KLIA East : Thinking, shelving, going and ...

When Rocky Bru quoted Najib Abd Razak , the DPM and MOF on 23rd Jan '08 as saying "the government has yet to decide" on the airport project, questions are raised on what really happen. Were both Air Asia and Sime Darby misleading the Joe publics or is the Government having second thoughts on the project due to the outpouring protest against KLIA East. Or is it another case of miscommunication between the parties involved?


It doesn't take long for the DPM to make a stand when Malaysian Insider, Malaysiakini and blogger Sime Darby Watch posted on "KLIA East shelved, MSM is not picking up the news, just yet. Any special instructions to block out the news? Or the news is considered as non-newsworthy?Updated : Mstar pickup the news here.

The catch on the possible shelving of KLIA East is - Najib Abd Razak mentions that the final decision will be announced after the next cabinet meeting next Wednesday. So, please put off the celebration until the formal announcement is made.

The trade off to the decision are listed as follows :-
1. Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to complete building a new terminal by 201;
2. Air Asia to be consulted on the design and other issues pertaining to the operations of the facility;
3. MAHB was told to lower charges for the budget carrier;

Although it is consider to be a win-win situation, the idea of AA to be consulted on the design of the new terminal should not be taken lightly. AA is only one of the possible end user. It is not the operator of the airport and terminal, MAHB is. So, whatever input or ideas put forward by AA should only be taken as a wish list by an end user. It should be construed as the absolute demand nor be interpreted as the "must do/must have" list.

The final decision shall lies with MAHB with Government's approval as the project funds shall be raised and provided by MAHB.

Finally, a whisperer informed that someone is going to loss big with the impending Government's decision to shelve the project. And that someone has bought a large chunk of land around Labu, in anticipation of the KLIA East project. It is said that the opportunity loss is in the region of RM 200m, True, false, rumours? Maybe, the whisperer knows more but he is not saying more than what he wishes to whisper...

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

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UMNO : Of Clipped wing, sacking, disciplined, leaving and...

On the first day of work after celebrating CNY, the ox is bullish. Yes, another hit to UMNO when Tg Ahmad Rithauddeen, the Umno disciplinary committee chairperson suggested that UMNO dispenses with the wings i.e. the wanita, Pemuda, Putri UMNO and Putra UMNO. The suggestion is made as a way to keep the scourge of money politics in check. On further reading, the Chairpersonpoints out that money politics could be checked if the party elections could be reduced by abolishing the wings, especially those recently established which refers to Putri and Putra UMNO.

Maybe as pure coincidence, Tengku Rithauddeen said Puteri and Putera members who were still young, should focus on their studies rather than on politics. Is this in relation to the recent students election results for UM, UKM, UTM, UIAM where the pro-mahasiswa group, which is seen to be as anti-establishment, are making big gains in the campuses?

As if the suggestions is insufficient to prop up the ailing UMNO, JAKIM has decided to sack the service of Ramlang Porigi, the former imam who witnessed the oath-taking by alleged sodomy victim Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan - and then revealed details during the Permatang Pauh by-election.

As it is, Ramlang will be lodging his appeal within 2 weeks. If teh sacking is made with bad intentions, then Ramlang is a victim of circumstances. Dan ingatlah, doa orang yang teranayai akan dimakbulkan, apatah lagi sekiranya perjuangan Ramlang berlandaskan kepada kebenaran dan keikhlasan. But then again, maybe there is an opening for Ramlang in one of the 5 states controlled by PR ? Rezeki ada dimana-mana...

Back to UMNO, the disciplinary board suspended another 2 of their members for various offences including offences related to money politics. One of them is a fellow blogger, Muzamir Ismail of weblog sangkut. Since Muzamir is Taiping UMNO youth member, he might follow the footsteps of Datuk Nasaruddin who join PKR recently. Kalau ini berterusan, nampaknya berdondong-dondonglah ahli UMNO yang dipecat kerana tindakan disiplin, masuk mahkamah,
disiasat macc, menyertai PR...sudah nyata UMNO sedang menghadapi cabaran paling hebat dalam sejarahnya. Untuk pemulihan, mungkin UMNO perlu dibedah dan segala ketumbuhan yang memudaratkan dibuang, hatta kalau perlu, UMNO terpaksa menggunakan jantung baru untuk terus hidup dan berdenyut. And that, will be addressed later...

