The Maid Story

Just over the weekend, there was a report, quoting Indonesian embassy Information, Social and Cultural Affairs Minister-Counsellor Suryana Sastradiredja saying that the embassy had advised its government to suspend the sending of maids to Malaysia indefinitely although the maids had begun their compulsory training this month.

He said it was because of reports that two maids were physically abused by a senior government official and his wife, and that the two victims were also not paid salaries.

Apparently, one of the maids had sought shelter at the embassy last Friday night, while the other had been asked to return home earlier by the official’s wife.

So far there has been no police report lodged.

Read the New Sunday Times report here.

Today, deputy human resource minister Maznah Mazlan said that the delay in the arrival of the maids had been deferred to April 1, from March 1 earlier.

But this is not because of the alleged abuse case of two Indonesian maids.

This is because the maids have not undergone the mandatory 200-hour training.

She told reporters that that was why the Labour Department and the Indonesian government had postponed the arrival date by a month.

Bernama, quoting Maznah said the training was part of the requirements for Indonesian maids to come to Malaysia under the new regulations, besides the requirement for employers to submit their profiles.

Malaysia and Indonesia had also agreed to have a working contract for domestic maid and the cost of recruiting Indonesian maid fixed at RM4,511.

Maznah said that the ministry was coordinating with 12 employment agencies in Indonesia to bring in the maids.

"So far, 128 employers in the country have submitted their applications to the agencies concerned," she added.

She said those wanting to employ domestic helpers could do so by surfing jtksm.mohr.gov.my for further information.

If you ask me, well and good if we can still source maids from Indonesia. But I believe the government should SERIOUSLY work on finding long-term solutions to help Malaysians deal with this issue of domestic help. It affects thousands of families.

We cannot be doing this forever. There must be a cut-off point somewhere. The government should work with related agencies to find a solution -- like setting up creches in work-places, establishing good and reliable nurseries and child care centres in housing and residential estates and so on.

In this respect, the government must know that we hardly look like a progressive nation.

Dear Yitzhak., Dear Ehud

21 December 1993

His Excellency
Mr Yitzhak Rabin
Prime Minister of Israel
JERUSALEM


I would like to thank you for your letter of 17 October informing me about
the Agreement of Principles and Mutual Recognition between Israel and the PLO.

My government supports this positive development and views it as a first
step towards the realization of a comprehensive solution to the Middle East
problem. As a demonstration of Malaysia's support to this development my
country was represented at the Donor's Conference to support The Middle East
Peace held in Washington and subsequently pledged a modest financial
contribution to the Palestinians to assist in their new tasks. My government has
also offered the Palestinians technical assistance under the Malaysian Technical
Cooperation Programme.

Malaysia as a matter of general principle is prepared to develop relations
with Israel at the appropriate time. In the meantime, we would like to see
tangible progress in the implementation of the peace agreement.

The Middle East problem particularly the Palestinian issue has been a cause
of instability to the region and I hope the recent agreement between Israel and
PLO would contribute to lasting peace to the area.

I look forward to normal relations with Israel. (this last sentence is hand
written)

DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD

This is to Ehud Barak.

8 June 1999

His Excellency
Mr Ehud Barak
Prime Minister Elect of Israel
TEL AVIV

Your Excellency,

May I extend my congratulations on your victory in the recent elections.
With this impressive mandate, I hope that you and your coalition partners will
be able to guide the destiny of the people of Israel at the threshold of a new
Century.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that Malaysia has always
sought peace and the settlement of problems between neighbours through
negotiations. It is therefore our hope to see the mutual implementation of the
agreements signed between the PLO and Israel. We also believe that if the peace
process is to be salvaged, sincere and effective steps must be taken to honour
commitments.

As an important partner in the peace process it is crucial for Israel to be
more accommodating. The Palestinians have made major sacrifices. They no longer
demand the elimination of Israel. They are even prepared to share Jerusalem with
you. It is therefore timely that Israel respond positively so as to sustain the
hopes of the people in both Palestine and Israel. Solemn commitments made by a
previous Goverment must be honoured. The alternative I am afraid, would be a
permanent state of conflict and regional instability extending into the next
Century. This is certainly a prospect that must be avoided.

The crux of the problem is that no party should revert to the old ways of
taking what belongs to others, on the one hand and instigating hatred and
violence, on the other. Malaysia cannot countenance aggression by anyone,
whether friend or foe. Any country that focibly takes over land and properties
of others, or demolishes dwellings belonging to others in order to set up its
own settlements cannot be said to be sincere in wanting peace.

Malaysia is of the firm conviction that the security of all countries in
West Asia can only be assured with the establishment of a just, lasting, and
comprehensive peace in the region. This must be based on the principle of
"exchange of land for peace" and the establishment of an independent Palestinian
state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The world looks foward to Israel under your leadership, to push foward the
peace process with true determination. It is my sincere hope that the attainment
of a comprehensive settlement in the region would allow Malaysia to
realistically envisage a positive move towards the establishment of normal
relations with Israel.

Yours sincerely,

DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD

The Gracious Erykah Badu - Did We Overreact?

I know Pas Youth is very happy with the cancellation of Erykah Badu's concert which was to have been on last night. They said so.
Along with some Muslims intolerant of anything they deem to insult their faith, even if it is not so.

Pas secretary Khairil Faizi Ahmad Kamil thanked Information, Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim for "his concern and immediate action in cancelling the concert".

Khairul Faizi and five other delegates had submitted a protest memorandum against the concert.

On Tuesday, Rais announced the government's decision to cancel the concert (scheduled to be held on Wednesday Feb 29 at KLCC) by the 41 year-old grammy-winning soul artiste.

The cancellation was on the grounds of national security, religious sensitivity and public order.

He said the rules and requirements by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) were breached.

Basically, the concert was banned because of Erykah's promo photo that appeared in The Star (section 2) which showed her bare shoulders and several "tattoos" two of which were the Arabic words "Allah". The "tattoos" appeared on the far front right and left side below her shoulders.

Erykah told a press conference on Wednesday that the images were NOT tattooes but body art and were not permanent

Before this, I don't think anyone knew that she had those images on her body.

Had she insulted Islam? Or Allah SWT? I don't think she had. And if she appeared to have, it was unintentional.

In the eyes of Pas Youth and other Muslims, she certainly had.

How intolerant we are.

Erykah, at the press conference, apologized for the image and said it was unfortunate that it was used by the newspaper as a publicity photo.

