Of magnificient bloggers and the truth...

It is with pride when the two bloggers flanked by more bloggers and would-be bloggers walked into the courts today for round 1 of the defamation suit between the media giant and the bloggers.
From different background and different races, the bloggers represent the aspiration of many who could turn up in court to provide moral support to the bloggers.

And if this is the beginning, the future is surely brighter if other well-known bloggers with present an past connections can throw in their support, even morally, to the two. Bloggers like Lim of DAP, Malaysia today, A kadir Jasin to mention a few will even thing up.

What the bloggers wrote and will continue writing are not pluck off from the dark room of Putrajaya. It should be given the chance to provide the other side of the coins. After all, how far can the bloggers reach? Unless, of course, if someone up there is not happy with the scoop after scoop that rattles the weak heart.

Why the need for PM to conduct a press conference on the VVIP plane? Exerpts from A Kadir' blog "

[UPDATE, Jan 29] –THE Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, confirmed that an Airbus A319 Corporate Jet is being made available to the country’s VVIPs, including the King.

But according to The Star newspaper’s short message service (SMS), the PM said the Government did not buy the plane but instead leased it.

Whether the Government is buying the jet or is leasing it, the cost of leasing and operating it will still have to be shouldered by the taxpayers.

It is understood that the US$50-million plus aircraft is bought by Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad (PMB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad. PMB has a leasing arm. It owns all the aircraft operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad (Mas)."

And that is 1 truth. The truth is, the taxpayers' monies are used by a Govt related company to purchase the plane. The truth is, it will add to the existing stable of fleet of airplanes, the truth is, it was not publicly announce, the truth is is it necessary? the truth is why the purchase done in 2003? If it is for the Agung's use, the new Agung was installed in 2006.

From NST "Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the voters "knew better", judging from the 5,857 win margin, which more than doubled the majority obtained in the last general election." And the truth? The truth is, it is a 1 sided affair because BN is against the independent candidate who can't even round up election agents, the truth is the whole BN machinery is camped in Batu Talam during the campaigning period, the truth is the same BN election workers can be better diverted to Batu Pahat to help in flood relief centres, the truth is why KJ did not make any impact in Batu Talam? the truth is the voters obtained by the ruling party is not reflective of the actual support from the masses, the truth is , call for an early GE and see the support from the public..

And that is the truth...Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Of VVIP plane, flowers and by-elections...

Weekends are fun times. Beaches, malls an such. Malaysia launced its floral parade on 27th Jan '07 where 50,000 strong spectators lined up the administrative capital Putrajaya to witness the parade which is a showcase to the world of Malaysia's truly Asian.

The King is there together with his consort, the DPM is there, the brass bands were aplenty to celebrate the parade which one day may be as famous as the Pasadena parade in USA.

And where is the PM ? Maybe too busy granting an exclusive interview to a mainstream media (as a reward to sue bloggers, maybe?). Whatever it is, read the exerpts of the interview linked here. What is fair is fair and ample opportunity should be given for the PM to respond to criticm and accusations. The question is, is the right answer given or the right questions asked...



Whilst the spectators are there milling around and admire the floats, there is another news floating around - that of the VVIP plane purchase by the Malaysian government. The cost ? Around USD 40 ~ 45 million (without outfitting).

Accompanying the photo is the write up on the purchase of the plane. Amongst others, the author mentioned of the existing current fleet of 4 VVIP. 4 not enough?

And what is served on the plane? Nasi kandar from Perth, I presume. Why from Perth? It seems that the PM has just officiated an opening of a global nasi kandar in Perth owned by one of his close relative.

So why not bring the nasi kandar on the VVIP plane globally ?


Back to the national scene, 28th Jan '07 will be closely scritinised by political analyst for that day will be the by-election of Batu Talam. The candidates ? BN and an independent. So how will the BN candidate fare against the novice independent? The writings are there. BN will win but the qusetion is how big?

A majority of less than 3000 votes will signal something is wrong with the strong BN election machine. Voters turnout is also closely monitored since the opposition has ecided to boycott the election.

An on a private owned TV late last night, the election commission (EC) has warned those who "pursuade" the voters to boycott the election with a veiled warning to bring them to court.

For political pundits, this is something to look for, maybe better and more suspense than the Alfred Hitchcock movies.

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Of bees and masjid...

Returning from my daily errands, it cross my mind several issues that affect me and the surroundings.

The first is the happening in a semi-urban Taman Andalas Klang when a group of students on a familiarisation run, in preparation to their annual X-country were attcked by a swarm of bees, courtesy of 2 pranksters amongst them who took the liberty to throw stones at the hives. As a result, 4 were warded and scores of others were given outpatient treatment in the nearby hospital. Their age? 12 years old.

And tonight in the nearby masjid, the Imam mentioned of a youth who held a knife at the masjid keeper's throat and warning him before thinking the kitty money.

Both the incidents indicate the seriousness of the moral decay happening in our society where the youth of today disregard peer respect and no second thoughts to commit crime even in places of worship.