Latest, UMNO Perak is in disarray, screams Malaysian Insider. When most of the MSM reported that Datuk Tajol Rosli will be reliquishing his post as the BN Chairman and UMNO head for Perak, UMNO state secretary refuted the claim. And that, by itself prove that something is wrong in the state.

It is clear now that PR coalition for Perak is gaining strength when the defection of Datuk Nasaruddin gives PR more breathing space in the state assembly. With one in the bag, there are rumours that 2 more Perak DUN will be joining PR soon. If that happens, it will be another major blow to the already weakened UMNO and BN.

Whilst riding on the recent crest of good fortune, Selangor PR announced report card road show for Selangor, giving the rakyat a chance to evaluate the performance of local authorities and PR state government, beginning in March 2009. When will BN held states going to have their road shows?

Before signing off, what does Hamid Albar is more interested in, right now?

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

Quran : Of Time, reminders and ...

Lately, there is a drive to read the Quran, which was traced to Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former PM of Malaysia. Maybe someone else originated the idea but whatever it is, it is a novel idea to read and understand the Quran as Muslims steadfastly believed that Quran is the scribe of Allah, the most beneficient and the most merciful.

As for this scribe, the surah Al Asr is close at heart when reading the Quran. It is a short 3 sentence verse but holds the key to the relationship between time and man. It goes ...

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1] By (the Token of) Time (through the Ages), [2] Verily Man is in loss, [3] Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

On a more personal experience, the surah reminds this scribe on the importance of time. In this relationship, this scribe indulge more time reading books especially those with extraterristrial nature as well as those related to the unexplanable and the unseen.. The books that came to mind right now are the books written by Erich Von Daniken, a Swiss whose best known books center on claims of extraterristrial influence on humans. His collection of books such as Chariots of the Gods, Return to the Stars, In search of Ancient Gods, The Return of The Gods and The Gods were Astronauts are amongst few of his books that make their way to the Malaysian shores.

However, none of his books can conclusively point out that extraterristrial influence humans from time immemorial thus the secret of the construction of pyramids, spinhx, the statues on Easter islands and the Mayan civilisation as well as the lost world of Atlantis remains a mystery waiting to be solved by human beings.

Dan rahsia-rahsia ini menunggu untuk dikupas dan merupakan peninggalan sejarah yang meningatkan kita kepada kebesaran yang maha Esa. Dan sesungguhnya manusia di beri peringatan masa untuk berpesan-pesan dengan kebenaran serta mendekatkan diri dengan yang maha Agung.

Sesungguhnya kesabaran akan membuka jalan dan ruang untuk mencari kebenaran. Namun, sebagai manusia yang kerdil disisiNya, kita tidak harus bermegah-megah dengan apa yang ada. Seharusnya, kita perlu menggunakan masa untuk ingat-memperingati diantara satu sama lain agar menghindarkan diri dari terjerumus dalam mainan dunia.

Akhir sekali, yang paling penting, sebagai manusia yang mempunyai "limited minds and intelligence", manusia hendaklah sentiasa pesan-berpesan agar dapat meningkatkan keimanan kepadaNya. Dan sebagai manusia yang kerdil, hindarkan dari menggunakan akal yang singkat untuk mentafsir Quran yang sesungguhnya merupakan gedung ilmu pemberian dari yang maha Esa.

It shall be made known to all and sundry that humans have limitations and thus shall not defy the Creator in things that are beyond our grasp. What the future held for us shall be based on what we sow today and as long as humans are constantly reminded on the truth, humans shall make good use of time which can never be rewinded or undone. This is what 3 sentence of Al Asr partially meant to this scribe and let it be known that this 3 sentences can be expanded further by those whose knowledge far exceeds this scribe because as long as there is breath and life, the quest for knowledge will be a never ending journey, hopefully to gain the blessings of the alMighty.

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

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CNY : Of Ox, celebration, ecllipse and ...

The picture of Najib , Ong Tee Keat, Koh Tsu Koon and Samy Vellu toasting yee sang for a prosperous new year may not be as rosy as it looks. Barely 24 hours before, on the eve of CNY, Datuk Nasarudin Hashim, the elected DUN for Bota Perak, quits BN to crossover to PKR sending shockwaves in UMNO circles of Perak.

