ASJournal

2008-04-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Restoring faith in judicial system

Amde Sidik

I am no judge nor practicing lawyer at the moment. But I read law and I lecture law to students. And I am prompted to write this article as soon as I finished reading a sms from a friend asking about my views. His statement is this “Its Pak Lah who now reformed judiciary system back to be more dignified”

He was referring to the front page article in our national paper of the day which reads “ Trust and justice” Its about the present government efforts to heal the wound of the country's judicial system which was smeared in the aftermath of the sacking of five Supreme Court judges in 1988.

The fives judges were sacked because they didn't dance to the tune of the chief executive of the country of the day. That was the impression of the majority of learned or less learned people in the country. But only handful would made it known openly to general public by virtue of our cultural habit or because of fear of repercussion from the above

I know many wouldn't agree including the former chief executive I mentioned, after all the later already denied several times that he was not responsible in the sacking the judges.

Could this mean that others recommended to him, in turned, as matter of academic he advised the Agong. We all know constitutionally how Agong must come into the limelight. .

I must say that persons or group of persons making recommendation must be naive and with motives at the back of their mind because as far as I knew any body reads law knows where the defining boundary is. There is an inherent convention in applying natural justice. There is no rocky foundation but rather has an established procedures to achieve justice at least in the crudest sense of the word. I am referring to the process of seeking justice in Common Law scenario.

To date, I have not read any brilliant new ideas which can be more acceptable than what we already knew. In other words, those involved in the Inquiry such as this surely had broken the cardinal rules, they knew of what proper procedures are all about in establishing what fair and just as to why they did as they did. Only they can answer.

My assumption is there are those who needed most of the outcome of Inquiry for wrongly or rightly. The answer is the later which is obvious and must therefore favored of the government of the day?

Legalistically, in my view, to be seen fair and just, it would have been better to leave it to the natural process of the law- as natural as possible. Let it done in accordance with the conventional wisdom not creating a mockery to the highest level for profession which many consider noble. Because of this incident we were nearly called to be just a little less than applying law of the jungle.

This is a portion of long article. I wouldn't like to bore my readers, as this article is to appear in full in printed media-I wrote a few already, after the dismissal of the said judges, they turned out to be a near correct perceptions by majority- Thank you

See response:

Currently, Pak Lah is menggelabah~ing as a result of the tsunami. He seemed to be trying to appease the majority who had abandoned him to make them come back to him. While others are taking this opportunity to undo the past events that had been most unpopular especially during the Mahathir Era. He is running out of time, December seems to be the date for him to retire. As a "good" man he tried to potray himself, he is getting nowhere...Mahathir factor, Anwar factor, Agong Factor, Raja Perlis Factor, Samy Factor, UMNO factor, am No factor, Max Factor (ooops)...all seem to put him against the wall.

Can he do it? Seems a vertical climb. For example, can he appease all the demands of BN components in Sabah when he came here? JPPS, Illegals, petroleum % etc etc.... no way.

2008-04-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

See what you don’t see…

I was in the midst of writing this article when I received captions below sent by-friend- gmail group- I shall continue writing later in meantime this is the portion, just to let you know that I share the view…

I say-

If the country is really heading for democracy, which means going for social equality we cried for, the present government has to recognise that public media institutions, namely RTM and the rest of the public media agencies are by definition belonged to you and I- public, regardless who we voted for during the country’s General Election.

The bosses - officers and the employees who managed and employed in these institutions must at the same time realised, at least in their in mind that there is a dual carriage ways outside there. A few possibilities, one, assuming you don't like changes taking place in your working environment-where democratization is in the making. Its up to you to get out of the system, may be you think you can't live with the new system of administration. Because you were too used to work like you were for the last say, 40 years. Second, if you think you are not yet in full grasp of what democracy meant, don't worry there is still time to learn, if by then you wouldn't enjoy it, may be its just wise to hang on to it till you reach retirement age, or you may work elsewhere. But I can assure you, your next generation will appreciate for your tolerance and patient. They would understand better what democracy meant-because by then they would have read more books since you ask them to do so anyway-if you are the parents.

The gist is this, so long as RTM and public media agencies behave as they are now, we wouldn't expect democracy to be fully grown at a speed we want. People are fed with information only as much as the ruling party wanted it to be seen and read. I say, if the ruling party thinks these media agencies are theirs, why don't they allow the opposition party to have their own TVs and Radio Stations on their own, only then we could say the act is just and fair...amde

You do not see these pictures in our local newspapers.
Our public media controlled by BN government won’t show photos or news, so let it be our responsibility to spread and share those touching pictures with all our beloved Malaysians, Chinese, Indian and Malays alike-

Idrus al Haj

THESE ARE THE PICTURES THE GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED MEDIA WILL NEVER SHOW YOU IN THEIR PAPERS (See top and bottom picture). An explosive occurred on the 17^th March 2008 at the Malayan Flour Mills premises at Lumut killing 3 persons and on the 18^th March the new MB Ir Nizar and the DAP state Assemblyman Ngeh Koo Ham visited the family of the victims. Here are the pictures that will bring tears to your eyes!

MB Ir Nizar bersama ADUN DAP Ngeh Koo Ham melawat keluarga mangsa letupan kilang tepung Malayan Flour Mills di Manjung pada 18 March 2008.

Gambar MB Ir Nizar ketika meluangkan masa dirumah seorang dari 3 mangsa yang terbunuh, Lok Lai Keat, 51, dari Sitiawan, MB Ir Nizar yang boleh bertutur dalam dialek Mandarin, Hokkiien dan Cantonses turut memujuk anak mangsa Lok Min Yee, 10 yang meratapi kehilangan bapanya. ( gambar ini tidak mungkin tersiar di media arus perdana)

From Frisco Celestial

2008-04-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

Punching Opposition YB alright?

It’s incredible, the guy who punched YB is one of those ‘the organisers’ of the Regatta Lepa Motorcycle Convoy?

According to the report, Jimmy was just doing his duty to meeting Tawau Municipal Council officials with regard to complaint of parking space and closure of the road, when the big man lost patient and punched him on the chest.

Jimmy Wong is Sabah sole opposition Assemblyman from Sri Tanjung DAP, that doesn’t deserve him to be punched by this man linked to a big bike convoy

Jimmy should have reported to the police for record at least.

Every citizen should respect the law it doesn’t matter who he is.

According to sms I got from Jimmy the guy is a “BN sponsored”

I look at this is very serious matter. This is not an isolated case, we come across time and time again when one is associated or close friend with one in the authority he thinks the world is belonging to him alone.

Doesn’t this guy realise punching and injuring other fellow human is an offence. We have enough law to protect us; I think enforcing authority must not close their eyes just because the event is organized by the Government.

Our society should be thought more to respect the law of the country

2008-04-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Derision on oil money hooh!

Sabahans do get very emotional with their oil. They feel the 5% royalty they have been getting from KL is pittance, they feel they deserve more.

At the recent gathering to celebrate his exile from politics, Anwar Ibrahim said if Pakatan Rakyat forms the Federal Government, Sabah would get up to 20% of royalties from oil and gas and timber. More schools would be built and help would be given to the poor here.

This got us drooling, right? Who wouldn't? This guy is a good fisherman; he really knows how to catch fish.

Anwar struck the right chord. Many of us want to know how is that an oil producing state now becomes one of the poorest in the country? Give back more of our money lah.

The next question we must ask, does it really matter whether it is 5%, 20%, or 80%?

Anwar can't simply pluck the figure from thin air, can he? In order to be generous, he needs to take it from somewhere. If you play the stock market, they tell you for every winner there is a loser.

My accountant friend told me when you prepare a budget, a balanced would make you sleep well at night, a surplus is just fantastic, and a deficit is one you'd try to avoid at all cost.

In a simple language this is how I understand it, say, we get RM 5 for our oil, now we have been promised RM 20, so extra RM 15 has to appear from somewhere.

Is budget allocation in Selangor going to be raided? Very unlikely. Penang? Same answer.

Chances are whoever is responsible will have to do some creative work with Sabah's own allocation budget. He will probably have to reduce other items so that he can come up with RM15. This means instead of 5 schools, we would probably have only 2. If you insist on 5, you have to come up with your own development funds; your oil royalty becomes a trump card. You get my drift?

This 20% of gross revenue? Too good to be true. After deducting all costs and profit sharing with subcontractors, PETRONAS has little to show for. Of course they will not agree. What about Sarawak and Trengganu? Petronas must as well close shop.

The above scenario is probably what Anwar needs to do if he wants to fulfill his promise

It doesn't make any difference does it?

Then, is it really wise to push the extra money to our local politicians? I suppose it's okay if every sen can be accounted for. Otherwise, just let people in KL handle it.

Anwar is also saying there is only "Ketuanan Rakyat". Makkal Saktii, People's Power now. About time someone reminded us this. Power cannot belong to one class of people in this multi-ethnic society of ours. It's yours and mine together.

I am from Sabah, can someone tell me why must some one else tells me how much royalty I should get for an asset which is mine and not theirs?

I think I should be consulted first, that will be real "Ketuanan Rakyat", don’t you think?

Then, was it Socrates who said there will always be the rulers and those who are ruled?

Awang Buntak for ASJournal

2008-04-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

Any silver lining yet?

By this week end our national political affairs is less foggy than the last weekend or nothing has really changed?

What do I mean by this?

I am saying, if few important issues that ought to be clarified or solved by the Prime Minister are done with, or at least seen to be solved in order to make some concerned citizens feel comfortable sitting and watching their favorite program over the weekend.

Excuse me, I shouldn't be too generalise on this because not everyone behaves like what I say, I myself don't watch TVs, assuming lah we all do!

Its about our Prime Minister.

You see, everything he says has bearing on the way the country is governed.

Political stability detects economic environment, it can either induce or chase out luck. Can we not see what has happened in Zimbabwe so far only Tun Dr Mahathir is inviting Robert Mugabe come to Malaysia (as a friend ) should the former chooses to go for exile.

To digress a bit, I honestly admire Mugabe in my younger days as student, with a few other friends, we thronged to LSE, Conference Hall, in London to listen to talk by anyone like him, including Mahathir's bashing mat salleh for his look east policy.

Over the last few weeks people have been watching Datuk Abdullah Badawi very closely even the movement his lips and eyes were scrutinized. But unfortunate none of our country's experts dare enough to say (behavioral experts) if Abdullah Badawi's body language indicates anything- If he is about to giving up his Priministership or if he is as stubborn as ever.

I say now, PM Datuk Abdullah Badawi isn't quiting!

Which also means Abdullah has to go on fighting against Mahathir. At the some time Mahathir's followers are going to accelerate their campaign, as Mohd Khir Toyo (former Menteri Besar of Selangor) puts it, Abdullah tak faham kiasan-metaphorical talk which Malays are very good at it, and Abdullah doesn't understand?

That would leave Abdullah in a very defensive mode. Directing ACA to investigate Mahathir wrong doings in past didn't seem to be working, no hard evidence, said Ghani Patail, Mahathir chosen man for the country's AG during his tenure of office to disguise Anwar Ibrahim, former DPM-bringing sleeping mattress to the court of justice, in the middle of the day under the hot sun for any sign of sodomy had taken place.

Perhaps as one international onlooker said, Abdullah should initiate an international investigation into Mahathir, and say let justice takes its course. I think may be like what the Lebanon's Government did on the killing of their former President.

The Government will not apologise to Tun Salleh Abbas, according the PM, I have the feeling this decision is not going to make life easier for them.

A call by Raja Muda of Perak Dr Nazrin Shah on judicial reform perhaps a kick start i.e, by recognising country's judical core mistake in the past- the sacking of Former Lord President,Tun Salleh Abbas, should serve to remind judges and lawyers to stick to what they knew about just and fair in law-not about getting job promotion and excessive materials gained-tokens given for being yes man

Kadayan Monitor for ASJournal

2008-04-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

PM: Well done Chief Minister...

What more can we say, PM has met Sabah BN leaders yesterday.

But I 'm curious why did they conduct the meetings in dubious fashion. They talked to PM separately- one political party after another, a closed door like, as if Sabah leaders can't sit down together and can't see eye to eye. My God, where are we heading from here?

Anyway, I have briefly scanned some of the statements made by the PM in our local papers (...)

But just to digress a bit; many people have said, they were not sure if that meetings meant anything let alone comforting to them.

But Sabah leaders may have different interpretations.

To general public, all those issues aren't new nor are the answers crystal clear.

Let me pick some key phrases to remind ourselves.

Not in chronological order of priority, wonder if that's what the local papers also meant.

JPPS -The State Federal development department must be closed. Did PM say that?

Sabahans want it to be closed, it's just duplication of works- waste of public money to mend the department. Sabah is now under the rule of BN government, there isn't a need any more.

Money from Federal now should go direct to Sabah Ministry of Finance.

PM said , we review lah!

Illegal immigrants ever red hot issue, how to resolve it?

PM sees it this way, we need more detention centers the current centers are overcrowded

He has directed new Minister of Home Affairs to look into this.

It means he really know it-done in advance!

But don't they already have a committee?

Ya, one, called Special Cabinet committee headed by Deputy PM.

DPM has made recommendation. But no one sees?

Sabah BN leaders want the number of Borneo officers be increased in Federal Departments and Federal Government Agencies.

Yes, PM thinks they want.

Sabah leaders want to revive Minister Sabah Affairs as was during USNO time. PM replied that he would look into it. It means no need lah!

SAPP raised the issues on illegal immigrants, abuse of mykad, Street Children , Sabah Development Corridor, and proposed bridge Sabah Labuan.

Only SAPP said it not PM

What are missing? Many have thought to be in the discussion like, the number of Ministers that would be given, increase petroleum royalty (no let opposition do it)

The meeting as cordial although there were some pedas from Sabah UMNO'. It must be from Bung Moktar

Absent in the meeting with Sabah UMNO were Datuk Shafie and Datuk Ghapur, wonder where did they go? May be they were in Australia checking their kids.

To sum up the meeting, don't you PM resign, we sokong, hidup BN, or UMNO first in the order.

Kadayan Monitor for ASJournal

2008-04-07T02:55:00.000-07:00


				BN still in denial, Sabah to “Prison Break”
				Gmail group

National Front still in denial, Sabah to "Prison Break"

MCA and MIC is still adopting denial syndrome while Gerakan was rumored to be considering bitter medicine to ensure their relevance, probably pull out from the National Front. UMNO is falling apart and the only thing that Badawi can do now it to delay the dying process but it depends very much on how he could convince the Eastern Malaysia (particularly Sabah) from crossing over to Anwar's side. Nevertheless I think Badawi needs to do more than sweet-talk or to just give another one or two minister-ship to Sabahan.
The reality is Sabahan has been taken for a fool for many years with its vast resources in timber, palm-oil, crude oil and gas etc being sucked up without a fair re-distribution back to the Sabahan. What better time to show the card now and yell in front of the Prime Minister's face to fly kite? It's like television series "Prison Break" with Anwar as Michael Scofield who is providing the venue for Sabah to break free from their imprisonment (by UMNO). There's reason why Anwar is so relax and calm now – maybe he already got more than 30 defectors and it's only a matter of time before the "big day".

2008-04-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Pak Lah, give us what's due

When Pak Lah comes a calling on Monday, many want to know what extra goodies he will present to Sabah for giving him the 24 Parliamentary seats in the just concluded elections.

He has not been grateful to us, like our seats have meant nothing.

Our sources are saying that the Speaker post might go to Tan Sri Pandikar Amin. Now, if this is true, well and good. Pandikar is capable and experienced, with a boisterous Parliament expected, and with the likes of Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh, Hadi Awang and many other great debaters in the house, Parliament needs someone of Pandikar's calibre to bring some kind of order.

