angin perubahan

Kedai 1 Malaysia... Why they can sell cheaper?

2011-07-01T16:47:00.001+08:00

Kedai 1 Malaysia was established by Mydin group of companies...
The CEO said, they can sell cheaper because they buy all the stuff in bulk and they sell the item cheaper because of CSR...
but the question is: Why using 1 Malaysia brand?
If they want to do CSR, they should sell it at My Mydin Shop instead of 1 Malaysia shop.
Let's look how long they can sustain....

KTMB receive a 40 years old train coach from Japan: Looks like we are 40 years lagging from Japan...

2010-12-12T08:53:00.000+08:00

40 Years old coach from Japan to be used here? so unreasonable.... sigh...

http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/KTMBterima14kocdaripadasyarikatJepun/Article

KTMB terima 14 koc daripada syarikat Jepun

2010/12/09
PELABUHAN KLANG: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) hari ini menerima 14 koc kereta api sumbangan JR Kyushu dan JR West, sebuah syarikat dari Jepun.

Pengurus Kanan Unit Komunikasi Korporat KTMB, Mohd Fazil Ismail, berkata koc terpakai itu akan digunakan untuk perjalanan ke pantai timur dan selatan tanah air bermula Jun depan.
"Walaupun usia koc ini hampir 40 tahun namun jurutera KTMB yang dihantar ke Jepun Disember tahun lalu mengesahkan ia masih berada dalam keadaan baik dan boleh digunakan untuk perkhidmatan di negara kita.
"Semua 14 koc yang diterima ini merangkumi bahagian tempat duduk, katil dan kabin keretapi iaitu yang paling lama digunakan sejak 1972 dan terbaru pada 1980," katanya kepada pemberita ketika meninjau ketibaan koc keretapi itu, di sini hari ini.

Mohd Fazil berkata, koc berkenaan dijangka mampu beroperasi bagi jangka masa antara 10 hingga 15 tahun lagi.

Beliau berkata, penambahan koc berkenaan dijangka dapat memberi ruang tambahan kepada 600 penumpang setiap hari dengan kutipan sehari dianggar mencapai RM23,000.

Katanya, kos penghantaran koc itu ditanggung oleh KTMB iaitu sebanyak RM3.8 juta.
"Semua koc ini akan melalui proses pengubahsuaian bagi membolehkan ia digunakan di landasan tolok satu meter di Malaysia berbanding di Jepun yang menggunakan 'narrow gauge'," katanya.

Beliau berkata, syarikat pengendali tersebut menawarkan koc terbabit kepada KTMB hasil kerjasama kedua-dua syarikat yang telah sekian lama terjalin menerusi pelbagai program termasuk pertukaran pekerja yang diadakan setiap tahun.

Selain Malaysia, syarikat pengendali itu turut memberikan koc keretapi kepada negara lain seperti Thailand, Myanmar dan Filipina. - BERNAMA

Malacca's monorail service... another project goes to drain

2010-12-12T08:43:00.000+08:00

Barely 2 months in services, the Melaka's monorail project facing so much problems and stop its' operation.
Looks like not the tourist inside the monorail can have a sightseeing, but the people outside the monorail can watch them inside instead...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/11/nation/7601872&sec=nation

Saturday December 11, 2010 - The Star
Malacca's monorail service comes to a stop
By ALLISON LAI
malacca@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: Barely two months after its grand launch to mark Malacca’s developed state status, the city’s RM15.9mil monorail line has ground to a halt owing to a host of problems.

Launched on Oct 20, the monorail has been idle for a month after developing problems with its wheels and software system.

The China-made monorail line, spanning 1.6km from Taman Rempah in Pengkalan Rama to Kampung Bunga Raya Pantai along the Malacca River, is part of the state’s aim to tap the potential of the river as a tourist attraction.

Project under scrutiny: The monorail line is part of Malacca’s aim to tap the potential of the river as a tourist attraction.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had launched the system to mark the recognition of Malacca as a developed state, 10 years ahead of the national Vision 2020.

Hours after the launch, however, a coach with some 20 passengers stalled about 100m from the Hang Jebat station.

Operator Menara Taming Sari Sdn Bhd used a skylift to rescue the stranded passengers.

The project is a joint venture between the Malacca Historic City Council and state subsidiary Kumpulan Melaka Bhd and Agibs Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd.

The Tourism Ministry has approved an additional RM13.2mil for the monorail phase two extension project under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

On Thursday, a visibly upset Mohd Ali said four engineers from China were trying to iron out the problems affecting the monorail.

“Some screws keep breaking and the rims of the wheels had to be replaced.

“We hope the engineers will be able to fix it within a week,” he told reporters after closing a refresher course for National Service trainers at Permata Resort Camp in Alor Gajah.

He said if the monorail continued to face problems, the state government would not buy additional monorails from China for the proposed extension project and would, instead, source them from Europe.

Menara Taming Sari chief executive officer Nazry Ahmad admitted the monorail had been out of service due to “several technical and mechanical problems”.

“We have been facing problems with the monorail on and off since it was launched. It is now closed to the public,” he said yesterday.

Talent Corporation or Talent Time Movie?

2010-11-17T15:35:00.000+08:00

Taken from other blog: Talent Corporation? One more company established as to make use of tax payers money for their own pocket, do you think our Malaysian working abroad will turn back to Malaysia with low wages and high cost of living? Think again....

Ganesh
17 November 2010 at 8.09am

I personally know a close doctor who migrated to Australia.

When he was here, he was running a clinic. Most months, he would come home with ZERO. You see, in Malaysia, some doctors who run their own clinics actually suffer cause patients really can’t afford to pay well to keep the doctor’s business afloat (because most people still earn so little).

The doctor friend of mine had to, in a month, at least earn RM10,000 just to break even. Why? His rental alone was RM4500. Plus to pay two nurses was already RM2000. Then you add water, electricity, insurance etc etc, he had to come up with more than RM10,000 just to break even for the given month.

To make matters worse, if he charged a patient more than RM50, it was likely the patient won’t come back. So, you do the calculations lah and see how many patents he needs per day, for him to survive. Adding to that, don’t forget, he has to pay for the medicine suppliers too.

Everyday he has no money. He eat mixed rice everyday. That also, he eat vegetarian to keep his cost down. On lucky days, he will take one meat and 2 vege but he tries to keep it below RM5. Yes, that is a doctor. The person who suffers studying his MBBS for a million years and yet, when he works, he has to eat mixed rice.

Now he is in Australia. He makes rougly AUD$30,000 per month. That is RM100,000 per month.

Why is this so? Because the Australian government, through a medical insurance scheme, similiar to the UK’s NHS, is able to pay doctors well. At the same time, not burdening the rakyat. Each rakyat can afford the best medical care. So, both win win. Doctors are well paid and each and every citizen got either free or nominal paid access to the best medical care.

In Malaysia, we are more interested in buliding tall buildings. Yes, tall buildings. Lessening the burden of the rakyat is least priority.

You think the Doctor wants to come back? No amount of Talent Corporation can pay him RM100,000 lah

Budget 2011, a new way to siphon tax payer's money..

2010-10-23T08:13:00.000+08:00

By Syed Akbar Ali

Hot news versus one week later analysis. Well when sometime has passed we get more hindsight and more 'analysis paralysis'. I am just rounding it up and putting my two cents worth about the Budget 2011.

Today the Plus folks reveal that the five year postponement of toll hikes simply means that the Government has to pay Plus RM5.0 billion compensation. Plus the RM2.5 bilion unpaid compensation still owing to Plus by the Government, that is RM7.5 Billion of taxpayers’ funds. That is simply leaving money in the right pocket and paying taxpayers money to Plus from the left pocket. Apa beza sangat ?

There are adventurous ideas like building an RM5 billion 100-storey Warisan Merdeka by PNB. The PM said yesterday, somewhere, that the 100 floors of this building will fill up with offices and businesses, implying the 100 storey building means jobs and humming businesses. Well it does not work that way.

Assuming each floor has a minimum of 100 occupants, the 100 storey building will house 10,000 people. These 10,000 people must already have successful businesses before they can move in and pay the rent in a 100 storey “Malaysia’s tallest building”. You cannot build a 100 storey building which will magically create successful businesses to become its tenants.

I guess what will happen is that PNB will arm twist all the GLCs under its wing to take up space at the 100 storey Warisan Merdeka.

There is precedent because this is what UEM(?), MRCB(?) had to do to fill up the Sentral Project in Brickfields. Ask the GLCs and Government departments to move into Sentral. Wouldn’t 1MDB’s Sg Besi redevelopment, Naza’s Jalan Duta redevelopment and all the other Greater Kuala Lumpur skyscrapers also be clamoring for the same GLCs and the same Government departments to fill up their empty spaces? So please plan well.

Then the PM’s wife’s pet project the Permata program has been given another RM111 of taxpayers’ money – three times the RM36 million given last year.

Last year the Prime Minister said there were 900 “anak pintar”. So do we have three times more anak pintar kids this year? Number of children is a biological function. You cannot triple ‘pintar kids’ in one year. Todate the total amount spent on the Pintar program is over RM176 million – which works out to RM195,500 spent per pintar kid so far. That’s more than degree at a private university. OK let me ask a simple question : how are the Pintar kids doing? Folks our money is being spent. So how are the Pintar kids doing? Do you all recall the Monsoon Cup?

Critics have also pointed out an allocation of RM65 million to renovate the Prime Minister’s residence. The question is why? It’s still a new house, made of concrete and steel. Why renovate a new house? And why cost so much?

The good part in the Budget are the incentives for home buyers. A 4 percent interest rate for a maximum of RM60,000 for low cost houses, government guaranteed down payments of 10 percent for houses below RM220,000 for first time buyers earning less that RM3000 a month, and 50 percent stamp duty exemption for first-time house buyers of houses not exceeding RM350,000 is just great. Helping folks financially with the 10% house deposit for huses below RM220,000 is just awesome. This will help more Malays and other lower income folks own houses (this is a real problem lah). Kudos to whoever managed to slip this gem into the Budget. I take it that this also means that the banks can still lend 90% loans for the remainder purchase price? Syabas. Lets increase house ownership – it will lead to economic growth.

Abolishing import duty on approximately 300 items like apparel, handbags, shoes, shampoo, suits, children’s apparel, wallets, hair colourants, golf balls, imitation jewellery, talcum powder, curtains, table cloth, blankets, bed sheets, shirts, undergarments, lingerie, nightwear, perfumes and mosquito netting (?) is great.

Please include cars and motorbikes in the list too.

I agree with Dr Mahathir that the Employees Provident Funds should be careful with investing 20 percent of its assets overseas (from 7% now). On the one hand we want foreign investment. On the other hand we are sending out our money by the shiploads. What gives? Please don’t buy shopping malls overseas ok. Want to play safe buy OECD Government securities. If it is Greek, discount heavily first.

The Auditor General’s Report has been postponed. Do you share the feeling that there is going to be some embarrassing news? FMT has written about the 2006 Auditor-General’s Report “about a RM32 screwdriver set bought for RM224, a RM160 pen for RM1,146, and a RM50 carjack for RM5,700? …more shocking RM290 million spent by the Customs Department for an outdated user-hostile information system.”

This is the sin of our system for the past 40 years, we do not pay market prices. We always overpay and get less. It is not just bad for us the taxpayers but it is worse for the businesses, the entrepreneurs and the economy. Easy money has made us non competitive and condemned us to the wheel chair.

One Taikor said “the Government pays three times more fo everything anyway”. That is three time market price. The 2011 Budget totals RM212 Billion. There is plenty of fat inside I am sure. Looking at past Auditor-General’s Reports and what the Taikor said, we can achieve what we want to achieve for 2011 using maybe just one third of the amount or RM70 Billion only.
The remainder RM142 Billion will be used to make nails in our coffin, by making easy money GLCs, easy money cronies and other easy money addicts uncompetitive, lazy and handout driven. No need to be innovative, creative, work hard or be bold.

The 2011 Budget also says that “Private Sector Investment” will increase to RM86 Billion. There is some ‘pulling the wool over the eyes’ going on here. The businesses that I run are 100% private sector. The Government never asked me how much I will be investing over 2011. Even if they did, how does my “private sector investment” become part of the Government’s Budget Planning?

What is meant by “private sector investment” actually means spending by the GLCs. That is taxpayer’s money ok, it is NOT private sector investment. For example the Government has Guaranteed 1MDB’s RM5.0 billion Bond issue (that’s taxpayers money folks).

i. The Kuala Lumpur International Financial District valued at RM26 billion.

ii. The Mass Rapid Transit in Greater KL costing RM40 billion (targeted 2020).

iii. the Warisan Merdeka 100-storey tower valued at RM5 billion

So I hope someone will advise the Prime Minister not to keep repeating Private Sector Financing (do you notice that they have dropped that other misnomer “Private Finance Initiative”?) There is no such thing. The taxpayer’s will be paying for everything.

Other than the 100 storey Warisan Merdeka, there are a couple of other dicey suggestions which have slipped under the radar. One is the RM3.0 billion resort developmet in Karambunai.

“Najib said Nexus Karambunai, a renowned resort in Sabah, had committed to developing an integrated RM3bil eco-nature resort, the first in the world, by leveraging on its natural beauty and uniqueness.”

The Government will “give” RM100.0 million. Hah? What do you mean by “give”? Let me guess, the balance RM2.9 billion is “private sector financing”? I find this very hard to accept. I suspect taxpayer’s money will be involved again. Somehow I smell fish here. RM3.0 billion for a resort? In Sabah? I say bro, RM30.0 million tak boleh ke?

Here is some Standard Two calculation to get the Pay Back period. Pay Back period represents the number of years for a business to generate net profit to payback the total money invested in the project.

Say the Karambunai Eco Resort will have 500 rooms. Say it is 5 star and room rates average RM500 per day (well lets assume the Mubadalla guys from Abu Dhabi will stay there).

Assuming 80% occupancy the whole year (I am being very very optimistic) the calculation is like this : 500 rooms x 80% x 365 days x RM500 = RM73.0 million revenue. Taking 30% "net profit" (a very very optimistic assumption again), net profit will be = RM22.0 million.

So Pay Back Period = RM3.0 billion / RM22.0 million = 136 years ! ! It will be 136 years before they can recover the investment. (Usually most viable businesses have a payback period of 6 - 12 years)

Lets give them even more optimistic scenarios. Lets double the room rates to RM1000 per day (OK lah the Emir of Abu Dhabi may come calling too). At double the net profit, the Pay Back period will be halved ie 68 years. This is still too far fetched.

Here is some more Darjah Dua arithmetic. Say the cost of construction is RM100 psf. It means RM3.0 billion will buy us 3.0 million square feet of resort space in Karambunai. For your imagination and comparison, the Mid Valley Mega Mall has 4.5 million sq ft of space.

Here is some trivia about the Mid Valley Megamall. 4.5 million square feet (420,000 m²), a shopping mall, an office tower block, 30 signature offices and 2 hotels, 430 shops on five and a half floors, five anchor tenants; Carrefour, Jusco, Golden Screen Cinemas, Metrojaya and Harvey Norman, an 18 screen Cinema, a state-of-the-art bowling centre, two mega food courts, a 48,300 square foot (4,500 m²) convention centre, a 646 room business hotel named Cititel

I know a resort and a shopping mall are not like “apples and apples” but RM3.0 billion for an eco resort? Shouldn’t it be the case that in an “eco” resort you must preserve the greenery with minimum cutting and covering with concrete. RM3.0 billion sounds way too much. Sinkhole comes to mind.

The other ‘blackhole’ that should be on our radar is the Talent Corporation. Even the name Talent Corporation sounds like some Las Vegas adult entertainment “talent hunting” company. There was no mention of the amount to be given to this Talent Hunters but I think it is a ripoff of taxpayers funds.

The plan to get back 70,000 Malaysians working overseas is ridiculous. Even getting back 10% of this figure or 7000 of them is ridiculous.

Most of them are non Malays who have left the shores for greener pastures overseas. Why would they come back? And if they come back, where would the Talent Corporation place them? Can the Talent Corporation go to IOI Corporation or Gleneagles Medical Center and say ‘we have found this guy who is earning USD30,000 a month overseas. Can you give him a job for RM150,000 a month?’

Its not going to happen. The only alternative is to find them places in the GLCs. I don’t think this will happen either.

So what gives? The fun will be in the “talent hunt”. Whoever the clever beggar “con” sultant or sub-contractor who thought up this idea and slipped it between the sheets is going to make tons of money undertaking the “hunt”. Whether they bag any birds is not relevant. The fun (and the money to be made) is in the hunt. No need to head to the Las Vegas “one armed bandits”. The stick up can be done here. ‘Stick ‘em up’.

Posted by Syed Akbar Ali at 12:03:00 PM

This is what you get when you sue UMNO in their "own" court

2010-04-28T20:50:00.002+08:00

UMNO is so vulnerable and untouchable... What you will get when you sue them in their "own" court? Of course, you're looking for big-big trouble....
Instead of you will not get your money back or whatever you claim, you will also be asked to pay for the case....
ironic isn't it? This is Malaysia......
Now, UMNO is freed as a not guilty although they never pay for what they've consume.... fair isn't it? Malaysian style fairness.....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/28/nation/20100428131253&sec=nation

Published: Wednesday April 28, 2010 MYT 1:07:00 PM - The Star

Firm loses appeal to reinstate RM218mil suit vs Umno

PUTRAJAYA: Elegant Advisory Sdn Bhd lost an appeal on Wednesday to reinstate its RM218mil civil suit against Umno over non-payment for the supply of election paraphernalia during the 2004 general election.

Justices Tengku Datuk Baharudin Shah Tengku Mahmud, Datuk Wira Abu Samah Nordin and Datuk Sulong Matjeraie unanimously held that the Court of Appeal agreed with the decision of Judicial Commissioner Anantham Kasinater to strike out the suit on the basis that the claim was unclear in stipulating the cause of action.

Baharudin also ordered Elegant Advisory, a supplier company, to pay costs of RM5,000.

On Sept 10 last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court had allowed Umno's application to strike out the suit on the grounds that it did not follow the Contracts Act 1950.

Former Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi was initially named as a defendant in the suit but his name was replaced with that of former Umno administration and finance secretary Datuk Ishak Abdul Rahman after the High Court allowed the company's application to amend the name of the defendant in the suit last year.

In its writ of summons, Elegant Advisory claimed that it was involved in supplying election merchandise, transportation and publications, and had supplied Umno with the items for the 11th general election in 2004.

The company claimed that it had sent invoices for RM218,013,475 and that the defendant had failed to pay up.

Outside the court, counsel Datuk Hafarizam Harun, who represented Umno, told reporters the appellate court's decision was appropriate.

"As the Umno legal advisor, I hope there will no more similar cases filed against Umno. Umno would have surely paid up if it had used the services and supplies of printers and others," he said.

He said it was hoped that Umno would not be accused in Parliament of having spent more than permitted in a general election campaign under the Elections Act.

Meanwhile, the company's lawyer, Ahmad Tarmizi Abdullah, said he would discuss with his client whether to file an appeal to the Federal Court. - BERNAMA

As expected, 2 Perak's frogs freed from court case

2010-04-23T19:21:00.000+08:00

If you wanna escape from the Malaysian Jungle law, vote for UMNO or else, even if there is no case, they can create it special for you if you're opposition.... believe me or not?seing is believing, Malaysiaku menuju kehancuran..... that is one of the reason Malaysian migrate to other country....

How can 16 cases don't even one case courted?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/23/nation/20100423123107&sec=nation

Published: Friday April 23, 2010 MYT 12:25:00 PM
Updated: Friday April 23, 2010 MYT 4:38:48 PM
Ex-Perak PKR exco members acquitted of graft charges (Updated)
By SYLVIA LOOI

IPOH: Two former Perak Pakatan state exco members and three others who were charged with corruption were acquited by the Sessions Court on Friday.

In his less than five minutes judgement, Sessions judge Azhaniz Teh Azman Teh said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had failed to prove a prima facie case.

"As such, I am acquitting all of you without your defence being called and the bail money shall be returned to your respective bailers," he told the court here which was packed with supporters and relatives of all the accused.

Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (right) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu outside the Ipoh Sessions Court on Friday after being acquitted of corruption charges.

In the dock were former PKR members Capt (Rtd) Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, two former Perak Tengah district councillors Usaili Alias and Zul Hassan and businessman Fairul Azrim Ismail.

Perak State Development Corporation technician Ruslan Sahat had his charges dropped last August following his demise.

All five faced 16 counts of accepting and asking for bribes over a RM180mil development project in Seri Iskandar.

Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman, along with Datuk Hee Yit Foong of the DAP, were blamed for the fall of the Pakatan Rakyat Perak government last year after they quit their parties to become Barisan Nasional-friendly Independents.

While Zul and Fairul were charged with accepting sexual favours, the others were accused of accepting money.

Met outside the court, all expressed their relief for the decision.

Osman thanked his supporters for standing by him since the trial started.

"The matter has dragged on long enough," he said. Jamaluddin said he had expected the results.

"I believed in the country's judiciary system and my case had proven the system will not victimised the innocent," he said.

Usaili, meanwhile, said justice had been served.

Speaking in a voice choked with emotions, Usaili had this piece of advice:

"Be careful with the friends you keep in the political circle."

MACC deputy public prosecutor Mohd Shahrullah Khan Nawab Zadah Khan said the prosecution would appeal against the decision.

Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin, who had since turned Barisan Nasional-friendly independents, were represented by Abdul Roni Abdul Rahman, Surjan Singh for Usaili, M. Saravanan for Zul and Mohd Asri Othman for Fairul Azrim.

Together with another Barisan-friendly independent Datuk Hee Yit Foong, who is Jelapang assemblyman, Barisan returned to rule Perak.

A total of 30 witnesses were called during the trial, which began on Oct 12 last year.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the MACC had procured the services of an agent provocateur and women to offer sexual services.

Clips allegedly showing one of the accused having sex with a woman was also shown in open court during the trial.

Two former Perak PKR exco members and three others facing corruption charges had their charges acquitted by the Ipoh Sessions Court, without their defence being called, and were freed.

What happen to Najib promises to make a safer country?

2010-04-05T21:31:00.000+08:00

They claim that they have already reduce the crime rate by increasing the number of policeman, is the decision is a long term decision? Today, hollywood style of robbery can be found in Malaysia, believe it? You've to believe it...Malaysia Boleh! shocking, but its' true....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/5/nation/20100405170107&sec=nation

Published: Monday April 5, 2010 MYT 4:55:00 PM - The Star
Updated: Monday April 5, 2010 MYT 7:19:57 PM
Robber shoots dead accomplice and flees with the gold (Update)
By STEVEN CHIEW

KUALA LUMPUR: A robber shot dead his partner, who was earlier wounded by a security guard during a jewellery shop heist in OUG Plaza. He appeared to have shot him to 'silence' him.

