The Ancient Mariner

Fare thee well, ye Ancient Mariner

2009-07-20T12:40:00.002+08:00

Dear readers,

It is with deep sadness for me to inform you on the passing of the Ancient Mariner. Our father, Capt. Muhammad Yusof b. Haji Ahmad, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday on July 19. He was laid to rest next to his dear mother (and our grandmother) in Linggi yesterday afternoon.

We have read all the postings and condolences conveyed by many in the various blog sites. We extend our most deep gratitude to the many blogger friends who had posted the news earlier. Thank you Rocky Bru, Syed Akbar Ali, Haris Ibrahim, Tok Mommy, Pak Ngah Bakaq, Pasquale, Little Brother Amir Hamizi and A Voice.

Our father took to blogging like fish to water. Even we, were pleasantly surprised of his witty and yet eloquent writing skills. He was an intensely passionate man who loved his family and friends, the sea, Bossa Nova and Keroncong.

He will be deeply missed.

We will be holding tahlil prayers after Maghrib tonight, July 20 (today) and July 23 (Thursday night) at Surau An Nai'mah, near our home.

Once again, thank you for reading our father's blog.

Al-Fatihah

On behalf of our family,

Nurasyikin bt. Muhammad Yusof (eldest daughter)

Al Fatihah

2009-07-15T10:28:00.015+08:00

I lost my dear mother Hjh Latifah bt Hj Md Hussain, at about 3.30 a.m. yesterday. She has been on a life support system at the Seremban GH for the past week and doctors have listed the cause of demise as Type II respiratory failure 2° severe community acquired pneumonia.

We laid her to rest in the afternoon after zohor prayers, near my father's grave at our kampung in Linggi, Negeri Sembilan. She had outlived him by about nine years.

Many kith and kin came from near and far for the funeral, including my blogger buddies Nuraina Samad and Ahirudin Attan a.k.a. Rocky's Bru. We thank them most copiously, also to those who sent condolences and salam takziah. Due to the very short time frame we had for making funeral arrangements, I must have missed informing many. To them, my very sincere apologies.

Al fatihah.

Tardy Me

2009-07-13T05:18:00.009+08:00

Sorry folks have been too busy to update my blog.

For the past week, I have been making daily shuttles to and fro Seremban General Hospital (which must be one of the most user-unfriendly hospitals in the country) to visit my mother who is quite ill. She's 84 and her condition is still critical.

More later.

PKFZ: Who will take the rap?

2009-07-07T21:23:00.016+08:00

Banker Mohd. Hashim Shamsuddin was the last Malay and non-politician chairman of Port Klang Authority (PKA). As executive director of Bank Bumiputra, he took the rap for the RM2.5 billion Bumiputra Malaysia Finance (BMF) fiasco in Hong Kong and was imprisoned for more than 6 years in the then British colony. He is now believed to be living in the U.K.

In 1986, a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) headed by former auditor-general Ahmad Noordin established that what was going on in BMF was just "the tip of the iceberg", implying that bigger hands were at play. But the so called "bigger hands" were never implicated or named.

After Hashim, the chairmanship of PKA was then passed through several MCA politicians beginning with veteran Michael Chen who really did a stellar job seeing the port go through the privatisation process. However, his lesser known successors who didnt really have much to do except to play landlords and collect rent, somehow went off the well beaten track to play towkays.

With the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), we are now staring at a possible RM12 billion hole in the rakyat's pocket. Who will take the rap? Were "bigger hands" at play here too? How come no Royal Commission of Inquiry? Will the true stories behind the BMF and PKFZ scandals ever come to light?

Another About Turn

2009-07-07T05:36:00.008+08:00

The Port Klang Authority (PKA) has reversed an earlier decision to withhold a RM660 million payment due to contractor Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project. Read the Malaysiakini report, here. This about turn was due to instructions from the Treasury and in consideration of appeals by the bondholders trustees.

"PKA has received instructions from the Treasury that the board should be mindful of the implications that might affect the confidence of investors, local or foreign, in the Malaysian private debt securities market," said PKA chairman Lee Hwa Beng.

Lee (photo) said that the board has made RM360 million payment to KDSB yesterday and has until the end of the month to pay the balance.

The PKA board got into this mess by "taking instructions" from all and sundry when they should be using their brains and their conscience to do the right thing.

Now you will understand why I did not vote for this man for the Kelana Jaya parliamentary constituency during the last general election.

About Turn

2009-07-02T16:56:00.018+08:00

The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday, here, that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will summon the transport minister, his two predecessors and the attorney-general to testify over the RM12 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, in an investigation which could have serious political consequences for MCA and the Barisan Nasional administration.

PAC Chairman Azmi Khalid said that all of them, including Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) CEO and BN Backbenchers Club (BBC) chairman Tiong King Sing (photo), will be called in to testify in two weeks’ time. This was after announcing a couple of weeks ago that four key players in the debacle, which include the 3 MCA politicians, have been let off the hook and will not be called in for questioning.

Quite obviously, public outcry and constant lambasting from the Opposition parties must have played a major part in this about turn and also the decision to withhold payment of monies due to KDSB by the Port Klang Authority.

My fervent hope now is that none of them, unlike a former prime minister, will choose to do a Ronald Reagan: I don't remember .

Meanwhile, other MPs have yet to receive complete copies and appendices of the PriceWaterhouse Cooper report on PKFZ despite the exertion of pressure on the Dewan's secretariat and the Transport Minister to do so. They are expected to receive copies only after PAC has completed its investigation on the matter.

Sue lah but no moolah

2009-06-30T19:24:00.005+08:00

Malaysiakini today reports, here, that the Port Klang Authority is ready to face litigations by withholding RM660 million due to Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd for the Port Klang Free Zone project. PKA chairperson Lee Hwa Beng said the amount would not be paid to Kuala Dimensi until a full review has been done by a task force established on June 10.

The PKA was supposed to have paid RM660 million - alleged debts in the words of Lee - to Kuala Dimensi's Special Port Vehicle Bhd, Transhipment Megahub Bhd, Valid Ventures Bhd and Free Zone Capital Bhd in four parts this and next month. A total of RM330 million is due to be paid to KDSB by today (June 30) while a further RM300 million will be due in July.

An audit report by PricewaterhouseCoopers has revealed that Kuala Dimensi had so far received total payments of more than RM1 billion from PKA since 2007 for the PKFZ project. But KDSB's Faizal Abdullah was reported to have said that they have received only RM300 million or thereabouts. So in the words of my friend Shar101 ... what gives?

The following are the payment schedules obtained from a DAP website::

2007 - RM510 million
2008 - RM660 million
2009 - RM660 million
2010 - RM772 million
2011 - RM487 million
2012 - RM733 million
2013/2016 - RM170 million per annum
2017 - RM179 million

Total - RM4,681 million.

KDSB to Sue

2009-06-24T09:39:00.016+08:00

The Malay Mail yesterday quoted Faizal Abdullah (photo), the deputy CEO of Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB), that the turnkey contractor of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) has decided to set the record straight by taking the Port Klang Authority (PKA) and Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat to court three weeks from now.

He said the suit would be filed on the basis that PKA and Ong had allegedly painted "a bad picture" of the company that "damaged its credibility" despite it having delivered its end of the deal. Read about it, here.

The company also claimed that the PwC report insinuated that KDSB had colluded to defraud the government in the sale of land and the development of PKFZ.

Bully for you, Faizal.

To the uninitiated, Faizal is Kapar UMNO division youth head and son-in-law of my old friend Onn Ismail, the permanent chairman of UMNO and who at one time was both in the PKA board and chairman of the Pulau Lumut Development Cooperative, the original owner of the PKFZ land. Also in case everyone has forgotten, "Cikgu" Onn was also well known for having discharged his pistol in the air trying to quell a particularly boisterous UMNO division meeting in Port Klang some years ago ...

Never a dull moment, eh wot?

Bloggers Anonymous

2009-06-19T09:19:00.013+08:00

I have always been somewhat "uncomfortable" with anonymous bloggers and commentors who hide behind pseudonyms, unless I happen to know them personally. Although I respect their rights and reasons for privacy, especially in the case of whistle blowers, I have always felt that it is rather unfair to us bloggers who are very transparent and stand by what we say and write about. The very damaging proliferation of faceless "cyber troopers" who spread lies and hatred with impunity in the internet is a case in point. Baling batu, sorok tangan* as we say in Malay.

Recently however, the exposé of the true identities and photographs of some very controversial local bloggers leave a very bad taste in the mouth.

There is a rich history in the United States of protecting anonymous free speech. In attempting to maintain their anonymity, bloggers there have always claimed protection under the First Amendment. However, a High Court in London has ruled that bloggers have no right to privacy under British law since blogging is essentially a "public" rather than a "private" activity. Read about it, here.

Of course, certain aspects of free speech, like libel and defamation, are not protected anywhere. So to all my venomous anonymous blogger friends and acquaintances, clear the decks and watch your step.

* (Lit.) Throw stone, hide hand.

MACC Chief No Show

2009-06-17T19:12:00.003+08:00

In a breaking news, The Edge today reports, here, that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) affair was called off after Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief’s no-show today.

Despite getting a near-full quorum of 13 members of Parliament, PAC chairman Azmi Khalid decided to postpone the meeting to June 23 after MACC decided to send its investigation director instead of chairman Ahmad Said Hamdan.

On Ahmad Said’s absence, Azmi said that he probably has more "important things to attend to".

And I do hope that he was just being sarcastic ...

Hybrid-Malay Woes

2009-06-13T21:36:00.006+08:00

(In response to Shanon Shah's recent article about Dr. Farish Noor's "The Hybrid-Malay Malaysian Dilemma" in the The Nut Graph, here, my old friend, retired ambassador Dato Kadir Deen, sent this thoughtful note to his son Umran in London. Umran had asked, "Aren't we all hybrids?")

Ums,

Many, if not most of us are. Our family is definitely hybrid. Farish's story reminds me somewhat of my own circumstances when I was growing up.

I was born smack in the middle of Chinatown in Ipoh, spoke Cantonese (and swore!) as fluently as any Cantonese child and lived there until my teens. My mean Chinese neighbours (but most were good ones and you know some that I'm still friends with even today) used to call us "chee san" (pig worshippers because we don't eat pork) and a whole lot of other things. First school I attended was a Malay school, where I was called a "Mamak" or "Bengali" because of my skin colour and features (we are hybrids you see!).

I later went to the Anglo Chinese School (ACS) and in my class of 40 there were only 4 Malays. We were often picked on until we made some good Chinese friends who helped us defend ourselves. In fact I became a bit of a thug myself, captained the school rugby 1st. team when I was in Form 3 and not many would dare pick on me. I remember a Chinese teacher who didn't like me who once said to me: "You stupid Malays shouldn't come to school, like elephants you belong to the jungle!".

Later when I went to university in England I also experienced racism. Even when I worked as a diplomat in 8 different countries I would come up against racists. So my experience in life tells me that no one race has the monopoly of racism, we are all exposed to it.

Like Farish I would like to see a Malaysia where every Malaysian child, irrespective of race or religion, can aspire to be the Prime Minister.

Love always...
Papa

No PAC Probe

2009-06-12T09:49:00.006+08:00

Malaysiakini reported late yesterday, here, that the four key players in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) debacle have been let off the hook by the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and will not be called in for questioning.

The four are former PKFZ general manager OC Phang, former Port Klang Authority chairperson and current Deputy Finance Minister Chor Chee Hueng and two former Transport Ministers Ling Liong Sik and Chan Kong Choy. The reason? Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is the rightful authority to probe the four. "We feel it is unnecessary," said PAC chairperson Nazri Khalid.

Which passeth all understanding.

At the recent DAP forum PKFZ: Will Heads Roll? I had vowed that if nothing comes to naught with these high profile probes etc., I will take it upon myself, together with a few former Klang Port Authority colleagues, to initiate a class action suit or public interest litigation or whatever to see justice done. We believe that perhaps we do have some measure of locus standi as concerned citizens and former employees of the port to start both criminal and civil proceedings for breach of trust and to recover the monies from those involved in this heinous crime.

Not that we have much faith in the judicial system either.

PKFZ: Will Heads Roll?

2009-06-06T09:46:00.016+08:00

In 2007, the Ministry of Finance has already extended a RM4.6 billion soft loan at 4% interest rate to Klang Port Authority to salvage the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project. Now it appears that they will have to extend an additional RM3.56 billion loan to cover the cash flow deficit over the next 20 years! As projected by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), this restructured financing will cost an additional RM5 billion in interest costs over the next 42 years!

The question now is, will heads roll over Malaysia's record bailout scandal, especially with existing Barisan Nasional leaders implicated by the project? Should the government continue to support the project with up to RM8.56 billion in tax payers' monies or should it cut losses and make better use of the funds for the rakyat in other more productive means?

I have been invited to speak at a forum organised by DAP Malaysia to discuss the above and to shed some light on the issue. Panelists will include DAP Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, DAP Economic Advisor Teh Chi Chang and Transparency International's Tan Sri Dr. Ramon Navaratnam.

Date : Wednesday 10 June 2009.
Time : 8 pm.
Venue : 2nd floor, The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, No. 1, Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (See map below)

All are welcome.

View Jalan Maharajalela in a larger map

PKFZ Conspiracy Theories

2009-05-30T10:37:00.008+08:00

In the loo of the Subang Lake View Club recently, a well known journo friend who was at the forefront of the exposé of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, told me how put off he was at the talk of "conspiracy theories". I agreed with him. The RM12 billion fiasco was simply driven by one word: greed.

Now that the MSM and online media have gone to town with the story, there are calls to probe the big-time "puppet masters", sell off the PKFZ "black hole" etc., and the developers of the project are also threatening to sue. The latter I find very amusing since this will be akin to thieves suing a house owner for calling the cops!

My immediate concern is for the fate of my young former colleagues in the Klang Port Authority, especially now in the government search for scapegoats. Many were forced to do things which were against their principles and had signed cheques under protest etc. A few had resigned in disgust thereby losing their pension benefits.

Transport Minister Ong Tee Kiat has vowed that any "any decision on the PKFZ project will be made in the interest of the people." Lets hope that the decision will not jeopardise the interests of these little people.

PKFZ: Report to be Released

2009-05-28T05:14:00.011+08:00

In a breaking news, Malaysiakini reported yesterday, here, that the government has given the go-ahead for the controversial Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) audit report to be released in its entirety.

Klang Port Authority chairperson Lee Hwa Beng would be calling a press conference at 3.30 p.m. today to reveal the report, an independent audit done by PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC).

In his latest blog posting, here, Transport Minister Ong Tee Kiat suggested that he had fought a hard battle in his quest to get to the bottom of the controversy. “That journey does not end with the release of the report, which I have now directed Klang Port Authority to do so as soon as possible, once everything is in order."

"We have a lot of work to do to make sure that the findings of the report are acted upon and the interests of the people are protected,” he added.

Now this I have got to see.

UPDATE on Thursday May 28 2009 at 2000hrs:

The PwC report can now be viewed, here.

As the appendices are voluminous, they will only be made available for public viewing during office hours at Port Klang Authority at Jalan Pelabuhan, 42005 Port Klang for 2 weeks till 10th June, 2009.

Malay Rights

2009-05-24T13:13:00.005+08:00

My old MCKK classmate Dr Nik Azam in Kelantan sent this interesting take on "Malay Rights" to our alumni website which I think is certainly food for thought:

It cannot be wrong to say that we are in our present position because of the above. Every country has its uniqueness and peculiarities, Malaysia is no exception. Many in the world will find it odd that the majority group in Malaysia has special rights above other groups. This came about due to incidents in Malaysian history.

It is a basic human trait that every individual will always want something more than the next individual. This urge for empowerment is a bigger drive than just seeking simple survival. Man had fought duels, battles and wars and in the process he died young. He would have survive longer if he did not fight in the first place, but surviving and living under what terms?

The non Malays now clamour for the abolishment of these rights. Rightly so for them, they also seek empowerment. As a group we have to find smart ways to keep on to these rights but at the same time not to be seen as unfair. Our generation had benefited from them, it is our duty that our beloved ones who come after us are not deprived because of our follies. Do not read special rights here to mean just simple rent seeking.