Should we be satisfied with this? Remember, Pak Lah comes here with his sight firmly focused on the UMNO December elections assuming he will still be around when Parliament convenes.

Giving out goodies is part of the game.

Does Musa Aman have a firm control of Sabah UMNO?

The recent visit to Putrajaya by six Sabah UMNO leaders has started tongues wagging of Musa's control. These six UMNO leaders are known not to see eye-- to eye with him. Rahim Ismail has been dropped from the state cabinet, thus denying the influential Brunei community representation in the state political affairs.

Stories also abound that Lajim Ukin is also upset with Musa, he is said to be flirting with Ku Li's camp, and so is Rizalman Abdullah.

If Musa cannot deliver all the 25 divisions to Pak Lah come December, who can?

December is still a long way, anything can happen meanwhile.

Come Monday, we expect the usual cries of "Hidup this!" and "Hidup that!". Like the recent visit to Sarawak, at the end of the day, everybody will declare they are with the Prime Minister.

Edii diih si awang ani....as we say here, can't our politicians show a bit of spunk for a change? Just tell him what the grassroots here want you to say.

Pak Lah might not like it, but, aren't you people supposed to be the people's representatives?

We want the aliens to be sent home, we want equal economic opportunities; we want the Borneonisation of the civil service, more oil royalty etc. The list is long, say it loud and clear, we have never been in a stronger position to demand.

Stop the polishing apples act for once; stop thinking about your positions, your projects, and all the selfish things. Shoot with all your guns blazing.

Do what's good for the people and future generations.

If you don't speak your minds and demand, don't expect us to be kind to you next time around.

Awang Buntak for ASJournal

2008-04-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Chaotic time for politicians

Kadayan Monitor

What a chaotic time for politicians in the Peninsula, no matter how the mainstream media including the TVs want to play it down, the internet media is giving shoot after shoot.

This can’t be dismissed outright for reason only news mongering, after all, it has proven to certain degree of truth.

For example, it is true that Tun Dr Mahathir wants Datuk Abdullah Badawi to resign. The former is also not in favour of Datuk Najib Tun Abd Rajak to become the next Prime Minister either.

Reading between the lines he, Tun Mahathir doesn’t mind Tengku Razaligh or Datuk Muhiddin Yassin.

Whilst others argued, or even accused that Tun Mahathir is senile, if not snide, when it was him who appointed Abdullah Badawi to be his successor, now Tun Mahathir is sounding like a hyena. It doesn’t sound right for a country which has been very conscious of its Asian's culture, perceived on high moral and religious conscientiousness.

Must there be other views? Ahaa!... if you don’t care, then this kind of news item shouldn’t bother anyone anymore but proceed, because life must go on.

Another truth, even UMNO members want the Prime Minster to resign and as indicated by hanging banners. I saw these were done not by opposition party members but by UMNO members. I also saw a spray painted graffiti “Pak Lah you resign” on the wall, PM's home ground, visible by the road side in Penang on the way to Bayan Lepas.

Now let say what happen across the South China Sea, Borneo Malaysia, I said earlier it has been quiet, as if Taib Mahmud and Musa Aman are karaokeeing in comfortable zones. Are the two in full control of the ships? Won’t there be any one wants to disturb the hornet’s nest?

Are you sure, thereby live the two darlings, happily ever after and good night after watching Manhester United's match in a flat screen, or do they?

Only today MP from Kinabatangan, Bung Moktar Radin slammed Yahya Hussin, the Sabah UMNO Liasion Secretary and said, “Who is Yahya anyway? And why is he worried”

This was Bung Moktar response to a reporter who asked him about their meeting with the Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on the 29^th March at PM office in Putrajaya.

Six of Sabah politicians including former CM Datuk Salleh Tun Said Keruak, MP Ghapur Salleh, State Assemblyman- Datuk Rahim Ismail, Tan Sri Pendikar Amin and former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Datuk Dr Yussof Yacob,and MP Bung Moktar visited PM.

They said they were invited by the PM.

The issue out of the visit was if they, the six of Sabah UMNO heavy weight were representing UMNO Sabah?

Yahya Hussin said no, they are not.

The six of them also said, no they are not, they did it as personal capacity.

It doesn’t sound complicated, does it?

My view is, if you people want to make something happen you must keep doing it.

Below is what some UMNO leaders were saying in Peninsula with regard to Sabah quote:

If BN does not act, they stand to lose not just the support of urbanites who are unhappy with the way the NEP is being administered, but also supporters in its stronghold, East Malaysia.

Said Mr Tawfik: "The people in Sabah and Sarawak have not been brought into the mainstream as far as economic development is concerned. There seems to be a lot of displaced people in the tribes of Sarawak.

"BN must take a close look at these people or they might vote for the opposition the next time."

2008-04-01T03:10:00.000-07:00

Democracy in the making

Kadayan Monitor

No matter what now, one thing is for sure, Malaysia political landscape is about to change.

Thank you Pa Lah, whether all what has happened and what is happening now was or is by designed or coincidental.

If it is coincidental, Pa Lah has no say. He is going to be remembered in Malaysian history book as a lame duck Prime Minister ever.

Now look at the brighter side of the Malaysia, everyone must know regardless what political party one is inclined to or indoctrinated by, majority of Malaysians wouldn’t be affected materially by who ever in power. Whilst some of us (group) may feel like a balloon has busted, the hot air is released.

Again if this happening is as result of Pa Lah inability to manage the country, we are in a situation which many would call it a blessing and disguise.

The paradox of lessing is because it turns out to be for a good thing, while a disguise was left only as impression.

Assuming Mahathir is still in control of the government will we be as we are now, or are we not browbeaten to death again by a macho pedigree of that sort?

Let make use of this opportunity to make Malaysia as democratic country that we have been dreaming of for the last 50 years.

see also http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/5330/1/

2008-03-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

PM wants views

By Kadayan Monitor

If I were to have any faith in our Sabah’s leaders that will say what they have said they will to Abdullah Badawi- the Prime Minister, when they meet, it must only be very few of them.

First in my list that I would like to believe are Masidi Manjun, who is also Sabah UMNO Deputy Secretary and Bernard Dompok, President of UPKO, this is off hand, I have to sit down nicely to think of another names.

Bernard Dompok did munch a few words in the past but perhaps coming from small component of BN, his voice was easily brushed aside, a kind of do as you like response.

So I come back to Masidi because he has already said something the last few days that Sabah is unfairly treated, he said.

How and what to say in front of Abdullah the PM?

Well, may be he needs to be given a background in case he forgets, depends on what time of the day the meeting is taking place.

The background is something like this first; say, Sabah has contributed and sacrificed quite substantially, both in the economy and political front of the nation, more so now Sabah can be considered as an anchor to BN survival.

Sabah performed exceptionally well in the last GE, lost only one MP and one ADUN to opposition, many have guessed differently-luckily it was wrong guessed, Sabah people in the past were quite naughty. With that, I think PM must take cognition very seriously if he wants to be remembered before he says sayonara!

It isn’t just about ministerial posts.

If Sabah BN were to repeat its performance next time round, perhaps worth reminding him Sabah deserves to be given other national post in Public Sectors and convince him to approve be approved within the shortest possible time, and don’t wait for too long, in case next time round is just around the corner, or this time sailing is no longer a smooth sailing as in the past.

Don’t forget before PM picks anyone for ministerial posts from those remaining MPs, he must be reminded to ask from those in the know, because in time like this everyone (the eager ones) would look innocent and sulky.

Don’t just pick base on paper qualification, and also don’t pick the guys that produced nothing, especially if they have been as YBs for the past few terms.

One more thing, pick from those who can speak English or may be if they can write as well, otherwise they would never understand what people wrote in the internet.

Say to PM it wasn’t the internet the caused of BN down fall in the five States, it’s the voters.

Last but not the least we must know, in Australia people speak English and don’t bring so much cash to avoid answering questions in English.

2008-03-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

Who 's next?

Is he or is he not?

Politics is about connection, here is the connection and another...

Rumours are flying back and forth that another Federal minister may quit his post soon.

One will ask how true is it? Well, its rumours, but in our experience a 'not true' statement is always the other way around.

These few days can either mean so much or nothing for politicians, that's how I view it anyway.

Because now is an acceptable period of denial, as truth is yet to be proven.

This is not really like a story who moves my cheese but rather its everyone interests to make a move but whose moves is credible enough to crack the wall? Otherwise one will be left alone in the cold or even in the drain. That depends on what kind of a leader one is.

Yesterday, was the truth, MP for Kalabakan, Ghapur Salleh, tendered his resignation citing "I want to do my own things” as his reason.

Strange! After taking his oath as Federal Deputy Minister, he suddenly remembered that he needed to visit his many children who are overseas studying.

We understand a politician's job is very stressful, hope he is not senile before his time.

Our friend, I-Spy, tells us many of our political warlords are in Melbourne, Australia, currently.

They must be visiting their children who are studying there.

Very thoughtful of them despite their busy schedules.

I-Spy also tells us that the minister in question is from Sabah.

Do we have a name here? Be patient for the announcement.

Sabah boleh, bah...

2008-03-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

New Prime Minister?

Lim says soon we have new Prime Minister

As of now 36 MPs from Sabah and Sarawak are willing to jump to Opposition, no kidding!

That is the number requires turning country's political scenario upside down. For Opposition Coalition to form a government now , it only needs 30, not counting the willing MPs from Peninsula yet.

If the calculation is right 16 MPs from Sabah and 20 MPs from Sarawak are already rehearsing their mind on what to expect sailing in uncharted waters. I am sure this is going to be a long-long day for politicians.

For Sabah, what I can say at the moment is to include senior Minister.

Lim Guan Eng said, soon we will see our Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim. Who doesn’t believe him? The number of MP gathered now is attainable. It is just a matter of timing!

The timing must be after 14^th of April.

I could only be suspicious if the date falls on 1st of April, but this one is way passed the fool day.

We need no clairvoyant.

Because it is so intense, every YBs is tight lips, everybody is not saying anything. I am too not going to write more in order not to loss the luster of being suspense.

"As a Sabahan, I do feel that Sabah deserves better representation (in the federal cabinet) and that the ministers from Sabah should also be given (appropriate) portfolios. I believe this needs to be looked at,"
Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Masidi Manjun

2008-03-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

How far to go...

By Kadayan Monitor

All political happenings these days are in Peninsula Malaysia, nothing is heard from Borneo Malaysia. But everyone knows BN anchored solidly in these two states, make no mistake (Sabah UMNO second only Johore) - saying it politically. The rest God knows.

Oops! Comes the news, I was informed last night but I didn’t bother to write otherwise this blog would be the first to highlight.

BN (UMNO) is cracking, Datuk Abd Ghapur; MP for Kalabakan, Tawau has resigned from his post Deputy Minister Portfolio, while earlier on Anifah Aman declined the offer of another Deputy Minister post.

Why? May be they already have enough jobs.

About this treatment by Federal Leaders towards Borneo Malaysia States that what I would like to stress, I was just posting this topic to somewhere last night highlighting of how badly are Borneo Malaysia treated by the current government, or I can even called it unfriendly Federal leaders, especially when talking about the immense contributions and sacrifices from and by Sabah and Sarawak for the sake of national development.

Now, just watch on the distribution of Federal ministerial posts. Aha … no wonder the two Sabahans, one resigned and other declined the offer, you read what I mean?

Now let me say this- this is exactly what people (Sabahans) on the ground are saying. I think if that is what people want the leaders to do, they (leaders) should take cognition, after all under the pretext of that that they were elected now become YB.

Are Sabah YBs worried the PM will murka you’ll get sacked from UMNO or BN membership and marked black dot on the foreheads?

What I said above is actually what people on the ground are saying, I am just conveying it. You don’t believe what I say, go the Gaya Street Tamu on Sunday, look around for kedai kopi, I am sure you will meet the like minded people I talked to you about

Sabah is so being lenient, revenue contribution from oil in return for peanut, if it doesn’t sound fair what do we do, keep waiting until it dried out.

That is why many Sabahans want opposition to win. But Sabahan are betrayed by their leaders. Sabah opposition leaders only know how to count chicks long before they even hatched or another saying is angan-agan Mat Jinin will fall down headlong.

Another Sabahans problem is because the party representative’s chief like UMNO is appointed not elected. UNMO should change its constitution in order to allow the Chief of Sabah’s UMNO be elected by members that would be more people oriented to avoid this hand picking.

Hand packed leader wouldn’t produce anything new but bodek at the highest level.

2008-03-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rocky Malaysia

By Kadayan Monitor

A professor asked me this afternoon of what I think about the current political situation in the country. But just before I was about to give the answer he gave me his.

I thought of not answering at all, but I did.

The aftermath of the country’s 12^th General Election which resulted BN ever biggest disaster is here to stay and to be felt, according to the Professor.

“I don’t think the Government Ministers and the YBs feel comfortable sitting on their chairs, I think anything can happen these days” he said.

I concurred with him.

On my part, I’d better believe my instinct.

Let me say this, talk all over the place, high and low about the country is having leadership crisis- this is general public impression surely this view is different from the cabinet’s or even the new YBs' who are just voted in.

You see a few days ago, there was a little hope, that is, before the members of cabinet were announced. In other words, people were hoping that new line up of leaders would be able to rescue and restore the image it had (BN), therefore, expected leaders retained and promoted and newly appointed are those with credible oomph.

But it fell short, it became a sort of anti climax, just as what the PM did in his 2004 cabinet reshuffled.

Now reading from people's reactions I met on the street. (Don't ask me how I read it? I just followed my instinct)

People's hope dashed, moment they knew the line up. Many asked who was or who were advising PM?

Now I have another imagination, it looks people have more faith in the appointment of Menteri Besar and their Exco members in the five States controlled are by the Opposition than those controlled by the winner, BN.

Can we not think and imagine again, the difficulty in choosing MB in the two states controlled by BN Government- Parlis and Trengganu.

The cardinal mistake is repeated again here. Rakyat want someone of their own choice to become the MB, someone who they think can lead the country to prosper not to bankruptcy.

There was a collision between the people's choice and the choice of the institutionalised political leaders.

Just ponder for a moment, whose choice is correct, the rakyat or the leaders?

Well, since that Professor wants to know my view, and my view is this, the cabinet minister line up doesn't look credible enough to change the image of rotten BN.

That PM should resign.

Appointing Ministers from back door when there isn't a need because others are available from front door, this wouldn’t support the logic on the question of trimming the number of cabinet for the purpose of reducing cost.

Big mistake, Sabah and Sarawak the anchor of BN survival deserved to be given intention – any one noticed? Most Government Ministers are from Johore. Johore probably didn't ask for it, but wise decision usually comes from wise person only.

Attention to opposition political parties, BN is going to be the next opposition party, after the next General Election so long as you people play your card right, walk the talk, learn quickly and don't be crazy; you are heading in a right direction. Good Luck.

2008-03-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yours Truly,
BN loyalist

There was a tsunami in Peninsular Malaysia; this is what everyone called, referring to the result of our country’s 12th General Election last week.

But that tsunami didn’t reach the shore of Borneo Malaysia-Sabah and Sarawak.

Many have asked me why?

Surely question like this needs answer, and what I do here is just to highlight the obvious as I see it.

Before I dwell into it, let me first say this, there are disparities between the two lands.

The obvious one is physical geography; second, there was a kind of information black out in Sabah. There people not knowing what happening in Peninsula, and third, the opposition leaders in Sabah are inward looking or even crazy.

That physical distance between Borneo Island and Malay Peninsula is something no one can change it, a distance of more than a thousand miles apart. It can only be made closer with the application of new communication technology in which so far Sabah and Sarawak are still lag behind partly because of their sheer sizes.

Longer distance makes contact slower, massages distorted and becoming less reliable by the time it’s finally reaches its final destination; it also involves cost, which only a few can afford.

