The Storm Is Coming....

Sunday in Sepang at the F1-race.

The race in progress just before the storm..


Celcom CEO Shazalli introducing the Storm


Two of the three teen bloggers Shaira and Sara. The other is Aiman.

**

Celcom held a sneak preview of the new Blackberry Storm at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday.

What a place and occasion to have the event.

Ten bloggers, including three teen bloggers and a blogger-on-wheels, were invited together with representatives of the Press.

Celcom CEO Shazalli Ramli and his team were on hand to welcome everyone who had gathered at KL Hilton for lunch, from where they were taken in a coach to Sepang. Blogger-on-wheels Kerp was in a car, ahead of our bus.

The product presentation -- held in the Silver Suite -- was at 3.30pm, a couple of hours before the start of the F-1 race.

First off -- that was my first F-1 race. Those days at the NST, I turned down every media invite to F-1. I'd give my ticket (every year) to friends and family. The main reason was that it was always a working day for me. For some odd reason, I'd be working on F-1 days.

So, why did I accept the invite? Well....because Celcom invited me as a blogger.
Now...how do you like that? Sneak preview of the Storm and watch the race -- cool.

Secondly, I was curious about the Storm. I mean, it did not have very good reviews in the media but so many people I know overseas seem to have immediately changed from their Bold, Curve, Javelin to the Storm.
I am NO crackberry. I have been resisting buying a Blackberry since the first was introduced. I find Blackberry users terribly anti-social. It's like the Blackberry is their life and soul, it is unbelievable.

And, I'm one of those very weird people who are not into touch-screen.

Close crackberry friends tell me that I'm behind time because the Blackberry is the way to go, it is now, It is a must-have.
I call them crack-pots.

Naah. Not even Shazalli's glowing review of the Storm got me sold. A touch-screen Blackberry...don't think so.

Celcom's senior vice-president (marketing) Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin introduced it as the all-in-one multimedia device.

The Storm is designed not just for the enterprise market but also for the mass consumers. (That means, me..)

It is a smartphone that combines the powerful communications features. It has a camera (3.2MP), built-in GPS, media player, video recording, Blackberry Maps, wireles email, organiser, browser, phone, corporate data access, and SMS/MMS.
It is a 3G smartphone with screen interaction capabilities.

It is custom-built with facebook, yahoo messenger, ICQ, windows messenger, AOL instant messenger and Flickr.

The Storm is 4.43 inches in height, 2.45 inches wide with a depth of 0.55 inches and weighs 5.5 ounces.

While many Blackberry users are averse to the touch-screen use, just as many have converted to the Storm because of the touch-screen.

I am one of those who cannot seem to like touch-screen smartphones and all.

I hate to sound conciliatory or conceded, but I must admit that the Storm's touch-screen is something else, It is clickable and respond like a keyboard.

Am I sold yet?

I had a good feel of the Storm for a good 45 minutes.

Well, the Bold couldn't do it. Neither could the Curve, the Pearl, the Javelin......

So....I'll wait until April 28 when the Storm makes its debut in stores.
It is priced at RM2,499 and rebates will be available subject to promotion plans taken by customers.
For more info, please visit www.celcom.com.my/business.

Celcom customers can also call 1-800-111-777 to order their Storm. And to find out more about the product, visit www.blackberry.com/storm.

As for the F-1 race.....the Storm really brought the storm in Sepang. The race, as we all know, had to be stopped because of the heavy downpour.

What a stormy Sunday at the race.
And no....none of us got a free Storm....

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was sworn in as Malaysia's sixth prime minister this morning.

He takes over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who stepped down after leading the country for over five years.

Najib took his oath of office before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abdidin at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Abdullah and his wife, Jean Abdullah received awards which carry the title "Tun" from Tuanku Mizan at Istana Negara.

Abdullah received the nation's highest award, Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN) while, Jean the Seri Setia Mahkota award.

Umno: The Future Is Now

....and incoming Umno president Najib Abdul Razak SURELY cannot walk alone to bring about that urgently-needed change in Umno.

In his winding-up speech and in response to outgoing president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he outlined what needs to be done by Umno to survive, be strong and return to glory in order to serve the people. To be the people's choice once again.

One of the most drastic changes, he forwarded, was to effect an amendment to the party's constitution to make the election of top posts more open , thus more democratic. And to review the quota system for nominations of top party posts.

The time has come for this, Najib said and a special conference will be held to deliberate on this.

At the moment, Najib said the top Umno leadership is determined by 2,600 umno members.
He acknowledged the widespread view that their choice cannot possibly mirror the aspirations and wishes of Umno's morethan 3 million members.