Anwar Ibrahim claims Datuk Nasarudin's crossover is the beginning of the mass exodus of BN's elected reps to Pakatan Rakyat whilst Najib, on the other hand, boldly pronounced that there will be no more defection to Pakatan Rakyat. It seems that the year of the Ox starts favourably for Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat.

In restropect, on CNY eve, this scribe decided to lend a supporting hand to the anti-ISA candlelight vigil held at MBPJ's compounds. This, is in anticipation of the lower turnout due to the CNY annual dinner. On arrival, this scribe first noticed a few stalls selling the normal Pakatan Rakyat's tapes, CDs', stickers, books etc. On the steps were Zorro, Haris scores of other people with candles on their hands. There were also Ahli Muda Keadilan (AMK) members and the public linggering at the steps, where later this scribe noticed another function, Malam Prihatin Palestine (MPP), was also held at the same venue at almost the same time. Since MPP was SElangor State function, the police presence were more of accomodating to the function ie no FRUs' presence were detected. How wonderful it will be if this can scenery can spillover to the coming weeks, what say u oh son of the Lion of UMNO? After all, u have much to do housecleaning in ur own UMNO...

Before the golden Ox leaves its first day on the Chinese lunar year, it was also recorded that the partial eclippse of the sun occured around 4.30 pm in Peninsular Malaysia. Will BN going to be ecllipsed as well ? Recent records have shown that BN is backpedalling and has been reduced to a reactive political machine and has lost its glamour and weight in determining the country's future. Najib will be having a tough time from March onwards if he ever succeded Pak Lah...unless he can convincely shed his own baggage, beginning with his ongoing sleeping partner...

Having said that, the Police has warned the public in regards to A. Kugan's funeral. But then again, the Police have thus far failed to explain satisfactorily on his death whilst under Police custody. Even the politicians are drawn into this unexplainable and unnecessary death.

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

Pre-CNY : Of prayer, hope and...

Updated news :A blogger "Jebat must die" recently posted something about Tun Dr Siti Hasmah. Jebat say "YABhg. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah kini berada di London untuk menjalani pembedahan mata". The latest report indicated that Tun will be undergoing her operation this coming Friday. Let us all spare some time to offer prayer to Tun for a successful operation and speedy recovery.

On another matter, another well known blogger "Rocky bru" posted on crucial meeting to be held on Friday, 23rd Jan '09, now rescheduled to next Friday regarding LCCT East - labu. Let's hope that good and logical minds prevail in the meeting and the Government reverse its earlier decision of allowing Sime Darby/Air Asia to construct the LCCT East- Labu.

Numeruous postings regarding LCCT East - Labu indicated that people are not happy with the idea. Even the former PM commented on the proposal. The reasons are many, including the close proximity of runways, logistical problems, Traffic control, authority requirement etc etc. Malay mail reported on the issue amongst others here, here, and here

On the opposite camp, AirAsia launch its explanation via its own website. Further reasonings can be seen in AirAsia's CEO blog.

Let it be known to both MoF and EPU that their actions and stand will be closely monitored by the independent bloggers. Thus any decision made needs to be fully justifiable. The days of sweeping everything under the carpet is long gone.

On the other front, infighting on who will be the candidate for Pensiangan Parlimentary seat has begun with PBS firing the first salvo indicating PBRS president is not the automatic choice for the ruling party. Will there be more mudslinging after this? Pssst...a little bird whispered to this scribe on a possibility of another by election for DUN in one of the states in Peninular Malaysia. Is this pure rumour? Let's wait for March 2009...

Zorro wrote (Whilst in KT for the by-elections, Pak Lah did have an audience with the King, it was reported.)" which is quite normal, as AAB is the PM and he has to brief DYMM every week.

However, will this scenario happen ? Pak Lah resigns in March 2009, Najib seek audience with DYMM and DYMM indicated that DYMM is not in favour of Najb as the PM...what will happen? Snap poll ?

To all Chinese descendants : Gung Xi Fa Cai...

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

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P36 : Of settling dust, self assessment and...

The announcement for P 36 Kuala Terengganu parlimentary seat by election came at 9.15 pm on 17th January 2009. YB Wahid Endut was proclaimed the victor with a majority of 2,631 over his nearest rival, Datuk Wan Farid Wan Salleh of BN.

