This applies to the five highways -- PLUS, SPRINT, Akleh, Besraya and NPE.
That's good news...for now.
My appeal to YOU -- please think carefully before announcing any hike! Make sure to deliberate long and hard....
Sakit jiwa, sakit hati dan sakit jantung tak pasal-pasal.....
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Higher Toll Rates!
Yeah....
Go on. Do this stupid thing like increasing toll rates. And in bad times.
Have you no compassion? Yes, YOU!
Road users will have to pay higher tolls for five major highways beginning March 1.
Go on. Do this stupid thing like increasing toll rates. And in bad times.
Have you no compassion? Yes, YOU!
Road users will have to pay higher tolls for five major highways beginning March 1.
The highways affected are the North-South Expressway (PLUS), Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link highways, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Expressway (AKLEH), Sungai Besi Highway and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE).
For the PLUS highway, it will be an increase of 5%.
This means toll charges from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah to Kempas in Johor would increase from RM108 to RM113.40.
A trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh would increase from RM26.50 to RM27.90.
For the Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link highways, it will be an increase of between 30sen and 50sen.
The Sungai Besi Highway will see an increase of 10sen, while the AKLEH and NPE will be increased by 50sen and 40sen respectively.
Sime Darby -- Moving On With Big Plans, And Better PR
Sime Darby chairman Tun Musa Hitam invited several bloggers for dinner last evening.
He was very frank about why he wanted to engage bloggers. They're key in what he terms the digital democracy and they (pretty much) did not make Sime Darby's proposal to take over IJN happen. And their attack on Sime Darby's role in the proposal to build the LCCT in Labu really screwed up things.
He felt that the bloggers did not really get the true picture or the full story about Sime Darby's position in these plans.
All that had not been easy for Sime Darby.
Tun Musa admitted that Sime Darby failed to explain its position in the IJN and LCCT-Labu plans.
He said Sime Darby's PR consultant, Fox Media, is no longer representing the company.
"We have terminated their contract," he said.
So, it's like starting afresh.
It's never too late, I always say. Because Sime Darby is moving on with more plans, more ventures. And more controversies, maybe.
After all, Sime Darby plans to increase it's plantation holdings from its current 600,000 hectares to about a million hectares in the next five years. It plans to be a major global player in plantation, of course, as well as engineering, properties and natural resources development.
It's got a lot of things going right now not only abroad but in the country.
The bloggers were Rocky's Bru (Ahirudin Attan), The Scribe (Datuk A Kadir Jasin), (The Scribe), Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong, I Am A Malaysian (Eric Woon), Outsyed The Box (Syed Akhbar Ali), CT Choo and me.
Also with us at the dinner held Sime Darby Convention Centre in Bukit Kiara were Sime Darby's president and group chief executive Datuk Ahmad Zubir Murshid and the head of corporate social responsibility, group communications and corporate affairs, Leela Barrock.
Leela, a former journalist (with Business Times and The Edge) was the one who set up the dinner/meeting.
I've never met Datuk Zubir before this. But Tun Musa is no stranger to me, Rocky or Datuk Kadir.
Tun Musa reminded us that he had always been positive about the blogs and bloggers.
"If you remember (looking at Rocky and I), at the launching of the book Tun Dr Ismail in Johor Baru in 2007, I autographed a book with, Bloggers of the world, unite," he remarked.
Yes, we acknowledged. We were there in Johor Baru at the function. And it was Rocky's copy of the book. Click HERE.
Tun Musa and Datuk Zubir spoke at length about the congolomerate's position and plans, and admitted "learning" from their mistakes (read: poor PR) in the handling of the IJN and LCCT proposals.
Tun Musa was candid about his role in Sime Darby.
"I'm going to be 75, you know....", Tun Musa said, half jesting about being Sime Darby chairman and having to deal with all that comes with the job.
Sime Darby is picking up where it left off post-IJN and Labu, with big plans and better PR.
But the way the evening went, Tun Musa (always so suave and witty) and the soft-spoken Datuk Zubir might as well have been Sime Darby's own public relations "outfit".
Do read The Scribe's posting on this HERE and Rocky's Bru HERE.
He was very frank about why he wanted to engage bloggers. They're key in what he terms the digital democracy and they (pretty much) did not make Sime Darby's proposal to take over IJN happen. And their attack on Sime Darby's role in the proposal to build the LCCT in Labu really screwed up things.
He felt that the bloggers did not really get the true picture or the full story about Sime Darby's position in these plans.
All that had not been easy for Sime Darby.
Tun Musa admitted that Sime Darby failed to explain its position in the IJN and LCCT-Labu plans.
He said Sime Darby's PR consultant, Fox Media, is no longer representing the company.
"We have terminated their contract," he said.
So, it's like starting afresh.
It's never too late, I always say. Because Sime Darby is moving on with more plans, more ventures. And more controversies, maybe.
After all, Sime Darby plans to increase it's plantation holdings from its current 600,000 hectares to about a million hectares in the next five years. It plans to be a major global player in plantation, of course, as well as engineering, properties and natural resources development.
It's got a lot of things going right now not only abroad but in the country.
The bloggers were Rocky's Bru (Ahirudin Attan), The Scribe (Datuk A Kadir Jasin), (The Scribe), Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong, I Am A Malaysian (Eric Woon), Outsyed The Box (Syed Akhbar Ali), CT Choo and me.
Also with us at the dinner held Sime Darby Convention Centre in Bukit Kiara were Sime Darby's president and group chief executive Datuk Ahmad Zubir Murshid and the head of corporate social responsibility, group communications and corporate affairs, Leela Barrock.
Leela, a former journalist (with Business Times and The Edge) was the one who set up the dinner/meeting.
I've never met Datuk Zubir before this. But Tun Musa is no stranger to me, Rocky or Datuk Kadir.
Tun Musa reminded us that he had always been positive about the blogs and bloggers.