"They feel that this number (of delegates/members) is too small....we know their names by heart, we remember their faces, we remember even their phone numbers.. In our salam, we have salam SK or salam SI..."

Najib said that members must realise that only with a clean image, and through a more open election process can Umno win the confidence of the people.

For as long as the process is smeared, Umno cannot hope to regain that confidence.

He said members MUST WANT TO CHANGE, They must want to have a clean election process.

So, he declared, let the leaders be chosen in the name of the rakyat.

Najib reminded delegates about the BN's defeat in 5 states in the last general election.

"We have regained one of them but that is being disputed", he said in reference to Perak,

Najib said surely Umno members must realise that Umno must be reformed.

He forwarded the need to include the people in the business of government under the long-practiced "party dominating government" concept.

"The party must know the aspiration and feel the pulse of the rakyat in order to translate all that into government policies and action. When a government that is dominated by the party realises the aspirations of the people, then it will be a party that is supremely strong and powerful."

Indeed, it will not be an easy ride for Najib. He has these few years before the next general election to clean up and overhaul the party.

He did say that it is not that the Malays have rejected Umno but that they want Umno to change.

I believe that generally many Malays have rejected Umno and yes, they want Umno to change.

If we were to make an assessment based on the new line-up, then we can conclude that, no...Umno is not quite ready to take that bold step.
(Umno delegates voted some people whose reputation or contribution is rather, er.. questionable.) Read HERE.

Nevertheless, the whole nation is waiting for Umno to surprise us all.

It really depends on how Umno will turn out to be.
Will it be a party that can feel the pulse of the rakyat? Will its leaders be who the rakyat want?

It remains to be seen whether a new, reformed (and dare I say) clean Umno can regain the confidence of the Malays -- young and old. Whether it can appeal to Malaysians, at large.

Can it be a party that is no longer held in contempt and ridicule?

As I have said, Najib and Muhyiddin have a herculean task ahead of reforming and transforming the party.

Hoping For Dr M and Pak Lah To Come Together...

and bury the hatchet.

Umno dputy and incoming president Najib Abdul Razak referred to (former party president) Dr Mahathir Mohamad and president (outgoing) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as "negarawan".

He wants them to come together to discuss the problems and the future of the party.

While I reckon Najib is probably one person who can bring these two together, I think it will not be easy. Man, it's going to be a tough call.

But....I suppose, for the sake of the party....

Dr Mahathir's appearance (and presence) at the (final day) of the Umno general assembly received thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

He and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali were getting to their seats while newly-elected deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin was at the rostrum, addressing the delegates.

Muhyiddin stopped to acknowledge the couple's presence and hoped that this meant that the former president was considering rejoining the party.

He also said that Dr Mahathir's presence showed that perhaps, he approved of the new party line-up.

Later, Najib and Abdullah (in their speeches) welcomed Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah.

Najib believed that Dr Mahathir's presence showed that Umno remained in his heart and flowed in his blood.

"My hope is that these two negarawan, can together discuss the problems and the future of the party".

He got everyone warmed up, and laughing when he said that he imagined their first meeting would be awkward but with time he was confident that there would be that warmth and affinity between them.

"What is important is not one's personal feelings but the future of Umno and the nation," he said.

"Godwilling, if these two statesmen can come together, everyone else will close ranks."

*It is no secret that the relations between Dr Mahathir and Pak Lah have not been warm in the last few years after the latter aassumed the country's premiership.

Earth Hour Tomorrow Night

Let's take a break from Umno goings-on....

Don't forget Earth Hour tomorrow -- 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS FOR AN HOUR......

Just wondering....

will the lights be out at PWTC if proceedings have not ended?

It's Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin...

Yes! Umno delegates did the right thing in voting Muhyiddin Yassin for deputy president. He garnered 1,575 votes, defeating Muhammad Muhd Taib who got 916.

The three vice-presidents are Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishammuddin Hussein andi Mohd Shafie Apdal.
(Shafie is the first VP from Sabah.)

Zahid polled 1,592 votes, Hishammuddin (1,515) and Mohd Shafie (1,445).