Something must be done and done fast to stop the decay. I leave it at that for u guys to think...

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Of metally challenge person...

Weekend is a good time to catch up with reading interesting articles ranging from the light hearted comics to a more serious political discussions, both in the mainstream media or from other blogs. A few articles written touch on my interest. One of them being from a blog administered by the cousin of one of the Sultan titled "Our mentally challenged PM" and another is titled "2 events to boost Pak Lah's image" administered by another well known Malaysian blogger who has been recently sued by a mainstream media.

Reading both of the articles, another politically motivated article mentions on other prominent politicians and how to remove the thorns and political obstacles. Combining the facts or speculations, as how uyou would like to interpret it, it is clear that there is no permanent alliance in politics. Back in 1986 when Tg Razaleigh openly challenge the then PM of Malaysia, one of the casulaty is one Abdullah who was sidelined from UMNO. Being patient or rather submissive, the person was later elevated to DPM when Anuar Ibrahim choose to go for broke against the then PM. Others, as they say it, is history. The submissive guy is now the PM, the fighting Tg is staying at the fringes of power and the rebellious Anuar is effectively politically dead.

The last person standing is the son of former premier Tun Razak. Being calculative, it is yet to be seen whether he will wither the storm blowing in his way or he will be like the ever changing lallang. Time will tell. Behind the scene will be the ambitous SIL who has made known his intention to be the youngest PM of Malaysia.

The preparation for the next GE will be dependent on Batu Talam by election results. A big win by the ruling party will instill extra confidence for the PM to call for early election. A poor show by the ruling party will be an indication of the future.

Whatever it is, the next few months will be instrumental in shaping the political course of Malaysia.

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...

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Awal Muharram...looking back

When most of Malaysians are looking with interest on the Mongolian model's murder case, Judge K.N. Segara refused bail on the prominent polical analyst who was charged with abetting the high profile murder, I am more concerned with the state of affairs of Muslims across the world.

President Bush's statement that the Iraqi government has botched the hanging of their former President is actually timed to respond to the public outcry against the hanging which was carried out at dawn of the recent Eid-Adha, a holy day for the Muslims. But Bush being bush, takes the opportunity to pressure the present Iraqi premier Nuri al-Maliki to take drastic steps to sever ties with Shias militia by directing the Iraqi armed forces to actively engage the militias and jointly with US forces arrested a close aide of Moqtada al-Sadar.

Is this a planned strategy by the foreign forces to split Iraq and pitting the Shias against the Sunnis. With both factions weary of each other, Bush will have an easier time to manipulate Nuri to do his bidding and easing off pressure from the Democrats.

In Asia, the Philippine military has positively conclude that the Abu Sayyaf leader has been neutralised . This neutralisation will be closely monitored to see who ascends the leadership with Janjalani's demise.

In the middle east, the continued clashes between Hamas and Fatah has diverted both factions from confronting their real enemy which is the Israel government. Instead of joining hands to face the common enemy, the factions are more interested in harping on their differences which is typical Arab custom.

And all this brings us closer to OIC, the umbrella organisation that is supposed to look into the welfare of Muslims and the Muslim countries of 56 countries. The President of OIC, who happens to be the present Pime Minister of Malaysia welcome the Muslim New Year with special prayers in the Malaysian National Mosque.

Looking at the photo, I still remember during my younger days when my parents repeatedly scolded me for putting the Koran on the floor whilst reading it. And yet, I see with my own eyes Abdullah Badawi did the same when reading the Yassin on the Awal Muharram eve. Islam Hadhari allows this?

If Muslims are not sensitive to the Koran, then how can we xpect to be sensitive to the plights of our Muslim brothers across the world?

Saying that, it is now clear that Muslims are now like bubles above the waves, burst easily and swept by the currents. It shows that Muslims have stray away from the core of their religion and if this is comntinued, their future is bleak to face the advancing materialistic world.

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever you are... Read More

Election Commission Review and Batu Talam

After many long years, the Chairman of Malaysian Election Commission (EC) finally put forth suggestions to review the election laws. The question is why now? Why when there is an impending by-election to be held in Batu Talam.

After all, the same Chairman of EC is the one who denies about the existence of phantom voters during the last general election. Is there something cooking ?

Funny how the statement was made in concert with the former PM's statement that BN might lose the seat if the voters are unhappy with the Government.

At the same time, PAS has revealed the existence on untraceable voters in Kg Ulu Sungai, one of the villages under the Batu Talam state constituency. What is EC going to do about it?

Is this another ploy? Preparing for the standard "Voters support to BN and its program" as the PM expressed his confidence.

Being a state constituency, the parties shall be targetting on local issues which holds dear to the hearts of the voters.


There will be the usual round of kain pelikats, sacks of rice, the holy book, the turncoats, the rumour mongering, the anak angkat program, the putris, putras, UMNO youth, the blockades which will turn Batu Talam as the most popular spot for the "local tourist" in Visit Malaysia Year 2007 for the 2 week period starting from 16th january 2007.