"If you remember (looking at Rocky and I), at the launching of the book Tun Dr Ismail in Johor Baru in 2007, I autographed a book with, Bloggers of the world, unite," he remarked.
Yes, we acknowledged. We were there in Johor Baru at the function. And it was Rocky's copy of the book. Click HERE.
Tun Musa and Datuk Zubir spoke at length about the congolomerate's position and plans, and admitted "learning" from their mistakes (read: poor PR) in the handling of the IJN and LCCT proposals.
Tun Musa was candid about his role in Sime Darby.
"I'm going to be 75, you know....", Tun Musa said, half jesting about being Sime Darby chairman and having to deal with all that comes with the job.
Sime Darby is picking up where it left off post-IJN and Labu, with big plans and better PR.
But the way the evening went, Tun Musa (always so suave and witty) and the soft-spoken Datuk Zubir might as well have been Sime Darby's own public relations "outfit".
Do read The Scribe's posting on this HERE and Rocky's Bru HERE.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sex And.....the malaysian.
I hope you don't (mis)judge me or get me wrong for posting this article that was published in the Star today. It is one of the most viewed articles in the paper.
The heading is "Malaysians Not So Hot In Bedroom".
Now....wouldn't that just grab your attention.
Read on:
A surprisingly high number of Malaysians are not sexually satisfied, a survey by pharmaceutical company Pfizer has revealed.
The heading is "Malaysians Not So Hot In Bedroom".
Now....wouldn't that just grab your attention.
Read on:
A surprisingly high number of Malaysians are not sexually satisfied, a survey by pharmaceutical company Pfizer has revealed.
Two out of three Malaysian men and three out of four women are not satisfied with their sex lives, the Asia-Pacific Sexual Health and Overall Wellness survey stated. Malaysians are ranked sixth among 13 countries but, if it’s any consolation, Singaporeans fared worse. They are in eighth spot.
India topped the list with 70% of the respondents saying they were satisfied with their sex lives while Japan reported the lowest sexual satisfaction rate at 10%. “The Malaysian figure is higher than the overall Asia Pacific results where 57% of men and 64% of women reported being not very satisfied with sex,” said Dr Rosie King, who led the study in the Asia Pacific region from May to July 2008.
“The survey links the level of erection hardness to sexual satisfaction for men.” said Dr King during a roundtable discussion at a hotel here yesterday.
The level of erection hardness is measured in a scale of one to four using the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) developed by the European Association of Urology.
“Level one is like tofu where the male organ is large but not hard, level two is similar to a peeled banana where it’s not hard enough for penetration, level three is like an unpeeled banana where it’s hard enough for penetration but not completely, and level four is similar to a cucumber where it’s completely hard and fully rigid,” explained Dr King.
Selangor Sultan Stays Out Of Ms Wong's Case...
NST online:
The Sultan of Selangor cannot provide guidance or advice to Selangor Menteri Besar in Elizabeth Wong's case as it is still under police investigation and involved her position in politics.
Frankly, it is baffling why Khalid decided to seek the Sultan's advice on Ms Wong's case in the first place.
What did he expect the Sultan to say?
I'm sure he knew that that was unnecessary. It is unbelievable to think that the Keadilan leaders were of the view that the case warranted the palace's interference.
I am sure they expected this response from the Sultan.
So ...why turn to the Sultan in the first place? Duh.
Surely you can deal with it, with wisdom and integrity....
Also read Rocky's Bru HERE who has got the full statement from the palace.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Eli Takes A Break Abroad...
The NST online:
State executive councillor and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong has left the country.
“This is the darkest episode in my life. I have never felt so alone, vulnerable and humiliated. I need to rest and to search for peace of mind to get away from the stormy events surrounding me.”
Nuraina:I hope the break will do her a lot of good and that she comes out of all this, unscathed.
What? More on her private life? Emerging from where?
I'm sure right now, Eli does not know who her friends are. For certain, there are people who want to bring her down.
Let's hope that they get the rat (or/and rats) who are doing all this!
Will The Circus End?
Looks like there is no end in sight.
The circus of Perak politics proves one thing -- anything is possible in politics. In fact, it makes "pushing the parameters" seem so lame and tame.
Aah....as if I don't already know.
It goes both ways and it is practised by leaders from both sides of the divide. So let's not preach and judge.
Well, the way I see it, subterfuge, skulduggery and tricks are not any one party's monopoly. They are every political party's right of practice and to practise. Some have perfected all that needs to be perfected.
Can it get any worse?
State Legislative Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar has ordered that Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and all six state executive council members be suspended and barred from the state assembly for showing contempt for the House. Click HERE.
He has now threatened to have them removed from the State Legislative Assembly if any of them turn up for the next sitting. Click HERE.
Predictably, that decision has already been questioned.
A constitutional law expert said that the suspension showed that “the constitutional powers are being stretched to the utmost limit and quite questionably too.” Read more HERE.
The Prime Minister has asked Dr Zambry to lodge a police report against the Speaker.
So, you see. There seems to be no end to this circus.
But, heck. What do I know? I'm just a spectator. And I don't vote in Perak.
I know one thing though...the longer this goes on with the kind of shenanigans on display, the better I am able to assess....the situation, and (some) people.
The circus of Perak politics proves one thing -- anything is possible in politics. In fact, it makes "pushing the parameters" seem so lame and tame.
Aah....as if I don't already know.
It goes both ways and it is practised by leaders from both sides of the divide. So let's not preach and judge.
Well, the way I see it, subterfuge, skulduggery and tricks are not any one party's monopoly. They are every political party's right of practice and to practise. Some have perfected all that needs to be perfected.
Can it get any worse?
State Legislative Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar has ordered that Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and all six state executive council members be suspended and barred from the state assembly for showing contempt for the House. Click HERE.
He has now threatened to have them removed from the State Legislative Assembly if any of them turn up for the next sitting. Click HERE.