America, Britain, Japan all have what they call as their foreign policies and strategic interests and the military muscle to back them up. They speak of equality of opportunity and equal rights but the basic is they want more for themselves and to safeguard what they already have.

All of us here are very Malay, is not our old school, the Malay College. So this subject cut across political party affiliations. We have to see that the present politicking do not affect Malay Rights. Party Keadilan is open to all races but 60% of voters are Malays, so they have to give leeway to this. Our classmate is not going to be the future PM if he does not come out with something clever on this issue.

UMNO by its very name is the party of the Malays and should champion our rights. But in the last general elections they received less than 50% of Malay votes. Very strange and food for thought for all of us and UMNO. The reasons are well known, UMNO to the majority of Malays is no longer the champion of the ordinary Malay, but are self serving for themselves. There had been so much wastage of the resources of the country. The non Malays shout that their children with strings of As do not get scholarships, but there are also Malay students with strings of As without scholarships. After the recent political setbacks, UMNO in the name of liberalisation had been giving away what in an indirect manner may touch on what before were considered as Malay Rights. In business and finance about 30 such changes were made, Hindraf leaders had been freed. They were the people who accused Malays of practicing apartheid.

The latest political happening in Malaysia, the Court of Appeal decision on the Perak DUN had been a victory for UMNO and BN, but is there any thought given to how the majority of Malaysians and Malays think about it. Are they not the voters who will decide future elections. The victory may prove costly in the long run.

Causeway to Remain

2009-05-23T09:00:00.009+08:00

Prime minister Najib has proposed to his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, a new 'straight' bridge to link Johor and Singapore in his first official visit to the island state. The bridge, which will be built on the eastern side of Johor, will be the third link between the two countries.

Najib said the third link will help bring development to the eastern side of Johor, in areas such as Pengerang and Desaru. This will also mean that the Causeway will remain as it is and the controversial crooked bridge will not be pursued further. Lee has even suggested that the Causeway be widened and the rail link improved to further ease traffic movement. Read the Malaysiakini report, here.

Read also my earlier posting: "Stupid Bridge", here.

This must surely come as a slap in the face of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir who has been pushing for a 'dog-leg' or crooked bridge to replace the Causeway. During the recent Bloggers Universe Malaysia 2009 (BUM 2009) dialogue in Subang Jaya, he had wisecracked that 'everyone' in Johor Baru wants his crooked bridge except for former minister Shahrir Samad.

I didnt think it was funny. I also thought that it was bloody presumptuous of him and most unfair to Shahrir, a long time Member of Parliament for JB who should be in a better position to gauge the opinions of his constituents.

Lets hope that this is going to be the last time that we will hear of the stupid bridge, but I am not taking any bets here.

PKFZ: Cabinet to Decide

2009-05-21T09:32:00.015+08:00

And I thought it has already been decided by the previous cabinet to make the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit report on the RM12 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) fiasco available in its entirety to the general public!

Unless of course this is going to be just another merry here we go round the mulberry bush.

News reports has it that transport minister Ong Tee Kiat seems to be the only government official who is adamant that the report is made public without any more delays. If this is true, then I will have to take back everything I have said about him.

Minister Ong, I do humbly beg to apologise.

The Klang Port Authority (KPA) board meets this morning to deliberate on general manager Lim Thean Shiang 's sudden resignation. Rumour has it that Lim has gone to meet Najib to retract his letter but Ong, who has accepted Lim's resignation last week has already appointed 2 new GMs to fill in both the KPA and PKFZ posts.

Meanwhile, the rakyat waits and waits ...

PKFZ: Day of Reckoning

2009-05-19T21:38:00.040+08:00

My sources tell me that Lim Thean Shiang (photo), the young general manager of Klang Port Authority (KPA) who took over from the controversial O.C. Phang barely a year ago, has tendered his resignation to the KPA board. A lawyer by training, Lim is also executive chairman of KPA subsidiary Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) Sdn Bhd. But unlike former transport minister Chan Kong Choy, I bet his hasty departure cannot be because of "health reasons" but certainly over the RM12 billion PKFZ scandal which has necessitated a government bailout.

I believe PKFZ will feature prominently in tomorrow's cabinet meeting. As such, I wouldnt be surprised if no action will be taken and more excuses be found to further delay or even stop the release of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit report in its entirety to the general public. PwC has asked KPA for indemnification of the report and this seems pretty reasonable to me under the circumstances.

It is believed that the PwC audit has uncovered practices contrary to rules and regulations, gross abuse of power, conflicts of interest, no accountability or transparency etc. etc. The culprits allegedly include politicians, members of the KPA and PKFZ boards (which unfortunately include my former boss Gnanalingam of Westport who was a member of both!) and also the then Minister of Transport.

It boggles the mind that the KPA board apparently was unaware of the agreements to form a subsidiary company for the land purchase! Neither was it aware of "corporate advisory services" for the 405-hectare PKFZ project until it was handed a RM130 million bill by a local consultancy firm recently.

Now dammit sirs, this isnt funny.

Other sources have also informed me that independent quantity surveyors have confirmed that the cost for the 4-star hotel in PKFZ should only be RM50 million instead of the RM90 million claimed by the contractor.

There is also a major dispute between TNB and KPA over the building of a sub station in PKFZ costing many RM millions. It seems that TNB has refused to cooperate, claiming that it should be only for less than half the cost!

Pray tell, what the bloody hell is going on here?

In view of all the above, I would like to urge the government to release the PwC audit report immediately, including all the appendices. I would also strongly recommend that steps are taken to initiate criminal and civil proceedings for breach of trust and to recover costs against all those responsible for this shameful episode.

Anything less would be simply unacceptable.

UPDATE on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 0930hrs:
Read also the report from today's the Sun, here.

(Photo source: Business Times)

B.U.M. 2009: The Event

2009-05-17T10:02:00.016+08:00

As a member of the organising committee for Bloggers Universe Malaysia 2009 (BUM 2009) Dialogue, in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, I shared chairperson Desiderata YL Chong's concern that we may not be able to fill in the limited 200-seat capacity at Subang's Lake View Club yesterday. This was especially with the Man U vs Arsenal match being telecast live on TV at about the same time. But our fears quickly dissipated with the arrival of our special 'surprise' guest, popular blogger and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir (TDM) a.k.a. Che Det (photo, right) and the national press corps turning out in full force.

Aside from pushing for his controversial crooked bridge to Singapore again, among other things TDM spoke about in his 30-minute speech was the fact that during his long tenure as PM, he never imposed censorship on the mainstream media (MSM) or curtailed press freedom. He suggested that perhaps the MSM practised self censorship because it tried to 'second guess' what government leaders want.

Read reports from Malaysiakini, here and The Malaysian Insider, here. On the other hand, perhaps as a measure or indication of this 'self-censorship' he was talking about, I couldnt find anything about our event in today's NST or the Star online.

P.S: TDM also admitted at a press conference later that he has stopped reading the NST, so perhaps this is something we do have in common!

Perak: Let's Go Back to the People

2009-05-14T05:47:00.013+08:00

You will agree with me that this business in Perak is getting a bit tiresome.

What boggles the mind is the foot dragging by the Perak royalty to dissolve the state assembly after repeated calls by many parties which now include Suhakam, Bar Council, Gerakan, MCA, Ku Li and the Senate president among others.

Even former PM Tun Dr Mahathir has said that the Sultan's role in the BN hasty takeover of the state was certainly not par for the course. And the Tun should know, for he was the man behind the many changes in the Federal Constitution affecting the Rulers' functions and responsibilities some years ago.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reports, here, that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has challenged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to hold a snap elections in Perak to solve the political crisis in the state.

"I want to ask why he is afraid of holding an elections?" he told the some 3,000 people who packed the Civic Centre Hall in Petaling Jaya last night.

Why, indeed.

(Costs? RM12 billion of taxpayers money is going down the drain at the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) and you want to talk about costs?)

A Day of Infamy at Perak State Assembly!

2009-05-09T18:13:00.024+08:00

(Source: The Star)

by Capt. Abdul Aziz Abdullah

The Prince was made to wait, while Assemblymen castigate;
Hurling abuses ingrate, at each other and officials of State;
In resplendent uniform innate, behaving more like primates;
'Tis a sad day for the State, whose Ruler was once prime adjudicate!

Why it came to this, do not require a thesis;
Once Rakyat's will dismiss, it invites action remiss;
What ought be basis, to prevent further crisis;
Many know what it is, few dare to act on this!

To assume ignorance, of pent up indignance;
With numbers imbalance, claiming governance;
May provide dominance, temporary sustenance;
Not for long continuance, nor stability assurance!

Why not dissolution, initiate state election;
Let Rakyat provide determination, their preference of faction;
To be in administration, to be governing sans confusion;
Bring state to progression, economic and political suasion!

The longer the acrimony, with semblance of anarchy;
Deeper into quandary, the state will be;
Sense ought be seen clearly, fair play epitome of integrity;
Resolve current ignominy, settle present ambiguity!

I pray to Almighty, provide 'em thought clarity;
'Tis the masses we pity, when elected reps be greedy;
Power-hungry they may be, heavy is their responsibility;
Never shirk accountability, do best for State & Country!

(A former colleague in Klang Port Authority, Capt. Aziz may just be Malaysia's answer to John Masefield. He now lectures at a local maritime academy)

UPDATE on Sunday May 10, 2009 (MOTHERS' DAY) at 1030 hrs:

A Homily to all Mummies!
by Capt. Abdul Aziz Abdullah

You nurtured me well, in your warm womb I dwell;
Causing you be unwell, nausea and others as well;
Yet you never tell, you never did spell;
The discomforts that befell, pregnancy unlike in eggshell!

When I entered this world, you treated me like gold;
Protected me from cold, sheltered me from dangers untold;
Mesmerised me with songs of old, cuddled me, oh, so bold;
You were savior to behold, you were epitome of love in whole!

When I was growing, you provide me everything;
At times saving scrapping, to ensure I had trappings,
Of a youth developing, to manhood so enterprising;
None was prohibiting, all my wants fulfilling!

The day I left home, to boarding school so lonesome;
You wept so woesome, unwilling to break our twosome;
I missed you awesome, longed for food so wholesome;
Yet, knowing you’re home, made me feel not worrisome!

You, in your wisdom, chose a spouse to end my bachelordom;
You ensured proper tandem, you prepared compatibility quorum;
Once own family became my forum, I visited you seldom;
Yet, ne’er you showed antagonism, granted me total freedom!

I focused on working, on earning a living;
Career concentrating, you appeared only in passing;
Occasions of joy missing, celebrations forfeiting;
Thought you were satisfying, monthly allowance receiving!

Call came unsuspecting, “Mum wishes you be accompanying”;
“To her grave!” – so startling, so very shocking;
I dropped everything, rushed home sans thinking;
Stayed with you till departing, fulfilled your wish – oh, ‘twas so hurting!

Mum, if only you can hear me – on this day so specially;
YOU ARE TRULY, AN ANGEL PERSONIFIED WHOLLY;
Moulded me successfully, though we’re just a level above poverty;
If I can only whisper softly, “I MISSED YOU, MUM, OH, SO DEARLY!”

Aziz
(an orphan)

(Hmmm ... orphan or not, this guy now owe me a nasi kandaq!)

The One

2009-05-08T15:12:00.006+08:00

My old buddy and former shipmate Capt. Jimmy Shroff in Mumbai wrote me about the implications of a belief in the reality of the One. Jimmy belongs to the small ethnic Parsi community in India and is a devout follower of the ancient Persian religion of Zoroaster. He wrote:

A central theme of most religions and most science is UNITY.

Religion names the unity as God or rather when we speak of the Unit in religious tones, we name the unit God. When the shy scientists disclose their passion they define their belief as the unity of forces.

What if this idea is true?
If there is just One, let us list the possible implications of a belief in the reality of the One, even if some of the implications appear astounding to us..

IF THERE IS JUST ONE, THEN ……

To read more, click here.

PKFZ: Damning Disclosure

2009-05-06T06:08:00.020+08:00

A day before the report on the controversial Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project is due to be made public, Barisan Nasional MPs were briefed by the Port Klang Authority (PKA) yesterday and told that the cost of the project is now expected to be more than RM10 billion*!

The Sun also reports, here, that among the findings of Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) audit report are that:

» No proper studies were undertaken before embarking on the project;

» Major decisions on the project were made without prior approval of PKA board;

» The PKA chairman and general manager entered into agreements without seeking the advice of the relevant government authorities;

» There was a failure to exercise adequate governance and implement checks and balances in the implementation of the project.

(These are things I have been frothing at the mouth harping for some time).

The report also detailed a series of conflict of interest situations, which include:

» Sementa assemblyman Abdul Rahman Palil was both the Pulau Lumut Development Co-operative (KPPL) chairman and a PKA director in 2002 when the land for PKFZ was sold by KPPL to PKA;

» Rashid Asari & Co, the legal firm retained by PKA, was also the same firm overseeing the inking of the sales and purchase agreement between KPPL and turnkey contractor Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB).

(Interestingly, current BN Backbenchers’ Club chairman, Bintulu MP Tiong King Sing holds a controlling stake in KDSB. Former UMNO Treasurer Azim Zabidi is also a director of KDSB!)

One contributory aspect to the PKFZ mess, sources added, was that several Finance Ministry regulations on transparent accounting practices were not complied with and that the advice of the Attorney-General (A-G) was not sought.

The audit report also paints a troubling picture of officials in the Transport Ministry, noting that so-called "letters of support" signed by a former Minister of Transport for the issuance of the bonds could be construed as a guarantee and that PKA would have to meet its financial obligations under such an arrangement.

The PWC report is expected to be made public today, with strong evidence of massive corruption, shameless cronyism and blatant abuse of power by those involved. I say we throw the book at them, make 'em walk the plank, or whatever.

* I was told that if nothing is done quickly, this may even balloon to RM12 billion!

UPDATE at 1930 hrs: In a breaking news, Malaysiakini reports, here, that the audit report into the scandal-hit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) was not released today as scheduled, due to “technical reasons”. PKA chairman Lee Hwa Beng has now put the blame on PWC which he says has "restricted access" to the report.

Didnt these morons specify the terms of reference of the audit?

My sources tell me that all that PWC insisted was that the report should not be used against them and that they are not responsible for the accuracy of the documents made available. This seems pretty reasonable to me under the circumstances.

I urge the Minister of Transport, Chairman and GM of KPA to resign ... NOW !

B.U.M. 2009: Update

2009-05-04T09:06:00.019+08:00

Bloggers United Malaysia (BUM) 2009.
United with Universe ... Seats are limited to only 200 pax and 12 days to go. Have you signed up yet?

Date: Saturday 16 May 2009

Venue: Lake View Club, Subang Jaya
Theme: 4th and 5th Estates — on Collision Course?

1. Morning Session: 10.30AM – 12.30PM

Topic: The Media - Civil Society’s Perspectives

SPEAKERS:

(a) Welcome address by Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Director, CPI

(b) Din Merican, Programme Director to PKR chief

(d) Philip Koh, Lawyer

(e)Tentative: Art Harun, Lawyer-Blogger

Q and A Session (30 minutes)

**** Buffet Lunch *****

2. Afternoon (Bahasa Malaysia) Session: 2.30PM – 4.30PM

Topik: Bagaimanakah Media Baru boleh menggalakkan pemikiran kritis masyarakat?

SPEAKERS:

(a) Faisal Mustaffa, Special aide to a DAP MP

(b) Fathi Aris Omar, Online Editor

(d) Dr Mustafa K Anuar, asst. Aliran secretary & Lecturer (updated 29/4)

Q and A Session (30 minutes)

******** Hi-Tea **********

3. Evening Session: 6.00PM – 8.15PM

Topic: Has The Old Media Failed Civil Society?

SPEAKERS:

(a) YB Jeff Ooi, DAP MP for Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
(b) Ahirudin Attan aka Rockybru, All-Blogs Interim President
(c) YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ADUN of Seri Setia, Selangor
(d) Steven Gan, Editor-in-chief, Malaysiakini.com
(e) R Nadeswaran, Editor (Special reports and investigations), The Sun
(f) SURPRISE BLOGGER-SPEAKER to helicopter in?