He then fled with eight trays of gold.

The 2.45pm incident on Monday saw two armed robbers storm into a jeweller’s shop located on the ground floor of the shopping complex and confront the armed security guard who was seated in front or the shop.

They grabbed the security guard’s pump gun and ordered the workers to scoop several trays of expensive jewellery into a plastic bag which they had brought with them.

There were four workers in the shop at the time of the robbery.

The robbers did not realise that there was another armed guard seated behind a one-way mirror inside the shop who had witnessed the robbery in progress and had taken aim at them.

As the robbers attempted to flee the armed guard fired a shot that hit one of the robbers in his abdomen. The wounded robber collapsed a short distance from the shop.

His accomplice who was a few meters ahead of him then turned back, and to the horror of scores of shoppers, turned the gun on his injured partner and fired two shots before grabbing the loot and fleeing.

Kuala Lumpur Chief Police Officer Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Mohd Sabtu Osman said the robber who shot dead his partner escaped with at least eight trays of jewellery.

“The armed robber is carrying a .38 special and is a very dangerous and trigger-happy criminal who will not hesitate to kill anyone, including his partner.

“Our initial investigations revealed that the dead robber was a 34-year-old man who has two previous records for armed robbery and drug abuse,’’ he said.

DCP Mohd Sabtu said police would release a photofit of the armed robber soon after viewing the CCTV recording.

Najib launching affordable High Speed Broadband - is it affordable?

2010-03-26T23:06:00.000+08:00

Is RM150 affordable? again, our loving,caring government try to cheat and insult our people... compare it with S'pore, our neighbour:

Letters
By Ganesh

Yet again, Malaysians are misled with false promises. For months there was so much hype to the Government’s initiative to provide cheaper, affordable and yet very fast broadband.

Yesterday, it came as a shock to Malaysians that the so called affordable and fast broadband service starts at RM149 and ranges up to RM249. To many Malaysians, this sum is a huge commitment. Many were expecting prices from RM50 onwards.

To make matters worse, the Star reported today that in Singapore, one could get 1Gbps for RM200. Mind you, RM200 to a Singaporean is small money. Don’t just convert, see the GDP per capita. Most Singaporeans are earning 5 times more than Malaysians as Malaysia has one of the lowest GDP per capita in the region.

Thus RM200 for a 1Gbps line is small change to a Singaporean. But our mere 5Mbps at RM149 is big money to the average Malaysian. To some, its money to feed the whole family for a whole week.

Clearly the government has no idea about the purchasing power of Malaysians and the low remuneration the average Malaysian earns and the very shocking fact that the average person’s pay packet is not in proportion to the cost of living in Malaysia.

In comparison, the 6Mbps broadband in Singapore (Singtel) with unlimited downloads is S$30 per month and the 15Mbps broadband with unlimited downloads is going for S$62.

The mobile broadband with a free USB stick and with speeds of 1.2Mbps is S$14 per month with a 30GB allowance.

Again, please be reminded Singaporeans earn far more than the average Malaysian does and yet their broadband is much cheaper. In 2009 Singapore’s GDP (nominal) per capita was $35,000 whilst Malaysia was $8,000

Refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)_per_capita
So, with our purchasing power so low, how can the average person afford RM$149?

Was the government ever sincere about giving affordable Internet to the public? I wonder. If it owns huge amounts of shares in the company that is providing the new High Speed Broadband service, isn’t that a conflict of interest?

Flip-Flop BN

2010-03-21T08:42:00.000+08:00

1) New Fuel subsidy scheme in May 2010 is called off/re-scheduled maybe after 13th GE
2) GST enactment in Parliament is called off/re-scheduled maybe after 13th GE
3) ISA amendment is also delayed, again...

They gave a normally excused reason by BN, which is: To give rakyat ample time to digest and to make it perfect... huhuuu...

The unbelievable starts to appear in Saiful vs Anwar

2010-02-04T22:18:00.001+08:00

These are the questions:
1) Can the Anwar's semen survive at Saiful's anu for two (2) days before he went to the hospital? He do not bathing or even clean his anu or what?
2) Why the private hospital report's cannot be use in the court? Is it true?

Good luck Saiful..... Thank you for being UMNO's goat....

This is the extract from the Star:
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/nation/20100204093931&sec=nation

Saiful’s testimony

During his testimony, Mohd Saiful said he had gone to two private hospitals two days after the alleged incident took place, before he had a medical examination at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

In recalling his experience on June 28, 2008, he said the first hospital he went to was Tawakal Hospital at Jln Pahang here.

However, he said he was not able to get his examination there as the receptionist told him that they were only open for half a day.

“From there, I decided to go to the nearest hospital in the area -- Hospital Pusrawi on Jln Tun Razak,” he said at the continuation of his examination-in-chief by Mohd Yusof.

At Hospital Pusrawi, he told a Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid that he had pains in his stomach and anus, and was subsequently examined by the doctor.

“He asked me to remove my pants and lie on the bed.

“He inserted something into my anus, and when he did that I told him very frankly that I had been sodomised and wanted an examination for that,” he said.

Mohd Saiful said that Dr Mohamed Osman then immediately stopped the examination.

“After I put on my pants, he told me that the hospital was not equipped to conduct a forensic examination, and that a private hospital’s report would not be accepted as evidence in a court of law.

“He then advised me to go to Kuala Lumpur Hospital,” he said.

Saying he was “afraid”, he said he registered himself at the out-patient treatment department at about 3pm.

He said he was first attended to by an Indian lady doctor, who referred him to a male doctor named “Dr Daniel,” after he had told her that he was too “shy” to be examined by a lady doctor.

Mohd Yusof: “What happened then?”

Mohd Saiful: “I told him frankly that I was there for a medical examination because I had been sodomised by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He (the doctor) was shocked, and wrote some notes for me to be referred to the emergency ward.”

Mohd Saiful said the doctors there then advised him to lodge a police report first, without which, they could not conduct a medical examination on his claim of being sodomised.

As there were two police officers in the hospital, he lodged his report with them.

At about 9pm, he was examined by four doctors and several nurses.

“A police officer was also present during the examination. Now I know him as Deputy Supt Jude Pereira, the investigating officer in my case,” he said.

During the examination, he said that the doctors had inspected his body and anus, and took swabs from his anus using a cotton bud.

Mohd Saiful also identified himself in snippets from the CCTV recordings of him arriving and leaving the condominium.

New year gift from BN Government

2009-12-31T19:45:00.000+08:00

Everybody is expecting BONUS but unluckily instead, a gift were presented...Good luck to all Malaysian...
You all know what to do when the time comes, right?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/31/nation/20091231192829&sec=nation

Published: Thursday December 31, 2009 MYT 7:26:00 PM - The Star
Sugar to cost 20 sen more from Friday

PUTRAJAYA: Sugar will cost 20 sen more per kg from Friday with the new price being RM1.65 in the peninsula and RM1.75 in Sabah and Sarawak.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom, who made the announcement, said the Government would also withdraw its subsidy on white bread from Friday and remove the commodity from the price control scheme.

He said the increase in the sugar price was necessitated by the rise in the price of raw sugar in the world market, and that the Government still subsidised the price at 80 sen per kg or RM1bil for the year.

“The subsidy on sugar is retained and the amount is much higher than the subsidy in 2009, which was RM720mil.

"However, as the world price of raw sugar has risen high especially since August, from US 14 cents to US 16 cents per pound to US 27 cents, the Government has had to raise the price of sugar," he told reporters here. - Bernama

20 litre fuel cap rule - Another stupid move by our caring Government

2009-12-25T11:35:00.000+08:00

There are so many flaws and they are still thinking that they are providing the best solution. I can guarantee that this move will be revoke soon... Looks like ordinary people is more intelligent than our MP's...Another flip-flop move to be by our government, isn't it?
"Alif Min Nun Wau - SARKIS":

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/25/nation/5365535&sec=nation

Friday December 25, 2009 - The Star
Credit card way to bend 20-litre fuel cap rule

SOME Singaporeans have quickly found ways to circumvent the ruling allowing foreigners to buy only 20 litres of petrol within 50km of the border.

Sin Chew Daily reported that they would use credit cards issued by Malaysian banks to fill up.

Another way was to pay cash for the first 20 litres and use their credit card for the rest.

A third method was to fill up 20 litres from one petrol station and proceed to another for another 20 litres, reported the daily.

Some Singaporeans would fill up at a petrol station and return 15 minutes later to pump petrol again.

A petrol station employee in Tebrau said there was no way to check if the Singaporeans had already gone to a petrol station to fill up before they go to another petrol station.

Onother bad decision causes Million of tax payer's money wasted into ashes

2009-12-23T10:07:00.000+08:00

Do you still remember that the government had purchased the indelible ink during the 12th. General Election in 2008? After all, they refused to use it by giving ridiculous reason... and it's now burnt to ashes.... What another waste of tax payer's money....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/23/parliament/5353433&sec=parliament
Wednesday December 23, 2009 - The Star
Indelible ink incinerated, Liew tells dewan

THE indelible ink bought for use in the 12th general election has been disposed of through incineration.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said this was the prescribed procedure stated in the Government Regulations.

Liew said the ink could not be used due to security and legal problems.

The stock was disposed of on Nov 25, he said in a written reply to a question by Senator Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim on the status of the indelible ink.

There had been plans to sell the ink but it could not as their expiry date had passed.

On inquests that had not been carried out or were postponed, Liew said the proceedings encountered problems related to absent witnesses or those who could not be traced.

“No specific action is taken to speed up the inquests besides issuing arrest warrants for witnesses,” he said in a written reply to another question by Tunku Abdul Aziz.

EPF for self employed - Is it effective?

2009-12-23T09:59:00.000+08:00

There is no strict rule and it's up to the contributors whether to contribute on monthly basis or whatever they have... Even the current EPF average also depleted within 3 years after retirement, but I don't know what is the purpose of this.... "Buat Main-main and then tarik balik".... Looks like "Flip-Flop from previous regime is going to remain"....sigh....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/22/nation/20091222194927&sec=nation

Published: Tuesday December 22, 2009 MYT 7:45:00 PM - The Star
EPF rolls out 1Malaysia retirement scheme for self-employed

KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will launch the 1Malaysia Retirement Saving Scheme on Jan 3 next year to help the self-employed cope with income inadequacy during retirement.

EPF chief executive officer Tan Sri Azlan Zainol said the scheme, announced by the Prime Minister during the tabling of the 2010 Budget in October, was to care for the welfare of all strata of the self-employed who had no formal retirement saving scheme.

It was designed to provide these individuals without a fixed monthly income with a degree of financial security in their old age, he said in a statement here Tuesday.

The scheme is open to self-employed individuals such as hawkers, night-market traders, real estate earl tate agents, freelancers like disc jockeys and fitness instructors, singers and actors and online business owners.

”The Government is sensitive to the fact that adequate retirement savings remains a major concern for all Malaysians and in particular the self-employed, especially those without a fixed monthly salary.

”The 1Malaysia Retirement Saving Scheme offers this select group of contributors tremendous flexibility in determining how much they could afford to save for their retirement,” he said.

Azlan said that unlike the conventional EPF saving scheme, the amount contributed into the 1Malaysia Retirement Saving Scheme was entirely at the contributor’s discretion.

”Contributors can opt to set aside a minimum of RM50 or a maximum of RM5,000 per month as their retirement savings. Contribution is voluntary and contributors are also not required to contribute savings on a monthly basis but rather what and when they can afford to.”

He said contribuotrs would receive annual dividends declared by the EPF, in addition to a 5% contribution from the Government subject to a maximum of RM60 per year over the next five years from 2010-2014.

Those interested to apply for the scheme can fill the KWSP 16G (1M) Form which is available at any EPF branch nationwide or download from the myEPF website at www.kwsp.gov.my from Jan 3 onwards. The forms are to be returned at any EPF branch or by mail.

However, individuals who are not EPF members have to register with the EPF first by completing KWSP 3 Form and submitting it to the EPF before applying for the scheme.

Existing EPF members, who turn self-employed, are also eligible and may opt for this new scheme.

Savings for the scheme can be deposited via cash or cheque using the KWSP 6A(2) Form at any EPF Payment Counter nationwide and withdrawals are governed by the present EPF withdrawal procedures and conditions.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the nearest EPF branch or EPF Call Centre at (03) 8922-6000 or the EPF website. -- Bernama

Jet engine goes missing: What a shame to Malaysia!

2009-12-23T09:46:00.003+08:00

It's not one jet engine that goes missing, but two..... and the worse is, it happens in 2007...
until now, there is nobody prosecuted... What a type of security that we are talking about?
US will start to enquire as they want to know where the engine is being sell to, as they afraid the engine will be pass to the UN's sanction country such as Iran.... looks like the case will not end in short of time...
In Japan, if it is the case, either the minister will resign or commit suicide...but in Malaysia, the minister keep pretending that they are in correct path... What a shame to our nation.....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/22/nation/5345668&sec=nation

Tuesday December 22, 2009 - The Star
PM: Fighter jet engine reported stolen to cops
By DHARMENDER SINGH

No cover up over missing jet engine

PUTRAJAYA: There is no cover-up of the theft and sale of the RM50mil fighter jet engine last year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the Defence Ministry and Royal Malaysia Air Force reported the theft to the police immediately after it was discovered and co-operated fully with the authorities to ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated.

“To the credit of RMAF and Mindef, there was no intention of covering up (the theft) at all. I was the minister in charge at the time and I decided it should be reported to the police.

“Mindef took the position that we have to address this and take the necessary action, even criminal action, against those involved,” he told reporters after a special meeting with the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology and chairing the Malaysian Aerospace Council meeting yesterday.

It was reported that a General Electric J85-21A after burner turbojet engine – the power plant for the single-seater F-5E Tiger 11 and RF-5E Tigereye – was discovered missing from the Sungai Besi RMAF airbase during a routine maintenance service. Also missing were its maintenance and service records.

It was reported that a brigadier-general and 40 other armed forces personnel had been sacked over the incident.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi later said it was an inside job.
Aiming for greater heights: Najib being briefed at the launch of the Malaysia High Technology Industry Report at the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya Monday.

On why the brigadier-general continued to receive his pension and other retirement benefits despite having been sacked, Najib said such decisions would depend on the wrong that was committed and that it would be up to the armed forces to decide.

He said it would be better to wait for the full report on the incident to be completed.

Earlier, Najib said the Government would provide financial and tax incentives to companies involved in the aerospace industry after it recorded an 11% annual growth over the last five years.

He said the Malaysian Aerospace Council meeting agreed with a Finance Ministry proposal to provide the incentives for companies involved in research and development, system integration, manufacturing and assembly, general aviation, aerospace training, certification and maintenance, repair and overhauling.

Najib said the proposal for the incentives was made after looking at the tremendous growth of the industry which also recorded a 300% jump in the total investment in the last three years.

He said the industry, which employed about 54,000 people, registered a turnover of RM25bil last year.

He said re-investments and new investments totalling RM1.4bil were expected to create an additional 2,700 jobs.

He added that a detailed announcement on the incentives would be made soon.

Another burden to all Malaysian in 2010 - GST

2009-12-05T10:02:00.000+08:00

Taken from The Star:

Saturday December 5, 2009 - The Star
Taxing time for Malaysians

A 4% GST is still too much for many Malaysians in view of the small monthly salary we get for doing the same work compared to people working in Singapore.

Workers in Singapore are paid five times or more. Though they pay 7% GST, it’s negligible to them because they get paid “fat” salaries.

With costs of living escalating over the years, Malaysians are feeling the pinch harder and harder and, besides, getting only a 5%-10% annual salary increment is too little and insignificant. Thus it is difficult to accept any more new taxes like the GST.

That means the rakyat has to tighten their belt further when the 4% GST comes into effect, because unlike the existing 5% Government Service Tax which applies only to certain establishments whose yearly income exceeds RM2mil, we will soon have to pay a tax for everything we use, eat and drink.

When you buy an electrical item with your credit card, some merchants will bill you an extra 2% to cover the bank charges.

So the total amount for the item with 4% GST will come up to 106%. A 6% charge is a lot to pay for a high-end item. This is not good for business as it will drive away the less affluent customers.

Apparently that is why there are so many small restaurants mushrooming in recent years in major townships – to avoid having to pay the 10% service charge and 5% government tax as well as for tipping waiters.

We still have a long way to go to reach developed nation status, so why not exempt foodstuff, medical fees/charges and public transport from such taxes for now? Exemptions should also be given for school books, education materials, computers, reading glasses, equipment for handicapped and invalid people, and essential medicines.

These goods and services are needed by ordinary folks who usually cannot afford to pay for them with their small incomes. With the 4% GST, these items will be beyond their reach.

Of course the Government should also do something concrete to help Malaysians get higher pay. Start with keeping abreast of employees in Singapore before we jump on the bandwagon of developed nations.

For now there is no rationale for a 4% GST across the board, because the poorer Malaysians will become even poorer and find it more difficult to make ends meet.

We also need to know specifically where the new revenue is going to. Simply put, the majority of the rakyat is not ready to shoulder the 4% GST.

LAU BING,
Subang Jaya.

Malaysian giving up citizenship on the rise

2009-12-01T18:44:00.000+08:00

Why this thing could happen in the country so called "the best"? Lu pikir la sendiri.....

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/45137-number-of-ex-malaysians-doubles-in-2009-

Two-fold increase in Malaysians giving up citizenship - The Malaysian Insider

By Lee Wei Lian

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 – The number of Malaysians who surrendered their citizenship has almost doubled in this year, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay, who revealed today that about 3,800 Malaysians have given up their citizenships to date compared to 2,000 last year.
This figure, however, is much smaller than the 304,358 Malaysians who were reported to have migrated from March 2008 to August 2009.
Kohilan clarified that the number of “Malaysians who migrated” consists of those who are working abroad and registered with the respective Malaysian embassies.
There was nevertheless a sharp rise in the number of Malaysians who registered themselves as having moved abroad with 210,000 of them doing so from January to August this year compared with 94,000 from March to December 2008.
He also said that between 45 to 55 per cent, or roughly half, of the Malaysians working abroad are professionals.
The volume of Malaysian talent moving abroad is a potentially damaging brain drain and a matter of concern as the country is attempting to remake itself into a developed high-income nation.
The most common reasons given for migration were better education, brighter career or business prospects and marriage.
Kohilan also pointed out that the government is taking some steps to attract talent to the country, including making it easier for foreigners with desired expertise to obtain permanent residence.
Kohilan, who is from Gerakan, also criticised the Penang state government currently under Pakatan Rakyat, saying that they should stop using the shortage of engineers an excuse for the recent loss of an RM10 billion electronic factory investment and should instead find ways to overcome it.
“Penang should not blame others if there is no investment,” Kohilan told The Malaysian Insider. “What professionals would want to stay there if there is only push factors? There must also be pull factors. They must think wisely and make sure the state also has pull factors.”
Kohilan said that there was no breakdown by race for Malaysians who have moved abroad but some migration agents have noticed a rise in applications from Malays to migrate over the past few years.
Robert Chelliah, who runs a migration consultancy in Petaling Jaya says that he has seen a noticeable increase in interest among Malays to move to Australia.
“These are educated Malays and they feel frustrated with the system of governance and they have a global frame of reference to make comparisons,” he said.
“Generally, the push factor from Malaysia has been on the rise ... people feel pushed away from the country. They feel alienated and they feel that their prospects are limited by factors that they have no control over,” he added.
According to Kohilan, Australia had the most number of Malaysians registered with the Malaysian embassy with 274,000 and the US second with 31,000 and Taiwan third with 14,000.
He added that there were about 50,000 Malaysian students now studying abroad.

What happen to our judiciary system?

2009-11-22T13:46:00.000+08:00

It's look like there are two (2) judiciary system in Malaysia, one for ruling coalition and one more for opposition. If the case was brought by ruling coalition, most of the case will be quickly heard and processed but sadly to say, if the case was oppositions', they need to wait and wait... These thing can be clearly seen in the case of Perak state ruling.... IMHO, every case no matter who brought it, since that case was our nation's interest should be judge earlier.... sad to live in Malaysia if this case still cannot be solved.
In Linggam case, how can our judiciary system can let them go? the truth is already there but........

Kg Buah Pala issue: Why they are so demanding?

2009-08-09T10:46:00.003+08:00

The Kg Buah Pala issue in Penang will not settle just like that because the case is quite complicated because this is also involve a racial issue. When Khir Toyo demolish Kg Beremban, Ampang settlement in 2006 if I not mistaken, there is no big deal because they are Malays. I said that no big deal means that BN don't care what really happen to them although PR had already made a protest.

In Kg Buah Pala, since they are all Indians, MIC will play their part and the people at Kg Buah Pala know this is their best time to demand everything. Is it a terrace house does not enough? Do you want a bungalow or what? If the reason is their family is big, so they should looking for a solution on their own. I'm not in a position to create racial tension over here, but I'm looking at a positive manner by comparing the case to any previous cases that happen before.

Think!

H1N1: Critical!

2009-08-09T10:28:00.004+08:00

When our Nation detect the first H1N1 case, they told that the case is rare and we don't have to panic because there is no local transmission yet. Even the Tourism Minister Dato Dr. Ng. Yen Yen urge our media not to highlight the H1N1 case as this will deter tourist from coming to Malaysia.

When we first time detect the local transmission, they said, don't worry, this is rare and there is no death so far.

Look what really happen now. Up to today, there are 15 deaths and they are still rileks until Najib unexpectedly announce that now H1N1 is a threat to our nation. Why after 15 deaths they are only declaring this? Is the 15 deaths before doesn't mean anything? Until yesterday, 8/8/09 there are 18 deaths reported so far...

They don't care what happen to our people but they only care that the tourist won't come to Malaysia. You know why? money is everything.....

PPSMI: another bad decision causing lost of millions ringgit

2009-07-19T09:13:00.004+08:00

Now you see, and now you don't. PPSMI is now is going to be cancelled, but not before 2012. Do you know how much money was spent to implement PPSMI due to our dumb minister's bad decision? Millions....

But what I really don't understand is, why 2012? during the implementation last time, after they decide to push for PPSMI, they are straight away implement PPSMI by the next day.. amazing isn't it?

Discount 20% for 80 times per month Toll payment?