Predictably, that decision has already been questioned.
A constitutional law expert said that the suspension showed that “the constitutional powers are being stretched to the utmost limit and quite questionably too.” Read more HERE.
The Prime Minister has asked Dr Zambry to lodge a police report against the Speaker.
He said he had spoken to the MB about his suspension and felt that he should lodge a police report. Dr Zambry, he said “was of the same opinion.”
Dr Zambry himself has described his suspension (and that of the 6 exco members) as a joke and a mockery of the system.He said the Committee of Special Privileges which suspended him was not allowed to make such decisions without referring the matter to the state assembly.
“The committee’s decision is in total disregard of the Sultan’s power in appointing the Mentri Besar and excos,” he said, adding that the committee’s actions were deemed sub judice as there was a court case pending at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on his appointment. (The Star)
Dr Zambry accused Sivakumar of lying that he (Dr Zambry) and his exco members failed to give satisfactory explanations to the committee during the inquiry yesterday afternoon.
It won't stop there, I assure you.So, you see. There seems to be no end to this circus.
But, heck. What do I know? I'm just a spectator. And I don't vote in Perak.
I know one thing though...the longer this goes on with the kind of shenanigans on display, the better I am able to assess....the situation, and (some) people.
Al-Fatehah: Ibrahim Hussein
Very early this morning, I received a text message from my friend, Akramsyah and another one later from Salahuddin, about the passing of one of Malaysia's finest artists - Datuk Ibrahim Hussein.
To me, Allahyarham tiada banding dan tanding.
Affectionately known as Ib, he died of a heart attack at the Pantai Medical Centre early this morning. He was 72. He
He was founder of the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation in Langkawi.
He was buried at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery. Al Fatehah.
Read more about this great artist HERE and HERE.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Poll: No To Race-based Parties
(source: The Star)
KUCHING: Respondents to an online opinion poll have voted overwhelmingly for the abolition of race-based political parties in the country.
Some 90% of about 500 respondents believe that the abolition would result in greater social harmony and understanding among the various communities.
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar launched the poll on “Racial harmony in a balanced society” conducted by Kuching-based malaysiapollster recently.
Respondents were asked to answer seven related questions.
Poll analyst Goh Leng Chua said 7% of the respondents disagreed that doing away with race-based political parties could help enhance social harmony and racial understanding, while the remaining 3% were unsure.
He said about 44% felt that racial harmony could best be achieved by getting rid of politicians who play the race card.
Another 30% believe that education and inter-racial social activities, such as festivals, sports and inter-marriages, were the best way to promote racial harmony.
The remaining 27% favoured equal opportunity to all those in need, particularly the poor.
Goh said half of the respondents also felt that there was no need for a Race Relations Act in Malaysia.
About 92% of the respondents agreed that “Malaysians are a colourful example of racial, cultural and religious tolerance, living peacefully in a social mosaic rich in diversity, and we should proactively preserve and treasure our common destiny.”
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Heavy Price For Not Paying Your Dues....
I always believe that if you were on scholarship as a student here or abroad, you have to "pay back" in whatever form that had been agreed on.
It's the same if you borrowed money for your studies. You'd have to repay your lenders, right?
I know there are many graduates out there who have not paid their dues. Government scholars who did not fulfill the end of their deal.
So now the government has increased the penalty for breaking the agreement. In this case, medical students/graduates who do not return home.
They will now be "fined" RM1 million. It used to be RM160,000.
Here's from the NST:
Public Service director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said that the penalty had to be upped due to lost opportunities on the part of the government.
"Besides, the actual cost borne by the government for every medical student abroad, especially in Britain, is almost RM1 million."
With the growing population, the country needed every doctor it could have, he said.
"We have foreign doctors on contract but this is not enough. For instance, the ratio of doctors to population in the Klang Valley alone is 1:500, and this is not good at all."
Ismail said 200 PSD-sponsored medical students had refused to return home after completing their studies.
"But, with the penalty being increased, there should not be any problem in getting them to return home to serve the country."
It's the same if you borrowed money for your studies. You'd have to repay your lenders, right?
I know there are many graduates out there who have not paid their dues. Government scholars who did not fulfill the end of their deal.
So now the government has increased the penalty for breaking the agreement. In this case, medical students/graduates who do not return home.
They will now be "fined" RM1 million. It used to be RM160,000.
Here's from the NST:
Public Service director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said that the penalty had to be upped due to lost opportunities on the part of the government.
"Besides, the actual cost borne by the government for every medical student abroad, especially in Britain, is almost RM1 million."
With the growing population, the country needed every doctor it could have, he said.
"We have foreign doctors on contract but this is not enough. For instance, the ratio of doctors to population in the Klang Valley alone is 1:500, and this is not good at all."
"But, with the penalty being increased, there should not be any problem in getting them to return home to serve the country."
Monday, February 16, 2009
"Urgent" SMSes -- Genuine Or ....
This morning, I received two text messages about separate cases of a car-jacking and "abduction" of a child.
Have you received them?
In both sms-es, there were mobile phone numbers given.
Here are the messages:
1`. Plz fwd this msg:1 car NISSAN SENTRA white colour WPL 6644,10.20am at tmn maluri, D'Alamanda Condo. kidnap a 8yrs old girl name shirley, anyone see this car plz report to the police.from: shirley's mother+60122892866
2. Pls help 2 blast out this sms asap. A car was stolen by an Indian in Taman Berkeley, Klang early morning on 16 feb. A small boy aged 6 yrs old was inside the car. If u c a meroon Proton Wira JFA 4552, pls call Mr Foo at 0196555174/0122838371 or the nearest police station. It is the kid who must be in fear now, that matters. Your immediate sms blast is very much appreciated.
What did you do when you got those messages? Did as you were told? Forwarded the messages to as many people?
Our reaction would be to do just that.
Hold on for a while. There were phone numbers given, weren't there?
