Hell & Heaven Involved in Politics

While walking down the street one day a Malaysian Boleh Minister is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I have made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Yang Berhormat

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules," says St. Peter.

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down,down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and dressed in the finest batik there is. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then indulge themselves on lobsters, caviar and the most expensive food there is.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it' s time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the Yang Berhormat joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Yang Berhormat reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I am better off in hell."

So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand," stammers the Yang Berhormat. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning just like you during an election...... Today you voted."

VOTE WISELY IN THE COMING ELECTION!

Tags: Election, Hell, Heaven, Jokes, Funny, Humour, St. Peter, Yang Berhormat

Fabricated Terrorist News

The country of Egypt has been accused of fabricating news that mentioned about a sect which was deemed illegal and said to be linked to terrorist group.

The Victorious Sect, an unknown Islamic group, was said to have caused unrest in the country and had planned to cause some disruptions at tourism sites and gas pipelines (just claims only).

By putting up such news in the media and coupled with its state security investigations, Egypt was accused of arresting 22 people in connection with this Victorious Sect. The arrests were made even though there were little or no evidence in the claims as stated above. The Human Rights Watch said that Egypt's intention in fabricating such news was to allow it to implement the controversial emergency laws which will give sweeping powers of detention to the security forces.

If Egpyt as a country can do the above, it's not surprising to see other countries doing it especially you know which one ..................... the above scenario somehow painted a similar picture happening recently and nearby. Think about it.
Tags: Egypt, Victorious Sect, State Security, Human Rights Watch

Malaysian High Commissioner Summoned in India

Of late, due to the Hindraf organised demonstration, India had to keep in touch with the happenings involving the Indian people in Malaysia.

The Malaysia's Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, Norlin Othman, has been summoned to India's Ministry of External Affairs to explain on Malaysia government's actions lately taken on Malaysian Indians whose origins are from India. The Indian government has expressed its concern on the problems faced by the Indians.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, has expressed her disgust over a derogatory article published by the Daily News & Analysis of India. The article was entitled "It’s apartheid, says poet who fled Malaysia". Rafidah Aziz was alerted about the article when she was on an official trade mission trip to New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

Certain points raised may be correct, which also depends on which point of view are you looking from also. But to mention the word "fled" was really way off. Nobody's running away from this country unless you have ran foul of the laws here.

The article was written by Sharanya Manivannan, who claimed that she was a writer, spoken word artist, dancer, painter, actress, photographer and journalist and has stayed in Malaysia for quite a number of years. She happens to be a blogger as well, under the name of Sharanya Manivannan (ya lah, her own name, not anonymous but is that her real name?)

Will the Indian government has anything to comment on the trial of 26 people alleged to be Hindraf supporters?

I hope that this issue will not blow over as it won't be good for Malaysia in the long run as India may send their naval force. All in all, I believed that Malaysia can resolve this issue provided the government is willing to listen and action on it.
Tags: Hindraf, India, Sharanya Manivannan, Daily News & Analysis, New Delhi, Norlin Othman, Malaysian Indian, Indian, Malaysia, High Commission of Malaysia

Peaceful Public Gathering (II)

Bersih, the organiser for Saturday's peaceful march to deliver a memorandum calling for a clean and fair election (which could materialise any time). It was heard that police will monitor cars coming from other states into the city early morning onwards, maybe stopping them from entering the city. Rumours are also heard that outstation participants will flock into the city by Friday night or wee hours of Saturday morning.

The organiser did mention that four alternative places be fixed as the gathering place if Dataran Merdeka was closed to the public by the police manning the area. The four alternative places are Sogo departmental store area, Masjid India area, Central Market and Masjid Negara.

The peaceful gathering will still commence at 3pm where participants will continue with a peaceful march towards the King's palace. The organiser was targetting the presence of 100,000 people in this rally. Wow..... if there were 100,000 people, both the traffic direction in front of the King's palace would be packed to the maximum.