The day started with clear advantage to PAS when their supporters control most of the pondok panas. The mood is there and continue until 5.00 pm when the polling station closed.

The rest, as they say it, is history.

MSM and bloggers offer their analytical reasons for BN loss. Big Dog, self declared Ronin (pade doh), nut graph, malaysia today to mention a few. Even this scribe offers his unsolicited views regarding the losing candidate and BN's election machinery which was later posted by Ronin.

Regarding victory night Zorro wrote "Hey, NIGHTCALLER, it was great of you to come meet me on Victory Night and allowed me to hug you. It was sad you couldn't stay even for a cup of coffee. I know you wanted to render assistance to the 100 of your comrades that were arrested.

Good night, nightcaller, wherever you are."

It is my duty to help and assist those in need and I cannot stand looking my brethen randomly whipped by police sticks when a simple reminder by the Authority is sufficient to get the victory marchers to stop. And as I have numerously mentioned, I will remain apolitical in my views. But, it is nice to be acknowledge, once in a while...:)

Regardless of what is said and highlighted, the dust has settled and it is time to "muhasabah" (self assessment) of where we are and our destination.

On PR, this is not the time to gloat on the victory. Instead PR shall follow the tone of TG Nik Aziz who is gracious in his comments on PAS victory. A win in P36 is a wake up call for BN to wake up. The wake up calls of March 2008 and later in Permatang Pauh was put on snooze mood by BN and it is time for BN to come face to face with reality that they have lost the edge and advantage held for the past 50 years.

PR must realise that there are still differences that needs patching as future endevours will see PR facing the awakened BN. The one thing that PR should avoid is to mirror what BN has done. The poll volunteers should instead follow the PAS way with the highly regarded Pasukan Amal, which control the crowd. PR (especially PKR) should avoid confrontational approach adapted by Pemuda UMNO.

PR was lucky that TG Hadi Awang chose Wahid Endut over Mustaffa Ali and Wan Mutallib. If TG was to chose either Mustafa Ali or Wan Mutallib, the P36 by election may see a different result. This scribe will not delve into the why's since this is already a non-issue with Wahib Endut's victory.

However, PAS needs to look deeply into its own self and redefine its direction. Will PAS sacrifice its ambition to implement islamic laws in return with co-existence with both DAP and PKR? What will be the role of TG Nik Aziz, TG Hadi Awang, Nashruddin, Hussan Musa,Mohd Sabu, Mustaffa Ali and the Dewan Ulama in PR. History has not been kind to PAS Terengganu when they rule the state from 1999 to 2004. PAS still has 3 years to set the tone for 13th GE. PAS needs to go beyond the silo mentality and has vast potential in terms of their second and third echelon of leaders.

BN, on the other hand, shall need to do serious soul cleansing. Muhyiddin Yassin was partially correct when he says that UMNO needs to regain the "wow" factor. To do that, UMNO must first do a thorough house cleaning, ridding all the deadwoods and driftwoods come March 2009 UMNO General assembly. Those who are known to be corrupted (although not proven in court) shall make way for the others. UMNO leaders must ask themselves , are they ready to go for serious make overs?

UMNO must make way for young, idealistic members who wish to contribute to the party's strength. UMNO must ensure that those who are interested to contribute to the party shalll not be blocked from doing so. The tie for apple polishing, warlords, sponsorship is now over.

To stay relevant, UMNO needs rebranding. Excess baggage needs to make way for those who are clean. UMNO may need to rope in independent analyst and experts as well as man on the streets to itemise what is wrong with the present UMNO. UMNO has to discard it's "Kow tow to me, I am the boss" sydrome.

UMNO needs to go back to basics and re-doctrinetheir members that being an UMNO member is to serve the nation. And UMNO needs to remind themselves that all the hanger on that is crowding them now will be gone the moment UMNO lost its power. When that happens, UMNO may end being the barber...

If UMNO loves Islam and the nation, UMNO must change now...
This scribe rest his case and let the dust to settle.....

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

Of Santa, gentle and ...

Santa comes to P36 early this year. The nation's free newspaper, Sun reported of severe cold snap hitting across Thailand, Malaysia' northern neighbour and most probably Santa misreads his GPS and beached on cloudy Kuala Terengganu.