Supreme Council Members:

MUSTAPA MOHAMED .............................. (2259 votes)
NOH OMAR .................................................. (2084 votes)
MUSA AMAN ............................................... (2084 votes)
AZIAN OSMAN ............................................ (2060 votes)
ZAINAL ABIDIN OSMAN .......................... (2054 votes)
MOHD ZIN MOHAMED ............................. (1854 votes)
ISMAIL SABRI YAAKOB ........................... (1838 votes)
LAJIM UKIN ................................................ (1804 votes)
SHAZIMAN ABU MANSOR ...................... (1705 votes)
MOHD PUAD ZARKASHI .......................... (1700 votes)
TAJUDDIN ABDUL RAHMAN .................. (1685 votes)
IDRIS HJ HARON ....................................... (1658 votes)
DR HAJI ABD LATIFF AHMAD ............... (1624 votes)
JAMALUDIN JARJIS ..................................(1622 votes)
SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH ........................... (1619 votes)
DR NORRAESAH MOHAMAD ................... (1611 votes)
MAHDZIR KHALID..................................... (1584 votes)
AHMAD HUSNI MOHD HANADZLAH . .. (1529 votes)
HAMZAH ZAINUDIN ..................................(1518 votes)
BUNG MOKTAR RADIN ............................ (1517 votes)
DR AWANG ADEK HUSSIN ....................... (1481 votes)
ZULHASNAN RAFIQUE ............................. (1431 votes)
AHMAD SHABERY CHEEK ........................ (1377 votes)
IDRIS JUSOH ............................................... (1275 votes)
ABDUL AZEEZ ABDUL RAHIM ................ (1265 votes)

(Tahniah to the sole woman who made it -- Dr Norraesah!)

Some expected winners, some unexpected casualties.

But I know one person who should not have won a seat! And at the expense of some good candidates too!

Victory For Shahrizat And Khairy...

Shahrizat Abdul Jalil is Wanita Umno's new chief! She trounced incumbent Rafidah Aziz by a wide margin. She obtained 507 votes while Rafidah, 280.

In her victory and adjournment speech , she thanked her supporters and promised to bring Wanita forward.

Her deputy is Kamilia Ibrahim who won the post uncontested.

Khairy Jamaluddin won the Pemuda chief post in a three-cornered fight. He obtained 304 votes out of the 793 possible votes, defeating Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Mukhriz Mahathir.
As late as 11pm, votes were still being recounted until the final results were out at soon after.

Khairy, in his adjournment speech, said the winner does not take all and the loser does not lose all given this narrow victory which he said was not a majority.
He called on Umno Youth to close ranks and help him to reform the wing and take on the Opposition wherever it maybe..
Razali Ibrahim won the vice chief post.

Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin was elected Puteri Umno chief. The vice-head is Shahanim Mohamad Yusoff.

Najib: Reinforcing Reform And Change

To be honest, the call for Umno to change and reform is not new. Former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad had been driving home that message in his presidential addresses at the party general assemblies before, though in many different ways.

But never is this message so significant and crucial for Umno now, given such a terrible outcome in the general election last March (2008).

Umno deputy president Najib Abdul Razak last night made clear what needed to be done (and not done) by the party, by its leaders and members in order to be strong, popular and to overcome the challenges, and to survive as a political party.

He said this in his address at the joint opening of the Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri assemblies at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur.

Najib called for Umno to reform in order to remain relevant in a country whose political landscape has changed.

Its leaders must be credible and clean.

"I implore you to give me a line of leaders who are strong and able. Present to me a team that has the traits of loyalty, integrity, ability and dedication to duty. "

Najib said Umno must no longer be seen to be elitist and corrupt. It must be in touch with the people and their aspirations.

Indeed, a reverberating message that if Umno does not change, does not reform, it's popularity will continue to wane and it will no longer be in power.

Change or perish!

So....the question is -- Is Umno prepared to make that change?

The writing on the wall was for everyone to see. Umno saw it but refused to acknowledge. Umno was and has been in denial.

So....is it brave enough now?

Click HERE for the full text of Najib's speech.

Hey, Let's Make A Malaysian "Slumdog"..

Oh...I have a dream. Many dreams actually. One of which is to make a movie. I already have the script and my buddy, Fatimah Abu Bakar has promised to look at it. She is waiting for me to give it to her.
We even have the actors/actresses in mind.
Maybe we'll even have cameo roles.

But I am such a perfectionist that I can't seem to stop myself from making changes to the script, here, there and everywhere....

Now my point here is that all you prospective film makers (with production companies) should start forcing that creative adrenalin flow and make a movie.

I mean...get a load of "Slumdog Millionaire"! Not that you should be making a movie of our slums and slumdogs....(though that's an idea but that won't be original) but imagine the possibilities.

Why am I suddenly so interested in getting you interested?

