Are we that stupid?

By Amdee Sidik

Following the last post, a friend asked, if I have finished saying it or writing of what I think about our Malaysian Information Minister –Zainuddin Maidin.

My reply, “surely not” it is not my idea to nail him, but it is just because of my concern about the image of Malaysians as a whole. Because of him, we all look stupid in the eyes of foreign countries. Yet we talk so much of achieving the wawasan 2020 to be a developed nation equating ourselves as those of superpower or partly because… we been to ISS? Yet, we keep on comparing our nation, by saying ours is better than Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam alike, see what I mean?

The portrayal of our cabinet minister, the so-called representing the government, indirectly represents Malaysians, and in many occasions was so pathetic and seen so amateurish as if the government is his Sdn Bhd and we people mutters are nutters.

However, to my amazement looking at one blog belongs to a politician, is exactly like what I have saying many times. A parrot belongs to Long John Silver –in Qatar, parrots are used to clean up the high raise buildings- of course this is beside the point.

What I am saying is the particular politician whose blog was supporting whole-heartedly what the Information Minister was saying. Bloggers in the internet are telling lies. Bloggers are tarnishing the government’s good image. Bloggers should be banned, so on and so forth.

Is this not too naive? I would want him to study, read more, try analyzing things with open mind, mix around more not just with yes man but also with no man-get the jest of it, you may find that you are not the cleverest man on earth after all.

You see if only there are venues out side (print media) that prepared to print what ordinary citizens feel and think surely blogging in the internet becomes less significant, but in our country, this is the only media. Much argument in the blogs is not only entertaining but also equally educational. In my case, I do not need politicians to filter for me what I should and should not read. Moreover, I believe very strongly Malaysians who surf in the internet as well as bloggers are good enough to make judgment for themselves. They surely are capable to make judgment whether New Strait Time, Rockets, Harakah and blaa... blaa are worth reading.

The quality of our Minister: I'm ashamed and you?

See Vedio Clip...A Minister!! at General Link

By Amdee Sidik

Of lately I have heard loud and clear, about the general impression of Malaysians towards our country's Minister of Information- Zainuddin Maidin.

His style of answering questions posed by Aljazeera- an international TV interview, downgraded him from a status of statesman to a mere ketua kampong or perhaps even less . (Watch the clip at U Tube).

A man who is known to have journalistic background, who I thought could provide young Malaysians a fine example, by portraying skill in language, tactful and skillful in answering political questions. However, found to be no superior.

'No standard lah-cakap lintang pukang!' some said.

I would also assume a journalist turned politician could be far able to handle his public image i.e., being exposed to media’s strategy and should be far at ease when facing questions off hand, less panicking, unless of course one is lying.

In another video clip Zainuddin was seeing pointing fingers to a local journalist behaving erratically, apparently upset and angry. He is obviously having difficulty in controlling his emotion.

With this quality, if he is my wakil rakyat, I would be looking for different person next time round.

I would rather choose a person, not the political party. A political party has no soul, the souls of political party are people, without good people inside there is no such thing as good political party.

What makes the interview looks bad was Aljazeeza is Muslim owned TV Channel, which is sensitive, and equally proud to propagating Islamic cause. Malaysia appeals to them, this Muslim country may have something to offer, and that is why it chooses to have its sub station in this country.

When the minister replied by saying Aljazeera knew nothing on the ground and gave bias reporting of the event organised by a group called BERSIH, Malaysian public is far from sympathetic to the minister, instead, some began to ask who voted this man to office? What kind of voters does his constituency has. Surely, the credibility and the quality of country's minister as this one is below our standard of expectation

Ah! You are privileged lot (?)

Wishing all

Jogging track

A view of restaurant buildings , middle picture, and a bridge cut crossing the lagoon

By Amdee Sidik

Today, if finished two rounds of the track, it would mean I have covered fourteen tracks in my seven days walking without breaking a single day. One round of the track is about two and a half kilometers, so in a day I did about five kilometers. Seven days means I have covered thirty-five kilometers. I said to myself that is not bad for a lazy person like me.

This is new aspiration and new way of looking after my body and mind. Someone says healthy body contributes to healthy mind. Let us see.

First, let me say about the place. In the past I have been changing places of jogging or I prefer calling it walking. However, I come back to the Tun Fuad Stephens Park; some called it simply Bukit Padang. About three kilometres from the bustling Kota Kinabalu city- a land mark say, from Centre Point. First, it is very close to where I live, and it is only logic not to drive far when petrol cost is rocketing and clamouring to be increased soon after country’s general election. It does not make sense to some people a country that produces petrol and gas. Look at our little neighbour Brunei!

