam adalah satu sistem yang datang untuk kesejahteraan semua manusia, malah seluruh alam ..tak kiralah samada untuk Muslim atau
bukan Muslim. Islam tidak membenarkan umatnya didakwah atau diajak oleh orang bukan Islam atau orang kafir adalah kerana tidak mahu kita jatuh semula dalam kebatilan dan kesalahan. Di sinilah ada undang-undang untuk menjaga kebenaran itu.

Islam sayang kepada mereka yang beriman, menjaga mereka , sebab kebenaran adalah sesuatu yang perlu dijaga. Bagi mereka yang sudah mendapat kebenaran dan cahaya yakni beriman, kemudian menolaknya, menggambil yang batil, mereka ini setelah dinasihati tapi terus mengkhianati kebenaran tersebut yakni Islam, maka wajarlah mereka dikategorikan sebagai pengkhianat. Dan pengkhianat kepada kebenaran ini wajarlah mendapat haknya... yakni perlu dihukum. Dalam mana-mana golongan pun, pengkhianat adalah lebih buruk
dari musuh.

Sebab, musuh Islam mungkin belum menggenal apa itu kebenaran, tetapi pengkhianat adalah mereka yang menganiaya diri dan membahayakan orang lain, mengancam orang ramai dan Islam itu sendiri.

Apa yang kita ada sekarang dalam realiti di negara kita alah sedikit ruang yang tertinggal untuk dipertahankan. Setiap muslim yang bercita-cita untuk murtad perlu menjalani proses tertentu untuk menyelamatkan akidah mereka yang mungkin terkeliru dan realitinya tidak sedikit yang dapat diselamatkan.
Janganlah kita berpeluk tubuh.. masa untuk menjadi penonton atau orang yang tertidur tiada lagi...! Ketahuilah apa yang sedang berlaku di Mahkamah Persekutuan hari ini adalah masalah kita dan masa depan aqidah anak-anak kita.

Sila sebarkan berita ini kepada semua orang Islam kerana isu ini amat serius... APAKAH PERANAN DAN TANGGUNGJAWAB KITA?? KITA HANYA ADA DUA PILIHAN.....

1) MENYOKONG KUMPULAN ARTIKEL 11 SECARA TERBUKA ATAU SENYAP DENGAN
TIDAK BERBUAT APA-APA....ATAU BERSEKONGKOL DENGAN MEREKA.

2) MENENTANG KUMPULAN PELAMPAU INI (KUMPULAN ARTIKEL 11 ) SECARA TERSUSUN . MASING-MASING WAJIB MENJALANKAN TUGAS DIBIDANGNYA . IMAM DAN KHATIB PERLU MENJELASKAN KEADAAN INI DI MIMBAR MESJID DAN CERAMAH, GURU DAN PELAJAR DALAM KELAS, ORANG RAMAI MENGHADIRI PERBICARAAN DI MAHKAMAH PERSEKUTUAN K. LUMPUR, MENULIS DAN
BLOGGER MENGHEBAHKAN, NGO MENGUTIP TANDATANGAN DAN MENGGHANTAR PETISYEN
KEPADA YANG PARLIMEN , PERSEMBAHKAN KEPADA YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG DAN MAJLIS RAJA-RAJA YANG SEDANG BERSIDANG, MENGAJAK YANG BERHORMAT DAN MENTERI MEMAHAMI MASA DEPAN KITA .. DAN BANYAK LAGI.

Do not be part of the problem, be part of the solution!!

2006-07-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

By Neez18

Cronyism, nepotism, corruption… the list goes on.

Any chance of these ending in politics? I seriously doubt it. As long as humans are humans, katak croaks and mamak stinks, these elements will be omnipresent. Think America or Britain is far better? Think again. The level of corruption in those countries are so sophisticated. They get away with it most of the times because they take care of the people. The middle income class in the US is strong. Unemployment in low. Social Security is stable.

Look at our neigbor. The Lee family in Singapore has its family members directly involved in government bodies, in fact having personal stakes in some. When was the last time you heard of a significant opposition leader or party in Singapore? They probably are campaigning to their cell mates in prison! Today we see Lim Kit Siang and his crew having all the freedom to raise any issues in parliament. That is the beauty of Malaysia and the current ruling party, having the freedom of speech (Obviously we do not wish to abuse that perk like what the Sarawak Tribune did, they should pay for publishing the caricature!!) Nevertheless, this freedom is somewhat abused by many. When you go to the mamak stalls, read rogue blogs and emails, harsh criticisms are aimed at the government. It is very easy for us to make passing statements, especially negative ones, but what good does it make if no combined effort to rectify the situation is taken by us.