Check out what our SME Bank can do to make it happen:

BANK Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank), which manages the RM50 million government fund for filmmakers, has disbursed RM35 million to 36 production companies since the fund was launched in 2007.

However, only three companies have successfully had their movies released and begun making repayments to SME Bank, said the bank operations head Abdul Jalal Atan.

The other borrowers of the motion picture financing scheme (SFPC) are facing various problems such as unfinished productions or very low ticket collections, he said.

In a meeting with film producers in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Abdul Jalal said the fund's balance of close to RM15 million is still available and SME Bank acknowledged that many are still not aware of this facility.

People do not know that the bank does not require any collateral for producers to tap into this fund, unlike direct financing through other commercial banks," he said.

Abdul Jalal added that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak recently hinted that to further develop the local movie industry, there is a possibility that the fund size will be increased.

Earlier, the meeting with SME Bank was organised by the Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) and sponsored by the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to explain to FDAM members of the requirements to apply for the financing.

It was also a forum for producers to express their grouses and hardship in getting financing.

Present at the meeting were FDAM president Ahmad Ibrahim who complaint that Finas has somewhat failed to efficiently inform those in the industry of the criteria required by SME Bank to be eligible for the financing.

To apply for financing under the SPFC fund, an approval from Finas has to be obtained first and Ahmad said a lot of people do not know how the "pitching" of Finas' approval works.

Another drawback, he added, was that Finas did not scrutinise the background of the producers carefully as he claimed the committee formed for this purpose lacked of experience in the nitty gritty of the movie-making industry. - NST

So, what are you waiting for..get off your butt and make a movie!

Umno's Burden Of Change And To Change

Today begins the process of change for Umno. Transition, transformation. Clean-up even. Call it what you like.

When leaders and delegates of Umno wings -- Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri -- gather for their joint opening ceremony at the PWTC this evening, they will listen to what Umno deputy president and the country's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has to say in his opening address, because as is customary, his speech will set the tone for their election and (respective) assembly.

They will go home tonight and mull over the future of not just their wings, but the party, and yes...the country.

This year's assembly during which the party's election of all top posts is being held is most defining because it is a test for the party, after the Barisan Nasional's devastating/dismal performance in the March 8 general election last year.

It is a test - for the rest of the country to witness - whether Umno is prepared to change or to make that change. To transform, from whatever "diseased" and rotten state it had shamelessly been in.

(We all know that Umno, being the backbone of the BN government has to take the blame for the poor performance, although overall in the general election, Umno won more seats than its coalition partners.)

We all know why Umno must change -- or be changed as Najib had warned.

There is no luxury or privilege of option here. It's now or never. Do or die.

Umno has been too complacent, in denial and resistant to the urgent need to transform and reform, to be relevant -- for far too long. Umno is what its members want it to be. It's a two-way process. You want a clean party, you elect clean leaders, or those seen to be clean.
Umno must also remember that its leaders are also leaders of the country. You elect corrupt leaders, the country gets corrupt ministers.

I have no say in the choice of Umno leaders. If and when Umno decides that Umno members can (directly) elect the party's top leaders, I'd be the first to sign up as a party member.
(By virtue of the existing practice in the country in which the Umno president is, by convention the Prime Minister and the deputy president is Deputy Prime Minister. Also, Umno vice-presidents and some of its supreme council members are appointed ministers and/or deputy ministers.)

Tomorrow, Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri Umno delegates go to the ballot box to choose their top leaders -- chief, deputy chief and exco members.

For the Wanita top post, the bitter and intense fight is between incumbent Rafidah Aziz and her deputy, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. (There is no contest for the deputy chief post as exco member Kamilia Ibrahim won the post uncontested.)

Both are going for broke.

The contest is three-cornered for the Pemuda chief's post -- exco member Mukhriz Mahathir, Khir Toyo and deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

There are six aspirants for the Puteri Umno chief post. They are deputy chief Rosnah Abdul Rashid, Shahaniza Shamsuddin, Ismalina Ismail, Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid, Saarah Ali Basha and Ida Rahayu Mohd Noor.

Azalina Othman Said, Puteri Umno's pioneer/founder member and erstwhile chief, has been a hard act to follow. Her successor Noraini Ahmad is a disappointment, so pale in comparison. She failed to pick up where Azalina left. Azalina is contesting for one of the 25 elected supreme council seats.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the party's most crucial elections, emerging so badly bruised after the general election.
When delegates choose their *deputy president, **three vice-presidents and 25 supreme council members, they have not only Umno's future in their hands but the nation's.

I fear. I quiver just thinking about this.