Second, I think Tun Fuad Park is the most beautiful open space for keeping fit activities that one can find in the state; if not in the country (see some pictures I took with my little pda). The environment- trees (green) produce plenty of oxygen, the track is fairly clean, the track is not entirely flat which is good for legs muscles, the smell of trees and grass or even wild flowers makes oneself elsewhere not in Kota Kinabalu. In the middle is a lagoon, but the water is not to our liking, because in the middle is a putera and puteri-prince and princess- restaurants (one of the eateries center for the city) I do not like it. I would reserve this topic for my future write up.

However, today is my seventh day of walking; one young lady whose head wound up with wire plugged her ears with MP3 earpiece walking beside me and said:

“Hi! My name is Rebecca (not the real name), you do this everyday?”

“For the last seven days, yes” I said.

“I am looking for work, I am a trainer, you know, I was trained in London. I lived in London for five years a long period”

“Kalau you tau ada employer cari, saya professional dulu kerja hospital-you cakap English?” she repeated in Malay

“What sort people you are training, and what kind of training is that?” I replied. I am not sure if I sounded more like a KGB or CIA agent. She looked at me and asked if I am working in the state, as civil servant? CEO or Director of Government Department, or Public Agencies- or am I senior Government Officer from Kuala Lumpur?

None of those I said.

“Ahh… you retiree?” she said.

“Some sort, not too old but not very young either. I did not retire based on government retiring scheme. I retired myself”

“Have you been to University? What course did you do and where” she continued asking.

I find that a bit too personal for a professional asking kampong questions. Now this conversation disturbed my rhythm of walking. Initially I was about to select places to take photograph, rehearsing my pda, though I have it for about half a year but I have never got opportunity to use it.

“Are you Malay? You people have a lot opportunities, government helps you” she started again.

This is weird, how am I going to tell her who I am, and what do I think on issue like this. In normal circumstances, I have no difficulty, give me round table lay down the cards and I will lay mine. Let put the ticks later, count how many each has. Declare a winner!

I more or less understand the questions she asked, and I know roughly, why such questions are important to her not only that she must ask but she must also hear reasons.

To begin with my simple lecture that morning:

Yes lady I attended universities and obtained a few degrees. I am not smart and never was may be it was just by coincident. Yes, I got scholarship for my first undergraduate degree just like many other Bumiputra living in the jungle those days. I borrowed money for a couple postgraduates qualifications and on my own in another and another…Yes, I was in the country you mentioned…

About my race, in general, yes, I am Malay from Malay stock, but to be precise I am not. However, our state constitution says I am native. My ancestors must be from Murutic group according to my study-see The Mystic of Borneo-Kadayan, Published by Bookstand Publishing 2007, and Borneo Publisher (for Malaysian Edition) May be I am sharing ancestors with the Sultan of Brunei if you know what I mean.

Am I the privileged native? My answer, yes to a certain point just like many others. However, it was not so in another.

I have not been a CEO of any Government Agencies not now not before. I have been a senior legal officer, but not to the extent as you expected. I was not given silver plate let alone gold plate. You know why young lady? It is because I was as I am and am as I was. May be one day you will get to know me better. Excuse me; let me take a picture of this little butterfly.

My butterfly

A closer view of the restaurant buildings

My journalist friend

By Amde Sidik

Let talk about my journalists-friends who work for our mainstream printed media in the country. One particularity, they have one thing in common when they write. Their opinions are identical to each other.

Generally, they are friendly; they would enthusiastically participate in any discussion even if they do not agree. Say this in kedai kopi or warong mamak scenario. However, that the same topic that we agreed or disagreed upon at the kedai kopi may turn out to be completely the opposite when you read the papers they wrote the next day (I do not talk about Malaysia TV Channels)

So what can we make out of this? Why talking and doing is different in this context, is this a lesser kind of hypocrisy? I may say something like 80 percent of them behave this way.

The other 20 percent come from other non-affiliated government media, for example, the on line media-bloggers, and with some very small printed media. This group do not think the same way as mentioned above. They would dispute or disagree for any reason under the sun, but to certain extent, they do provide entertaining reasons.

This small group can also bemuse others in particular the blogs like Malaysia-Today, Malayskini and many more are getting ever popular among younger Malaysians. Because Malaysia does not have alternative media that could critically observe the administration of the country. Day and night we hear one-way traffic flow, I am sure even those in the government find it boring! Yet at the end of the day, many would just say…what to do? No better than saying good night.

Whilst, another very small fraction chose to be quiet for reason of cari makan thus would not like to disturb the hornets’ nests, especially on controversial subjects like politics, race, religion, and morality. Remember the infamous cases, Lina Joy and Morothy all to do with religion. Whilst an example of ultra sensitive subject is immorality issue-one can have many wives but no one can be gay, the case in hand was Datuk Anwar Ibrahim. No journalists from the mainstream media would want to give their views openly.