She said the photo was from a photo shoot and was inspired by her "fave film maker", Alejandro Jodorowsky and his movie called The Holy Mountain in the 70s.

"One of his characters is called the painted lady. She wore all symbols and names of God on her body. I posed as her in a photo shoot for New Am pt2. This idea embodies who we All are...One."

When people tattoo or paint images on their body, they usually admire, love, like...have all those positive things of/for the image they want to have imprinted or painted on their bodies.

Rightly or wrongly -- Erykah did it. But that's her body and that's her choice. No one was harmed .
And it was a photo -- and one that was used (bad choice by the newspaper, they have admitted and for which they have apologized) in the newspaper report.

Erykah was not going to insult Islam and sing songs insulting Muslims in her concert.

Rais, in his statement referred to the images and said that it was "an insult to Islam and regarded as a serious offence".

"This has raised objections from the community which can threaten national security and have a negative impact on the government's image," he said.

The decision to cancel the concert was based on the views the Home Ministry, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Royal Malaysia Police.

"With the graphic exhibition of "Allah" on the body of the singer, it is sufficient to warrant irrefutable religious controversies 0from among Muslims who disdain such practice.

" The Puspal committee's decision to disallow the entertainer to perform publicly is in our view justified.

"To proceed with such public performance would only attract bigger and more cascading
difficulties the likes of which we cannot afford to have under the present circumstances.

"Symbolism of Allah and Prophet Muhammad in the realm of exhibitive entertainment is not in the order Muslims'acceptance," said Rais.

Wow - you'd think that Erykah was an anti-Islam activist whose performance was going to cause a riot of such magnitude?

In fact, there was no public uproar. Just protests (typically) from our moral custodian Pas Youth and a few in the Muslim community.

And I seriously doubt that there would be mayhem outside the concert hall if the show had gone on as scheduled. A few Pas Youth members and supporters wasting their Wednesday evening making noise outside the venue, perhaps. Certainly nothing our police could not handle.

I understand Pas Youth sentiments because they are Pas Youth -- but they would really be deserving of contempt and odium from Malaysians - Muslims and non-Muslims - alike if they behaved like mad rabid dogs protesting the concert.

So, no...we should not have cancelled the concert. We overreacted, as we always do for our inability to do better in such circumstances and instances. I say we -- although I was in no way party to that decision -- because that decision reflects all of us. That we are a bunch of intolerant hypocrites.

Well, typical, isn't it? So easy to ban, ban, ban....books. concerts, films....

Read THIS too.

Satu Lagi kena Tipu...

Here's something I don't understand. Don't these women read newspapers or portals or something?
Do they live in a cave?
There have been so many cases of this kind of scam.

I'd like to say: " serves them right"...

According to the NST today, a 46-year-old office clerk was conned of RM75,000 by her boyfriend whom she had met through a social networking site.

The woman, from Kampung Sungai Merab Hulu in Kajang, lodged a police report on Wednesday, saying her boyfriend, who introduced himself as Chris Joshwen from the United Kingdom, had told her that he would be coming down to Malaysia to visit her on Valentine's Day.

On Feb 13, she received a call from a woman who claimed to be a Customs officer at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) that Joshwen had been detained by the authorities for failure to declare the items that he brought in.

The "officer" then told the victim that she had to pay RM75,000 for his release.

Without questioning much, the victim withdrew her money and banked in the amount in four transactions into three different accounts as instructed by the "officer".

The rest of the story HERE.

How many similar con cases like this have we read? Are they that naive, that vulnerable?

Whitney Houston Laid To Rest.....

WESTFIELD, N.J.— Whitney Houston was laid to rest Sunday at a brief private ceremony in New Jersey, the end of a weekend that saw the pop star's family and friends gather at a star-studded funeral to mourn her loss while celebrating her career.

Fans and onlookers gathered in several places along the route the motorcade took from the Newark funeral home to the cemetery about 20 miles away in Westfield, where Houston was buried next to her father, who died in 2003.

The 48-year-old singer died Feb. 11 in California, hours before she was to attend a pre-Grammy Awards party. No cause of death has been determined.

On Saturday, she was mourned at an invitation-only funeral at the church in Newark where she sang in the choir as a child. She was remembered by the biggest names in the music: Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys sang, and industry mogul Clive Davis was among those who spoke, as was Kevin Costner, Houston's co-star in "The Bodyguard."

The funeral was closed to fans, who were not allowed within blocks of the church. Still, many came to Newark to take part in what ways they could, some from as far as Miami and Washington, D.C.

Fans gathered again near the funeral home Sunday morning, and some even slowly ran alongside the hearse as it began the journey to Houston's gravesite. Several yelled out "We love you, Whitney" as the hearse, which had a black and white headshot of the star in a window, slowly drove away.-AP

Here's my piece on her that was published in the NST on Saturday, Feb 18.

Bank Negara Clarifies On Forex Fatwa

(source:NST)

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia said yesterday that only licensed financial institutions and money changers are allowed to conduct foreign currency trading.

This statement came about after the National Fatwa Council's ruling on Wednesday that forex trading is forbidden for Muslims.

The Council's statement on it being permissible among banks and money changers was not prominently mentioned in the media, which created some confusion among the public.

BNM said licensed commercial banks, Islamic banks, investment banks and international Islamic banks are allowed to buy and sell foreign currency in Malaysia, as provided under the Exchange Control Act 1953.

And under the Money Services Business Act 2011, so too are licensed money services business providers or money changers.

"In addition, Shariah-compliant financial products, including foreign exchange related transactions, offered and transacted by licensed Islamic financial institutions are approved by Shariah Committee of the respective financial institutions with endorsement from the Shariah Advisory Council of BNM," said the central bank.

International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA) head of Research Affairs, Dr Asyraf Wadji Dusuki when contacted, said he lauded the National Fatwa Council's decision as it is targeted at Muslim individuals who engage in forex trading via the Internet.

He said ISRA research on online forex trading raised a few concerns such as the leverage, rollover interest, the issues of qabd and qabl (status of ownership), and the element of gambling.

Asyraf said it is common from brokers to offer a loan in the form of leverage, which is against Islamic practice.

"For example, when an investor wants to have an open position worth US$1,000, the individual only needs to provide a capital of US$10 while the balance is offered by the broker in the form of a loan," he said.

This practice, he said, can lead to riba (interest), whereby the broker will profit through what is known as spread - the differences between the bid and ask prices where the broker sells the currency to the trader at a high price and buying it at a low price.

