Malaysians should not protest

The Star, Sept 30 2007:-

According to our esteemed Information Minister Malaysian lawyers should not protest against the government as they would look like they belong to the "opposition". It would seem that going by his logic all Malaysians should not protest as they would then be seen as favoring the opposition.

It seems that most of our politicians cannot comprehend that the Malaysian layman could not possibly be disenchanted with their policies and hence they should never have the notion of organizing or attending a protest. We must be seen to agree with all their policies and follow them blindly without question. Any dissatisfaction must go through the so called "proper channels". Anything else would seem to be from the hand of the so-called "Opposition".

Reminds me of the movie V for Vendetta. If you have watched the movie you will know this is scary, to say the least.

Read Zam's comments here

You can now appoint your own Judge in Malaysia

Singapore, 20 September 2007:- Anwar's video 'exposé'- Shows clip purportedly linking judge to 'appointment fixing'

THE integrity of Malaysia's judiciary has come under the spotlight once again after former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made public a video purportedly linking a senior judge to an "appointment fixing" scandal.

The eight-minute video clip purportedly showed prominent lawyer V K Lingam discussing the appointment of judges on his mobile phone.

Supposedly filmed in 2002, the video — posted on Youtube, Malaysiakini and Keadilan's websites — was cut down from over 14 minutes to "protect its source". Mr Anwar, Keadilan's de facto leader, also showed the video to the media at a press conference at his office in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

In the clip, Mr Lingam was heard telling the other person at the other end of the line: "No, don't worry Datuk … We want to make sure our friends are there for the sake of the Prime Minister and the sake of the country."

Other well-known names mentioned in the phone conversation included a business tycoon and several prominent judges.

Mr Anwar told reporters: "This video recording implicates the highest office of judiciary ... It is mentioned in the context of a conspiracy to influence the appointment of senior judges and pervert the cause of justice ... In view of this, we have reasons to believe that whatever had transpired in this exchange in 2002 had some bearing on the outcomes in a number of judicial proceedings, including mine."

Mr Anwar, who was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister in 1998, spent six years in jail after he was convicted of sodomy and corruption charges. The sodomy conviction was later overturned but the corruption verdict still stands.

Responding to queries from Today on his next move, Mr Anwar said Keadilan would file a special appeal with the Conference of Rulers, which comprises the country's sultans, to assume their "constitutional roles" and take appropriate action. He also said that his party would be lodging a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency and the Bar Council.

In a statement yesterday, the Bar Council asked for an official investigation to be made into the video. Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan said: "With the emergence of this video clip, the concerns expressed by various quarters in relation to the judiciary can no longer be swept aside."

Read the Report From ZeeNews, India

Suspend Malaysian CJ call from Aliran

Malaysia's AG says it is no big deal

I suppose since the AG says so this must be the norm in Malaysia?

Rampant Corruption in Abdullah's Government as Malaysia Celebrates its 50th

The Star 9th September 2007 Report on the Auditor General's Annual Report:-
Would you pay RM224 for a set of four screwdrivers?

Probably not, but that was what the Government paid to supply tools for students at the eight National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) around the country, according to the Auditor-General’s (AG) report.

The Star shopped around and found this set of Stanley screwdrivers. They cost RM32.80. For the RM224.94 set.
The AG said the screwdrivers had a market price of RM40 and according to pictures in the report, resembled the average Philips screwdrivers you could buy in any hardware shop.

And it does not stop there – the AG went a step further by examining the prices paid for 12 other tools and equipment bought for the IKBN project, comparing it with market prices when the procurement was done in late 2002.

Among these were technical books consisting 10 titles that had a price tag of RM10,700 and a 3.1 megapixel digital camera that was bought for RM8,254.



For the 13 items that the report highlighted, the Government paid RM8.39mil more than the market price at that time.

According to the report, consultants for the Youth and Sports Ministry had reached an estimated price tag of RM399.67mil for the equipment for the IKBN project which later ballooned to RM767.98mil after two appeals by the ministry for additional allocations.

“The ministry said more money was needed in anticipation of a bigger student population and that getting equipment from the same supplier meant prices would remain the same.

“But there was no proof that market research was done to identify the prices of the items and equipment because minutes for the negotiation meetings were not prepared,” the report said.

It said without the minutes, the auditing team was unable to find out if efforts were made to reduce prices.

The AG also said that the ministry’s secretary-general (KSU) had signed off 11 contracts worth between RM7.99mil and RM74.2mil that were related to the IKBN project, on behalf of the Government.