2009-07-19T09:01:00.003+08:00

What a joke. Suprise! I don't expect Najib know how to make a joke, but he is. For 80 times to take place, you must pay 4 tolls each day on everage in order to get a discount. After all, it only effective on September. Get pass through more toll booth in order to get discount? The sentence should be phrases something like this: If you pay toll more than RM80 per month, you'll get a 20% discount, which I think more practical.... Isn't it? as simple as that... Do they still think that we are dumb enough to be fooled off?

Discrimination by BN: No oil royalty for Kelantan

2009-07-18T18:54:00.005+08:00

As usual, since Kelantan was rule under PR, so there's no need for Petronas to channel the oil royalty to Kelantan although it was obtained from the Kelantan's shore. Everybody knows what happen in Terengganu when PAS won in 1999, the federal government under Mahathir's regime straight away turn the oil royalty into "wang ehsan" and channel it to the federal comittee (JKKP) in Terengganu instead. So, the same thing although different in term of modus operandi, the ruling is not to channel the money to the opposition, never and ever... For Kelantanese, if you want to maintain PAS as the ruling party, and at the same time need the oil royalty, you don't have a choice but to wait and contribute for PR to rule the Federal Government... Patience and commitment is the best medicine....

Dr M: Where did Petronas money go?

2009-07-03T23:19:00.002+08:00

Even Mahathir did wonder where are those Petronas amounting RM253.6 billion money for the last 6 years spent to. The value is whoppingly increased tremendously year by year from RM19 billion in 2004 to RM67.8 billion in 2009. Oh no! what happen to our money?

Please look at the statistic and judge it... the pirate in BN is on the rise.....

Oil price: Is 30 Sen subsidy still in place?

2009-06-15T23:27:00.003+08:00

I'm not in a position to support the Government to increase the Petrol price although the crude oil price is now reaching USD70 per barrel. What I really concern is the promise made by our Government that they will maintain the subsidy at 30 sen no matter what the oil price is. If we want to take into account that 30 sen subsidy was in place during the crude price is hovering around USD50 per barrel and the petrol price is maintaining at RM1.80 per litre.

With the crude price reaching USD70 per barrel (5 - 15 June 2009), is the 30 sen subsidy is still valid? I don't think so... the subsidy is now I think reaching almost 50 to 60 sen per litre. So, where are the promised? Looks like they are still cheating people and their promise made only to suit the situation.... Believe me....

Third link: Is it desperately required?

2009-06-15T23:10:00.003+08:00

I don't know what are the hidden agenda and deal by Najib in proposing the third bridge but not to upgrade the "Tambak Johor" instead. Amazingly, you know what?, Singapore is agreed. Is Johor and Singapore are great enough as even 2 bridges linking them are still proven not enough? Why not they find a way to encourage people to use the second link instead of building another bridge after a plan to upgrade the Tambak Johor is proven futile? I smell a big fishy around there, MACC should standby by now if they got a guts...

Keranamu BN, Malaysiaku Hancur....

Something are wrong somewhere, but I don't know where

2009-06-15T22:35:00.002+08:00

Today's court decision is also another blow to our constitution. The court decided that the Election Commission (EC), and not the Perak state assembly speaker, to declare whether or not a state seat is vacant. It is true that the EC is right to say that if and only if the speaker already submitted the case and if the case is submitted, of course, the seat is vacant. The speaker will not submitting the case if the seat is not vacant. The statement is true when the EC only declaring as what was passed to them by the Speaker. Of course the case will be declared by the EC not the speaker, the speaker just passing the batton to the EC for them to declare, not to decide..

The EC cannot even declare the seat is vacant if the speaker did not submitting the case, isn't it? or, can the EC declare the seat is vacant without the speaker firstly acknowledging them, can't they?

The judgement must be correct at the first place as this will be inherited to our next generation. If the EC is powerful enough, for what purpose the speaker is there to inform them? Isn't it a joke or what?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/15/nation/20090615152713&sec=nation

Published: Monday June 15, 2009 MYT 3:25:00 PM - The Star
Federal Court: EC declares seat vacancies, not speaker

PUTRAJAYA: It is for the Election Commission (EC), and not the Perak state assembly speaker, to declare whether or not a state seat is vacant, the Federal Court ruled in a written judgement made available Monday.

An oral ruling was made April 9.

Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nik Hashim Nik Ab Rahman, in his 20-page judgment, said that under section 12(3) of the Elections Act 1958, the EC would have to establish that a vacancy existed before issuing a writ of by election.

Therefore, the speaker could not interfere with the constitutional duty of the EC to establish whether there was a casual vacancy.

Let hear a comment from the BAR council:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com.my/index.php/malaysia/29599-bar-slams-federal-court-for-saying-ec-decides-on-vacancies-

Bar slams Federal Court for saying EC decides on vacancies
By Debra Chong

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 – The Federal Court says it is the Election Commission (EC), and not the legislative assembly speaker, who has the right to decide whether or not a seat is vacant, according to its written judgment in the recent Perak case where three state lawmakers sued Speaker V. Sivakumar.

“The Federal Court has set a dangerous precedent,” the Bar Council president told The Malaysian Insider in an immediate comment on the written grounds recently given out.

Based on the ruling, Ragunath Kesavan said, the EC could easily declare a seat vacant and call for a by-election once a lawmaker hands in his resignation letter, whether it is accepted or rejected by the speaker.

New tourist attraction in Terengganu: Collapsed Stadium

2009-06-15T21:07:00.004+08:00

In less than 1 year, the Terengganu landmark, which is the new stadium collapsed. Once opened during last year Sukma, the greatest opening ceremony and fireworks are stunning, now, the stadium become not more than the statue and the best thing is, it is now become a place for tourist attraction. This what happen when the money from the oil royalty is being abused and channeled to the wrong people.... believe it, it is a Malaysia Boleh.....

PPP is following his big brother

2009-05-27T22:48:00.003+08:00

PPP is now looking forward to follow the Perak crisis by having 2 presidents. The story that happen in Perak's assembly sitting is now practised by PPP. They don't care about the law, but their aim become priority...

A little bit demoralised after high court decision overturned

2009-05-27T22:41:00.002+08:00

I'm a little bit frustrated with the overturn decision made by the high court in MB vs MB case in Perak, that's why, my blog is stagnant for a few weeks. I'll try my best to keep up the pace again. My hope for a better judiciary system after Tun Abdullah takeover is again drop.... we are heading backwards now.......

Economy: GDP shrank to -6.2%

2009-05-27T22:34:00.003+08:00

Our economy now became worst than expected although a few billions stimulus package already declared to overcome this. I don't think the government did enough as they are more concern on power grab in Perak rather than our economy. The worst thing is to come, well, be prepared....

Shocking High Court decision

2009-05-12T21:06:00.002+08:00

In less than 24 hours, the high court overturn the previous decision in a split second. Our court, which is normally famous by having a backlogged cases which took over several years to settle the case, today made a fast and furious decision. At 9.00 a.m. the appeal has been filed, by 10 a.m., the court start to hear the case and by 1 p.m., came out with a decision, efficient isn't it? Well, I'm proud to be a Malaysian if it is the case for all the court case, but it is not the case. Amazingly, the decision also nullify the previous decision not to grant Zamry stay of execution previously made the day before and the decision also resulting Nizar to be expelled from the office by less than 24 hours, fair isn't it? That is the fairness we get from the Malaysian court.... IMHO, the court should consider the previous court decision and give Zamry the appeal that he want but not to grant the stay of execution that he also get as a win-win decision instead of granting Zamry his both applications.

The court decison also made me angry when they accept the explaination from Zamry lawyer that stated Nizar had clearly indicated that he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah to request for the dissolution of the state legislative assembly if the court of appeal do not grant Zamry the stay of execution order. The Zamry lawyer then continue that “If the state assembly is dissolved, then the appeal would be academic,” he said, adding that if the stay was not granted, the appeal would be rendered nugatory but,

why the court didn't consider Nizar lawyer statement that If a stay is granted, Zambry could initiate a motion of no-confidence against Nizar and the court will say our case is academic also as Nizar is no longer mentri besar then. Tragic isn't it?.....Well, lets us hope that PR will win after this and forever win...Ameen....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/12/nation/20090512171440&sec=nation

Published: Tuesday May 12, 2009 MYT 5:13:00 PM - The Star
Perak crisis: Details on stay of execution
By LISA GOH

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal on Tuesday granted a stay of execution on the High Court’s ruling that Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is the rightful mentri besar of Perak.

With the stay order, status quo remains with Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir as the Perak Mentri Besar pending his appeal against the High Court’s ruling on Monday.

Justice Ramly Ali granted the stay at about 1.15pm following an application by Zambry at about 9.30am Tuesday. Zambry also filed an appeal at the Kuala Lumpur High Court registry at about 9am.

“The court notes that the circumstance of this case is very unique as it does not only involve the applicant and respondent but the entire state of Perak.

“Based on the practise of this court, which has the jurisdiction to grant the stay, the stay is granted,” he said, adding: “The court will fix an early date for the appeal hearing.”

Nizar’s lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah then immediately requested for the court to apply terms to the stay of execution order, but his request was rejected.

On Monday, the High Court ruled that Nizar was the rightful mentri besar of Perak as his office had not been vacated when Zambry was appointed mentri besar.

This came following Nizar’s application on Feb 13 for a judicial review challenging Zambry’s appointment, seeking a declaration that he was the rightful mentri besar at all material times and an injunction to bar Zambry from carrying out his duties as MB.

Zambry’s lawyer Datuk Cecil Abraham submitted that Nizar had clearly indicated that he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah to request for the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.

“If the state assembly is dissolved, then the appeal would be academic,” he said, adding that if the stay was not granted, the appeal would be rendered nugatory.

Sulaiman, however, argued that the stay order would allow the “person found by the High Court to be the usurper to continue his office”.

“What about us? If a stay is granted, Zambry could initiate a motion of no-confidence against Nizar and the court will say our case is academic as Nizar is no longer mentri besar.

“Whether or not there is a dissolution, that lies in the hands of a third party, as it depends on whether Tuanku grants it or not. But whether there is a motion of no-confidence or not, that is in their hands,” he submitted.

After the ruling, Nizar’s lawyer Ranjit Singh said an option was to appeal to a three-man bench of the Court of Appeal to set aside this court’s stay of execution order.

What Zamry did during his tenureship as unlawful MB

2009-05-11T21:44:00.003+08:00

During a few months of tenureship as a so called "MB", Zambry did a few controversial thing that he should be avoided at the first place. Since at that time, the court case is still running, he shouldn't make any decision, because, if he did, what happen if he is declared as not the rightful MB during his tenureship? The list below are the worst thing that he did:

1) Asking Nizar and previous EXCO to return the state's Toyota Camry and then he decided to sell those car and to purchase a new Proton V6 again.

2) Asking for a state assembly sitting to expel the Speaker

3) Appoint a new speaker

4) Sack all the Pakatan's village comittee (JKK)

5) and the ultimatum is by asking the Police to expel Speaker Sivakumar out of assembly sitting and detain him for about 1 hour inside the room.

For those who can think, logically, what he did cannot be accepted by using our rational brain... what a jungle law that he practises, but instead accusing the PR that practising the jungle law....sigh....

Perak rigthful MB: Najib cannot accept the High Court decision

2009-05-11T21:20:00.005+08:00

Is it Najib pledge of 1Malaysia really being implemented? If he trully prioritised the rakyat, he should return the power to rakyat in Perak case instead of appealing with the High Court decision.The High Court had just ruling that Nizar is now the rightful MB for Perak. Does he going to further complicated the Perak impasse, doesn't he? If he did proceed with the appeal, Perak will still under no ruling party for another few months to come. Did he want this to happen?

Should this appeal become true tomorrow, well, it seems that the 1Malaysia motto is going to be only a motto only and not more than that.... Well... I can also say that the Perak will still under limbo for another few months to come...sigh....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/11/nation/20090511154813&sec=nation

Published: Monday May 11, 2009 MYT 3:46:00 PM - The Star
Updated: Monday May 11, 2009 MYT 9:32:28 PM
Court rules Nizar is Perak MB; BN to appeal (Update 10)

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will appeal the High Court ruling on Monday that declared Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful Perak Mentri Besar, and not Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

The appeal would be filed on Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

In the meantime, he urged the people of Perak to remain calm while "the situation is resolved."

Pakatan Rakyat is however adamant that there is no "situation."

“This is a great day for the rakyat (people) because the Law and the Constitution are the true winners,” Nizar said in a statement.

“It is a historic day for all who love democracy and it will be remembered for years and years to come. Its positive effects for revitalising parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy is tremendous,” he said.

He said that everyone from both sides of the political divide would benefit from this ruling “because an independent judiciary is absolutely essential for the well-being of any country and its people.”

Nizar said that all previous decisions made by the Dr Zambry administration would be subject to review but not invalidated except for the tumultous May 7 sitting.

He also suspended the state legal adviser with immediate effect.

Nizar said that once he arrived in Ipoh, he would meet with his Pakatan exco at 11pm and a press conference could be expected after that.

Earlier, Zambry said he would apply for a stay pending appeal. This was immediately rejected by the court.

The court also ordered Zambry and the six executive councillors he had appointed to vacate their office.

An aide to Dr Zambry told the media that Perak Barisan Nasional will respect the court order and will vacate their offices at the state secretariat building immediately.

He added that Dr Zambry is on his way to Kuala Lumpur from Ipoh. Dr Zambry could not be reached for comment at press time.

Dr Zambry's private secretary Khairul Azwan Harun then asked the media to vacate the office, saying that their presence was "scaring off the staff."

By 5:30pm, several truckloads of Federal Reserve Unit personnel and police had arrived at the state secretariat building in Ipoh.

“Our presence is to maintain law and order,” said Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah.

“We will not allow any illegal assembly or procession by either party,” he said.

Nizar left the KL courtroom saying he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, to get his consent to dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh state elections.

He would make his request for the audience at a state function at the Istana Kuala Kangsar Tuesday morning.

In his ruling Monday, Justice Abdul Aziz Abd Rahim said that a new mentri besar could not be appointed as the office had not been vacated.

He said a mentri besar can only be dismissed by a vote of no confidence, and upheld the Stephen Kalong Ningkan ruling.

He noted that the Perak State Legislative Assembly had not held a vote of no confidence.

In 1966, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan was ousted when the state governor showed him a letter of no confidence issued by 21 out of 42 legislators and asked Ningkan to resign.

Ningkan refused, saying the letters were not tantamount to a vote of no confidence in the state legislative assembly. He was sacked by the governor but eventually reinstated by the Borneo High Court, which saw the necessity of a formal vote of no confidence.

Manoharan, DAP assemblymen is now released from ISA

2009-05-09T09:12:00.002+08:00

Last week, Hishamuddin voice out his stand not to release Manoharan as the latter say that he might resign as an elected representative due to his detention under ISA. Hishamuddin says that he will not obey because of the brouhaha over Manoharan possible resignation. Week after that, Manoharan is going to be release soon and the reason given is, he is not a threat to our national security. I can say that this is also a flip-flop decision then.... what do you think?

Please do compare with the earlier news at the bottom... sigh.... What a decision.... everything can change in the blink of eye.... Malaysia.....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/9/nation/20090509083336&sec=nation

Saturday May 9, 2009 - The Star
Hindraf leaders among 13 ISA detainees to be released

PUTRAJAYA: The remaining three leaders of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) will be released from Internal Security Act detention in the next few days.

M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar and K. Vasantha Kumar are among 13 people to be released soon, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Six are Malaysians while the others are five Filipinos and two Indonesians.

The release of the three Hindraf leaders comes after two other leaders – V. Ganabatirau and R. Kengadharan – were freed when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took office last month.

Other Malaysians to be released are Zulkepli Marzuki, Jeknal Adil and Adzmi Pindatun while the Filipinos are Sufian Salih, Hasim Talib, Abdul Jamal Azahari, Yusof Mohd Salam and Husin Alih. The Indonesians are Zainun Rasyhid and Aboud Ghafar Shahril.

Hishammuddin said the Malaysian detainees would be released once documents were processed.

He said the Malaysian authorities were working with their counterparts in Manila and Jakarta and with the embassies here to get the necessary papers ready to send the foreigners home.

“I will sign the necessary documents now and I hope the Malaysians will be released within the next two to three days,” he said.

In an immediate reaction, Najib said the release of the 13 showed that the Government was not cruel.

He said the police felt that the time had come for them to be released.

“ I think this shows that it’s not true that the Government is carrying out a cruel and repressive policy as claimed by the Opposition, and that we have tried to stifle individual freedom,” he said.

“If these people held under the ISA had not been a threat to our security, we wouldn’t even have detained them for a day. When I first became Prime Minister, I had announced the release of 13 people held under the ISA.

“I want to show that our Government acts based on fair principles and civil liberties,” he said.

Najib denied that the release was planned to lessen the consequences of the pandemonium at the Perak State Assembly meeting on Thursday.

“Please, what do you want? Even if we release them, we are (seen) to be wrong,” he said yesterday.

Hishammuddin denied that Manoharan’s release was linked to the Kota Alam Shah assemblyman’s earlier announcement that he might resign as an elected representative .

Earlier,

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/6/nation/3841926&sec=nation

Wednesday May 6, 2009 - The Star
Manoharan held for ‘certain reasons’

KUALA LUMPUR: Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan, who is being detained under the Internal Security Act, will not be released just because of the brouhaha over his possible resignation, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said.

Manoharan was arrested under the ISA for certain reasons, he said.

“I can tolerate a review, a new approach and openness, but I will not compromise on national importance, security and the country’s stability and dignity,” he said.

Manoharan had said he would decide on his resignation after meeting DAP chairman Karpal Singh on May 19.

Hishammuddin said he had directed his two deputies to study how much money would be spent each time a by-election was held.

“There seems to be a trend now to have by-elections. The figure is not a small amount. A by-election at the parliamentary level can cost RM20mil to deploy police to ensure safety,” he added.

Hishammuddin also said he had instructed two “best legal minds” each from the police, immigration and prison departments to re-look all laws under his ministry to aid the Law Reform Committee.

“Our focus is on the ISA as it is time for a review,” he said.

PPSMI: also delayed, again

2009-05-09T09:02:00.003+08:00

It's look like the Najib cabinet are facing difficulties in deciding. Now, PPSMI whether to proceed or not is also an issue. I don't know whether Muhyiddin trying to delay the decision because of the result which is not in government favour, so, it's again undecided... but ironically, he said that they don't want to be a flip-flop government as heritated from Abdullah administration.... what kind of joke is this?...heeheee...

How much longer do they need time? 1 year? 2 years? The time will come, now they are at the top, wait till they drop.... please be patience.....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/5/nation/3834378&sec=nation

Tuesday May 5, 2009 - The Star
Muhyiddin wants more info on Maths & Science issue before final decision
By KAREN CHAPMAN

More time to review Maths and Science

KUALA LUMPUR: It looks like there won’t be a quick decision on the language of instruction for Mathematics and Science.

The Education Ministry under its new minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is willing to listen to more views and accept memoranda on the issue before deciding whether the subjects should be taught in English or revert to Bahasa Malaysia and mother tongue (Chinese and Tamil).

“Our national language is important but then so is English and this is the future of our children,” said Muhyiddin, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, after visiting Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

“We are prepared to wait a little bit longer because I think that whatever decision the Government has to make is difficult.

“We also don’t want to be seen to flip- flop on this matter.”

The Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (better known by its Malay acronym (PPSMI) policy was introduced in phases, beginning with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.

Former Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had said previously that the Cabinet was expected to make a decision on the language of instruction in mid-April.

On when he would submit the matter to the Cabinet for a decision, Muhyiddin said he was not fully satisfied yet with what had been done.

Muhyiddin declined to say what he was dissatisfied with, adding that he would make a detailed announcement at the right time.

Asked whether the ministry would hold more roundtable discussions, he said this did not have to be so.

Last year, the ministry held such discussions with researchers from public universities; representatives from associations and organisations, professional bodies, corporate, community leaders; parent-teacher associations, students, teachers and lecturers from matriculation colleges and teacher training institutes; and, politicians.

PKFZ report, again delayed

2009-05-08T23:31:00.003+08:00

Looks like that the new Government under Najib is slowly progress, not as what Najib says sporadically during the UMNO assembly. Now the report on the PKFZ is again delayed, why? are they going to tamper or what? This is the third time already, if I not mistaken. Same thing happen on deciding whether to contest at Penanti or not, they missed 2 time already and give a new date for a decision. Are they going to be Flip-Flop as previously happen during Abdullah Government? Just wait and see... or is it Najib is the man who is afraid to make a decision? worth to wait...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/7/nation/3851778&sec=nation

Thursday May 7, 2009 - The Star
‘Technical issue’ delays PKFZ report

PETALING JAYA: The keenly awaited audit report on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) that was to be released today has been held back on a technical issue.

Port Klang Authority chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said the report could only be released with the consent of auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

“PwC has made it clear to the Port Klang Authority that the report is confidential and must not be reproduced or distributed, ‘in whole or in part, to any other party in any way without the prior consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services Sdn Bhd’,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee said he wrote to PwC on April 30 to seek its consent following the instructions by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat to release the report within seven days.

“PwC replied on May 4 that consent will be given subject to certain terms and conditions,” he said.

“On Tuesday (May 5), I met with representatives from PwC and decided to call for an emergency board meeting to seek members’ approval on the terms and conditions for the release of the report.

“In the light of this, I’ve informed the Transport Minister that I have to resolve this technical issue before the report can be made public despite the deadline he gave.”

Lee gave his assurance that the matter would be sorted out as soon as possible, as it was his responsibility to ensure that the full report together with declassified documents were released to the public.

“I am concerned with the leaks to the press and wish to state that my office and I played no part in that,” he added.

Tun Abdullah as advisor: What a waste of public fund

2009-05-08T23:12:00.002+08:00

Since Tun Mahathir is still at his seat for Petronas and Proton Advisor, Najib don't have a choice but to give other position to Tun Abdullah which are the National Corridor Development and MAS adviser. They said that these positions were offered as a BN tradition to offer a former PM to be adviser for GLC. How much money will be wasted on this now? Adviser for what? Is Tun Abdullah excellent enough to be an advisor? One more waste of public fund whilst the world is now on Global economic recession.... sigh....

Corrupted Local Council in Cameron Highland

2009-05-08T22:43:00.002+08:00

For those who did follow the Karam Singh Walia report at TV3 news a few days before might notice that there are a few premises that don't have a proper waste water treatment but they just piped the waste to the nearest river. How could this happen in today's scenario? This shows how corrupt the Cameron Highland Council is.... and maybe most of the daily water usage for Cameron Highland folks are coming from the same source... wow! with an added nutrient...

and what I'm really frustrated is, they are pretending that they are not responsible such that somebody else are guilty but they're not... sigh.....