The 80's and 90's will see BN trumpeting on development where loads and loads of electrical poles will be lining the dusty roads for street lighting and instant new premix roads suddenly appear like mushrooms at the end of the rainy season. Guess who was the Santa Claus then? None other than former DPM and MP of Jasin, Melaka, the late Tun GB. He fits the bill with his simplistic approach of the 60's coupled with his pounching belly...

Now modernisation and IT has caught up with BN. Their new Santa has despatched and done with the red coat and pants, gone were his beard. Instead of riding with his trusted herd of reindeers, he now has executive jets at his disposal. Instead of bags of goodies sling over his broad shoulder, he now uses the click of the mouse. As Asia Sentinel said it "infrastructure works were distributed at random by having the contractor to come to the stage to click on a computer. Upon pressing the button, a contract would be awarded, details of which would instantly appear in a big screen in the hall. Thus the contractor would walk home with his “early christmas present” (a contract with a pre-determined price), with no questions asked whether he has been a good and obeying Contrctor for the past 1 year or not" Of course, the scribe has change some wordings to fit the Christmas theme. For the full news, pls click this.

Blogger Zorro goes a step further with his entry.

And the Santa is ...obviously...

And to show that Santa NTR really cares, he even hace sape some time off his packed campaign trail to attend tahlil for arwah Dato' Razali.


And yet politicians being politicians ask "where is Dato' Farid, the BN candidate during the tahlil?" The scribe is not commenting but rather soeculates that the BN candidate is not respecting his future boss, NTR and the BN candidate is not close to arwah Dato' Razali...

On the other side, blogger Sakmongkol ak47 says "Being pragmatic and businesslike people, the citizens of KT cannot decide on account of being unhappy" For the full posting, read here.

Now, enter Zaid Ibrahim, the former de Facto law minister. throwing his support to PAS candidate.

Is the scale tipping? Your gues is as good as mine.

Terengganu people are a gentle lot. They are simple minded but don't be fooled by their slow pace life. Behind the gentleness, lies deep rooted individual belief that many fail to notice.

Even in the 50's and 60's when Perikatan (before they expanded into BN) rules the country, Terengganu folks voted in Datuk Onn Jaafar, the grandfather of Hishamuddin Hussein as the MP of Kuala Terengganu in 1959. And who dare says that KT people are not receptive to outsiders??

What about Maria Hertogh? Remember her? No? What about her another name Natrah. The person who cause 3 days riot in Singapore from 11 to 13 December 1950. Well, she was raised in Kemaman, Terenganu. Now beleive me, to say Terengganu people are gentle and has that "tidak apa" attitude is wrong. They have strong conviction to whatever they stand for.

So saying that, the scribe wishes to both BN and PR thebest of luck in the coming 17th P36 by election. No matter who you work for, the bottomline is we are all Malaysians and we are all thriving to give our best to our homeland, Malaysia.

The scribe will be visiting KT soon and hopefully will be able to oenned in one or 2 more postings from ground zero. Whatever it is, the scribe will remain invisible to both BN and PR...(and maybe BR too) :)

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

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Of Labu, pumpkin, KLIA east and...

Sime Darby Bhd put forward to the Government two privatisation proposals i.e. to take over the National Heart Institute (IJN) and to proceed with constructing Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Labu.

And striking 1 out of 2 is a profitable 50 % to Sime Darby who was given the go ahead to proceed with the LCCT, Labu which Tony Fernadez affectionately call KLIA east.

Whilst all and sundry knows that Sime Darby Chairperson is Musa Hitam who coin the word "elegant silence" fame, the Government decision to allow Sime Darby to work together with Air Asia in developing KLIA east - Labu is definitely worth tracking.

Blogger Rocky Bru believes that this is part of "midnight regulations" carried out by Pak Lah to bulldoze projects to certain interested parties including Musa Hitam and Fernadez.

Now that Labu is in the limelight, Blogger Jebat must die correctly pointed out that there will be 4 international airports within the 50 km radius. In the end, we will be having international airports of KLIA, LCCT terminal, KLIA east - Labu and Batu Berendam, Melaka. Come to think about it, why was Ali Rustam quiet during the KLIA east commotion? Is it because of the impending UMNO elections that Ali Rustam feels taht by keeping quiet he may be in Pak Lah's and KJ's good books?