Advise Kuala Lumpur folks not to go near that those areas being mentioned else they will be caught in the mother of all traffic jams. My view on this gathering - the general public are calling for a clean and fair election only. If the relevant authorities are worried that it might caused ruckus, please do arrest those troublemakers but leave the others alone. I hope that many international observers or international new agencies will be amongst the participants to witness the event as independent observers.

I would say this is not a protest but a request by all Malaysians of all races.

As for me, people may ask where were you since you wrote so much about this peaceful gathering. Well, I'll be tied down with my church drama practises tomorrow, with one of the practises beginning at 10am and followed by another one at 3pm. Later at 5pm, will be a dance practise followed by its drama practise for another team. I'll be like camping in church for the whole day. But I'll be praying for the event and participants.

Remember to wear YELLOW tomorrow wherever you are. If you can't join them, be with them in spirit or what people will usually say "Moral Support".
Tags: Bersih, Sogo, Masjid India, Central Market, Masjid Negara, Dataran Merdeka

Peaceful Public Gathering

A number of non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and political parties are organising a peaceful public gathering to be held on 10 November 2007 at 3pm. They will gather at the Dataran Merdeka, the place where Malaysia's first independence shout was heard in 1957.

All this organisations/parties (as below) have endorsed an organisation called Bersih (Clean in english language) in calling for a clean and fair election of which it could be held any time now.

Non-governmental organisations:-
1. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)
2. SOS Penang
3. Tamil Foundation
4. Aliran
5. Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
6. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT)
7. Community Action Network (CAN)
8. Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA)
9. Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC)
10. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
11. Labour Resource Centre (LRC)
12. Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)
13. Civil Rights Committee, KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC)
14. Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM)
15. Women’s Development Collective (WDC)
16. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
17. Unit Pemikiran Politik, Institut Kajian Dasar (UPP-IKD)
18. Malaysian Voters Union (MALVU)
19. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
20. Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Semenanjung (GAMIS)
21. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
22. Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM)
23. National Human Rights Society (HAKAM)
24. ERA Consumers (ERACON)
25. Citizens’ Health Initiative (CHI)
26. Pusat Janadaya (EMPOWER)

Political parties:-
1. Parti Islam Se Malaysia (PAS)
2. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
3. Democratic Action Party (DAP)
4. Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
5. Sarawak National Party (SNAP)

The police has said that they will not approve of such public gathering as the organiser has not submitted an application for it. Bersih has called for all people who wants to join in in their peaceful gathering to be in yellow attire for that day. I would say if you support their cause and can't be there, wear something in yellow just for that day. The organiser and others will walk to various parts of the city and end up at the King's palace where all this organisations/parties will hand over a memorandum.

The organiser together with the endorsees are trying to get 100,000 people to participate in their peaceful walk to the King's palace. What about the police permit? Is it necessary? Will this peaceful public gathering materialise? Let's see.
Tags: Bersih, Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Groups, Political Parties

Towards an Independent Judiciary System

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CPPS Press Statement: Towards an Independent Judiciary System

The Centre for Public Policy Studies affirms the efforts of the Malaysian Bar in conducting a peaceful march to the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. The CPPS also supports the memorandum that was subsequently submitted by the Malaysian Bar, to establish a Royal Commission of Enquiry to investigate the video recording of a lawyer who appears to be in telephone conversation with a senior member of the judiciary. A Royal Commission has the power to call upon witnesses and to extract information that would extend beyond the jurisdiction of the present Independent Panel.

Should the telephone conversation be genuine, this has severe implications upon the judicial system, where evidence shows extraneous influence upon the appointment and promotion of judges in Malaysia. This directly affects the cases which are then brought to court. The honour and dignity of the judicial system is in serious question.