So before we start forwarding the messages, we should perhaps check their validity/authenticity. Just in case, you know.
I was about to do just that when my colleague told me that the first one was a hoax. He tried to call Shirley's mother but could not get through, so he texted her. She responded and told him not to spread the sms because it's a hoax.
I suppose it means that she was not the one who sent out the sms. I've sent her a text message asking whether she knew who the sender was.
I quickly tried calling Mr Foo to check out the authenticity of the sms but could not get through. The Taman Berkeley story about the missing car and child is not a hoax because it was in the papers.
Still, I wanted to find out from Mr Foo whether he knew anything about the sms. Just as I was doing that, I received an NST alert to say that the car and child had been found. Well, thank Allah for that.
Malaysians are very caring. It is good that we are ready to help in these cases, especially when children are involved.
If those messages were genuine, then they would go a long way to helping find the stolen cars and abducted children.
If they were not, then, really, Shirley's mother or an innocent person driving the car in question, could get seriously hurt if and when the vehicle was spotted by "well-meaning" people.
I suppose the next time we get this kind of sms and if there is (usually there is) a phone number given, we should try calling (or smsing) that number to verify before blasting it to your friends. Doesn't hurt to do that.
Have you received them?
In both sms-es, there were mobile phone numbers given.
Here are the messages:
1`. Plz fwd this msg:1 car NISSAN SENTRA white colour WPL 6644,10.20am at tmn maluri, D'Alamanda Condo. kidnap a 8yrs old girl name shirley, anyone see this car plz report to the police.from: shirley's mother+60122892866
2. Pls help 2 blast out this sms asap. A car was stolen by an Indian in Taman Berkeley, Klang early morning on 16 feb. A small boy aged 6 yrs old was inside the car. If u c a meroon Proton Wira JFA 4552, pls call Mr Foo at 0196555174/0122838371 or the nearest police station. It is the kid who must be in fear now, that matters. Your immediate sms blast is very much appreciated.
What did you do when you got those messages? Did as you were told? Forwarded the messages to as many people?
Our reaction would be to do just that.
Hold on for a while. There were phone numbers given, weren't there?
So before we start forwarding the messages, we should perhaps check their validity/authenticity. Just in case, you know.
I was about to do just that when my colleague told me that the first one was a hoax. He tried to call Shirley's mother but could not get through, so he texted her. She responded and told him not to spread the sms because it's a hoax.
I suppose it means that she was not the one who sent out the sms. I've sent her a text message asking whether she knew who the sender was.
I quickly tried calling Mr Foo to check out the authenticity of the sms but could not get through. The Taman Berkeley story about the missing car and child is not a hoax because it was in the papers.
Still, I wanted to find out from Mr Foo whether he knew anything about the sms. Just as I was doing that, I received an NST alert to say that the car and child had been found. Well, thank Allah for that.
Malaysians are very caring. It is good that we are ready to help in these cases, especially when children are involved.
If those messages were genuine, then they would go a long way to helping find the stolen cars and abducted children.
If they were not, then, really, Shirley's mother or an innocent person driving the car in question, could get seriously hurt if and when the vehicle was spotted by "well-meaning" people.
I suppose the next time we get this kind of sms and if there is (usually there is) a phone number given, we should try calling (or smsing) that number to verify before blasting it to your friends. Doesn't hurt to do that.
A Car To Change The World ..
How was your weekend, folks?
Mine was hectic, as usual. Fulfilling, as usual.
Looks like so many things have been, and are happening in this little country of ours. We try to not get affected by all that's been happening but I suppose we can't help getting into it all.
That's expected, as we are all patriots, in our own way. We all care for our country. We love our country. Ok.. enough said!
Sorry to disappoint some of you. But I'm starting the week with a posting on ..... a car. A sleek three-wheel electric car -- Aptera 2e -- to be precise.
Yep this one!
I haven't decided whether I like it. That's immaterial, really, as what's important is it's value to a better environment. And it is a good make.
This car of the future is scheduled to begin rolling off the Vista, California assembly line this October.
It will cost between US$25,000 and US$40,000.
"Charge it overnight from your 110-volt home outlet, and it's claimed to have a range of 100 miles", according to the review.
Some 4000 deposits have been placed for the car.
Read the review HERE.
Mine was hectic, as usual. Fulfilling, as usual.
Looks like so many things have been, and are happening in this little country of ours. We try to not get affected by all that's been happening but I suppose we can't help getting into it all.
That's expected, as we are all patriots, in our own way. We all care for our country. We love our country. Ok.. enough said!
Sorry to disappoint some of you. But I'm starting the week with a posting on ..... a car. A sleek three-wheel electric car -- Aptera 2e -- to be precise.
Yep this one!
I haven't decided whether I like it. That's immaterial, really, as what's important is it's value to a better environment. And it is a good make.This car of the future is scheduled to begin rolling off the Vista, California assembly line this October.
It will cost between US$25,000 and US$40,000.
"Charge it overnight from your 110-volt home outlet, and it's claimed to have a range of 100 miles", according to the review.
Some 4000 deposits have been placed for the car.
Read the review HERE.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Simultaneous By-elections For Bukit Gantang And Bukit Selambau
The date is April 7. Nomination day is March 29.
The by-elections will be held simultaneously " to preserve public order", according to Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof.
He said the commission did not want to hold one by-election after another as this could mean a long campaign period.
“We do not want the campaign period to be too long, not one after another, as we fear this could disrupt peace and stability. We have studied all angles, the situation and everything before reaching this decision," he was quoted by the NST.
The full story HERE.
The by-elections will be held simultaneously " to preserve public order", according to Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof.
He said the commission did not want to hold one by-election after another as this could mean a long campaign period.
“We do not want the campaign period to be too long, not one after another, as we fear this could disrupt peace and stability. We have studied all angles, the situation and everything before reaching this decision," he was quoted by the NST.