Will they break the cycle (of all that's bad in Umno)? Are they capable of doing that? Will they have the nation's interest at heart when they cross the ballot papers because we, the people will have to live with their bad and wrong choices.

Will they do the right thing?

Ultimately, Umno delegates deserve the leaders they choose.

But do we?

*Two contenders for the deputy presidency -- Muhyiddin Yassin and Muhamad Muhd Taib.
** Eight contenders for the 3 VP posts -- Zahid Hamidi, Hishammuddin Hussein, Rais Yatim, Khaled Nordin, Syed Hamid Albar, Shafie Afdal, former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Isa Samad and former Malacca Chief Minister Rahim Thamby Chik.

Tomorrow, Karpal Will Be Charged For Sedition

(Source: NST)

MP for Bukit Gelugor Karpal Singh is to be charged for sedition at the Jalan Duta sessions court tomorrow morning at 9am.

Karpal received a notice from the police that he present himself at the the Sessions court.

"The investigating officer for the case, ASP Suhaimi Mohamad, came to my office at about 5pm with the notification. It is not a warrant of arrest," he said.

Karpal said he was to be charged under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948.
"I believe this is in relation to the fall of the Perak Government and the claims on the royalty," he said.

Karpal had threatened to take legal action to challenge Sultan Azlan Shah's appointment of Datuk Dr Zambry Kadir as the new Perak meneri besar after deposing Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin.

Karpal's intent drew flak from many groups who claimed that it tantamount to treason and in the process, attracted about 100 police reports.

One Year Suspension For Gobind

(Source:Bernama)

The Dewan Rakyat today passed a motion to suspend Puchong Member of Parliament Gobind Singh Deo for a year effective immediately.

The motion was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz following Gobind's remarks accusing Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak of being involved in a murder case and in contempt of a deputy speaker during the committee stage debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2009 on Thursday.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia announced the passing of the motion at 1pm after all government backbenchers voted for it.

The opposition representatives had walked out of the Nazri was winding up the debate on the motion.

According to the motion, Gobind will not get all the allowances and benefits as a member of Parliament during the suspension period.

Nazri, when tabling the motion under Standing Order 27(3), said Gobind's accusation was serious and in breach of the rights and privileges of a member of Parliament as well as in contempt of the Dewan Rakyat.

In his winding-up speech, he said what Gobind did was not a crime and therefore there was no need to furnish proof for consideration before he was to be convicted of the offence.

"Therefore, if an action has been committed and clearly the action shows lack of manners against the deputy prime minister, it is sufficient for us to take action against him.

"But if the Puchong member of Parliament admits he is crazy, it would be different. But I believe when he made the remarks, he was not crazy and he knew what he did was wrong," he said.

He also explained that Najib was not in the House today because he did not want to be seen as though influencing the lawmakers regarding the motion.

Earlier, several opposition members raised various provisions of the Standing Orders to object to the speaker's decision in allowing the motion to be tabled.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) sought explanations from Pandikar Amin on the public interest which allowed the motion to be tabled without the seven-day notice.

Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS-Tumpat) meanwhile wanted the matter to be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee and Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) questioned why Gobind was not given time to defend himself.

Others who also stood up were M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat), Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP-Beruas), Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Taiping) and R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang).

Pandikar Amin said: "I have read Standing Orders 27(3), 80(1), and 44(8) which allow this motion to be debated in the House.

"It is my interpretation and I would like to remind all that the speaker's decision under Order 43 should be accepted. It has something to do with the behaviour and ramblings by members of the House under the protection of the House and it did not happen outside. Everyone knows these things happen," he said.

He also said that he had read the hansard account of what happened that day and found that Gobind had committed offences under Standing Order 36(6) for imputing improper motives to another member, Order 36(4) for using offensive language, Order 36(9) for mentioning the conduct and character of a member in another capacity, Order 36(2) for mentioning a matter which is sub judice, Order 36(10)(b) and (c) for using seditious words and words likely to promote feelings of ill-will against the government and between different communities.

Earth Hour On March 28

Remember.
Wherever you are, switch off your lights for an hour from 8.30pm next Saturday. Join millions across the globe to vote for EARTH.

It will be dark, I know. But you are not alone.

Love our Earth.

Read THIS

Guan Eng May Bar NST From His Functions

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would consider barring the New Straits Times from covering his press conferences or functions in response to articles in the newspaper which he alleged were slanderous and false.

He said he was willing to accept criticisms but not statements with elements of slander and certain agenda intended to disparage him and the state government.

"In the last election, they also wrote nasty things about us but we took it. With or without NST, we have survived all this time.