In its Merdeka Statement that was launched in early August, the CPPS stated strongly that the independence of the Judiciary should be protected by establishing an Independent Judicial Appointments Commission. This Commission should comprise the Chief Justice, representatives from the legal profession and lay members that would make non-biased recommendations for the appointment and promotion of Judges for the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Only such a Commission would ensure the transparent selection, appointment and promotion of Judges in the country.

The CPPS is therefore disappointed with the reaction of Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, who has accused organizers for creating a scandal to erode public confidence in the judiciary, and for dismissing the need for an Independent Judicial Commission.

Whilst the CPPS welcomes the setting up of the 3-member independent panel to investigate the authenticity of the video recording, it recommends that the Royal Commission with greater powers should be established. To address the larger and more important issue of an independent judiciary system, an Independent Judicial Appointments Commission should be immediately established. These measures must be taken to restore the integrity of the judiciary system in Malaysia that has for too long been compromised.

Tricia Yeoh
Centre for Public Policy Studies
27th September 2007
Kuala Lumpur

UK Government Sued By Hindus in Malaysia

Did our Malaysian newspapers pick up this piece of news? A UK newspaper publication somehow got news of a new suit being filed at the British Royal Courts of Justice last month in a case related to alleged atrocities in Malaysia.......

Read here on the news extracted from Eastern Eye:-
HINDUS in Malaysia are taking the British Government to court for years of alleged atrocities.

P Waytha Moorthy is a solicitor based in Kuala Lumpur who filed a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Royal Courts of Justice in London last week (30). He now has three months to serve a notice to the Foreign Office for damages worth over £1 million for each of the country’s two million Hindus.

His move has been supported by Britain-based Hindu Human Rights (HHR), which organised a protest outside the Malaysian High Commission in London on Friday (31) to mark the country’s 50th year of independence from the British.

Mr Moorthy told Eastern Eye: “Ma­laysia supposedly became indepen­dent 50 years ago but the Hindus of the country have never experien­ced independence. They are denied the right to practice their religion, their temples are desecrated, they are forcibly converted and are subjected to unbelievable atrocities.

“The British Government must take responsibility for their treatment as these Hindus were brought into Malaysia forcibly as indentured labour during the British Raj in India. Before independence was declared for Malaysia, the British Government assured that the peculiar position of the Indians would be protected.

“But that never translated into action, which is why on the eve of this anniversary we have decided to file this case.”

The PIL is also demanding that the Malaysian Constitution be declared null and void, all Hindus be granted British citizenship and the Malaysian government be referred to the international court of justice and the international criminal court at The Hague for human rights violations against minority Indians.

HHR spokesman Arjun Malik added: “Already subject to heavy discrimination in employment, study and general walks of life, Hindus in Malaysia have begun to suffer in more specific ways. Hindu temples are destroyed and desecrated regularly with the full backing of the government.

“Hindus are denied the right to follow their own faith, and even in death, denied the right to a decent Hindu funeral. Forced into the economic and social margins, Hindus have become the prime victims of religious and racial hatred, which few commentators and human rights organisations even bother reporting on. This petition and our protest is aimed at drawing attention to their plight."

------------------------------

If this case sided with the Hindus in Malaysia, we will see an additional 2,000,000 new millionaires in Malaysia......... not bad, good for the economy too.....hehehe

Tags: Hindu, British Government, Royal Courts of Justice, Public Interest Litigation, British Raj, P Waytha Moorthy, Hindu Human Rights, Malaysia, Atrocities, Malaysian Constitution, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court

Malays Calling for Changes to NEP?

Read opinions from two persons who are well respected in their respective field.

* Tun Musa Hitam, one of the former prime ministers and former chairman of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission.

* Nazir Razak, the CIMB group chief executive and the younger brother of the current deputy prime minister.

Both of them called for a review on the New Economic Policy that guarantees the 30% interest for the Malay race in all business sectors, deals, transactions marginalising the non-malays in Malaysia and foreigners too.