Q and A Session (45 minutes)

****** BUFFET DINNER ********

More updates and details here: bum2009.wordpress.com

Homecoming

2009-04-27T04:26:00.047+08:00

In a short while, I am going to hit the road south with a couple of travelling companions to catch a boat in the afternoon at Situlang Laut in Johor. We are going island hopping in Indonesia's Rhio Archipelago for a few days to visit the makam or mausoleums of our Bugis ancestors. A homecoming of sorts ...

Be back Friday.

Update on Wednesday, 29 April 2009 at 1800 hrs: Some photos ...

(With fellow waris at the makam of Daeng Celak on Pu. Bintan.
On far left is well known local artist Hj. Md Sani Md Dom)

(At the makam of Daeng Marewah with my cousin and namesake,
consultant surgeon Dr. Yusof Tan Sri Dato Dr. Mohd Said)

(Final resting place of sailor/warrior Raja Haji Fisabilillah
a.k.a. Marhum Teluk Ketapang, atop a hill on Pu. Penyengat)

(Makam of Raja Ali Haji, who has been named as "Father of
the Malay-Indonesian Language" by the Indonesian government)

(Gurindam Kesepuluh, part of the famous Gurindam Duabelas,
etched in marble at the Makam Engku Puteri Hamidah of Riau)

PKFZ: RM8 Billion Swindle?

2009-04-25T19:18:00.026+08:00

The Edge in its latest weekly edition today front paged the headline: Total PKFZ bill RM8 billion? In a 3-page cover story it has confirmed our worst fears: that this scandalous project built on GREED is going to suck up more taxpayers money now that PKFZ costs are believed to have ballooned from RM4.6 billion to RM8 billion! (Read also DAP Adviser Lim Kit Siang's take on this, here).

The Price Waterhouse Coopers audit report has been ready for some time but the Klang Port Authority and the Ministry of Transport are dragging their feet after having promised to release the report promptly to the public. The given excuses are that they are still getting Official Secrets Act (OSA) clearance for some of the documents involved in the report.

On the other hand, my sources tell me that there is frantic damage control and sinister goings on at the Port Authority to avoid some bigwigs getting implicated. They include a former Minister of Transport, a Sarawak tycoon who heads the BN parliamentary Back Benchers' Club and the outgoing UMNO Treasurer. O boy.

This government's credibility is wearing thin. We taxpayers must be told the truth. So I say shake a leg and out with the report, NOW.

Guess who came to dinner ...

2009-04-23T10:15:00.019+08:00

I was among several bloggers invited to dinner last night with Datuk Sri Dr Rais Yatim (photo, right), the new Minister for Information, Communications and Culture at the Restoran Sri Melayu in Jalan Conlay. The sumptuous dinner was hosted by my blogger friend Datuk Ibrahim "Tiger" Yahaya, who now heads RTM.

I didnt see any non-Malay bloggers around. Aside from my friends Pokku, Pak Idrus and Elviza who are fiercely apolitical, I was probably the only other non pro-BN "so-po" blogger present. (Now this will probably make some of my other so-po blogger friends get their knickers all tied up in knots again ... sigh).

After making some mild threatening noises recently, the Minister really had nothing new to add in his speech. But acknowledging the importance and impact of the new 'alternate media' and the internet, he made an impassioned plea for us bloggers to simply tell the truth, and nothing but. Granted that there are some bad eggs amongst us bloggers, but considering that Bernama and other government controlled MSM have been equally guilty of telling fibs and "stretching" the truth lately, perhaps he should also direct them to do likewise.

Or else, we might as well rename the Ministry simply as the "Ministry for Propaganda and Public Enlightenment" * ... or something.

* a la the Third Reich, that is.

PKFZ: More Clarification Needed

2009-04-21T06:59:00.014+08:00

The Malaysian Insider reports, here, that the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will seek clarification again from the parties responsible for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project whose cost is said to be exorbitant. New chairman Azmi Khalid said the PAC would call within two weeks all those responsible for the "RM1.8 billion-odd" project.

RM1.8 billion? Whatever happened to the RM3 billion?

In 2007, the PAC then headed by Shahrir Samad had summoned the parties involved for an explanation but "there are still matters to be explained further," he said.

If I can recall, Shahrir Samad had failed to summon the Attorney General for his take on the dubious land deal and the subsequent RM4.6 billion government bailout. ("Take" here means his versionlah). The audit report by Price Waterhouse Coopers is ready but Transport Minister Ong Tee Kiat has said, here, that it is up to the Klang Port Authority whether they want to release the report or otherwise.

Passing the buck, if you please. I am really getting pretty tired of this sandiwara.

Any bets that nothing will come out of this?

Unsavoury Characters

2009-04-16T21:23:00.013+08:00

To those who have been gushing over Najib's "dream team" new cabinet, sorry if this is going to rain on your parade but former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir has just declared that there are several "unsavoury characters" in the new line up.

In his latest blog posting, here, Che Det a.k.a. Tun Dr M wrote: "The exclusion of Khairy Jamaluddin, UMNO Youth head who was found guilty of corruption by the UMNO disciplinary committee but allowed to contest for head of UMNO Youth seem to indicate a desire on the part of the new Prime Minister to rid UMNO of the blatantly corrupt politician".

"Unfortunately the inclusion of several unsavoury characters who had been accused of being corrupt while in the previous Government, seem to negate this desire," he adds. However, he did not state who these "unsavoury characters" are.

Since Tun Dr M has also vowed to work to oust Najib from the premiership if he appoints corrupt leaders in his cabinet, I do not really envy Najib right now.

B.U.M. 2009

2009-04-16T14:44:00.015+08:00

Mark Saturday, May 16th 2009 in your diary for the Bloggers’ Event of the Year.

The new media scene has attracted a lot of interest after its influence and impact at the March 8, 2008 General Elections were duly noted by many quarters, both social and political. Bloggers’ Universe Malaysia (BUM) 2009 will be organising another day long session in a month's time at The Lake View Club, Subang Jaya, with the central theme: "4th and 5th Estates — on Collision Course?"

So as they say, watch this space ... or go direct to the BUM 2009 website for updates, here.

Stupid Bridge

2009-04-15T07:10:00.012+08:00

For me, Johor Baru is one hell of a depressing town. After more than half a century of BN rule it has degenerated into a filthy and crime ridden southern gateway for the country and an absolute disgrace to us all.

The Malaysian Insider reports, here, "Over the past few days, the mainstream media has been making a case to revive the crooked bridge across the Johor Strait, a project cancelled by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his early days as prime minister that irked his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad". It was also no surprise to me when the JB UMNO youth head was reported as saying that “The people of Johor are placing high hopes on the (new) prime minister to review the decision to cancel the crooked bridge project across the Johor Straits".

Oh no, not again, I thought. Whoever thought of this crooked bridge clearly has got their crooked brains in their crooked backsides. If it was meant as a panacea for all traffic ills then they have got another thought coming because it certainly will not solve the problem of choke holds on both sides (ends) of the bridge.

If it was meant to allow a safe passage for ships, its really a no-brainer because the Johor Strait is too shallow for ships and besides, the swing bridge (on left of photo) is only meant for small craft. This will be very expensive to maintain just so that a few millionaires can sail their luxury yachts through at our expense.

If it was due to environmental concerns to allow water on both sides of the causeway to flow freely, well, haven't they heard of tunnels?

I believe the Singaporeans are also not thrilled to bits about the idea in the first place and I doubt if they will change their minds soon, especially during this economic downturn. Their factories are retrenching workers and with about 300,000 Malaysians in Singapore who may soon lose their jobs, perhaps JB UMNO Youth should look elsewhere to fill their pockets. Lets just forget about it and dont make us all look like idiots of the first order.

Surprises, Surprises

2009-04-09T18:19:00.014+08:00

(Source: Malaysiakini)

I believe I am man enough to admit that I am wrong and I was really surprised that the 2-man personal police security detail of Najib, chief inspector Azilah Hadri and corporal Sirul Azhar Umar (photo) has been found guilty of the grisly murder of Mongolian beauty Altantuya Shaaribu some time in October 2006. I had expected them to go free since there was no clear motive for the murder and they never knew the victim from Eve. It was also never established whether the two had acted on their own or were directed to act by someone else. But this morning, Shah Alam High Court judge Mohd Zaki found them guilty and sentenced them to death since "the prosecution has successfully proven its case against both accused beyond any reasonable doubt" based on the circumstantial evidence that had been adduced.

But then again, this is not the end of the story since both men will be appealing to higher courts. Lawyer Karpal Singh, who was holding a watching brief for the Altantuya family, has said the battle is not over as he had filed for a judicial review to compel the prosecution to file an appeal against the acquittal of Najib's pal Razak Baginda, the dead woman's former lover. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here).

Another big surprise is the inclusion of Mukhriz Mahathir, the losing contender in the recent fight for the post of UMNO Youth chief, as a deputy minister in Najib's nondescript new cabinet which was also announced this afternoon. This must be a tight slap in the face of Khairy Jamaludin, the new youth chief, who has been left out in the cold amidst talk of the revival of 'Mahathirism' in the BN government.

Or perhaps I am not really that surprised either.

Fools on the Hills

2009-04-08T09:13:00.008+08:00

At this stage of my life, I do not suffer fools gladly.

When the by-election results were announced late last night with Pakatan Rakyat (PR) winning 2 out of 3 seats, the first thing that struck me quite honestly was those 14 independent candidates on the two bukits, who all lost their deposits ... what were they thinking? Or do I smell rats here.

I was also probably the only non pro-Barisan Nasional (BN) blogger at a lunch meeting yesterday, where the quiet consensus was that BN would win 3-0. These poor misguided youngsters will have to eat humble pie now.

And Muhyiddin has the gall to say that 'the feel-good factor' from Najib coming to power on Friday is still 'too new and has not sunk in.'

What 'feel good factor'? The only people who must have felt good about it are the UMNO/BN ship of fools, a delusional former apa nama prime minister, and of course those impoverished dayaks in Batang Ai, who obviously now truly deserve the government they have got.

The writing is already on the wall and the word is: CHANGE.

And change we must, lest we become a Nation of Fools too.

Loose Ends

2009-04-06T14:54:00.012+08:00

I think I am a reasonable man, with reasonable expectations. As an old salt, I have always been uncomfortable with loose ends*, i.e., when there is no simple closure or simple answers to simple questions, such as:

Who ordered the 'neutralisation' of Mongolian beauty Altan whatshername?

Where is private investigator Bala whatshisname? etc., etc.

I simply cannot accept pulling of rank by swearing to a higher authority in His house that one is innocent and had nothing to do with all these mysterious happenings and disappearances. I would if I was born yesterday.

One of the first things Najib did as the new PM was to release 13 Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees and also lifted the ban on two opposition publications. Big deal. He also espoused a new 1-Malaysia concept, whatever that means.

Sounds familiar? Before we go gushing over this, many of us old timers may recall that former PM Tun Dr Mahathir (Oh how we adored him!) also pulled the same stunt when he became prime minister. He released some ISA detainees but a few years later dumped many others into the slammer in Ops Lalang. Remember BCA for Bersih, Cekap, Amanah? Now where did that lead us.

More form than substance I would say. So lets not be bloody gullible here.

Lets not fall for the so-called 1-Malaysia claptrap either.

* Nautical etymology: based on the idea of a wire or rope with untidy ends that are not neatly tied or spliced together.

A Day of Infamy

2009-04-03T05:41:00.007+08:00

I didnt buy the rumours via SMS going around town that the swearing in ceremony of the new PM at the palace was being postponed from 10 a.m. today to a later date. Despite some cock-ups about protocol (read about it, here) and a petition by 81 MPs asking the King to postpone appointing Najib as PM until he was cleared of allegations against him, etc., I believe the ceremony would go on as scheduled.

The petition noted that "Lately the DPM has been implicated in many scandals such as the commission for the purchase of French submarines. The most shocking is the murder of the Mongolian woman in which his name has been implicated. This has been published by newspapers around the world.

“Because of all these things and the fact that the position of the PM is very important, it is appropriate for Seri Paduka Baginda postpone the swearing-in ceremony of the PM until all the allegations are investigated by an independent commission and his name is cleared.’’

I am not really surprised that His Majesty has chosen to ignore this petition.

Folks, our nightmare has just begun.

April Monkeys

2009-04-01T09:49:00.007+08:00

In the run-up to the April 7 by-elections, the opposition is now barred from bringing up a number of controversial issues including the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in their electoral campaign. This was announced by Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar, probably as his last hurrah if he cannot make it into incoming premier Najib's "dream team". (Read the Malaysiakini report, here).

This must really take the cake especially since the poor dead woman's name is now already well known in every town and kampung in this country.

My old classmate Dr Nik Azam in Kelantan writes of his kampung coconut plucker who has named his female monkey "Altantuya" and happens to be a staunch "dacing" or BN supporter. Not to be outdone, his only business rival in the same kampung who is a "bulan" or PAS supporter has named his male monkey "Razak Baginda".

Now what will our men in blue make of this?

Sokmo mu, Pak Habib. Benata beruk.

CIMB Woes

2009-03-30T17:22:00.013+08:00

Last month I blogged, here, about a worsening ownership battle for a planned Malaysian ship bunkering facility, the Asia Petroleum Hub, on a reclaimed island in Johor to rival Singapore’s which is threatening to derail the project and could hurt CIMB, one of the country’s largest commercial banks.

The project leader, KIC Oil and Gas, has drawn nearly half of its RM1.4 billion financing facility from CIMB to fund construction work. But it has failed to resolve problems with another key shareholder Seaport Terminal and this has prompted CIMB to consider suspending further funding for the construction.

Among the questions which arose then was why was the funding released by CIMB before the ownership problems are resolved. Adding to the mystery is an affidavit filed a few years ago in Singapore, here, in a suit between KIC and an ex-employee that the salary offered by KIC was only for "budgetary" purposes in a "dummy" contract which was used for the purpose of obtaining loans.

Meanwhile, The Malaysian Insider has today reported, here, that CIMB has asked its 36,000 employees to consider taking up to 6 months of no-pay leave as it aims to cut costs in the economic slowdown, the first major Malaysian company to do so. However, Group CEO Nazir Razak (photo) has said there was no set target on the number of employees accepting the offer and denied the company was cutting staff.

If we are looking at yet another bailout again, Nazir certainly has nothing to worry about. After all, big brother is going to be the country's numero uno.

These people never learn. Thank God two of my children who were with CIMB have already left the bank.

Crocs

2009-03-29T09:36:00.014+08:00

On this lazy Sunday morning, I would like to share with you a joke about crocs (not those rubber sandals lah) which my old buddy Capt. Gian Singh Sehmi sent me. Enjoy.

Two crocodiles were sitting at the side of a swamp near a lake in Putrajaya.

The smaller one turned to the bigger one and said, "I can't understand how you can be so much bigger than me. We were the same size as kids. I just don't get it."

"Well," said Big Croc, "what have you been eating?"

"Politicians, same as you," replied Small Croc.

"Hmmm. Same here. How do you catch them?"

"Well, I crawl up under one of their Mercs and wait for one to unlock the car door. Then I jump out, grab them by the leg, shake the $hit out of them and eat 'em!"

"Aha!," says the Big Croc,"I think I see your problem. You're not getting any real nourishment. See, by the time you finish shaking the $hit out of a politician, there's really nothing left but an a$shole and a briefcase!"

P.S. Many thanks, Gian sahib. I now owe you a double patiala ...

Winners and Losers

2009-03-27T21:18:00.008+08:00

An anonymous reader wrote a one-liner in my blog recently: "Kamulah Melayu yang akan meranapkan bangsa sendiri". He didnt elaborate on how he came to this earth shattering conclusion so I consigned his remark to the trash bin.

It didnt strike this twit that UMNO, a party corrupt to the core, has lost its moral authority to govern the country and are destroying the Malays.

Najib, Muhyiddin, Hishamuddin, Zahid and that Sabah fellow whatshisname. A "dream team", my ass.

A big bunch of delusional and misguided 'youths' with Class F contractors and mat rempit mindsets elected Khairy Jamaludin, found guilty of "money politics" - a glorified term for bribery and corruption if you ask me, as the new UMNO Youth head. This makes him a prime candidate for a post in Najib's new cabinet.