How to remove a Speaker: The BN ways

2009-05-08T22:28:00.003+08:00

These are the tips how to remove a state speaker or even parliament speaker the BN ways:

1) First of all, make sure the Assembly Official do not obey the Speaker instruction and

2) Switch off the Speaker microphone, if not success,

3) Grab the Speaker chair whilst he is going out from the assembly hall, if not success,

4) Whilst the Speaker is muted (mic is off), quickly asked Deputy Speaker to take over the Speaker role, if also not success, you don't have a choice but,

5) To ask the Police to throw the Speaker outside the hall and detain him until the proceeding finished.

Democratic isn't it? That's how democratic BN is, and do you know what is being reported in the news? Well..... you know already.... They said the opposition is practising a jungle law, too good to be true right?.... Malaysia is again BOLEH..... a new record now.....

1 Malaysia and Malaysian Malaysia: Is there any different?

2009-05-02T07:20:00.004+08:00

Najib's motto and DAP's motto sound different but the content is the same. As usual, if the rhetoric is coming from our government itself, it is not a big issue but it is for opposition. Our prime media as usual gave a good praise as to please Najib. Where a those Malay champion that opposing the DAP motto's now? The same thing goes to another decision which is to revoke a bumiputra equity inside a few business sectors, there's no words heard from the Malay association. Do you still remember that suggestion by Khalid Ibrahim to open UiTM entry to non-bumiputra that draw flaks from most parties and the student from Uitm even have a demonstration infront of Selangor's SUK building?......What a double standard happen in Malaysia.......sigh....

Another Flip-Flop decision by our Government

2009-05-02T07:13:00.002+08:00

Another changes by our government to their previous decision which is to defer the foreign worker levi hike. This time they are going to defer the decision, but I can guarantee that at the end they will rescind the decision.... as usual, the decision made without considering all the factors.... In my previous post earlier, I did mention about the decision on this that will be at the end rescinded......and now it is about to be proven true....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/1/nation/20090501193529&sec=nation

Published: Friday May 1, 2009 MYT 7:36:00 PM - The Star
Cabinet temporarily defers foreign worker levy hike

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has decided to defer temporarily the implementation of the foreign worker levy hike, Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr. S.Subramaniam said.

He said the Cabinet made the decision at its last weekly meeting after considering requests by the employers, especially restaurant owners who felt the hike would be and added burden.

“The Cabinet felt that it was not the right time to implement the levy hike on foreign workers due to the uncertain economic situation,” he told reporters at Angkasapuri here on Friday.

Dr. Subramaniam said he raised the matter at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting after gathering feedback from the employers and industry stakeholders recently.

“With this decision, the implementation of the doubling of levy payment for foreign workers will be deferred temporarily until the economy improves,” he said.

The Minister said once the country’s economy had improved, the Cabinet would announce the mechanism for the implementation of the hike.

It was reported that more than 375,000 foreign and local workers in 25,000 Indian, Muslim and Chinese food outlets risked losing their jobs if the foreign worker levy payment was doubled as proposed in the mini budget.

The mini budget tabled in Parliament recently, provided for the doubling of the foreign workers levy, except for those in the construction, plantation and domestic maid sectors.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jamarulkhan Kadir was quoted as saying that many restaurants found it difficult to sustain their businesses even without the annual levy per worker being increased from RM1,800 to RM3,600.

He was reported to have said that on top of the levy, the owners also had to pay for medical fees (RM200), visa charges (RM160) and insurance (RM100).

Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) president Datuk R. Ramalingam Pillai had also urged the Government to review the levy for the service sector and cancel it in view of the looming recession.

Ramalingam claimed that business across the board had also shrunk 30% in the past six months following the economic slowdown sparked by the global financial crisis.-Bernama

Fill in the blank with the same old thing

2009-04-24T23:49:00.003+08:00

Could you find the different between Ali Rustam and KJ case?Ali Rustam is now again picked up by BN although he was found guilty of money politics and the same thing again did not happen to Khairy Jamaluddin. Pity on you KJ, they again pick his deputy youth chief Razali Ibrahim instead for appointed supreme council member after they give the latter the deputy minister post. The Perlis Liason chief is being replace with Menteri Besar for the post, but Shahidan Kassim in order to avoid his retaliation, is given the appointed supreme council member, since he is so vocal and BN can't handle him. I don't think Najib direction gonna be different with his previous regime since the same old thing is taken place. Rafidah Aziz again?... Yes, now you see it, now you don't....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/24/nation/20090424194640&sec=nation

THE NEW LINE-UP:

Secretary-General: Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor

Treasurer-General: Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah

Information Chief: Ahmad Maslan

State Liaison Chiefs:

Selangor: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak replaces Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

Federal Territory: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin replaces Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique.

Terengganu: Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein; Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said is deputy chief.

Perak: Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir

Kedah: Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal

Kelantan: Datuk Mustapa Mohamad

Penang: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Negri Sembilan: Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan

Malacca: Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam

Johor: Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman

Pahang: Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob

Perlis: Datuk Seri Md Isa Sabu

Sabah: Datuk Seri Musa Aman

Appointed Supreme Council members:

- Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim (Wanita)

- Datuk Razali Ibrahim (Youth)

- Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Nordin (Puteri)

- Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim

- Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz

- Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom

- Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin

- Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam

- Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz

- Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman

- Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim

Ooopss...BN did again!

2009-04-24T23:21:00.003+08:00

As usual, BN as executive power again and again contemplating the court. In previous court decision regarding Perak issue, the court had rules that the speaker cannot suspend Zambry and his exco from entering the Dewan for state assembly and this time, BN has gone further with the decision that will affect the court decision.... They lead the court, and I don't know where is the separation of power that was guaranteed in our constitution now...... They ruin everything now...What another sad day for our country....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/24/nation/3764285&sec=nation

Friday April 24, 2009 - The Star

Decision shocks syariah lawyers

PETALING JAYA: Courts must be allowed to remain free from interference from any party including the Government, said Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association (PGSM) deputy president Musa Awang.

“PGSM is shocked with the latest decision of the Cabinet. We view the decision as an interference of legislative matters. It threatens the freedom of the courts,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“PGSM demands that the decision be postponed and reviewed again with the input from all parties including NGOs, the public and academicians.”

He stressed the freedom of the court and the legislative institution must be defended.

Musa was commenting on the Cabinet’s decision on children of parents, where one of them opts to convert, must be raised in the common religion at the time of marriage.

The religious conversion issue came to the Cabinet’s attention on April 15 involving a specific case.

Indra Ghandhi had sought the help of the Hindu Sangam branch in Ipoh after her husband K. Patmanathan, now Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah, converted their three children without their presence and without informing her.

New Cabinet: Same old story

2009-04-16T16:32:00.002+08:00

I don't think the new cabinet as declared by Najib as a changes that BN needs because I can still see the underperformed (in my opinion) minister such as Nazri Aziz, Rais Yatim and Shabery Cheek inside the cabinet. One more thing, although they said that they trimmed the cabinet, but they introduce 2 deputy ministers for certain ministry. I think this is still a wastage with a Najib style instead of Abdullah which is worst.... but thank to Najib for not reappoint Syed Hamid Albar and Sahril Samad although he is resigned... I respect Sahril Samad when he is a PAC chairman, but when he is appointed as a minister, his teeth become very soft.... Syed Hamid Albar is worst, he is mumbling all the time without any strong facts.... The cabinet is there already, just accept it for the better.....

NEW CABINET LINE-UP:

Prime Minister and Finance Minister 1: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

Deputy PM and Education Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Ministers in Prime Minister’s Department
Unity and Performance Management: Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon
Law and Parliament: Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz
Religious Affairs: Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharum
Economic Planning Unit: Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop

Deputies: Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, Datuk SK Devamany, Ahmad Maslan, Senator T. Murugiah

Finance
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Finance Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah
Deputies: Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein

Education
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputies: Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Datuk Puad Zarkashi

Transport
Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat
Deputies: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Datuk Robert Lau

Home
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputies: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, Jelaing Mersat

Information, Communications, Arts and Culture
Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputies: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Senator Heng Seai Kie

Energy, Green Technology & Water
Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon

Plantation Industries and Commodities
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Rural and Regional Development
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputies: Datuk Hassan Malek, Datuk Joseph Entulu

Higher Education
Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin
Deputies: Dr Hou Kok Chung, Saifuddin Abdullah

International Trade and Industry
Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Deputies: Datuk Muhkriz Mahathir, Datuk Jacob Dungau

Science, Technology and Innovation
Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof

Natural Resources and Environment
Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Tourism
Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries
Datuk Noh Omar
Deputies: Johari Baharum, Rohani Abdul Karim

Defence
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latif

Works
Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Health
Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin

Youth and Sports
Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputies: Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Wee Jeck Seng

Human Resources
Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Housing and Local Government
Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Lajim Ukin

Women, Family and Community Development
Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
Deputy: Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Foreign Affairs
Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputies: Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Senator A. Kohilan Pillai

Federal Territories
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin
Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan

Altantuya death: Sirul and Azilah to be hang

2009-04-09T13:39:00.003+08:00

After a few hectic years of trials, finally, Azilah and Sirul are about to be hang to death as they are found guilty but, what about the one that instruct them to kill Altantuya? Do we accept this to happen, as "ikan bilis" will be prosecuted, but the "jerung" will be let go? This is Malaysia.....

Shameful to both Azilah and Sirul for not telling the truth and not using the opportunity to reveal all during the proceeding, because of this, only both of them will be severely penalised but not "them"..... sigh....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/9/nation/20090409093431&sec=nation

Published: Thursday April 9, 2009 MYT 9:33:00 AM - The Star
Updated: Thursday April 9, 2009 MYT 12:25:35 PM

Altantuya murder: It's death for Azilah and Sirul (Update)

SHAH ALAM: Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri,32, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 36, were found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu three years ago, wrapping up the country's longest trial ever.

Justice Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin, said the prosecution had proven the case against them beyond reasonable doubt.

He said their defences were essentially ones of denial and of blaming each other and as such, were irreconcilable and unbelievable.

"Thus they have failed to raise any reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case which I find to be irresistibly conclusive on account of the physical and circumstantial evidence adduced before me.

"I therefore now sentence you, Azilah and Sirul Azhar, to death and both of you will henceforth be kept in lawful custody until you are brought to a lawful place where you will be hung by the neck until you are dead," he said.

The defense counsels said they would appeal.

Azilah, 33, is represented by two counsels, Datuk Hazman Ahmad and J. Kuldeep Kumar while Sirul Azhar, 37, is represented by Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, Hasnal Redzua Marican and Ahmad Zaidi Zainal.

In the high profile trial that hogged the local and international media, the duo were charged with murdering Altantuya, who was 28 then, between Lot 12843 and Lot 16735 Mukim Bukit Raja near here, between 10 pm, Oct 19 and 1 am, Oct 20, 2006.

Initially they were tried together with the executive director of Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC), Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, 48, who was charged with abetment in the murder of Altantuya.

However on Oct 31, 2008, the political analyst walked out a free man after the court found that the prosecution had failed to furnish proof on an important element on the abetment charge.

Abdul Razak since has left to United Kingdom and is said to be taking up a PhD at Oxford University.

While Azilah and Sirul Azhar -- who pleaded not guilty -- were hoping to be released, the prosecution went all out to prove they were the ones behind Altantuya's murder and the disposal of her remains using explosives.

The prosecution team consisting of Deputy Public Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah, Noorin Badaruddin, Manoj Kurup and Hanim Rashid, stressed in their submissions that Azilah and Sirul Azhar were the people behind Altantuya's murder.

Based on the evidence gathered from prosecution witnesses, the explosive used to blow up Altantuya's body was probably placed in her mouth.

Manoj noted at the end of the prosecution's case that both accused had the motive to kill and it was a preplanned crime.

Manoj noted that several circumstantial pieces of evidence that the prosecution tried to prove were never denied, explained or answered by both defendants.

"Several of the strong evidence deduced from the testimonies when spun together will make two ropes that are strong enough to hang each one of them.

"The prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt on the actions of the duo calls for their conviction on the murder carried out with the common intention," he had said.

Azilah, who started his testimony on Jan 15, stated that he had no motive to kill or destroy the woman and instead he only met Altantuya to advise her politely not to harass Abdul Razak or create a ruckus outside the latter's home.

Azilah also told the court that he was ordered by a superior, DSP Musa Safri to help Abdul Razak and thus he would not have done something stupid like killing -- especially seeing he was a policeman.

While defending himself Sirul Azhar broke down a few times and claimed he had been made the sacrificial lamb in the murder.

The case has set many records including being the most number of days for hearing (159 days) and 84 witnesses at the prosecution stage and two at the defence stage, and it remained the high profile case for almost two years before Abdul Razak was released.

According to records, Azilah has been incarcerated at the Sungai Buloh Prison for 891 days while Sirul Azhar 895 days.

Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau

2009-04-09T13:29:00.002+08:00

Congratulation to all Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau folks. You've made BN hear to us now, hopefully there is no state of denial anymore.... maybe BN must consider shift to Sarawak and Sabah now as only the 2 states that accept them for now..... It's clear now, the rakyat don't want BN to represent them in Peninsular Malaysia no matter what whether the candidate is local or not... Please stop unfair news reporting at our current streaming media, people are already know the truth.... enough is enough....

Najib's first move: checkmate or not?

2009-04-03T21:16:00.003+08:00

The first move by Najib in which Tun Dollah can't even think is to uplift the ban on two news publication, Harakah and Suara Keadilan and to release 13 of ISA detainees at Kamunting Jail. What is his real intention of doing this? Is it the best thing that he can think in order to face the next week incoming by-election? But at least, he did something in order to get some vote in comparison to Tun Dollah, which nothing he can do to show his real executive power.. Syed Hamid Albar is now nothing to comment but to follow the order from his new boss.... Good start, Najib... but anyway goodluck,but it's not good enough.... at least you are trying your best....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/3/nation/20090403201619&sec=nation

Published: Friday April 3, 2009 MYT 8:16:00 PM - The Star
Updated: Friday April 3, 2009 MYT 8:38:10 PM
PM Najib's maiden speech: 'One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.'

1.On behalf of all Malaysians, I would like to thank YABhg. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his 31 years of exemplary public service to our country, his commitment to strengthening the institutions and fabric of our democracy and for his graceful example as our leader.

2.I am grateful to YABhg. Tun for his confidence in proposing my name as Prime Minister to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and I am honoured that His Majesty has consented to my appointment with this morning’s swearing-in ceremony. I feel a deep sense of humility at the opportunity to serve as your Prime Minister at an important time in our nation’s history. My life has been dedicated to public service. Growing up, I was inspired by the positive impact of public service in the example of my late father. Four decades on, I remain committed to the goals of tackling poverty; of restructuring our society; of expanding access to quality education for all; and of inspiring a new generation of young Malaysians to work on behalf of this great country. My own service in government has always been about getting results: to ensure a better deal for teachers, to improve conditions for our brave soldiers, and to strengthen our economy in defence of the people of Malaysia, as we deal with the outbreak of a global recession.

3.In the coming weeks, I will be consulting with people around our country, as I begin to reshape the leadership and priorities of the Government. I am mindful that we should build on the successes and lessons of the past. It must be a government with new approaches for new times – a government that places a priority on performance, because the people must come first.

4. We must reach out to all parts of Malaysia - to all our diverse communities. In our national discourse and in pursuing our national agenda, we must never leave anyone behind. We must reach out to the many who may have been disaffected and left confused by political games, deceit and showmanship.

We must draw on talented people across our nation, regardless of their position or background, to re-energize a passion for public service. We must sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians.

We must seek to include and unlock the potential of our young people who will be the next generation of leaders, businesspeople, engineers, scientists, teachers and doctors. We must give them wings to fly.

5.And so today, I pledge that I will work tirelessly to serve all of you.

6.In this spirit, I would like to announce that the government has decided with immediate effect, to remove the temporary ban on TWO news publications, release 13 detainees from ISA detention, and conduct a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act. Additional details will be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs shortly.

7.These decisions are timely as we move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order, while recognizing the need to remain vigilant of the very real security threats we continue to face as a young nation.

8.I know that for every citizen, these are hard times and I remain focused in providing strong leadership to lead us out of this economic crisis and unleash our full potential as a nation. I will be steadfast in my commitment to meet the needs, aspirations and concerns of all Malaysians.

9.So, today I ask you to join me in this task of renewing Malaysia. I urge us to rise to the challenge of building a One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.

10.Let us begin this great journey together.

Tri-elections: There's still independent candidates hovering around

2009-03-29T18:47:00.003+08:00

Its' looks like that we are still far away to be a developed and unity nation. As we can see at Bukit Selambau, there are 13 independent candidates that think they can win the people's heart. It's good for democracy, but think it in a positive manner. I don't know how and on what basis they are thinking, but obviously they are all gonna lose their deposit, definitely. If the independant is facing BN, a chance is there, but when two big party join the fray, I can only say goodbye to these independent candidates. Congratulation on your braveness and I think if they donate the deposit money to the needy people is more than worth it instead of giving it free to SPR... sigh... when is our people will be free from 3rd. world mentality, if this is the case... I don't think 2020 vision will be realised on time..... think about it....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/29/nation/20090329165043&sec=nation

Published: Sunday March 29, 2009 MYT 4:51:00 PM - The Star
Tri-elections: Bkt Selambau sets new record
By DHARMENDER SINGH

PUTRAJAYA: The Bukit Selambau state by-election set a record Sunday with 15 candidates contesting.

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said this was the first time in Malaysian election history that there has been a double-digit number of candidates for a seat; the highest number of contenders for a seat until now had been eight.

Sabah has had eight-cornered fights for state seats in the last several general elections. During the 2008 general election, there were eight contenders each for the Tanjong Kapor and Sukau seats.

Abdul Aziz said the high number of candidates would not pose problems for the Commission in ensuring a smooth election, adding that his staff were prepared to handle the task.

On the Commission’s decision to limit party flags from the Opposition alliance to only the party contesting the seat, he said it was acting according to the rules that did not allow parties not contesting in a general election or by-election to put up their flags during the campaign period.

“The reason Umno and MCA can put up their flags in Bukit Selambau where a MIC candidate is standing is because Barisan Nasional is a registered entity and the two are its component parties.

“However Pakatan Rakyat is not registered and therefore we cannot accept its partners as components, so we had to disallow any Opposition party -- apart from PKR -- from putting up flags,” he said Sunday.

He said the Commission was not at fault in this case as the Opposition had already collected the necessary forms to register the Pakatan coalition some time ago but never submitted them.

Abdul Aziz said the Commission was aware that all Opposition parties had put up their flags even before the nomimations Sunday but had not taken any action as it was not known who would officially contest until after the nominations.

“The Opposition leaders are aware of the rules and I hope they will take down the flags on their own; if they fail to act we will have to instruct the local council to do so,” he said.

Lower EPF dividend despite highest ever earnings of 20bil

2009-03-22T09:26:00.002+08:00

Where are all the money goes to? Is it being use inside the 60bil mini budget? EPF blame that lower rate of returns due to the global economic crisis. The earnings for 2008 is 20bil which is the highest ever EPF get, but why they are referring to 2009 economic crisis as a reason to blame? Maybe they want to use the money for emergency such as unexpected General Election or even by-election in order to favour the ruling party, who knows?.... Malaysia is always can right? Malaysia Boleh....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/17/nation/3493990&sec=nation

Tuesday March 17, 2009 - The Star
EPF declares 4.5% dividend for 2008

PETALING JAYA: The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Board declared a 4.5% dividend yesterday for its members, blaming the lower rate of returns on the global economic crisis.

EPF declared a 5.8% dividend in 2007.

However, despite the financial meltdown, EPF recorded its highest ever earnings of RM20bil in gross income last year, up 9.36% from the RM18.29bil recorded previously.

“While last year was challenging due to the unprecedented global financial crisis that has impacted economies worldwide, EPF’s investment portfolio for the year performed better at the gross income level compared to 2007.

“But due to the sharp decline in the equity markets, a large provision has to be made, resulting in marked reduction in net income,” said its chairman Tan Sri Samsudin Osman.

The dividends will be credited into members’ accounts on March 23.

Higher levy means consumer will bear the cost, not the restaurant owner

2009-03-18T08:57:00.004+08:00

What another stupid move again by our minister. The intention not to lower the levy which is to reduce our dependantship on foreign workers, I'm afraid will not achieve the target but instead, the consumer will bear the cost as the restaurant increase their price. This is happen when the minister is for so long cannot feel how ordinary people situation is.Why they cannot think on this simple matter haa? I'm also confident that after a few protest after this, they will adhere to them again...you know, flip-flop government right?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/18/nation/3503355&sec=nation

Wednesday March 18, 2009 - The Star
No lower levy for eateries

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will not support calls by restaurant operators to lower the levy for foreign workers, saying he has no sympathy on this issue.

Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said most restaurants needing many foreign workers were those operating 24 hours – and they had to face the higher cost in the form of a higher levy.

“I will not support their request. I have no sympathy on this levy reduction issue,” he told reporters here today.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, when tabling the mini budget in the Dewan Rakyat on March 10, outlined a move to raise the levy on foreign workers except for those in construction and plantation sectors as well as housemaids.

Four days later, four national associations representing Indian, Muslim, Chinese and Bumiputera restaurant operators urged the Government to drop the levy increase, saying that it was unreasonable in view of the economic slowdown and dwindling revenue.

MACC, this time their teeth become so soft

2009-03-18T08:05:00.004+08:00

MACC as we can see, the statement made by commission’s Investigation director is shockingly different as the investigation is about to start for Ali Rustam case for money politics. They are willing to wait for the report instead of proactively investigate such matter without fear and favour as they show to investigate Khalid Ibrahim cow and car issue.... What a double standard they are practising, people who think will know the truth now....

One more question is why he can still maintain as Chief Minister but his bid to be a no. 2 post cannot? Which one is higher in ranking? Normally, somebody cannot contest due to their membership has been revoke, but he is still UMNO member, maybe due to the fact that he is Chief Minister in which, if he was sacked from UMNO, the post will also under scrutiny which is bad for UMNO. What a major mistake UMNO did now....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/18/nation/3502191&sec=nation

Wednesday March 18, 2009 - The Star
MACC to wait for report before acting

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Commission is waiting for Umno disciplinary board’s report about alleged money politics before it can take any action.

“We need information and reports from the party. We cannot press charges if no reports have been made,” the commission’s Investigation director Datuk Syukri Abdul told Bernama yesterday.

The Umno disciplinary board yesterday found Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, also the Umno vice president, guilty of the party’s ethics on graft and money politics via an offence committed by an agent.