This two persons who are very familiar to the business situation in Malaysia said that with such a ruling still in place, foreign companies are reluctant to invest in Malaysia and rather go to neighbouring countries which has no restriction or not 'forced' to give away shares to people they do not know. Malaysia's Foreign Direct Investment has been on the decline and lower than our neighbouring countries. With that too, Malaysia's competitiveness cannot match the greater business environment nearby.

The NEP does not affect foreigners only but locally, it deprived the non-Malays from earning their rights to participate in business fairly. My previous postings on the local scene affecting the freight forwarders and legal firms do affect the business scenario as the best may not be involved.

Asking for such a review is not taking the privilege away but we have to look at the future. Anyway, everyone is entitled to give their comments, so I think their comments would be read once only and put aside later on.
Tags: NEP, New Economic Policy, Tun Musa Hitam, Nazir Razak, Doing Business in Malaysia, Malay

Towards Creating Better Battlefields

A letter from an overseas based Malaysian which I'm putting in relation to the fairness quoted by the Malaysian Prime Minister:-
I have been worked up, for a very long time, over the many things wrong in Malaysia. When I was a boy growing up in Klang, I lived on a street with about half Chinese homes and half Indian ones. In school, however, my classroom was probably reflective of the racial distribution of the country, which was approximately 60% Malays, 30% Chinese and just under 10% Indians with the odd boy out who was English. I also remember an American who was of Italian descent.

For a long time, the idea of racial differences was non-existent as I played the games boys played then, with boys of all races. In the classroom, there would be the usual competition to top the class and such competition came from all races. I have my usual suspects who were my competitors for ‘First Boy’ and these came from all races.

Sure, the Malay guy gunning for first spot would leverage against his superiority in the Malay language and the Chinese boy would have to pull his strength from the other subjects, usually mathematics. The Indian boy usually does well in English but everyone had a fair shot to top the class.

Racial differences simply did not register then, at least not in any significant or bigoted way.

Then, very slowly, we were made to feel and experience the differences. The Malay boy could get into a select school (usually in the capital) a lot more easily than the rest of us, even though we all did equally well. There were schools only Malays could get into. There were also scholarships only Malays could apply for. Yet, there was no ill feeling. The only sentiment was one of slight unease but I was happy to just move along and do my thing.

When I was in university in Sydney however, I started to slog really hard for my keeps. I had to work several jobs at any one time, to make sure I could pay the rent and not go hungry, as well as contribute as much as I could towards my university fees. By the time I finished my degrees five years later, I had made my family poorer by about RM20,000. I had from my earnings, saved almost that same amount, which I used for my airfare back to Malaysia and to start my new life back there. Soon however, I realised I had to battle again.

Getting a job, buying a home, investing, applying for anything from local, state or federal government, all these major areas of day-to-day life showed up the preferential treatments that the bumiputeras received. It was still okay, because I had my job, earned my promotions, made my investments, and established my network of friends and professional relationships. I generally lived life and enjoyed it.

I could not, however, eliminate the effect of being a victim of discrimination. It built up over time. Initially it was just a sense of annoyance and occasional snide remark by me or someone else against it. As it became more and more in your face, the effect escalated.

Many things change when you have a child. As a parent you start to think ahead a lot more. You start to think not just about the battles you have to wage, but also how to equip your child for the battles she has to wage as she grows up and goes through life.

As a parent, I no longer just get annoyed or even angry at injustices and inequitable policies. I start to think about how these injustices and inequitable policies would handicap my child’s battles. Life can be hard enough without these issues. If the energy spent on dealing with these matters could be channeled elsewhere, how much more productive, beneficial and therefore edifying our efforts and work would be.

How then do I minimise the incidence of having my child battle these fronts, and how do I create better battlefields for her? By exercising my voting rights? I voted in two elections. Both saw the BN win huge victories. In one of them, I worked for an opposition party. Starting from Lim Guan Eng’s arrest in 1996, I started being active in engaging in social and political causes.