The others voted in UMNO's Majlis Tertinggi are nobodies who do not really inspire much confidence, either.

Winners all perhaps but the losers are definitely the rakyat.

And former prime minister Tun Dr M did indeed vow that he will work to oust incoming premier Najib should he appoint "corrupt leaders" in his cabinet.

Over to you, Tun.

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-24T11:00:00.011+08:00

This Saturday 28th March 2009, 2,398 cities, towns and municipalities in 83 countries will be observing the WWF Earth Hour 2009, in a move to let world leaders know of the worldwide concern about global warming and demand action on climate change. In Malaysia, this simple act of switching off all lights for an hour will be at 2030 hrs. All are encouraged to do the same. (Go to the Earth Hour website, here).

Googling for more information on the subject, I stumbled on the fact that actually cattle farming accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than, say, the entire transportation sector i.e., all road vehicles, trains, aeroplanes and ships combined. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), bovine burps and flatulence in livestock production contribute 18 per cent of the greenhouse methane gas emissions believed to cause global warming.

In other words, cattle farts (kentut lembu) are warming up the planet!

But rising sea levels and the recent droughts and fires Down Under, for example, are no laughing matter.

Perhaps it is time now for all of us to seriously consider saying goodbye to McD, T-bone steaks and sup ekor ... and go vegetarian.

Sheeesh.

In the meantime, we can all also do our part in our own small ways. So lights off Saturday night for an hour at 2030 hrs. Afraid of the dark? Go light a candle.

UMNO: Beyond Redemption

2009-03-22T10:56:00.006+08:00

Quite frankly, if the ground would open up during an earthquake and swallow the entire PWTC building this week while the UMNO general assembly is in progress, I would be the last person to shed any tears.

In the first place, the UMNO that we have now isnt really the original UMNO of Onn Jaafar, which started the fight for the country's independence. After its deregistration during the 1988 constitutional crisis, former prime ministers Tunku Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn didn't even bother to 'rejoin' the new 'UMNO Baru' of Mahathir Mohamed, clearly expressing their disgust at what took place. About a year ago, Mahathir himself quit the party, also in disgust, expecting many others to follow suit but nobody of any consequence did.

In her latest blog posting, Nini Talk has it right on the button when she writes, here, that "In the present era of openness and transparency, it becomes all the more crucial to have leaders with very few skeletons in their cupboards. As the nation's role models, they must be looked up to with the highest regard. When they talk of integrity, they themselves must be examples of it".

The so called 'UMNO' that incoming premier Najib will inherit will be helmed by misfits, devoid of any morals, integrity and with plenty of skeletons in their cupboards. Since Najib as the next UMNO president himself has many Swords of Damocles hanging over his head, this UMNO is clearly beyond redemption.

As I have said before and I will say it again, that the country's future will be decided in the next few days by 2000-odd Class F contractors and their ilk really gives me the shivers. May God help us all.

Limbang

2009-03-20T09:59:00.005+08:00

What have the people at the government news agency Bernama been smoking when they went to town with the story a few days ago, that the Brunei government has dropped its claim over the disputed territory of Limbang in Sarawak? I had thought then it was damned sporting of the Bruneians. I also believe the Borneo Post even went a bit further claiming that Sarawak chief minister Taib Mahmud also played a prominent role in the negotiations.

A senior Brunei minister has since refuted this, saying that the claims on Limbang were never discussed during the recent meeting between Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and the Malaysian prime minister.

Today's the Sun frontpaged its headline "Red-faced over Limbang", here, and the news that foreign minister Rais Yatim is now doing damage control and making soothing noises over the fact that what we 'perceive' may not necessarily be the same as what they, the Bruneians believe. A simple matter of perception then, really, but irresponsible reporting can do a lot of harm to good relations between two very close neighbours.

After charges that many of us bloggers are indeed frauds and charlatans who shoot off our rabble-rousing mouths etc., etc., made by a pompous NST editorial some time ago (read my earlier blog "The Loony Fringe", here), what do we call this brand of journalism by government newspapers and agencies?

Klang's "Little India"

2009-03-19T10:18:00.011+08:00

(Source: The Star)

There has been a lot of hype in the Barisan Nasional owned mainstream media about the proposed change of the name of Klang’s famous "Little India" to "Medan Kelana" by the Majlis Perbandaran Klang. (Read today's the Star online's report, here). A lot of hogwash to politicize the issue and mislead the public, I think.

As a former long time denizen of Port Klang, I cannot recall ever seeing any signboard along Jalan Tengku Kelana (photo), which says that the place is indeed officially named "Little India". What everybody seems to forget is that it is only a convenient nickname for the neighbourhood, the same way that KL's Brickfields and even Singapore's Serangoon Road areas are also well known as "Little Indias".

Also the same way, I suppose, that Kuala Lumpur's Petaling Street or even Singapore's Selegie Road areas are also still today known as "China Towns" when the whole bloody city is one big China town.

Sheeesh.

Illegal Grab

2009-03-15T11:27:00.018+08:00

Rather late in the day and more than a month after the ouster of the Pakatan Rakyat government from Perak, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir (TDM) yesterday finally declared that the Barisan Nasional (BN) takeover of the state was not done according to the law. (Read the Malaysian Insider report, here).

"You cannot topple a menteri besar or a prime minister without a no-confidence vote in the assembly. There is no other provision," he said.

TDM said that BN should have done it properly and not "be in conflict with the law" as the courts may now rule that the Sultan of Perak has no right to sack a menteri besar. He added that a Sultan could only reject a candidate for one of his choice after an election but even this candidate could be defeated in the assembly by a vote.

Well, he should know. He was the man behind the past many constitutional amendments affecting the Rulers' functions and responsibilities.

An anonymous reader once commented in my blog that perhaps the Sultan only wanted to 'test' the legal system and laments the possible resultant 'collateral damage' inflicted on the rakyat. Anyway, lets see now if any UMNO hotshot would also like to charge the former PM for derhaka or treason or whatever too.

TDM has also vowed to work to boot out incoming premier Najib should he appoint "corrupt leaders" in his new cabinet. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here)

Hmmmm ...

Language Controversy

2009-03-09T06:11:00.024+08:00

(Source: Malaysiakini)

My late father Haji Ahmad Abdul Jalal was a nationalist. A school teacher who was active in the national Malay Teachers Union*, he had fought hard together with his contemporaries for the establishment of a Chair for Malay Studies at the University of Malaya many years ago. He had shed tears when he was invited to Pantai Valley to witness the launching ceremony and would have cried in anguish if he was still alive today to see his fellow teachers being bombarded with water cannons and teargassed by the police at Saturday's protest march (photo), for fighting for what he and his peers had fought valiantly for, half a century ago. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here)

But my father was also a pragmatist. My siblings and I grew up learning English by reading the Straits Times and the occasional copies of Readers Digest and the Dandy and Beano comics which he could barely afford with his meager salary. We didnt do too badly, I think. How many Malay parents would do the same today, I wonder.

Some years ago, I believe I did my bit for the national language when I served on a Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka committee to translate English nautical and shipping terms into bahasa. It was indeed a learning and eye-opening experience for me when I discovered that it was almost next to impossible to deal with many of the English words and terms without simply bastardising the same. Perhaps for this reason only that the courses at the Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) in Melaka, for example, are still being taught exclusively in English.

What I am really against is the 'flip-flopping' on the issue of the language to be used in the teaching of science and mathematics in schools, despite denials from the prime minister. This will be very hard on our children. (Read my earlier posting: "Don't belok-belok", here). On the other hand, high handed government action on peaceful dissent on the matter are not going to make things any better, either.

Perhaps Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah or Ku Li is the only UMNO leader worth listening to nowadays, but sadly nobody in the party appears to be listening to him. I agree with Ku Li when he says, here, that "UMNO is utterly alienated from its meaning, purpose and spirit. No longer the party of the Malay schoolteacher but of the power that directs water cannons and teargas at them. No longer the grassroots party of the Malays, but of opportunists who hide behind the Rulers while they fan hatred between the people."

* Persatuan Kesatuan Guru-Guru Melayu Semenanjung.

High Noon in Perak

2009-03-03T06:11:00.005+08:00

Perak is in deep shit. Will Dr Zambri's de facto Barisan Nasional (BN) government which has called any attempt to hold an emergency sitting of the state assembly this morning a “threat to national security”, declare emergency rule today? Well, your guess is as good as mine.

Its crystal clear to all and sundry that BN wants to cling on to power by any and all means by trying to stretch to the limits its advantage of incumbency to prevent a vote in the assembly today, which it may lose. I am also shocked at the way the police and state civil servants are also getting into the act which I believe is completely unwarranted.

Amidst the flurry of activity with the Executive now getting involved in the affairs of the Legislature, the one man who can put a stop to all this madness is keeping mum. Whither the Sultan?

Rule of Law

2009-02-25T05:37:00.029+08:00

"For as in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other."
- Thomas Payne (1776)

Perhaps my apparent lethargy and tardiness in blogging may just be par for the course. I see some of my ex journo peers are now also simply doing c&p of published online news material. Sheeesh.

But we cannot really blame them. The reason must surely be that all these happenings on the political front are getting a bit tiresome, old bean. All that mindless talk of derhaka against the Sultan and news reports, here, that the new Perak state government is consulting an English QC for help in the constitutional crisis confirms and points to what we have been saying all along ...

Its simply a matter of the rule of law, stupid.

That the lawmakers themselves do not seem to quite comprehend this must surely be very bewildering and mind boggling to some and gets my goat.

My old friend Capt. Gian Singh Sehmi sent me this old joke which I think is still relevant and funny:

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a policeman comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then, a Member of Parliament comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The Member of Parliament is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Members of Parliament all lined up waiting for a free haircut!

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the Members of Parliament.

D-Day for RPK

2009-02-17T10:18:00.011+08:00

Raja Petra Kamarudin. You either love him or hate him for he has the balls to take on the high and mighty. But today is D-day for him when 3 Federal Court judges will decide whether to send him back to Kamunting as His Majesty's reluctant guest under the dreaded Internal Security Act. I publish below what he says will probably be his 'final' message to his readers from his website Malaysia Today:

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin
16th February 2009

Tomorrow, I will probably be detained under the Internal Security Act. Anyhow, before we talk about that, let me start by giving you my prediction for the two by-elections scheduled for early April.

In 2004, BN won the Bukit Selambau state seat with a majority of 7,695 votes and in 2008 they lost it with a majority of 2,362 votes. (See the chart below). In the coming by-election, I forecast a voter turnout of around 26,000 and a majority of 3,500-4,500 for the opposition.

For the Bukit Gantang parliament seat, in 2004 Barisan Nasional won with a majority of 8,888 and in 2008 it lost with a majority of 1,566. (See chart below). This time around, the voter turnout will be roughly 42,000 and the opposition will win that seat with a majority of 5,000-8,000 votes.

Okay, I am forecasting this even before I know who the candidates are. Well, I have no choice. On Tuesday, 17 February 2009, the Federal Court is due to hear the appeal against my release from Internal Security Act detention and I really do not know what the outcome is going to be. Chances are, I have but 24 hours left as a free man and if I do not write this article today I never will.

On 7 November 2008, the Shah Alam High Court ordered my release from detention. The government has appealed this decision although it did not see the need to appeal the decision of the Shah Alam High Court acquitting Abdul Razak Baginda of the charge of murder without his defence being called.

I was in court last week to witness the performance of the three judges and what I saw did not give me much confidence. First of all, we asked for a quorum of seven judges, or at least five. But the court turned us down and fixed a quorum of only three judges. And two of the three judges appear to be hostile towards us from the word 'go'. It looks like my fate has been sealed even before the case goes to court.

Anyway, I know for a fact that it was not Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who ordered my detention. He was not even aware I had been detained. The order came from Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and since I am bent on making sure he never becomes Prime Minister on 1 April 2009 I really do not blame him for wanting to get me out of the way.

My friends and family want me to leave the country and to seek political asylum in another country. They feel I can still continue with the struggle in a foreign land. But I am against that as much as my wife pleads that I consider this. I am no quitter and I do not run. I shall stay and fight till the very end even if that is the last thing I do.

If I have to lose my freedom so be it. That is the price we pay for opposing the powers-that-be. But I shall not go quietly or make any deals to secure my release with those who walk in the corridors of power.

I was given an option. Take the money and become rich or go to jail. I refused the money and instead chose jail. This is my choice and no one can convince me to do otherwise. No doubt I will have to pay for this and it will be a heavy price that I shall have to pay. But this is the price of the struggle and the price does not come cheap.

I shall not submit. I shall resist till the end. I stand on right and I oppose what is wrong. "Amar makruf, nahi munkar", as Islam would say. We must uphold right and oppose wrong. That is not only the Islamic way but also the way of all religions. And even atheists believe in this, so you need not believe in God to subscribe to the concept of amar makruf, nahi munkar.

Over thousands of years countless people have met their deaths just because they stood on the side of right. What I have chosen to do has been done by so many who are now nameless and faceless. So it is nothing so special that I do which has not been done before.

My resistance will continue. But I will have to continue my resistance behind the barbwire fences of the Kamunting Detention Centre. It will now be up to you, those who are free, to continue where I left off.

My resistance, however, will have to take on a new form. I will no longer be able to write or speak at ceramahs. My voice has now been silenced. But I can still speak the words of silence, which will be my new form of resistance.

I shall no longer open my mouth or utter one word during my detention. I shall maintain the silence of a mute person. I shall not sign any documents of the so many documents that they make you sign when under detention. My signature is not going to be placed on a single shred of paper.

By doing so would mean none of my family members or lawyers would have access to me. Yes, that is the price I shall pay for 'not cooperating'. I know this and I am prepared for it.

I shall refuse all medical treatment and visits to the hospital. I shall refuse to accept any food and water supplied by the Kamunting authorities. I shall refuse to leave my cell or to meet any of the prison authorities. In short, I shall shut myself out from the world and keep to my own world of my eight feet square cell.

This action will mean I shall survive at the most seven to eight days. By the end of that period I shall be dead. I am prepared for that. They plan to imprison my body for the rest of my life. But I shall release my spirit from my body and will again be free. They can keep my body and they can do whatever they want with it. But they will never be able to keep my spirit. I shall separate my spirit from my body and deny them the pleasure of incarcerating me.

This is a decision I have taken and no one can make me change my mind. And this is probably the last article of mine that you shall read if they send me to Kamunting tomorrow. Keep the struggle going. I shall no longer be able to join you in that struggle. The work is far from finished. This country needs major political, economic and social reforms. The next two years are going to be most trying years indeed. And expect a snap general election within 18 months of Najib taking over if he does take over on 1 April 2009.

I lay down my life for this nation of ours called Malaysia. I will sacrifice myself for the sake of the struggle. There is very little left I can give at this point of time other than my life. For those who stood by me all these years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I go with a heavy heart. But my heart is heavy only because I have but one life to give.

Death is not the end. Death is but the beginning. It is the beginning of a new journey that none of us can escape and will one day embark upon. It is not something to be sad about. It is something to rejoice.

Please continue your struggle to make Malaysia a better place for our future generation. This country belongs to them and it is for them that we struggle. For some of us, our time is already almost up. We do not have many years left. Many have gone before us. Many friends who started out with us in 1998 are no longer around. But they left this world in the hope that one day Malaysia will be the country that we dream it would be. And that, too, must be our dream.

I pray and hope that the Putrajaya Federal Court will uphold the decision of the Shah Alam High Court to free me from ISA detention. But if it reverses that decision then we must be prepared for that as well. And if the Federal Court does what I fear it will do, goodbye Malaysians, my comrade-in-arms. We shall meet again, one day, although not in this world but the next.

Update at 1530: Malaysiakini reports, here, that controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin will have another week of freedom after the Federal Court today postponed his habeas corpus hearing to next Monday. This is to allow the judges to study the written submissions from both parties.

MCPXThis is to allow the judges to study the written submissions from both parties.

Another PKFZ in the making ...

2009-02-08T21:45:00.018+08:00

Asia Petroleum Hub, Johor

The Malaysian Insider, here, has quoted a Singapore The Straits Times (TST) report today that a worsening ownership battle for a planned Malaysian bunkering facility on a reclaimed island in Johor (photo) to rival Singapore’s is threatening to derail the project and could hurt CIMB, one of the country’s largest commercial banks.