In politics, none other than corruption, and see how government agencies take charge, even the integrity of ACA is questioned. Next, the way our police force behaves, the latest judgement in High Court by Judge Datuk Mohd Hishamuddin Mohd Yunus with regard to ISA detainee (Abd Malek Hussin) awarded the victim for 2.6 million RM –mentioned in previous posting. Did any one notice how our newspapers downplayed this explosive news?

I would have thought the media (the journalists) should inform public even at least succinctly about the real world and about the events that are damaging to the country.

Journalists should play a role by reminding those need reminder. I do not see Malaysian columnists in the mainstream media doing it.

Far too many malpractices committed by the executives- the gatekeepers of the country.

Of course, we understand, journalists too are cari makan.

Sometime ago I was with one journalist friend who said to me, he does not really think that journalists these days have their own mind to tell the truth. For example, one simple token, a hand phone, given by honourable YB- a gift for covering a function of his ribbon cutting ceremony at his constituency would be enough to tie a knot between journalist and politician. Is this not a form of bribe?

I highly admired my friend’s view. I pray he would remain as he is, devoted to his work ethic, except, I guess, he would remain materially poor and even have fewer friends to invite him for dinner.

Feel Good Factor

By Amde Sidik

Of course, I am proud that my fellow citizen has made Malaysia a revelation to the rest of the world. A small third world country dying to be upgraded into a developed and industrialised nation by the year 2020. It means we are bypassing the second stage (the second world) status in good time. Wonder if this exists at all (?) It is no ordinary third world indeed. Malaysia has world’s astronaut now equivalent to first world’s achievement in space science (i.e., if you want to call it that way). However, this does not mean we cannot be critical to what our government is doing. If the country can produce astronaut, it can also produce other disciplines. All have the same right to contribute even if it means criticizing the masters. We need serious critical analysis by critical mind. Most importantly, we do not have to be UMNO members! So is to be patriotic.

Many cynics feel our achievement in space is still a bit superficial. It is only wise to evaluate once the dust has settled rather than rushing to send another one. We had this feeling before, among them were, we launched Proton car, we launched grandiose KLI Airport, we launched Petronas Twin Towers, and so too we launched Bakun project (I need not talk about them here). The truth is we are still floating in the mid air. This is why I am sceptical about this ‘feel good factor’. The nett affect is later. Say for example, how competitive we are in motor cars industry. Assuming had we the idea at that time of the current economic situation, would we still want to embark in motor cars industry? Alternatively, may be it is cheaper and more cost effective to do just like what some countries are doing, assembling foreign cars. No Lah! We want name, Malaysia Boleh!

This artificial, ‘Feel good factor’ can never be permanent and can never be as good as real. I mean real good is actual not made out or play act.

What is it I am hinting at here?

Well, I look at it this way; the whole nation has been glamorising the so called the success of nation's angkasawan mission. Hard to ignore when the whole government machineries are up beat. Do not blame the enthusiasm no matter how temporary it is.

My questioning (I am not alone) is not just for the sake of questioning. I am sure scientists are familiar with asking question (the art of finding out). Asking question is one of the ways of seeking knowledge. Sometimes it takes hell long time to get the answer, sometimes one gets wrong answers and some times one never gets the answer at all. That is normal.

Is it worthwhile spending that colossal amount of money going to space at this point of time? I am talking about weighing up the costs and benefits against the background of our country's economic outlook, because at the end of the day, whether we like it or not, we still have to see our balance sheet. For example, the country's petrol and gas productivity are running thin, a mere ten years or less to go. That is not the only sector, many more are not as rosy as what we would like to imagine. Foreign Direct Investment is reducing in numbers because elsewhere is more economically conducive.

Some snippets as to why this angkasawan project materialised at this time. First, it was by product of trade off between Malaysia and Russia. Malaysian government is buying fighter jets and other related hard wares, colossal amount $3.4 billion. Why do we need fighter jets for? I would not have enough space to elaborate here, and my answers could be different from many of you depending on accessibility to the sources.

Ah! Some may say, poor person like me would never agree to anything! That is exactly what I have said at the beginning, the fact is to come up with this argument I still have to spend time and energy to do sort of research, otherwise my reason would be of no different than the mainstream media.