"We urge the people of Penang, if they want to read the truth about Penang to boycott the NST," he said after visiting the Relau Community Park here yesterday.

Lim made the remarks when asked to comment on an article in the NST on Saturday entitled "What's your beef, Guan Eng?" which criticised him over his preferential treatment of the media.
The article was a follow-up to another piece a week earlier entitled "Guan Eng trait that's difficult to swallow" on the same issue. -- Bernama

Rafidah Vs Shahrizat On Women's Rights...

When you and I talk about women's rights, we'd do so with easy abandon, with nary a hint of wanting to outdo each.
We'd invoke all that we know about the issue. We'd discuss. Just discuss. Because, we're women. We're women who have no interest in winning a political post, no ambition. We're women.

Now when two contenders (for the Wanita Umno chief post) touch on the subject, it's about who has not been doing more than the other. Who has not been doing anything.

Incumbent Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz and her challenger, (Wanita Umno deputy chief) Shahrizat Abdul Jalil were crossing swords on this issue at a meet-the-delegates gathering in Johor Baru.

I was not there so I'm depending on newspaper reports. Their exchanges could well have been very gracious, civil and polite.

According to the NST, Rafidah asked critics not to accuse the wing of not fighting for women's rights hard enough.

This fighting for women's economic and social issues is really the job of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, she pointed out.

"We (Wanita Umno) are a political party, don't forget that. Our job is to help Umno continue to lead the country in general elections."

"Maybe one of the reasons why we lost our two-thirds majority in Parliament and five states was because some of our women (in Wanita Umno) had lost focus of our political goals.

"Maybe they were concentrating too much on women's rights, whereas it is the ministry which should be doing that."

Wow....we know where that's going to.

Shahrizat, as we all know was the women, family and community development minister until the general election last year.
(She was dropped from the Cabinet after the elections but was immediately made advisor to the ministry).

Shahrizat, who was present at the function responded by saying that the ministry had always strived to further women's issues.

"We have done a lot in respect of laws, policies and rules concerning women. We have been fulfilling our responsibilities."

But, she hastened to add, progress had to begin with Wanita Umno.

If Wanita Umno does not defend women's rights, the country will not move forward.

"Women will not be heard if Wanita Umno does not pick up the voices of our women," Shahrizat said.

So, we generally have an idea of what was going on there --both women trying to shape a perception (among the delegates) on who is more fitting to lead the wing. Who screwed up and who didn't.

The election is just around the corner and it is expected to be very stiff, very keen.

Since Shahrizat made known her intention last year to topple her one-time mentor, Rafidah made no secret of that sense of betrayal. The subterfuge, the duplicity.

But as they say, I suppose we ain't seen nothing yet.

For the NST report, click HERE.

Salam Maulidurrasul!

And We did not send you, Oh Muhammad, except to bring Rahmat (blessings) to all mankind" -- a verse from the Quran.

My friends, have a blessed celebration! Maulidurrasul falls on the 12th day of Rabi'ul Awwal which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

My Muslim brothers and sisters -- let us join in reciting the selawat and salam for our Nabi!

Celebrating Women....

Today is dedicated to me, and my sisters...

Know it HERE...and HERE

I Am All For The Use Of English For Maths And Science

How can I oppose the use of English in (the teaching) of Maths and Science in our schools?

It doesn't make sense (to oppose). English is the language most used in maths and science so we have to be practical.

It is for our children's future.

I don't think I am trivializing the importance of our national language by promoting the use of English in maths and science.

I cannot go the same road as our sastrawan and Malay literary figures on this. I do not agree with them.
I appeal to them to not be swayed by emotions.

We all benefited from learning English. So many rural Malays benefited from having a good command of English.

Surely, being proficient in English to master maths and science will not threaten the status of Bahasa Malaysia?

We will not lose our national language. I know we won't.

Just read THIS and THIS.

Malays, Melayu....

I was not there at the mosque to listen to what the Sultan of Selangor had to say.

But according to the NST, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today "expressed disappointment over the action of a certain group of Malays who continued to question the positions of Malays and the Malay Rulers when these were enshrined in the constitution".

His highness made his remarks when opening the Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz near Petaling Jaya.

Here's the rest of the NST story.

The sultan described this group of Malays as rude, ill-mannered and unabashed, given that they had been nurtured from the time of their ancestors in the customs and traditions, good behaviour, courteousness, and engaging inconsultation.

"It is on this premise that the Malays are held in high esteem and respected, (but) where are the Malays now?