And in all possibility, SCOMI will be appointed as the Design and Build Contractor for KLIA east, thus satisfying Pak Lah, KJ, Musa Hitam and Toni Fernadez.

However, private funding for the construction of the 1.6B KLIA east is one thing, but to operate the new terminal is another thing. Who will fund the operating cost, the salary of the Customs and Immigration officers, their quarters, the air traffic controllers, the logistics support etc etc??

Or will it be the same as the many previous projects, construct and build and then pass all the operating cost to the Government which in turn plough into the rakyat's tax money??

Someone out there should be answering to all the probing questions and most of all, who will be responsible for the aircrafts safety with so many airports to choose with so few aircraft landing??

Further, is Sime Darby out to capture the land banks and capitalise of the possible property value?

Then, maybe and maybe, Pak Lah is making the decision in his sleep...for he might be confuse that Labu is a town and not the pumpkin, collected every October. And then again, Haloween strikes early in Malaysia for 2009...

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

Of unfair advantage, ceasefire and ...

The continuous Israeli onslaught on Gaza has Muslims and human rights activist to jointly denounce the despicable acts of Israel. With hundreds dead, there is still no positive action from the so called superpowers and the UN security council.

With one sided story from newspapers, it painted a picture that Israel is under attack Hamas. And yet the assam rockets purpotedly fired by Hamas freedom fighters did not inflict serious damages nor does it invoke fear amongst the Israelites.

With a full army with warplanes, tanks, warships encircling above the Gaza skies and cutting supply routes to Gaza residents, it seems that Israel is bent on seeing Gaza destroyed with maximum human casualties, regardless of what the International community is saying. This, Israel do knowing that big brother USA will be helping them and will find excuses to deflect the international condemnation. In fact, Israel is fully and wholly confident that USA will find ways and means to justify Israel acts.

To Israel and Bush led USA, Palestinian lives, regardless of their religion and political stand has no value and can be butchered at any time at will. There is no fear of war tribunal threats, no fear of repercussion
, no fear of economics sanctions or boycott.

Whilst the Gazans will be again relentlessly bombarded with bombs and artillery fires, the Superpowers will still find time to sleep comfortably on their beds. And Israel knows very well that USA will not act in this period since USA are working hard on the oath taking ceremony for their President elect. This, by itself will buy Israel another 7 days or so to ensure maximum carnage to Gaza.


Closer to home, Aman Malaysia co-ordinator, Mukhriz Mahathir has called for "ceasefire" between BN and PR on P 36 by election and instead utilise 24 hours to educate the voters on Israel atrocities. However, the timing of 15th January 2009 may not be ideal as that is just 24 hours prior to the P 36 election day.

Mentioning Mukhriz, it is quite surprising to notice that an earlier posting in Malaysian Insider regarding the "cease fire" with Mukhriz picture was taken off within such short period. Is it because of the "kopi janda" factor??

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



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Of simplicity, misconception, needs and...

Children make a quick getaway through a wall of BN and Umno flags after attending prayers yesterday at the mosque in Kampung Tok Gong Nasek, Kuala Terengganu. — Picture by Choo Choy May
The picture tells it all. The simplicity of Kuala Terengganu folks are easy to read. Despite the brouhaha of campaign workers and election fever, these kids just want to perform their responsibility to their One god ie to perform their weekly Jumaat prayers. However, the political animals just do not comprehend the needs of the simple headed Kuala Terengganu voters.

Children make a quick getaway through a wall of BN and Umno flags after attending prayers at the mosque in Kampung Tok Gong Nasek, Kuala Terengganu. — Picture by Choo Choy May.

This entrance will delve into the needs of simplicity versus the political conception of various political machineries of the contesting candidates to P36 - by election for Kuala Terengganu parliment seat.

The first and foremost issue is the selection of candidates. BN in its chase to regain lost glory of the past has make a fundamental mistake by selecting Wan Farid Wan Salleh as their choice of candidate. Being a former political secretary to the outgoing PM, Wan Farid has been deemed to be the proxy of PM and this, by itself is an unwanted baggage when the PM has been painted as a sleepyhead, out of touch with the daily needs of the masses. Further, being the younger brother of Wan Hisham, he carries an added baggage and difficulty to shake off the notion that they are in cahoots with one Patrick Badawi, skimming millions of dollars from the Wang Ehsan and later the oil royalty funds by running the Monsoon cup and building the now going to be forgotten Taman Tamaddun Islam. Further, his older brother's contest against the late Dato' Razali Ismail for the post of Vice chief KT UMNO division kills off the idea that UMNO appreciates what the late Dato' Razali has done to the KT constituents and Malaysia during his tenure as the Deputy Education Minister.