All along, I worked in the corporate financial sector. I saw how government officials used racial discriminatory policies to enrich themselves and their friends and relatives. I saw how political and business leaders ‘worked together’.

I knew then where my child’s battlefield lies. It wasn’t in the country I grew up in. Not when the racist policies would continue. Not when the religious bigotry has started to take on very dangerous proportions. We left Malaysia three years ago.

It was a difficult rebuilding process. Our wealth here is only worth one third of what it was in Malaysia. Factor that into the higher standards of living here and we are no where near where we were in Malaysia. Professionally, my wife and I had to start again as well. From head of departments hiring and firing, we are now minnows seeking to be hired and avoid being fired.

We worked and struggled all over again to re-establish our lives. We have had to move house twice in three years in search of equilibrium in terms of commuting, schools and neighbourhoods.

After so many years of anger however, I now think perhaps Malaysia needs prayers more than angry dissent. The present leadership has not demonstrated a willingness to listen, be reasonable and work things out. They have chosen to be belligerent and defensive, even lie. Against this, the ordinary Malaysian’s approach cannot be more speeches and articles and calls for public meetings. These would only fall on deaf ears.

You cannot reason with people with such a stance. The ordinary Malaysian would think the cost of a confrontational approach too costly and dangerous and would therefore let things fester a lot longer before acting. I have decided therefore to pray a lot harder for Malaysia. I hope some of you will join me.

Related reading: I Bade My Son Farewell Today
Tags: Fairness, Malaysia, Politics, Racial Differences

How Fair is Fair in Malaysia?

The Malaysian Prime Minister mentioned that "I have been fair, I want to be fair, I’ll always be fair" during MCA's general assembly yesterday. How fair is fair? Fair compared to what? What's the percentage or ratio like in this so-called fairness?

Well, based on this statement I'll note down any unfair statements, actions, rules and laws imposed / to be imposed in future right in this blog. And then we'll see what sort of fairness is it later on. Such statements are common in a particular political party's general assembly in order to garner votes/trusts. Wait for a few days later.

I have been living in Malaysia right from when I was born in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and I have heard of such statement numerous times. I'll see what sort of actions will be shown in order to reflect this statement of "I have been fair, I want to be fair, I’ll always be fair". Cakap-cakap and just a mere statement is lame. Walk the talk please!!!

Reading: Have you really been fair, Pak Lah?
Tags: Malaysian Prime Minister, Fair, Fairness, Walk The Talk, Malaysia

Between Believing and Not Believing

A good reading that I have found in Zonaeuropa:-

When I was younger than 20 years old, I believed in many things. Later, one after another of those beliefs was overturned.

I used to believe in patriotism, but I later found out that the definition of 'country' was problematic. The standard 'country' that we were instructed to love was not necessarily lovable, it was not necessarily worthy of our love, and it even deserved to be overthrown.

I used to believe in history, but I later found out that half of history was fabricated. The history of the preceding dynasty was always written by the people of the succeeding dynasty, who will always negate their predecessors. In turn, their succeeding dynasties will always negate them.

But double negatives do not necessarily end in a positive and we are just accumulating the successive distortions and twists so that the truth will always be covered up and never restored. It is one thing to say that "history must not be buried in ashes," but history often wind up in ashes. It is possible to win by distorting and misinforming.

I used to believe in the power of civilization, but I later found out that the stupidity and barbarity of people do not disappear as a result of any progress in civilization. It is just that stupidity and barbarity take different forms: simple peasant workers, reflective intellectuals, self-confident politicians and righteous leaders may bring out even worse stupidity and barbarity. Between barbarity and civilization, there is only a subtle and easily erasable difference.

I used to believe in justice, but I later found out that there exists two kinds of justice that are in irreconcilable conflict with each other. If you choose one, then your justice implies injustice. You won't be able to tell that when someone advocates a particular kind of justice at a particular moment, there is a hidden and unobservable injustice underneath.