"The nation has been a sovereign state for just half a century, and the Malays have begun to quarrel, lose their self-esteem and become discourteous due to being overly enthusiastic in grabbing power at the expense of the people and the state,"

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim was also present at the ceremony.

Al Fatihah: Zubir Ali

I knew Zubir Ali when I was a student in ITM (now UiTM) in the mid-70s (from 1975 to 1978). He was in charge of our cultural society and I was an active member.

Then, he did not display his talent as a singer or songwriter, although I knew that he had deep interest in music as we had discussions about the arts (including on music).

Over the years, I bumped into him during Hari Raya open houses and arts/cultural performances. Once, at 1-Utama.

How sad to have received this tragic news of his death.

Saudara Zubir died of heart conditions at the Damansara Specialist Hospital today.

Here's the NST report.

Zubir was a founding member of folk outfit, Harmoni that popularised the humanitarian tune, Balada Seorang Kecil penned in the 1990s. The members went separate ways in 1985.

Two years ago, Zubir established Trio Harmoni and continued his vision to preserve the popularity of Malay folk songs.

He was buried in Petaling Jaya, Selangor after Asar prayers.

Al-Fatihah.....

Toll Hike Postponed Until Year-End

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.....

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.

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.

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.

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.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE....

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.

The Sultan is confident whatever decision by Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will be made fairly and wisely while taking into account the people's interests and that of the state.

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.

Eli Takes A Break Abroad...

The NST online:

State executive councillor and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong has left the country.

Wong, who left for an undisclosed location, said in a statement that she had been informed that there would be a fresh assault on her and even more lewd, graphical and sensational stories of her private life would emerge.

“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.

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 leaves behind a wife, Sim Hussein, and daughter Alia.

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.

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.”

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."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

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).

Sirul Says He's A Scapegoat..

...and it's a cover-up.

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 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.

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.

They are grateful for the Election Commission's decision yesterday not to call for by-elections in their constituencies after the hue and cry over the drama of their disappearance and purported resignations.

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.
"As of now, I consider myself an independent assemblyman."

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.

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.

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 ....)

"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...

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.

But he declined to name the representatives nor state how many would be crossing over.

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 two had gone ’missing’ since Monday.

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..

Najib Not In Favour Of Labu LCCT...

According to Sime Darby Watch, the DPM who is also the Finance Minister made this known to Air Asia and Sime Darby Berhad executives at a meeting this morning.

And from NST alert: Air Asia's Labu Airport is as good as off. The decision was conveyed to Air Air Asia executives when they met the Deputy Prime Minister today.

Read SD Watch and Apanama's Bye Bye Labu.

Iraq's Shoe-Throwing Monument

(source; Associated Press)

BAGHDAD – When an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at George W. Bush last month at a Baghdad press conference, the attack spawned a flood of Web quips, political satire and street rallies across the Arab world.

Now it's inspired a work of art.

A sofa-sized sculpture — a single copper-coated shoe on a stand carved to resemble flowing cloth — was formally unveiled to the public Thursday in the hometown of the late Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein.

Officials and visitors walked around the outdoor sculpture during the brief ceremony, pondering on its eccentricities — such as a tree poking up from the shoe's interior.

Its sculptor called it a fitting tribute to the shoe hurler, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, and his folk hero reputation in parts of the Muslim world and beyond.

The Baghdad-based artist, Laith al-Amari, said the work honors al-Zeidi and "is a source of pride for all Iraqis."

He added: "It's not a political work."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Defection To BN Is Not Wrong, Says Pas

But it is wrong, if its from Pas to BN, says Terengganu Pas Commissioner Mustafa Ali.

(source: Bernama)

Explaining, Mustafa said that party hopping from BN to the Pakatan Rakyat, especially Pas, is not wrong because getting out of something negative to something positive is a requirement in Islam.

Mustafa said that Pas will not tolerate any of its members joining BN, saying the basis of the party's struggles was not right.

"We don't agree with this (Pas representatives joining BN) because it is not good for them ... this (Pas) struggle is right but they want to run to the wrong side. There is something wrong here.

"It is right for the others to want to join Pas. This is not a double standard but a principle in terms of humanity," he said at a news conference in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.

Also present was State Pas treasurer, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, who is also Terengganu MP and Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman.

He was commenting on Bota assemblyman, Nasaruddin Hashim's move to quit Umno and cross over to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) on Sunday.

Musatafa said party hopping must be sincere and based on the struggle for common principles for the good of the people, but it is unethical to hop for money or position.

However, he conceded that someone contesting for a particular party in the general election should not cross over to another party unless the respresentative vacates the seat.