Let digest a bit, I question the merit of the project, if it jeopardises the welfare of our people. I short; decision makers-political leaders must be responsible to their voters for their action or inaction. We cannot be continuously indoctrinated with the feel good all the time.
This mammoth project financed by people via various means including taxes, levies and other deductibles. Surely, people want to know whether their contributions to the country are justifiably utilised for public good. On other hand, there is talk about, and about everywhere that some small privileged groups earned commission via shoddy if not shrewdly dealings. Connected to it was even involving murder whose trail is still in the hand of the court of justice. Viewing it this way, and coupled with rhetoric, some of us are less keen to join the chorus. I would not blame Dr Muszaphar and others; I congratulate them for being as they are, they are lucky happened to be at the doorway at the right time and at the right place.

Justice begins in the Court of Justice

If we cannot find it there, justice can never be found.

By Amde Sidik

"When I am asked what I thought, my usual reply is that I wouldn't like to be tried by today's judges, especially if I am innocent." Tun Suffian, 2000

This is a landmark decision by the judge Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus from the High Court of Law of Malaysia. He awarded Abdul Malek Hussin RM2.5 million for damages he suffered when he was detained under Malaysian ISA law where according to the judge police took free ride on him and took away his liberty (my interpretations).

It has been a very long time since we hear a decision of this kind. All too often government takes it all by whatever devious means if necessary, for example, amending charges fancifully or faking evidence unethically, bringing mattress as evidence where and when there is no logic for probing it as anybody can use it. Still the presiding judge was far from questioning the relevancy.

Rais Yatim a lawyer now Minister or Art and Culture during his saint as opposition member wrote Freedom Under Executive Power in Malaysia. His critiques I greatly shared with. Analysing on what and where executives have gone wrong, now his book is a mere collection. Why? Because he himself does not believe what he wrote. A camouflaged Semangat 46 man soon became a team member of the executive all his ideas reduce to ashes. What a statesmanship we have! The rest of YBs-lawyers, I do not hear many except, Zahid Ibrahim, read In Good Faith lately? However, I feel Zahid political carrier would not go far, as square peg usually would not fit round hole, unless he turns another Rais Yatim.

So, what is next? I am sure AG is preparing to appeal to challenge this High Court decision. On the other hand and there are many Tan Sris wanted to be called Tun or Datuk to be called Tan Sri. As per Lingam and CJ fixing scandal. We are no short of expectations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was with a few friends recently on our usual rendezvous supposed to be at kedai kopitian but upgraded to Coffee bean. I did not choose I could always come back to my kopitiam shop. But, you see, if I in insist on my own way I would not be able to see the other side of midnight. Mind you, they are politicians from the ruling political party. But as to why they kept talking and seeing me, I just cannot figure out, a mysterious game plan. Honestly, I have nothing valuable to offer.

I see it like this: they said being a member of political party … it really is rigid. One can only see but not allowed to say, and cannot say, if one does that, one is breaking the tradition and penalty awaits you. Just like saying, one is free to vote only in as far you vote the one they asked you to. Those reluctant or seen reluctant would be given some angpau ready bundled for general elections

Therefore, my friends have the idea. A person like me is outside of political cage. I can say anything to help broadcasting their ideas whatever subjects. Why? because they are lot of dissatisfaction over how the assets of the state is run, over the way the wealth of the state is distributed, over the policies are formulated and so forth and so on.

Surely, unless I agree, I would loss my independence if I have to be tied up with my friends’ ideas.

The bottom line is, on my part I would not mind being in the team, after all they are my friends. I can still say the way I want to say while discussing, trashing and analysing issues and subjects that are of interest me, and beneficial for community, except I am not keen to be associated with someone who thinks he is genius yet whose brain no better than the parrot in the hand of Long John Silver.

Selamat Hari Raya Idil Fitri-2007- Syawal, Hijrah 1428

By Amde Sidik

I have been away. Thus nothing came out during Hari Raya eve in this blog (pix of mosque in Semporna-on the left, where I performed my Idil Fitri prayer this year, 2007).

I wanted to post my Hari Raya massage while I was still on the shore of the east coast of Sabah. It is still possible using little pda, but it became impossible when I could not get access to a free fire wire, there are not many around yet in this area.

I wish everyone Happy Raya. For those interested in meeting friends or making new friends this is the fortune time.If you counter rejection by Muslim friends during your visit let me know...that is, if are not Muslim.If you are Muslim, a few friends and I would have a fair idea how to make them tremble.

I have not been sticking with the kampong ritual for the last seven years or so, meaning, I did not celebrate the first week of Raya in my kampong instead I have always been elsewhere. I only visit my mother around or even after second week of Syawal.

Some, may be wondering as to why? My reason though thoughtless it may sound. I always look for something different, in this context I would be meeting new friends –new people. Sometimes I could be a complete stranger especially if I am in overseas- myself alone in the middle of the crowd (I feel). That does not worry me or let alone depress me. Not at all. Whilst in Malaysia it is not really a problem no matter how isolated the place is, during Hari Raya, no sooner after the salam (Raya Prayer) I would bump into someone I know or some who knows me, so far.

