Tuesday, July 08, 2008

The Loony Fringe

As a blogger, I have never fancied myself as an "online journalist" and unlike some of my "ex journo" peers, I do not have access to mysterious "Deep Throats" who will feed me with juicy tidbits or the latest rumours. I can only comment on news reports now available gratis online. Perhaps I am just part of the "loony fringe" as mentioned yesterday in NST's pompous editorial, here, which I thought was rather too holier-than-thou for a rag fast losing its readership. I have stopped buying this New Shit Times many years ago.

The editorial had some biting if not bloated comments on Information Minister Shabery Chik's offer to bring us bloggers in from the cold and induct us into his hall of fame via the RTM1 weekly program "Blog", which was dismissed as amounting to little more than a "sideshow and diversion". I take umbrage to this comment since I was one of the bloggers featured in the program recently. The minister was also described as trying to rationalise the role of the alternative media, which were seen to have played "a decisive part in not just the build-up to this year's general election but the continuing socio-political turbulence since then".

Some of us bloggers may indeed be "frauds and charlatans" who shoot our "rabble-rousing mouths off or engage in slanderous badinage with the cybermasses", but you will ignore us at your own peril.

16 comments:

  1. PM forgets easily

    The Honorable PM of Malaysia has come out of his silent reflections over the weekend and made some statements in the media this day Monday of July 7, about truth, lies and perceptions.

    Perhaps the PM in his grave lamentations also forgot the wise words of Jacques Prevert the French Poet: When truth is no longer free, freedom is no longer real.

    Mr. PM you forget that Malaysia is one country in the world with many records.

    We have the world's tallest 'twin' towers yet the lowest morals. We gun each other down with tales of butt poking.

    We have a spanking airport that is a world icon, yet we cannot end the 'ulat' scourge let alone make it free from armed shoot outs.

    We are the only ONE nation in the world that lugs a king-sized mattress to court merely to politically kill a contender.

    We say that ahlongs will be dealt with and the next year we approve licenses for them to operate nationwide.

    We say austerity drive, but our Yang Berhormats continue their holidays and shopping sprees in Paris and London.

    Come on Mr Prime Minister, was it not you who appointed the band of cabinet ministers? Should you not then be telling your men and women to walk the talk and talk the walk? Why are you again blaming the rakyat?

    Why are you again blaming the 'opposition' parties that rule the five states? Why are you cutting back on projects now managed by the 'opposition' members? Why are you not accepting the rakyat's decision at the 12th GE? Why are you then not leading the nation with exemplary leadership of collaboration? Why? Why? Why?

    Why is it that immigration records can just vanish into thin air?

    Why is it only in 'Malaysia Truly Asia' foreigners can be C4-ed and justice takes ages to be served?

    Why is it so difficult to resolve the Lingam-gate and move on?

    Why is it that you send a space tourist into orbit but proclaim without batting an eye that we have a Malaysian astronaut?

    After all Mr PM do not forget too that at one time you left the very party and government to be on the other side of the fence. So do we say you were then a traitor?

    I have a suggestion. Why don't you imprison all the 'opposition' members and all the rakyat who are in favor of the 'opposition' parties? That way you will have no problems with your allegation of there being too much lies, untruths, perceptions, and what have you.

    If this country fails, you have to be the first person to take all the blame because you opted to be our leader. That is what leadership is all about sir.

    J. D. Lovrenciear

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  2. Mr Ancient Mariner,

    I agree with you and may be I too can be considered "loony fringe" hehe :)

    cheers ;-)

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  3. Capt...
    The article reads 'llok at Malaysian Insider' if you want 'reliable' news (by their standards, not ours)....
    I wonder if they are trying to establish MI as NST's new web presence.....

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  4. Tuan Ancient Mariner,

    Syabas on your posting. It's quite normal for bloggers to be lumped together as one irresponsible lot. It's the same with the mainstream media. While there are many journalists who do good work, and want to maintain professionalism, their bosses oftn decide otherwise. Contine blogging. As for the Info Minister, I'm sure he had anticipated criticisms from among his colleagues in the BN. Newspapers may do the same to him. But I know our Info Minister is a lot smarter than all that.

    MEDIA WATCH
    shastrishah.blogspot.com

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  5. mGf: two tehtari' to Thee for rebutt well said; I'm on 48 "strike2" so yesterdae and TODIEI'm C&P 9cuting and powdering in DDC:) -- yours enjoys top billingat MBH, how about buying kambing as my bill? See u and mindfolM at Lingam's, tata -- I've sum shares at that Indian giant, u no! __ YL, Desi,knottyaSsusual:(

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  6. Captain

    As I had mentioned to you in your other thread about your 20 minute fame on RTM some time ago that I am suspicious of the motives of the Ministry of Information.

    I would not be far wrong to say that the BN Govt propaganda machine is out to cultivate bloggers such as you, Rocky Bru and even Nuraina, all former journalists-turned bloggers, who they think enjoy some cult status in blogospher, to come to their side.

