Perak : Of a goner, missing, going and ...

Until March 2009, politics will take center stage with the main actors coming from both BN and PR. And what is best is that Sunday seems to be the chosen day for actions galore.

25th Jan 2009 or whereabout, Datuk Nasirudin Hashim became the first BN elected representative who crossed over to PKR, lead by his former university mate Anwar Ibrahim.

What transpire soon after is mind boggling. Najib Abd Razak, the DPM, took over Perak UMNO and BN leadership and at the same time propose anti-hopping laws to curb defection. The proposal was well received by Lim Guan Eng, the CM of Penang cum DAP secretary General with a condition that the elected representative who party hops to re-contest the seat in a by-election if the proposed anti-party hopping law is implemented. This will give a chance for the electorates to choose who they want to represent them. The anti-hopping law is also readily accepted by Pairin Kitingan and Nik Aziz.

Fast forward, 1 week later, 2 elected representatives from PKR Perak went missing on the same day Datuk Nasarudin declare his intention to join PR. The 2 representatives were Behrang state assemblyman Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Mohd Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering). Coincidentally, the 2 were charged with corruption involving China dolls in Penang.

Perak UMNO calls it a gimmick, MB Perak says he will lodge a police report, AAB says they may defect to BN, which leave Perak in disarray.

This scribe's call? They were involved with excavation in Lenggong Perak, doing some archaeological works and be a part of the team which announced their discovery of stone tools they believe are more than 1.8 million years old and the earliest evidence of human ancestors in Southeast Asia. After all, Malaysians are observing CNY and both of them found some activity to unwind....and nobody can accuse them of visiting China dolls when all they met are skeletons and artifacts...

What say u? Believe it or not?...

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

Gaza : Palestine, Egypt, Fatah and ...

Malaysians, of all walks and life, has generously donated through NSTP RM 5 million to the Palestininans under the Humanitarian funds which was handed over to the Palestinian ambassador in Malaysia. For the event which was broadcasted live through Astro, the total donation collected for the night was RM 10.7 million and the event was graced by the preence of DYMM YDP Agong.

Apart from the Malaysian government initiative, Selangor state government will be donating RM 1.5 million in the form of food and medical supplies to those affected in Gaza. The people of Kelantan managed to collect RM 1.5 million on 21st January 2009.

Glancing through the news, it clearly shows that Malaysians care, and Malaysians are a caring society regardless of race and religous differences. However, what strikes this scribe more is the pertaining question - Will the donations arrive to the affected families in Gaza?

Berita Minggu, datelined 1st February 2009, screams "Fatah sekat bantuan ke Gaza" of loosely translated "Fatah blocks aid to Gaza" whilst Star carries the news "Egypt installing cameras, sensors at Gaza border". Why do these things happening? Are Gaza Palestinians less Palestinians that Fatah Palestinians? Are Palestinians less Arab than Egyptians?

It seems that the Arab world, especially Egypt is willing to abandon their Palestinian brothers. With the naval blockade, Gaza is unaccessible via sea route. Egypt is holding the key to access Gaza and if Egypt is installing the cameras and sensors at the Gaza borders with the aid of US, French and Germans, it will effectively block all forms of food, medical supplies transfers from Egypt to the Gaza strip.The news say "For the 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip, the tunnels have become a main source of goods, including fuel, since Israel tightened its embargo after Hamas seized control of Gaza from the forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007". What now, Hosni Mubarrak?

For Mahmoud Abbas, he should be thinking more of his Palestinians subject, instead of boxing in his narrow minded mind that Fatah is Palestine and Palestine is Fatah...

These 2 instances clearly demonstrate on Israel's influence over both Hosni Mubarak and Mahmoud Abbas. Are there any unwritten agreement related to the ceasefire for Gaza? Something that tied Hosni's hands or is it that Hosni has his own ulterior motive to potrays himself as the kingmaker for Palestine? Something to hold on to his own power, perhaps?

With all the donations pouring in, will Mahmoud pass on to Gaza or will be diverted to enrich Fatah or to rearm Fatah in their arms struggle agains their own brothers from Hamas?

Sunnguh menyedihkan apabila rentetan peristiwa yang dihadapi oleh penduduk Gaza tidak mendapat liputan meluas di media-media. Malah, apabila keadaan sebenar diceritakan oleh mereka yang pulang dari sana, terasa sayu dan hanya titisan air mata serta doa saja yang dapat dihulurkan apabila mengenangkan kesengsaraan mereka di Gaza. Palestin sudah menderita sejak 1948 dan dunia masih belum bersedia untuk mengambil tindakan terhadap Israel...

Maybe, just maybe, Malaysians ought to be informed on where the donations are spent. Afterall, there should be a transparent accountability on the money collected from Malaysians. That's the least Palestine authorities should do, if they want to be held in high esteem. They should be held accountable for whatever decisions, pertaining to Gaza strip.

All in all, it seems that the NGO's is more open in their support to Gaza, compared to the Palestinian authorities.

Prove me wrong...

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

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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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