The full story HERE.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Decision On Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau By-elections Tomorrow
The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting tomorrow to discuss the holding of by-elections in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat in Perak and Bukit Selambau state assembly seat in Kedah,.
The EC will look into whether it is possible to hold the by-elections simultaneously.
EC Chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was quoted by the NST as saying that the EC would have to be satisfied that a state assembly seat or Parliamentary seat was lawfully vacant.
“For the Bukit Gantang seat...since the MP has passed away, it is definitely vacant but Bukit Selambau is a different issue and we need to gather detailed information and documents to make a decision.
“If we can establish that the Bukit Selambau seat is vacant, we will go ahead with the by-election. If the seat is not vacant, then the elected representative will remain,” said Abdul Aziz after handing out certificates to EC staff involved in the Kuala Terengganu by-election, in Kuala Terengganu last night.
The Bukit Gantang Parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of PAS MP Roslan Shaharum on Monday, due to a heart attack, while Bukit Selambau state assemblyman V. Arumugam from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was said to have tendered his resignation on Sunday.
Abdul Aziz said the EC cannot just accept the Kedah Legislative Assembly Speaker’s statement that a vacancy existed for the Bukit Selambau state seat and go ahead with a by-election.
“We have to look at the issue from various perspective and not just make a decision based on assumption or because somebody had asked to do so. The EC will dispense its duties professionally based on the procedures, information and according to the law,” he said.
Nuraina says: Come on out, come on out wherever you are, Arumugam so that they can verify that you really do not want to be a wakil rakyat, and for a by-election to be held.
Politics and working for the rakyat is not for everyone. I understand.
If you are being held against your will, let's pray that you can escape from your captors and come on home, safe and sound. And live to tell your tale.
Meanwhile, everyone's raring to go. According to the Star, "a tussle has already erupted between component parties namely Umno and MIC as well as DAP and PKR while the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has proposed that one of its Internal Security Act detainees be fielded."
The rest of the story HERE.
The EC will look into whether it is possible to hold the by-elections simultaneously.
EC Chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was quoted by the NST as saying that the EC would have to be satisfied that a state assembly seat or Parliamentary seat was lawfully vacant.
“For the Bukit Gantang seat...since the MP has passed away, it is definitely vacant but Bukit Selambau is a different issue and we need to gather detailed information and documents to make a decision.
The Bukit Gantang Parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of PAS MP Roslan Shaharum on Monday, due to a heart attack, while Bukit Selambau state assemblyman V. Arumugam from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was said to have tendered his resignation on Sunday.
Abdul Aziz said the EC cannot just accept the Kedah Legislative Assembly Speaker’s statement that a vacancy existed for the Bukit Selambau state seat and go ahead with a by-election.
“We have to look at the issue from various perspective and not just make a decision based on assumption or because somebody had asked to do so. The EC will dispense its duties professionally based on the procedures, information and according to the law,” he said.
Nuraina says: Come on out, come on out wherever you are, Arumugam so that they can verify that you really do not want to be a wakil rakyat, and for a by-election to be held.
Politics and working for the rakyat is not for everyone. I understand.
If you are being held against your will, let's pray that you can escape from your captors and come on home, safe and sound. And live to tell your tale.
Meanwhile, everyone's raring to go. According to the Star, "a tussle has already erupted between component parties namely Umno and MIC as well as DAP and PKR while the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has proposed that one of its Internal Security Act detainees be fielded."
The rest of the story HERE.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
O Arumugam, Arumugam, Wherefore Art Thou, Arumugam?
Indeed, Arumugam, why have you gone missing (since Feb 4)?
And where in heaven's name are you?
Everyone's looking for you, man...(HERE)
You've got to come clean. Your friends, colleagues and (former) constituents need an answer.
Don't let people speculate-lah.
Although, we've moved on while you're (still) missing.
Are you really in Chennai?
PKR members harassing you (as claimed)?
Have you been taken by force? Or at your own free will?
You've got serious personal issues?
Oh... demons, demons, demons.
Come on and face the music.
And where in heaven's name are you?
Everyone's looking for you, man...(HERE)
You've got to come clean. Your friends, colleagues and (former) constituents need an answer.
Don't let people speculate-lah.
Although, we've moved on while you're (still) missing.
Are you really in Chennai?
PKR members harassing you (as claimed)?
Have you been taken by force? Or at your own free will?
You've got serious personal issues?
Oh... demons, demons, demons.
Come on and face the music.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Perak's Political Saga
Perak is so well-represented. Both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat have got their own Menteri Besar.
One became the MB after the other was asked to resign by the Sultan who believed that he no longer commanded the majority of the state assembly (after three reps and another left Pakatan Rakyat).
However, that other (deposed) one is still functioning because he insists that he is still legally the chief minister of Perak.
He had wanted the assembly to be dissolved but the Sultan did not consent to his recommendation.
As you must already know, his supporters came out strong in protest against the Sultan.
Tsk tsk tsk.
I'm no royalist. But that was a big show of "kurang ajar".
I wouldn't do all those things -- shouting profanities, pelting stones and showing the finger -- to any leader or ruler. Even if I thought he/she was deserving of my middle finger.
Oh...maybe his supporters were really really angry. And mad.
Protest all you want. Shout all you want about injustice, democracy and so on...that is so acceptable. But when you go overboard and beyond, that is sheer bad behavior. That is "kurang ajar". Over sangat. Unacceptable.
I'd really like to see how the Perak crisis is going to be resolved.
It is not as complicated as everyone has made it out to be.
You see, it is politics, after all.
But it is not going to be easier for anyone from now.
Two menteris besar! I'll say that's something for our history books.
Then on Monday (Feb 9) Bukit Gantang MP Roslan Shaharom died of a heart attack.
(Al Fatihah).
A by-election will be held within the next two months, as required by law.
Some will say that his death complicates the situation while there are others who will disagree.
What is clear is that a contest will take place.