Compare with country’s scenario in the past 40 years ago though, today we are better off but likewise, the phase of development (referring to communication technology) is slower by any standard of developed countries. The question is if we could do faster why do we have to wait?

My friend who is an experts in information technology said to me, the stake holders in Malaysia Telekom wouldn’t jump for any new idea, for example, changing the current circuit switch system to packet switch technology, and in as far as Telekom Malaysia is concerned they would say it damned expensive to change to new system. In actual fact is not the real reason, but rather they fear of loosing grip with the present vendor locking system, For example Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung and named it wouldn’t be playing a major role again in Malaysia Telekom should the packet switch system is used. Likewise the present stake holders may not have a chance to make money any more in a selfish way I called.

According to experts the packet switch system is far greater capacity than Malaysia present system, and in a long run it cost far less because other neighbouring countries can also hire from us should we now start with it.

This where Sabah and Sarawak are at a disadvantage, take for example in Sabah, say in Long Pa Sia - somewhere southern most of Sipitang District near to the border between Sabah in Kalimantan none of the present networking system works, whilst if we pick any kampong in Peninsula most likely it would be covered by at least one system.

Television for example like Astro, in Sabah only covered small portion of the state, the urban areas, whilst RTM1, 2, and TV3 are only slightly bigger coverage than Astro.

I would imagine if facilities are available to the people in Sabah, i.e., rural people are as informed as those people in Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor, rest assured that the result of this recent general election could be different.

In Sabah, most kampong folks didn’t know much what’s going on in the country. Their only source of information is RTM. Their ability to evaluate left, right and centre is therefore limited.

The only political party they hear every now and then is the BN, unfortunately BN party workers didn't realize their shock wave campaign style in many places (threatening and browbeating) rural people, do as told kind, old people living on receiving old age allowance were threatened , if they do not vote BN their old allowance would be withdrawn. The poor souls have little idea. But I reckon if they do this next time around, they will become opposition in Parliament.

Rural Sabahans are caught up between the devil and the deep blue sea, There isn’t choice.

To me, by looking at the result of the general election, there is no more denial now, that the internet media plays a major role in providing information- an alternative to printed media and TV.

This is because some Malaysians considered some of the program shown in our RTM was and is so revolting especially during the political campaign period. There isn't any fairness was shown to any other parties other than BN. The tone and the presentation was something like the world was coming to an end without BN.

My early thought about internet was rather misleading take the Ijok by-election as an example, as an internet addict, reading from thousands and thousands of material posted in the web page was clearly indicated that PKR candidate could win at that time. The result was upsetting, all prediction by major blogs was wrong.

This time around, general public refuse to budge and reinforce the belief, and ignore the Ijok debacle.

Here I say internet it also meant to cover, blogs, tubes, video, SMS, ipods, Yahoogroup and all sort of web pages.

Bloggers effortlessly continued their blogging, still, the most popular websites were Malaysiakini, Raja Petra-Malaysia Today and Harakah gave countdown, updated every hour and on the hour of what people want to hear as well as see.

It doesn’t mean UMNO and other BN component parties have no websites, except that their websites are duplicate to what is already found in main stream media, and people ignored them completely as they want to see and hear the opposite of the Government propaganda. Worst was when RTM the mouthpiece of the government non stop telling the obvious and grossly lying, making up exaggerating stories. The most pathetic ritual was about members from such and such political parties now joined BN, so on and so forth.

In Kelantan, because UMNO wanted so badly, there was a picture portraying the grand reception of welcoming members in a five star hotel spearheaded by Datuk Dr Awang Adek Menteri Besar designate. In another, just below was a small picture of Tok Guru praying in a mosque alone with background of shining white and light green tiles, it meant to say we are all small nothing is grandiose, that was melancholically enough to make one thinks which is morally right and morally wrong.

In Sabah there is this discrimination if not prejudices against younger generation. One can also called there is a generation gap between the older and younger generation, those whose age around 21 and below 30, were very much neglected, sidelined by older generation who claimed they have followers, which in actual fact not so, for them money matter most.

The young become thoughtless, they didn’t know what the fuss about in politics, so in Sabah BN was considered lucky so to speak, since opposition has not managed yet to convert them as in the five states won by the opposition.

The biggest hindrance for opposition of not winning more seats a part from one ADUN and one MP was that they lack of mutual aspiration. That means the PKR and DAP in Sabah unlike their counter part in Peninsula was not synchronized. When I asked Karpal Singh the DAP Chairman recently, he admitted that leaders in Sabah have not managed to iron out things in a cordial way.

Mind boggling, (Sabah’s opposition leaders) are these people really struggling for the people or purely for self interest?

From now if opposition leaders are truly patriotic and want to make Malaysia truly practices democratic government, I would think leaders at the top level must be prepared to give way and take stock comes a defining moment.

It is quite clear now in Sabah; independent candidates are people’s last choice, some would rather go to tabasan-mending their sawah padi than voting a bunch of idiots. This was seen as performed by Sabah local based political parties like PASOK and SETIA none of them pulled thousand votes. I could sum up; Sabahans themselves have no faith on them.

2008-03-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

Padan Muka !

Serve You Right !

By Awang Buntak

When I got up Sunday after staying up whole night watching the election results, the Malay expression "Padan Muka"(Serve You Right) kept playing in my head.

You use this expression to show your disappointment with someone. It's like telling someone don't climb the tree, despite the good advice, the person still refuses to listen and if he falls from the tree later, you say "padan muka".

With the changed political landscape, who do you think I am going to say "padan muka" to? UMNO led Barisan? You think I should?

I don't think so; everybody is saying that throughout the country. So, why repeat myself?

I will shoot straight now; I’ll say "padan muka" to Sabah opposition parties. They had the chance to win some good seats in the just concluded elections; they ended up winning only one state seat and one parliament seat.

Our opposition politicians are really greedy, immature and a bunch of selfish nitwits. If they had sacrificed their egos for the sake of the people, can you imagine the political scenario of the country now?

Look at some of the urban seats; if you add up the opposition votes, they definitely whacked the BN winners. It does not take a genius to figure out that if the opposition votes get split, BN will win.

Even in some seats the BN winners just scrapped by. People in Sabah wanted change like other parts of the country, they wanted to wake up the arrogant government who never listened to them, they wanted to get rid of the illegal, they wanted better security, the people wanted corruption curbed, and they wanted their fair share of economic pie instead of it going to the well connected only.

They screamed loud and clear , we are all Malaysians, please help deserving cases regardless of their racial background, prices are going up, we are suffering they moaned. They wanted all these and more and what did the opposition do? They blew the chance away by being selfish and plain stupid.

From now in Sabah we need to stop complaining about illegal, corruption, nepotism, and cronyism, arrogance of power, the poor delivery system and all that. We'd better switch off and watch the new season of Akademi Fantasia.

I personally don't want to know about all the political stuff anymore.

Padan muka.

Ya la aku pun…I don’t know what are these people up to? They said they wanted to change the government. If it’s the case, then they should look at himself first in the mirror. No mantras require. But he may say this aloud.

By myself can I do it?

Someone can do it? Or

By combining the efforts we can make it… which is which?

No la these people are gila kuasa

2008-02-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

ASJournal

About blogger heh! Talks about this subject many people still feel uneasy if not fearful. Because it sounds technical, because its mind blogging no wonder ‘they’ called it blogger-unless you have the latest edition of English dictionary, otherwise you wouldn’t find definition of blog.

My miserable story began when I was student doing Masters Degree in Strategic Planning in Birmingham University way in 1983 , and this subject was made compulsory, I've never thought it develops that fast.

I hated the subject on computer so much I used to sleep at the back of Lecture Theater whenever there were computer lectures. In those days computer lecture was combined with Statistics-I meant in that university. I didn’t see it then as I see it now, that the two subjects are actually closely related, having the same foundation that is called logic.

It also meant not very long time ago I was one of those people who were tormented by what I heard and saw.

Not until I was indoctrinated for several weeks at the ANU, Australia, where I did my bar training. There each student was given one set of computer to mock around with.

But blogging to me only came very recently, and since its computer related activity without having basic knowledge of it there is no way I can do blogging

Computer has changed my perception and even life style to a point. The ugly beast turns beauty, very often the urge creeps on like a cave spider whenever I have nothing better to do.

I created this AS Journal June last year (2007), after messing up with a few. A lady friend helped me to put up the clock to see a rough idea of my visitors last January and up to February 2^nd.

On the 2^nd February I posted an articles title We are Sabahans before Malaysians followed by two more articles related to it. In less than two weeks the numbers jumped from 200 to four 4,000, even Sabah Development Corridor was by passed within days. I was astounded- a friend said we’d better slow it down. Meaning (we) now found a way to get visited, next in mind perhaps is to prepare for any upsurge.

2008-02-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Obama & “Orang Malaya”

 By Awang Buntak

Allow me to give my two sen worth on this very interesting debate
on "Orang Malaya” which you have started.

A.G. Mustakim has stirred the proverbial hornet's nest when he talked about Orang Malaya. To me, he is doing everybody a favour by being openly honest about the undercurrents in Sabah. There is a method in his madness. I salute him for bringing into the open how Sabahans feel about certain things. Look at his number of hits your blog has been getting to show how spot on he's been.

He clearly stated that he is not against Orang Malaya per se; I can't imagine him or other right thinking Sabahans going against the poor souls in Malaya who appear on TV3's "Bersamamu" programme. He's pissed off and rightly so with Orang Malaya who are sent to Sabah thinking they are above everybody else and they can rip off the place as they please. You know the "Ketuanan Melayu" mindset and all that.

Let's get real. There are many Sabahans who have inter-state marriages in the family. So, this is not what he is talking about. There are also many from Malaya who have settled here way back before Malaysia, some can even trace their family history back to Brunei rule, so, this is not the issue here.
These people are as Sabahans as anyone else, they came here on their own merit...

Sabah is the most accommodating state in the country, look at the Chinamen from China who married local women, their off-springs are automatically given Bumi status and accepted as such by the people.

How open and tolerant we are, somehow, things changed with the arrival of new Orang Malaya after Malaysia, things are made worse with the coming of UMNO .We are now a mere state instead of an equal partner in the federation.

We have lost control of our political direction in our own land. The Chief Minister has to be approved by KL, even though our state constitution says otherwise. He has to dance to the tune played by KL, even if it's against local realities or interests. Like Mustakim said, the greed of these people is insatiable. They have taken 95% of our oil, now; they want our body and soul.

So, what upsets the average Sabahans about Orang Malaya?

Basically, their political culture is not in tandem with ours. Sabahans are well integrated, regardless of ethnicity or religion. So, the orang Malaya mantras of Melayu, China and India are alien to all of us here, or for that matter untuk "Bangsa, Ugama dan Negara". When you have Muslims, Christians and Buddhists in the same family, you tend to accept people as you find them, and religion is very much a personal matter.

Orang Malaya use religion as a political weapon to screw up the country. It's" them and us”, in Sabah we tend to be more inclusive.

Personally, I have problem with the way Orang Malaya talk Malay, I don't like "I" and "You" business. If you think these speakers could string a proper English sentence, well, think again.

Orang Malaya doesn’t know their own geography and history.

Ask them where Malaysia is, the answer is "between Thailand and Singapore". Ask them when Malaysia came into being, the answer is 1957!

Muslim as I am, I detest the way they practice Islam. Around them, they don't make you feel comfortable with your own belief unless it's approved by them. By doing so, your passage to Heaven is guaranteed!

They can be so intolerant, what's justice and fairness to them?

I don't want to talk about those with skullcaps, when they come here they think they are God's gift to our more liberated local women.

On top of that many Orang Malaya get confused between being "Muslim" and being "Arab". To many of them being Muslim is to forget your own culture and try to be as much an Arab as you can. Even the Arabs don't want to know. For goodness sake, 10% of the Arabs are Christians. Tell these Arab Christians not to use the word ” Allah".

There is one Orang Malaya female singer, an Arab wannabe, who was supposed to have got engaged to an Arab guy, but she was not accepted by his family. This is Arab racism at work. Talk to the KL taxi drivers about these people.

Yet, the Orang Malaya prefers "Khinzir" to the real and original Malay word of "Babi".

I admire the Jews for what they have achieved for themselves after the Holocaust. Have they blown up any German in a restaurant? They march on with their knowledge; it's something we all can learn from when faced with adversity.

Between being practical to the ways of the world which bring success and primitive emotionalism, I know which one I prefer.

I don't like Putrajaya, maybe it reminds me too much of Karachi. What's Mughul domes got to do with Malaya? The Chinese Muslims in China show creativity with the architecture of their mosques, at least they stay true to their own cultural heritage.

I don't want to talk about UMS, SESB, and the Police et al because I am sure Mustakim is better informed than me. Let me say this, the so-called federal setups run by them, are they any better or are they better managed than some of the institutions run by Sabahans? Or, are they just as sloppy or as inefficient?

To me, the biggest trick played by Orang Malaya on the country is the switching of English to Malay in schools.

I accept we have to learn Malay, but, why at the expense of English? Who is suffering now in terms of global competitiveness?

The hypocrisy of the politics of language in schools irks me tremendously, while the Keris waving Minister sends his daughter to study in Australia, the bulk of our people here get their university education in Malay and end up as cashiers in the supermarkets. Or, if they are smart enough, they become drug couriers!

My strange relative said this to me the other day, ” I know what I'll do, I'll vote for Obama. I want to vote for change. I don't know about you".

A Malaysian voting for Obama? Go figure.

2008-02-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

How wise is Vote Wisely this time?

Click the picture to see clearly

A.G.Mustakim

“Opposition parties may raise a lot of issues but they are unable to come out with adequate solutions”, he said “they are long on promises, but short on delivery unlike Barisan that delivers what it promises”.

Deputy Prime Minister at the award ceremony of world affiliates and world prize winners of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant – January 27, 2008

The opposition is not obliged to come-up with any solutions. By all counts, it is the duties and responsibilities and the trust that they people have given the incumbents to seek the most appropriate solution. The opposition has their duties and responsibilities to point out where the incumbents have gone wrong. In this context, the government needs to be transparent so that all the stakeholders (the opposition included) can assist the government to deliver its promises to the people. Unless, the government has something to hide then it becomes opaque.

However, most often than not transparency and accountability is a rare virtue. Hiding facts from shareholders become the norm. After all without information all stakeholders are blind and the one-eye jack is king of the hill. The opposition being industrious will use all means in their disposal to extract the facts from the government. This often led to tensions between the two opposing parties. On party may say it is facts whilst the other may insist that it is just speculations, heresy and rumors. Is it not obvious for everyone’s sake that the government should come clean and let all facts be known?

After all after 44 years of independence how do we really judge whether the people have been short changed or not? If Malaysian wants to use Singapore as a yardstick then is it obvious that Malaysian have really been short changed. At the very least we could be at par. I really could not believe that because of the NEP, Malaysians could not progress to be at the same league as Singapore. This is a blatant excuse for all the inefficiencies, ineffectiveness, mistakes, wastages that we have made. Why can’t we come clean and admit to all these? Why do we insist on living in delusions, cheating ourselves on what we could have achieved?

Whether the opposition believes that there are short comings or inconsistencies between what the government is claiming and what is in reality. It is the duty and responsibilities of the opposition to highlight these issues. It is for the sake of the country and welfare of the people rather than just to score points.

As an alternative, it is the right of the opposition to tell the people what they can do when they form the government. The incumbents often respond to these criticisms as empty promises that the opposition cannot keep. But without giving the opposition a chance to govern, how will we the people ever know?

It is actually a choice between going forward with the devil that you know and the devil that you don’t know. If you choose the devil that you know then you can anticipate the type of life and future for your children that you are going to get. The question is, can you live with that, or will there be always a question in your mind that things could have been better.