    That is, to make you folks, "buat malu" should you all intend to condemn and criticise the BN leaders.

    I always believe that under this UMNO-led govt, there is NO such thing as a free lunch.

    So, it is a good thing, Captain, that you are on your guard with this sublime propaganda being put on to the bloggers.

    The govt media machinery did not hesitate to quote people like Rocky Bru who the Mini of Information had been courting for some time to be the "TROJAN HORSE" in the Malaysian blogosphere, on the "FED UP" issue.

    There are other bloggers who simply have no time for this govt's propaganda machine and will continue to play their role as before ie where credit is due, it is given, where criticism is due, it is given in equal amount.

    I think I am beginning to be disappointed with Ahirudin Atan as a politically neutral blogger.

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  7. J D

    thumbs up.

    and capt, i have been steadfast in my boycott of the Nasty Pee. Last week, I was in Melaka for a short holiday. Only english papers available in 7-11 and a mini market was NST. Thanks but no thanks, I rather forgo my habit of having breakast with a paper on hand.

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  8. “He has not yet become an elder statesman, though his foreign policy credentials are considerable, but he is certainly our ancient mariner, forever tugging at our sleeve to let him tell his tale of what really happened.”... R. Steel

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  9. Captain, this NasTY editorial smells like Rehman Rahid's. Can somebody confirm this?

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  10. Hi Capt,

    I find that your postings are interesting material to read. It is now become my favourite site. Keep it up Capt.

    One thing I would like to add, whatever being said to the previous premier who rule this country for 22 years - never before we have a feeling of unstability under his stewardship. Look now at the current premier - who thinks greatly about himself trying very very hard to impress people but turn out just the opposite! I am in the opine that he has lost touch with the real people.

    Personally, I hope he either step down or follow the footpath of Zakaria Mat Deros who has gone to meet his maker. I think the 2nd option is better.

    J-Dean.blogspot.com

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  11. MIDSHIP THE WHEEL...
    STEADY AS SHE GOES....

    AYE AYE SIR...

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  12. Aww.. Capt.

    That damning editorial doesn't even have a by-line. And its the NST.

    As for bringing us bloggers in from the cold, aren't we the hot ones providing the credibility that they have forgotten to uphold i.e. the fourth estate.

    The MSM's mass media do not reflect the mass reality which has befallen this nation. And they need help from netizens to appear relevant.

    No wonder BN lost big time on GE12.

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  13. Shar101:

    When are you going to call off your strike .. heh heh

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  14. malaysians will need visas to visit the united kingdom, WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS?, BECAUSE OF A STUPID GOVERNMENT. THANK YOU BODOWI AND UMNO.WILL AUSTRALIA, N.Z. AND OTHER EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES FOLLOW SUIT, HAVE WE BECOME THE PARIAHS OF THE WORLD. ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION.
    Visa plan for 'risky' visitors.
    One of the risks posed is the possession of bogus passports
    The government has warned 11 countries that their citizens will need visas to visit the UK unless they "significantly reduce" the risk they pose.

    Listed are Brazil, Namibia, South Africa, Malaysia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Swaziland, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    A Home Office report identifies bogus passports, criminal acts and terrorism as possible risks posed by visitors.

    It says the new visa requirements could become law by early 2009.

    The new countries on the visa list have a combined population of more than 300 million - nearly 5% of the world's population.

    We need to decide how to widen the visa net. We cannot and will not shy away from going wider

    Liam Byrne, immigration minister

    If visas are imposed on them, 80% of the world's population will be subject to visa entry requirements in order to visit the UK.

    Because Britain is a member of the EU, citizens of European countries do not need visas to visit the UK.

    Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "We need to decide how to widen the visa net.

    "We cannot and will not shy away from going wider and will, whenever we think there is a risk to the UK."

    'Evidence of change'

    He said the government will now "work with" the countries over the next six months in an effort to reduce the risks.

    "If they are able to show evidence of change then there will be no need to introduce a visa regime," said Mr Byrne.

    The criteria for the Home Office's Visa Waiver Test included looking at passport security and integrity; the degree of co-operation over deportation or the removal of a country's nationals from the UK.

    Levels of illegal working in the UK and other immigration abuses, levels of crime and the risk of a visitor committing a terrorist act were also considered.
    ARE MALAYSIANS NOW "TERRORISTS", "A RISK"
    READ IT HERE
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7499713.stm

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  15. capt., the truth is out, the whole immigration department senior staff, according to the ACA , is involved. Ordinary malaysians do not need to sell their passports, foreigners can just buy them from the Immigration department, just say the price!!Well, corruption has to start from the very TOP, do you think the DG of any department dared to be corrupted unless his political boss closes his eyes! this disease will bring Malaysia to her knees! Guaranteed!!

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The Ancient Mariner