Dr Asyraf added that according to ISRA's study, almost all forex online platforms are operating without valid licences.

Meanwhile, National Fatwa Council chairman Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin clarified yesterday that not all the foreign exchange trading (forex trading) is forbidden to Muslims.

In a statement, he said the decision by the council on Wednesday was misreported in several media and explained that it was only referring to foreign currency scheme by individual spot forex through electronic platform.

He said the decision was taken as there were many doubts about the individual spot forex and it involves the trader to use the Internet, with uncertain outcomes.

“Such trading are against the Syarak laws and the Malaysian law,” he said in the statement.

However, he said the decision did not apply to other forms of trading in foreign currencies, such as by licensed money changers or between banks.

He said such trading are permissible as they do not involve currency speculation or uncertain outcomes.

It's Now Haram For MuslimsTo Trade in Forex

The National Fatwa Council yesterday made a ruling that foreign exchange (forex) is haram for Muslims.

National news agency (Bernama) quoted council chairman Dr Abdul Shukor Husin as having said that forex trading is against Islamic law because involves currency speculation.

Also that it creates confusion among Muslims.

He said this to reporters after chairing the Council's 98th conference in Kota Baru.

He said Muslims should not engage in forex trading as there are many doubts about it and it involves individuals using the internet, with uncertain outcomes.

But other forms of trading in foreign currencies, such as by money changers or between banks, are permissible, as they do not involve currency speculation or uncertain outcomes..

Dr Abdul Shukor said the council also ruled that it is permissible for Muslims to invest or save in the Premium Saving Certificate scheme managed by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).

The decision was reached after a briefing by the Bank Negara syariah panel on the scheme's implementation.

"At first we had doubts about the scheme's implementation, but we were satisfied after the trading system was changed into the Islamic concept of Mudharabah," he said.

Read the rest of the article here.

To be honest, I have no knowledge of how forex works, so I won't know whether or not the council's decision is right, if you know what I mean.

A fatwa has been issued, be that as it may. So, how will this impact forex trading? Will Muslims heed the fatwa - although I'm not sure of the number of Muslims who trade in forex ? I guess there must be sizeable number because the council had to look into it.
And, will there be any action against Muslims who continue to trade in forex, although a fatwa is not legally binding?

Just One Too Many...

Too many drowning cases
Too many fatal accidents in factories
Too many deaths on the road
Babies' deaths in nurseries...

Are we okay with that?

Whitney Houston RIP (1963 - 2012)

Pop legend, songbird, actress -- Whitney died yesterday (Saturday) at 3.55pm (LA time) at the Beverley Hilton.

She was 48. Causes of her death are still unknown.

So tragic. So sad. Such an incredible talent. Her sudden death was so unbelievable, I know. I was shocked when I got the news, but not entirely surprised because I know that she had not been that well and was battling "demons"....

Only last night I was watching the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert and the rerun of Michael Jackson: This Is It.

And now, news of Whitney's death. Gone too soon. Tragic...

Outpouring of love for this sweet soul in twitter....#Whitney.

We can never forget you...

We will always love you....

May you rest in peace.

In the End -- Its' Really About Love and Relationships

This was written by a nurse in palliative care.

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.

I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

PAS Youth and Valentine's Day

Let me try to get this right -- PAS Youth is not against people celebrating Valentine's Day. Except Muslims..

PAS Youth is against Muslims celebrating Valentine's Day because it is against Islamic "syariat" as it is of Christian origin . It believes that celebrating this day of love and romance can lead to widespread immoral activities such as premarital and unlawful sex.

Because just making noise about it does not seem to have much effect on young Muslims, PAS Youth now wants the government to use its power over the mainstream media to broadcast anti-Valentine's day ads and messages to dissuade Muslims from celebrating it.

The movement is against the widespread media coverage and promotion of Valentine's Day.

PAS Youth says while Malaysia is diverse, Muslims make up 60 per cent of the population and should be subject to Islamic laws and regulations.

Also, it points out that in 2005, the National Fatwa Council declared that Islam does not encourage the celebration of Valentine's Day as it is associated with Christian elements.

So tomorrow morning, the movement will submit a memorandum to Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim at his office.

It seems to be its practice of late - just ahead of Valentine's Day, PAS Youth sends out this message or rather warning. Non-Muslim bodies, including political parties will respond by reminding the movement about the non-Muslims in the country who have the right to celebrate Valentine's Day.

PAS Youth will clarify that it understands the sentiments but is doing all this because it does not want this to be a trend among Muslims.

Besides, Muslims the world over are against this celebration.

However, PAS Youth insists that it is not trying to be the moral police or enforcers.

Last year, ahead of Valentine's Day, JAKIM launched a campaign "Mind the Valentine's Day Trap. On the day, religious enforcement officers launched co-ordinated raids, targeting budget hotels and public parks in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

In Selangor alone, officials said 80 people were detained for khalwat or close proximity. In KL, there were raids as well. Overall, some 100 people were caught.

So, come Feb 14, we'll expect raids on budget hotels.

But you know, that's not how Valentine's Day is celebrated. You raid budget and six-star hotels today, you're bound to nab people - young or/and old - doing what they're not supposed to be doing.

Traditionally in modern times, people celebrate Valentine's Day by sending red roses to the ones they love. It used to be the guys sending the flowers. These days, girls send flowers too. You can't afford red roses (other kinds of flowers just won't do!) you send cards.

You can't afford cards or you just don't do cards in this digital age, there are just so many other ways of declaring your love ....

And then, of course, the Valentine's Day dinner. Anywhere is romantic.

Actually, that's all there is to the celebration. Now, those people who check into hotels -- well, they'd be doing it anyway. Valentine's Day is just an excuse.

All I can say is that Valentine's Day has become so commercial and commercialized. Florists make a killing, so do hotels and restaurants...I mean on that day or days before Valentine's Day, you can be sure the sales of chocolates and cards and God knows-what, shoot up.

Brisk business...

Anyway, I'd like to tell PAS Youth to chill out but I know that they have to do what they have to do. It's part of of their raison d'etre or it is their raison d'etre.

Now, let me get this right, PAS Youth is not trying to be the moral police. Right?

Thank goodness for that..

No To Skirts In Connecticut Catholic School

A Catholic school in Connecticut in the US is introducing a new dress code for its pupils -- from plaid skirts to khaki pants by fall.