Perak DAP wants the deposed MB Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to be fielded.
Nizar is already a state assemblyman, as Pas spiritual leader Tok Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat pointed out.
Nik Aziz disagrees with the DAP's suggestion.
“This is just like what the former Pas president (the late) Datuk Asri Muda did when he contested for both the state and parliamentary seats when he was the Kelantan menteri besar.”
Me?
My view is inconsequential.
I took a (short) break from blogging. Things were just moving too fast. My NST alert (thank you Azmi and Zainul) was beeping almost non-stop to give me updates about the political crisis in Perak . Unbelievable.
So, no, my view does not count.
And I'm not sure if the Tok Guru's (view) does.
One became the MB after the other was asked to resign by the Sultan who believed that he no longer commanded the majority of the state assembly (after three reps and another left Pakatan Rakyat).
However, that other (deposed) one is still functioning because he insists that he is still legally the chief minister of Perak.
He had wanted the assembly to be dissolved but the Sultan did not consent to his recommendation.
As you must already know, his supporters came out strong in protest against the Sultan.
Tsk tsk tsk.
I'm no royalist. But that was a big show of "kurang ajar".
I wouldn't do all those things -- shouting profanities, pelting stones and showing the finger -- to any leader or ruler. Even if I thought he/she was deserving of my middle finger.
Oh...maybe his supporters were really really angry. And mad.
Protest all you want. Shout all you want about injustice, democracy and so on...that is so acceptable. But when you go overboard and beyond, that is sheer bad behavior. That is "kurang ajar". Over sangat. Unacceptable.
I'd really like to see how the Perak crisis is going to be resolved.
It is not as complicated as everyone has made it out to be.
You see, it is politics, after all.
But it is not going to be easier for anyone from now.
Two menteris besar! I'll say that's something for our history books.
Then on Monday (Feb 9) Bukit Gantang MP Roslan Shaharom died of a heart attack.
(Al Fatihah).
A by-election will be held within the next two months, as required by law.
Some will say that his death complicates the situation while there are others who will disagree.
What is clear is that a contest will take place.
Perak DAP wants the deposed MB Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to be fielded.
Nizar is already a state assemblyman, as Pas spiritual leader Tok Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat pointed out.
Nik Aziz disagrees with the DAP's suggestion.
He said as long as Pakatan Rakyat regarded Nizar as the Perak MB, he should not be contesting in the by-election.
Here's what the Tok Guru said today (The Star):
“If you ask me, I cannot accept a menteri besar contesting in a by-election. To me, it is not right for the ’Perak MB’ to contest as he is already an elected representative.“This is just like what the former Pas president (the late) Datuk Asri Muda did when he contested for both the state and parliamentary seats when he was the Kelantan menteri besar.”
Me?
My view is inconsequential.
I took a (short) break from blogging. Things were just moving too fast. My NST alert (thank you Azmi and Zainul) was beeping almost non-stop to give me updates about the political crisis in Perak . Unbelievable.
So, no, my view does not count.
And I'm not sure if the Tok Guru's (view) does.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Escalating Crisis In Perak..
Events continue to unfold in Perak after BN claimed power.
As everyone knows by now, the Sultan of Perak did not consent to dissolution of State Assembly and asked Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to resign as Menteri Besar of Perak and if he failed to do so, the post is considered vacant. The Sultan also asked for the resignation of the state exco.
As at 6.25pm, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi left Istana Kinta after an audience with the Sultan.
The police and FRU have taken control of state secretariat building. State police chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah however said security is under control.
Earlier, according to Star alert, Pakatan Rakyat was planning a mammoth gathering at the MB's residence. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will be there.
There is no closure yet, of course. God knows what will happen next. The crisis deepens.
Keep yourself posted....
As everyone knows by now, the Sultan of Perak did not consent to dissolution of State Assembly and asked Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to resign as Menteri Besar of Perak and if he failed to do so, the post is considered vacant. The Sultan also asked for the resignation of the state exco.
As at 6.25pm, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi left Istana Kinta after an audience with the Sultan.
The police and FRU have taken control of state secretariat building. State police chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah however said security is under control.
Earlier, according to Star alert, Pakatan Rakyat was planning a mammoth gathering at the MB's residence. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will be there.
There is no closure yet, of course. God knows what will happen next. The crisis deepens.
Keep yourself posted....
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
BN Claims Power In Perak...
NST Online has the story. And I tell you I'm on tenterhooks keeping up with what's going on.
Also read Malaysiakini.
DPM Najib Abdul Razak has now declared that Perak Barisan Nasional has secured the majority of state seats to form a new Perak Government after three PKR assemblymen and a DAP assemblywoman have left their respective parties to join the BN.
The four wakil rakyat -- Nasarudin Hashim (PKR-Bota), Hee Yit Foong (DAP-Jelapang) and self-proclaimed Bebas reps Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) -- had headed for the DPM's office in Putrajaya..
Looks like the situation in Perak is a bit haywire. A mess. And that's putting it mildly.
Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, meanwhile, announced an immediate dissolution of the state assembly.
He told a press conference in Ipoh that he is seeking an audience with the Sultan of Perak to obtain his consent. (Bernama)
He had claimed that Nasaruddin was "taken" from his house in Ipoh by two BN assemblymen supposedly to meet Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.
Nizar also claimed that Nasarudin, who defected to PKR last week, was "abducted" by these people to meet Najib.
And Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has accused BN of trying to form the (Perak) government 'by hook or by crook'.
".... more by crook", he told AFP. "We must go back to the people and get a fresh mandate," he said.
What lies ahead in Perak? So much uncertainty. And so much wrong, no matter where you're looking.
Well...that's one huge stage yonder. Quite comic(al). Except that no one's laughing.
Also read Malaysiakini.
DPM Najib Abdul Razak has now declared that Perak Barisan Nasional has secured the majority of state seats to form a new Perak Government after three PKR assemblymen and a DAP assemblywoman have left their respective parties to join the BN.