Flip-Flop, again and again

2009-03-18T07:57:00.002+08:00

In a desperate measure and pressure by so many factors, the Government did retract or rescind a few decisions on the country direction for the past few weeks. In what I can say is the flip-flop decision made by the cabinet which consist of ‘YES’ man law maker who did agree for a certain issue without considering “rakyat” or the people at the first place. They made a decision with a standby factor inside their mind in which if there is a protest by a big group of people, they are willing to reverse the decision spontaneously.
The drama was started with a decision to increase the Toll at 5 highways and day after the protest, the government decide to defer the decision to the following year, but this decision comes with a high price, the government need to compensate the highway concessioner for the sum of hundred million ringgit using our tax payer money.
The second decision was really a big issue in which the decision to allow the gazetted use of Allah’s name for Christian. Without feeling guilty, Syed Hamid Albar admits the mistake but do not take the responsibility on the issue. If this is happen to other developed country or even Thailand, the minister was voluntarily offer to step down, but this is not happen in Malaysia because they feel so vulnerable and the rakyat will still vote for them no matter what the issue is. They are still in state of denial and comfortable enough in any decision they’ve made.
The third issue was on the Fish box in which the ruling were asking all the industry related to fish to use the designated box for all their transaction. The box was very expensive and was supplied by only one supplier. After a few protest, they are also rescind the decision. What a joke they are presenting to the people, which are an insult to our intelligence. Hope this is the last decision they made and after this, hopefully, the new government will replace all the jokers.... Malaysia Boleh...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/28/nation/3369392&sec=nation

Saturday February 28, 2009 – The Star

Toll hike on hold indefinitely
By ROYCE CHEAH, MERGAWATI ZULFAKAR and MAZWIN NIK ANIS

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/1/nation/3376793&sec=nation

Sunday March 1, 2009 – The Star
Mistake in gazette, Christians still can’t use ‘Allah’

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/9/nation/3438269&sec=nation

Monday March 9, 2009 – The Star
Ministry reverses decision on insulated fish boxes
By SYED AZHAR, MANJIT KAUR, CHRISTINA TAN, YENG AI CHUN and YUEN MEIKING

Flip-Flop decision, but nobody take the responsibility

2009-03-12T23:35:00.000+08:00

It is now something normal when the Government retract certain approved policy, which is in actual situation was considered abnormal. This flip-flop decision was surface due to the cabinet minister which are sick as they were infected by the"YES syndrome". They don't really care what the people want, but they do care what the minister want.

If in Japan or other developed country, the minister which is reponsible for the decision will voluntarily step down, but in Malaysia, they kept pretending such as nothing was happened. They don't even feel guilty on the such problem. This is one of the denial syndrome in which they think that they are still immune and feel that the people will still vote for them no matter what the decision that they've made.

Last few week, Syed Hamid Albar retract the decision in gazetting the use of Allah name in christian publication and then the government retract the toll increase decision. Later this week, the government retract the fish container ruling. How can such a big decision that affecting the people can be agreed at the cabinet level and then rescinded as the people react on the decision. Do they ever think the people at the first place? I don't think so....

The same thing happen to the PPSMI issue. Frankly speaking, most of the parent glad to see their children have a good command in English, of course most of them agreed with the teaching of Science and Math in English but, is this the correct way in addressing the weakness? by sacrificing our language for the sake of foreign language? Is the Malay language is that weak and unable to be used for technical subject? Are we going to use Malay language only for the sake of Malay is the national language for Malaysia? Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka should take the blame, for the last few years, nothing has been done in striving our national language as their chairman is now been elected from the person who is supporting UMNO. Why do we need to talk in English when we want to be interviewed for work? Who made this ruling at the first place? This is happened because our people himself who started the trend and because of nobody at the top do care about the use of our national language. Look at China, Korea, Japan and even Indonesia, they use their own language for all kind of situation. If we don't uplift our national language especially the Malay, who else will do it? For me, my idea in order to solve the issue is to strenghten the English subject itself, maybe they can introduce one new subject such as English for communication and not to disturb the teaching which is originally teach in national language. It's a very sad thing happened...sigh.... Malaysia Boleh!

PPSMI again and again, government still in the state of denial

2009-03-09T22:14:00.003+08:00

When the gathering is not getting the support from the people, they said that Malaysian people do not support the anti-PPSMI movement, this is happen when the movement first met at SOGO sometime in February,which is not so many people turn out. But, when the 100,000 gathering is getting a support from thousand, they said that the anti-PPSMI is being a tool of opponent and start to blame them as not having a good discussion with government but took the issue onto the street... I don't know what really happen out there in our government, do they listen to the people's voice or do they only listen to the higher ranking politician in BN?... Its' looks like they are still in the state of denial..... May the issue contribute to speed up the sinking of the BN ship soonest...Ameen...

Kugan case: First postmortem vs Second postmortem

2009-03-05T21:56:00.002+08:00

In Kugan case, the outcome from the two postmortems tell a different story. The first postmortem stated that his death is due to the water inside the lung, while the second reveals a shocking result in which his death was stated as he was beaten to death and his kidney was failed.

I'm not in a position to defend any criminal, but if and only if the person is the one who commit a serious crime, I had no reserve but agree for any punishment but the punishment must be according to the law.

The question is, why there are two different report? Is the police instruct the first autopsy to be covered up? If this is the case, how can we believe at our police force which was suppose to protect us instead? That's why most of us now don't have a trust on the police force.... because they are the one who messed it up themselves....

History in the making: Democracy in danger

2009-03-03T23:41:00.004+08:00

Today is the day where our democracy has been snubbed again. During Mahathir era, there is a little we can hope from the law, and then after Abdullah Badawi took the reign, there is a hope, but not anymore. Today, as you can see, the court, the police and all government machinery have been mobilised in order to deny Pakatan Rakyat from pursuing their job.

The police is taking order from the state secretary not the speaker itself which is weird and the police is also able to deny entry of the speaker and state legislative to the "dewan". While the court ruling which is almost the fastest ruling in which at the morning session deny the private lawyer from representing the Speaker on the reason that the Speaker has to use a state lawyer and by evening, the judgement was gazetted, where the sitting made earlier was stated as deemed illegal. Can we say that this is the contempt of legislative to the executive power which is guaranteed under Malaysian Constitution? How can the state lawyer can represent the speaker as at the same time,the same lawyer is representing the new MB which is the plaintiff? Isn't there was a conflict of interest?

Today, what can I say is, democracy in Malaysia is became dim and dimmer... Today is the day where black episode of democracy appears and surrounding among us. The same thing with the ACA which is now rebranding to SPRM or MACC.... What else can we hope now?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/3/nation/20090303161258&sec=nation

Published: Tuesday March 3, 2009 MYT 4:12:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday March 3, 2009 MYT 6:24:13 PM
High Court restrains Perak Speaker (updated)

IPOH: The High Court here has granted an order to restrain Perak Speaker V. Sivakumar from convening any unlawful meetings purporting to be state assemblies.

Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim, who heard from lawyers on both sides in chambers, made his decision under Section 44 of Specific Relief Act.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir was seeking an injunction from the High Court to stop “all unlawful assembly sittings” by Pakatan Rakyat, which had formed the state government before Barisan Nasional took over in late January.

Dr Zambry’s lead counsel Firoz Hussein Ahmad told reporters after the hearing that he had submitted that the Speaker does not have the power to call any assembly, even an emergency sitting such as the one held earlier Tuesday.

The High Court order has no time limit and penalties would be decided later if and when the Speaker holds the next meeting deemed illegal.

The restraint order however is not retrospective and does not over Tuesday morning’s emergency sitting in which three motions were passed, including one calling for the dissolution of the state assembly to pave the way for fresh polls.

Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran had earlier said it was a clear conflict of interest that the legal advisor who acted for Dr Zambry in a case last week represented Sivakumar in a case brought forward this time by Dr Zambry.

“How can he act for both plaintiff and defendant? It’s a clear case of conflict,” Kulasegaran said on behalf of Sivakumar.

Ridwan earlier Tuesday ruled, based on the Government Proceedings Act 1965, that five lawyers appointed by the Speaker had no locus standi to represent a government officer but that he should be represented by the state legal advisor or somebody appointed by the latter.

Sivakumar said he had not authorised the state legal advisor to act on his behalf.

“I have not received any communications from the legal advisor’s office nor have I given any instructions to him,” Sivakumar said in a statement handed out by Kulasegaran.

Dr Zambry also sought a court declaration that Sivakumar’s decision to suspend and bar him and six executive council members was unconstitutional and ultra vires the state constitution. That suit would be mentioned on Thursday.

Also to be heard Thursday is the lawsuit filed by three independents -- Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu and Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong -- seeking a declaration that their seats are not vacant and that they are still the elected representatives of their constituencies.

BN desperate measures as 3rd March approaching

2009-03-02T19:12:00.002+08:00

As a 3rd of March approaching, BN stretches their muscles in order to defy the Perak state emergency seating. Despite the legal ways, there are a few steps taken, in which there is one unprecedented moves taken as there is a notice of closure of secretariat office in which the "dewan" is located. They're also using a police force as a last defence to avoid the former exco to have a meeting... They really want to fight Perak to be at their hand whether it is correct or not...What a desperate move by BN....

Monday March 2, 2009 - The Star
Ongoing political drama in Perak

* Two lawsuits filed against Speaker V. Sivakumar
* State Secretary’s office issues circular that main entrance to Secretariat will be closed on Tuesday
* Perak CPO warns members of the public not to gather outside the Secretariat building
* Nizar says they would have emergency sitting at coffeeshop or canteen if the doors to the Dewan were barred
* Perak exco member Mohd Zahir serves notice of misconduct against Sivakumar

Home ministry retract gazette on word "Allah"

2009-02-28T21:10:00.002+08:00

In another flip-flop decision and I think it is maybe due to the nearby by-elections, the Government retract gazette on word "Allah" in Christian publications with immediate effect. Admitting that there was a mistake in enacting the gazette and claiming there is a confusion over the word in question as a reason for retraction, they're instead are asking the people to wait for the court decision. Don't you think it's weird? In the last few days, The government also retract and defer the toll hike plan. Well... the people already know the truth, no need to act anymore. BN, we know you're sick now....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/28/nation/20090228190117&sec=nation

Published: Saturday February 28, 2009 MYT 7:00:00 PM - The Star
Home Ministry rescinds gazette on word “Allah”

KOTA KINABALU: The Home Ministry has rescinded a government gazette that allowed conditional use of the word "Allah" in Christian publications with immediate effect.

Admitting that there was a mistake in enacting the gazette that had resulted in confusion over the word in question, Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the government's decision to ban the use of the word 'Allah' in Herald - The Catholic Weekly remained in force until the court decided otherwise.

The government had recently ordered a ban on the Herald's Malay edition until the court makes its decision, as part of conditions for it to be allowed to continue publishing in English, Chinese and Tamil.

"There is a judicial review on the matter and we leave it to the court to decide. I think there was a mistake in enacting the gazette. When we make a mistake, I must admit that there is a need look at it thoroughly.

"As there was a mistake...so it is better we make a correction," he told reporters, here on Saturday. Syed Hamid was commenting on the call by the Malaysian Islamic Da'wah Foundation (Yadim) earlier Saturday, urging the government to withdraw permission for the conditional use of the word "Allah" in Christian publications.

Its chairman Datuk Mohd Nakhaie Ahmad said the government had not acted wisely in allowing the use of the word in Christian publications which he said could anger Muslims not only in the country but also throughout the world.

A government gazette dated Feb 16 has stated that documents and publications relating to Christianity containing the world "Allah" are prohibited unless the words "FOR CHRISTIANITY" was written on their front covers.

The condition was contained in an order entitled 'Internal Security (Prohibition on Use of Specific Words on Document and Publication) Order 2009'.

Paragraph 2(1) of the order reads: The printing, publication, sale, issue, circulation and possession of any document and publication relating to Christianity containing the words Allah, Kaabah, Baitullah and solat are prohibited unless on the front cover of the document and publication are written with the words "FOR CHRISTIANITY". - Bernama

Toll hike is now off

2009-02-28T07:58:00.002+08:00

The deferred toll hike, maybe due to the incoming by-election which is around the corner. The cabinet, not the works minister himself, unanimously decided in the past 3 weeks meeting to increase the toll, but without any guilty feeling, retract the decision. What a shame to a flip-flop government which is about to sink now.......

Taken from Malaysian Insider:

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — In what is an embarrassing flip-flop, the federal government said today the increase in road toll on five major highways has been deferred till the end of the year.

Instead, taxpayers will have to fund RM287 million in compensation for concession holders.

The Cabinet decided on the turnaround today, just one day after announcing the hike, citing negative public reaction and the economy.

The decision to drop the rate increase for now appears to suggest the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is concerned with how public reaction could be disastrous for the coalition in the upcoming by-elections.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed said today the Cabinet had decided to defer the hike because of the gloomy economic outlook.

“There was negative public reaction.

“As a result, the Cabinet decided to postpone the toll hike till the end of the year,” he told a press conference here today.

But the deferment will still cost tax-payers as the government will now have to pay compensation to the concession holders from public funds.

The government is contractually obligated to compensate concession holders if toll rates are not increased according to a specified schedule.

Toll charges were supposed to have gone up last year but were deferred until this Sunday.

The Government will now have to pay out an additional RM287mil to the concessionaires.

PLUS will receive RM195 million, Sprint RM36 million, Akleh RM27 million, Besraya RM9 million and NPE RM20 million.

The payput covers the period till Dec 31 this year.

Mohd Zin said RM245mil had already been paid to PLUS, Akleh and Sprint for the scheduled hike that did not happen last January.

The toll hike that was supposed to take effect this Sunday came under heavy criticism from BN and Pakatan Rakyat lawmakers.

With crucial by-elections to face and its hands full trying to manage the economic situation, the BN government had little choice but to cave in to public demands for the toll hikes to be deferred.

But the compensation payments is still likely to draw criticisms as it involves taxpayers’ money, and will be look upon as an example of how previous BN administrations had been too cosy with businessmen.

One more toll removed

2009-02-25T21:35:00.002+08:00

I'm really amazed but curious on how the new work minister Ir Mohd Zin can make a magic in abolishing the latest toll at Salak Jaya which is operated by Besraya. The first toll which also been abolished is PJS2 toll at NPE. Samy Vellu cannot do anything while he was once a minister of works, and kept mentioning that if you want to use a facilities, you need to pay. What is the secret formula hah? How much money the Government spent in order to compensate the shutdown of the toll booth? Until now, there is still no explaination by the minister on that particular compensation or deal. So, this meant that they are actually able to abolish the toll, it is just a matter of whether they want to do it or not. I don't know what is really happen out there.

If they can do this at the first place, this world will become merrier for us to live,what a beautiful life.....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/24/nation/3333196&sec=nation

Tuesday February 24, 2009 - The Star
No toll at Salak Jaya

PETALING JAYA: The Salak Jaya toll (south-bound) is set to be abolished today, according to a notice from the Malaysian Highway Authority, It will be the second toll abolition in just 11 days.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed will officiate the ceremony to abolish the toll today.

The toll is operated by Besraya (M) Sdn Bhd and has been in operation since April 1999, according to the concessionaire’s website.

The Salak Jaya toll forms part of the Sungai Besi Highway and users are charged RM1.30 for passing through.

With the removal of the toll, only north-bound users into Kuala Lumpur will have to pay toll.

This will be the second toll to be abolished recently. The toll at PJS2 (Kuala Lumpur-bound) of the New Pantai Expressway was abolished on Feb 13.

Mohd Zin said then that the toll was abolished due to a Cabinet decision after his ministry submitted a memorandum to abolish the toll.

He said removing the toll was meant to soften the effects of economic uncertainties for the residents of PJS1 and 2, who had to pay RM1.60 toll every time they drove towards Kuala Lumpur since April 2004.

Efforts to get Besraya, its parent company IJM, or the Malaysian Highway Authority for comments were futile as they said Mohd Zin would be the one explaining the toll abolition.

It is understood, however, that it was due to a recent Cabinet decision.

Sabah: Perdana V6 turns to Volvo

2009-02-21T15:23:00.003+08:00

Sabah Government is looking forward to replace their highly maintenance Perdana V6 to Volvo. I'm also looking forward to hear from BN members to comment on this since Selangor and Perak Government under Pakatan Rakyat has been fired by them as Pakatan Rakyat's State Government replacing V6 to Toyota Camry. Do you know the price of volvo is? Sabah Government said that volvo is cheaper to maintain? Do you people agree that volvo is cheaper to maintain? how about volvo vs toyota? which is cheaper to maintain? Terengganu also claim that mercedes is cheaper to maintain. It's now looks like the government under BN also disobey the instruction from their superior PM not to use other mark except Proton. So, what do you think?... Where are you now, Khir Toyo?

The following is the price for volvo car in Malaysia...

Make / Model Price (RM)
VOLVO C70 2.4i 345,216.00
VOLVO C70 T5 399,196.90
VOLVO S40 2.4I 181,500.00
VOLVO S60 2.5T 216,000.00
VOLVO S60 T5 253,500.00
VOLVO S80 2.0T 268,500.00
VOLVO S80 3.2 398,000.00
VOLVO S80 T6 EXECUTIVE 337,807.73
VOLVO V50 2.5 T5 223,500.00
VOLVO XC90 2.5T 349,800.00
VOLVO XC90 T6 393,946.57

and the price for Toyota:

Make / Model Price (RM)

TOYOTA CAMRY 2.0E 139,066.41
TOYOTA CAMRY 2.0G 149,053.40
TOYOTA CAMRY 2.4V 168,303.99
TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 1.6E (A) 102,900.00
TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 1.8E (A) 109,900.00
TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 1.8E (A) SPORT 112,250.00
TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 1.8G (A) 117,900.00
TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 1.8G (A) SPORT 120,250.00
TOYOTA FORTUNER 2.5G (M) 170,000.00
TOYOTA FORTUNER 2.7V (A) 171,519.09
TOYOTA HIACE 2.5D H/ROOF WINDOW VAN 101,591.93
TOYOTA HIACE 2.5D PANEL VAN 77,600.00
TOYOTA HIACE 2.7L H/ROOF WINDOW VAN 94,199.15
TOYOTA HILUX DOUBLE CAB 2.5G TURBO (A) 92,911.90
TOYOTA HILUX DOUBLE CAB 2.5G TURBO (M) 87,911.90
TOYOTA HILUX SINGLE CAB 2.5 (M) 69,009.00
TOYOTA INNOVA 2.0E (A) 97,900.00
TOYOTA INNOVA 2.0E (M) 92,900.00
TOYOTA INNOVA 2.0G (A) 107,900.00
TOYOTA INNOVA 2.0G (M) 102,900.00

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/19/nation/3301139&sec=nation

Thursday February 19, 2009 - The Star
Sabah government to replace Perdana cars with Volvos

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is replacing part of its Proton Perdana official cars with Volvo cars because they will be cheaper to maintain.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said the Volvo cars, to be acquired by state government-linked Angkatan Hebat Sdn Bhd, would be used by the 12 ministers and 16 assistant ministers.

“Senior civil servants, including the permanent secretaries in the various ministries, will continue to use the Proton Perdana cars,” Musa said after the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

On another note, Musa said state officials would highlight to their Health Ministry counterparts of the existing congestion at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here.

”We hope the Health Minister can resolve this matter as soon as possible,” he said.

Oh! I'm so afraid, very afraid!

2009-02-21T07:27:00.006+08:00

I'm so scared, I'm so scared (Oh, takutnya, takutnya... in Malay). Pemuda UMNO involved in a rally in what so called to protect the king until their last breath. What a good actor they are, last time during Tun Mahathir era, their group are also the one who support tun in stripping the king's immunity and asking the sultan to declare their wealth. But this time, when Sultan was backing their's, they are now turning their back and pledge support to Sultan... Maybe this year, anugerah pelakon popular can be awarded to them... What a liar.....

Arrest warrant cancelled after 9 days

2009-02-19T19:08:00.003+08:00

What happen to the Malaysian Police efficiency? With 9 days passed, the Police still did not arrest Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Jailu and the episode ended with the MC produced to the court. Why? Is it hard enough to find the person? I thought They are efficient enough in summoning Anwar to the court last time. Is there any order by the top not to arrest the person and wait till it settle? I don't know, you tell me.... in Malaysia, if you are backing the government, you will be saved, but if not, you'll suffer... Do you agree?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/19/nation/20090219104737&sec=nation

Published: Thursday February 19, 2009 MYT 10:48:00 AM
Updated: Thursday February 19, 2009 MYT 3:13:00 PM
Cancelled: Arrest warrant for Mohd Osman (updated)
By CHAN LI LEEN

IPOH: The arrest warrant for Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Jailu was cancelled after he produced a medical certificate (MC) to justify his absence from his corruption trial last week.

Sessions Court Judge Azhaniz Teh Azman Teh cancelled the order after receiving Mohd Osman’s MC, which was issued for four days from Feb 9 to 12 by the Selayang Hospital.

“My client was warded at the hospital’s cardiac care unit as he was unwell.

“He is due for his next appointment on Feb 27,” defence counsel Abdul Roni Rahman told the court Thursday.

The MC was issued on Feb 10, the day corruption charges were scheduled to begin against Mohd Osman, 57, involving a multimillion-ringgit project in Seri Iskandar, Perak Tengah.

Last August Mohd Osman, together with four others including 52-year-old Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, claimed trial in separate courts to 16 corruption charges amongst them.

The other three were PKR politician Usaili Alias, 56; Perak State Development Corporation technician Ruslan Sahat, 46, and then Perak Tengah district councillor Zul Hassan, 45.

A month later, businessman Fairul Azrim Ismail, 31, was charged with accepting a woman as sexual gratification from one Mohamad Imran Abdullah to help the latter secure the project.

Met outside the court later, Mohd Osman, whose grim expression in the dock had been replaced by a smile, told reporters he would be returning to his kampung (village) to rest.

Asked what had been wrong with him, he said: “Sakit jantung (heart ailment). I had heart pains and was admitted to the CCU.”

Mohd Osman appeared healthy and was puffing away on a cigarette while speaking to reporters.

Asked to comment on state assembly speaker V. Sivakumar’s move to suspend and bar Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his six exco members from state assembly sittings, Mohd Osman said:

“I reserve my comments.”

Hearing of the case will continue on June 15 and 16.

Mohd Osman's resignation from PKR, part of the Pakatan Rakyat alliance which took control of Perak after the general election last march, played a big part in seeing Barisan Nasional taking over the state government.