Speaking on the proposal to regulate an anti-party hopping law, amendments on the matter must be made in the Malaysian Constitution, which includes allowing representatives who vacated their seats to recontest in a shorter period of time, instead of five years as stated.

Muhyiddin Supports Anti-Hop Law

KOTA KINABALU: (Jan 30)

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed support to the proposal to introduce the Anti-Hop Law to ensure political stability in the country.

"It's needs to be looked into again. It is not that we fear more will leave the Barisan Nasional (BN) but what is important is the question of principle," he said.

Speaking to reporters after attending a Chinese New Year open house at the residence of his deputy and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk VK Liew, Muhyiddin who is also Minister of International Trade and Industry, said there was a need to look at it seriously taking into consideration the current political scenario.

"Personally, I do agree to that a re-look be made at the earlier provisions of the Federal constitution.

"But, of course, it's entirely up to BN leaders to see the rationale in amending the constitution (to enable the enaction of the proposed Anti-Hop Law) and find out what the people think about it," he said.

He was asked to comment on Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan's remarks yesterday that the time was ripe to amend the Federal Constitution for the enaction of the proposed Anti-Hop Law.

CONTINUE READING THE BERNAMA STORY ....

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak is now chairman of the Perak Umno Liaison Body and Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, succeeding Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali who has resigned from both positions.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Perak Umno Liaison Body and Deputy Chairman of Perak BN.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Najib and Ahmad Zahid would hold the positions until the Umno general assembly in March and a new appointment would be made after the general assembly.

"Who will be appointed (the Perak Umno Liaison chairman later) is yet to be known," he said at a press conference after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting that lasted more than four hours, in Kuala Lumpur last night.

THE FULL (BERNAMA) STORY HERE....

Umno Members Protest Tengku Rithauddeen's Proposal

Some 30 members of the Youth and Putera wings of Umno last night handed a memorandum of protest to the party leadership on the intervention by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in party matters.

In the memorandum, the members also protested against the proposal by the chairman of the Umno Diciplinary Board, Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail that the party's wings be dissolved to curb money politics.

The memorandum was handed to Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and members of the Supreme Council (MT) before they began their their MT meeting at the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

A spokesman for the group, Zuraidi Abdul Rahim said the establishment of the MACC had resulted in more party members being detained on corruption charges and members of the commission frequently adopted harsh tactics when questioning suspects.

CONTINUE READING HERE...

....meanwhile, Wanita Umno does not agree with Tengku Rithauddeen's suggestion that the movement as well as the Umno Youth, Puteri and 'Biro Putera' be dissolved to curb the practice of money politics.

Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said the existence of the party wings should not be linked to the practice of money politics because some of those involved were not members of the Umno wings.

"Why should we burn the mosquito net when we are angry with the mosquito? (Why cut one's nose to spite one's face?). Only a handful of Umno members are involved in money politics, so why should the 'net' which is more than 50 years old and acts as a pillar of strength for Umno be burnt?" Rafidah told Bernama yesterday.

CONTINUE READING HERE....

This materi

Nasaruddin's Defection Is An Act Of Weakness

That's how the Prime Minister sees it.

Here's the NST report:

KAMPAR, Thurs:

Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim’s defection was an act of weakness, the prime minister said.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Umno president, said Nasarudin had clearly cast aside the Umno struggle by joining the Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

He said quitting was not the solution to Nasarudin’s problems with the party. “If you were not given any posts, you should not sulk.”
Becoming a senior member and elected representative was “not easy as you are bound to face numerous problems pertaining to the party or in your capacity as a leader”.

“In times like this, you must remind yourself that sacrifices have to be made for the sake of Umno’s struggle,” Abdullah told reporters after launching the Village Action Plan at SMK Ayer Kuning, some 20km from here, today.

Nasarudin left Umno for the PKR on Sunday in a surprise move that has unsettled Perak Umno.
Abdullah said he had not betrayed the party even when he was left with no position in it.

“I did not abandon Umno then as I truly value the party. His act is that of a weak person. It was a clear example of weakness,” he said.

On rumours that two PKR assemblymen in Perak might join the Barisan Nasional, Abdullah smiled but played down the prospect.

“Let them. Some might want to join PKR while others might want to leave the party,” he said.

When asked to comment on Perak BN and state Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali’s decision to relinquish both posts, he said it would be discussed during a supreme council meeting later today.

“I suppose he felt really hurt (by Nasarudin’s defection). He will brief the supreme council on his decision and the political scenario in Perak,” Abdullah said.