The four wakil rakyat -- Nasarudin Hashim (PKR-Bota), Hee Yit Foong (DAP-Jelapang) and self-proclaimed Bebas reps Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) -- had headed for the DPM's office in Putrajaya..
Looks like the situation in Perak is a bit haywire. A mess. And that's putting it mildly.
Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, meanwhile, announced an immediate dissolution of the state assembly.
He told a press conference in Ipoh that he is seeking an audience with the Sultan of Perak to obtain his consent. (Bernama)
He had claimed that Nasaruddin was "taken" from his house in Ipoh by two BN assemblymen supposedly to meet Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.
And Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has accused BN of trying to form the (Perak) government 'by hook or by crook'.
".... more by crook", he told AFP. "We must go back to the people and get a fresh mandate," he said.
What lies ahead in Perak? So much uncertainty. And so much wrong, no matter where you're looking.
Well...that's one huge stage yonder. Quite comic(al). Except that no one's laughing.
Oh! For God's Sake, Enough .....
...of this nonsense, a not-so-amused Kijang Mas (of the blog, Demi Negara) "pleads".
A word of warning, though...if you can't take his tone or his message or both, DO NOT click on his LINK. Okay. I've warned you, haven't I?
He asks: "Why now? Why so insistent? For who? Demanded by who?"
Let's not beat around the bush, Kijang Mas says.
All this insistence on wanting to use the word "Allah", he believes, is part of a grand global Christian design.
He doesn't believe for a second that it's driven by the love of the Malay language. Nothing remotely close.
By the way, Pure Shiite's "The Devil In The Data....." has something about this issue too.
Again....be warned. You may not like what the blogger SatD has (to say).
A word of warning, though...if you can't take his tone or his message or both, DO NOT click on his LINK. Okay. I've warned you, haven't I?
He asks: "Why now? Why so insistent? For who? Demanded by who?"
Let's not beat around the bush, Kijang Mas says.
All this insistence on wanting to use the word "Allah", he believes, is part of a grand global Christian design.
He doesn't believe for a second that it's driven by the love of the Malay language. Nothing remotely close.
By the way, Pure Shiite's "The Devil In The Data....." has something about this issue too.
Again....be warned. You may not like what the blogger SatD has (to say).
Sirul Says He's A Scapegoat..
...and it's a cover-up.
The NST report:
He pleaded with the judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin not to convict him as he was made a scapegoat to cover up for certain parties.
He took 55 minutes to read the statement, giving detailed information the events on the night Altantuya Shaariibuu was murdered.
The Special Action Squad member also broke down when he touched on his ex-wife, saying his superior ACP Mastor Mohd Ariff had told him the woman had lodged a police report against him.
Mohd Zaki fixed Feb 16 for submissions.
Meanwhile, the defence team in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial closed their case after Sirul read out the statement.
The NST report:
Shah Alam: Altantuya murder accused Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar broke down as he read his 15-page statement from the dock this morning.
He took 55 minutes to read the statement, giving detailed information the events on the night Altantuya Shaariibuu was murdered.
The Special Action Squad member also broke down when he touched on his ex-wife, saying his superior ACP Mastor Mohd Ariff had told him the woman had lodged a police report against him.
Mohd Zaki fixed Feb 16 for submissions.
We're Bebas Reps Now...
NST report:
KUALA LUMPUR: The two Parti Keadilan Rakyat assemblyman embroiled in controversy -- Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu -- now consider themselves independents.
Jamaluddin, the Behrang assemblyman, said he accepted any decision taken by the EC.
"I thank God that the EC's decision favours me.
I am no longer a member of PKR as they have kicked me out. There is nothing I can do when they do not need me any more.
Jamaluddin also said he would not resign in writing from PKR, either as a party member or state executive councillor.
"There is no need for that as I have been chased away by them. The state assembly speaker's move to inform the EC of my seat's vacancy shows that I am out of the party.
"I will consult my lawyers on any subsequent action."
Changkat Jering assemblyman Osman said he was happy with the EC's decision and needed time to decide on his next move.
"For now, I consider myself an independent assemblyman. I have not decided whether to join any of the other political parties," said Osman, who is also a state executive council member.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Continuing Drama In Perak
Now before I lose the plot -- among which is to implicate DPM Najib Razak -- let me quickly update you -- there'll be no by-elections in Perak because as far as the Election Commission is concerned, Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (PKR-Behrang) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (PKR-Changkat Jering) are still Perak state assemblymen.
So, the EC has ruled that
the Perak State Legislative Assembly seats for Changkat Jering (N14) and Behrang (N58) are not vacant as they are still held by the incumbent assemblymen.
The NST report HERE.
Some people say it may look like a whole load of drama, but the plot is sinister.
Meanwhile, former Malay Mail/Berita Harian news editor Aziz Hassan smells a rat. Not just a sandiwara. It's a conspiracy, he says.
Read what he has to say in his blog, Mana-Mana.
Oh. Remind me to slap my kids if they want to be politicians.
So, the EC has ruled that
The NST report HERE.
Some people say it may look like a whole load of drama, but the plot is sinister.
Meanwhile, former Malay Mail/Berita Harian news editor Aziz Hassan smells a rat. Not just a sandiwara. It's a conspiracy, he says.
Read what he has to say in his blog, Mana-Mana.
Oh. Remind me to slap my kids if they want to be politicians.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Drama In Perak
I so agree with so many people that the political scene in Perak now is a lot of "drama"...
Hard to deny that it isn't.
I'm trying to keep up with the drama and the shenanigans of the players, and you know, the who, what, where and how...
In case, you've been hiding or meditating in a cave the last week or so, I'll give you the rundown -- the main players are PKR state representatives for Behrang Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering, Mohd Osman Jailu.
Main supporting casts are Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and Speaker, V. Sivakumar,
Guest appearances by PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, DPM Najib Razak and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
The plot -- abduction, treachery, betrayal, corruption and surely, a lot of lies.....