Congratulation to GAPENA

2009-02-15T21:51:00.003+08:00

I wish to congratulate GAPENA in fighting for Maths and Science subject to be teach back in Bahasa Melayu. The PPSMI is not a political issue and I respect this group in voicing the need for Bahasa Melayu to be strengthen and not to be forget in future.

The teaching of Maths and Science in English was once implemented as such to tackle uncompetent malay student communicating in English. Are we going to sacrifice the Bahasa Melayu in order to address this? This is not the only way and the main problem is our attitude. We should in a first place strengthen the English subject itself but not to interrupt our national language. If we don't use and practic Bahasa Melayu, who else will do?

Please don't make our future generation forget their own language because of our menteri said Bahasa Melayu cannot go internationally... and don't make them piss at our grave yard then... Pak Menteri, Please Think, before act!...

National Service - Is it a fun camp?

2009-02-15T14:46:00.003+08:00

If you look at the NS advertisement in the tv, the programme looks like the camp was fun, everybody inside the short film were singing and laughing. What do you all think? Is the camp for fun or is it for the sake of nation to create a second line of defence? I think everybody is thinking that such programme is much like a summer camp but if not, why they kept advertising that the programme was fun?....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/15/nation/3273255&sec=nation

Sunday February 15, 2009 - The Star
NS is no fun camp, says D-G
By M. SHAMINEE

KAJANG: The National Service (NS) training programme should not be treated as “fun camps” by trainees and parents.

National Service Training De-partment director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said he was aware of NS trainees who did not take things seriously.

To make things worse, he said, there were also parents who regarded the NS training as “summer camps” for their children.

“The camp prepares trainees as a second line of defence for the country. It is by no means a fun outing.

“They are to act as the pillars supporting our frontline,’’ he said after launching a futsal and netball competition between the NS trainees at the Kajang Sports Planet yesterday.

Abdul Hadi explained that the NS programme was unlike the one in Singapore and South Korea, where the NS trainees there underwent military-style training.

“Our main aim is to instil discipline in the trainees and also prepare them mentally and physically so that when they go out, they can serve the nation no matter what in line they pursue,’’ he added.

Hadi said the NS trainees were always welcome to serve the armed forces and Civil Defence Department.

“One of my biggest challenges is to make sure that we present the programme in a way where we can get our message across and also at the same time make it interesting for the trainees,” he added.

He said the department had also started a community service programme involving about 32,100 trainees from all over the country.

“All our programmes are designed to create teamwork and harmony regardless of the trainee’s race and background,” he stressed.

Later in Bangi, Abdul Hadi presented a cheque for RM128,000 to the family of Norhisham Hamzah, an NS employee who died in an accident last September.

Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang folks, here they come!

2009-02-15T14:18:00.002+08:00

The good fortune for Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang folks are on the way. Be patient, and be prepared to receive a massive and fast project approval. The road will be tarred and damage lamp post will be repaired soon... the masjid and worship place will also receive more goodies which is good than never... Good luck!

SPR fix the polling date as to give way for UMNO General Assembly

2009-02-15T11:28:00.006+08:00

Still acting as a component party in BN, with the new chairman, SPR on Friday announced the nomination and polling date for Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau to be at the end of the 60 days limit. In my humble opinion, this is to give way for UMNO to settle their tussle in UMNO 2009 general assembly. I think this is the first by-election that the date is been fixed towards the end of the 60 days limit because of a certain agenda which is all of you might know.... If you aware, the Permatang Pauh by-election was carried out during PAS muktamar.... and the other things in which the nomination and polling date are fixed on the normal weekdays and the school is not on holiday. Are they going to stop the schooling on that polling day? Lastly, what a joke, is when the new SPR chairman said that he is targetting to see a 90% voter turnout while they've interrupt the school operation and at the same time the polling fixed on weekdays... Believe it, you've to believe it.....because it is Malaysia...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/13/nation/20090213120608&sec=nation

Published: Friday February 13, 2009 MYT 12:07:00 PM
Updated: Friday February 13, 2009 MYT 3:32:46 PM
By-elections: Nomination on March 29, polling April 7 (Update 2)
By DHARMENDER SINGH

PUTRAJAYA: The by-elections for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat and Bukit Selambau state seat will be held simultaneously, with nominations held on March 29 and polling on April 7.

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the Commission decided to hold the by-elections simultaneously to keep the campaign period shorter.

He said the dates were chosen taking into account the comfort and convenience of all involved, as a shorter campaign period would be less hectic for party leaders and help towards maintaining public order and security.

He said the Commission, which discussed the by-elections during a special meeting Friday morning, pushed the nomination date to almost the end of March as it thought this would allow the current political situation in Perak to cool off.

Bukit Gantang is located in the state of Perak, which just saw a swicth in governments.

“But at the same time the laws state that by-elections must be held within 60 days of a seat becoming vacant; the period for the Bukit Selambau state seat expires on April 9, so we decided to choose April 7 for polling,” he told a press conference here.

The Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat in Perak fell vacant following the death of its MP Roslan Shahrum on Feb 9, while the Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah fell vacant after its assemblyman V. Arumugam resigned on Feb 8.

Abdul Aziz also said that the decision for the simultaneous by-elections was not due to any political reason and this was not the first time that the Commission had made such a decision.

He said the same had been done 17 times since 1975, with the last being for the by-elections for the Pendang parliamentary seat and Anak Bukit state seat in Kedah in 2002.

Asked if having polling day on a Tuesday would affect voter turnout, he said he did not think so as the lower turnout during the recent by-election in Kuala Terengganu had shown that people would stay away or return to vote regardless of whether it was a weekend or weekday.

“We are hoping to see a 90% voter turnout and I urge voters to turn out in force to carry out their responsibility,” he said.

Abdul Aziz said the Commission had decided that the master electoral roll for 2007, combined with the list of new voters registered until the first quarter of 2008, would be used for both constituencies.

According to the list, he said, there were 55,562 registered voters including 136 postal voters in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency, and 35,140 voters including 15 postal voters at the Bukit Selambau state constituency.

The nomination and counting centres in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau will be set up at the Taiping Municipal Council and SMK Teknik I Sungai Petani halls respectively.

He said registered voters could check for their information and polling stations on the Commission website at www.spr.gov.my or by typing SPR and their identity card number and sending an SMS to 15888.

They can also call the Commission headquarters in Putrajaya or their state Commission office.

Abdul Aziz said the Commission would also set up three Campaign Enforcement teams comprising a police officer, local authority representative and representatives of the candidates to monitor the activities from nomination day to the end of polling at 5pm on April 7.

The Commission, he said, had also agreed to allow Malaysia For Free and Fair Election (Mafrel) to act as an observer during the by-elections.

He also urged all quarters to obey the directives from the police in order to maintain security during the nominations, campaigning and polling.

Toll abolishment at one part of the NPE

2009-02-15T11:06:00.002+08:00

I do not understand what really happen in highway concession agreement. The toll amounted of RM1.60 can be abolished as simple as that. Why not at the first place, since their opening, I think the toll can be charged at minimal rate such as RM0.50, (but please do not say that I support the toll). Samy Vellu cannot even do that, but the new minister Ir. Mohd. Zin can even abolished it. I'm left with question in my mind, if the government can do this, what is their secret that Samy Vellu is kept pretending that he cannot even lower the toll rate? If the government need to compensate to the concessioner at certain amount because of this, what is the figure that the tax payer's money that was used?.....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/13/nation/20090213195954&sec=nation

Published: Friday February 13, 2009 MYT 8:00:00 PM - The Star
Updated: Friday February 13, 2009 MYT 8:22:38 PM
Toll on part of NPE abolished
By LESTER KONG

PETALING JAYA: Toll collection at the Kuala Lumpur-bound toll plaza at PJS2 on the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) will be abolished as of 12:01am Saturday.

The Cabinet decided to do away with the RM1.60 toll last week, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed on Friday.

“The decision by the Cabinet was a consequence of the Works Ministry’s memorandum to abolish the toll,” he said during the announcement ceremony of the abolition.

He said removing the toll was also meant to soften the effects of economic uncertainties for the residents of PJS 1 and 2, who had to pay RM1.60 toll every time they drove towards Kuala Lumpur since April 2004.

Mohd Zin did not specify the amount of compensation to be paid to concessionaire NPE Sdn Bhd. Officials of the consessionaire could not be reached.

A small but noisy crowd of Umno, PAS and PKR supporters turned up to support the abolition of the toll, which was considered a Valentine’s Day gift not only to road users heading to Kuala Lumpur but also for the 30,000 residents of nearby Taman Medan and Kampung Dato’ Haron.

However, Taman Medan assemblyman Haniza Mohd Talha (PKR) said the Government must also abolish the toll on the opposite side of the highway, heading towards Subang Jaya and Kelana Jaya.

Fuming on Sultan Selangor statement

2009-02-15T10:58:00.003+08:00

I just wondering in relation to current Perak scuffle, what does the Sultan of Selangor means when he said that:

“In light of this occurrence, we now know which is glass, which is diamond. In fact, we could now understand the truth inside those people who ‘burn the net out of anger with the mosquito’,”

To whom that he is referring to? I don't think he should highlight the one group that he likes and the other group that he not. He should be fair to everybody, because afterall rakyat is the one who choose their leader.

The full statement was read as follows:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/14/nation/3270630&sec=nation

Saturday February 14, 2009 - The Star
Don’t be rude, says Sultan of Selangor

KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj is deeply saddened and disappointed over the disputes relating to the recent appointment of the new Perak state government to the extent of displaying rudeness to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

“Political developments, instances of street demonstrations and disputes between various parties, relating to the recent appointment of the new Perak state government, to the extent of displaying rudeness to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, have saddened and disappointed me.”

He said this in a special press statement entitled “Affirmation Regarding the Political Turmoil in Perak Darul Ridzuan”, which was released from Istana Alam Shah, here.

In a three-page statement, the Sultan of Selangor advised the people who challenged the rights, role and position of the Rulers, which were enshrined in the Federal Constitution, to think carefully and evaluate deeply the consequences before taking any action.

“I hereby wish to advise with the utmost sincerity by taking into consideration the future of the religion, Malaysian nation and our beloved country. Please do not be misled by actions and behaviours that will only disgrace our integrity, invite high risks to our process of progress, and eradicate the foundations of national sovereignty through the display of rudeness, treachery, arrogance, ignorance in knowledge and lust for power,” the Sultan said.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the fact that the Sultan of Perak was his uncle and that both Royal families of the two states had a long-standing historical relationship added to his sadness and disappointment.

He said he knew Sultan Azlan as a very knowledgeable person with vast experience in the legal service and judiciary, appropriate with his former position as the Lord President.

Sultan Azlan and his family also had distinguished educational credentials and qualifications and were always sensitive to the needs of the people to the extent that most of his actions were based on a knowledge of culture, holistic considerations and principle of consensus with experts on the relevant issues, Sultan Sharafuddin said.

“What we have seen and (are) still seeing for the past week in Perak has prompted concern among those who care so much for their religion, race, country, stability, wellbeing, civilisation, security and our future together,” he said.

“In light of this occurrence, we now know which is glass, which is diamond. In fact, we could now understand the truth inside those people who ‘burn the net out of anger with the mosquito’,” he said.

Sultan Azlan appointed Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak Menteri Besar on Feb 6 when the coalition government comprising the DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and PAS lost the majority in the State Legislative Assembly, and this had caused dissatisfaction among the leaders and supporters of the coalition.

As a result, supporters of the coalition held street demonstrations near Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar to the extent of obstructing the car of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

In addition, former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was reported to have disagreed with the Sultan of Perak when his request for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly did not get the Royal consent while DAP chairman Karpal Singh had incurred the anger of many people following his intention to sue Sultan Azlan Shah on the matter.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the increasingly worrying situation at the global and regional levels warranted the people to strengthen unity despite their differing viewpoints.

“There are times when we can retract statements that were wrongly said, but these are precarious times where wrongful action can lead to disastrous consequences.

“I pray to Allah the Almighty to place us in his loving care, and continue to shower us with a clear heart, peaceful soul, wiser thoughts, easier path, the right actions, harmonious relationship and strong self belief to manage the country together in facing future progress of our nation,” the Sultan of Selangor said. — Bernama

Election in Perak, After All

2009-02-09T22:08:00.000+08:00

Taken from: http://kickdefella.wordpress.com/

The Rakyat of Perak will have the chance to prove which MB do they actually want. Barisan National has been working hard and utilised all the dirty tricks they known but they can never go against God’s will.

In a change of event, Member of Parliament of Bukit Gantang passed away this morning paving way for a showdown between Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional.

Allahyarham Roslan Shaharum, previously belong to the people now has return to meet God in an ultimate sacrifices. Roslan won the election on March 8, 2008 for PAS beating an Independent candidate M. Morgan and BN’s Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi with a majority of 1,566 votes. Interestingly, the spoilt votes are 851 while the independence gather 872 votes.

Parliament Bukit Gantang consist of 3 State Assembly seats which one of them is Changkat Jering where the former Pakatan Rakyat Exco then charged with Corruption and Sex Scandal and then turn to Najib to become one of three independent Assemblyman whom loyal to BN.

Mohd. Osman Mohd Jailu won the Changkat Jering seat beating the challenger from BN Mat Isa Ismail with a majority of 1,102 votes.

The other two State Assembly seats under the Parliamentary boundary are Kuala Sepetang, which won, by PKR with a majority of 564 votes and Trong, which won, by BN with a majority of 916 votes.

Voters composition consist of 27% Chinese and 10% Indians out of 55,471 eligible voters as per March 8, 2008.

It will be great if Pakatan Rakyat would nominate their MB Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as the candidate for the coming by-election. This shall be most legitimate forum for Nizar to test whether the rakyat supports him or deserted him and bless the BN way of coup-de-ta.

May the curse be with you

2009-02-05T22:19:00.005+08:00

Ampun Tuanku! Raja yg adil, raja disembah, raja yg zalim, raja disanggah.. UMNO, may the curse be with you....

I thought that the sultan will let the proper process in changing the state administration to be followed, but, sadly it is not... Because of 4 monkeys make a jump, the new MB was appeared and ruined the current administration. The whole nation will remember this for the rest of their life and they will pray for the curse to take it course...

Democracy is not in the Sultan hand, but Rakyat is..... Please return to the rakyat to decide....

Our nation is now in the dark, and the democracy is going backwards......

http://sultan.perak.gov.my/english/content.html

and click at the Guestbook icon, or straightly follow this link:

http://books.dreambook.com/duli/duli.html

We will remember the four frogs that fooled all

2009-02-04T21:54:00.001+08:00

Taken from Malaysian Insider:

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Whatever the outcome of the political imbroglio in Perak, Malaysians should remember the names of Datuk Nasharudin Hashim, Mohd Osman Jailu, Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Hee Yit Foong forever.

They represent the worst species of politicians — self-serving; greedy; unprincipled; cowardly and dishonest.

How else would you describe politicians who go begging for votes wrapped in the colours of their political party, who rattle off reasons why Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP deserve to win, only to repudiate everything they told the voters less than 12 months later?

They are as despicable as Barclays Premier League footballers who kiss the badge of their club before adoring thousands only to demand a transfer 24 hours later for a bigger pay packet.

According to Nasharudin, he took the decision to switch from Umno to PKR after serious consideration of the country’s political situation and in the interest of his supporters and voters in Bota. Sure he did.

The fact that he had been forced to give up his parliamentary seat and the chairmanship of Felcra to Datuk Tajudin Rahman did not factor at all in his thinking to switch camps.

Why he did a pirouette today is anybody’s guess?

But rest assured it was not because he had a higher calling.

At a press conference in Putrajaya today, he rambled on: ”The situation in the state is critical. I have to make sacrifices.’’ Sure he did.

Then there is the case of Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin. Hard to believe that two individuals as slippery as these two managed to persuade the voters of Changkat Jering and Behrang that they were worthy of support in March.

That’s what happens when the political wave comes in, it brings in deadwood, sludge and flotsam.

The fact is that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR were challenged to field a decent crop of candidates in Election 2008. So they left the bar low. The result: a motley crew of elected representatives.

For months Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin have been planning and scheming to leave PKR, no doubt prodded by Umno/BN officials who were seeking to narrow the three-seat majority which Pakatan Rakyat enjoyed in the state assembly.

Those who believe in conspiracy theories say that the duo are hoping that by going independent and backing the BN, the corruption charges against them will disappear.

No one knows their motivation except that they put their interest above everybody else’s. Worse yet, they behaved like fugitives, hiding from their families, friends and constituents like common criminals and then offering insulting excuses.

Jamaluddin said that he was incommunicado because he was having back problems and was seeking treatment in Pahang. He also said that loyal to PKR. A day later, he resigned from PKR.

Should anyone trust a lawmaker like him? Should any voter trust him or Hee the next time they stump for votes?

In life, we usually treat the unprincipled and dishonest people shabbily. Why should politicians be given a free pass?

Altantuya case: The truth is out there

2009-02-04T21:30:00.002+08:00

Kpl Sirul Azhar Umar admit that he has been made a scapegoat by certain people, but nothing was disclosed about who is the actual perpetrator. Its' look like that there is still no justice can be obtain from our court of justice. The people who plan the evil thing is still out there because of their executive power which is far more superior than the legislative power.... The Hindustan or Tamil movie script is here to stay, nothing much we can hope if BN is still in power... forever and ever...

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/4/nation/20090204144859&sec=nation

Published: Wednesday February 4, 2009 MYT 2:50:00 PM - The Star
Updated: Wednesday February 4, 2009 MYT 7:15:27 PM
Altantuya case: Sirul says he is a scapegoat
By M.MAGESWARI

SHAH ALAM: Murder accused Kpl Sirul Azhar Umar said he has been made a scapegoat by certain parties in the murder of Mongolian beauty Altantuya Shaariibuu to protect their “evil” plan.

Kpl Sirul, 36, whose voice faltered, choked by emotion, said their actions were merely to get him convicted for the 28-year-old translator’s murder.

“I am like a scapegoat that has to be sacrificed by them, those who are not in this court, to face the consequences of their actions and plan,” the father of one said when making a statement for an hour from the dock on Wedensday.

The driver had chosen to testify from the dock in his defence.

Kpl Sirul said he had observed, during the murder trial proceedings, how several main prosecution witnesses, especially D9 (serious crime division) policemen from city police contingent had fabricated stories.

“They did not tell the truth and always changed their stories when they were cross-examined (over her murder),” said Kpl Sirul who was clad in a black shirt, dark pants and a black coat.

He stressed to High Court judge Justice Mohd Zaki Md Yasin that he did not know Altantuya and had no private dealings with her.

“I have no reason to injure her, what more to take her life in such a brutal manner,” the divorcee said.

Kpl Sirul and fellow Unit Tindakan Khas operative C/Insp Azilah Hadri, 32, had claimed trial to murdering the Mongolian woman between 10pm on Oct 19 and 1am on Oct 20, 2006 at Mukim Bukit Raja.

The two were ordered on Oct 31 last year to enter their defence. C/Insp Azilah had given his evidence under oath.

Kpl Sirul said he also did not know political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda and had no undertaking with him.

“I beg this court, which has the power to determine my life or death, please do not punish me and complete their plan against me,” he said while reading out his 15-page typed-written statement with his signature.

After reading the last page of his statement, he bowed to the judge and sat down. He immediately asked his friend to pass to him a tissue to wipe his tears.

Those seated in the public gallery, especially his family members, were also in tears. Last October, Abdul Razak was acquitted without his defence being called of abetment in her murder.

At the outset, Kpl Sirul said C/Insp Azilah had called him on Oct 18, 2006 and asked to meet him up later.

After meeting him at 2pm that same day, Kpl Sirul said C/Insp Azilah had asked him to drive him around Kuala Lumpur to find the location of a hotel.

“When we failed to locate the hotel, Azilah instruct me to drive to Damansara. I asked Azilah what is the purpose of finding out about the hotel and the journey to Damansara?

“Azilah told me that he had a job to do and asked me to just follow him,” he said.

On the journey to Damansara, he said C/Insp Azilah told him that a minister’s aide-de-camp DSP Musa Mohd Safri had told him that his (DSP Musa’s) friend was facing a “woman problem”.

“Azilah asked me to drive to the house of DSP Musa’s friend at Bukit Damansara. Azilah said DSP Musa’s friend held a high position, was a businessman and rich but did not reveal his identity,” he said.

He said C/Insp Azilah told him that a Chinese woman and a man, believed to be her brother, had disturbed DSP Musa’s friend and created chaos in front of his house.

He said Azilah told him that the Chinese woman was a former lover of DSP Musa’s friend.

“Azilah asked if I was willing to patrol his (DSP Musa’s friend) house area from time to time if he was called away on official duty outside the city.

“I agreed to do so as I know DSP Musa and I looked at this job as assistance requested by DSP Musa, who is also my superior,” he said.

He also said that on Nov 5, 2006, he was on private escort duty to the Prime Minister at a conference room at Islamabad, Pakistan, when he was asked to go to a room to prepare food for a Datuk.

“I went to the room and found that my colleague was getting ready for a work change. I gave my pistol to my colleague and was resting in his room while waiting to get further orders to prepare the food.

“Shortly later, someone knocked on the room door and I found a senior policeman and two UTK officials standing there.

“The senior officer directed me to return to Malaysia on grounds that my former wife had lodged a police report against me and I had to get back to settle the problem,” he said with his voice breaking.

He said he took a flight back to Malaysia with the team and was taken back to city police contingent for questioning upon arrival at KLIA on Nov 6.

He said he was brought to a magistrate’s court on Nov 7 to be remanded.

After that, he said, he was taken to a senior police official office in handcuffs and was not cautioned during the interrogation.

“The officer asked me to tell the truth and that they would assist me as I was a staff member and that the matter would not be brought to court. I just remained silent,” he said.

At one point, he said the senior policeman had raised his voice and told him not to let him treat him like other accused persons.

“I was scared that he would beat me,” he said.

He said he was later taken to his house and ordered to hold certain things while his photographs were taken.

The judge set Feb 16 for submissions after the defence closed their case Wednesday.

His lawyer Hasnal Rezua Merican and Azilah’s lawyer Datuk Hazman Ahmad told the judge that they would not be calling more witnesses.

What really happen in Perak?

2009-02-04T19:34:00.002+08:00

What is going on with the political situation in Perak? The situation became more complicated and looks like the politics in Malaysia is becoming dirty and dirty. Is there any money offered to those who jump ship? What is really confusing me is the Bota assemblymen that can make a u-turn by returning to BN, what a joke! I don't think he is back with BN with his open heart but something is happenning out there. The two PKR and one DAP assemblymen also is creating a confusion by declaring as independat but supporting BN, I don't know what is their hidden agenda in doing this. I'm really hoping that the Sultan of Perak will grant the MB of Perak to dissolve the state assembly and pave the way for a fresh election by handing back over to people to decide.....