Any sort of criticism should be welcomed, in particular, constructive criticism. To move forward, be it a nation or individuals, it is crucial to be familiar with your surroundings, to know your strength, weaknesses and capabilities. Criticism would assist in evaluating ones position, somewhat like a check and balance situation. However, one must be able to draw the line between being familiar and causing devastation. For example, when we were in school, if a teacher were to ask a question, no one would volunteer to answer. The root cause; not because they do not know the answer, but the mentality of others that would laugh at their piers if they got the answer wrong. This does not encourage a person, in fact hindering progression and growth. That is how I view most Malaysians mind set today. They have a hawks eye sight when it comes to criticism on the government, magnify negative issues through various sources of the media, but never contributing to constructively criticize and how to improve.

Proposal 1: There must be a clearer separation of power between the Executives and Parliament. Cabinet ministers should not be a member of the parliament at the same time. Ministers should be full time at the office attending to policies and perlaksanaan dasar. Don't need to go back to constituency every weekend to ensure survival of his next term. Yes it's not realistic and it's tough to change the current system. Maybe at least have the deputies to be senators, they need to spend more at work than officiating functions!

Other than the recent love story of Datuk K and Siti, on the front page of almost every newspaper, there are policies, action taken and issues the government is taking towards building a better nation. For this to be a reality, the public must play its part. Many individuals stand saying they alone cannot make a difference to the system. If our four fathers were to have said these same words, we would still be under the British occupation. If an individual were to feel so strongly for their principals, they should do something about it. For example, aim to become a Member of Parliament and make some changes, rather than criticizing the government at the warong over a cup of teh tarik. The current government has been ruling for 50 years, a fact which foreign countries recognize, especially when compared to our neighbouring countries. The stability UMNO has brought in Malaysia through BN is an achievement in itself. We stand proud to be citizens of Malaysia, regardless of race or religion.

In our ever so hectic lives today, we tend to follow the flow of things rather than stopping to think for ourselves. I urge us Malaysians to take a step out of the square we are in and have a look around. We live in harmony, we have all the basic necessities, and we are heading towards becoming a developed nation. Without a shadow of doubt, improving the countries status and sovereignty must also be carefully visited. This duty lies on the shoulders of all Malaysians. We may be ordinary people; nevertheless we strive to do extraordinary things. Do not be part of the problem, be part of the solution!!

PS: Let's go basic first, are you a registered voter?

Globalization in UMNO???

2006-07-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

I never liked the idea of participating in a protest or demonstration. To me, it's too much of an 'old-economy' model. Malays need to be more dynamic and innovative than that, something Dato JJ has stressed so much lately especially concerning the K-economy.

Anyway, on Friday 21 July, after much persuasion from friends, I went to check out the demo organized by UMNO Youth. It's against the invasion of Israel into Lebanon. It started out with the Excos and 'Jentera' on the mikes getting the people at the mosque after Friday prayers to march to the American embassy, followed by UK and France. The perception of demonstration is lotsa people getting together shouting over something, burning stuff and creating one big mess for the municipal to clean up the next day.

It's actually my first time in a demonstration. My first impression when I got there:

You feel that people are there to 'tunjuk muka', in other words, they want/need 'to be seen' by the UMNO Youth bosses
Half of the people there are by-standers, waiting to see some action, maybe someone getting nabbed, FRU firing out their water hose (none of that happened)
5% of the people there definitely wanted to find an excuse to jet out from the office (including yours sincerely :p) and another 5% was checking out chicks on site
People who demonstrate are desperate and do not have another angle to tackle the problem (if only we had a big fleet of long range B2 bombers and submarines with ICBM capabilities).

Of course, no demonstration would be complete without burning stuff. Somehow they managed to find Israeli flags and started burning them. I didnt quite agree with that because (a) the damn thing stinks and is smoky (b) kesian DBKL because they have to clean up the next day.

So, after making the 4 main observations, you would think that I'd be kutuking the people who went there to demonstrate. Not really. I came back with a sense of belonging. It felt pretty good supporting leaders voicing out the will of the people, most importantly the will of Muslims supporting Muslims 10,000 clicks away. Although we're not deploying troops to the Middle East, at least we're forcing the Americans and Brits to recognize our presence (yea they dont give two sticks about what's going on). Better than the neighbors of the Lebanese, either scared shitless about the prospect of the onslaught of the mighty US Armada at their doorstep or ensuring free trade will continue to flourish and enrich themselves only.