This was decided after the school authorities found that the girls were rolling up their skirts to make them shorter than the required length...

Read the article HERE.

Shortlived KITA

It's true what they say -- so easy to form political parties, but ain't easy to keep them alive and going, and relevant to the population..

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad thinks the so-called third force in Malaysian politics are not serious politicians....

Celebrating Thaipusam...

It's Thaipusam today.

Happy holiday!

Selamat Menyambut Maulidul Rasul!

When I was small, I knew it as Maulud Nabi....

Whatever we call it, it is the day to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Salam Maulidul Rasul!

Rocky's Defamation Case Concluded....Finally

UPDATE:
(Thursday Feb 2 2012)

Rocky has something to say before he moves on...

Earlier posting:
------------------

Blogger Rocky AKA Ahirudin Attan, in a long-drawn (5 years) defamation case against him by Kalimullah Hassan and three other former New Straits Times Press executives -- finally had it settled amicably.

(The three are Syed Faisal Albar, Hishamuddin Aun and Brenden Pereira.)

Actually, the NSTP was also a plaintiff in the suit but withdrew it in 2010 -- A good thing too!

In a statement of settlement tendered Tuesday to the High Court by counsel for both parties, Rocky stated that he apologised for considerable distress, embarrassment and inconvenience caused to the four.

"I recognise, acknowledge and empathise with the considerable distress, embarrassment and inconvenience caused to the plaintiffs resulting from the publication of the statements."

In 2007, Kalimullah, then NSTP deputy chairman; Hishamuddin, then group editor-in-chief ; Syed Faisal Syed Albar, then director and CEO; and Brendan John Pereira, then group editor - filed the suit against Rocky over defamatory postings in his blog.

According to the statement of settlement, which was made available to the media, Rocky also expressed his sincere and utmost regret for the consequences caused to the plaintiffs.

He withdrew all allegations and imputations against the four and agreed not to further publish any similar allegations on his blog, Rocky's Bru, or other blogs or websites.

He was present in court yesterday with his lawyer, Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.

Counsel Rishwant Singh appeared for the four plaintiffs.

High Court judge Datuk Asmabi Mohamad made no order as to costs.

Jahaberdeen said his client was also required to publish the statement of settlement on his blog.

In the suit filed in January 2007, the plaintiffs alleged that Rocky caused to be published certain defamatory posts on his blog regarding the plaintiffs between June 8, 2006, and Dec 2, 2006.

They further alleged that the defamatory articles, which appeared on the blog, should be read alongside and when read as such, demonstrated a clear pattern of consistent and continuous conduct by the defendant to defame and injure the plaintiffs' personal and professional reputations, property, trade as well as goodwill.

Hell yeah, Rocky, you sure caused them a lot of distress and embarrassment....

And oh...I remember that night....

Also read The Mole, Rocky's Bru, BigDog's and Apanama

Here's an interesting read -- something on the US presidential race:

10 most Racist Moments of the GOP Primary (so far)

One cannot forget that the contemporary Republican Party was born with the Southern Strategy, winning over the former Jim Crow South to its side of the political aisle, and as a backlash against the civil rights movement. This is a formula for a politics of white grievance mongering and white victimology; a dreamworld where white conservatives are oppressed, their rights infringed upon by a tyrannical federal government and elite liberal media that are beholden to the interests of the “undeserving poor,” racial minorities, gays, and immigrants.

The rest of the article HERE

Way To Go AZ!

Indie guitarist, composer and educator Az Samad is teaching music in the virtual world.

Az, 31 is a guitarist-composer. His name maybe unfamiliar in Malaysia but he is quite well known internationally, especially among music schools, for his skills in playing jazz and contemporary acoustic and classical guitar.

He has a Master’s degree in Music (Jazz Studies) from San Jose State University, Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition and Performance (Summa Cum Laude) from Berklee College of Music, Boston, and Bachelor of Music in

Arranging from University of Westminster, United Kingdom. Since coming home, Az has been busy with not just composing and performing but also teaching.

The gigs and recording experiences he got overseas had also given him an edge. Az didn’t perform with just any ordinary musician but top artistes and songwriters like Grammy winners Flaco Jimanez and Max Baca, singer-songwriter

Tara Linda, Rick Vandivier, Hristo Vitchev, world Music Ensemble Bogofusion, electronic jazz-funk group Planet Loop, and string jazz ensemble JazzMine.

Read the NST article by Izwan Ismail HERE.

Just So Many Fairy Tales...

"There is speculation that I have a Ferrari. I have never even sat in one. They say my salary is RM45,000 a month... there are just too many fairy tales." - National Feedlot Corporation executive director Wan Shahinur Izmir Salleh.

He denied any misappropriation of funds as "every sen from the RM250 million government loan must be repaid or else we will be declared bankrupt or sent to jail".

The project NFC was handling is a 30-year contract with the government.

Taken from this NST report.

Has the Club of Obedient Wives (COW) gone a bit too far with their new campaign?

I'm no ulama. Really, you don't have to be one to know that this is all so wrong.

Pas think so too.

And, well...you asked for it, really....

This Man Is......

...never mind, your choice of adjective.

His name is Kamal Ashnawi (in picture). He is from Perak and he claims to have Euro 5 TRILLION (gasp) (savings) which amounts to RM20 trillion.

Now -- just on that line...can you believe him? I mean DUUH.

He was interviewed by Mingguan Malaysia. He showed the reporters copies of bank statements from HSBC in London to back his claim of having the dough.
So, that would make him a "trillionaire".... far far richer than Forbes' richest people on earth. Man, he's richer than Malaysia.... He's like a very rich country.

Kamal said that he is the president and chief executive officer of Sierra Petroleum (M) Sdn Bhd.

In 2005, he claimed to have proposed an oil refinery project in Kedah but that did not fall through and, according to him, after that, some people spread tall tales about him.

That's why he decided to talk to the newspaper. Here's where he lost me..

"Saya terpanggil untuk tampil bagi menolak segala tuduhan buruk yang dilemparkan sebelum ini ekoran cadangan projek pada 2005 yang tidak berjaya dilaksanakan kerana dihalang oleh pihak-pihak tertentu."

Kamal said he is now offering to make mega investments in three projects in Perlis, Johor and Kelantan soon.

The business, he added, would be handed over to SAS Group, a group of former students of Sekolah Menengah Sains Alam Shah.

Kamal said he will be staying in Hong Kong in March with his family before going to Indonesia.