Perak's PKR duo saga

2009-02-03T19:53:00.003+08:00

What happen to both PKR assemblymen? They did not report to their boss and at the same time create a furore to our nation and pretending that they have done nothing wrong. My personal opinion is, with this kind of attitude that they show us, either PKR nor UMNO will accept them, but for the sake of UMNO's ambition to topple the PR government in Perak, they will accept them.

This is also to take revenge as their assemblymen also changing ship on last week. They're now become liability to any party they might joint and this happen to Ezam Mohd. Nor, Ruslan Kassim and lokman nor Adam. Do you still remember them? To forget them is the best rather than to give them a chance to make a comeback. Those people have no strong principle to believe and they might do anything in order to survive in this world...

I think both of them should resign and pave a way for a by-election as nobody has a faith on them now...

UMNO will get Changkat Jering and Behrang seat, but not without a fight

2009-02-01T21:33:00.002+08:00

It was a sad ending as UMNO waiting for an announcement from both of PKR assemblymen to defect to their party, but the waiting was ended with both of them resigning from exco post and vacant their seat, paves the way for a new by-elections. The UMNO will have to fight first before they get the seat, but if and if they win, if not.... Najib and Dollah since a last few days were already dreaming to get those two men and start spreading a lies through their main stream media as usual, telling that both will defect to BN... now their wait is over... thanks to both PKR men with a strong principle and I really respect both of you..... but the latest news telling that one of them did not resign, and the story continues...

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/1/nation/20090201195124&sec=nation

Published: Sunday February 1, 2009 MYT 7:52:00 PM - The Star
Updated: Sunday February 1, 2009 MYT 9:34:16 PM
Perak on the brink (updated)

IPOH: The Perak government is teetering on the edge with the resignation of two PKR representatives announced by the state assembly speaker V. Sivakumar earlier Sunday being challenged.

Sivakumar said he had received two faxed letters stating that Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Mohd Osman Jailu had resigned their posts as assemblymen of Behrang and Changkat Jering respectively.

Their resignations are effective 5:45pm Sunday, he said in a statement, adding that this paved the way for by-elections in the two constituencies within 60 days, he added.

He said he would inform the Election Commission officially Monday morning.

The Commission would then deliberate if by-elections are to be called and when.

However, Jamaluddin later Sunday denied he had quit and said he would challenge the validity of the resignation letter.

“This is an undated letter that I and six other PKR assemblymen were made to sign in March last year,” he said.

The letter was essentially a pledge of loyalty, saying that if they were to ever quit PKR, they would automatically vacate their seats.

“I am still Behrang assemblyman,” Jamaluddin said.

Their resignations, if valid, ended days of speculation that they were going to defect to Umno.

The Pakatan Rakyat state government is left with a razor-thin margin. It now holds 30 state seats against Barisan Nasional’s 27, with two seats up for grabs in the 59-seat State Assembly if by-elections are called.

If they do jump ship to Umno or any other Barisan component party, the tally would be a mere 30 to 29.

Worse, rumours are also rife that Perak state assembly deputy speaker Hee Yit Fong, the DAP representative for Jelapang, is going to resign as well and join MCA.

If that happens, and the two PKR reps are allowed to defect and hold on to their seats, Barisan would hold the majority.

When contacted at her home Sunday night, Hee declined to comment.

Missing in action
Earlier Sunday, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said that neither the state nor family members had been able to reach the two Perak state executive councillors.

He even said the state government would lodge a police report after consulting with their families.

Jamaluddin, 52, was the Perak Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman while Mohd Osman, 57, headed the State Tourism and NGO Committee.

They were charged in a Sessions Court on Aug 25 last year with allegedly receiving bribes over the application for a RM180mil housing project in Sri Iskandar in Perak Tengah. Their case comes up for hearing on Feb 10.

After Umno’s Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim crossed over to PKR last week, PKR and Umno have been involved in a psychological war, with both accusing each other of trying to pinch their assemblymen.

Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman have not been seen in public since Nasarudin crossed over to PKR last Sunday, with the media also failing to reach them for comments.

Speculation had been rife in Perak that the exco duo were going to resign from PKR and become Independents before joining Umno later.

No worries
PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said he only knew about the resignation Sunday night and had yet to receive a full report on the matter.

“I do not think that there would be more (people resigning or defecting). As it is, we are calling for a meeting to discuss the matter.

“More will be known on Monday morning,” he said, adding that the decision on who would contest in the by-elections had yet to be reached.

PKR information chief Tian Chua said that PKR is confident that it would be able to retain the seats in Behrang and Changkat Jering.

“We’re not worried -- we have succeeded in taking over the two seats from Barisan in the past, let alone retaining what we already have,” he said.

Sinking ship of BN is in progress, BN retaliate

2009-02-01T09:37:00.002+08:00

Most of the UMNO branch leader in Bota, Perak have joint Datuk Nasarudin Hashim to join PKR. This is the prove that Datuk Nasarudin Hashim has the support from people but BN start to play a dirty tactic by offering two of PKR state exco to join them by using their case with SPRM as a threat... Now both of the state exco is missing for 5 days... I can smell something fishy is happening out there, and I do not come in shock if the two declares to join BN again...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/1/nation/3172463&sec=nation

Sunday February 1, 2009 - The Star
Bota branch leaders follow Nasarudin to PKR
By CHRISTINA KOH

TAIPING: Eight Umno branches in Bota have been disbanded and the members have joined PKR following the move of Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim.

The branch leaders turned up at a gathering in Bota on Friday night and presented their application forms to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Acting Perak Umno liaison committee deputy chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the development should not be a setback for Umno.

He said Parit Umno division deputy chief Yusof Nordin would now coordinate the delivery of services to Bota residents.

“It is only temporary. I hope the (leaders of the) eight branches are prepared to pay the price of their actions,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters at a Mesra Rakyat programme near here yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Perak Federal Action Council chairman, assured state Barisan Nasional assemblymen that they would receive the RM300,000 in federal allocation for their constituencies following complaints that some had not receive part of the RM1.6bil allocation for Perak under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

“I guarantee that the money will be distributed equally even if the assemblyman is not an Umno division chief,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said each state constituency under Barisan would receive RM1mil under the RM7bil stimulus package.

On Anwar’s claim that more Barisan assemblymen would join Pakatan Rakyat, he said: “It is a political statement but I hope he is willing to face the political reality.”

Is this the start of BN fading support Domino Effect?

2009-01-25T21:19:00.007+08:00

Is this the start of BN to lose their ruling power and start to sinking as one of their state representative or ADUN crossover to PKR? Well, let see.... I'm confident that there is a domino effect in the making....
Congratulation to Datuk Nasarudin Hashim, I respect your braveness... Welcome on board and be prepared to be condemned by other UMNO leader in our local cheap streamline media such as TV3 and RTM...

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/25/nation/20090125162117&sec=nation

Published: Sunday January 25, 2009 MYT 4:22:00 PM
Updated: Sunday January 25, 2009 MYT 8:22:56 PM - The Star

Umno man joins PKR in Perak (updated)

By JANE RITIKOS and CLARA CHOOI

PETALING JAYA: Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim is quitting Umno to join PKR, bringing the total number of state seats held by the Pakatan Rakyat alliance here to 32, versus Barisan Nasional’s 27.

Nasarudin, 58, said his decision was based on the people’s growing support for Pakatan, and the current situation within Umno and with its leaders.

Speaking at a press conference with PKR advisor and de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday, the former Parit MP said he was joining PKR with immediate effect but would submit his resignation letter to Umno later.

Saying that he was doing this in the interest of the people, especially his supporters and voters, he added that he was confident in PKR’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of all races.

“I am confident PKR will continue to uphold and respect the Constitution with regards to the position of Bahasa Melayu (sic) as the official national language, the position of the Rulers and Islam as the federal religion,” he said.

He added that by joining PKR, he would be able to more effectively represent the interest of his constituency since Pakatan Rakyat is the state government in Perak.

Nasarudin is former Felcra Berhad chairman and was an administrative and diplomatic officer in Wisma Putra, and also served at the Information Ministry. He joined Umno in the 1970s and had held the post of branch head since 1985.

Calling him an important leader in Perak, Anwar said Nasarudin’s decision was critical as it reflected the sentiment of the voters, especially his Malay constituents.

“He is responding to that demand. We welcome him and I see it as a beginning of a new wave,” said Anwar.

Unhappy Barisan
The defection left Barisan leaders in shock. In IPOH, Perak MCA chairman Datuk Kong Cho Ha described the move as a “selfish one,” adding that Nasaruddin needed to answer to his party and his electorate.

“I am surprised and shocked to hear of this crossover by a Barisan assemblyman,” he said.

“It is also up to his conscience on whether he should have first vacated his seat in Bota. He has to answer to his electorate because they had voted for him under the Barisan ticket,” he said.

Perak Gerakan chief Datuk Chang Ko Youn concurred, saying that Nasaruddin should have first resigned as Bota assemblyman.

“If you are elected under a certain party, you should stick with it.

“If you disagree with certain policies, then you should rightfully resign from your seat and later offer yourself up as a Pakatan Rakyat candidate in the by-election,” he said.

Elated Pakatan
Pakatan component party leaders were however elated by the news and some even claimed there would be more such crossovers.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who is also state PAS deputy commissioner, said there were unconfirmed reports that more Barisan representatives planned to follow in Nasaruddin’s footsteps.

“There will be more crossovers ... we are working on it,” he said.

Perak DAP chief Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham welcomed Nasaruddin into the Pakatan family, saying that the latter had told him in a phone conversation that he wanted to contribute more effectively to the alliance.

BN, the damage was there now!

2009-01-22T21:45:00.002+08:00

When Abdullah Badawi announce that the oil price to be increased in 2008, the other commodity and household item price also start to increased. But now, when the oil price is back to normal, the household item and food is still maintain the high price tag. When the global oil price was high, Tok Uban (Shahril Samad) said that the government cannot afford to subsidised the oil but when the oil price was low, they said that Petronas income will become less and government cannot lower the price anymore. Why there are two misleading answer with regards to oil price given by him? There is nothing I can say than that the government is greedy, not protecting the people but to protect their cronies interest....

and now, the sugar price is going to be increased after this Chinese new year... they gave global price increased as a reason for the action.... Will you believe them now? never and ever....

The damage is there now, but they kept playing a "wayang kulit"... that's why they lost in P036 Kuala Terengganu by election...... People already know their tricks now...

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/21/nation/3073903&sec=nation

Wednesday January 21, 2009 - The Star
Sugar may cost more after CNY

BUTTERWORTH: The price of sugar may go up after Chinese New Year, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad.

He said the increase would be effected in stages in intervals of between three and four months each time.

Shahrir said that although the cost of importing sugar had increased over the years, the price had not changed locally.

“We import about 80% of sugar for domestic use from Fiji and Thailand. Our price is still among the lowest in Asia,” he told reporters after launching a “take less sugar” campaign organised by the Consumers Association of Penang at Carrefour Seberang Jaya here.

Catchy tale: Shahrir (right) chatting with fishmongers (from left) Cheng Ming Lieang and Chong Kang Siang at Pasar Besar Alor Setar yesterday.

He said Malaysia was in eighth position on the list of highest sugar users in the world, adding that the trend was worrying.

In Alor Setar, Shahrir urged the Fisheries Development Authority to investigate the low supply of fish in the market.

He said what puzzled him was that the ministry had provided fishermen with various incentives, including subsidised diesel.

“The fisheries authorities must investigate and find ways to improve fish supply in the country. We could import more fish but what is the point of giving incentives if our local fish supply is not improving,” he told newsmen after conducting a Chinese New Year price check at Pasar Besar Alor Setar.

Sime Darby

2009-01-20T17:13:00.003+08:00

Why Sime Darby is now recently so eager to do something that misleading? After fail to acquire IJN, they make a comeback by offering their land to build a new LCCT at Labu, N.Sembilan.. and.....the story begin........ the government accepted... There is something fishy that I can smell it now....

Is Sime Darby now become a scapegoat as government don't want to show their true colors? I think so....

Government Project, fail again and again!

2009-01-20T16:28:00.002+08:00

I don't know how they plan but what I really know is they know how to use our taxpayer money to be channeled into their cronies coffer. The same thing happen to the conflict of building the new LCCT in which the master plan is already there, but they ignore it....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/20/nation/3064258&sec=nation

Tuesday January 20, 2009 - The Star

CIQ woes to be brought to Cabinet

JOHOR BARU: Reopening the old Customs and Immigration complex to pedestrian traffic can be one solution to the long walk public transport users now endure at the new CIQ.

Another will be for public buses to drop off passengers at the main entrance to the CIQ, which is at the west side of the building.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said he would propose these and other measures to the Cabinet as soon as possible.

Green lanes: Shahrir at the new CIQ complex in Johor Baru Monday.

Shahrir, who is also the Johor Baru MP, was speaking to reporters after a closed-door meeting with the relevant departments and authorities on the CIQ issues.

Among those present were PWD director-general Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim, Works Ministry deputy director-general (development) Datuk Nasir Mat Dam, Gerbang Perdana managing director Datuk Yahya A. Jalil and PWD-Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project director Zulkifly Nadom.

Currently, public transport commuters leave the CIQ through Johor Baru Central and City Square, requiring a long walk to the nearest bus stop.

Shahrir noted that another problem was the long and winding route from Johor Baru Central to the Immigration counters and then to the bus bay.

On the problems faced by traders in the city, Shahrir said they would be given the chance to rent a lot either at Johor Baru Central or within the complex.

“I am sure businessmen who had shops at the old CIQ and the areas nearby will want to get a lot in the new building or at Johor Baru Central,” he said.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Johor was seeking approval from the Federal Govern-ment to build a new RM200mil medium-term link from the CIQ to the Causeway.

The link would allow motorists to drive straight to Singapore, he told reporters at the opening of Teo Seng Capital Bhd’s new RM40mil corporate office and production complex near Yong Peng.

He pointed out that the new CIQ was designed to cater for a bridge which would replace the Causeway, but the bridge project did not take off, hence the problems.

PAS won in KT on 17/1/09 by election

2009-01-17T23:48:00.008+08:00

The game was played at non-levelled ground with BN has an advantage by misusing the federal government machinery and facilities together with the support from most of the prime stream media but PAS manage to win with a sound victory. Congratulation to PR and PAS. The momentum from March General Election is still there, and maybe this is the end of the road for BN to come.Don't play-play with HUDUD, because HUDUD is from Allah not from PAS....

In any by-election, BN have made many promises, granted many projects and offered a lot of goodies, and yet the voters rejected BN. Thank to all Kuala Terengganuean that made their wise and intelligent choice....

Ruling made in a hurry

2009-01-17T09:24:00.005+08:00

Even the enforcement officer is not well verse in the new ruling, how they expect the users? Last time confusion over driving license in mykad is also an issue, and until now, we still need to bring the normal driving license... how they plan and how they manage?

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/17/nation/3052003&sec=nation

Saturday January 17, 2009
Dept to cancel wrongly issued summonses - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Those in vehicles not fitted with rear seat belts but who were summoned by the police or Road Transport Department (JPJ) can report to the Road Safety Department (JKJR) to have their summonses cancelled.

JKJR director-general Datuk Suret Singh said that for now, only those in vehicles with rear seat belts who did not use them would be summoned, adding that the department had given vehicle owners three years to get rear seat belts fitted.

He said issuing summonses to those in vehicles not fitted with rear seat belts was against the ruling announced by his department early this year.

Suret Singh said he had received information of several such cases in Johor Baru and Penang, adding that this may have happened due to a misunderstanding of instructions issued to the JPJ and police.

“Those affected can report to the department and we promise to have the summonses cancelled,” he told reporters after launching the 2009 Chinese New Year road safety campaign here yesterday.

He also said that 100,000 old-model Perodua Kancil cars would be given exemption stickers as they did not have the three “points” for fitting rear seat belts.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with Chinese New Year, the speed limit for federal roads would be reduced to 80kph from 90kph and for state roads, it would be decreased to 70kph from 80kph from Monday till Feb 2.

“A Operasi Bersepadu over 15 days beginning Monday will be conducted by 1,200 JPJ staff and 5,000 police personnel,” Suret Singh said. — Bernama

Free computer for student

2009-01-11T15:50:00.005+08:00

What do you think if government is giving a free laptop to student? Is it practical in order to replace a text book?Maybe it is true that we are the first in the world that giving free laptop to student, but do you know why other developed country don't do it? Practicallity.. I hope all the laptop is then after a few years will not turn into waste... Please do not waste our money from oil royalty, i beg you....

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/1/8/southneast/2946276&sec=southneast

Thursday January 8, 2009
Free mini computer for students - The Star
By SA’ODAH ELIAS

KUALA TERENGGANU: From May this year, all 25,000 Year Five students in Terengganu will be provided with their own personal mini computer free of charge.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said the cost of providing the e-book would be fully borne by the state government.

“We are using part of the oil royalty, which was returned to us by the Federal government to buy all the mini-computers for the students because we want to further improve the education achievement of the pupils in the state.

“We are proud to say that Terengganu has achieved the best result in Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination nationwide for eight consecutive years.

“Our students’ achievement in Peperiksaan Menengah Rendah (PMR) is also among the best with over 1,700 out of 23,000 of students, who had sat for the examination last year, scoring straight As,” he said at the opening of Felda Residence hotel near here recently.

He said the state government would also launch a special scheme for padi farmers soon based on similar approach taken by Felda.

Under the scheme for which the state government had allocated RM50 mil to develop, he said, farmers would be given 4 hectares of padi field each.

Thus, he urged the people to be a bit more appreciative of what the state government had tried to do to improve their economic standing.

“All we ask is for the people to appreciate what we had done and still doing for their benefit. ” he added.

Election in Terengganu

2009-01-02T10:55:00.002+08:00

I've made a decision to elect in Selangor in future as I don't trust the election in Terengganu anymore. Why I did this? In 1999, after PAS won the election and rules Terengganu, UMNO with cooperation from SPR, has revealed the ballot paper in order to find the perpetrator. They've found who has vote for the opposition but in real life, showing their support to UMNO. and then what UMNO did? Do you know that UMNO Terengganu is the richest UMNO in the world? They've a money from a royalty payment made by Petronas.

The poor people has been threaten their monthly allowance by "Jab. Kebajikan Masyarakat" and the people that voting for opposition but in real life supporting UMNO has been evacuated. Most of the people in Terengganu in general, and Besut in particular is in a state of "politic of fears", they don't have a choice but to vote BN because BN knows what they vote for. The Government staff are the most affected. They feel threaten and fear to vote for the opposition.

How did I know about this? My family is the UMNO strongman and I know what they did....

Rear seat belt enforcement

2009-01-02T10:46:00.002+08:00

Rear seat belt is easy to wear when the passenger is an adult, the problem starts when the passenger is an old folk (warga emas) and children. What do you think? The ruling is good, but prevention from an accident is the most thing that must be safe guard first. The road condition and the vehicle condition itself must be improved. Why don't the government pushing the car manufacturer to make the safety feature of the car compulsory? ABS, Airbag and so on instead of pushing the people to wear a seat belt....what a non-sense...

Celcom Broadband

2008-12-28T12:30:00.006+08:00

I'm frustrated with the broadband service provided by Celcom. Anybody else using Celcom Broadband? Bad service and low quality of connection, the connection always break in the middle of surfing, and that is why I cannot update my blog frequently since this few weeks. My office also did block any blog website...sigh.....

Kuala Terengganu: Sweteener from Federal Government is on the way

2008-12-14T19:20:00.002+08:00

Sweteener, money and materials will start to be distributed all over Kuala Terengganu for this coming by election. All Kuala Terengganu folks, good luck, and don't forget to make a wise choice.... The first sweetener...., oil royalty returns.....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/13/nation/2801662&sec=nation

Saturday December 13, 2008 - The Star
RM400mil boost for Terengganu sovereign wealth fund

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu’s sovereign wealth fund will be given a boost when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hands over RM400mil in oil royalties to the state government.

The money is the first part of the RM3bil oil royalties promised by the Federal Government to the state government.

Much of the royalties will be banked into the proposed Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), which will be launched by the middle of next year.

State Commerce, Industries and Environment committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said the TIA would manage prudently the oil royalties for the benefit of the state and the people.

“We have to look into the finer details before setting up the TIA. We have to check the legal aspects and also agree on how to manage the fund successfully on a long-term basis,” he said yesterday.

Toh said the state government would study which areas the RM10bil TIA fund should be invested in so that it could benefit the state.

This, he noted, is for the future when Terengganu’s oil runs out. He said the establishment of TIA was discussed for some time after the Federal Government agreed to hand over the management of the oil royalties to the state government in May.

Toh was commenting on a report in a news portal that the state government would set up the TIA which would be run solely by professionals.

The report said the proposal for a sovereign wealth fund was put forward by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Under the TIA, the Sultan of Terengganu will be the chairman of the Board of Advisers. The Mentri Besar will also be represented on the board.

No ISA amendment, PPP can pull out from BN: What next, Kayveas?

2008-12-14T19:06:00.003+08:00

BN says, PPP can pull out from BN because the government will not entertain PPP for ISA review. What Kayveas will do next? Is he brave enough to fulfill his promise?...Looks like "sandiwara" isn't it?....

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/12/nation/2786371&sec=nation

Friday December 12, 2008 - The Star
PPP backs Kayveas on ISA

KUALA LUMPUR: The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is standing solidly behind its president Datuk M. Kayveas in asking the Government to amend the Internal Security Act (ISA) before the next general election or it would have “no reason to remain” in Barisan Nasional.

The PPP supreme council, which held an emergency meeting yesterday, voiced its full support for Kayveas, who was not present as he was overseas.

PPP also announced that it had sacked former president S.I. Rajah from the party for meeting the Prime Minister and informing him that PPP would not leave Barisan and calling on Kayveas to step down as president.

Its deputy president Datuk Lee Heng, who chaired the meeting, said Kayveas had urged the Government to amend the ISA following calls from the party’s Wanita and Youth wings recently to abolish the Act altogether.

“The president’s response to that is to meet halfway, that is to ask for an amendment. If there is not even an amendment, then PPP would have no reason to remain in Barisan,” he said at a press conference.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he had no plans to amend the ISA and PPP was free to leave Barisan if it wanted to.

Lee Heng said PPP’s stance was clear that the Government should amend the ISA to prevent it from being used against civilians who posed no security threat.