The victims -- the people, most certainly.
Well...tit-for-tat. BN and PKR, in the final analysis, are A-OK with defections.
BN welcomes anyone from the Opposition and, PKR, for sure, believes in it to make up the numbers.
Oh. just read HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE,
(of course, there's more ....)
Hard to deny that it isn't.
I'm trying to keep up with the drama and the shenanigans of the players, and you know, the who, what, where and how...
In case, you've been hiding or meditating in a cave the last week or so, I'll give you the rundown -- the main players are PKR state representatives for Behrang Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering, Mohd Osman Jailu.
Main supporting casts are Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and Speaker, V. Sivakumar,
Guest appearances by PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, DPM Najib Razak and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
The plot -- abduction, treachery, betrayal, corruption and surely, a lot of lies.....
The victims -- the people, most certainly.
Well...tit-for-tat. BN and PKR, in the final analysis, are A-OK with defections.
BN welcomes anyone from the Opposition and, PKR, for sure, believes in it to make up the numbers.
Oh. just read HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE,
(of course, there's more ....)
Sunday, February 01, 2009
"Allah" And What Apocryphalist Thinks....
As usual, I was reading the blogs and found myself at Jebat Must Die.
He has published the views of his regular reader, Apocryphalist on the controversy surrounding the insistence of Herald (the Catholic newsletter) on using the word, "Allah" in its Bahasa Malaysia version.
(The case is now before the courts and is pending a ruling.)
JMD's posting, "The Name Allah: Quid Pro Quo On the Christian Community", will undoubtedly spark another round of (healthy? constructive?) debate on the subject in blogosphere.
Anyway, here's what Apocryphalist has to say:
The illustrious Malaysian Christian community have repeatedly asked that the name of Allah be allowed to be used in their bible, and the Malaysian government has repeatedly disallowed it for reasons of purity and sanctity: that by doing so is like admitting that that same Allah is the one who has a begotten son, shares the credit of creation with 2 other godhoods or godheads and teaches that everyone is born in sin and therefore registers a place in hellfire unless he/she admits that this begotten son of his was let to die to redeem for that original sin.
Of course what seems to be a minor religious quagmire has now turned to a pseudo-political major imbroglio especially when the muslims on the other hand assert that those very same entity by the name Allah refute those very dogmatic ideologies and (islamic-wise) blasphemies in the Quran.
As long as both parties sweep the issue under the carpet, and not highlight too much on differences and focus on similarities and converging points of beliefs, the two religions enjoy peaceful and harmonious coexistence, especially on the top levels.
But the issue on deity names have been thought of as threading on the shaky paths of conflict.
I have dealt with this issue in a writing on Nov 12, 8:21 am in a much more concise albeit humorous manner.
I think it is time for the Christians in Malaysia to play a role if they really are serious about this issue: putting the name Allah in the bible should be allowed by the Government of Malaysia only if the local christians believe sincerely in their heart that this is the REAL name of God.
CONTINUE READING HERE...
He has published the views of his regular reader, Apocryphalist on the controversy surrounding the insistence of Herald (the Catholic newsletter) on using the word, "Allah" in its Bahasa Malaysia version.
(The case is now before the courts and is pending a ruling.)
JMD's posting, "The Name Allah: Quid Pro Quo On the Christian Community", will undoubtedly spark another round of (healthy? constructive?) debate on the subject in blogosphere.
Anyway, here's what Apocryphalist has to say:
The illustrious Malaysian Christian community have repeatedly asked that the name of Allah be allowed to be used in their bible, and the Malaysian government has repeatedly disallowed it for reasons of purity and sanctity: that by doing so is like admitting that that same Allah is the one who has a begotten son, shares the credit of creation with 2 other godhoods or godheads and teaches that everyone is born in sin and therefore registers a place in hellfire unless he/she admits that this begotten son of his was let to die to redeem for that original sin.
Of course what seems to be a minor religious quagmire has now turned to a pseudo-political major imbroglio especially when the muslims on the other hand assert that those very same entity by the name Allah refute those very dogmatic ideologies and (islamic-wise) blasphemies in the Quran.
As long as both parties sweep the issue under the carpet, and not highlight too much on differences and focus on similarities and converging points of beliefs, the two religions enjoy peaceful and harmonious coexistence, especially on the top levels.
But the issue on deity names have been thought of as threading on the shaky paths of conflict.
I have dealt with this issue in a writing on Nov 12, 8:21 am in a much more concise albeit humorous manner.
I think it is time for the Christians in Malaysia to play a role if they really are serious about this issue: putting the name Allah in the bible should be allowed by the Government of Malaysia only if the local christians believe sincerely in their heart that this is the REAL name of God.
CONTINUE READING HERE...
PKR Reps To Cross Over To BN
The continuing saga of party defection in Perak...
Today, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said several Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives in Perak would cross over to Barisan Nasional soon.
He said an official announcement would be made once the representatives had gone through all procedures to join BN.
The prime minister was speaking to reporters after launching the Federal Territories Day Festival at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. (source: NST)
CONTINUE READING HERE...
And in Perak, Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has called on PKR Behrang state assemblyman Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Mohd Osman Jailu (PKR-Changkat Jering) to declare their stand in the Pakatan Rakyat-led Perak government.
The
Nizar said the two could not be contacted by their family members since they went missing on Jan 26.
He was speaking at a news conference after chairing a meeting with state leaders from Pas, DAP and PKR at his residence in Ipoh.
Nizar said the state government may make a police report on their disappearance after discussion with their families.
Jamaluddin, 52, is the chairman of the Perak Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee and Osman, 57, heads the State Tourism and NGO committee.
They both face charges of corruption involving the approval of a development project worth RM180 million in Seri Iskandar and the case will be heard in the Sessions Court here on Feb 10.
THE FULL STORY HERE..
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