If there is always a doubt, why not make a change now. After 44 years, it’s a long time to still have doubts in your mind. It’s high time that there should not be anymore regrets. After all choosing the opposition does not mean that the world is going to end in a clap of thunder when you make your choice. That is in the movie, in real life mistakes will take time to manifest itself. There is still opportunity for you to make adjustments. But 44 years of mistakes and adjustments is way too long, it is therefore high time real change should take place and the people play their part to make it happen.

Take a good look at the United States, between the Republican and the Democrats. Take a good look at the United Kingdom, between the Labor Party and the Conservatives. I have not seen these countries reverted to the stone ages when changes were made. In fact they make changes when the policies of each of them are not acceptable to the people anymore. In this way, they manage to maintain their competitiveness and their standing in global matters.

Fear of failure is not an option, if we want to progress further in this highly competitive world. It is the same as falling in love with a girl from a distance. You will never know if she feels the same way as you do unless you have the courage to approach and talk to her. Imagine living all your life regretting that you should have spoken her when you had the opportunity. Yet you did not because you fear of being snub or turned down. These are unfounded fears, even if she did snub and turn you down; you are not going to drop dead in front of her because of that. A little embarrassed may be but you won’t die. Perhaps it may make you a better and a stronger person. I can assure you after a while the embarrassment can turn to humor and life is worth living after all.

After living for 44 years with the devil you know, obviously you know what to expect when you make your choice. Do they really deliver what they promise? Can your life be better? Have we been short changed or they are also giving you empty promises over and over again? The choice is yours VOTE WISELY.

2008-02-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Mr. Prime Minister Sir, I beg to differ.

In response to the maiden speech made in Johore during the launching of Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandariah on 13^th June 2007

By A.G. Mustakim

“Let me stress that this is my idea. It did not come from anyone else. It is my own vision & plans to create this super corridor in South Johore to make it the nation’s premier growth centre”. Mr. Prime Minister Sir, I beg to differ. No matter what your advisors or backroom boys have told you. You did not do anything new; the Development Corridor Concept has been in our five year national plan since 1970. As the saying goes “plagiarism is the highest form of flattery”.

Perhaps all your advisors or boys did not read or understand the history of this country; after all they are mostly Oxford trained. Talking about history lets rewind this story back to the 1970’s. It was right after the 13^th May incident and the Malaysian Premiership has just been taken over by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein from Tengku Abdul Rahman. This is the period of the first Outline Perspective Plan (OPP 1970 – 1990), a development goal for Malaysia to achieve in 20 years. Yes, no point in guessing, this is the birth of the New Economic Policy (NEP). As caveat, the Sabahans and the Sarawakians did not enjoy any special preference during the NEP period. Even when our rights are protected in the Malaysian Constitution, the reality is that enforcing the Constitution is subject to the whims of the delivery system. Sabah and Sarawak were marginalized from the national main stream development right from the start. In order for us to get any Federal funded projects and programs we have to give concessions to Malaya.

I have a whole lecture series on these issues, so I will not waste yours or my time to dwell on these issues at this point in time.

The first OPP long term plan have 2 main objectives, firstly to eradicate poverty irrespective of race and geographical location (this is where the Regional Development Concept were to play its part) and secondly, to restructure societies such that they will not be identified by economic function.

The first five year plan within the OPP was the 2^nd Malaysia Plan or RMK2. If anyone cares to read this plan, Regional Development Planning Concept (RDPC) was introduced. This should not be confused with the the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) that is found mostly in the East Coast States of Malaya. The RDAs were formed as part of the industrial dispersal strategy and New Land Development strategy. The idea of RDPC covers an area larger than RDAs. All together there exist 6 Development Regions, supposedly to address economic imbalance in Malaysia:

Southern Region which is made up of Johore only;

The Central Region made up of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor;

The Eastern Region made up of Trengganu, Pahang and Kelantan;

Northern Region made up of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak;

Sabah Region covers the whole of Sabah;

Sarawak Region covers the whole of Sarawak.

At a glance we see a lot of similarities between the Regional Development Region and the current Corridor Development. Therefore, is the Corridor development a new thing or just old wine in new bottle? So who is copying who? Therefore Mr. Prime Minister Sir, I beg to differ at your claim that the Corridor Development is your idea or that it did not come from anyone else.

...
written by Lim Lim, February 10, 2008 | 21:01:52

ask any right minded malaysian,this suck is where he is today not becos he posesses any righteous charisma of a top gun or stateman,it is becos he has poked his head into the right.....!! (u name it for him)

...
written by asguard, February 11, 2008 | 12:11:51

Well... the monkey should be staying in forest rather than giving comments about state affairs of Sabah... since he has monkey brains.. should remained in the jungle ...

MR Prime

Now, if these plans have existed since 1970, why was it not been properly implemented? What difference does it make then and now? Or is it your intention just to create the feel good mood which will only last until the election is over, and then everything is back to business as usual.
……………………………………………… ……………………………………………… …………………
Ini corridor thing action saja! It is part of the RMK5 thing. Kalau RMK5 lain, corridor lain, Malaysia mana ada wang?

Dollah is interested only to show the development mock-up replica placed on the table for the feast of the haprak TV1 and TV3. Bila rakyat tengok dalam TV, “Huh! Dollah terror le, dia punya project ada keretapi roda getah, masuk laut, keluar atas gunung!”
Ini serupa cerita itu Mamak Kutty bila dilancar itu Cyberjaya dulu. Sekarang pergi tengok apa ada? Lalang penuh tepi jalan banyak la!
Begitu juga itu WETLAND Dengkil – Floridan everglade of the east!. Puh! Tapin apa ada? Buaya kurus tak cukup makan ada la!

...
written by oknyua, February 12, 2008 | 14:54:22

I can only guest that his boys found the "corridor" papers all dust-covered and got excited over it - after all they were not born then. Then they put the papers into "power-point" to make it impressive - not forgetting getting a consultant firm to do it, paying them a few million.

What is obvious now, if the papers were presented in 1970, found (re-discovered) in 2008, it will take another 38 years before someone dig it up again because I don't have the slightest belief that AAB is capable of implementing it. If Tun Razak can't do it, what makes AAB better?

...
written by Flex Tan, February 12, 2008 | 17:22:43

"..... THE DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR CONCEPT has been in our five year NATIONAL PLANS SINCE 1970S. As the saying goes “PLAGIARISM (COPYING)IS THE HIGHEST FROM OF FLATTERY (CHEATS/ LIE TO ONESELF)”.

AAB'S ANSWER: ERR ... LET ME LOOK INTO MY NOTES.

THEN HE ANSWERED BACK: WHO IS YOUR PM NOW ??

HAHAHAHAH

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written by Debbie, February 12, 2008 | 18:52:56

nobody is going to waste this guys time...coz he is always snooozing...siesta time every 20 mins..so dont bother yrselves

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written by Nonama Nomane, February 12, 2008 | 22:53:03

“plagiarism is the highest form of flattery”
Bukan plagiarism tapi revised and update version.
Sebab author dah tak ada, so AAB pun claim stake lah.

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written by Badaksumbu, February 13, 2008 | 01:02:12

Bukan revised or updated version, tapi hijack which can amount to stealing dia kena permission dulu from the author before allow to revise or update.Shortly means these people don't read or if they read they can't remember, that is why they forget everything easily after general election.

2008-02-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Who are Orang Malaya?

Dear Anonymous

Thank you for your comment and your protest is well taken.

Actually it is not a broad swipe at orang Malaya. I have stated that I have nothing against orang Malaya per se. You see when a Chinese from Malaya comes to Sabah, we call them Chinese. When an Indian comes to Sabah we call them Indian. As you can see there is no reference to Chinese or Indian Malaya. Therefore orang Malaya refers to orang Melayu from Malaya.

All orang Malaya be they Melayu, Chinese or Indians see Sabah as a land of opportunity. Unlike the Melayu, the Chinese and the Indians genuinely comes to Sabah to work and prosper. Through hard work they get their rewards. It’s different with the Melayu orang Malaya, they come to Sabah with a preset mind that they have a right over everything. Perhaps this is because of the Eugenic philosophy of “Ketuanan Melayu” that the leaders from Malay have been drumming into their head. Even the Melayu in Sabah are not treated as equal, to them we are of a lower class Melayu. In terms of religion, they try very hard to make us believe their religious belief is even better than the Arabs. If we practice it with them, it is a sure ticket straight to haven. But we see it as religious zealotry and it does not fit into our society or the way of life that we have been practicing all these while.

They said they come to Sabah because they want to help and save us from our leaders’ excesses. Yet most projects are given to “KL company” while our locals are marginalized, even the local leaders are often by-passed. Some Sabahans are lucky to be just a by-stander; those unlucky ones are given sub-sub-contract from “KL company” end-up they often get their fingers burnt. It is very unfortunate the Director of JPPS in Sabah has more authority over federal funded projects than our own YBs.

Almost all of the teachers from Malaya are put in the urban areas, while local teachers are pushed out into the rural areas. Teachers from Malaya are given housing allowance, while the local teachers send to the rural areas are not even given decent housing. There was an incident where a female local teacher has to share a Kongsi (labour lines) with mainly male immigrants because there are no teacher’s quarters. No thank you to our Kris waving Minister of Education.

Often time when these orang Malaya arrive in Kota Kinabalu you can hear them saying “oh, I have just come from Malaysia”. Excuse me but without Sabah and Sarawak there is no Malaysia, only Malaya. The rest of orang Melayu Malaya is staying back in Malaya ensuring and helping the elite orang Malaya to stay in office all because of the Eugenic philosophy of “Ketuanan Melayu” which I believe similar to Hitler’s “Master Race”.

So my dear friend do you honestly think that I have made a broad swipe at orang Malaya?

A.G.Mustakim

2008-02-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

A National Leader or only fit to be a Penghulu

By A.G.Mustakim

T This is a response from a Sabahan to Khairy Jamaluddin’s press statement on the 6^th February 2008 distributed by BERNAMA.

“The issue raised by the opposition for instance, about Sabah for Sabahans and oil royalty for Sabah only and not sharing with others ……. This can incite emotion of parochialism, which at one time, pose a threat to national security” (bold added). This is part of the press statement made in Kuala Lumpur another orang Malaya young upstart. In one sentence such as this, he made so many blunders that instead of appeasing the voters in Sabah; he may well have created discontent and discord. Is this the best candidate with the potential to lead Malaysia by the age of 40? To be a Penghulu in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan may be but to lead Malaysia there must be a better choice from amongst the 15 million people in Malaya than this. Otherwise if there is no one better suited, why not give a Sabahan a chance? Allow me to elaborate on his blunders:
1. Issues raised by the opposition:
this should be as clear as day that the incumbents have not been listening to the people. The incumbents must have lost touch with the heart and minds of the people. This is the reason the opposition picked these issue up. Do you honestly think the opposition is so desperate that they simply want to pick-up just any issues from thin air or just because they overhear someone talking in coffee-shops. They are also garnering for popularity which means popular vote which also means bringing up issues closer to the heart of the people. If the incumbents have been doing their work at the grassroot level as they often claimed, how they could possibly missed this dangerous under-current? This is the result of widespread hypocrisy. In order to please, the incumbents tend to hide the truth simply because they failed in their duties and responsibilities. They prefer to give good tidings and will always say “everything is okay” and their favorite word is “everything is under control”. When the final tally is done, the same people will create a thousand and one excuses why they failed. Worse still if they claim they did not fail, it’s the people that failed them.
2. Sabah for Sabahans & oil royalty is for Sabahans only: As a true blooded Sabahans, we are not as selfish as those elites that can be found in Malaya. In Sabah we are use to sharing, we brought our identities, traditions, culture and system of values from the longhouses into this modern world. However, do not take our kindness to share as our weakness that those from Malaya tend to forget their place and start taking everything. In the end you may be surprise what a Sabahan can do. After 44 years of sharing our resources and wealth with Malaya, why is it that a resource rich Sabah and Sarawak is still poverty stricken? How much more do you want us to share? After 44 years of taking from us is this not enough? What does it take to satisfy you? Is it possible for Sabahans or for that matter ordinary people of Malaya to support a leader with rapacious and insatiable appetite? Think before you speak!
By nature a Sabahan is reticent, he/she will not argue with you. Instead if there is any discord or discontent he/ she will normally keep quiet. The ability to read body language and facial expression is an asset here. Its better when they are loud and boisterous. But when they suddenly grow quiet, something must have gone wrong. They may be clapping at your every word, but who knows they may be imagining slapping your face to pulp.
3. Incite emotion of parochialism: In this I beg to differ. This is the word used by Mahathir to classify the nature of politics in Sabah. Like so many other orang Malaya, Mahathir was wrong in his diagnosis of Sabah politics. During 22 years of Mahathirism he did everything to create more problems in Sabah which became our legacy today. He had the audacity to rescind his promise “to sink and swim” and when going get tougher his friend sinks into political oblivion while he swims away happily ever after. A typical elitist Malayan attitude, they get what they want they throw you away like soiled cloth. Therefore do not use Mahathir words unless you are of the same breed or aspiring to be one.
Actually to use the word parochialism in Sabah is a misnomer. This is because Sabahans are not narrow minded, close minded, provincial, insular or unsophisticated. In reality, Sabahans are really the opposite of all these. That is why orang Malaya can never understand us Sabahans. Racism or religious zealotry has never been an issue in Sabah. Sabahans have live harmoniously ever since we can remember. Inter-marriages are so common that people in Sabah do not think along racial or religious divide anymore. There are elements which have tried to take advantage of this perceived “social cleavage” but failed miserably. Just take a good look at the obituaries in the local papers and observe the social cohesion is not based on race or religion but based on kinship through inter-marriages. So orang Malaya should have a care when talking along racial or religious lines. If in the company of Malays, belittling the non-Muslims or another race may offend the Malays in Sabah as well. This is because you may be talking bad about their grand-parents, parents, uncles, aunties, cousins, in-laws or even their brothers and sisters.
It is for this reason; racial and religious politics that orang Malaya has been trying to preach in Sabah can never work. Therefore it is wrong to categorize Sabah politics is based on parochialism. Social cohesion in Sabah in Sabah is based on kinship which transcends race and religion for generations. So how do you think you can apply the concept of divide and rule to Sabah? Unfortunately, you have to be a true Sabahan in order to even grasp the meaning of a Sabahan’s kinship.
4. Last but not least, parochialism poses a threat to national security: this is the type of hype that the Americans used. With politics of fear that Bush had successfully implanted in the minds of his people they have the excuse to invade Afghanistan and Iraq. Perhaps in order for the ruse to it to work, he had to blow up 2 towering landmark in New York. So what does this young upstart wants to blow up in KL in order to get his politics of fear going? Street demonstration did not create fear in people, demonstrations only make people angrier.

As I have explained parochialism in Sabah is a misnomer so how can a wrong word be a threat to national security? Far from it, the street demonstrations and bombing in Sabah in 1985 and 1986 was not a typical Sabahans handiwork. These were perhaps imported design, purposely instigated to create misunderstanding and eventually spilling over into the streets. It is unfortunate; our local leaders from both sides then were blind to conspiracy theories. Perhaps the best person to elaborate on this is Tun Musa Hitam, it happened conveniently during his watch.

If parochialism is a threat to national security then racism is even worse. A province can be isolated and the threat eliminated, but racism is everywhere. Based on this logic, it means that in Malaysia a political party should not be created along racial lines rather based on ideology. Why then should Malaysia condone ethnic based party then creating a mediocre multi ethnic party as an umbrella and using consensus as an excuse to allow its existence? If this is not hypocrisy of the highest order, then I am an “Orang Utan’s Uncle”.