So fellow bloggers, my proposals to OIC are:

Creation of an OIC standing army
Creationg of an OIC currency - to negate the US dollars dominance
Creation of a new UN without the Security Council

Going back to having demonstrations, so, maybe it's old economy. Don't know whether there's a better way to protest (other than having UN meetings), but until we find that out, grab a banner and march on!

Here's what the Pemuda had to say:

DECLARATION OF THE YOUTH OF MALAYSIA

We the youth of Malaysia,

Appalled by the extremely disproportionate and destructive measures taken by the terrorist state of Israel in response to the capture of three of its soldiers by the freedom fighters of Gaza and Lebanon, when the Israeli regime has itself captured, kidnapped and incarcerated thousands of Palestinian freedom fighters and civilians;

Moved by the deaths of hundreds of innocent men, women and children and the injuries to thousands of defenceless others caused by the terrorist forces of Israel;

Dismayed by the deliberate bombing and destruction of homes, offices, hospitals, infrastructure and communication and other facilities in Gaza and Lebanon by the terrorist forces of Israel;

Horrified by the blatant capture and imprisonment of democratically elected and legally appointed members of the Palestinian cabinet and other officials in violation of international law and norms; and

Alienated and embittered by the conspiracy between Israel and the United States to prolong the wanton death and destruction by rejecting appeals for a ceasefire by the international community,

Hereby

Condemn in the most absolute and unequivocal terms the terrorist and inhumane actions of the armed Israeli forces that are seriously aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and precipitating a humanitarian disaster in Lebanon;

Demand that the terrorist state of Israel cease all military attacks and provocations against the people of Gaza and Lebanon, lift its blockade and withdraw all its terrorist forces from Gaza and Lebanon;

Call upon the United Nations Security Council, in particular the Permanent Five members, to be worthy of the trust and responsibility placed upon them by the global community and pass a resolution imposing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, to be enforced by an international force;

Further call upon the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution allowing the international community to extend urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and Lebanon;

Urge the conflicting parties to enter into negotiations for the exchange of captured and imprisoned personnel;

Insist that Israel release, immediately and unconditionally, all elected Palestinian cabinet ministers and officials; and

Appeal to the international community to extend all assistance to the people of Gaza and Lebanon and the swelling refugee population to enable them to survive and recover from the humanitarian crisis.

We the youth of Malaysia, call upon all good people everywhere and all nations that respect and uphold international law, human dignity and justice, to join us in common cause and end this decimation of a people and annihilation of a country by the terrorist state of Israel.

UMNO Youth Secretariat
Kuala Lumpur
21 July 2006

Starbucks anyone? - Yikes!

2006-07-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Starbucks Customer,

First and foremost I want to thank you for making Starbucks the $6.4 billion global company it is today, with more than 90,000 employees, 9,700 stores, and 33 million weekly customers. Every latte and macchiato you drink at Starbucks is a contribution to the close alliance between the United States and Israel, in fact it is - as I was assured when being honoured with the “Israel 50th Anniversary Friend of Zion Tribute Award” - key to Israel’s long-term PR success. Your daily chocolate chips frappucino helps paying for student projects in North America and Israel, presenting them with the badly needed Israeli perspective of the Intifada.

Starbucks, through the Jerusalem Fund of Aish HaTorah, an international network of Jewish education centres, sponsors Israeli military arms fairs in an effort to strengthen the special connection between the American, European and Israeli defense industries and to showcase the newest Israeli innovations in defense. As my contribution to the fight against the global rise of anti-Semitism, the reason behind the current conflict in the Middle-East, I help Aish HaTorah sponsoring the website "honestreporting.com” and produce material informing of Israel’s side of the story.

Without you, my valued customer, I wouldn’t be able to raise hundreds of millions of dollars each year to support Israeli citizens from terrorist attacks and keep reminding every Jew in America, to defend Israel at any cost. $5 billion per year from the US government are no way near enough to pay for all the weaponry, bulldozers and security fences needed to protect innocent Israeli citizens from anti-Semitic Muslim terrorism. Corporate sponsorships are essential.

Having the bigger picture in mind, Starbucks have donated a store to the US army to help in the “War on Terror”. I cannot emphasise enough, how vital the “War on Terror” is for the continued viability and prospering of the Jewish State.