It appears that the project leader, a little-known private company called KIC Oil and Gas, has so far drawn down nearly half of its RM1.4 billion financing facility from CIMB to fund construction work. But it has failed to resolve problems with another key shareholder of the project, Seaport Terminal, which owns both the Johor ports of Pasir Gudang and Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas (PTP). This has prompted CIMB to consider suspending further funding for the construction.

Questions are now being raised over the viability of the project because the government has decided to hold back on its pledge to put in place the necessary infrastructure, valued at roughly RM350 million for roadworks and other utilities, until the shareholder row is resolved.

KIC insists that it is the rightful developer of the planned petroleum hub after it won rights to lease the island in July 2005 from the Ministry of Transport, but Seaport is disputing the award on grounds that the MoT's move to lease the 40ha reclaimed island to KIC violates an earlier privatisation agreement the company had with the government.

TST has also reported that in a bid to resolve the stalemate, the Malaysian government has decided to dictate the shareholding structure for Asia Petroleum Hub (APH), the company which was awarded rights to build and operate the bunkering facility.

Under the plan, KIC was awarded a 40 per cent interest in the project, while Seaport Terminal was given a 35 per cent shareholding. The remaining 25 per cent in APH was split between two other entities. All four parties have yet to sign a shareholders’ agreement but KIC has led construction work for the project with funding from CIMB. Who is behind MoT's decision to award rights to lease the reclaimed island to KIC and why the funding was released before the ownership problems are resolved remains unclear.

Its crystal clear to me, old bean.

Derhaka?

2009-02-07T09:52:00.009+08:00

I have never been in awe of royalty since they are only human and not quite infallible. During my school days in MCKK, there were a few rajas and tengkus from the country's royal households amongst the good mix of blue bloods and peasantry in prep school and many are still my friends today. As a member of a proud Bugis clan from Linggi myself, I can trace my ancestral lineage direct to the legendary Bugis warrior/sailor prince Daeng Chelak, one of the famous Daeng band of brothers from Sulawesi who went on to found what are now the royal houses of Selangor and Johor. No big deal here perhaps, but this makes me as 'royal' as I want to fancy myself to be.

Charges of derhaka (treason) or lèse majesté or whatever to the Sultan of Perak levelled against Perak MB Mohd Nizar by members of the Barisan Nasional for refusing to step down are to my mind pretty silly, if not downright bloody stupid. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here). It is simply a matter of the rule of law and the country's top legal minds are still debating the issue in cyberspace. History books are also full of accounts of mighty emperors, kings, Marcoses, Idi Amins et al having been unceremoniously booted out for failing to heed the call and committing derhaka against the rakyat, the final arbiter of things.

The government of the day should be wise to try and learn from history.

Perak: A Right Royal Mess

2009-02-06T05:24:00.008+08:00

I do believe that the Sultan of Perak, a former Lord President, has erred when he refused to dissolve the State Assembly and call for fresh polls on the advice of his Mentri Besar Mohd Nizar yesterday. Even UMNO's Tengku Razaleigh, himself a royal, thinks so and describes the situation there as "shameful". Read about it, here.

"To formally test the mandate of the current government, whether in Perak, Sabah or the Federal government, the question must either be put to the people through state elections, or to the assemblymen through a formal vote in the dewan. These are the only tests that count in our constitutional democracy," he said."To remove and install governments in any other way is to violate the Constitution, erode the rule of law, and to run the risk of forming an illegal government."

Ku Li further concludes that "Legitimate authority can only be established through the democratic means spelled out in our constitution. Rightful authority is an entirely different thing from the brute power that can be bought, sold or seized by force. The invisible laws make our government, nation and society possible. I won’t begin to describe the harm we would do these things if we began to ratify power achieved without regard for the rule of law in this country."

Now I wonder WTF is Ku Li doing still hanging on aboard a sinking ship.

Greed to the Fore

2009-02-05T05:40:00.004+08:00

As Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim accuses Barisan Nasional of trying to form the state government in Perak 'by hook or by crook', here, my old friend Hussein Hamid in Adelaide, also a former MCKK classmate of Anwar, sent me this very sarcastic comment via Facebook:

"Live by the sword...die by one...and so it has come to pass that Anwar now has a taste of his own medicine. The defections he had once hoped to happen has finally started its long predicted momentum but alas it has gone against him. Like Pak Lah the momentum was there for him to seize when the opposition won control of five states in the last election - but the heady days of victory and power was too exciting to let go - and playing politics rather then governing became the norm.

And now the end will start to come not only for Anwar but for the grand design that came with the victory at the last election - and as always God is on the side of those with money and big armies...and as always we await the return of rampant corruption, greed and money politics as UMNO return to the fore with Najib at its apex. Did the Rakyat really thought that Truth, Justice and Fairness will really prevail? Do they not know that greed overcomes all other consideration? Amen."

HH has also started his own blog: Steadyaku47. Go visit, here.

Frogs

2009-02-02T10:56:00.012+08:00

As for the current political turmoil in the state of Perak (read yesterday's The Malaysian Insider report, here), I have no problems if people want to hop and jump like frogs or defect like rats deserting a sinking ship. To me its simply a matter of personal survival old bean, but if it is the other way around then we do have to question their sanity. It pains me to discuss morality and integrity bla-bla when the whole game stinks to high heaven.

With DPM Najib smelling like roses especially after the recent IJN and KLIA East episodes, I do wonder whether all these are just elaborately crafted but badly scripted wayang kulit for the masses? After all, he has unfortunately or otherwise been associated with 'missing persons' before and I have a sneaking suspicion that there is more than meets the eye here.

Perhaps instead of introducing an anti-party hopping law, which may be against the 'freedom of association' proviso in the Federal Constitution, it may just be wise to consider Pas vice-president Husam Musa's call for a dissolution of parliament for fresh polls as a better option.

Lets see if this government has the gumption to seek a fresh mandate instead of resorting to cloak-and-dagger chicanery to stay in power.

Update at 1630hrs: In a breaking news, Malaysiakini reports, here, that PKR Ipoh Barat division head Fauzi Muda has leveled the damning claim in a statutory declaration that UMNO deputy president Najib Abdul Razak had tried last year to induce him to secure the crossover of two Pakatan Rakyat representatives in Perak for RM50 million. Sheeesh.

On-Off KLIA East

2009-01-31T10:15:00.010+08:00

The controversial proposal for a new RM1.6 billion low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at KLIA East @ Labu has apparently been shelved following a meeting yesterday between DPM Najib and the two key project proponents - budget carrier AirAsia and conglomerate Sime Darby. This again is after a public hue and cry similar to the one I mentioned earlier in my previous blog. It possibly has also become too costly politically for the administration who must have feared a backlash. (Read The Malaysian Insider [TMI] report, here)

“The DPM played the role of an honest broker. He did not take sides but wanted to make sure that national interest was served. This could only happen if the new LCCT was built in KLIA but Air Asia’s legitimate interests and concerns were addressed,” a government official told TMI.

With the recent IJN brouhaha safely tucked under his belt, Najib must now be relishing his role as a so-called public saviour. But then the question which must be asked is why wasnt the parties involved forced to the negotiating table earlier? As pointed out by TMI, this episode certainly raises some serious questions over decision-making in the government.

Murder he said

2009-01-25T10:29:00.020+08:00

I find it rather disturbing that nowadays the powers-that-be will act on issues only after widespread public hue and cry. A case in point is the recent decision by the Attorney-General to reclassify the death of police detainee A. Kugan as murder and calling for the arrests of the policemen responsible.

Kugan, 22, was detained for questioning on January 15 in connection with several luxury car theft cases. He died on Tuesday while in custody at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya, allegedly due to assault. His family had become extremely suspicious of the numerous unexplained injuries found on his body. A second post-mortem autopsy on the deceased will be conducted today, three days after the family had called off his funeral.

Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar had caused a stir earlier when he said that Kugan, who did not have any past criminal record, died due to 'fluids in the lungs'. He also claimed that there was no foul play involved.

The integrity, accountability and transparency of the Royal Malaysian Police and the AG's office in issuing statements, just to create an atmosphere to subdue public outcry, are now seriously in question. It will surely take more than a simple PR exercise for the police and the AG to regain the respect and trust of the rakyat. I believe there have been some 1535 deaths in police custody between 2003 and 2007. An alarming number indeed. A truly Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) does really seem to be very relevant now.

Here's wishing a hearty Gong Xi Fa Cai to all my Chinese friends.

We will not go down (Song for Gaza)

2009-01-23T21:20:00.003+08:00

East Coast Disaster

2009-01-18T11:30:00.010+08:00

For the ruling Barisan Nasional, that is.

Although he has dismissed it only as a 'minor setback', losing a parliamentary 'buy" election in a Malay heartland again must surely be very painful for PM-in-waiting Najib, who had tirelessly led the BN campaign in Kuala Terengganu. And if even MCA's Ong Takut Kata is convinced when he 'was told' that the KT Chinese support for BN has actually increased, then its either these BN people are just thick or in a permanent state of denial.

Even Ku Li, here , has called the loss more than a "referendum" on the leadership. "We lost because of a national problem. The rakyat reject UMNO in its present form and style, and they reject its leadership," he said. But the immediate response from the leadership, yet again, is that "this should not be interpreted as voters having spurned BN".

Sheeesh.

Kuala Terengganu

2009-01-14T10:36:00.039+08:00

I have never really been to Kuala Terengganu (KT), only passing briefly through the town center a few months ago after visiting the new Crystal Mosque (photo) complex, the only place there worth seeing, I think. I was then on my way for a few days of beach bumming with some friends in Tok Bali, Kelantan. Earlier, the furthest place up north on the east coast I have been to was Kertih, where a few years ago I did a couple of consultancy and audit jobs with some associates for the Petronas port. Driving through shabby towns, kampungs and countryside, we could not then really see where the billions in oil royalty money went.

When blogger Rocky asked me yesterday at Tok Mommy's MRT why I am not in KT with our other blogger friends for the parliamentary by-election there this weekend, I had to confess that I cannot even remember the names of the three candidates. I can recall there is somewan called Wan something or other and that's about it. Unlike Permatang Pauh, for me KT is just another minor 'empire skirmish' for the ruling party and I seriously doubt that the outcome will change anything or make much of a difference to the status quo in the short term. Besides, I am also currently up to my bloody ears in work.

My blogger friend Shar101 is rightfully peeved, here, I think, about the 'dirty tricks' and 'heavy guns' from Putrajaya being brought to bear in the by-election. Nothing surprising here, old bean. But in the final analysis, it is really up to the oghang Kuala Teganung to decide and I hope they will, wisely.

Palestine Relief Fund

2009-01-08T16:25:00.017+08:00

Martyred Children of Gaza

There's absolutely no excuse for the above.

While big brother the US of A slumbers in between presidents, more than 700 Palestinians, 219 of which are children, have been killed by the Israeli army. More than 3000 have been wounded. One now wonders whether the Israeli supremacists did indeed choose the right moment to murder Palestinian babies. Yet there is more to come.

MERCY MALAYSIA has, on 30th December 2008, formed an Emergency Response Assessment Team to face the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip and appeals to generous Malaysians to send donations. Contributions for the PALESTINE RELIEF FUND will support Mercy Malaysia to procure emergency surgical kits, medicine and hospital equipments to help the hospitals in Gaza.

Cheques to be made payable to “MERCY MALAYSIA” and addressed to: Mercy Malaysia, Level 2, Podium Block, City Point, Kompleks Dayabumi, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur.

Cash donations can be made via on-line transmission or deposit at CIMB Bank Account No: 1424-000-6561053.

Donation forms can be downloaded from here: http://www.mercy.org.my/main/images/stories/files/Donations/donationform.pdf

For further enquiries, telephone +603-22733999 or email: info@mercy.org.my

Please give what you can. It will make a difference.

Failed Privatisation

2009-01-07T09:24:00.025+08:00

One afternoon some time in early 1984, as president of the Klang Port Authority's Senior Officers' Association (SOA), I was summoned for a meeting with the then prime minister Dr. Mahathir at his office in Kuala Lumpur. Also with me were fellow presidents Ruslan Zainal of the Port Authority Staff Union (PASU) and Mohd. Nor Katim of the Harbour Workers' Union (HWU). The Government had then announced a 'privatisation policy' involving GLCs and other 'national assets' and the PM wanted to formally inform us of the intention to privatise (only) the port's container terminal.

Probably expecting some opposition on being made "guinea pigs" or whatever, Dr. M immediately took us to task in his usual style, but we just played it cool. We were actually quite enthusiastic about the idea and did not think that anything could possibly go wrong because the terminal, the country's first, was already then quite efficient and making money, lots of money. There was also talk that even staff not involved in the exercise would be given "pink forms' to acquire shares when the new company, Klang Container Terminal Sdn Bhd. (KCT), finally gets listed at the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange. KCT was fully privatised in March 1986.

I have now come to believe that with very few exceptions, as in above KCT case, privatisation as a whole in this country as initiated by Dr M, has failed miserably. The objective which was supposed to ease the government's financial burdens, increase productivity and lower costs have not been achieved. Instead, we have expensive bailouts due to corruption and cronyism, more complaints about inefficiency and the expected reduced costs have not been felt by the rakyat. Obviously, the intention was good but the implementation half-assed.

It took some agitation by a few bloggers, here, and the public at large, for Sime Darby to finally jettison its intention to privatise the Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) yesterday. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here). Why the proposal was even ever considered by the government has never been fully explained. One can only guess at the outcome that perhaps its because we have all become very disillusioned especially when there is lack of transparency in the whole process. Perhaps we just need change and perhaps also it is time we should now seriously consider "nationalisation" instead?

New Yam Tuan

2008-12-30T10:08:00.041+08:00

"Seperti pinang pulang ke tampuk,
Seperti sireh pulang ke gagang ..."

The Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, was proclaimed as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar or "Yam Tuan" of my home state of Negeri Sembilan yesterday following the death of his uncle, Tuanku Jaafar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman on Saturday.

The four undang or territorial chieftains from the luak of Sungai Ujong, Johol, Jelebu and Rembau have chosen him over the three princes of the late Tuanku Jaafar. An only son and at the age of 19, Tuanku Muhriz had been passed over by the then undang in 1967 upon the untimely death of his father Tuanku Munawir, the 9th Yam Tuan, as he was considered too young then. His uncle Tuanku Jaafar, then a career diplomat, was installed as Yam Tuan instead.

This must come as a huge relief for many of us orang nogori as we have watched with some anxiety and trepidation over the years the extravagant goings-on in the lives of the Jaafar siblings. Avid party goers, they have been busy filling the high society pages of the Malaysian Tatler, the men elegantly tuxedoed and their women dripping with jewellery. Of late, they have also been featured in the business pages of the local mass media, but perhaps for the wrong reasons.

I do believe the undang yang berempat have made no mistake this time.

P.S: Although he is a few months younger than me, Tuanku Muhriz was one year my senior at the King George V Primary School in Seremban in the late 50's. A good pupil, he had earned a double promotion somewhere along the way.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-24T21:04:00.005+08:00

Merry Xmas to all my Christian friends and a Happy New Year 2009 to all.
Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men.

Treachery... Again

2008-12-21T21:53:00.014+08:00

(Source: The Malaysian Insider)

Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat, who promised a couple of days ago to reveal all in the RM4.6 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) debacle, offered instead a gloating testimonial of his own apparent success in revitalising the scandal-ridden project that helped force his predecessor Chan Kong Choy out of office. Read The Malaysian Insider report, here.

Ong (photo, left) told a press conference today that the PKFZ occupancy rate, employment, investment status and cargo movement have increased since the change of management in May. Occupancy rate for all facilities had also increased, with the leased office block recording the most significant increase from one per cent in March to 19 per cent as of November. For open land and light industrial unit facilities, the occupancy rate is now 18 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. Most importantly, said Ong, was the number of employees in the area which had increased from 972 to 1,659 within the last eight months.

“I still can remember when I first set foot in the area, people said this is a ghost town,” said Ong.