Following this line of thought, then it is obvious kinship is also a threat to national security. Do the leaders in Malaya now want to issue a decree that all inter-marriages are now taboo in Malaysia too? And as part of their final solution will all the products of inter-marriages be eliminated as well? Well then all these elitist orang Malaya can shout about and wave their little keris all they want, compared to our Kelewang (Gayang) the keris is nothing, ours have real human hair.

written by malsia1206, February 10, 2008 | 14:27:52

WHO is this chap Khairy IF NOT for the person who stand behind by relationship? Before the PM assumes office 4 years ago (because he was initially chosen by the former PM) not many happen to have heard this name. Now his name appears to be buzzing around like there's honey in Putrajaya. Is he a bird? Is he a plane? He's definitely NOT Superman.

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written by oknyua, February 10, 2008 | 17:20:04

I like this article; it indicative that Sabahans are now starting to wake up.

KJ was just a baby, probably just weaned from milk when Pairin woke up Kadazan-Dusun patriotism. When Pairin became the CM, many Kadazan changed their names, throwing off their Westernised names to that of original Kadazan. That is the atmosphere like nowadays; the more KJ criticised the Sabahan, the greater is their awareness of cutting themselves off from “Malaya”. If Malaya is represented by UMNO, this KJ should be thanked for putting the last nail of UMNO’s coffin with his remark. That shows what a young upstart could achieve.

Who is KJ to gain such prominence and notoriety? He may be worshipped in W Malaysia, but to Sabahan and Sarawakian, he is living off the name and position of his inept father-in-law.

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written by Mr Smith, February 10, 2008 | 14:46:03

Malaysia was formed with four equal entities. That was why Lee Kuan Yew continued to be Prime Minister of Singapore and the Tengku, the PM of Malaysia.
Of course Singapore did not want to be pushed around by the Big Brothers in KL and they left or rather, was kicked out.
Sabah and Sarawak leaders, unlike Singapore's had no pride, and allowed themselves to be slavish to KL in exchange for political power and of course riches. They allowed Sabah and Sawarak to become a state just like Perlis.
So equal entities have now become non entities.
By right the Chief Minister of Sabah must be equal in statues to his counterpart in KL. Now he is even lower than the Mentri Besar of Perlis.

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written by Tompios, February 10, 2008 | 15:27:46

That's true Mr. Smith,

As Sabahan or Sarawakian, we shouldn't call our states as 'Malaysian's state' but republic of Sabah or Sabah nation.

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written by Flex Tan, February 10, 2008 | 15:29:07

KHAIRY JUST CREATED A WAR WITH AMAN (OF COURSE THROUGH THE OPPOSITION)...

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written by hakunamatata, February 10, 2008 | 15:29:14

Nobody bothers about Khairy except those in UMNO.
It is time everyone wakes up from their slumber and change the government before it does more damage. Because of a selfish few, the whole nation has to suffer.
If we let this be, we are just BN's accomplice. The future generation will blame us for the damage as well.
Malaysians of all walks of life, please think of the future of the country where corruption,injustice,unfairness will be the norm IF it is not CHECKED NOW.

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written by The dragonheart, February 10, 2008 | 15:48:54

UMNO looks at KJ like son of God... He graduated from a University from a far far land, never deal with the local people, go to private school, live in and elite family, now wants to lead a country where almost 1/3 are in poverty...

I suggest he go and live like Mathama Gandhi or Lord Buddha first before he wants to talk about leading the masses...

KJ if put in power would destroy the nation because he only understands the plight of the masses on paper only...

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written by krising1, February 10, 2008 | 16:04:58

Dear Sabahan,

I only take issue with you in one matter. Your quarrel should be with the UMNOputeras and not orang Malaya. We are equally the victims here. The UMNOputeras have been robbing all and sundry.

Otherwise I agree with all that you say. And this KJ is a boy still wet behind his ears. All the UMNOputeras lick his butt because he is the PM's son-in-law. Othewise is he kosong upstairs - his Oxford education nothwithstanding.

If he every dares to set foot in Sabah, pelt him with rotten eggs. I will share the cost of the eggs.

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written by hiro, February 10, 2008 | 16:58:35

That's what happens when the boss is not diligent and is not checking on what his ministers are doing and saying. It's so true that there must be leadership by example. The boss not only has to work the hardest, but also the smartest. It's a wonder how our Cabinet has regressed to this level, when a taxi minister can end up becoming a law minister, and a law minister is demoted to a cultural minister. UMNO has really lost its bearings and the rakyat must help reclaim what is right and just for Malays by supporting the opposition.

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written by Flex Tan, February 10, 2008 | 17:02:12

TELL THAT TO THE REMBAU FOLKS... HE IS NOT THE SON OF GOD.

We are Sabahans before Malaysians

2008-02-05T07:59:00.001-08:00

We are Sabahans before Malaysians

By A.G.Mustakim

Anak Keningau tries to be a Sabahan but failed miserably, the reason is because he is not from Sabah, perhaps from Negeri Sembilan. I am a Sabahan first before I am Malaysian. No one can dispute this; Sabah was an independent sovereign state before we decided to form Malaysia. This is the reason Sabah and Sarawak are unlike the states in Malaya and should be treated as such. History should not be written for their convenience of a few but for the good of all Malaysians. This is the basis of our existence from my father to me and from me to my children and probably beyond that. We will keep on preaching until someone realizes that truth is more powerful than lies or hypocrisy.

Yayasan Sabah sent me to study in Malaya when I was only 12 years old. I have even spent some years working there. Personally, I have nothing against orang Malaya per se. But I am against the injustice, unfairness, discrimination and condescending manner that they have shown to Sabah and Sarawak ever since the formation of Malaysia 44 years ago. It appears that these people are willing to change history, for their own convenience, every year they insist on celebrating 50 years of Malaya independence rather than 44 years of Malaysian independence. As the saying goes “history is written by the victors”, but since when Sabah was vanquished that we have to accept the version written by Malaya? They even made this into exam questions in schools a wrong answer will render a Sabahan to lose a mark. An innocent thing to provide the “right” answer but unconsciously preconditioning our children to accept Sabah is a defeated state.

Anak Keningau is a typical orang Malaya; coming to Sabah trying to help Sabahans in a condescending manner but do we really need their help? Orang Malaya may give the wrong impression that without development fund from the central government, progress and development in Sabah may be retarded. This may be true but then where is the money in central government coffer coming from? I am sure without the contributions from Sabah and Sarawak, industrialization in Malaya may remain a pipe dream. Orang Malaya may still be tapping rubber and panning for tin. Yet we see states such as Negeri Sembilan and Melaka without any resource other than a few depilated stone fortresses and muddy beaches is categorized as developed states while resource rich Sabah and Sarawak as a less developed state. To top it all, Sabah records the highest incidence of hardcore poverty to boot.

Therefore development fund from the central government is our right not a privilege bestowed upon us just because there is close relationship between the leaders in Sabah and the central government. Perhaps they want to show Sabah and Sabahans as beggars rather than partners. In fact Sabah has more right to these development funds than states such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

Anak Keningau is right in saying that all these will be decided by the rakyat and not by our politicians. The rakyat in Sabah made their choices known before, and has thrown out 3 governments. Never discard the possibility, the existing one may face the same fate. It is also naïve for Anak Keningau to advise Sabahans by going through the right channel and voicing our grievances’ through the elected rep. Doesn’t Anak Keningau know that all elected rep is selected and approved by the centre? This means that those elected rep that does not toe the line or does not work for the benefit of the centre will not be selected as candidates in the first place? Is it not possible for the centre to do this?

Remember who put the rotation of “our CM” in the first place at the expense of disregarding our Sabah constitution, the TYT and the state legislative assembly? It is obvious, when orang Malaya wants something, they will be your best buddies but when they got what they want, they will throw you away like some soiled cloth. They have done this many times to our late Tun Datu Mustapha, perhaps they will do the same thing to the present leaders when they are no longer useful. Just wait and see how many present elected reps are dropped in the next election.

This is why, in Sabah today “the people have the right to vote but not the right to choose”. Our right to choose has been taken by leaders in Malaya. In this context, leaders in Sabah may destroy and depleted its richness and resources for the benefit of those in Malaya. Otherwise their term in office is over.

Why the need to impose sales tax on palm oil Fresh Fruit Bunch by MPOB in Sabah when there is not enough cooking oil in Malaya. Why penalize Sabah and Sabahans such as levies on foreign laborers and fomema. Why do a ringgit spent in Kuala Lumpur gives one ringgit of value but a ringgit spent in Kota Kinabalu is only valued at seventy cent? Why does the price of chicken goes up one ringgit in Malaya, the whole world knows about it but when the price of chicken rises five ringgit in Sabah nobody cares.

If the majority of students, police officers, civil servants, armed forces, plantation investors or tourism operators from other parts of Malaya refuse to come to Sabah, it will not make any difference. Just take a good look at Sarawak. Perhaps Sabah can become a much better place to live in. Racism was unheard of in Sabah until orang Malaya came; disunity, hypocrisy, corruption is unknown in Sabah until it was introduced. If the central government stops people from Malaya coming to Sabah, they will definitely save a lot of money from unnecessary expenses. Imagine the cost of transfer allowance from Malaya to Sabah, the housing subsidies and regional allowances that is paid to them. Instead of creating closer rapport and cohesion these actions creates discrimination and discontent amongst the locals. Are Sabahans so undependable that even office boy and drivers have to be imported from Malaya?

Students from Malaya or for that matter from all over the world will flock to Sabah to study if the university is academically excellent and teaching staffs are credible and academically prominent. Just ask some parents why do they want to pay so much money sending their children overseas to study?

Is it not a police officer that is now in trouble within the force for having huge tract of land in Sabah? When we have to buy or fight to own a piece of our land. Is this his payment to rid of all the squatters in Pulau Gaya and hide them in Talipok? With all the police officers and Arm forces in Sabah, how is it that our borders are still porous? Does Sabah need to give up more land to more orang Malaya to ensure our border is impenetrable?

Look at what “plantation investors” has done to Sabah? Are they really helping Sabah to progress or are they doing the same thing as what European plantation investors did to Malaya during the British rule? If this is the extent of their sincerity in helping Sabah progress, if this is their perception of one country, one nation but in the process treating Sabahans worse than step brothers and sisters, then sad to say Sabah and Sabahans do not need them.

As Anak Keningau admitted, to get the VC position is all a matter of playing good political game rather than being an outstanding and credible academic. A Sabahan will always be passed over not because he is unqualified but because a true Sabahan will not grovel nor become a hypocrite just to gain a position. It’s a small wonder in the world ranking all Malaysian Universities are below the 200 position. Perhaps it is because all Universities in Malaysia are headed by aspiring politicians who knows how to grovel and “kow tow” but missing a lot of grey matters. In this, my sympathies to all parents who cannot afford to send their children overseas yet still have to pay expensive Universities fee and to their children for attending substandard institutions of higher learning.

Perhaps in order for a university in Sabah to excel, we need a committed Sabahan to lead this fine institution. Orang Malaya in Sabah is not dedicated or committed to improve the university. Their sole purpose in Sabah is only to enjoy the privileges, perks and get a Datukship. It is appropriate since Sabah and Sabahans had invested a lot of land, money and efforts to ensure this university was established. Twice a Sabahan was by-passed as VC yet until today the university has not shown academic excellence or become an outstanding institution of higher learning in the country or in the region. If Malaya is really sincere in ensuring Sabah can achieve excellent academic progress, then give a Sabahan a chance to lead the university. Perhaps orang Malaya cannot stand it when a Sabahan succeed where they failed miserably.

What Islamic Thinking Thinkers Thought

2008-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

What Islamic thinking thinkers thought...

This is not a specific reply to the accusation level against me with reference to my articles Happy Maal Hijrah 1429 & Happy New 2008 posted in AS Journal on 13 January, 2008 as I have not spared much time reading the details of it (the accusation). But rather just as the earlier response, as I scanned through, I cognised something was not well understood. The refined reply will take sometime as I have to be away most of the time from my blog-amde

_____________________________________

That article of mine -Happy Maal Hijrah 1429 & Happy New 2008 posted on 13 January, 2008 in AS Journal was found to be controversial by one person, so far one person only. (Circulated among the Gmail subscribers). According this one person, he consulted three Islamic religious experts to verify my writing. After reading ten times, he came out open, which is to me, falling short to declaring me as ... So, shall I say, four of them lah!

My question is what to verify? I still failed to see. Is it about the idea in that article? The way I presented? Badly constructed materials? The phrases I used? My English is so horrible? Or a person like me is not competent to write religious matter especially on Islam.

A kind of ..."Amde this isn't your territory, keep away you! This is religious subject. Writing about Islam is only meant for Muslim with sound religious record, had formal education in Islamic religion, had memorized the Quran numerously, understanding of it is not included if it is from English translation. It is only writings from Arab prominent Universities, notably from the Al Azhar University (I am not insinuating the University)"

To back track, the jest of my article is, how do we answer questions on Islam global image in general sense -just see and hear around the world, and the second part, what do we know of the image/s in our country? I have not provided answers, not even a suggestion, because the article is going be extended. For those who have not read, it is hardly a paragraph touches the core of Islam or religion per se. I know it would take me bigger space to have a real debate. It wasn’t intended to be.

Because it’s hardly a paragraph on Islamic religion, I now ask, is it worthwhile jumping into conclusion that the writer knew nothing about the subject or which part of it gives indication that he is betraying his own religion?

I remember not that long ago, a highly educated in Islamic religious graduate from our own home grown UII plus Al Azhar University, and this is not the only one, not to mention the rest in order not to be too personal. This religious expert/s I noted did not give us good impression about the prudence of good Islamic religious education. The media say … murtad

Or Amde needs to be nailed anyway, because he is as he is? Poor me! I really don't know.

I don’t intend to be boastful, but I have to introduce myself no matter how unethical it sounds to some, because for me, to reach this stage was a long journey. A journey with candle light to start with.

Three writers inspire me to read Islam and religion continuously, namely Feisal Abd Rauf, a Kuwaiti of an Egyptian ancestry, educated in Egypt, England, Malaysia, and USA; he is now Imam of Masjid al Farah New York City Mosque. He has written numerous books on Islam and Islam in connection with Physic among others.

Dr Zaiuddin Sadr a friend in England, international best seller special writer in mathematic and Islam, a technical designer he who helped design water system- Zam-Zam in Mecca, coincidently happened to be Datuk Seri Anwar adviser on Islam at one time. He used to say about himself an ulamak without beard!

(Hajj) Michael Wolfe, his father a Jew and mother devote Christian, and he is a devoted Muslim, a travel writer, notably -Thousand Roads to Mecca 1997. One can still watch him every Hajj season at CNN, sometime BBC, giving views on Islam-I haven't heard of him being banned to visit Muslim countries unlike Osama Bin Ladin who has price tag on his head any where at any time by President Bush

That would give inkling, how I view religion, and how I view Islam. The rest of the views I got are all mine, mine alone, and I hope to progress with it. Insyallh. See if I can contribute something one day in a way of thinking about religion even if is not specifically Islam

Call any Ustaz who wants to have a debate with me on that topic, views on religion and views on Islam against global background. I am prepared.

I don't have big name like Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward, David Yalopp or the infamous Shalman Rashdi sort of. But I am fortunate enough that media in Sabah are generous to me to make me as I am now, especially Daily Express. So what do I do?

I tell you something, writing is not something one can resign when one is pressured, especially if one is innocent. It is not as simple as what David Blanket did or in our local scene as Dr Chua Soi Leck did recently.

I can write more on this, but if I continue, we are surely going to miss the point again, i.e., the original contention I want to tell my readers are. See, I am a writer. I am not a reporter nor I am journalist-may be sometime what I wrote are rubbish, only Daily Express , Gulf News, Canberra Times or South Morning Post take up those rubbish from me.