Now, get this : his wealth was derived from the royal heritage through the accounts of the Combined International Collateral Global Debt Facility in 1875.

Here's another one : he also claimed that he is a royal descendant from Java, Indonesia with the name Raden Mas Prabhu Gusti Agung Ki Asmoro Wijoyo and was expected to be crowned as King of Indonesia in the next few years.

Aduh!

Sounds so bizarre and far-fetched to me. You may laugh but there are enough people who believe in him...

I've been told by a friend in London that everyone who knew him say that he's a xxxxxx .....yep, just as I thought.

The Star has the story as well

(Photo from Mingguan Malaysia)

Happy Chinese New Year!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Kong Hee Fatt Choy!

To all my Chinese friends - have a wonderful new year!

May the year of the water dragon bring you good health, prosperity and all good things!

To everyone else -- happy holidays!

An Irish Story: Revenge of the Fairies....

...and how Sean Quinn, once Ireland's richest man, lost his billions.....

You're not the only ones who belive in "orang bunian" or "orang halus". But, you know, Ireland --land of leprechauns and fairies........

Read this:

HE was once Ireland's richest man, with a fortune of €4.7bn, before his huge gamble on Anglo Irish Bank shares toppled him into bankruptcy.

But for some in his heartland on the Cavan/Fermanagh border, the downfall of Sean Quinn has more to do with the wrath of the fairies than risky business moves.

According to these locals, it was the decision to move a megalithic burial tomb 20 years ago which led to the fall of his cement, hotels, and insurance empire.

The Aughrim Wedge Tomb stood for 4,000 years in the townland after which it is named, two miles outside Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

READ MORE

Siapa Kata Hang Tuah Tak Wujud...

"Hang Tuah existed in flesh and blood.
Hang Tuah was a legendary Malay warrior as proven in the research.

-- said State Museums Department director Khamis Abas .

The NST report:

Khamis said the state government recognises Hang Tuah as a Malay warrior and he is not mythical.

"We recognise Hang Tuah as a living person and, upon his death, Hang Tuah was laid to rest at makam Hang Tuah in Tanjung Kling here," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.

Historian Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim had said that Hang Tuah and his companions -- Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu -- never existed.

The NST visited the Hang Tuah mausoleum and noted that the inscription near Hang Tuah's tomb described him as a legendary Malay hero during the Malacca sultanate and he had served under three sultans.

The rest of the article.

I'm no historian but Hang Tuah as a Malay warrior had always been a historical fact to me....

Is there proof that he never existed?

Photo above of Makam Hang Tuah in Tanjung Kling, Melaka...

Shahrizat Sues PKR's Rafizi and Zuraida

Just a brief item here:

Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who is on leave from her duties as Women, Family and Community Development Minister has filed a RM100mil defamation suit against PKR strategic director Mohd Rafizi Ramli and Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin over their allegations on the National Feedlot Corporation issue.

The allegations of corruption and abuse against NFC are now being investigated by the police and the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

Kodak Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Over lunch today, a buddy went online and read aloud "Kodak files for Chpater 11...."

"You mean, they just did? I thought they were already down and out...couldn't keep up with the competition, the game...", I remarked. Surprised, sad...

That remark was not at all to disparage Kodak. I mean, I grew up in affinity with Kodak. Who didn't?
You're the film pioneer, man...

Kodak. oh Kodak. You had a damn good run for more than 130 years. Lasted as long as you did, didn't you? And as long as you could.

An icon. Synonymous with cameras and films. Films? Remember those things?

You invented the digital camera but you just could not keep up with modern technology. I don't know why. It's not an American thing, is it?

Is there a future for you?

Here's the Reuters story:

Eastman Kodak Co, which invented the hand-held camera and helped bring the world the first pictures from the moon, has filed for bankruptcy protection, capping a prolonged plunge for what remains one of America's best-known companies.

The 130-year-old photographic film pioneer, which had tried to restructure to become a seller of consumer products like cameras, said it had also obtained a $950 million, 18-month credit facility from Citigroup to keep it going.

"The board of directors and the entire senior management team unanimously believe that this is a necessary step and the right thing to do for the future of Kodak," Chairman and Chief Executive Antonio M. Perez said in a statement.

Kodak said that it and its U.S. subsidiaries had filed for Chapter 11 business reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Non-U.S. subsidiaries were not covered by the filing, it added.

Kodak once dominated its industry and its film was the subject of a popular Paul Simon song, but it failed to quickly embrace more modern technologies such as the digital camera -- ironically, a product it even invented.

Its downfall has already hit its Rust Belt hometown of Rochester, New York, with employment there falling to about 7,000 from more than 60,000 in Kodak's halcyon days.

In recent years, Chief Executive Perez has steered Kodak's focus more toward consumer and commercial printers.

But that failed to restore annual profitability, something Kodak has not seen since 2007, or arrest a cash drain that has made it difficult for Kodak to meet its substantial pension and other benefits obligations to its workers and retirees.

Perez said bankruptcy protection would enable Kodak to continue to work to maximize the value of its technology assets, such as digital-imaging patents it licences for use in mobile and other devices and its printing technology.

Kodak said it was being advised by investment bank Lazard Ltd, which has been helping Kodak look for a buyer for its 1,100 digital patents.

Other advisers included business-turnaround specialist FTI Consulting Inc, whose vice chairman, Dominic DiNapoli, would serve as chief restructuring officer for Kodak, supporting existing management.

No More Shark Fin Soup In Shangri La Hotels Worldwide

It's good to know that Shangri La Hotel and Resorts yesterday announced its decision to remove shark fin soup from their restaurants' menu worldwide.

The Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group has 72 hotels worldwide.

In November, the Peninsula hotel became the first traditional hotel in Hong Kong – the centre of the trade – to remove the dish from its restaurants. It was followed by 112 companies which signed up to a "Say No" initiative to remove shark fin from corporate banquets.

This is somewhat significant ahead of the Chinese spring festival which happens to be the main season for shark fin soup consumption at banquets in Hong Kong and the mainland.

It is estimated that between 26 million and 73 million sharks are killed each year to supply this billion-dollar industry. Almost a third are consumed during Chinese new year.

I've stopped eating shark fin soup for a long time now. Yes, in support of the worldwide campaign against killing of sharks for their fins.

The Guardian Story is HERE

and also the AFP article is HERE.

So, it goes without saying that you'll not be served shark fin soup at the Kuala Lumpur Shangri La...

Next question: when will other hotels be brave enough to do the same?