He said there was still a lot of time before the next general election and the PPP would only cross the bridge when it comes to it.

“We will not give up. We have already seen some changes (in the Government),” he said, citing the upcoming Barisan Nasional convention in February and the Anti-Corruption Commission Bill and the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill that were tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.

Lee Heng said Abdullah never asked PPP to leave Barisan, adding that the Prime Minister’s comment that PPP was free to leave the coalition was merely in response to questions from the media.

Meanwhile, the disciplinary board chairman Datuk Maglin D’ Cruz said Rajah could not appeal against the decision.

He said he had initially thought that Rajah was no longer a PPP member but upon checking found that the former president had rejoined the party in March 2007.

“For him to approach the Prime Minister and say that PPP is not leaving Barisan and for him to ask the party president to step down is a serious matter,” he added.

On Wednesday, Rajah claiming to be an adviser to the party, said he had met the Barisan chairman and secretary-general at Parliament House and gave them the assurance that PPP would not pull out of the coalition.

He called on Kayveas to step down instead.

Happy Aidiladha to all

2008-12-14T00:14:00.005+08:00

Hope it is not too late for me to wish all of muslim reader a happy Aidiladha, "semoga pengorbanan anda semua diberkati". I'm just coming back from my hometown in Terengganu, the blog looks like almost stagnant for a week also..sorry to all readers...

Abdullah launch Kertih Plastic Park, Petronas shutdown Plastic Plant

2008-12-04T22:20:00.002+08:00

What a coincidence, on 2/12/2008, Abdullah Badawi launched the Kertih Plastic Park, while 2 days later, on 4/12/2008, Petronas shutdown several petrochemical plant in Kertih and gave a shutdown reason due to no demand. If Petronas has shutdown the plant due to no demand, what is the purpose of Abdullah Badawi launching the Plastic Park at the nearby area? Can they give an assurance that the project will not become a waste? Where's the logic? If they want to lie, make sure the place is suitable...okey...good luck....

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/2/business/2691101&sec=business

Tuesday December 2, 2008 - The Star

More investors for Kertih Plastics Park

By EILEEN HEE

The three potential firms include one from Australia

KUALA LUMPUR: Three potential investors are expected to come on board the Kertih Plastics Park (KPP) next year.

The investors comprised both local and foregin companies, including one from Australia, said East Coast Economic Region (ECER) development council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

“The companies are from the various polymer sectors,” he told StarBiz yesterday.

KPP has already attracted three investors: Hi Essence Cable Sdn Bhd, a manufacturer of cables and wires with a proposed investment of RM85mil; pipe maker Latenfield Pipe Industries Sdn Bhd (RM40mil); and FMD Polypipes Industry Sdn Bhd, a producer of heavy duty bags and pipes (RM20mil).

Datuk Jebasingam Issace John

They would be having joint ventures with foreign companies and were expected to ink some deals today, he said.

“It is still early days yet for KPP,” he said, adding that interest was gaining traction.

Its proximity to the Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex (KIPC) and the new Petronas Polymer Technology Centre offered multiple advantages, he said.

The KPP is set to become the country’s first fully integrated plastics hub and the third in the Asian region.

It will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

KPP would be an economic cluster supporting the plastics and plastics-related manufacturing activities and offer the opportunity for small and medium enterprises to locate their manufacturing facilities where they would have access to a wide range of plastic resins for raw materials.

“Because KPP is close to the main source of polymer resins, it will provide plastics companies access to reliable and just-in-time feedstock supply, which translates into savings, logistics and warehousing costs,” he said.

A project under the ECER developement master plan, KPP is anticipated to draw investments of some RM2bil and generate jobs for 7,000 people and to have a multiplier effect on employment.

“For every direct job, there is a potential requirement for 2.5 indirect jobs in the form of support and ancillary services,” John said.

The 140ha KPP site is next to the existing KIPC within the Petronas Petroleum Industry Complex. It is also close to the facilities in the Kertih-Chukai-Gebeng petrochemical hub.

“Feedstock can also be sourced from the Gebeng Integrated Petrochemical Complex or imported through Kuantan Port,” he said.

He added that there were well-established supply chain services such as warehousing and logistics services for other imported raw materials and finished products for other markets.

“KPP is adjacent to Kertih Port (for liquid cargoes) and Kertih Terminal (for dry and bulk cargoes) for centralised tankage, and connected to the Kuantan Port via the Kertih-Kuantan railway system,” John said.

KPP is also centrally located between Europe and Asia, making it an ideal plastics hub. The other two regional plastics parks are in India and Abu Dhabi.

“In challenging economic times, many international companies will seek out a lower cost base or attractive incentives. KPP meets these requirements,” John said.

On Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) commitment to KPP, he said Petronas had laid the neccesary foundation and invested RM70bil to build the oil, gas and petrochemical-related facilities.

“It has taken Petronas 35 years to develop Kertih,” he said, adding that KPP was expected to be fully operational by 2015.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/4/business/2712210&sec=business

Thursday December 4, 2008 - The Star

Petronas shuts petrochemical plants

By FINTAN NG and LEE KIAN SEONG

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has shut down indefinitely several petrochemical plants in Kertih, Terengganu and Gebeng, Pahang as demand for polymers fell sharply due to a slump in overseas factory orders.

Chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Hassan Merican said the materials were used to produce consumer goods and hence would be the first to get hit in a global slump.

“Resins are stocking up at Kertih due to lack of demand. When there’s no market for polymers or resins, there is no point producing,” he said. He did not give a timeframe when production would resume.

He said amongst plants whose production had been halted were those processing polyethylene, which is used in manufacturing plastic packaging, automobile parts and food wrappings.

Asked to comment on reports that Iran had signed gas deals worth US$14bil with Malaysia, Hassan said Petronas was not involved in any gas deal with Iran.

“I’m not aware of it,” he told reporters after the launch of the third International Petroleum Technology Conference yesterday.

Kertih and Gebeng are the sites of integrated petrochemical complexes which Petronas constructed to process various petrochemicals ranging from polyethylene to polypropylene.

Other petrochemicals processed at the two complexes include polyvinyl chloride, aromatics, olefins, ethylene derivatives and ethylene.

According to its website, Petronas has joint ventures with BP Chemicals in a polyethylene plant in Kertih while BASF AG and Petronas are partners in several BPC plants in Gebeng.

BASF, a German chemical company, had shut down 80 plants worldwide following low demand for its products. The company, which operates 12 plants locally under a joint venture with Petronas, has brought forward the scheduled maintenance of six of these plants.

BASF said the scheduled maintenance was being brought forward because of weak demand. “We’re constantly monitoring market conditions and customers’ demands, so it is still too early to provide an accurate timing of the maintenance schedule of all the plants,” it said.

An industry observer said orders had been declining in recent months following the US financial crisis and the credit crunch.

The slump in global demand was also reflected by the sharp decline of the Baltic Dry Index, which is a measure of dry bulk traffic, from a high of 11,689 points on June 5 to 684 points yesterday as factories cut production.

The credit crisis, the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc and collapse of over 20 banks in the US had affected US importers who were unable to obtain letters of credit.

This in turn caused a spiral effect whereby factories could not receive payments and were forced to shut down, he said.

“Several of these importers more than likely got their letters of credit from banks that went bust and so will not be able to honour their orders now,” he told StarBiz.

These factories, faced with rising inventory due to a slump in orders, would also not restock the polymers and resins needed for a whole range of products, hence the need to shut down or bring down production at these plants.

“The next few years will be quite bleak. I’ve been in the business since 1972 and never have I heard of plants shutting down indefinitely; there are shutdowns but they are usually temporary,” he said.

However, he added that oil refining at the complexes was not affected by the shutdown despite oil prices having fallen from a high of US$147 in July to US$47 per barrel yesterday.

Petrol price down only 10 sen whilst the crude oil price at USD48

2008-12-03T21:19:00.006+08:00

What another sad day for Malaysian, when the world crude oil price was sky rocketing, the government said that they cannot sustain the Malaysian petrol price with respect to the world price, but now, when the world price is now starts to became lower, they change their promise and start to introduce the floor price but not the ceiling price. What do you think? Is this protecting the people or protecting their cronies? You tell me......

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/3/nation/2707085&sec=nation

Wednesday December 3, 2008 - The Star
Fifth price cut at the pumps this year

PETALING JAYA: Petrol and diesel prices at the pump are down 10 sen today, with RON97 petrol at RM1.90 a litre and RON92 petrol and diesel at RM1.80.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced this through a press statement released at about 5pm yesterday.

“As the world fuel price has had a sharp decrease lately, the Govern-ment has decided to once again reduce the retail price for the public’s benefit,” he said.

This is the fifth time petrol and diesel prices have been cut since retail prices hit a high of RM2.70 a litre in June.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/3/nation/20081203192812&sec=nation

Published: Wednesday December 3, 2008 MYT 7:29:00 PM - The Star
Fuel price ‘floor or float’ decision next Wednesday
By V.P. SUJATA

PETALING JAYA: Consumers will know next week if the Government will implement a floor price mechanism for petrol and diesel.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the meeting of the executive council members of the Economic Council, comprising Cabinet Ministers and government officers, would be next Wednesday (Dec 10).

He said consumers should also brace for a decision to have a managed flotation mechanism for oil price based on market rates.

Currently the price of petrol and diesel is not subsidised and not set based on market rates, he added.

Shahrir said many aspects had to be looked into before finalising the issue including generating revenue for the government and providing higher purchasing power for the consumer.

If the consumers want the government to have a free float mechanism, he said they might want it now as prices were down but would not be happy when the price is up.

“Wait for the meeting, I will present my ideas to the exco.

The issue is really between the commercial price (of oil) and how much must go to the consumer and to the government coffer,” he told reporters Wednesday after opening Giant’s 109th branch in Kota Damansara here and launching its book of discount coupons called RM2009 Savings Guide. He said pump prices for petrol and diesel were subsidised in August and September following which commercial prices dropped.

He added that the average crude oil price dropped to below US$57.39 (RM210) per barrel in November and that it would see the same price this month.

Shahrir also said there was no plans to reduce the price of cooking oil.

One more threat from BN component party

2008-12-01T09:13:00.002+08:00

PPP has threaten to pull out from BN if ISA is not being amended by the next general election. Will "Dollah Lembik" accept their request this time? Last month, Bernard Dompok also threaten the Federal Government to build the petrochemical plant in Sabah not only the pipe to Sarawak, and do you know what the Federal Government did? They obey it........... What's next and whose next?

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/1/nation/2685937&sec=nation

Monday December 1, 2008 - The Star

Kayveas: We will leave Barisan if ISA is not amended

By M. KRISHNAMOORTHY

KUALA LUMPUR: The PPP will pull out of the Barisan Nasional if the Internal Security Act is not amended before the next elections, party president Datuk M. Kayveas said.

“I have to follow what the Youth and Wanita divisions have proposed to the party and they want the ISA abolished.

“As a responsible party I told them let’s go halfway and ask for amendments to the Act so that it is not a draconian law imposed on innocent citizens,” he said when opening the Youth and Wanita meeting and elections yesterday.

“The Barisan has to make changes before the next general election. It would be suicidal if we do not.

“The problem with the Barisan is its success the past 50 years. Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.

“The March election has shown what the voters are looking for: good governance and multi-racialism.

“The solution has always been multi-racialism but to date the Barisan is still caught in its own political racial configuration and so what is said is not implemented fast enough.”

Wanita leader C. Josephine Anne said the Barisan had to act now to “fast-track development programmes for all races, show our sincerity and start by uniting the Barisan parties.”

“The Barisan must work towards a common society to regain the confidence of the rakyat, and not just offer lip service and continue to use the race card.

“In this day and age, we cannot continue to pit one race against the other and talk about unity.”

PPP Youth chief T. Murugiah said they did not support the use of the ISA against ordinary citizens.

“The ISA was designed to handle a terrorist threat and should be used only for the purpose.”

On Murugiah’s position in PPP, Kayveas said that he would appoint him to the supreme council and get the council’s approval to appoint him as vice-president.

R. Ellan Govan, who was deputy Youth chief, beat two others to become Youth chief while incumbent Wanita chief Josephine won uncontested.

RM10 Million spent for open houses

2008-11-19T17:12:00.002+08:00

I think everybody is thinking that for "Open House", the organiser or home owner will use their own pocket money for that. But in reality, there is a special allocation for every parliamentary representative. Do you know how much 10 BN MP' have spent during last year festive?....Not much, RM10 Millions only......

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/19/parliament/2582042&sec=parliament

Wednesday November 19, 2008 - The Star

RM10mil spent on open houses

TEN Barisan Nasional MPs spent almost RM10mil to organise open houses and celebrations in their respective constituencies during festive seasons last year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum.

The 10 constituencies, which spent as much as RM900,000 each, were Tenom with 58 events followed by Dungun (87), Putatan (86), Tawau (66), Silam (40), Kuala Nerus (248), Sepanggar (54), Kuala Terengganu (304), Parit (137) and Marang (186).

In a written reply to Tan Kok Wai (DAP – Cheras) Mohd Johari said the Tenom constituency recorded the highest average per function at RM17,042.

It spent RM988,475 to organise 58 functions while the lowest average cost per function was by Kuala Terengganu with RM3,018.

Tan had asked the Prime Minister to state the cost and number of open houses during festive seasons such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai Dayak, Christmas, Good Friday, Wesak and for Merdeka celebrations by MPs in their respective constituencies using the special parliamentary allocation.

Johari said 196 Barisan Nasional MPs had used the special allocation and that the money was spent on food, drinks, rental of tents and equipment, and donations to the poor, orphans and the disabled and other related services.

When met, Tan said it was extravagant and lavish and demanded that the MPs explain themselves.

“In everybody’s mind, the special allocation should be spent on small projects but instead they use it to spend on feasts,” he said.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, in another written reply, said total expenditure for 105 of Malaysia’s missions from June 2004 to June 30 this year was RM1.36bil.

In a written reply, he said there were 440 ministry staff stationed in offices in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and the South Pacific.

Teo Nie Ching (DAP – Serdang) asked how many staff members were in its missions including the locations and operation costs incurred by all its overseas offices.

Did we have a new flag?

2008-11-18T17:49:00.003+08:00

Picture worth of thousands words.... (taken from Utusan Malaysia)
Please look at the picture, tell me what is wrong with the picture....Thanx...

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=1118&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_01.htm

Malaysia hab eksport Uzbek

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dan Islam Karimov (berdiri kanan) menyaksikan majlis menandatangani memorandum persefahaman (MoU) antara Hassan Merican dan Ergash Shaismatov (duduk kanan) di Kediaman Presiden (Durmen) di Tashkent, semalam.
- Bernama

TASHKENT (Uzbekistan) 17 Nov. - Malaysia sedang meneroka kemungkinan menjadi hab eksport bagi barangan Uzbekistan memasuki ke pasaran ASEAN dan rantau sekitarnya.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, walaupun Uzbekistan tidak mempunyai pelabuhan, perkhidmatan kargo udara akan digunakan untuk tujuan itu.

Dengan cara ini, kedua-dua pihak akan menikmati faedah bersama dan Uzbekistan sendiri dapat memperluaskan pasarannya menjangkaui rantaunya sendiri.

"Ini adalah antara strategi yang akan diambil bagi meneroka hubungan dua hala. Kedua-dua negara kita mempunyai sumber asli yang besar yang boleh diterokai," katanya pada sidang akhbar bersama dengan rakan sejawatnya, Islam Karimov selepas mesyuarat delegasi dua hala di Kediaman Presiden (Durmen) di sini hari ini.

Abdullah berada di sini sempena lawatan rasmi empat hari ke Uzbekistan. Turut serta dalam mesyuarat itu ialah dua Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz dan Senator Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz; Menteri Pengajian Tinggi, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Menteri Perpaduan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan dan Warisan, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal; serta Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Petronas, Tan Sri Hassan Marican.

Sementara dalam masa yang sama, Uzbekistan pula bersetuju untuk membuka peluang kepada pihak swasta Malaysia meneroka industri di negara ini, termasuk membuka ruang prospek yang lebih besar kepada syarikat petroleum negara, Petronas.

Presiden Islam pula berkata, pihaknya mempunyai kepercayaan dan hormat yang amat tinggi terhadap Petronas serta akan memberi peluang yang lebih luas kepada syarikat minyak itu untuk meneroka industri minyak dan gas di negara ini.

Katanya, beliau juga bersetuju dengan Abdullah untuk bekerjasama dalam industri pertanian terutama dalam bidang bioteknologi asas tani.

Sejak menjalin hubungan diplomatik 20 tahun lalu, hubungan perdagangan dua hala telah meningkat tiga kali ganda iaitu daripada AS$12 juta pada 2006 kepada kira-kira AS$40 juta pada 2007.

"Ini memberikan satu gambaran jelas minat yang semakin meningkat oleh sektor swasta Malaysia untuk memperkenalkan hubungan perdagangan yang lebih bermakna di antara mereka. Kita perlu menggalakkan trend sebegini untuk terus meningkat kerana sektor swasta adalah enjin sebenar kemajuan ekonomi kita," kata Abdullah.

Dalam ucapannya, pada mesyuarat itu, Abdullah berkata, kedua-dua negara telah bersetuju untuk memperhebatkan kerjasama dalam bidang-bidang penting semasa kunjungan Presiden Islam ke Malaysia pada 2005.

Katanya, empat memorandum persefahaman (MoU) telah ditandatangani pada ketika itu yang antaranya berkaitan kerjasama dalam bidang pelancongan, pembangunan sumber galian, memerangi keganasan dan membentuk Jawatankuasa Perdagangan Bersama.

Dalam mesyuarat dua hala hari ini tiga MoU lagi dan satu protokol telah ditandatangani antara kedua-dua negara.

MoU berkenaan sains dan teknologi telah ditandatangani antara Shafie dan Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Koordinasi Pembangunan Sains dan Teknologi, Shavkat Salihov.

MoU dalam bidang pengajian tinggi ditandatangani antara Mohamed Khaled dan Menteri Pelajaran Tinggi dan Menengah, Azimjon Parpijev serta perjanjian persefahaman mengenai Pembangunan Modal Insan dalam Industri Minyak dan Gas ditandatangani antara Hassan dan Timbalan Perdana Menteri Dua, Ergash Shaismatov.

Satu protokol dikenali sebagai Protokol Perjanjian Penerokaan Surkhanski turut dimeterai antara Hassan dan Shaismatov.

Abdullah dalam pada itu, turut menarik perhatian mengenai minat yang ditunjukkan oleh kerajaan Uzbekistan terhadap konsep Islam Hadhari yang diperkenalkannya di Malaysia.

- Utusan

Selective Investigation

2008-11-18T17:43:00.003+08:00

It is normal and obvious in Malaysia, when BN members make a Police Report, The police will straight away investigate, but this is not happened when the report was made by the opposition, that's why there are so many backlogged cases beside the police inefficiency....

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/18/nation/20081118155855&sec=nation

Published: Tuesday November 18, 2008 MYT 3:59:00 PM - The Star

Parliament: Cops haven’t probed ghost voter allegations

By ROYCE CHEAH

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have not investigated allegations of ghost voters being used in Sabah to ensure a Barisan Nasional victory as was published in a book entitled IC Palsu Merampas Hak Anak Sabah (Fake IDs used to rob Sabahans).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) would have stepped in if there were any discrepancies by the Election Commission.

He was replying to a question from Johari Abdul (PKR-Sungai Petani) who had asked if the police had taken action on the allegations in the book which was written by Andul Mutalib Mohd Daud in 1999.

In response to Syed Hamid’s answer, Johari said the police had acknowledged the existence of the book and that he was disappointed that no action had been taken, especially considering that fake identification cards have long been an issue in Sabah.

“I reiterate that the allegations raised by the book are very serious as they involve the issue of our citizen’s rights and honour. The sovereignity of this country can no longer be guaranteed if these syndicates are not overcome,” he said.

Johari said the police ought to be more pro-active and start their own investigations instead of waiting for the ACA to do so.

No Subsidy means we subsidised the government

2008-11-18T17:37:00.002+08:00

As per my earlier post.... We are now instead subsidizing the government, but of course the term change become Tax..... No more 30 sen subsidy as promised earlier...I'm speechless...... Malaysia Boleh...

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/18/nation/20081118134826&sec=nation

Published: Tuesday November 18, 2008 MYT 1:49:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday November 18, 2008 MYT 3:43:07 PM - The Star

Govt has stopped paying petrol subsidies: Shahrir

By ROYCE CHEAH

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has stopped paying subsidies for petrol since the beginning of this month due to lower global oil prices, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said.

“The savings on petrol subsidies next year is expected to be more than RM10bil if oil prices remain stable,” he told reporters Tuesday at the Parliament lobby here.

Elaborating, Shahrir said that at a price of US$65 per barrel, the Government would not be paying subsidies and that the focus now would be on deciding whether to set a floor price or figuring out a way for the Government to get some income from the sale of petrol.

“Even with petrol retailing at RM2 per litre, we are not paying any subsidies. We have actually arrived at a time when the price can return to RM1.92.

“In that context, we hope to be able to set a policy to address this when the National Economic Council next meets. A decision must be made on the floor price.”

Shahrir said that for six months from September 2001 to February 2002, the Government had collected taxes from the retail sale of petrol and had stopped that practice since February 2002.

“Earlier announcements of how much the subsidies cost us, even as recent as 2005 or 2006 always included how much we had to forego in terms of taxes. We have stopped doing this however and just focused on how much subsidy we are paying.”

Shahrir said the Government was now enjoying some revenue due to the difference in the ex-refinery price and the price oil companies sell petrol to station operators.

He added that the revenue being taken now was a form of tax that could max out at 60sen per litre.

“After the station operators take their margin of 12.1sen and the oil companies take their margin of 19.1sen, we are left with RM1.69 from RM2.

“If the refinery price is RM1.30 per litre for example, the Government will be taking 39sen per litre as revenue.”

Shahrir also released information on the amount of fuel subsidies paid so far which have amounted to RM15.57bil as at the end of October.

Fuel subsidies last year cost the Government RM16.18bil.

The fuel subsidies in October amounted to RM610mil as compared toRM2.99bil in May when oil prices peaked at over US$120 per barrel.

Is it true Government is still subsidising petrol for 30 sen?

2008-11-11T14:33:00.002+08:00

Is it true as what the government claim that they will peg the petrol price at the subsidy price of 30 sen. With the world current petrol price at almost USD60 per barrell, can we say that we are now instead subsidizing the Government not the other way round..... Malaysia Boleh......

angin perubahan

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