“The KSU only has the authority to sign contracts worth less than RM5mil. Anything larger should be signed by the minister or someone to whom the authority has been given.

“However, during the audit, no such letter giving the authority to the KSU presented itself,” the report said.

The report said there were also discrepancies such as one supplier being paid more than the other for exactly the same equipment.

One example the AG highlighted showed one supplier getting RM1.24mil more than the other for identical engineering equipment.

Well, after 50 years our government has indeed excelled in hiving off the people's hard-earned money year-after-year. And they still have the gall to ask us to vote for them! I can't believe that anyone cannot but feel utterly disgusted about Abdullah's government.

I suppose this is also "How companies benefit" from our budget year-after-year.

Losing faith in Dr Koh?

The Star (27 August 2007): Barisan Nasional component parties have forgotten that the coalition was set up to reduce politicking, encourage development and bring benefits to the people, Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said.

“Thirty-three years on, the component parties have forgotten this,” he said, adding that each party now only takes care of itself.

He was speaking at the annual state Gerakan delegates conference here yesterday.

Dr Lim said Gerakan should steer Barisan back to its original objective.

He also advised acting party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who was also present at the event, to move the Federal Government to quickly implement the state’s infrastructure projects such as the Second Penang Bridge, Penang Outer Ring Road and the Monorail.

“You have announced all these projects and if nothing happens for a long time, you will be blamed.

“Things must move for the people of Penang to have faith in you,” he said.

Have faith in him? Well Dr Lim is right in having doubts though!

Malaysia is neither this nor that

The Sun (Aug 27, 2007): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says the application of Islam Hadhari does not mean Malaysia is a theocratic country.

Abdullah said the government always paid attention and implemented what is best to preserve unity and the people's interest including ensuring each Malaysian is free to practise their religion.

"All quarters receive aid from the government, whether they are Mosques, Surau's, Temple or Churches. The country's development has been implemented fairly, without any ethnic community or religious community being oppressed," he said.

Abdullah said this was what was meant by his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, when he said that Malaysia was an Islamic country.

He reminded all that the Federal Constitution was formulated and undertaken in an understanding and cooperative manner by the three largest communities during their struggle to achieve independence and only contains articles which take into account the the needs of various communities to live in a peaceful manner.

In a written reply to Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), Abdullah reiterated that Malaysia is neither a secular nor a theocratic country.

"Malaysia is an Islamic country which is administered based on the principles of Islam and at the same time holds strong to the principles of Parliamentary democracy guided by the highest law of the land - The Federal Constitution," said Abdullah.

So one day we are an Islamic country, the next day we are not! I guess it depends on whom is speaking and what is the topic of the day! As for the official version... who knows?

Read the full article

Blogger Jeff Ooi Joins DAP

DAP 's rocket launching into cyberspace

DAP recently welcomed renowned Malaysian blogger Jeff Ooi into its fold

DAP is taking its campaign to cyberspace by launching an e-campaign – believing that the net-savvy community will be a force to reckon with in the next general election.

"DAP believes that properly channelled, the Internet community can shape the outcome of the general election, and even reach non-Internet users," said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

He said new party recruit and regular blogger Jeff Ooi had been appointed as the general election e-campaign director.

Check out his newly created webspace

Check out this highly entertaining campaign video for Jeff with compliments from Kenny Sia

Better Things In Store For Penang?

The Star, August 1 2007:-

THERE is little doubt that Penang is about to be transformed, thanks to the projects lined up under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) initiative.

But when the Prime Minister arrived for the launch of the NCER, a number of those present noted the somewhat “transformed look” about Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi himself.

Abdullah was sporting a pair of rimless glasses and was much slimmer.

And it was no illusion. Abdullah has shed 9kg over the last couple of months and looks fitter and more energetic.

Some attributed it to the homely influence of Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, who was a picture of understated elegance in her printed beige baju kurung featuring a mandarin collar and cream coloured shawl.

His aides say he has been keeping a healthy diet and exercising and planned to continue with his health regime.

But looks and transformation aside, there was definitely a sense of homecoming for the Prime Minister during the launch.

First, Penang is his home state. Second, the genesis of the NCER is said to have begun somewhere up in the air over Seberang Prai.

During the great flood of 2003, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had surveyed the flood-damaged area from a helicopter. He was very affected by the destruction and told people how water does not respect state boundaries. It is likely that the seed of the NCER was sown then.