Well, I have got news for you, Ong. I was there a couple of weeks ago and it was still very much a ghost town. The "1659 employees" must be invincible. But I am also personally involved in helping a foreign investor friend set up a factory with 2000 workers in PKFZ to be ready by the end of next year, which I believe will be one of the biggest investments there to date. So dont give us that bull crap.

Ong has also refused to blame his predecessors Ling and Chan. “That is the question that only they can answer at that point of time,” he said.

Which brings us back to square one. If this isnt treachery and deceit, then I dont know what is.

Same Old, Same Old

2008-12-19T05:37:00.011+08:00

Sorry folks for the longest break I have had since I started blogging a couple of years ago and believe me, I badly needed one.

Barely a couple of weeks now left before we say bye-bye to 2008, there was really nothing new happening apart from a repeat of an earlier disaster we didnt learn from, the usual crap promises we get prior to a by election, etc.

But for me, the only good news I feel worth mentioning is the fact that the report on the RM5 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal will be disclosed to the public by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) either today or tomorrow, so says minister Ong Tee Keat. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here)

Ong told a press conference yesterday that the MoT report would disclose, among other things, the chronology of events both before and after the change of guards at the ministry (under the then-minister Chan Kong Choy), PKFZ and Port Klang Authority (PKA). A separate report is being finalised by independent auditor Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC), which will be presented by the PKA as soon as PWC gets the green light from the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

Ong had earlier stated that his ministry's investigation is focused on the qualitative aspects of the matter, while PWC's audit looks at the quantitative aspect. The previous parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chaired by minister Shahrir Samad had failed to complete its probe on the fiasco.

Now lets see whether Ong will walk the talk and whether PWC will ever get the go ahead from MoF.

My Name is Khan

2008-12-07T14:05:00.047+08:00

(Click arrow to play)

Resplendent in black Malay baju, complete with samping and songkok, famous 43-year-old Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) award from Malacca state governor Tun Khalil Yaakob yesterday. The award carries the title Datuk and Khan is first foreign actor to be honoured.

The award was supposedly in recognition of Khan's indirect contribution to the local tourism industry, where since the filming of his 2001 movie, One 2 Ka 4 at a popular holiday resort in Malacca, the number of Indian tourists to the state has increased significantly, state officials say.

At a post-investiture press conference, Datuk Shah Rukh Khan also disclosed that he will star in a new movie exploring the issue of Islam in the post 9/11 world and the misperception that all Muslims are terrorists. The movie "My Name is Khan" tells the story of six people with Muslim surnames who suffer suspicion and prejudice years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

"Islam does not in any which way tell you to be violent," Khan said. "I think the whole concept of jihad, the whole concept of warring needs to be explained as Allah meant it to be in the Koran. (The film) is an attempt to try and do that in an entertaining way," he added. Filmmaker Karan Johar will direct while top Bollywood actress Kajol Mukherjee, who has acted in several hit movies with Khan in the past, will co-star. (Read today's The Hindu report, here)

There has been some controversy and protests by a few local artistes over this Malacca award. Although having been "weaned" on the old classics of Dev Anand and the legendary Kapoor brothers, I have never followed Khan's more recent Hindi blockbusters which I believe are very well received globally. But if his new movie succeeds in some measure to dissipate some of the anger and outrage being felt in India and elsewhere over the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, or help bridge the widening gulf between Muslims and non Muslims worldwide, then this state award from Malacca will surely be the least that he will deserve.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha to all Muslim friends.

Invitation to a Forum and Book Launch

2008-12-05T05:19:00.018+08:00

A forum on "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia" will be held today Friday, December 5, 2008 from 8.00-10.00pm at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall auditorium. Selangor state assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will be keynote speaker.

The occasion will also witness the launch of a book titled “Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia" and its co-authors Prof. Wan Zawawi Ibrahim and Jun-E Tan, will be present to speak about their work. Other speakers include representatives from the organizations collaborating in the programme.

Members of the public are invited to attend the forum which is jointly organized by the Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI), SIRD-Gerak Budaya, the National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs) and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).

The Forum was initiated mainly by the CPI YouthSpeak Section which has the objective of promoting discourse through writings and discussion at the CPI website coordinated by Wan Fadzrul and John Lee, and via public forums such as this, to encourage the youth of Malaysia to take part actively in the democratization process in the country.
____________________________
THEME: "New Media and Democratization in Malaysia".

Date/time of Forum: Friday, December 5, 8.00pm-10.00pm
Venue: KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall auditorium,
No. 1, Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur

Programme
1. Welcome speech by YL Chong, Editor, CPI
2. Keynote speaker: YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
3. Wan Fadzrul Wan Bahrum, CPI YouthSpeak Coordinator
4. Yeoh Lee Hin, CPI (Chinese) Web administrator
5. Jun-E Tan, co-author of "Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia"
6. Prof. Wan Zawawi, co-author of “Blogging and Democratization in Malaysia”
7. Teh Yee Keong, KLSCAH Representative
8. Ahirudin Attan, protem President, National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs)
9. Q and A session
10. Refreshments
____________________________________
NOTE: For further information, please contact:
YL Chong: 012-9702285
Helen Ang: 013-2240985

Letter from Mumbai

2008-12-04T05:38:00.020+08:00

My old buddy Capt. Jimmy Shroff in Mumbai writes tongue-in-cheek to the Times of India in response to the anger now being felt in India over the recent terrorist attacks.

His simple suggestion: Have a cup of chai (tea).

Or as they say in Cantonese: Yum cha (飲茶)

----------------------------------------------------
To: The Editor, Times of India

Subject: We do care… A cup of tea as follow-up to anger

Dear Sir,

What follows is a suggestion for the formation of an inclusive organization called "CHildren and Adults' Initiative International" or CHAI (International) as a long-term channel not so much in response to the 26-11 terror strike but certainly initiated by the apparently horrible event.

There is no comment on the immediate response being contemplated, whether resulting in armed conflict or not. We may justifiably shatter more human bodies but we must simultaneously strive to build up our more subtle bodies, namely the networked bodies comprising of our emotions and thoughts. We need to improve ourselves. If we expect to have high-caliber persons to represent us in government we need to be high-caliber citizens first.

The immediate action of caring for the injured and the orphaned also does not need any comment.

The main aim of the organization is based on what M.K. Gandhi says so beautifully: We must become the change we want to see in others….. and in the world. But the above is not so much an aim as a technique towards inching for the ultimate indisputable goal: To help us live at a higher level of joy, fortified with knowledge of our self. For the most beautiful concepts and constructions on this planet will tumble but the knowledge of our self will never let us down.

The terrorists have done their work well, meaning that without their conscious knowledge they have inflamed us with their acts, waking us and forcing us to act. If we act well we will be setting up a movement which will eventually engulf the world, not in a destructive fire but in the more powerful fire of love. Eventually the terrorist strike will be seen for the wonderful opportunity given to us.

Although all actions are initiated by our emotions and desires, the intellect and will are roped in to supply the means and the power to bring about the actions dictated by our emotions. A cup of tea will aid us in tempering our emotions so that we do not unknowingly initiate actions which may likely have self-destructive consequences.

Nearly 200 persons were killed during the recent terrorist strike. It is a sobering thought to recollect that a greater number of children have taken their own lives out of fear and frustration of not performing as well in their school exams as expected…… as expected by us parents, by us educators who hide behind academia minutia, and abetted openly by the rest of us taking cover in the corporations who demand the best and brightest of these children for cannon fodder for our own peace machines and machinations.

In other words, if you are not good enough you deserve to die and if you are good enough then you deserve to be given the honor of serving as cannon fodder.

There is no sadder experience than to watch your own child take his life, infinitely sadder than being killed in a surprise war attack. If the above is not terror unleashed by us on our children then perhaps you have another word for it. We have identified the two most important arena where change will be most beneficial to all of us : Schools and at our places of work:

AT SCHOOL

We must set aside some time, at least one period each week, to develop confidence of the children in their own power of thinking of the world at large and their place in it, of arriving at conclusions and eventually being given a platform and opportunity to act upon valid conclusions.

A little attention by us adults on the state of our children will convince us that the above time will have beneficial results. Doctors are complaining that they are seeing clinical signs of stress in children as young as first grade toddlers. At the same time these children display a higher level of knowledge than what we or our parents' generation ever did during first grade. These children are perfectly able to do original thinking and in the process be able to ward off stress that we adults, knowingly or unknowingly, bestow on them.

This so called Socratic method has been used with success in some Scottish schools. Children benefited by this well spent time in school will never fall into the trap of living and dying for other persons' expectations, not even for their beloved parents. So while we adults mess up the world let the children know about the state of the world outside their school, a world they will soon be inheriting, and give themselves and us a chance to do less damage and in the process live a more enjoyable life.

Life is a chance to dance and the basic enjoyment is obtained through the exercise of problem solving. Problems themselves are not a problem. A life without any problems becomes tragic and can lead to the only possible termination of life : death due to boredom.

PLACES OF WORK

Almost all adults work and many children too are ensnared in working at adult jobs. Thus a major portion of the human population spend a major part of their adult waking hours at their place of work. Considering this fact, the atmosphere generated from the attitudes of the top boss downwards play a considerable influence to generate trust or mistrust which in turn results in hostility or warm co-operation, not only in the offices but in the world at large. Wars, including terrorist strikes, and environmental problems are not something thrust upon us from the outside but are a direct result of our seemingly innocent life led day-to-day within our homes, schools and places of work.

The atmosphere at home requires no comment since all of us would agree that love is the unspoken binding factor to have a happy home life. It is only at schools and places of work we slip on our impersonal masks and become stiff as robots, slipping into our well worn roles as teacher and boss and students and employees with their own stilted protocol wherein the prime life enhancing ingredient of love is subdued or altogether neglected as having no practical value. The sorry part is that the place of love, the home, is also creaking under the stress of our unloving ways.

The old saying among our seafaring fraternity, that "a happy ship is a safe ship" has been personally tested for many decades and has been found true without any exception.

With the above introduction of focus for our CHAI international organization, we can slowly formulate the subsidiary aims, select our office bearers from our volunteers in every city, town and eventually every village, form our local, national and international agendas to make all of us feel included. For this organization will be an umbrella wherein each of us will be respected, wherein each of us can have a cup of tea without scalding others. A cup of tea has the amazing property of both warming us and cooling us down before we plunge into joyous arduous labor.

This organization can be many kinds of platforms for many kinds of projects. But it should never become a platform for any narrow-minded vested interests. We should never allow our CHAI to be hijacked for any dubious aims no matter how rosy they may appear outwardly.

The recent terrorist strike was different to earlier terrorist strikes and not just in the modus operandi. For this time many of the victims belonged to what may be termed as the jet set, not to be seen as a derogatory term. The victims at the railway station remain for the most part as faceless as the human beings killed in terrorist activities in Kashmir and other parts of the world.

Not so the persons killed at the two five star hotels and the Nariman House building. Many of them were highly acclaimed professionals, well respected in their fields and in associated social circles. They were articulate and used to independent thinking. Consequently the friends and families of the persons who were brutally killed are also of the same caliber. This was the one mistake the terrorists' puppet master has made which will see not only the gradual elimination of the terrorist but also an immense liberation in the world at large.

Have a cup of tea.
Cheers!

Jimmy Shroff
(A chai-walla)

----------------------------------------------------------
Update: Jimmy wasnt really kidding. Join him at his new International Tea House or Chai International by visiting the website, here: www.chaii.org/

How Now, Brown Cow?

2008-12-02T10:04:00.003+08:00

There was a time when I could roughly tell the state of the country's economy by simply looking out of my office window and counting the number of ships anchored in the harbour. But these days I am not too sure, what with conflicting reports in the media and feel-good assurances by politicians whose credibility leave much to be desired. As the year draws to a close, perhaps its time to take stock and ask the question, "What next?"

I am one of those who have been very disappointed that the Anwar Ibrahim-led Pakatan Rakyat failed to topple the federal government on Sept 16. But as pointed out by PKR president Wan Azizah at their recently ended national congress,"Victory is not just about winning in an election but the ability for us to stand up and fight again. Yes, Sept 16 did not happen but we must stand up and fight again."

"Now we are elected representatives, state executive councillors and state assemblypersons. Don't criticise Umno about this or that. What about ourselves?" she asked.

Bloody right.

Reading the headers in today's Malaysiakini gives me the shakes:

In UMNO polls, contractors rule

Mukhriz: Close down vernacular schools

Victory glee, hero worship dominate PKR meet

Intense politicking. Horse trading. Games of one-upmanship. Bla bla.

But at the end of the day, for the man in the street its the results that count.

Mumbai Massacre

2008-11-29T09:35:00.006+08:00

I have vivid and happy memories of dinner dances at the ballroom of the Taj Mahal Hotel (photo) and many lunches and dinners at the Leopold Cafe in the Colaba district of Mumbai during my pre-sea cadet training ship days there more than 40 years ago. So it was with profound shock and horror that I read that both places were among a few which have been attacked by militant Islamist gunmen a couple of days ago, leaving many dead and wounded.

My blogger friend MarinaM has also written about this, here, pointing to an online petition started by an organisation called Avaaz.org. This is to register our sense of outrage and extend our undivided support and show solidarity with the people of Mumbai at their hour of grief.

To sign the petition, go here:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_undivided/98.php/?cl_tf_sign=1

Yoga Ban: A Right Royal Concern

2008-11-24T17:39:00.026+08:00

Yesterday's NST online front page headline, here, says it: "Yoga Ban: Don't question fatwa, says Council" referring to the recent ban by the National Fatwa Council on the practice of yoga, a form of Indian exercise, breathing technique and mind control popular worldwide, by Malaysian Muslims.

But in a breaking news today, Singapore's The Straits Times headline screamed: "Sultan questions yoga ban" when it reports, here, that HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor has made an 'unprecedented comment bordering on rebuke' when he said that "Before banning Muslims from performing yoga, Malaysia's top Islamic body should have first consulted the country's nine hereditary rulers who are considered upholders of Islam here".

In his statement, HRH said he hopes that in future, any fatwa decision that touches on issues involving the general public should be referred to the Conference of Rulers to be approved first before it is announced. "This is to ensure that the process of channeling the fatwa decision is implemented wisely to avoid any confusion and controversy," he said.

HRH also said that the fatwa or religious edict on yoga is still not enforceable in Selangor because it has not been brought to the state's Fatwa Committee. "The committee will meet to discuss this matter in greater detail regarding yoga activities in Selangor so that a decision is not made hastily," he said.

None of the other rulers - including Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu, the current Yang Di Pertuan Agong - have commented publicly on the yoga ban since the Council gleefully went on a fatwa issuing spree recently which also include one for tomboys or 'girls who act like boys' or whatever ...

So how about a fatwa on the ISA then, eh?

Klang Chaos

2008-11-20T10:23:00.007+08:00

(Source: Star Metro)

Sorry for being too busy the past week to update my blog. I have been helping a friend who wants to build a factory in, you wont believe this, the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) in Pulau Indah. But I am glad I moved out of Klang and set up home in Kelana Jaya after I retired early about 10 years ago, especially after narrowly missing the havoc caused by the rain in Klang town yesterday.

There seems to be no end to the daily chaotic traffic nightmare in Klang. (Read the Star Metro online report, here). The new rerouting of traffic over the last two weeks is adding to the already utterly confusing and disorderly traffic situation caused by the ongoing construction works on a roundabout and a flyover in the town centre. This has also caused a number of fatal accidents. Having spent most of my life in Klang and suffering the never ending traffic problems there, I can understand the frustration felt by many Klangites.

Press Freedom

2008-11-12T17:22:00.016+08:00

For me, the subject first cropped up almost 40 years ago when as a young officer aboard a ship in a home port, I was visited by a relative* who was then managing the Utusan Melayu. At dinner, when asked by a fellow officer (an Englishman) about how free and independent were the newspapers in Malaysia then, he merely shrugged and said, "As free as we can be, bearing in mind that we need licenses to publish and these have to be renewed periodically".

Fast forward 40 years, the situation have changed but the requirement for licensing remains although several of the national mainstream newspapers have for the most part evolved into ruling party media organs. With news being skewed to reflect only government positions, these rags have begun to lose credibility and even readership. It is no wonder that online news portals and weblogs have become very popular, especially amongst the younger set.