Will there be another hand show bt the MB of Pahang? Will KJ brings his "new" wife along during the road tour? How many projects will be promised? How many Ministers will camp in Batu Talam?

So many questions, so little time.....A little bird from Ulu Tiram is boasting that BN will win without a fight, since the opposition has no funds. Wishful thinking?

Or will Batu Talam be converted to Mat Rempit's circuit when the Putera UMNO camp there? Imaging the Mat Rempits carrying the Putris to the polls stations...

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Re-surfacing in Malaysia after a long vacation, it is indeed a bleak year ahead when the country's CEO is entertained to the fireworks display to launch Visit Malaysia Year. During the launching ceremony, there was no mention of the difficulties faced by the flood victims in Johor and on the flood situation in Sabah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Nor was there any mention on the public extra sufferings due to the toll fare hike which took effect from 1st Jan '07.

The flood in a remote town in the Northern part of Sabah has cut off roads and forced the school students to walk 3 miles to school along the muddy path, crossing rivers using dangerous single log bridge. Andwhere is the aid? And if the opoosition parties were to offer their lending hand, the deed will be scorned and accused of politicking. But where are the Putri UMNOs, the UMNO youth, the Putera UMNOs ? Still dreaming of riding the 'eye on KL'? Where are the officials from the Ministry of Education? Is it the case of no see, no problem?


And yet the CEO used to say that Malaysia has to develop its human capital...How do we develop human capital when there is no concertive effort to develop them, regardless of race, geographical location or social standing?

Nearer to the capital, thousands if not hundreds of protestors gather across Sunway Pyramid to voice their displeasure on the recent toll increase involving 5 highways namely Cheras-Kajang Highway, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Kesas Highway, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway and Guthrie Corridor Expressway. Early reports mention that there are some efforts taken by the Police to discourage and disband the gathering.

Initial reports are still sketchy on the outcome of the gathering but maybe, just maybe, the Government will use the protest to make a u-turn on their decision regarding the toll price. One element that is conspicously missing from the gathering is the UMNO youth who regards themselves as the saviours of the Malays and Malaysians. Where are they now ? Still having nightmares on the C4 case?


All this while, where are the elites? Maybe busy gaping at the RM 30 million wonder across Taman Titiwangsa. The 'eye on KL' shall be open to public for the whole of 2007 at RM 15 per ride for adult. On that alone, the 'eye' needs 3 million adult visitor to break even on the construction cost, without taking into consideration the maintenance and operating cost.

And is the 'eye' meant to go hand in hand with the newly launched RM 4 million public toilets that needs RM 1.50 per entry for 15 minutes ?

How I wish that all this funds can be diverted to help the flood victims, wishful thinking? Or maybe the profit raked by the National Petroleum company can be used to offset the toll increase....

All this can be done, when and if the rakyat choose Batu Talam to make their stand - loud and clear to the ruling party.

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Toll for the Masses, Eye of KL for PM

In its infancy, 2007 has provided a momentum for the public to voice their displeasure on the recent toll rate increase for the concessionaires. The Malaysian Government has recently approved toll increase of between 20 - 30 % for five concessionaires which will be an additional burden to the public.

Anti-Toll Coalition will hold a gathering at 4.00pm, January 7 (Sunday) in front of the Sunway Pyramid shopping complex, where Litrak office is located nearby, to launch a rakyat's protest against the toll increase. Prior to this, PAS has also launch a similar peaceful gathering to protest the toll hike on 6th Jan '07 at Gombak. As usual, the Police are there to ensure that there is no untowards incident happening whilst warning the protestors that action will be taken on the pretext of illegal gathering.

On the other hand, on the same day (6th Jan '07), Malaysia launch the Visit Malaysia Year campaign with the unveiling of 'Eye on Malaysia' which was built without proper tendering processes. A smaller version of the 'Eye of London' the 'Eye on Malaysia' has air conditioned gondolas able to carry 8 person per gondola. The 'Eye' will be launched by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who incidentally surfaced after a long oversea vacation in Turkey, Venezuela, Autralia to mention a few and has been missing from Malaysia during the height of the recent flood that hit the state of Johor.

It has been widely circulated that the 'Eye on Malaysia' cost RM 43 million ringgit. This is not a small amount of money where the tender committee can by-pass the normal tendering process. Further, the 'eye' may not be a permanent feature to grace Taman Titiwangsa. Further, the Department of Machinery and other relevant departments may not have enough data and information to declare the structure safe, when the opening ceremony is to be graced by the Prime Minister.

2007 may start at a wrong footing for Malaysia - toll increase for the masses and the PM is treated to another 'white elephant'. And I believe at the same time, not many read the sacrifice of one late Tun Dr Ismail, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia during Tun Abd Razak's term in office. You can read about him here and follow the series from there onwards.

Even the assurance from the Second Finance Minister that the fuel price will not be increased,
there is no assurance that the price will drop as the world fuel price has drop to USD 60 from the previous high of USD 70. The negation strategy will not make the public happy and will raise more questions - who is the Government accomodating, the public or the Concessionaires ?

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More