We had a little ceremony on the first Hari Raya Day in Semporna- a little talk on Hari Raya at the resident of one, prominent community leader.

I presented them with a copy of I Beg To Differ and The Mystic of Borneo-Kadayan, I wrote the later specifically to partially entertain readers. This book has been making me busier compare with my earlier two books. A few bookings have been made for me to appear to talk.

I have been invited to see life on boat somewhere on the sea in my next visit with assurance, that is, after they saw me raising my eye brows that I would be protected by them.Volatile area here if you know what I mean...

Perhaps I shall talk later on this subject.

Books presentation

Technology vs. Santubung

By Amde Sidik

How many of us these days are over relying on technology? The answer is very many indeed. Think about little beast- a mobile phone, just imagine what do you feel if all of a sudden, at the time you need it most it turns out dark! Battery runs out. Or on the other hand, say you have forgotten your mobile phone in a car or on the dinning table at home and you are now about 100 kilometers away. It isn’t a nice feeling, is it?

I was in Santubung with my family-my wife and my 10-year-old boy recently (August, 2007). The journey wasn’t really planned but somewhat to make up the the last school holidays we missed or perhaps the abrupt decision has the bearing on my son’s influencing us upon listening to the advertisement over the Dot FM radio. The djs often saying or were they insinuating the listeners: why going to Paris, London, or New York, when we have Santubung, Kinabalu-Kundasang or Sipadan, Langkawi, Port Dickson alike!

Off we went to Santubung Sarawak about 40 kilometers from Kuching City.

As always, we were equipped with gadgets: mobile phones, MP3, pda (personal digital assistant) and the most important one as family tradition is camera. Three people means three cameras, no sharing. Loaded with at least with, a one-gigabyte SD memory cards each-I don't means to be pompous or indicating I have special knowledge on this stuff. No, but it is just something I would like to keep up with while still kicking.These gadgets may provide little spark while on the journey and back home.

I have a new camera –not that new, but I called it new is because I seldom used it as I have another Ixus 750 with 7.5 mega pixels. This one is 10 mega pixels.

I have not spent time studying this one- this is where I had problem. You can say, that new does not mean better or productive in my case. I forgot the manual and now relying on what I know from the older camera. Click! Click! Click! That is what you do, isn’t it?

With the new camera I took hoooo…many dozens snaps! Anything unusual in my eyes. Sometimes I talked and asked questions to people- what's that, what's this, how why and when sort of. Some respondents are friendly some are less so. No, I am not a reporter, but without answering those questions mentioned, one has no way of knowing what one wants to know from what one sees. The moment I have time I would enter the details into my little pda.

One more thing I do not trust camera that attached to mobile phone even with three mega pixels I would prefer it separate, that camera is camera and mobile phone is mobile phone. Why? In my experience it never work as good as separate hardware.

I stored enough pictures to select from and with the aid of pda, my work is handy, I have enough time to relax, sleep or do nothing. That what the technology can do. It makes us happy, or it makes lazy at the sometime.

While waiting for boarding in I was then happily playing with my toy- the camera. Without really using my brain as I didn’t really need to, and forgot about logic plays important role in technology-press-press-press. I had in fact pressed the wrong button the whole pictures, that many dozens taken-zeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrp gone! Screen turned whitish! Bloody hell! I said. Wow! That's very English said my son sitting at the other end of the bench.

Back at home, trying to tidy up the contents of my little pda, using usb connector to my notebook, appeared: yes or no, trash or save. Wrongly and hurriedly clicked- trashed! All has gone whitish again, like what I did with my camera. What has happened? I can’t really tell, no matter how many times I pray in a day thing like this can still occur. What I was left with was one little picture of mount Santubung, see on the top!^ No, we in Sabah don’t call it gunung Santubung but bukit Santubung. It is not qualified to be called mountain-Picture on the top, a legendary Gunung Santubung of Sarawak

Thank you Nancy for Ice Kacang (Hajjh Nancy Shukri, my old friend- on my right) Political Secretary to Sarawak's CM-
pix by Ameerul

Clean up the mess!

Scene- lawyers marching in protest, demanding the government for a Royal Commission of
Inquiry be formed caused by the Lingam & CJ Fixing Scandal. (Malaysiakini .com pix)

Ya...don't worry it can be fixed!

By Amdee Sidik

This is very funny! Many mad people now at high places, including lawyers and judges. One extraordinarily mad lawyer, a close friend of those who hold the highest office on earth being in the limelight recently-the CJ -Chief Justice and Lingam , I call it CJ Lingam debacle.