I used to believe in idealists, but I later found out that idealists cannot pass the test of power: once they obtain power, they could become the "evil" that they had vowed to fight, or else they are utterly feeble in reality and are brought down immediately by the power mongers without being able to achieve their ideals. The idealists must have character and morality in order not to be corrupted by power and the idealists must have the capability to turn their ideals into practice. But it is rare to find any ideals who have both character and capability.

... Before I was twenty years old, I believed in many things. I still believe in some of them even today.

For example, even though the country may not be lovable, but the its earth and people can still be loved. For example, if history cannot be trusted, but there is no end to the pursuit of truth. For example, civilization may be weak and vulnerable, but we have actually nothing else to rely on. For example, justice may be extremely suspect, but caring about justice is better than not. For example, idealists may not be able to accomplish much, but our society will be different without them ...

... There is great deal to ponder deeply about what to believe and not to believe.
Tags: Beliefs, Country, History, Civilization, Justice, Idealists

In Short - No Racism Please

What prompted two royal family members from Perak and Selangor respectively to voice out in support of No Racism in their speech during the last week or so. It was very rare for the royal family members to speak out on such topics.

In launching a tribute book for the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman's sacrifices for the country's sake, Raja Nazrin, the crown prince of the state of Perak, reminded the nation the following:-

"They took responsibility to voice out and defend the needy and the people. This is the spirit which enabled this country to be stable politically and economically prosperous. Tun Dr Ismail was known to be a Malay nationalist, he was not a racist and did not practise racism. Tun Dr Ismail envisaged a Malaysia for all without colour lines, without ethnic borders and without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority.”

Subsequently, Raja Nazrin was at the First Annual Malaysian Student Leaders Summit 2007. In addressing the participants, he requested the local and foreign university students to maintain socio-political stability. The following points were mentioned by Raja Nazrin:-

"essentials necessary for effective and sustained nation-building were the rule of law and the inviolability of the Federal Constitution; economic and social justice for all; and good governance and a thriving civil society. To understand nation building, first of which was getting a copy of the Federal Constitution and familiarising themselves with it. Active participation in community service geared towards promoting interaction between communities was another method of contributing to nation-building."

And then the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin, expressed his concern over the following:-
* corruption is still a problem, which the people are very concerned about, and more effective action needs to be taken
* government agencies continued to slow down approvals for foreign investors, saying the lackadaisical attitude of some government servants had affected the investment momentum
* expressed his concern over the country’s brain drain, saying talented young people were leaving the country and was sad to see good people being lost to other countries (esp to our neighbour, Singapore)
* urged the people in Selangor to reject any form of racial and religious intolerance. Islam respects other religions and other religions must also respect Islam and that multiracialism must be instilled at primary school level

Just think for a moment, did the royal family members see something that we common people didn't see it coming at us or has happened already but was covered up. The issues brought up by Sultan Sharafuddin have always been denied by the government. Government had mentioned that corruption level has improved / told the foreign investors to get out if they don't like the way Malaysians work / brain drain didn't affect the country as only minority group left / always maintained that racial & religious are under control.

I want to say that both of them really did stand out prominently in the eyes of many Malaysians with such calls. Hey, you guys who have those dignitary titles in that white tall building, did you get the message?
Tags: Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Raja Nazrin, Sultan Sharafuddin, Racist, Racism, Corruption, Religion

Foreign Shareholdings in Malaysian Companies

Yet again, another issue about the foreign shareholdings in Malaysian companies. Bureaucracy not related to business, in certain extent, did slow down foreign direct investment in Malaysia.

In certain cases where foreigners wanted to increase their shareholdings in Malaysian companies beyond 49%, such approvals could be only be solved when a ruling states that a company established prior to 21 May 2003 could not have this liberty, is removed.

Different government agencies have different agendas, namely the Foreign Investment Committee and Ministry of International Trade and Industry. How in the world are the foreigners going to set up a business within a short period and thus bringing in foreign investment with the provision of employment opportunities for Malaysians. Malaysia is just not investment friendly compared with Hong Kong and Singapore.