Malaysian Insider quoted Wan Farid as saying "It is not true to suggest in any way that Kuala Terengganu Umno had sidelined him (Dato' Razali). At the opening of the delegates' meeting I made it clear that it was a family contest," . Yes, it is a family contest, alright. The family contest to make the older brother wins the vice chief post.

And yet BN do not has the capability to choose other candidate as their option is next to zero. BN could not go for Mad Kerak, as the guy is not well educated. They could not gun for the Zubers' as one is an outdated and wasted lawyer whilst the other, although interested, does not carry the same aura as that of Dato' Razali. Thus, Najib and BN has to go for Wan Farid, even that is not their best option. Come to think about it, Why didn't BN parachute in one of the sons of Dato' Razali and hope that the legacy left by the late Dato' Razali can carry the son through the by election. Afterall, he is currently working in the PM's department (or somewhere close to Putrajaya).

PAS on the other hand has a deep pool of prospective people that can be candidates. T PAS is banking on the undisputed undefeated person in the form of Wahid Endut. Although the independent study indicated Dr Syed Azman, the Dr is already knee deep with responsibilty in PAS. Mustaffa Ali and Wan Mutallib, although capable, are right in making way for others to contest. Mustafa Ali should not feel slighted with PAS choice as he will definitely be needed in a bigger picture in Pakatan Rakyat with his vast experience. The same can be said with Wan Mutallib.

And what about the Kg China folks? The presence of MCA big guns as well as DAP supremo may not sway mush because their problem shall be the multi dialects. The chinese in Kg China feels more at home with thick Terengganu slang.

Although KT folks are simple in their approach, don't be fooled by their outside appearance. They talk in their own kopi tiams whilst playing checkers on the who, what, where, when and why's of KT happenings.

Never for once should anybody take for granted that miss to see the big houses adorning parts of Kuala Terengganu if the household income is not in tandem with the social status.

And the house shown is not the complete picture yet. See who is the owner of the house next door and also see who is the neighbour to this house. Maybe KT folks know better that 2 + 2 may not be necessarily equals to 4.

Rakyat Kuala Terengganu adalah lebih bijak kerana mereka memepunyai telahan sendiri tentang apa yang berlaku di sekeliling mereka. Dan apa yang tersirat mungkin membawa erti yang lebih mendalam dari apa yang tersurat....

Apakah kerajaan pusat berfikir rakyat KT dan Terengganu lupa tentang ketandusan pemimpin Terengganu yang dilantik untuk menerajui Kementerian di Putrajaya. Dengan kemenangan BN di Terengganu pada Mac 2008, BN masih lupa untuk membalas jasa dan pengorbanan rakyat Terengganu dalam menongkah arus tsunami dan masih memberi peluang dan ruang untuk PM kekal ditampuk pemerintahan.

Kerajaan pusat dan PR lupa bahwa rakyat Terengganu mempunyai pandangan yang lebih jauh dari yang lain apabila mereka sebulat hati memberi kepercayaan kepada PAS untuk memerintah Terengganu pada 1999 dulu. Rakyat Terengganu masih tidak lupa apabila pemimpin UMNO Terengganu bertemu muka dengan PM ketika itu sehingga wang royalti Terengganu telah diambil balik.


We have not indulge in the art of possiblity yet on who will be promoted to fill the quota in the cabinet. That will de done in due time...

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

Of blue, green and...

6th January 2009 was the nomination day for P36, Kuala Terengganu Parlimentary by election. The seat fell vacant with the death of the previous MP.

As expected, BN and PAS fielded their candidate for the by election. Unexpected, the AKIM (PAS splinter group) candidate did not submit his nomination papers and declare his support for PAS candidate whilst an unknown file in as an independent candidate.

The Election Officer, who is also the Mayor of Kuala Terengganu announce that the three are eligible to contest the by-election.