David Marshall In 1994 (when PAP ministers started enjoying their high pay schemes):

"I never earned $60,000 a month or $90,000 a month. When I was Chief Minister, I earned $8,000 a month. Look, what is happening today is we are encouraged to and are becoming worshippers of the Golden Calf.

We have lost sight of the joy and excitement of public service, helping our fellow men. The joy and excitement of seeking and understanding the miracle of the living, the duty and the grandeur. We have lost taste for heroic action in the service of our people.

We have become good bourgeois seeking comfort, security. It's like seeking a crystal coffin and being fed by intravenous injections through pipes in the crystal coffin; crystal coffins stuck with certificates of your pragmatic abilities.

It's time we start to clean up Singapore politics and get rid of the greedy self-serving politicians."

The Voice Of Moderation Must Be Heard LOUD..

Someone tweeted: "The challenge is to make this all happen."

I agree. If the world agrees that moderation is the way forward, how can we fail?

THE world has to accept moderation in all aspects of life to fight extremism and the challenges it faces, said Prime Minister Najib Razak in his keynote address when opening the inaugural International Conference on Global Movement of Moderates yesterday.

Good speech.

I'm a moderate. Are you?

Read the full text of Najib's keynote address here.

The Jakarta Sandal Scandal..

Well...here's how you show your disgust and contempt...

UPDATE:

KUALA LUMPUR (BERNAMA) -- Khazanah Nasional Bhd has announced that it will divest its 42.74 per cent stake inProton Holdings Bhd toDRB-HICOM Bhd via a conditional sale with a price consideration of RM5.50 per share or RM1.291 billion.

n a statement today, Khazanah said the decision was made following due deliberation and detailed evaluation of various proposals to ensure that due process was observed, proper financial value was received and that the new shareholder would be able to bring the national auto maker to the next level of strategic growth in line with the aspirations of the industrial development of the national automotive sector.

The divestment is still subject to, among others, the approval of the shareholders of DRB-Hicom.

"Upon completion of the sale and purchase agreement, DRB-Hicom will be obliged to undertake a mandatory general offer on the remaining Proton shares," the government's investment arm said.

Khazanah Managing DirectorAzman Mokhtar said pursuant to a thorough assessment of its proposal, which offered a defined and executable business strategy, DRB-Hicom was identified as the appropriate party to acquire the interest in Proton.

Earllier posting:

Khazanah Nasional Bhd will announce today that DRB-HICOM Bhd has won the bid for the 42.7 per cent stake in national car maker Proton Holdings Bhd.

For weeks now, we're been hearing talk and reading about parties interested in the deal. Among them are DRB-Hicom Bhd are and Naza.

DRB-Hicom seemed to be the front-runner.

Last week, it was reported that Khazanah, the government's investment arm would be announcing Khazanah Nasional Bhd today that DRB-Hicom has won the bid, with the sale price said to be at RM6 a share for a total of RM1.4bil.

The deal would require that the buyer make an offer to buy out the rest of Proton’s shareholders.

Bernama reports that trading Proton Holdings Berhad and DRB-Hicom Bhd were suspended from 9am to 5pm today pending an announcement.

The companies did not give details in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

DRB-Hicom asked for a suspension in trading, saying the company will be proposing a corporate exercise involving a very substantial transaction.

Proton shares closed at RM5.18 a share Friday and DRB-Hicom at RM2.17.

The Star reports that the take-over price is likely to be between RM5.50 and RM6 per share.

It quoted a banking source that Malayan Banking Bhd would be providing most of the funding for the deal.

It also quoted an industry source familiar with the deal that "the buyer had a comprehensive bid to consolidate the domestic automobile industry and to steer the national carmaker into profitability via strategic foreign partners and joint ventures."

You know, nobody seems to be able to say what really went wrong with Proton. So many scenarios. So many scapegoats.

Nobody wants to take the blame.

Has Khazanah been doing the right thing(s) all this while?

What a waste of investment in a great iconic national project....I covered the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister Musa Hitam in 1982 that "a national car project is on the drawing board."

Well...what's done is done. That's last century. Here's hoping for better and bigger things for Proton and the country....

Business as usual, says National Feedlot Corporation

Only assets frozen, not operations

KUALA LUMPUR --- The operations of National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd are continuing uninterrupted.

In a statement issued today, National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd executive director Wan Shahinur Izmir Salleh said, "Business is as usual in the company. Inventory of beef will continue to be supplied and all customer orders will be fulfilled. There is no interruption nor disruption."

Clients, employees and vendors were reassured that its operations remain on-going as a business concern despite a freeze on its assets.

“In fact our assets have been frozen by the relevant authorities since December 2011, in the effort to facilitate smooth and thorough investigations. We have extended our fullest cooperation from the outset. However, our operations have continued to function normally, and in this respect I would like to reassure our clients and vendors as well as our employees that they will continue to be served and gainfully employed,” added Izmir Salleh.

National Feedlot Corporation supplies beef to more than 160 customers that include hypermarkets, supermarkets, mini markets, wet markets, processed meat manufacturers, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

The company also clarified that its 4,500 heads of cattle at the National Feedlot Centre in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, continue to be nurtured and cared for to meet beef supplies on target for the country.

The company had only recently last week received a further import shipment of 1,500 heads of cattle from Australia.

Its chain of Meatworks restaurants is also opened for business at its regular hours, the statement added.

Ambiga On Corruption: It's Okay For The Small Fry..

“We must punish the big fishes, but we can forgive the ‘small fry’ so that we can move forward without any obstacles.”

Sorry, lady, I can't agree with you.

The Bersih 2.0 chief, representing NGOs, was speaking at the at the third Pakatan Rakyat convention at Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah in Alor Star yesterday.

Ambiga also suggested that Pakatan also consider setting up an independent body similar to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, to implement a policy to pardon the “small fry” involved in corruption cases,
Huh? A commission to implement....whaat?

I'm against corruption, Big or small. Small fry or big sharks.

You see, they usually start small. And if they're small fry in an organization, collectively, they can ruin that organization, especially if it's a government agency or department.

We talk about a new dawn, a new Malaysia. Wipe out corruption, and then we say that it's okay for the small fry. Just go for the sharks. Yes. Go for the big fish. But a crime is a crime.

They all start small and when they assume bigger and more powerful positions, they carry "that" with them.

I'm no lawyer. But lawyers themselves tell me that it is not easy to convict people for corruption. It is exhaustive and lengthy. Tons of documents to peruse and study.