Perhaps it was with this in mind that the government now no longer regards online news portals and weblogs as alternative media but as part of the mainstream and have proposed the set up of a Malaysian Media Council, to include bloggers' representatives. To my mind, this would probably end up as another regulatory body if laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Official Secrets Act are not amended first.

At a meeting of 40 editors and media activists and chaired by the Home Ministry's Chief Secretary to discuss the proposal yesterday, Ahirudin Attan a.k.a Rocky, who is the pro tem president of the National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs), was of the view that blogs and on-line portals SHOULD NOT be included in the proposal to set up the Media Council. He said that it was very ambitious on the part of the sponsors of the idea to think that a single council would be able to deal with old and new media. He suggested the formation of an independent Press Council instead. (Read his take on the meeting, here)

I truly and wholeheartedly agree. Just leave us bloggers be.

* Dato Idris Hj. Ibrahim, later an MP and founder of Pemadam.

Raja Petra Freed

2008-11-07T16:49:00.007+08:00

On my way to Port Klang this morning, I received a cellphone text message from my lawyer friend Elviza at the Shah Alam High Court that blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) is to be released by this evening. Justice Syed Ahmad Helmy had ruled that his detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) was illegal and unconstitutional. I immediately then made a detour to the courts complex to meet and congratulate RPK's indefatigable wife Marina, her lawyers Malik and Haris and the many supporters present.

The judge ruled that Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar had not followed proper procedure under Section 8 of the ISA to issue the detention order against Raja Petra. There was also no relevance for the minister to issue the order on the basis of mala fide. "I agree the formulation of the ISA was to protect the security of the nation and is constitutional. However, the court can review the detention order if it finds instances where the minister could have acted beyond his jurisdiction to issue the two-year detention order," he said.

In other words, it was implied that there was an abuse of power by the minister. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here)

Pak Habib, please resign now that you have made a complete ass of yourself.

Obama

2008-11-05T21:12:00.013+08:00

(Click arrow to listen to Obama's victory speech)

Americans yesterday elected Barack Hussein Obama II, a young African-American, as their first black president of the United States. The incumbent junior Democrat Senator from Illinois is expected to take office as the 44th President on January 20, 2009.

Congratulations to the American people who clearly voted for change.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reports, here, that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said the decisive victory signals a new chapter in the history of America. "The support that president-elect Obama draws from across racial, religious and generational lines parallels the sentiments felt by many Malaysians from all walks of life, who earlier this year cast votes in vehement opposition to the failed policies of an incumbent regime," he said in a statement.

At the end of his victory speech, Obama had said, "Yes We Can".

Malaysia Boleh?

Unanswered Questions

2008-11-03T06:06:00.017+08:00

When a blogger cum lawyer friend SMS'd me the other day from the Shah Alam High Court that Abdul Razak Baginda has been freed from charges of abetment in the Altantuya murder case, I couldn't resist asking her: "Is this good news or bad news?". She must have been absolutely flabbergasted when she shot back: "Haven't the faintest idea!"

Whatever it is, questions remain. The acquittal will not help the rakyat trust the judiciary as the decision reflected the outcome in a string of SMS messages from the PM-in-waiting and his lawyer bum chum, which the former had insisted were private and did not constitute an abuse of power. "Be cool," he had said.

So Razak is now free. But is our judiciary free too?

Has justice been finally done and should the people just accept the verdict?

The two para-military cops facing charges of blowing up the Mongolian beauty with C4 explosives didnt know her from Eve and the motive is seriously lacking here. So who authorised her "neutralisation" and why?

It'll be an insult to our intelligence to suggest that they did it for fun.

Whatever happened to and where is private investigator Balasubramaniam who had suggested Najib himself had an affair with Altantuya, only to retract it the very next day and then disappear into thin air?

Questions, questions. Perhaps to put an end to all these, everyone involved should just do a sumpah laknat in a mosque and be done with it.

Now that'll be fun ... and "cool" too, baby.

PKFZ Redux

2008-10-29T21:38:00.019+08:00

(Source: Malaysiakini)

In an exclusive, Malaysiakini reports today, here, that a six-member team from the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has begun auditing the controversial RM4.6 billion 'soft loan' provided by the government to Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), according to Klang Port Authority chairman Lee Hwa Beng. The assignment is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

On why auditing has been delayed - when an announcement on this had been made in May - Lee attributed it to procedural requirements. Indeed, this is welcome news especially since for quite some time I have been trying to confirm rumours that the audit firm has not even received its appointment letter.

Transport Minister Ong Tee Kiat had entrusted Lee with appointing the auditor and to assist the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should the latter conduct a probe. Lee, however, said there has not been any follow-up on the matter by the PAC since he took over the post. This is hardly surprising since to my mind, PAC under previous chairman Shahrir Samad had failed to complete its much-hyped job when it did not summon the Attorney-General to explain the dubious PKFZ land deal.

If you recall, the Sun had reported in May that Lee has stated that PKFZ was a bad idea to start with. “People have no confidence in the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) or PAC (Public Accounts Committee), so this (audit) is the best option,” he also said. (Read my earlier posting on this, here).

Lets hope this wont be just another extravagant exercise in futility either.

Happy Deepavali

2008-10-26T21:29:00.014+08:00

Happy Deepavali to all my Hindu friends here and everywhere.

Money Politics

2008-10-22T18:35:00.013+08:00

No less than UMNO veteran and foreign minister Rais Yatim has confimed that "the majority" of UMNO members were more interested in making money out of the election than in voting for the right person. (Read the Malaysiakini report, here). He said he had been asked to pay for votes in an upcoming contest for top posts, and warned that money politics would destroy the organisation.

So what else is new.

"The majority of UMNO people want to look for money and not for good leaders," said Rais, a member of UMNO's decision-making committee who is vying for the vice-presidency. ""We have been approached under the cloak of assistance and cloak of contribution. (But) I'm not a player so you don't see my marks going up very high," he told reporters.

In other words, if you dont want to play ball, you can kiss the VP post goodbye. This really doesnt say much about the leadership, eh wot?

Rais, who has been with UMNO for over 33 years, said money politics within the ruling party should be eradicated or it will "surely kill the party." He adds, "If UMNO cannot curb this practice, UMNO's future is done for because this has been (talked about) for the past two decades and it has not been curbed."

Well, since no one seems to be doing anything about this, I am all for "curbing" this corrupt party before it drags down the whole country into deep shit.

Meanwhile, the Star online also reports, here, that Rais told reporters that “If the scourge should take further hold in the party, it would be just better for UMNO to have a tender system so that anyone who contributes the highest amount can be a leader!”

Sheeesh.

The Last Honest UMNO Politician

2008-10-18T22:37:00.033+08:00

At the invitation of my second cousin Datin Halimah Said, I was back in my hometown Seremban this morning for the launching of Galeri JASA Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Said bin Mohamed, at her family home in Gedung Lalang. It was a most welcome homecoming indeed for yours truly to meet long lost kith and kin, also for a belated Hari Raya gathering.

Galeri JASA commemorates the life and times of her late father and my uncle Dr. Mohamed Said (photo) as the first elected Mentri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, the first Malay medical doctor and an individual of profound literary interests. The gallery houses rare documents of our Linggi-Bugis heritage, his medical research into rare tropical diseases such as elephantiasis, kwashiorkor, gangrene and others, his published memoirs and articles documenting his thoughts and challenges as the first elected MB of Negeri Sembilan after merdeka.

The launch was officiated by Tun Dato’ Seri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, who served as a young District Officer in Negeri Sembilan under the late Dr. Mohamed Said's administration. Tun Ahmad Sarji describes his former boss as "an outstanding Malay leader of impeccable integrity and intellect”.

Educated at the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar and later at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore just before World War 2, the late Dr. Mohd Said was a pukka upright gentleman of the old school and honest to a fault. He served as MB for two terms (1959 to 1969) and steadfastly refused a federal cabinet post as Health Minister under the Tunku, our first prime minister.

After his brief stint in politics, Dr. Mohamed Said went back to private practice for a few years before retiring and leading a quiet life, reading and writing his memoirs*. He passed away after a short illness in 1996. Indeed, his old wooden bungalow turned kampung kindergarten is miles apart from the palatial 4-storey mansion built by an also departed ordinary UMNO politician in Port Klang. (Read my earlier blog: "Rich Politician, Poor Politician", here)

To my mind, the late Tan Sri Dato Dr Mohamed Said bin Mohamed was the last clean and honest UMNO politician.
_____________________________________
*Memoirs of a Menteri Besar : Early days
Author: Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Mohamad Said bin Mohamed.
Publisher: Heinemann Asia, 1982 .

Scaredy Cops

2008-10-17T09:47:00.010+08:00

I could hardly believe my eyes when I read today's the Star online report, here, that a police beat base in the Chow Kit area of downtown Kuala Lumpur was closed down because it was in a location that was considered unsafe, according to Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

In a written reply in parliament to Dr Lo’ Lo’ of PAS, Syed Hamid said the beat base was located in a "dirty" area where there was a possibility of being exposed to contagious diseases. "The presence of criminals also posed a threat to the safety of police officers," he said.

Sheeesh.

Dr Mohd Hatta of PAS then suggested that Syed Hamid resign if he is worried about the safety of police in that area. "Maybe it would be better to put the beat base in army barracks,” he said. “The police are there to make a place safe. If they themselves are scared and run away, then how can we hope for others to want to be there?"

He adds, “And what is this about contagious diseases on Jalan Haji Taib? The only kind of contagious diseases that are present there are sexually-transmitted ones. Is the minister scared that his charges will contract such diseases?"

He probably have never heard of "safe sex" either.

Read also my friend Shar101's take on this, here.

How did these jokers pass muster?

2008-10-14T16:28:00.002+08:00

Looking at UMNO's line up as they play musical chairs, one begs to ask the question.

I have absolutely no respect for jokers* who cannot make it on their own steam but have to hang on to daddy's coattails to get to their exalted status. Heading the list is a mama's boy whose very integrity is suspect and stinks to high heaven. O boy.

And then there are the has-beens who think we all have short memories.

That the country's leadership will be decided by 2000-odd class F contractors and their ilk sends shivers down me old timbers.

Surely we Malaysians deserve better.

* Tun Dr M's word, not mine.

The HAI HONG Saga

2008-10-11T09:44:00.058+08:00

(Click arrow to play)

By the end of 1978, there were nearly 62,000 Vietnamese ‘boat people’ in camps throughout Southeast Asia. As the numbers grew, so too did local hostility. Adding to the tension was the fact that several of the boats arriving on the shores of countries in Southeast Asia were not small wooden fishing craft but steel-hulled freighters chartered by regional smuggling syndicates and carrying over 2,000 people at a time.
-TIME magazine, Dec. 04, 1978

The 1500-tonnne m.v. Hai Hong was an old coastal vessel and a regular caller at Port Klang until one fateful night 30 years ago on November 9th 1978, when arriving at the southern pilot station, the ship's master coolly radioed my Pilot Office for permission to proceed in on her own and anchor in the harbour.

It was fortunate then that one of the office staff remembered reading in the newspapers that the vessel had been sighted at sea a few days earlier off the east coast, filled to the brim with refugees. He promptly ordered the ship to anchor near Pulau Pintu Gedung at the southern approaches of the port. There was also no advice from her local agents, so the police, immigration, customs, harbour master and port health authorities were quickly alerted.

The ship remained outside port limits under heavy guard for a few months while the Malaysian government decided what to do with the 2500-odd Vietnamese refugees living in very cramped and deplorable conditions aboard the tiny vessel. Food, water and medicine often ran short of supply and diseases were rampant.

After initially ordering the vessel to go back to wherever she came from, it was only due to representations from UNHCR and after the United States' Carter administration and a few other countries agreed to resettle them all that the refugees were finally brought ashore by the authorities. They were taken to a makeshift and fenced-in camp in Cheras, along the new north-south highway, which had been specially built for the purpose. From here, they were all then flown directly to the USA and elsewhere in small batches, but only after long drawn-out processes which took many months.

Meanwhile, the Hai Hong was brought in to anchor in North Shore at the entrance to the South Port where she remained for some time after the owners and crew had abandoned her. Tenders were out to auction and salvage her for scrap but there were no takers. The ship was subsequently towed and anchored at a site out of the way of shipping traffic, off Pulau Tonggok in Selat Lumut near the new bridge to Pulau Indah and leading to West Port and the Port Klang Free Zone. There she remained for a few years until one day she took in water and sank, very slowly, into her watery grave and disappeared completely from view.

I hear the site is now a favourite spot for weekend anglers in Port Klang.

P.S.: Sorry folks, but I was getting a bit cheesed off with the turn of events in the local socio-political scene that I decided to write about something else instead in the meantime ...

Perlis Mufti to Quit

2008-10-07T09:00:00.021+08:00

There is a 'strong possibility' that religious leader Dr. Asri Zainul Abidin (photo) will quit at the end this month as the Mufti of Perlis. Malaysiakini reports, here, that he may retire one year early instead of serving out his full term till October 2009.

Dr. Asri confirmed reports of rumours that he will retire much earlier after serving as a state Mufti since 2006. He said he is under "great pressure" to do so but refused to elaborate. Internet reports have made much of the fact that he has been extremely vocal on several issues including the recent use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) by the government to arrest dissidents. (Read my earlier posting: 'Whither the Muftis?", here).

In light of the PM's power transition plan, Dr. Asri has written in his blog "Minda Mufti", here, on the responsibility of Muslims to choose leaders with integrity. He also pointed out that leadership change among Muslims is a major issue and leadership posts are not "spoils of war" to be divided at will amongst them.

I have only one request for the good Dr. Asri as his last hurrah before retiring: Issue a fatwa banning the use of the ISA ...

Enemies in the Blanket

2008-10-03T06:23:00.008+08:00

At this point in time, I do not really envy Anwar Ibrahim. The Sun online reports, here, that DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said any crossover by MPs to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is “deplorable and unethical”. He also said PR should not rely on “traitors and disloyal elements” from Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a new federal government.

Karpal now joins Tan Seng Giaw and Lim Guan Eng (responding to media request to comment on Tunku Aziz's (who?) statement on crossover MPs ...

With friends like these, who needs enemies.

Personally, I have no qualms about people who want to jump ship if it is for the common good. Morality be damned. The country is going to the dogs and I am all for whatever it takes to put this right. (Read my earlier posting: "And now, a word about jumping ship ... ", here).

My blogger friend Shar101 asks: Is UMNO’s future path and survival synonymous with the national agenda?

He opines, "top most in terms of a national agenda particularly after BN’s disastrous outing in GE12 is national reconciliation which UMNO, with its present ‘hand-me-down’ leadership transition plan, is ill equipped to provide because its own democratic reforms are virtually non-existent."

Disgruntled UMNO and BN MPs who want to jump ship should be welcomed with open arms. The national agenda should always take precedence.

Eid Mubarak

2008-09-30T04:32:00.008+08:00

Selamat Hari Raya Idilfitri to all my Muslim friends.

Maaf Zahir Batin.

And drive safely too.

To those of you going around the kampung with your kinfolk for takbir raya tonight, here's a little something to print and take with you in case you forget the words ...

(click on leaflet to enlarge)

Whither the Muftis?

2008-09-24T05:15:00.014+08:00

Some time ago, I wrote, here, that "on 18th August 2004, a group of 22 ISA detainees challenged the Malaysian Council of Muftis to make a fatwa on the ISA, which ex detainee Saari Sungib argued, violates 'principles of human rights and the rule of law enshrined in the Scriptures'. But somehow this was kept out of the mainstream media and nothing came out of it. No prizes for guessing why".

A commentor then wrote: "Kepada saya, ISA hakikatnya adalah perbuatan menunjuk samseng kepada Allah s.w.t."

To date only Dr. Asri Zainul Abidin, the Mufti of Perlis, has the balls to speak out against the use of the Internal Security Act or ISA. He said,"Islam bukan agama yang bacul. Perbuatan ISA kerana kesalahan agama seolah-olah hendak menggambarkan orang Islam tidak mampu berhujah, terus tangkap orang. Mereka akan kata mereka benar kerana kita takut berhujah dengan dia."