MSM estimated 10,000 strong BN supportes out of the estimated 25,000 supporters who turn up at the nomination centre, Simple arithmetics show that PAS (or rather the loosely knitted Pakatan Rakyat) has 15,000 supporters at the nomination centre.

There are images of the yawning Makcik UMNO during the nomination day and there are pictures of PR supporters with PAS headbands carrying DAP flag.

And the interesting part is the independent candidate happens to be the son of a close colleague of the late YB whilst the PAS candidate seconder is the brother in law of the former MP. And if this is not tasty enough, the BN candidate's brother defeated the late MP as the Deputy Divion head of Kuala Terengganu. Is something special brewing up here?

On the 3rd day, MSM reported the lack of enthuasism synonymous to the by election od , say Permatang Pauh or Ijok. Earlier, one blogger, a former political secretary noted the subdued mood of KT voters, which will play a crucial role in determining the 17th Jan 2009 outcome.

There are rumours circulating on the RM 500 handouts to the residents of Kg Cina to vote for certain political parties and there are also confirmed reports of Santa Claus in the form of Muhd Muhd Taib doing his rounds dishing promises to make good and upgrade old and dilipated houses in Kuala Terengganu. However, no one has come forward to file in police reports regarding this. Despite the huge police presence in Kuala Terengganu, with some coming from Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, it is uestionable and thought provoking then the police did not hear the rumours. Of course, unless the rumours are rumours with no concrete evidence that it is true.

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

Of 2008, 2009, local, international and...

Prior to this Dnightcaller ha sbeen lying low, because there are too much uncertainties and Dnighcaller is not too happy with the things going on and feels that it is best that Dnighcaller reserves his comments and his vision and analysis of what is happening....However, new year means new stance....

2008 has been a roller coaster year for Malaysia. It started with the former Health Minister scandal leading to his resignation from the cabinet. For that decision, salute to Dr Chua for his bravery to admit his mistakes and stand by his decision to quit his cabinet post. This is far cry from any other Ministers who may go all out to offer excuses and buy their way out from their own "social problems". And if one were to recall, one of them involves the now former Minister who cannot resist from grazing the waitress in his cigar smoking room, somewhere near Brickfields

March 2008 will be etched in the nation's history as the day where the rakyat turn their tables on the ruling BN. The aftermath of the election day shows that BN lost valuable states of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kelantan and lost the majority parliment seats for Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. On top of that BN failed to secure 2/3 majority in the parliment. Despite fiery rhetpric from Anwar Ibrahim, the coalition od opposition failed to wrest control of the Federal government when the opposition failed to convince the ruling BN parlimentarians to jump ship and swim together with the loosely formed Pakatan Rakyat.

With growing voices of discontent, Abdullah Badawi decided to quit his PM's post come March 2009 and his choice of succession is Najib Tun Razak, who is his current deputy.

2008 also see changes for the police of the world USA. Barrack Hussein Obama won the presidential election against McCain of the Republican party. The President elect will take his oath in January 2009.

Along the way, Israel starts attacking aza during the last days of 2008, where death tolls are rising by the days with no sight of Israel going to stop the genocide against the Palestinian people. And as usual, USA is dead silent in condemning the acts of its ally in the middle east.

As 2008, 2009 also start with a bang. This time involving a pay Tv station newscaster with 25 party revellers in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Although they are fortunate to escape from being charged of participating in immoral acts, they will be further investigated by narcotics department on the positivedrug test result conducted on them.

Whilst Kuala Terengganu will be the focal points for politicians with the upcoming by election of Kuala Terengganu parlimentarian seat. BN is banking on Senator Wan Farid, an ally of KJ and former political secretary of PM whilst PAS will be fielding Wahid Endut, a formiable foe who never lost in elections,

The nomination date is set on 6th January 2009 but both sides are now busy campaigning and there are talks of sponsoring out of town voters to return to KT to cast their votes.

2009 will be interesting to watch and looking forward to follow on the Altantunya murder case, will Najib be PM by March 2009, the new DPM, will Wan Farid triumps over Wahid Endut in KT, the saga of Yang diPertuan Negeri Sembilan, will Pakatan Rakyat coalition hold?, Fuel price coming down further ? etc etc.

2009 will also be a year where dnightcaller will put up more postings...

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