One Minister in the PM office said that the video clip released by Anwar Ibrahim recently was Lingam talking to himself and no one at the other end. Weird!

Two possible reasons, one, Lingam was having problem, you know what I mean… two, he was rehearsing for a play that was why he was talking alone.

Is the Minister saying that Lingam was play acting talking to himself? If not, surely Lingam is not normal person. If yes, Lingam would escape any penalty though; insanity has always been a good defence in any offences. So also our AG said, it isn’t a criminal offence, in so far as his doing not inflicted to others- talking to himself. I have already mentioned in the later posting, how AG became AG in Malaysia.

Wonder how fast is this investigation proving the authenticity of the video clip. Many already have formulated answer or answers in their mind, which the likely reply from authority would be: the video clip isn’t authentic but was doctored or made by another lunatic, may be a close friend of Osama bin Laden!

Big Name now...CHE NELLE

Hi Che Nelle, I am calling from Kota Kinabalu.

Just to let you know some Sabahans are madly in love with you, with you- I mean with your song

I Fell in love with the DJ!? You hear me.

Though you are no longer in Putatan but many still take pride and proud of you! They still call you the product of Sabah. One thing I m sure though, you can't possibly do this kind of video clips in Putatan.Congratulation by the way!

A friend of your mum and dad asked me to put this webpage of yours in my blog. I have no problem. I love your song too.

Cheerio!

See che nelle on top right column

Anything can be fixed! CJ & Lingam

By Amdee Sidik

"I don’t trust you people any more!" This is the most common remark from common Malaysians these days. I wouldn’t blame them. Lingam the lawyer and the CJ fixing Malaysian senior judges and nation’s awards are explosive issues, hard to ignore- whether it is going to be only little truth or half truth. It doesn’t matter.

By the way –those people involved are avaricious, unethical, corrupt, unprincipled professionals and surely hypocrites. Yet, they usually live longer, hold big position and stay in job longer too. Two characters are common. First they pretend to be innocent and some even look religious, the second, good at ampuing.

It’s incredible! This is Malaysia Boleh inspiration

What else can we add? Over the years corruption is hellish in the country. Corruption is ever flourishing in every sector.

I wouldn’t buy the idea of voting BN next election for sure.Please folks join me.

The Malaysia Attorney General says it isn’t a criminal offence… to be proven on the CJ and Lingam! Of course those who hold position by fixture wouldn’t mind it. I wonder what criminal offence was committed by Tun Salleh Abbas the other day when he was sacked. We actually know some of those powerful persons up there by fixture.

But this latest saga is injuring and destroying citizens’ confidence the most.

We know there was and is fixing in civil service and public sectors alike, ever since memorial days-it’s very common. Another grand culture.

We have a very high hope at the beginning of this current leadership, almost all were out in support because we want change, we had enough experience during Mahathir's era, the feel good and the feel bad has been evaluated. So Abdullah Badawi is the time to improvise, forget the past, look for the future, and implant solid foundation for dynamic Malaysians. But, no, we are mistaken, in Abdullah’s era is worst to come. Today we hear politicians are saying if we don’t like seeing what we see we can leave Malaysia! I don’t really hear Malaysia citizens saying they don’t like Malaysia, what I do hear is some don’t like some of the current Malaysians leaders. So do I

we agree...to disagree

Heading for trouble?

By Amde Sidiki

Of lately many mould hills turn mountains, unnecessarily to be in national limelight but the events did.

We are now bugged. Beg with more questions than answers. For examples, some time ago was big flood in Johore, PM wasn’t with the affected flood victims, instead he went to Australia to officiate his brother’s restaurant-now the restaurant has already closed down in less than a year.

A few weeks it was an incident at Batu Buruk in Trengganu, where police were using life bullets to disperse the gathering, a very rare incident in our country, very dangerous indeed. The government politicians said it was instigated by members of opposition political parties. Weeks turned months the government has not come up with any proof!

Later of the week there was pig farm problem in Malacca turned to be emotional issue and could lead to unnecessarily ugly racial tension. And the most recent is a case of confiscating student’s laptop, hand phone and MP3 by university security officers at University Putra Malaysia.

What I find remarkably silly was the way the University Putra solved the issue when the VC came up with a statement siding his security officer/s, his students are at fault long before any investigation carried out. Where is natural justice? It would, at least seen fair should the VC said that he is on the way to investigate, let blame the blameable once the result is found, rather than giving instantaneous answer blaming the weaker party-students.