He adds,"Dari segi politik Islam atau siasah, kerajaan berhak menahan orang dan beri tempoh siasatan (14 hingga 30 hari) bergantung pada keperluan. Tapi kita tidak boleh hukum 2 tahun tanpa diadili. Ini zalim."

The operative word here is "zalim" or "cruel" and the ISA is indeed barbaric and hence downright bloody unIslamic. We also deserve the government we have got. Yet no one from the government has commented or dared to refute the learned Mufti's words and I half expected someone or other to say something stupid like "sometimes its necessary to be cruel to be kind", or some shit. So really its up to Anwar Ibrahim now to help us rid of this oppressive government and get Raja Petra Kamarudin and all the other ISA detainees out.

Perhaps we will also need to review the position of all the muftis in this country.

Breaking Bread with Ku Li

2008-09-22T08:59:00.012+08:00

I was invited to an iftar at Tengku Razaleigh's (photo) palatial "White House" mansion in Kuala Lumpur's exclusive diplomatic enclave yesterday. What was initially supposed to be a private dialogue with a few bloggers ended up as a full fledged press conference when what appeared to be the entire local press corps arrived much earlier than expected.

Offering himself as a candidate for UMNO president in December, "Ku Li" insists that he is the best man for the job because he doesnt carry any "baggage'. The veteran politician also says he is "friends with everybody" and doesnt need a pact with Muhyidin Yassin or anybody else. He also spoke of the possibility of forming a "National Unity Government" involving even the Opposition if the need arise, if he gets elected that is, to end the intense politicking in the country which is having serious repercussions on the economy.

On the arrest of Raja Petra Kamarudin under the Internal Security Act (ISA), Ku Li says it was a gross mistake since the man should not be deprived of his rights especially after he has been charged and awaiting trial for similar "offences'. He agrees that the ISA should be reviewed now that circumstances have changed and also in order to prevent future abuse.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reports, here, that blogger Syed Azidi a.k.a. Sheih 'Kickdefella, who was arrested under the Sedition Act for displaying the national flag upside down on his blog site has been released on bail after he spent three days in prison. "Sheih" claims that his detention was politically motivated and intended to send a stern warning out to other bloggers. "I am hoping that they will charge me," he said. "Then I can ask the prime minister to be a witness because it was his statement, saying that what I did was evil and malicious, which compelled the police to investigate me."

Public Disservice

2008-09-19T20:49:00.009+08:00

"My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought, that smears are not only to be expected but fought, that honour is to be earned, not bought."
- Margaret Chase Smith

They say that there is honour even amongst thieves, so perhaps its not too much to expect the same amongst our nation's law enforcement officers. After public uproar and with the release of MP Teresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng after being incarcerated, albeit briefly under the dreaded Internal Security Act (ISA), it would appear that our policemen are quite clueless and hopelessly eager to please their political masters. There is rampant crime in the streets but our men in blue are not just playing cops and robbers but also racial politics. Their lame excuse of "threat to national security" is now laughable and their so called "independence" is indeed questionable.

The ISA was supposed to be used only against violent terrorists and not politicians, writers and journalists. Now that Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) and Sheih Kickdefella are still in detention, I believe the police are still not too sure what crime these two scribes have committed. With their gung ho stance, I also believe that Anwar Ibrahim cannot really discount the possibility that the police might just go after him too, despite assurances by the government that there will be no more arrests under the Act.

There is great public disservice here. Like honour, respect also has to be earned, not bought, demanded or forced upon. It will be a long time indeed before the police will regain the respect of the rakyat.

Selective Persecution?

2008-09-18T05:02:00.008+08:00

I was appalled to read that another blogger, Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz aka Kickdefella, was arrested in Kota Baru yesterday under the Sedition Act. Malaysiakini reports, here, that Sheih, as he is popularly known and who works for the PAS state government, was detained at about 5 p.m. by a three-member plainclothes police team. His laptop was also confiscated.

In a posting on his blog dated Aug 23, Syed Azidi (under the title 'Siasat Kickdefella Dibawah Akta Hasutan') had written that a pro-UMNO website by a minister was calling for him to be investigated under the Sedition Act. It would appear to me that the police are quick to act on calls by pro UMNO instigators but completely ignore police reports by others.

Fellow blogger Haris Ibrahim of The Peoples' Parliament in his latest posting titled "Are you on this list?", here, suggests that "in the run-up to the impending takeover by Pakatan, many in the civil service, the police, the judiciary, the prosecution have gone beyond the call of duty to frustrate Pakatan’s march to Putrajaya". A list is being prepared "to try these opponents of democracy, these traitors who reneged on their duty to serve the rakyat and instead embroiled themselves in illegalities to pander to their BN masters".

Although Anwar has said that there will be no witch hunt, justice must yet prevail. But lets go for the big fish, the others are just "following orders".

A New Dawn

2008-09-16T15:16:00.012+08:00

(Photo courtesy TV Smith)

At a 15,000 strong rally (photo) in the 30,000 seat capacity Kelana Jaya Stadium last night, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim claimed that he has the numbers to take over the government and that he has sent a letter to the beleaguered prime minister requesting a meeting to discuss a smooth handover of government. However, Pak Lah has since pooh-poohed the idea.

In a breaking news today, however, Malaysiakini reports, here, that at a packed press conference this afternoon, Anwar insisted that he has in excess of 31 government defectors. He calls on the PM not to implement emergency rule to stop MPs from going to Parliament or arrest (government) MPs or stop them from joining Pakatan Rakyat during the takeover.

The Malaysian Insider reports, here, that the four demands that had been issued in the letter to the PM yesterday are that MPs are not stopped from defecting; the Internal Security Act not be used to detain defecting or PR MPs; a state of emergency should not be declared; and no roadblocks be set up to stop MPs from going to Parliament.

"We have chosen to take the soft approach and to be conciliatory. Then only will we move on to seek an audience with the King," says Anwar.

We shall wait and see. As I have mentioned in an earlier blog, who really givesashit about deadlines now as we look forward to a new dawn. And we are indeed living in interesting times.

Blog House Vigil

2008-09-15T05:27:00.020+08:00

(Photo courtesy BandarSungaiLong)

It was a last minute thingy, but about a couple of hundred concerned citizens of all races including young children assembled in the intermittent rain at the Blog House in Damansara last night for a candle light vigil. The meet was to show solidarity in support of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok who has been arrested under the dreaded Internal Security Act (ISA) and whose whereabouts are not known.

(Sin Chew Daily's Tan Hoon Cheng has been released after a 24 hour "protective custody", so says Syed Hamid who probably thinks we are all idiots).

Many prominent bloggers addressed the crowd, including yours truly (photo). Other guest speakers include Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and MPs Wee Choo Keong and Sivarasa Rasiah.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reports, here, that Pakatan Rakyat has announced a mass rally against the government crackdown on the eve of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's deadline to take power through defections from the ruling coalition. The rally will take place tonight at the Kelana Jaya Stadium. Be there.

The arrests have begun

2008-09-13T04:59:00.021+08:00

I have delayed writing about Raja Petra Kamarudin's arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA) yesterday afternoon because I had a sneaking suspicion that there was going to more, and I was right. This was after the ban on his website Malaysia Today was lifted and "Pete" had foretold that the BN government was up to something sinister. Read the Malaysiakini report, here.

Hot on his heels, Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and MP for Seputeh Teresa Kok were also nabbed by the police late last night under Section 73(1) of the Act. The former was arrested for breaking the news on the mamak boria, who got away lightly (read my previous blog) and the latter for allegedly complaining about noise pollution. These two ladies who were only doing their jobs are deemed by a desperate government, now in shambles due to infighting, as being a "threat to national security".

Sheeesh.

The rakyat is now expected to take to the streets in protest, but lets not lose our marbles like the way they did. Its now up to Anwar to make good his promise of sending these BN goons packing come September 16.

BN and ISA must go.

Malay/Muslim Hysteria

2008-09-11T05:11:00.014+08:00

Now that the hysterical UMNO mamak boria show in Penang is over with the chief protagonist just given a slap on his wrist, perhaps its time to ask some hard questions: How did this happen and will it happen again?

You can bet your sweet rasgoolas it will.

My old MCKK buddy Zaharan Razak (ZR), who shoots from the hip, says its just part of the Malay/Muslim psyche. Its time to throw out the baby with the bath water. For the liberation from the fear of their own shadows, he says,"Malays must accept the possibility that one day, if not Lim Kit Siang or Koh Tsu Koon, a Chinese will become the prime minister of Malaysia".

ZR further concludes that "Those who oppose this idea are either victims turned perpetrators or power and influence holders, seekers and their hangers-on who fear they will lose their moorings and bearings, their hoot and toot."

Read his blog: "I" of the Storm, here.

Press Statement

2008-09-10T04:40:00.009+08:00

Joint Press Statement by National Alliance of Bloggers (AllBlogs) and Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI).

SOS on Raja Petra Kamarudin to Fellow Malaysians

During the last few days there has been an ominous and increasing crescendo of messages – written and verbal – indicating the imminent arrest and detention of fellow blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

We hope that the Government is not contemplating this action. To alleviate the widespread public uproar and concern – national and international – that this shortsighted action will precipitate, we call on the authorities that may be planning this action to take heed of this SOS; to immediately cease all targeting of Raja Petra through the ISA or any other repressive measure; and to come out instead with an assurance that

1. no such ISA order is being envisaged to be served on Raja Petra

2. Raja Petra is free to continue his writings on the vital matters affecting the country

3. the draconian legislation of the ISA will not be used on Raja Petra or any other Malaysian blogger to punish them for their dissenting views and opinions.

In our view - and if the Government should care to undertake an independent survey, in the view of the great majority of Malaysians and non-Malaysians - Raja Petra in no way poses a threat to the country’s peace and security. Rather, he poses a threat to those individuals and organizations that he perceives as engaging in unconscionable and dastardly acts and activities that are bringing ruin to the nation.

Many Malaysians too are of the opinion that his website contains some of the most incisive analysis on the ills that beset our nation. Further attempts to take down his website or to shackle his freedom of expression is not only an attack on a fearless, principled and ethical patriot but they will also be construed as an attempt to restrict our freedom of information and expression, a move that will take the country further down the road of authoritarianism.

While we respect the right to freedom of speech and information, we also advise all Bloggers and other online writers to exercise the same high ethical standards expected of journalists in the traditional media. We do not condone lies and malice in the Internet and should not only stand by what we write - we must be able to defend the truth of what we write.

We emphasise that in our view the current laws pertaining to Sedition and Defamation apply equally to print and online media and should be deterrent enough to check “irresponsible” writings. Hence we urge that there be no resort to a draconian law such as the Internal Security Act to hold peace-loving Malaysian writers to ransom.

A democratic government should not for one moment entertain - let alone pursue - the charges that have been leveled against Raja Petra. To isolate those forces in the system that are bent on using the repressive instruments of the state against various opponents for their own benefit, we call on

1. all fair-minded and honest leaders from the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat parties to speak out - privately and publicly - against any attempt to use the ISA against Raja Petra;

2. component parties of the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to publicly oppose any intended incarceration of Raja Petra under the ISA;

3. civil society, professional and other organizations and private individuals to demand that the Government guarantees Raja Petra’s freedom of expression and undertakes not to use the ISA against him now or in the future.

We hope that good sense will prevail in our country’s leadership. Any act of repression against Raja Petra especially at this particular time will not go unquestioned or unanswered. We are confident that hundreds of thousands - if not millions of Malaysians – will stand firmly to make their dissenting views known should the Government choose to silence Raja Petra through the use of the ISA.

Statement released by:

Ahirudin Attan,
Interim President, National Alliance of Bloggers (AllBlogs)

Dr Lim Teck Ghee,
Director, Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)

Kuala Lumpur, 9 September 2008

Panic Stations!

2008-09-06T21:42:00.012+08:00

"My God. We should not create an unnecessary perception that we are afraid of Anwar, and look like we are panicking!"

- An unnamed UMNO MP to The Straits Times, here. He was dismayed to find out that Abdullah and Najib had endorsed the overseas "study trip" for 40 Barisan MP's which he had initially believed was a frolic of the Backbenchers' Club. This has sparked rumours of a bid to pre-empt crossovers.

Of course they are all panicking, you dumb twit. And as usual they are also in a constant state of denial. Again, another "coincidence" and in the holy month of Ramadan too, when they should be staying put with their constituents instead of going gallivanting abroad on taxpayers' money.

Meanwhile, its still 10 days to go and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said today in Jakarta that he is on track to meet the Sept 16 deadline to recruit enough members of parliament to topple the government.

The junket may indeed throw a spanner in the works but who really givesashit about deadlines now. The BN ship is already sinking fast.

Al Fatihah

2008-09-04T21:45:00.013+08:00

The great A. Samad Ismail is no more.

Just before iftar this evening, I received SMS messages from his daughter Maria a.k.a. Tok Mommy and also from his nephew, fellow mariner Capt. Kamal Kamarudin, that he has passed away at the Pantai Medical Centre. The funeral will be at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery after Friday prayers tomorrow.

One of the last few surviving national freedom fighters, Pak Samad as he was fondly known has been ill for some time. The first and the last time I met him was when I was invited to his 83rd birthday dinner by his other daughter, fellow blogger Nuraina, a few months ago. He was already bedridden then but when he found out that I was a seaman, he wanted to hear more about my sailing days, so I jokingly asked him,"How much time have you got?". And he laughed.

May Allah bless his soul. Al fatihah.

Wind of Change

2008-08-31T06:59:00.010+08:00

As we celebrate our 51st National Day, we don't really have much of a choice. Its either Anwar or the same old shit. He has been called all sorts of names, but the fact remains that after he had served his time, rightly or wrongly (and there are many others still getting away with murder), he has been brave enough to want to consign blatant racism in this country into the dustbins of history.

To those who still harp on what he did (or didn't do) when he was in government, go suck a duck. He wasn't the captain and the buck didn't stop with him, so stop pointing fingers at the wrong man.

I still love my country right or wrong and I'll be damned if I am going to let her go to the dogs with the morons now running the show.

Time for change, shipmates, so lets whistle for a wind.

To all my Muslim friends: Selamat Berpuasa.

Stifling the Voices of Dissent

2008-08-29T10:10:00.011+08:00

Malaysia Today Homepage

Truth be told, I have never even heard of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) until it ordered all 19 Internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to block the Malaysia Today (MT) news portal of Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) a couple of days ago, which must be a signal for the start of a crackdown of the blogosphere. The biggest joke must surely be the fact that as of this morning, MT is still up and running via a mirror site, here.

Home Minister Syed Hamid has defended the blocking of access, saying MT had ignored warnings against publishing "libellous, defamatory and slanderous" articles and comments by its readers. Sheeesh. Coming from a trained lawyer, this must surely be the stupidest shit among the drivel originating from this man's mouth. RPK has a democratic right to operate his website and there are enough laws in this country to charge him if he steps out of line.

Stifling the voices of dissent will surely prove to be this government's downfall. Don't they ever learn?

Update at 1500hrs: Malaysiakini reports, here, that former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today himself condemned the government for reneging on its long-held promise of not censoring the Internet - a policy in which he was the architect. He said the government's action shows "a degree of oppressive arrogance worthy of a totalitarian state".

Next Target: Bloggers

2008-08-27T21:15:00.014+08:00

After running out of excuses for their demoralising defeat in Permatang Pauh, the BN government is now expected to bring their heavy guns to bear on more convenient scapegoats: bloggers.

The Malaysian Insider yesterday in an article "Government to target blogosphere next", here, said the government reached a sober assessment that it could all end in tears for the Barisan Nasional at the next general election if tough action is not taken to counter allegations on the Net and hold owners of blogs accountable. This conclusion was reached during a meeting last week involving several Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

With the recent arrests and subsequent release of bloggers Bakaq a.k.a Penarik Beca and Raja Petra Kamarudin, it is believed that the government has begun a crackdown and will now come down hard on bloggers. This follows a disturbing worldwide trend as reported by a World Information Access (WIA) study project at the University of Washington, here, that since 2003, 64 citizens unaffiliated with news organizations have been arrested for their blogging activities in several countries which include Malaysia and the United States. The WIA report also predicts more arrests in 2008. (See table summarizing global blogger arrests below).

(Click on table to enlarge)