Besides the fact that the accused usually have damn good lawyers to defend them.
Get off on some technicality. Hostile witnesses and so forth.

Nevertheless, we've seen some high profile cases.

When the culprit get off, we criticize the DPPs and government lawyers. We call them fools.

Perhaps, yeah. Perhaps some of them are not as good as some of those big names in the legal fraternity. (The government should hire them damn good lawyers!)

We cannot approach the war on corruption by naively (and Ambiga is not naive) saying that - oh forgive the small fry. Okay-lah you get the votes from the small fry.

Okay -- forgive the policeman for taking bribes from us? Forgive the RTD guy for asking for duit kopi. Forgive that land office boy fro asking "tips" for handling your application?

It all starts small and grows to become big. And a culture.

That said -- I can see why the small fry are corruptible and look to bribes as easy money. No increase in pay structure for centuries (I exaggerate, but you get my point) and cost of living getting higher and higher.....

Anyway, that call for a truth and reconciliation....??? I don't see any parallel, any commonality.

Okay. Enough said.

By the way, I have never offered a policeman a bribe. Never had to. Never

Have you?

Aah....to live to 100.
Do you really want to?
Anyway, here's an article about why some people live to, not just 100, but 110....

SUNDAY, Jan. 8 (HealthDay News) -- People who live 110 years or longer have as many disease-associated genes as those in the general population, but they may also be blessed with protective genes that help them live so long, researchers report.

The team of U.S. scientists noted that supercentenarians, as they are called, are extremely rare, with only one per 5 million people in developed nations. There is growing evidence that genetics play a major role in living to such an old age.

In what they describe as a first-of-a-kind study, the researchers analyzed the whole genome sequences of a man and a woman who lived past the age of 114 and found that they had as many disease-associated genes as other people.

For example, the man had 37 genetic mutations associated with increased risk for colon cancer.

"In fact, he had presented with an obstructing colon cancer earlier in his life that had not metastasized and was cured with surgery. He was in phenomenal cognitive and physical shape near the time of his death," study senior author Dr. Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian Study, said in a Boston University Medical Center news release.

The woman had numerous genetic variations associated with age-related disease, such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. She did develop congestive heart failure and mild cognitive impairment, but these conditions didn't become evident until she was more than 108 years old.

"The presence of these disease-associated variants is consistent with our and other researchers' findings that centenarians carry as many disease-associated genes as the general population," Perls said. "The difference may be that the centenarians likely have longevity-associated variants that cancel out the disease genes. That effect may extend to the point that the diseases don't occur -- or, if they do, are much less pathogenic or markedly delayed towards the end of life, in these individuals who are practically living to the limit of the human lifespan."

The study was published Jan. 3 in the journal Frontiers in Genetics, and researchers will be able to access the information at the U.S. National Institutes of Health data repository.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians discusses good health habits at age 60 and older.

FROZEN: NFC's Assets

National FeedLot Corporation: read HERE

Asset: A resource with economic value that an individual, corporation or country owns or controls with the expectation that it will provide future benefit.

Freeze:
*An action taken to prevent any transactions from occurring in the account. .

*Essentially, freezing is the denial of ownership rights.
* May mean anything from suspending access to a bank account to seizing a piece of real estate.
*Maybe frozen by government or regulatory authorities because of suspicious activity, suspected criminal activity, civil actions or liens filed against the company/account.

*The government can put a freeze on someone's assets if they owe money for several different reasons. Meaning that person cannot touch their money until their debts are paid.

I'm sorry. I put all those up not to insult your intelligence. I'm sure you all know what "freezing XXX's assets" means. In fact, I'm sure that you can come with better definitions.

Anyway, today the Prime Minister Najib Razak said that the NFC's assets had been frozen for the time being.

He said that he had asked his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar to study how best can the NFC issue be resolved.

Someone remarked that Najib and Muhyiddin cannot put all the blame on Shahrizat because they were also responsible for awarding the project to her family in the first place.

They cannot wash their hands off this project because of their "oversight and negligence that all these monies were misappropriated and transferred out in the first place."

I don't think anyone's washing their hands off this whole thing. And all that "oversight blah blah blah...." -- you think the PM, MBs and CMs should be micro-managing projects awarded to people.

And I don't think the PM and DPM are putting the blame on Shahrizat.

Anyway, that's why we have the *auditor-general's report.

Besides, the project was awarded when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was PM.

But of course, it's all on Najib's shoulders now.

*The 2010 Auditor-General’s Report pointed out that the NFC had failed to meet production targets.

Investigations by the MACC and police on allegations of bribery, abuse and corruption involving the RM250 million NFC project.

Really, Mr Malott...

The 13th general election will be Malaysia's dirtiest?

Because everyone's desperate?

It's do or die?

But, yes, it will be the most important in Malaysia's political history. Even the kids will agree.

On Leave For Three Weeks

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil begins her leave today.

In a statement yesterday, Shahrizat who is Wanita Umno chief, said this was to facilitate investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into her possible involvement in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) case.

She said she had submitted her request for leave to the Prime Minister.

Shahrizat is right smack in the centre of the NFC controversy which exploded after the Auditor-General's 2010 Report on the project was made public.

The AG described it as "messy" and had failed to meet targets set by the government.

She immediately became the target of attacks from opposition party leaders because her husband Dr Mohamed Salleh Ismail is the executive chairman of NFC and their three children are also directors of the company.

In December 2007 under Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration, a soft loan of RM250 million - with an annual interest of two per cent for 10 years - was approved for NFC to start a national feedlot centre in Gemas, Negri Sembilan, to help reduce beef imports.

The initial target was to produce 60,000 head of cattle a year.

Investigations by MACC and police are ongoing.

It's Friday the 13th..

How has the day been so far?

Bad Translation, No Translation

After this, we should be seeing the correct English translation of its official website.
But, no...the Ministry of Defence has not not done it.
In fact, the entire English version of its website - as of 12 noon today - is in BM.

As a way of "explaining", you'll find the articles and writings with a preceding note:There are no translations available.

Perhaps, it's still being done manually as explained by its minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Hard work, I reckon.

What gives, man? Google translation all this while?

I suggest the ministry gets the right people to do the job...

Kalau tidak, 0ne word: Malu.

Three university students who shoplifted have been given a second chance by the magistrate's court in Malacca.

They were released on a two-year good behaviour bond and ordered to do 240 hours of community service.