Of course I am not on the field to witness the scene in any of those, but reading them from various angles considering left and right as much as trying to be objective, in my opinion, this is manifestation of weak and lame duck leadership. Some even say the country is managed by auto pilot. I am not saying our leaders have no power they the highest power on earth. But such power is used in other areas not in trying to harmonise the people, not doing in the manner expected by majority. If I say, our leaders are not dedicated to look after the welfare of the people, I am probably wrong in their eyes. Perhaps to put it mildly, they, the leaders have different priorities. Their priorities surely them first, otherwise one of them would come up with opinion. No, they all have the same opinion these days. In most account even if they must die by hook or by crook they would stead fast, wrongly or rightly with tight lips to hold on to their power. In this wanting to maintain power they become corrupt, absolute power corrupt absolutely.

Rioting!

By Jins Buragas

Let see from other perspective of the event that happened recently in Terengganu (Saturday, 8 September 2007) as reported by our mainstream media.

The opposition political parties’ members rioted. A few detained. A few injured. Police came in and FRU came in.

Blamed no one else but opposition parties’ members and their supporters.

They rioted because they wanted to hear their political leaders talk. But the talk couldn’t be heard because it didn’t take place. The authority didn’t allow it.

They (authorities) didn’t issue the permit. If there is no permit to talk in public for public, talk is disallowed. If one persists, one is breaking the law. Acting or doing a tiniest fault could be construed as illegal, petty offences can be made out to become criminal offences. It doesn’t sound real. But it had happened. One can be framed in so many ways.

Why doesn’t the authority issue permit? Because they are opposition to the government- opposition is not worth a dime in Malaysia politics, see how many awarded Datuks from opposition politicians, and compare this with United Kingdom.

But opposition political parties or supporters do pay and contribute to the well being of the nation. They are all paying taxes, rates, permits, licenses, road taxes all sort of levies, name it. No different from ruling political parties supporters.

Anything from opposition must mean against the government. It’s simply the enemy of the government-who is the government by the way?I would say, the people surely are.

But the ever puzzling statement as always all riot starts by members of opposition political parties. The impression we got is people from opposition are bunch of lunatic, mad, warmongers, idiot and riot enticers- which simply means, less human than people who are supporting the Government. But why do the opposition political party members want riot? I failed to see the logic of the argument.

Let test! Let the opposition members have parade on their own, talk, kenduri and whatever. See if they create trouble as claimed by the authority. Why do police, FRU, Government officers, political leaders alike have to be there watching the lunatic, its wasting public money-my money too used to watching these lunatic?

We are living in the authoritarian era, no doubt about it. Don’t feel strange or bad about reading history on authoritarianism, barbarism, apartheidsnism, nepotism and corruptionism.We experienced in some forms or the other already.

So word democracy is a fanciful word indeed, of course others practice much worst than us like some countries in Africa, and there are those less authoritarian than us, like Western developed countries. But our leaders don’t normally compare our country like with like, instead, they prone to say, as in one RTM talk show a few months ago that Malaysia media has far greater freedom than those in Burma, Vietnam, Laos or Singapore alike. What is this?

Nowadays after 50 years of brain bashing by our greedy and meekly leaders any sensible thinking person finds it difficult to swallow the whole truth.

Wish You All -Selamat Berpuasa

Fasting month begins today
13 September 2007

To all blog readers and everyone else on or in or outside the internet, Selamat Berpuasa.

For those want to hear Quranic recitation with English translation click Quran Explorer top right-ASJournal

True or not true?

By AS

Political gossip is not something you can avoid hearing these days.

I don’t really know why on this particular Saturday night, I received several sms. The senders wanted to confirm with me if I knew that this particular rumour is true. By the way, what is rumour? It is an unverified statement or assertion. Once it is true it is no longer rumour- let you know the contents in a minute, but, the second part of the query, they wanted to know my view. Crazy.

Come to think about the second one, who am I? I just don’t think my view is of any merit. But somehow I thank these people who somehow have high regard of my view or on me, as I am. They were not kidding they were all serious people, even if I say I don’t know anything, they take it that I ought to have inkling on the subject.

Well, I am not used to manufacturing rumours and gossip for this blog, so if this rumour is rumour then I have to let you think of the rational why such rumour was created in this manner.

These people were saying that Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat –TSC is joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat, in short Keadilan or PKR-an opposition political party, isn't it? To some of us this is news, while to another its pure rumour. If you ask me whether it is true or false one has to ask TSC. At this stage, if the answer is given by someone else other than him- TSC, we come back to square one. Rumour.

But today- Sunday, I was accompanying my wife looking for young durian and rambutan trees at Gaya Street. As soon as I managed to park my car, and from a distant, I saw a familiar face-Datuk (…) I couldn’t avoid but to say good morning and salam. It was just last night- the fateful Saturday night, one sms telling me that this Datuk was to contact me for verification. But I didn’t take it seriously.