So next time you feel like chilling out at a Starbucks store, please remember that with every cup you drink at Starbucks you are helping with a noble cause.

Howard Schultz
Chairman & Chief Global Strategist
Starbucks Coffee Stores

Believe or not, we're one of the cheapest!

2006-07-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

All of you out there complaining about the Government raising toll rates frequently, consider this: In a report done by a foreign research house, Malaysia is ranked 32nd on a list of 38 countries with the most expensive toll roads. OK sure, one can argue that Malaysians earn in RM and people in the US are earning the "real greens" and have a higher toll density. What do you guys think?

Big Boost for FELDA settlers

2006-07-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) was formed in 1956 as a collective initiative to aid rural Malays. Each rural Malay is given a plot of land to be developed. FELDA has constributed significantly in developing idle land and housing more than 100,000 settlers. The estimated total of land under the FELDA scheme is 800k hectares! We can start a whole new country with that size! Not only settlers get a plot to be developed, all basic amneties are provided, houses are readily built for them, including place of worship and other facilities. The scheme has for many years closed in the gap between the have and have nots.

Today, because of the encouraging natural rubber market, it was reported that the settlers are getting as much as RM10,000 a month! The price has gone up four times since 2001 from RM2/kg to RM8.50/kg. 16% of our export comes from the settlers.

This is a truly amazing opportunity for the people in the scheme. The people must understand that the prices of commodities fluctuate, they must be prudent in spending the extra income and start investing money.

FELDA has always been underrated and attacked by people who lack faith in Government policy. Like I said earlier in previous posting, it's always easier to criticize and to add value (ok maybe I didnt say that earlier).

What's up with this Halal hub hype?

2006-07-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

In Malaysian Business magazine back in February 06, it published the 40 richest men in Malaysia. Sad but true, the Malays, although the majority in Malaysia, is only but a handful in that list. We don't have to talk about the top 400 or the top 40,000 for that matter. The result is most probably the same. It quoted in a few editions back that the Bumiputera in this country holds a mere 18% of the economic pie of the country. 18%! That's pathetic. The noble idea of the NEP was launched way back during the tenure of Tun Razak with a target of reaching 30% Bumi equity. Well, that's old news. We havent made much progress.

What the Malays lack is vision. Take the word 'halal' for example. The initial impression you would get is food. Muslims can only consume slaughtered meat according to Islamic laws, but we fail to see the business opportunities surrounding it. The Halal food business has been dominated by Non-Muslims not just domestically but internationally because of their control of the produce. Take some country south of us for example. It is by far the largest producer of cattles and Halal meat product in the world and it's not even a Muslim country. The population of livestocks there is far greater than the population of the country itself!

Let's talk about this viable key initiative promoted by the Government recently: Halal Hub

With proper execution, we can achieve more than 30% equity. The Halal business industry constitutes 112 countries, catering for 1.8 billion Muslim population, amounting to close to USD 300b. The best thing is, Muslims are not the only one consuming Halal products.

The potential in this market is tremendous. We must use our leverage with the chairmanship of OIC to steer this. We have started through the newly created World Halal Forum. Muslims first of all must understand and study the supply chain and the production level of the business. Whether its supplying canned food to the Middle East, or halal cosmetics to the Americas, we must be able to penetrate the whole supply chain.

With the introduction of MS1500:2004 certification, Malaysia is trying to promote a standard which can be replicated by other countries as a coherent yard stick for Halal certification. The World Halal Forum will include forums and debates as to what Halal is all about.

We must also look at countries like New Zealand and Australia and try to replicate their efforts. In 2002, Australia alone exports over 100,000 tonnes of Halal beef, veal, mutton and lamb products (Halal Journal, March 2005). This amounted to A$330m and quantities are increading steadily. For New Zealand, there are approximately 49million sheeps being farmed in the country, 9.6 million cattle and 1.6 million deer. New Zealand began its venture in exporting Halal meats since 1960s. I think we are good at studying other people's models. It will boil down to exectution at the end of the day. We must succeed!

Now, the Halal hub concept doesnt just encompass the produce. Let's look at the potential in the services sector. Fast food chain businesses are growing like mushrooms everywhere. Imagine all the McDonald's in the US having a Halal logo and certified Halal operation worldwide. Ray Kroc would definitely flip at the idea! The revenue generated will be doubled, maybe tripled. Look at airlines servicing countries around the globe. No more salmon and mackerel every time you fly with other airlines than MAS or Emirates. Oil & gas Muslim people going to Houston all the time taking Continental or Southwest would be thrilled to have halal steak or roast chicken instead of the usual shrimp cocktail!