The British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce has to step in in requesting that all Malaysian companies could have a 70% equities held by foreigners while observing a minimum 30% bumiputera equity (another NEP ruling?).

I have a previous contact from France that wanted to set up a food business in Kuala Lumpur. His business was doing well in France and thought of extending his ideas here. After going through so many process which were going at snail's pace and unreasonable requirements, he gave up. He said that although the government promoted foreign direct investment but respective government agencies do not reflect the same ideology at all.

He did say "Why must I give away 30% of my business to someone I do not know?"
This scenario is similar to the ones in the Maybank and freight forwarders cases.
Tags: Business, Politics, Bumiputera Equity, Foreign Equity, Foreign Investment Committee, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, New Economic Policy, NEP

Malaysian Constitution

Raja Nazrin, the crown prince of the state of Perak in Malaysia has given a good speech during the First Student Leaders Summit 2007 held in Kuala Lumpur.

The main points in his speech are as follows:-
* Constitution clearly provided for adequate checks and balances against excesses through the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, with each protected from encroachment from each other

* Many a misunderstanding may be avoided if the principles embodied in the Constitution are adhered to strictly

* It’s also very important that we have leaders who are earnest in maintaining unity, never re-sorting to religious or ethnic posturing to further their political careers at the expense of peace and security

Will the politicians adhere to it????
You can read about our Malaysian Consitution in order to understand what are your rights which were agreed.
Tags: Raja Nazrin, Malaysian Constitution, Constitution, Rights, Malaysian Politics

First Time Voter

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam is prepared to offer RM500 to ANY PERSON in a congregation who brings in the highest number of FIRST TIME VOTER registrations.

Another RM500 will be given to the CHURCH with the highest number of FIRST TIME VOTER registrations.

Please inform CCM of your registrations. The CCM EXCO will decide the winner.

Dateline: 31st August 2007.

It is a small token but a positive step to encourage all Christians to exercise their right to vote. Thanks to our resident devil's advocate at Total Truth study group, YJ, I was alerted to the DPM's opinion on "Is Malaysia a secular state"? It reminds me of a thoughtful book review by Kian Ming back in 2004, hope that it would help us to think through this crucial issue as we approach the 50th anniversary of Merdeka!

Insight into the Malaysian constitution <<<< Read the book review here

Mon Jan 5, 2004

Review by Ong Kian Ming

MALAYSIAN CONSTITUTION: A Critical Introduction

By Abdul Aziz Bari

Publisher: The Other Press

250 pages

Tags: Malaysian Constitution, First Time Voter, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Secular State, Malaysia, Merdeka, CCM, Council of Churches of Malaysia, Ong Kian Ming, Church

Police or PM Need to Change Attitude?

After the Parliamentary Caucus on Human Rights and Good Governance has held its forum in Johor Baru, the Deputy-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Najib Abd Aziz, came out to say that "the fact that the police could solve 40% of all reported cases showed it was doing a good job. By Interpol standards, it is already considered good if a police force could solve 25% of all cases. We are close to doubling that”.

This was in response to Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz who on Sunday said that police should accept criticisms levelled against the force by the public which were raised in the said Parliamentary Caucus. What a total letdown by the police force.

So folks out there, only 40% of your cases will be solved.....the rest will be investigated or a file will be opened but no guarantee it will garner any results.

What to do when Malaysia's Prime Minister himself sat on a submission since 29 June 2007. A 632-page report was submitted by former Party Keadilan Rakyat youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor about alleged wrongdoings of a senior Cabinet minister and this PM has said that he has yet to read it. The Best Part - the PM said "I DON'T KNOW" also.

My my my, a case involving a senior Cabinet minister and he's taking his own sweet time to read that. I would have jumped out of my seat hearing such a report which has been submitted. And when your big boss has this sort of attitude, you can't blame the police force (part of the civil servants) for not going all out in solving cases brought before the police.