Let me give a simple methodology when I do my writing, but again just let me first explain the word methodology, the first time I heard about the word methodology was when I did my Masters of Science Degree in University of Birmingham way in 1983. What it means simply is how do you do it or how do you investigate it? What do you use to prove or to substantiate your findings, are your findings significant enough? Hear these words? They don't tell you exactly what they want to mean, all are waffled and blurred if not dubious. If it happens in science what about it in art and any other fields, later in life I did my Law degree, this discipline helps me to understand two things: when facing with large and messy materials, one should deduce it. If the materials is too little one should induce it; this may not tell my readers a lot, even practicing lawyers are still missing the point.

I hate academic stuff! Tell me in real world, who would want to read academic stuff? Not even 5% of those from the house of universities read by general public. Because of this reason many people start writing heavy stuff into a very simple and less elaborative manner –read Feynman on Physic. It doesn't mean the writers are stupid who can't present succinctly. To some, I supposed, when people find attraction or something blogging their heads while reading, they would come back to the phrases, and start paying attention or asking question. Tell me how many those read Quran bother to knock someone's house asking for something about what blogging his or her mind? I supposed very few unless you are students, only when asked by their lecturers to do so.

Many would be asking Amde is a graduate in writing, its rubbish! I couldn't even speak English when I was in form three- a few of my teachers are still alive and kicking, ask them- Mr. Thanda, Chin Hock Yen, Liew Syn Chong or Liaw Ben Teck., how stupid, how poor and how ugly I was. I was and still am so bad in language even today, when I concentrate my Malay I forget my English, if I concentrate in English I forget my Malay, except one dialect, my Kadayan dialect. I hold it intact, but some sometime I pretend not to know it, especially, in front of boastful Kadayans who say they know a lot about Kadayan. You see, by my pretending not to know it they start telling me what they know of it but actually ninety percent of what they said I already knew. For me you would only be master of it until you write a book. I did my part. The catch is; people appreciate if you asked something from them by first putting him or her superior or above you are. That is why even in Islam used to emphasize to be humble, but sadly many misconstrued into thinking that being humble, quiet, look stupid are the real manifestation of stupidity. You watch this when confronting with civil servants in Malaysia, say, you are asking for application form for something related to government department; you are chicken dead, especially if you are just wearing salipar jepun and torn T shirt in front of them. Or you do that when meeting with a tau keh start bargaining the price to buy hardware, the tau keh would just close his eyes, you are not there. You start speaking in English with him, he will jump to you. Does this mean your ten ringgit isn't equivalent to YBs ten ringgit? I want to hear from Islamic religious thinking thinkers thought about this -I am in fact hinting to those who dispute my understanding of my faith. http://www.kadayanuniverse.com

Shockingly missing the points!?...

2008-01-30T02:26:00.000-08:00

This is Amde Sidik's reply to Samad's email on 22 January 2008 ( his instantaneous reply that very day), see also below, responses from friends.

Amdee has written a few articles related to this already, e.g., can be seen in Kadayan Universe (kadayanuniverse.com) while others in printed media.

See also what others have to say below...

Asslamlkm

who is replying this? You Sdr Samad

I think you really is missing the point; this is not the only articles I wrote about Islam if only you care to know how I view Islam...

I made the point at the very beginning -I did not even argue or mind or did I mention something wrong about sms? No! You surely don't understand what I wrote unless you intentionally to want to argue as you may find lacuna in some phrases I used- creative writing I called it. I have written something on Wahhabism may be that would help you to understand my mind.

There is no need to highlight those verses to support your argument I do read, not least than five translations of Quran on my shelves as my reference every now and then (that bit natty gritty). The only slack perhaps all are in English, non Malay, and because I don't understand Arabic. A couple of months ago I was at Prince Songkhla University giving a talk on Islam in connection to its Globe Image. No one views me as you did. I really want to sit down with you. I shall be in KL on the 25th, I may be giving a talk organised by MPH bookstore Mid Valley, the talk is not about Islam though- I shall let you know

The article I wrote has connection with the forthcoming article and series of articles, I also mention that lots more qualification to be done if you dare to bear with me. I am a writer not even a reporter let alone a journalist. I am not oversensitive but it is just my duty as a writer to highlight if there is anything new that we people need to know. I am sure plenty of things that we ought to know not just should know about our religion beside reading the Quran and listening to Friday Khutbahs, especially in Malaysia. I rounded Middle East couple of years ago, to seek more knowledge on Islam and a few days ago I was in Saudi Arabia-I am just as concerned as you are, if you understand what I mean.

This is what happen to most of us, when looking at pin hole any subject for that matter, but it would be worse on subject like religion, taking a few phrases as if a cul de sac.

The sms I was referring to was from my relative and cum friend (he might be reading this), between him and I, we talk about religion and how we view it. We are as concerned as anyone else though lacking of formal religious education unlike you. Because the way our religious education is imparted to our younger generation in years to come it can either turn them Taliban or something totally opposite- we have seen the manifestation in the recent years, if you dare to guess what I referring to, by all means do it. I can simply say, they shouldn't be just asked to swallow but to understand it-religion and Islam in particular, i.e., if we want to have quality ummah.

For those who have been following my writing the parrot theory-may be you should comment on this to make me a better person, also perhaps other people can see between you and I. May be you have no opportunity to follow my work, but stain of the idea can be seen in my three books I wrote. May be they would provide an inkling if we are far apart on how we view Islam. I repeat Islam not religion.

If any one wants to have a debate with me on the subject person to person I am most willing, unless of course some want to make this as public consumption and I am also prepared to write given ample time I shall continue.

Wassalm, amde sidik

Waalaikumsalam wbt,

Yes, its me Abdul Samat bin Kasah, I think my e-mail is familiar to you. Firstly I just would like to mention to your goodself that I did not dispute the SMS you received which I stated that clearly in my statement. My comments were directed to your views about Islam and al-Quran as stated in your e-mail. Before I wrote a reply to your e-mail, I contacted 3 persons whom I think are the authority to speak on Islam. Surprisingly, all the three of them shared a common view on what you have stated in your e-mail. We could be wrong!

May be my English is so POOR, which made my interpretation went so WRONG as you've rightly said "I think you really is missing the point". I read your e-mail more than 10 times to really understand words by words, sentance by sentance to understand what you have said, and still not satisfied I contacted 3 other person for verification. We might be wrong and if we have interpreted your view points wrongly, please accept my appologies.

I have to produce the verses from al-quran and al-hadith as dalils to support my arguement because those are the only credible sources to be used when we want to discuss about Islam, BUT if you said those are "(that bit natty gritty)", THEN I REST MY CASE.

Semoga Tuan Haji sentiasa diberi rahmat dan hidayah serta petunjuk dari Allah SWT. Amin.

Wasslam.

abdul samat bin kasah

subang jaya

On 15/01/2008, Lahat Bin Ahok <lahat@tm.com.my> wrote:

Bah…jaan tah kamu batangkaa. Baik tah kamu duduk sama2 minum kopi. Bincang2 pasal majuakan bangsa kadayan kita. Soal pemahaman tentang ugama tu hantap subjective nya bah. Inda ku baani ngomen. Yang aku pasti ISLAM IALAH UGAMA KU.

Aslkm Sdr Lahat
TQ, I am on my way to give lecture, but can't resist of not saying hi! to you after the hohahoha I called it (I am typing this on the corridor) Samad's construing that I am disputing what’s in the Quran. He knows my religious education, why couldn't he just picked a phone and called me before he even wasted his time looking for religious experts. By this way, is called friend, by this way is called saudara, by this way is called Islamic virtue - a way of defending the sanctity of our religion, rather than making it as public domain. I am 100% sure those religious experts he turned to wouldn't know who Amde Sidik is. Or he should have asked you, you people are in constant watch on me, i.e., if I am turning.....360 degree. I shall be refining that article some time in the future, because as I mentioned there a layman way of looking, wouldn’t suitable for technical persons. But I still like physic as a subject when compounded with logic.

Your proposal duduk minum kopi I have no difficulty, it is my ritual. I have asked Samad many times on this, I asked for his phone number recently before I went to overseas. I asked him if there are Kadayan who wish to hear about little anecdotes of Kadayan or meet we must in KL warong, I long to see how he looks like. I shall speak Kadayan when I meet. My Kadayan is better than my Malay when come to serious talk. I have mentioned I shall be in KL soon surely I am happy to see my saudara even if has to bring a few ustazs.

Salam to all saudara, seek for knowledge wherever you are, we are nearing sunset don't waste time unnecessarily but improvise each other that is an Islamic gesture.

salam, amde sidik

Since 1999, this is the first time two learned kadayans, both of
them are from my internet circle, and both of them are very
supportive to my work ever since, openly expressing disagreement
in public.

What is happening?

Coincidently [ its really coincidence, I don't even know about
this email till just now] today I wrote something in my blog

http://arimi.ath.cx

I have my own opinions about many things, the Islamic faith included. It is good that we discuss this openly. However, I am too busy with grassroots politics to bother with this at the moment.

By the way, the sender of the SMS in question was me.

Rgds to all.

Hj Ramlee Dua

On 24/01/2008, Hj Ramlee Dua wrote:

In your honest opinion,

(1) what percentage of the Malay/Muslim community in Malaysia spend their time studying/thinking/worrying about whether the sound of a donkey is awful, or whether Yunus, Yusuf or Ya'kub existed at all, or whether some camel was created out of stone?,

(2) do Malays/Muslims think that the complete conversion of every person on planet earth to Islam (as the article hopes to intend) mean a better world, if so how do they percieve the world to be in such a situation?

(3) why do Malays/Muslims seem so attached to myths and mysticisms? Are they reaching out to a different path of the Islamic faith? Why have they failed to apply themselves to Islam and be above others in the world today?

(4) do Malays/Muslims think that by "accepting" Islam (including the utterances of the Dua Kalimah Syahadat) give them some form of an "overdraft" that will see them into heaven regardless of all else?

Rgds, Hj Ramlee

Each of us should have views on our own with regards to items put forward. It can be enlightened by positioning our mind into the real world as seen today, if it were to make real sense. But, all too often, as I observed people are conditioning themselves, if not barricading themselves to a point that others views are irrelevant, especially in religion. I wonder how many would read when they see, how many would see when they read, and how many would think intelligently other than just making a passing remarks- I called it cutting corners, I am not dwarfing this circle of ours but merely saying I don't think some are up to the mark to discussing (real discussion) with the exception of very-very few. Because such limited scope they are exposed to they are vulnerable not only to others' interpretations but his own interpretations- that university degree one has wouldn't mean much when one can't even lift one eyes to see what above the eye brows (referring to my experience here)
- amde sidik

Saidin Gandul gsaidin@gmail.com

Islam tidak melarang adanya perbedzaan pendapat, lihat ini:

Islam membenarkan berlakunya khilaf di kalangan para mujtahid dalam perkara-perkara furu' yang tidak berkait dengan usul. Apabila berlaku khilaf tidak semestinya yang satu benar dan yang satu lagi salah, yang satu hak dan yang satu batil.

Oleh demikian, setiap orang Islam hendaklah berlapang dada dan menerima kepelbagaian pandangan dalam Islam yang dikeluarkan oleh para ulamak mujtahid. Tidak menjadi kesalahan jika ia hendak mengkaji di antara semua pandangan ulamak dalam suatu masalah, mana yang paling tepat...

Keratan artikal ini diperoleh dari:

Akhukum,
Us. Ahmad Adnan Fadzil,
Pusat Bimbingan Wawasan Ummah,
Changlun, Kedah.

___________________________________

Kadayan: too small to mention?

2008-01-30T01:41:00.000-08:00

See a letter to Forum Daily Express recently (27th January 2008) who decides what to be in statistics. We would like to hear what the former President of Sabah Kadayan Association-Amde Sidik has to say on this subject in the very near future- meanwhile what ifs others have to say.

It's shocking article or is it?

2008-01-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

My article titled Happy Maal Hijrah 1429 & Happy New Year 2008 posted in AS Journal, on 13the January 2008, (See below) found to be controversial by one blogger, a person whom I knew in the past but he knew least of me these days. His response to my article circulated among gmail subscribers. Let see what the rest can make out of the accusation level against me is fair, or constructively in Islamic way, if not in Malaysia Boleh way, my reply will come only later_ Amde

14 /01/2008, Subang Jaya

askasah@gmail.com> wrote:

Assalamualaikum wbt,

I was shocked to receive this e-mail from a learned person like Sdr Amde Sidik. As a professional, I have to be very frank that I beg to differ of his opinion about Islam. There is nothing wrong with the SMS he received from his friend which sounded like this: -

"Seribu empat ratus dua puluh sembilan tahun sudah berlalu… sejauhmana lagi perjalanan kita sebagai umat Islam…? Mempukah kita maju kehadapan seribu tahun lagi…? Selamat menyambut Awal Muharam & Salam Maal Hijrah 1429."

The SMS clearly mentioned "kita sebagai umat Islam" AND NOT Islam. Let me stress again NOT Islam. There is distinctive difference between UMAT ISLAM and ISLAM. The sender of the SMS was questioning the ability of the Islam ummah to survive in the next 1,000 year ahead. Islam is a religion and Islam Umah is its professors.

Islam as a religion had been guaranteed by Allah SWT through His firman,

"Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam" – Surah Ali Imran Ayat 19.

["Sesungguhnya agama di sisi Allah hanya Islam"] – Surah Ali Imran: Ayat 19

Firstly - When a question is asked "Has Islam changed over the period of 1429?" To me, we should be asking "What changes has Islam brought to my life in the past 50 years or so?"

There is no need to change Islam and Islam does not require any changes. Islam is a complete religion, a religion of "Deen-Al-Touhid" and "Deen-Al-Fitrah". "Deen-Al-Touhid means the religion of the belief in the Oneness of God, and "Deen-Al-Fitrah" means the religion of the nature or the religion which is in accordance with human nature.

Islam is called the religion of One God because its main theme is the unity of God. The doctrine of One God is the most emphasized and repeated principle in the Holy Qur'an.

Islam is called the religion of nature because its teaching is acceptable to the human mind when the human mind is freed from illogical thinking and superstition.

Secondly when Sdr Amde Sidik mentioned that "God does not change anything what He has given, an example and the proof is the Quran" The statement is totally ABSURD. Na'auzubillah.

I'm not sure what Sdr Amde meant by "God does not change anything what He has given", is it ISLAM as a Way of Life or is it our way of life which does not conform to the principles as set in the Quran and Sunnah Rasullullah SAW. If it is the later, yes I do agree 100% but NOT the former.

This is the dalil,

"Verily! Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah)". Surah Al-Rad Ayat 11

["Sesungguhnya Allah tidak mengubah nasib sesuatu kaum sebelum kaum itu mengubah apa yang ada pada dirinya sendiri."] Surah Al-Rad Ayat 11.

Let me say this, Allah SWT, being Perfect, in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has set His limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, Islam as way of life DO NOT NEED CHANGING.

The dalils,

"These are the limits (set) by Allah, so do not approach them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:187)

"These are the limits set by Allah, so do not transgress them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:229)

Let me emphasised that Islam encourages its Ummah to be creative, innovative and to acquire as much knowledge as possible as soon as we DO NOT GO BEYOND the limits set by Allah SWT and the Prophet Muhammad SAW. For example, Islam forbids its ummah to consume pork, so please do not conduct any research to prove that pork is HALAL. What you can do is to conduct research why pork is HARAM.

Thirdly – I do not understand the question asked by Sdr Amde "Do you think religion is fixed? Or do you think what have been written down in the Quran remains to be understood today as it was 1429 years?

Let me ask Sdr Amde, "What would you like Islam and al-Quran to be?" Do you want Islam and al-quran to be like our legislation where changes and amendments can be effected when and where we like to suit our requirements? Na'auzubillah.

"Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam" – Surah Ali Imran Ayat 19.

"And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [ i.e. the Taurat (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel)], and a full explanation of the Book (i.e. laws decreed for mankind) - wherein there is no doubt from the the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn,and all that exists)." Surah Yunus Ayat 37

We have to admit that we as humans lack perfect knowledge as well as perfect wisdom. No matter how hard we try, we will never attain the perfect way of life by our own thinking and interpretation. This is the reason why Allah SWT being the Most Wise, sent us the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad SAW to show us this practical and organised way of life.

Saya akhiri e-mail ini dengan Firman Allah SWT di dalam Surah Ali Imran Ayat 85 yang bermaksud,

"Sesiapa mencari agama selain daripada Islam, ia tidak akan diterima daripadanya, dan di akhirat dia adalah antara orang-orang yang rugi." – Surah Ali Imran Ayat 85

Wallahu'alam bisawab. Forgive me for being so blunt, I'm just executing my responsibility a Muslim.

Seeing Is Believing

2008-01-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

Thats the hill on the top, Zalla was seen descending in the middle of the road, second pix from the top. Cooking and lamb meat on the mat pix below and the video

By Amde Sidik

I told Zalla* that I have been fascinated looking at those people who could walk like lizards on the hill. From distance they also look like mountain goats-kambing gurun (in Malay). They jump from rock to rock, and sometimes they touch on the sand, zoom! leaving the dust behind.

My question, is this an easy task? Most of the time they are wearing taliban kind of outfit, with white robes, baggy trousers, bulky hats or heavy turbans, only with sandals or even bare footed,

They are mostly Pakistanis, Afghans and other ethnics that have similar background living in close neighborhood with Pakistan and Afghanistan.

One day Zalla and I went for this maddening trail. No, no, it wasn’t like what it was seen or at least like what I imagined. Those rocks sometimes are loose rocks, unless one can identify which ones are permanent which ones are not, with one wrong step one surely rolls down like round marbles. It is dangerous. Don’t simply step on the sand; it isn’t really sand but something like grained rocks with sharp edges mixed up with other things else. It’s as porous as mud which could burry one foot up to an ankle deep.

Now I know for sure kambing gurun is kambing gurun or lizard is lizard, this is not an overnight affair for me to learn to jump from rock to rock.

Nevertheless this was an experience; we did it out of curiosity. I got some bruises on my right elbow and my foot while trying to hang up to avoid from rolling down. Zalla said we can easily be mistaken about the sand, the moment one steps on it everything would fall down with haasssh sound and bang later.

It was on Hari Raya Idil Adha or in Malay Hari Raya Korban, where slaughtering of animals was taken place in 2007, just behind the jamarat where casting of pebbles are taking place-hilly part of Mina.

We were so lucky during our adventure. We were served by those people camping on the hill side with barbecue of lamb –korban meat and soup, but we opted only for barbecue. Very kind of them!

Many would be asking why were these people cooking here or basically living here. Well, you see, not all pilgrims are fortunate to come to this place. Many thousands come here have no place to stay, so this picnic version is not really picnic but another way of approaching God; in our eyes these are hard ones. Some live in open space, some use tents for shelters, while some simply lay down next to the main roads.

As we reached somewhere in the middle of the hill we bumped into Saudi youths, six of them. This was my first encounter with the local since the last three weeks of my arrival, and the only Saudi that could speak English. They were there just observing the people, I would say. One is by the name of Khaleel- seen at the extreme left in the video. This guy speaks perfect English I have the feeling he must have been living in English speaking country. He has sent me a few emails since my arrival home in Malaysia

This video taking was not my expertise; I am totally hopeless unlike still photographing which I have been trained as photojournalist.

All of them refused to be photographed initially. Their reason was, they said, its haram to be taken in the form of photograph but video is alright! That prompted me to ask them if they watch TV at home .Their reply was yes, and TV is ok. I found it’s very strange! I explained to them the concept of photography is exactly the same as video! The nearest example I cited to them is how slides presentation works, which is originally from still photographs. But realizing this affair was not my objective of coming to this country I therefore wouldn’t bother to prolong the debate. Instead I showed them how I turned my still camera into video camera. I won the day, and this is how this little clip was born.

* A friend of mine who has always been supportive to me in my adventure

Happy Maal Hijrah 1429 & New Year 2008

2008-01-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

It must have been about 50 days that I did not touch my blog. I was away. I was restless wherever I went, it could not be helped. Talk about the blog, we are fortunate enough in Malaysia compare with some places that I have been to, many still do not even have a clue what an email address is. Meanwhile, I just I want to say I am back, nice to have a home. I’ve almost forgotten my password when checking my blog and emails, what a dilapidated mind I now have.

Before I begin, I just want to say Selamat Berhijarah-Maal Hijrah for Muslim. One Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Nine years (1429) ago Islam was born.

Earlier there was celebration of New Year of 2008. I wish every one of us to have a happier time a head, always in the state of good health, always be blessed by God, and be protected by Him only.

I know they are those who would be asking question; where the hell have I been to? I am not telling. Because I am doing a travelogue for this seclusive journey, I am hoping that in a couple of months the book shall be found in our local book stores. Insyallah.

While I was just figuring out of that many thousand years since the born of our religion-Islam, I received sms from my friend also my relative whom we have been in constant contact these days, nothing significant why we behave as we have, may be now it is time think more coherently, slowly but steadily. This is his sms:

“Seribu empat ratus dua puluh sembilan tahun sudah berlalu… sejauhmana lagi perjalanan kita sebagai umat Islam…? Mempukah kita maju kehadapan seribu tahun lagi…? Selamat menyambut Awal Muharam & Salam Maal Hijrah 1429.

I received a couple of dozens of ucapan –sms greeting like this. I thank to those who sent me, most of them I did not reply, a country where I was in transit for a while had problem with their service provider at that time. My hand phones became hopeless; it isn’t nice feeling in situation like this. A professor contacted me about my students’ results; luckily I have had a back up plan in order not to disappoint him.

Now, two things why I pick the above topic, this guy seldom sent me greeting in Bahasa Melayu he did this time. Second, by coincidence we were thinking of the same subject almost at the same time in distant places. I was not sure if he picked this greeting from that many hundreds flying around, but, by looking at the construction of the sentences it must have been his original. Nowadays, in time like this, everybody can be a poet or philosopher, and it really is a matter of choice.

I do not intend to show off that I have studied this subject, no; I am just treating it as a layman does, the so called, the crudest sense of the words without giving further qualification. Also due to space, but I promise to myself given time I would dwell little further in the future.

Has Islam changed over the period of 1429? Most would say no, God does not change anything what He has given, an example and the proof is the Quran. So thus the argument goes no one can change the words of God. Fair enough.

Depending one what kind of change we are talking about, because what in the Quran could be understood in so many ways. God made it that way. Do you think religion is fixed? Or do you think what have been written down in the Quran remains to be understood today as it was 1429 years?

Observing Islam around the globe or to be more general and polite observing any religion around the globe today. I doubt it if it can be said that country A is more religiously right than country B or vice versa. Do we have anything standard like what we know about television encoding system? Even that has variation from PAL, for example, the one we use, to NTSC and SECAM alike?

I am saying any belief; a doctrine or a school, to have it any meaning at all it must be alive and dynamic. Anything static are history, you and I aren’t living by history alone, the most history can give is outline. Islam as I see it now, especially from the way our religious experts emphasize, day in day out in their preaching of Islamic concept, little do they have a clue if they can connect to what they say in real life situation. I take it like comparing a camel with Boeing 707; you are now in Timbuktu thinking of going to New York, which one is more real? I was just with my friends a few hours ago talking about the mystic of Islamic religion; much of it if, I were to look it from a helicopter point of view is made out like an entertainment a part from very few lived to tell the truth. If you believe so much you either using Pal system or if not may be Scam or etc. It isn’t about making it interesting but it about our intellectual appropriately applied. Where are those Islamic scholars?

I pause just here by asking more questions than giving answers, coincide with two New Years. I shall continue the topic elsewhere. God Bless Us

Are we that stupid?

2007-11-20T01:55:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-11-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

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 (?)

2007-11-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-04T07:09:00.001-08:00

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

2007-10-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-16T02:39:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-09-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-12T02:39:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-09-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-30T04:14:00.001-07:00

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?

Merdeka Merdeka Merdeka!

2007-08-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

By AS

In Sabah we talk. We, I mean ordinary people. Ordinary means a group that lies in between two extreme ends of the poles.

We talk about the date of Malaysia's independent. For those born in 70s upward do not have the nostalgic feeling of the 60s. I am 100% sure Malaysia gained its independent was in 60s- to be precise 1963. If in doubt, anyone can take me to court to settle the argument on this issue. I am prepared to explain even at 3.00 o’clock in the morning (?)

Because of that, Malaysia is only 44 years. Not 50 years. If one says 50th National Day, may be I can take it but not 50th Malaysia National Day, even if I am going to be skinned off I still wouldn't agree. One Malaysian active blogger asked me for elaboration on this subject. I did. He said he understands it now. Another, one former YB sent me a SMS thanking me for saying it loud and clear. I appreciate you people!

States in Peninsular Malaysia gained their independent in 1957. Right.

Now what about 31^st August? Nothing is wrong about the date. States in Peninsular Malaysia declared their Independent-Merdeka Day on this date. Fine.

The Malaysia Independent Day supposed to be taking place on this very date, the year was 1963, but could not do so because of unfinished business that needed to be sorted out in London- for the formation of Malaysia. It was then extended to 16^th September 1963.

Also no fuss about that date in as far as Sabah and Sarawak are concerned.

There was a compromise, we therefore agreed 31^st August Malaysia Day. For Sabah and Sarawak the 16^th September marks as the date of their TYT’s Birthday respectively, that’s OK too.

What is not OK when facts of history are changed. Our political leaders say, Malaysia 50th Independent Day is on 31st August 1957, and Malaysia is now 50 years old. Wrong! We have to say 20 + 20 = 40, can't be anything else, this isn't that complicated. What makes matter worst even our school history text books aren't written correctly. We are cheating our kids. You and I are still kicking to witness the glamorous Malaysia Day at various Padang, we called PadangMerdeka! Yet we succumbed to explanation by dumb politicians. One Senator whispered to me over lunch recently that many of our YBs have no balls. I wanted to check his but may be this is a bit too much, so we parted with a saying-bye bye.

Letter from Junior

2007-08-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

By C. Karadau

Hi Dad,

How are you doing?

I'll come straight to the point. I can't believe that there are people who have been making all these threatening noises like thunder in the distance.

I told myself, no, they can't be serious.

I am talking about some government politicians who think bloggers ought to be locked up for slandering and spreading lies.

These people need to get real. Dad. If they ever do this, a thousand flowers will bloom! I tell you.

I am disappointed that some of the politicians who suggested the idea are relatively young themselves.They should know better about the Internet Age. Didn't one young politician call the bloggers "monkeys" and another aging hero called them gobloks?

Why are these politicians so paranoid?

If what the bloggers write are not true, why don't these politicians just sue them? I don't understand this.Why do they think the big stick is still necessary?

Don't expect members of the public to kow-tow to the politicians these days. Most of them are better informed, and many are better educated and even better read than the politicians themselves.

This is the price you have to pay for being a public figure these days.You do something wrong, the whole world will know about it within seconds. You have to learn to live with it.

You really need a thick skin, but, if you do you job properly, there is nothing to worry about. There are no more sacred cows left. Look at the recent rap version of the national anthem, and the number of hits it has received! No matter how unpalatable, there will people who will use their creativeness to seek fame or even fortune, maybe, they just want their views to be heard.

It's lies to you, but the truth to them .Both of you are right.But, you can't stop the message from being heard.

The bar has been raised, Dad, Joe Public wants the politicians to do their job properly for the good of the country. No more selfish or personal agendas.

Actually, it's quite simple, just walk on the right path, don't deviate and don't get the people angry.

Dad, I have just finished reading Thomas Friedman's "The World Is Flat", do you think our politicians have read the book? It's an eye opener. This is a good book if you want to understand globalisation's complexities.

The flat world he talks about is a metaphor for the world's level economic playing field that is the result of the new phase of globalisation. Friedman points out to 10 "flatteners" that have destroyed barriers, including the death of Communism and the fall of the Berlin Wall; the growth of fibre-optics networks; Internet tools such as browsers and search engines; open -sourcing; offshoring; and changes in delivery logistics.

The world is not the same anymore. Friedman argues that the flatteners converged around 2000 to create "a flat world, a global,web-enabled platform for multiple forms of sharing knowledge and work, irrespective of time, distance, geography and increasingly, language".

My favourite quote from the book is, "with China and other nine flatteners coming on so strong, no country today can afford to be anything less than brutally honest with itself". (p.313).

What choice is there for countries, communities and individuals except to learn to adapt to this New Reality? Governments and societies can - and - must adapt.

I suggest you read the book. Dad, we all have to learn to adapt fast.There is not much choice really. Maybe, our politicians think they are still part of the round world!? I can't really blame them.

Love You,
Junior.

'Writer's' Life

2007-08-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

By Amde Sidik

“Ah life can be very inspiring” said one young budding writer, the moment he sees his work appeared in the printed media-in the case of newspapers. Surely feeling inspired for the work. An endorsement by editor or editors. And indication of approval that his work merits for public consumption.

“Life can be very frustrating, full of hopelessness and demeaning” said another, a writer who is not born nor trained writer yet not so young but has big ideal. Because his articles were sometime come out in time, sometime a few weeks later or sometime an editor calls him giving reason why the article cannot be published not himself decides but 'they' to be nice. You know what I mean.

Writer, I mean here is not a person doing writing for livelihood but simply keen and happy to write as hobby if you may say, I call the person simply a writer all the way embattling whether writing would one day becomes his new profession.

It means writing to get work published isn’t that predictable, life as if hinges on editor’s tolerance and mercy.

Again it depends what one is writing.

If one, simply wants to get his work printed in the newspaper this could be different too. But what I mean here is a writer who thinks he has something to tell. He wants to tell the way he wants to tell, something based on his expertise and experience but because in the eyes of the establishments his political thought is incorrect. He is of not the same feathers thus cannot flock together. Bearing in mind in Malaysia, being lefty may be popular at coffee shop or warong mamak but not in five star hotels, so to speak. Very few mainstream media would want to print ideas which do not tally with what PM or Chief Ministers or Menteri Besars’ thought, for the very fact all mainstream media belong to the ruling political parties and their associates. And printer’s printing permit is renewable only yearly. Malaysia’s printers and publishers are nowhere else but in Malaysia. If Malaysia has Murdoch or Maxwell or Time Warner or Viacom perhaps it could be a different story.

But be reminded being lefty it doesn’t mean one is less patriotic or less nationalistic than BN political parties supporters. Some, if not most of brilliant scholars are from this end rather than the other. One thing I am sure in Malaysian though, learning institutions on subject that I am referring to are not found in BN political parties and their associates. Not now.

Excuse me...