This Datuk said to me, if there is one politician to have any weight, and has political gut at the moment, it is TSC. If he moves we would likely to see a good repeat as was during USNO, BERJAYA and PBS. In other words, 'people' leave the party to another party-to sum up; we already have three sinking ships in the making, he said.

So I asked how sure he was. Well he said “I have been with him for nearly two hours last night” meaning he was with TSC.

My meeting and talking with this Datuk on this Gaya Street tamu was true, but whether Datuk I met at Gaya Street knew what is in TSC's mind is another or what he told me was his pure opinion. Thus I would say, it is still better to ask Tan Sri CKK.

A Thought

By AS

I am of a semi nocturnal person my sleeping time is between 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock in the morning. I must be up by 7 in the morning, no reason; it’s just natural over the years. If one asks what do I do? Haa…tell you later. Some of my friends said I must be sick or may be going to be sick for having not enough sleep. Well let put this sleeping thing aside for a while.

Today a friend sent me a sms (...) it was, actually he called me earlier, didn’t get the answer, because today I didn’t do my daily ritual. Instead I took my shower first before turning on my notebook then my hand phones that caused time delay, whilst in any other days showers would come only later.

The sms wasn’t a usual one. It was indeed sad news, our friend’s wife just passed away. Condolence and with our deepest sympathy to him and the rest of the family. I hurried to the Masjid Bandaraya-where the prayer was going to be held. There I met a few familiar faces of old friends who studied together at ITM –Institute Technology MARA was then called. We seldom meet. But now we are seeing each other again, to some extent a bit nostalgic seeing at one time familiar faces. Nearly all if not all are with silver hairs, a few with very little hairs but in the mosque all are wearing songkok or caps hairs therefore are not in the limelight.

Being with old friends put me like I was in a different planet for a while. A sudden impulse telling me that it is just impossible to see each other very often. Each of us agree-going away forever is inevitable to every one. My concern is whilst we are still breathing what the better way to spend in order not to loss the friendship.

Three years spent at college seems like ages. The feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood was bonded. It remains longer both in hearts in mind because to many of us it was one of the earliest experiences. Some say like falling in love at the first sight remains longer then any other love.

Now, because it was at the sad moment and also at a holy place-the mosque, surely citizens like us wouldn't find it difficult to behave. Religious talk therefore takes prominence.

The issue I want say is, since most of these friends are professional people, I called it a cream of local intellectual in the state. I would think there are still plenty of things that this group of people can contribute and utilise anything left to the fullest-not to be misled this is different group living in different time-contrary to the earlier ones. Some of these people are left out by designed purposely-if you don't see them driving government Mercedes by those who have different agenda. Some managed to meander around got what they aimed for, some didn't bother to play politic and some got sick till the dying day. One thing I am sure, no body is going to say sorry!

My suggestion is those of us who are of the same wavelength so to speak, should be able throw support to those in need of support, make our young realise that they need guidance and the country needs it. Why ? The need now is greater than ever..., as I see it. In other words, we should contribute in any field where we think we are good at but do not hope for any return-no space to spell out the details here, but I am sure some of you would catch what I meant.

Happy Merdeka Day

The Taste of Merdeka

By Milo

We have done 44 years the taste of Malaysia Merdeka. That is what in as far as we know the duration to this minute. Any one likes changing the fact to his or her fancy is only lying to himself or herself.

We are thankful to Almighty and thankful to everyone of us. Without the us Malaysians, we wouldn’t be as we are.

We want to continue progressing. But we must also not stop pondering and evaluating our achievements. The extent. What made our proudest moment in this country and what caused the saddest moment if any. Are we sharing with many. What are those we are sharing, and who are we sharing with, everybody or only with selfish and greedy few?

More to it, just look back a moment, the most recent, how fast have we moved in the last five years. What are the things that move fast or slow or are there things never move or are there things reverting to the olden days.

I don’t want to see and I don't want to do things that make life more difficult when it supposed to be made easier.

As I sip my first taste of Nescafe the sign of growing up, I would say, and as long as my dad says OK, I have full confident that things are going right especially in a special day today-Malaysia Day. I can now start thinking what else Merdeka holds. My tasting of Nescafe today is because my mother only allows me to drink Milo ever since I knew how to hold a cup. I don't really know why, may be because Milo is made from Malaysian cocoa. But I am growing up mum...

By B.C. Somoja

A friend of mine saw a sign board when she was in Korea recently. Her friend a native speaker of English language finds it hilarious while others don’t.

“These bloody foreigners are butchering my language” lamented Peter Smith.

She couldn't figure out what exactly is the last line meant?

Can anyone make out of this?