It doesnt stop there. Look at supermarkets and hypermarkets around the world. Imagine 20% of Halal canned food is sold at Walmart or Sam's Club. No confidence in rendang being sold at Mark & Spencer's in London? Think again, who would have thought Thai chilli sauce would be a big hit in the US and UK. Foreign foods will be toned down to local taste: curry is the number one take away food, so is kebab in Germany.

To be the central trading hub for Halal products, Malaysia must strategically market itself. It must promote the infrastructure and logistics support available in this country, from world class sea ports and airports, to railroads and world class Cargo support courtesy of Malaysia Airlines (ok let's talk about its debt in a different article, or blog someone else's site).

Pak Lah and the Cabinet have made the right choice in promoting Malaysia to be the next Halal hub. With the financial support being offered by numerous institutions, its time to stop bitching about the slow economy and when the RMK9 budget will be released and execute a good business model!

Signing off,

Submariner_8

Will we ever do away with subsidy?

2006-07-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

As a young professional observing the current political climate, I am saddened. Not because of who is right, who is wrong, what should or should not be done, to build or not to build. Call it weak leadership, call it whatever fancies you. I call it lack of faith for the administration that has won the hearts and minds of the people, the administration that has won a strong mandate from the people during the last election.

2 years of development cannot be compared to 22 years of progress. Nation building is not something you can pick up overnight. People were embracing the change of the guards, now we hear otherwise. Why? Oil price? Who controls that? Does MOF have a control of the global oil price? Does the Government have a say in the war in Iraq and the anticipated invasion of Iran that could further spiral up the price? Oh I forgot, we have to cater for the majority of the Malays and the people who do not want to accept this reality bite and continue to pound the Government for more subsidies. Sure, let’s just squeeze money from our Fortune 500 company for our daily consumption of petrol at the expense of expanding its operations worldwide to compete with the likes of Exxonmobil and Chevron Texaco.

Life in the ol’ 1971 was honky dory with petrol at US$3.21/barrel. Now it is a whopping US$73.53/barrel for Brent Crude Oil as of 4^th July 2006. How has this happened? The recent increase of petrol price was mainly due to:

Demand of 82.5million barrels per day in 2004 is almost equal to the supply of 83 million barrels per day today.
High growth causing high energy consumption in China, India and the US
Instability in Iraq, Nigeria and Venezuela, which are significant contributors of OPEC
Hurricane aftermath in Texas and Mexico

Although we are not a member of the OPEC, we export almost everything that we extract because they are high grade stuff and import for local consumption. In addition, Malaysia will be a net importer by 2010. However, our price at the pump is still competitive compared to other SEA countries:

Country	RON97 RM/Liter	RON92 RM/Liter	DISEL RM/Liter	LPG RM/kg
Malaysia	1.62	1.58	1.28	1.45
Thailand	2.29	2.21	1.82	1.65
Singapore	3.76	3.48	2.36
Phillipines	2.07	2.04	1.78	1.25
Indonesia	1.7	1.64	0.86
Brunei	1.2	1.18	0.7	1.38

One can agree about purchasing power and income per capita of these countries. Let's not get to that yet since I went to Engineering school.

This is what we would be expected to pay at the pump without subsidy:

As of 31 July 2005	Cents per liter	Cents per liter	Cents per liter
	Peninsular Msia	Sabah	Sarawak
Petrol (RON97)
Product cost	164.21	164.21	164.21
Operating cost	9.54	8.89	8.13
Margin	4.45	4.45	4.45
Petrol station commission	8	8	8
Sales Tax	58.62	58.62	58.62
Price	244.82	244.26	243.41

Don't forget also that the Government pays half of our cooking cost at home by topping half of the cost of a tank of LPG.

We shouldn't be taxing Petronas for making ridiculous profit, we should tax the oil majors more for doing business in Malaysia. Which company again gave it's retiring chairman a US$357M retirement package. Sounds like a developing country's GDP.

Let's give Pak Lah a break. He has a damn big pair of shoes to fill in. Let's give our Ministers a break. I mean really, should they spend more time compiling answers or should they start cranking up RM9 which is long overdue?

Signing off
Submariner_8

2006-07-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

We are now Live!