There was also little doubt in the minds of many of those present that the Penang sector, especially, is as much a political project as an economic plan.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who speaks fluent Malay, amused many by the way he buttered up the Prime Minister in his speech. But most of all, they noted that parts of his speech could easily be used again during the general election.

This is the best thing to happen to Penang in decades and Koh was very upbeat, describing the projects as “a gift” from the Prime Minister.

Yes, Dr Koh, this is what you do best - buttering up the PM every time he visits Penang. Is there no shame in you? After 15 years at the helm you only have a bus service to show for! Maybe we will have to wait another 15 years for a taxi service now??

Dr Koh Willing To Quit

The Star, August 3 2007 :-

PENANG Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he would quit as Football Association of Penang (FAP) president if there was a better candidate to replace him.

He said he concurred with the opinions of several other mentris besar that they would quit their executive position in sports associations if they were asked to do so.

“I personally like football. It (the FAP) is for Penang and for the younger generation, so (that is why) we support it,” he said.

Dr Koh said that he was willing to give up the post to a person who was more qualified and capable of securing financial fundings for the association.

There are definitely many whom are more capable than Dr Koh if he is only willing to let others lead as well. Please don't think that you are the only capable person around in Penang, Dr Koh, as otherwise we are all doomed... just like what is happening in Penang now - which is so developed that today (in this 21st century on 1st August 2007) we actually have a bus service in Penang!

Penang Traffic Forced Sultan To Take A Walk

The Star - July 3, 2007:-

Kedah is sore with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) because of its oversight that forced Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah to walk 2km to the Batu Kawan Stadium for the FA Cup final on Saturday night.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahd-zir Khalid said FAM should have foreseen the anticipated massive jam and make the necessary ar-rangements for invited dignitaries to arrive at the destination without any hassle.

“We are deeply hurt because Tuanku, who was invited by FAM to give away prizes, had to walk such a long distance to the sta-dium,” he told a press conference yesterday.

About 20,000 vehicles were caught in a jam on the road leading to Batu Kawan Stadium as 50,000 people turned up to watch the match between Perlis and Ke-dah. The capacity for the stadium in South Seberang Prai is only 37,000. It took the Sultan 45 minutes to walk to the stadium.

Even the Regent of Perlis, Tuan-ku Syed Faizzudin Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, had to ride pillion on a police motorcycle.

Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had apologised to the Sultan of Kedah for having to leave his car and walk to the stadium.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah said many spectators left their cars on the road when they could not enter the stadium.

“Because of these cars, other vehicles were unable to move in or out,” he said after launching the upgraded railway gate near Bandar Tasek Mutiara yesterday.

Penang Traffic Management Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said the organisers should have made alternative transport arrangements as there were no public buses servicing the route.

Penang police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Koh Hong Sun visited the stadium at 4pm yesterday but he left without speaking to the press.

Is there no end to Penang's miserable traffic and transportation problems? This is not the first time massive jams have happened at this stadium but it is NOT surprising anyway looking at the replies given by our present state govt officials...

"May 13" available at a Penang book store

I got a copy of May 13 by Dr Kua Kia Soong from a "popular" bookstore in central Georgetown today. It is not displayed on the open shelves so you have to ask the counter for it.

My advise to you is to get it before it is officially banned!



Read a blogger's review

Half a year to ‘polish’ Penang

The Star, 6 June 2007 - Half a year to ‘polish’ Penang

PENANG: A six-month target has been set by Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman to return the island – once dubbed the Pearl of the Orient – to its original lustre.

Zainal, who was appointed to the post last month, said those who dubbed the island Darul Sampah would soon have to change their tune. He suggested Darul Indah or Darul Mutiara instead.

“Keeping the island clean will be my top priority.

“We want to brighten up areas frequented by tourists such as Gurney Drive, Macalister Road and Little India.

“We may also do more landscaping in areas that tourists pass to get to their destinations,” he told newsmen during a media tour to see how rubbish was collected from high-rise buildings, factories and private residences. "

Why ONLY 6 months? - Penang definitely needs more than 6 months to clean up!

VW rejects "Old Maid" Proton - Is the dowry too much?

The Star, 1 June 2007:
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has asked Proton Holdings Bhd to start talks with other carmakers on a partnership because Volkswagen AG is not interested.

“I have made the decision that since Volkswagen is not interested in the proposal that Proton wants in terms of the equity participation but they want cooperation in some other form, Proton can begin to talk to others,” the Prime Minister told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting last night.

Read more

Other news:
Proton posts RM591mil loss