Magistrate Syajaratudur Abd Rahman reminded the three students to abide by the conditions set.

Aina Mardiah Mohd Khairi, Nor Atika Alem Abd Halim and Nur Ira Natasha Abdul Kadir, all 18 years old, pleaded guilty to stealing cosmetics at the Jusco Bandaraya Shopping Complex in Jalan Panglima Awang near Malacca at 7.45pm on 20 Sept, last year.

Aina Mardiah pleaded guilty to stealing three women's branded T-shirts, two cosmetic products and six packs of facial masks worth, RM291.90, Nor Atika Alem stole two women's T-shirts, one pack of eye-shadow, valued at RM146.80, and Nur Ira Natasha told the court she had stolen a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, two mascara pens, two packs of facial masks, a bottle of make-up remover and three other cosmetic products worth a total of RM392.

The three, who were represented by counsel Nor Fazlinda Alimad and Syed Mohd Dzahir Syed Abdul Razak, told the court that they had repented and regretted their actions.

Nor Fazlinda asked that they be given a second chance.

"They have admitted to the offence and by doing so they have not wasted the court's time. "They are also still studying and I hope they will be given the minimum sentence," she appealed.

Prosecuting officer Chief Inspector Muhather Mohd Kudus, however, requested the court to impose a sentence which would act as a deterrent to others.

I'm so pleased that the court did not sentence them to jail. I'm sure the girls learnt their lesson.

Verdict 901: Acquitted And Discharged

How many of you were so sure that Anwar will be damned today?

Hah! Gotcha!

Anwar's a free man.

This morning, the High Court discharged the Opposition leader after acquitting him of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah took three minutes to deliver his judgment.

He said there was no collaborating evidence to support Saiful’s testimony and no proof to support his testimony.

"The court cannot rely solely on his testimony."

Anwar, after his acquittal, said he was thankful that justice has been served.

“Thank God, I have been vindicated. My focus now will be at the coming elections,” he said.

Saiful, in an immediate response, tweeted that he will continue to remain calm, pray and accept the court decision.

"Not in this world, but definitely in Masyar (after life)."

Long-drawn case. Too long. So politically-charged. Relieved it's over. Too many details. Too much information. Yet not enough.

In Twitter, people were giving their two cents' worth. Anwar's supporters/detractors, anti-BN, pro-BN. It was madness.

Yep. As Art Harun said, the washing machines from both sides started spinning with gusto.

Here's a take on the kangaroo court that acquitted Anwar.

So,..is this all really over?
Can we move on?
But, everyone, it seems, is waiting for the written judgment.

And, the general election.

New DAP Members: Sak And Aspan

Bloggers Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz , or better known as Sakmongkol AK47 and Aspan Alias, who blogs under www.aspanaliasnet.blogspot.com, have joined the DAP.

They submitted their membership forms to party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng at its convention today.

Sakmongkol, a former Pahang Umno state assemblyman said he was "impressed by DAP", describing the party as principled.

"I like their professionalism," he remarked.

Aspan, who is closely linked to Umno Gua Musang MP and former Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, said he joined DAP without any pre-conditions.

"We are not looking for any seats to contest. We will be contributing to the party's cause through various channels, including our writings."

I'm a little surprised. I know they both seemed to be kinda frustrated with Umno and the BN but I didn't think that they'd join DAP.
Also, Sak and Aspan were long-timeUmno members.
Does make me wonder.

Oh well, to each his own. May they find fulfillment in their new party and with their new comrades.

Happy 2012!

Wow. Time flies. A cliche I will continue to use without apologizing.

So, how have the last 12 months been for you?

Well, some very famous and infamous people passed away in 2011. One person I had known personally --- Indonesian writer and journalist, Rosihan Anwar. Al-Fatihah.

By the way, those resolutions you made in December 2010 -- you fulfilled them? Do you even remember them?

Oh...don't go believing that the world will end in December 2012, although with all the natural disasters across the globe brought about by crazy climate change, it makes you wonder whether it's all hogwash....

Anyway -- be a good citizen and vote in the 2012 general election. In 2008, "your vote counts" could never have been so APT.

So, here's goodbye to 2011 and HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A&W Restaurant Will "Disappear" in 2012?

...along with nine other products/brands including Sony Picture and Saab.
Really?
This list was compiled by 24/7 Wall St.com .

Each year, 24/7 Wall St. regularly compiles a list of brands that are going to disappear in the near-term.
It compiled a list last year -- predicting the demise of T-Mobile among others.

Here's 24/7 Wall St's take on A&W:

A&W All–American Food Restaurants. A&W Restaurants is owned by fast food holding company giant Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) which has had the firm for sale since January. There have been no buyers.
The chain was founded in 1919. The size of company grew rapidly, and immediately after WWII 450 franchises were opened.
The firm pioneered the “drive in” fast food format.
A&W began to sell canned versions of its sodas in 1971 – the part of the business that will survive as a container beverage business which is now owned by Dr. Pepper/Snapple.
The A&W Restaurant business is too small to be viable now.
It had 322 outlets in the U.S and 317 outside the U.S at the end of last year. All were operated by franchisees.
By contrast, Yum!’s flagship KFC had 5,055 stories in the U.S. and 11,798 overseas. Two massive global fast food chains are even larger. Subway has 35,000 locations worldwide, and McDonald’s has nearly as many.
A&W does not have the ability to market itself against these chains and at least a dozen other fast food operators like Burger King. And, A&W does not have the size to efficiently handle food purchase, logistics, and transportation cost compared to competitors many times as large.

All I can say is, I'll just wait and see...

Here's the rest of the article on the 10 brands that will disappear in 2012.

Cannot Be Sandiwara...

I'd really like to see where all this and this are going? One's been told to shut up and the other's been to told to quit.

Ain't looking good....

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI NATAL!

Merry Christmas, Everyone......

Peace and God Bless...

Netherlands Apologizes For 1947 Massacre

Late. Very Late.

But in this case (tragedy, so wrenching) -- never too late.

The Sultan Of Selangor: On covert attempts to convert Muslims and Apostasy.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has ordered the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to take strategic steps to root out a subtle attempt to proselytise Muslims. "I was informed that the proselytisation of Muslims, which occurred over the last few years, was done covertly and those involved were cunning in concealing evidence," he said when opening the RM5mil Kampung Gulang-Gulang Mosque in Tanjung Karang today (Friday).

The Star has the story HERE.