2007-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

By Zaki Awang

Talk to any local Sabahan about the foreigners or the illegal immigrants in the state, you will see the face turning like a volcano about to erupt.The anger is real, it's almost lava-like. If you don't wish to be destroyed, you'd better jump aside.
I kid you not.
Of course, the anger is justified, but, somewhat misplaced. Truthfully speaking, we are losing the battle.
This problem has been with us for years, nothing concrete has been done, except for the short tenure of Chong Kah Kiat as our Chief Minister.It shows with political will, some things are possible.
If our heavy weight politicians had been serious all along, this problem would have been contained.Being serious with this issue is definitely alien to the politicians concerned.
Just reflect back, one minute amnesty is declared so that illegals can go back to their countries, the next minute, because of pressure from the governments where these illegals come from, everything is back to square one.
I am sure, some people actually make money from this flip-flop approach.
We are talking about the survival game here. There are 300 million people south of the porous border, and another 100 million to the north who only need to swim over.These people need to be fed. And, guess what?We can do this because our economy is definitely better than theirs.
We are relatively comfortable, we can practically pick and choose our jobs.Our young people only want to work in an air-conditioned office, leaving the 'dirty' jobs to the foreigners.
Who's to be blamed?
I buy my vegetables from a Bugis woman down the road.Timorese workers deliver gas to my house.Minor house repairs are done by Filipinos, and my amah is also a Filipino. Don't forget our construction, our plantation and factory workers.The list goes on.
Let's get real, we are at their mercy. Send them home for just a week, see if we can survive.
The stubborn amongst us will say, who cares?
I can't speak for everyone, but, I want my comforts and these are provided by these people at a cheap price.
The real solution is to pick and choose who stays and who goes home.My approach is simple, keep those who are economically useful to us, the rest put them on a slow boat to somewhere. I don't care where.
A proper immigration policy that caters to our economic needs must be put in place then.Tell the nation what sort of workers we need and how many, and then bring them in. Without these people, our economy will go into a tailspin, period.
See, we are really dependent on them, don't tell me they are not aware of this. What we can we do?
The answer is nothing, besides the occasional raids and what have you.We are beaten, scream blue black if that's what you want to do.These people are staying put.
They are taking over our country, they work hard, while we moan and groan.
Like the Chinese immigrants before them, soon, they will be part and parcel of our human landscape.They are close to us racially, can you tell any difference if not for the way they speak?As time passes, they will be as Sabahans as you and me, if they are not already.
At one stage, the Germans made so much noise about their Turkish guest workers because of the cultural and religious differences. But, now, with the German born younger members of these workers, the German public have grudgingly accepted the situation except for the neo-fascist elements in the country. All the other European countries have learnt to accept this new reality too.
This is globalisation, like it or not.
While we are at it I don't understand why the government doesn't bring in more skilled and the educated ones like badminton coach Rexy Mainaky and give them red ICs -Malaysian Identity Card on the spot? I'd like to think they are more deserving as they can help the country bring honours in sports and what have you. And, don't forget the African and other foreign footballers who are playing in our local league, just give them citizenship and I am sure our football rankings will improve immediately.
Our neighbours who can bring in the necessary capital and help generate wealth must be encouraged to come, like what Singapore is doing.With all the economic activities, I am sure many of our unemployed graduates will be gainfully employed at last.
Enough of the peasant stock for me! I want more class!
Meanwhile, I can't say I am not looking forward to the new English football season which is starting soon.
Excuse me, my Filipino amah just told me she needed money to pay the Timorese gas man and the Timorese grass-cutter tomorrow.
As I sit in front of my TV, I don't detect anything unusual.
Do you?

Greetings to all and sundry...

2007-07-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

By Hj Ramlee Dua

I do not know most of you, but as I write this, I am enjoying peace and quiet in my own home and sipping a glass of chardonnay. Some of you may not know what that is, but no matter...

This endless debate about Islamic states or secular states, often disturb my solitude.

You see, I live in a small village on the shores of a pretty crummy bay. It is often filthy because of illegal logging uprivers. Other than my Timorese gardener who professes to be a Catholic as well as my immediate next door neighbour who professes the same faith, and whom I hardly see, the rest of the villagers are Muslims. Their ancestors before them have also been Muslims. They take for granted that the religion they profess will last them their lifetimes. But I must admit that I am also very Westernised, having grown up and graduating from a western university. The lifestyle I choose is entirely my own choosing. I must also declare that I will just be just as comfortable living in New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, the USA, even maybe the Falklands Islands. I would not mind living in the interesting parts of Turkey or Greece, although the language barrier maybe a slight deterent. But that brings to mind my late grandfather who arrived on the shores of Borneo from China as a youngster in the 1920s, ended up on the same shore as I live now, married, had kids and somehow, to get by, learnt the lingua franca, as millions of migrants to these shores did.

The point I am trying to make is this, the Good Prophet (Peace be upon him), once said to his sidekicks, learn all you can, even if you have to go to China. So all my life, I have taken this attitude of wanting to learn, so I can make life better.

So what's all this fuss about being an Islamic state all about then? And does it freak out so many people? Even non-Muslims seem to be against it.

First of all, I think the problem lies in our unwillingness to learn. I, for a moment do not believe that any religious faith that can last for more than a thousand years can be that bad. What can make things bad, would be the unwillingness of adherents and followers to learn and improve with the times. What can make things truly rotten would be the unwillingness of those who somehow sneak into power, to understand that in life, everything is in a state of flux and change is inevitable. That is the major difference between our kind of democracy and the ones being practised by developed western nations. Just today I read about the Victorian premier, Steve Bracks, deciding to give up his post after 8 years. As a Westernised democrat, he did not give up because he was about to be hauled off to jail for corruption. He decided to give up because he felt that he has given his best to the state of Victoria and that there are people who are just as smart and capable as him to take over without anyone having to lose contracts and perks because of his departure. He can rest assured that the garbage will be collected, banks will serve customers just as well if not better, everything that he inherited from his predecessors and improved in his tenure, will continue and to be improved for the good of all inhabitants. What's more, anyone who feels badly done by, can say so publicly without fear. In other words, the people really choose who should govern them and only for a short period. They change governments regularly without any of the services being disrupted or poor villagers seeing their children losing their scholarships because they happen to vote the losing political party.

How does this creep into the paranoia about being an Islamic state? Do non-Muslim honestly feel that Muslims are truly incapable in deciphering what is good and bad?

Who do we blame for all this but Muslims themselves? Surely non-Muslims cannot be expected to have a deep understanding of Islamic laws and jurisprudence? Or how we should live our daily lives. More importantly, what is the philosophy of the religion regarding many issues that we face today like climate change, environmental degradations, corruption, abuse of power, lack of transparency in governance, drug abuse, loss of self confidence in youths, to name but a few.

But non-Muslims and many Muslims fear most is that those who get into power will inflict a Hollywood on them. The western propaganda about Islam being barbaric and being way behind the times get into the psyche of many people. The image of bearded, turbaned mullahs shooing people to be shot creeps to many minds. In the most unlikely event of this country deciding to apply so-called Islamic laws, I would not be unduly worried because by nature, I am not a habitual law-breaker. It would be unlikely that I'll get my hand chopped off for theft simply because my faith has taught me that it is not an acceptable thing to do. Apparently, to lose a hand due to willful thievery takes some doing in Islamic law. First of all, two pair of eyes (and they must be sane and of full age) must have witnessed it. Secondly, have gone through that, the offender and his family can ask for forgiveness and pay compensation before a court of law. If these two conditions are not fulfilled, the offender can still appeal to keep his hand...this is ridiculous even to discuss, although I do believe many people in this nation deserve more than one hand to be amputated.

So what else worries people...? Having to get the short and curly circumcised.? In Australia, save for those new arrivals from some countries, everyone is circumcised. Apparently the USA is the same. Circumcision is sunat in Islam... it's not compulsory but good if you want to do it.

So what next.?

Assuming clean-shaven, incorruptible & educated Muslims take over the governing of the country, how will it change the country? Will those who are used to greasing palms be put in a position of fear because the ways will no longer be acceptable? Will their profits take a nose-dive? Will this country become non-investor friendly?

In the most extreme case, imagine a scenario where everything stops because it's prayer time. Every Muslim drops everything he happens to be doing, chills out for a few minutes to slow down, to take stock of himself and at the same time remind himself all is but nothing without the will of God..then over time, the Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, atheists and whomever else, also follow the Muslim example of chilling out for a few minutes several times a day, do the same according to their beliefs. who then would have the inclination to go against their religious tenets? Would we have a better place to live in then...?

Obviously, what scares many non-Muslims about an Islamic state is our readiness to confront this challenge and to prove to all that we are capable of delivering fairness and justice as willed by the Book.

Muslims themselves must portray an image that others can look up to and desire to emulate and follow. It is no use covering up the aurat when the cloth for that purpose is imported from China. How many Muslims own needle factories in this country? How many Muslims own iron mongeries that churn out parangs that can be used to clear forests so Muslims can plant cotton to turn into cloths? Because Muslims lack the basic industries that can deliver their basic needs, they should by right, be running around naked. What kind of respect can we expect from our own weaknesses? And for those who can see these weaknesses, it is only fair that they should be paranoid.

But will this country ever become an Islamic state? The answer is an absolute no. Changing into something so drastic requires guile, gall and even brawn by the masses. So far the masses have been corrupted by the those in power. Whilst those in power would not touch an Islamic state concept even by the longest barge pole. Imagine the financial ruin they will suffer... so the non-muslims can continue to cari makan without fear.

Our Freedom of Expression being hijacked!

2007-07-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

By Amde Sidik

What has happened to our freedom of speech or expression or media freedom in our country? I am not talking legalistically yet. We have not known the fate of Raja Petra the author of Malaysia Today (at time of writing) who was called up to Dang Wangi Police Station, Kuala Lumpur today. Umno Information Chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib lodged a police report that Raja Petra is not sensitive to a multi-ethnic Malaysia; create tension among various races and religions in the country -these are the reasons, as earlier mentioned by the Deputy Prime Minister. If bloggers fall in that category than the government would not hesitate to take harsh action said Nazri, a Minister in the Prime Minister.

Whilst the former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir said, no body can stop bloggers from blogging in the internet. I am not sure what it means- if it is OK, I want him to become Prime Minister again. We have enough with Idunnulah PM since the last few years.

My view is some of those bloggers are not stupid really. They do provide information and usually those information whether hundred percent correct, fifty percent correct only very small fractions correct should be left to their readers to judge. And since they are not so stupid sometime it came out to be true. The Government may take action if is untrue but what about those are true or those in grey areas, has the government taken any corrective action. Or like fulfilling general election promises, go after the corrupt politicians and civil servants, hundreds of reports made and submitted to authorities with regard to corruption and other malpractices by political leaders which are detrimental to public good but so far mostly muted. Who are going to tell the Malaysian public the truth or tell the untold, for all we know not the mainstream media in the country.Pitty.

LINA JOY ...what's the fuss about?

2007-06-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

By Amde Sidik

Much has been said about Lina Joy and I am not giving more background story to it. What I am about to write is just interpreting some facts which most of us already know. An ordinary citizen like me trying to understand the issue, but to be able to tell others about what one thinks isn’t always easy. I am also trying not to get caught up in the web of argument based on sentiment and emotion. When come to a question of religion I view it like I am using a telescope, sometimes I see from both ends. Any discrepancies in the eyes of others it’s between me and the Almighty.

Why Lina Joy case was such a high profile case? It reflects the narrow mindedness of religious people and the un workability of the system they use to inculcating religious education, in short the level of understanding about God and religion still much to be desired in our context today.

Religion touches very nerve of Malaysia. What is Malaysia’s nerve? Well, you will know more as you go along with this piece. The Lina Joy debacle ripples Malay people. Malay people are special because they the majority race of Malaysia. Majority people are disturbed and awakened from their sleep at a wrong hour. They never thought as Malay saying-air yang tenang tiada buaya; that there is a crocodile in calm water, so to speak.

In all fairness things can happen unexpectedly in so many forms and shapes as we see it, but actually it is not unexpected but rather expected, it depends on how sound our sleep is, its that sleep the creates problem. Say thousand years ago our forefathers would never ever imagined that human could fly, that is now aeroplanes, and took many centuries before the actual aeroplane took off, there had been a process going on. Many years ago who ever thought man and man get married- the guys’ marriage now it is about to be normal, also it did not start overnight or may be not even gradual, it has always been there, if you know what I mean?

Malay race think they would not be spared by unexpected turn of event, that is, a Malay Muslim relinquishing her religion and takes other’s religion instead. Lina Joys cracks the very foundation of Malays society, the adat and the custom and the most importantly their religion. Malay still hold that Malay is Islam and Islam is Malay. Very many Malay are seeing thing only from a pinhole. In actual fact it is quite normal for other races across the globe.

Now let me recap the institutions that Lina Joy had to face on her journey to seek for freedom of religion of her choice.

Her hurdles started from her race, Malay, religion- Islamic religion, the law of the country-Civil Law and Syariah Law, and Politic of the country.

My argument here starts not necessarily in hierarchal order as above nor they are fully reasoned out, Malay race is seen as the highest order of race in this country (not in the Country’s Constitution), Malay race is always Muslim, a non Muslim Malay is intolerable and unacceptable, and it is worse if Muslim Malay takes up other faith. Where did Malay learn this? It could not be from Arab brothers and sisters? I know most Malay think Arab is more Islam than any other races. Some 15% of Arabs are Christian. Most Malay in Madagascar is Christian, so too some in South Africa and just around the corner, the Balinese are Malay but Hindu. The Quran says Islam is a religion for anybody who wants to embrace it. Islam does not clock you out or in based on race. No compulsion in religion, Al Baqarah 2.256. I heard the argument form my Malay friends, yes, which all Muslim is responsible to safeguard the sanctity of Islam, but yes too, no mention that Muslim require to penalise those who want to leave Islam. Penalise I mean here is seen when the whole nation’s machineries are used to do injustice which laws of the nation provides for not to.
No complication and no special knowledge required to understand the interpretation expressed or impliedly in the construction of the law in Article 8 of our Federal Conatitution. Syariah law does not override the power of civil law in civil court in this country. There is no competition between the two. Who has the final authority to decide whether Lina Joy could delete the word Islam from her Malaysia Identity Card?
Let's go to the basic, our Constitutional law.
Having understood what in the law is, there is no mentioned that the National Registration Department has no power not to delete word Islam. It isn’t the duty of NRD to decide whether one wants to be a Muslim or not or that it must refer to anywhere. Second, it is only a Muslim that is not allowed to change or delete or is there in the eye of Syariah law? Lina Joy was not a Muslim at the time she applied, which being the case no body has the right to force her to be Muslim. If the name is written elsewhere in other document she can always annul it and IC is just a document. I don’t need an IC if I live in Timbuktu but no body has right to say I am not a Muslim. Lina Joys was and is not a Muslim what’s the fuss about? We don’t even require our court of law to waste its time and money, its public money, and it’s my money too.

CRAZY LEADERS

2007-06-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

By Amde Sidik

It isn't easy to figure out what is in these people's mind. I am referring to the never ending trouble in the Middle East. I am pinpointing to the USA and Iran saga. For those who read both classical and modern history of Middle East knew fairly well, there had, has and still is huge interest by western leaders in this region-surely they have, otherwise they wouldn't have invested human lives at such magnitude. Anything big was and is from here-big religions, big money, and big risk, to cut short.
The world's feud under the pretext of religion started from here. Osama bin Laden was born here due to the chaotic administration of Islamic nation. But where is and how is Islamic nation by the way? Osama couldn't see it, and actually many don't see it, except, they don't do thing or see thing like Osama does. I still believe there isn't one Islamic nation on earth! I shall put this argument aside; meanwhile, think how about the war between USA and Iran. To some people it is all about religion. My answer is rubbish! It is nothing to do with religion. I also want to keep this argument aside. But let me pick the issue: Iran is not allowed to build a nuclear reactor, by the USA! In the same league is North Korea. But other countries have nuclear reactors, Israel is one of them. What does USA say? The story goes, if Iran continues with its plan, USA will bomb Iran nuclear reactor, it means USA (Americans) will bomb Iranians; it means USA (Americans) will bomb Iran-the country. Just think realistically, how hellish life for people here, after witnessing Iraq and Afghanistan today. USA foreign policy on this issue can't be right in our eyes, and I think we share this with many. Which one is scarier? Iranians building nuclear reactor or Americans dropping bombs on Iranians soil?...do American public know the real story beyond their 900TV channels?