You tell me!
Tags: Deputy-General of Police, Mohd Najib Abd Aziz, Nazri Aziz, Prime Minister, Ezam Mohd Nor, Police

Most Important Picture in Malaysia

In recent Altantuya murder case being head in the Malaysian court, the deceased Altantuya's cousin (from Mongolia also) has said that Najib Abdul Razak knew Altantuya (even though Najib denied it). The cousin reiterated that Najib had a dinner together with Abdul Razak Baginda and Altantuya while all 3 of them were overseas on one occasion.

Now how do you prove that? A photo would be sufficient of course. I wonder what would happen if such a photo was submitted to the court as an evidence.

I found it actually.................. here and here (actually a threesome photo).
Tags: Altantuya, Najib Abdul Razak, Abdul Razak Baginda, Malaysia, Mongolia

Controversial Sports Academy in UK

Many days have passed by and lately I have not heard of any update on Sports Academy to be located at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre in Brickendonbury, Hertfordshire, outside London.

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak has said that the Sports Academy would be fully operational by April 2007. I wonder if that's the case now. Even though a town planning consultants, David Lane Associates, have been appointed, invoice raised and presumably paid as well, what's the status now?

From some further readings on this case, it seems that the town planning consultants have changed. Further money be made again to cater for the new consultants?

The funny part was when the DPM quoted that Malaysia's Under-16 team would train with Arsenal. Train they did but against Arsenal's Under-16 team also. A match of three 30 minutes sessions with 2 intervals in between and that was it......... hahahhahahahhahahahhahha..... such a match was hyped up to boost what?????? Ego?

If you want to know more rumours on this controversial sports academy in UK, continue reading Myth or fact? You decide.
Tags: Sports, Politics, Malaysia, Sports Academy, Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre, Brickendonbury, Hertfordshire, Najib Abdul Razak, Arsenal

Taiwan's Son-in-Law

Taiwan's President's son-in-law, Chao Chien-ming, has been convicted of insider trading in connection with Taiwan Development Corp's scandal. Not only him alone, even his father was convicted.

The Taipei District Court increased the Chao senior and junior's jail sentences in this appeal case. The first verdict was given in December 2006 and an appeal was filed. Looks like a case of beyond reasonable doubt was proven.

This is what I called "Just do your job without fear even though it involves the head of state's family/relatives". I can also say that the Taipei court system was free from any government intervention / pressure. Or maybe their prosecution team was diligent in their case.
Can I say of the same for the Malaysian court system and prosecutors from the Malaysia's Attorney General's office?

Reading: Prosecutors grill Chao family members - Taiwan Headlines

Tags: Chao Chien-ming, Taipei District Court, Taiwan Development Corp, Insider Trading, Taiwan, Malaysian Court, Malaysian Attorney General

United States of Africa????

What is United States of Africa????

People who are envy of United States of America now wants to form another state of such kind? It's also USA (in short) ...... hehehe and maybe they are trying to confuse people in the future. I doubt it could work.

Libya's President - Muammar Gaddafi has called for all African nations to come together to form a United States of Africa. Something beyond everyone's capabilities. The dictators in some of the African nations are enjoying their reap of harvest, bountifully. Why give up on their power and pass to whom?

The backgrounds on the heads of the African nations - some are muslims, some are christians, some are warlords, some are corrupted, some are with full of scandals - it's a total mess. C'mon Gaddafi, be realistic with your dreams. Though I encourage people to have big big dreams but there are some dreams which are really beyond all humans, only God can do it.

Gaddafi has decided to bring the matter up in next month's African Summit to be held in Ghana.

Or maybe, Gaddafi's meaning is just to come together economically, just like the European Union. For a start, a particular union has been created to cater for such - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) - with 19 member African countries participating.

Tags: Africa, United States of Africa, Libya, Gaddafi, African Summit, Ghana, COMESA