--
i've stopped blogging
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thank you for visiting :)

--

I’m going to smile and make you think I’m happy, I’m going to laugh, so you don’t see me cry, I’m going to let you go in style, and even if it kills me - I’m going to smile.

--

adios amigos..
it was nice having you guys around..

Religious vs. Spiritual

Just one more thing before I pen off.. because I've enjoyed these videos so much.. I thought I should share them with you all :)

A friend asked me, "Are you a religious person?" (maybe because I've been posting a lot of religion stuff)
Without hesitating, I said, "No, I'm not. But I'm a spiritual person I suppose.."
Curious, the friend asked, "What is the difference?"
Honestly, I know not what it means.. haha. so I just replied, "I believe in the existence of God and the power of God. But as far as institutionalised religion is concerned, I may have differing views on that.. I do not impose my beliefs on anyone and I do not appreciate it when anyone try to impose their beliefs on me either.."

The context of being "religious" in this country expects you to behave in a certain way and manner that MUST satisfy the beliefs of the majority of people. Thus in this regard, I am not at all religious. Anyone who are close to me would happily validate that! :p

I digress. Anyway, the point is when Dr. Asri started being vocal about a few issues a few years back, I started following his views and opinions with interest. Surprisingly, a lot of his views match mine. The difference is, my argument is only based on my own common sense and basic human values (as I of course have no expertise in Quran, hadith and histories) while Dr. Asri argues from both theological and logic sense (which is even better. and he's damn funny too!!). When I was giving up hope on Malaysian "ulamaks" and "muftis" and all other "ustazs" (not all of course)... his refreshing views and opinions convince me that there is hope for a mindset-change after all...

For those who have never listened to Dr. Asri, who now is a famous icon thanks to Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia (PGSM) and JAIS who made slanders against Dr. Asri and got him arrested by berpuluh2 polis (macam la Dr. Asri ni terrorist pulak) but later tak tau nak charge him with what which is sooo bloody stupid, he's a wonderful person with great sense of humour.

Some examples:
1) Isu Zakat to Non-Muslim


2) Non-Muslims in Mosques


3) Wudhu' between spouses 

4) Music


There are lotsa video links on the right side of youtube - answering queries and confusion. Quite entertaining. So, enjoy!

Weekend @ ATV World

LEO

LEO
in mid-October the courageous but rather hot-headed Mars moved into
Leo for a lengthy stay. Since then, you've experienced both sides of
it's character. You've stood up for what you believe but in several
tense situations, you've also over-reacted, something you'll need to
learn how to control.

Credit Card Service Tax?

1 Citibank x RM 50

1 CIMB x RM 50

1 Maybank x RM 50

2 Maybank x RM 25

Total RM 200 per year.

Increase my credit card charge by 200%.

But decrease my annual income tax only by 1%?

GREAT! Just awesome...

read http://www.pakdi.my/blog/cukai-perkhidmatan-kad-kredit/

MCA is such a joke

First he got into petty quarrels with Chua Soi Lek..

Then he sacked Chua..

Then he got a vote of no confidence from the members..

Then he refused to resign eventhough majority of MCA wanted him out!
Tak malu much?

Then he kissed and made up with Chua while retaining his presidency!!

Gila kuasa much?

PETRONAS should be free from ANY political interference

Source: http://ikhlasmalaysia.blogspot.com/2009/10/malaysia-lingkup-tanpa-petronas.html

"Sedarkah anda 45% daripada pendapatan kerajaan adalah daripada RM yang disumbangkan oleh PETRONAS. "Kerajaan Malaysia adalah pelabur paling bijak di dunia" kata Presiden PETRONAS (tanyalah orang PETRONAS bila kata-kata ini diucapkan). Kenapa? Kerana dengan hanya melabur sebanyak RM10juta, kerajaan memperolehi pulangan lebih 400 billion dan nilai terkumpul ini akan bertambah setiap tahun. Tatkala pendapatan PETRONAS merudum tahun lepas, pembayaran kepada kerajaan Malaysia pula kekal dengan trend menaik!

Alhamdulillah, PETRONAS berjaya melaksanakan tanggungjawab kepada pelaburnya dan hasilnya dinikamati oleh seluruh rakyat Malaysia. Persoalannya : Bagaimana jika pada tahun 2017 (bukan lagi 2014), hasil petroleum dan gas kita habis. Daripada mana pula kerajaan nak dapatkan wang untuk perbelanjaan negara? Lingkuplah Malaysia jika PETRONAS sudah hilang sumber pendapatannya! Apa akan jadi dengan ekonomi kita nanti? Apa akan jadi dengan rakyat kita nanti? Apa akan jadi dengan anak-anak kita nanti?

Hasil bumi yang diselenggarakan dengan baik oleh PETRONAS ini dijangkan habis dalam tidak sampai 10 tahun lagi. Apakah persediaan Malaysia untuk menghadapinya. Kita mewah hari ini kerana kita ada minyak. Tapi jika kita gagal merancang dan menguruskan wang ini dengan baik Malaysia akan terkebelakang 10 sepuluh tahun daripada Singapura. Pelikkan, Singapura lebih maju walaupun ia tiada hasil bumi langsung! Malaysia juga boleh lakukannya jika kita bermula daripada sekarang. Janganlah dibazirkan lagi wang untuk projek-projek mengarut seperti Piala Monsoon!

Pakatan Rakyat terpekik terlolong tika kerajaan tidak menaikkan subsidi untuk menampung kenaikan harga minyak dunia tahun lepas. Jika minyak sudah habis nanti, harga minyak dalam negara ini akan melambung dan kerajaan BN mahupun PR tidak akan mampu mensubsidi lagi kerana Malaysia sendiri terpaksa mengeksport minyak untuk keperluan rakyat. Papa lah Malaysia jika kita terus bersikap seperti hari ini.

Rakyat yang bengap akan berkata PETRONAS bermula dengan modal kerajaan maka seharusnya ia bertanggungjawab membantu kerajaan bermati-matian." Tahukah anda, tatkala syarikat persaing minyak dunia melaburkan semula 57% hingga 70% daripada hasil jualan petroleumnya untuk pembangunan syarikat mereka supaya terus kompetitif dalam industri Oil & Gas, PETRONAS cuma dibenarkan melaburkan semua 21% daripada hasil pendapatan tahunannya untuk terus berkembang. Itu pun ada rakyat yang bising kata 21% itu pun patut digunakan untuk mensubsidi harga minyak untuk rakyat! Bungkuslah PETRONAS nanti kerana tiada modal pusingan. Rakyat dan kerajaan Malaysia masih bengap, berfikiran jangka pendek.

Tahukah anda, cuma 25% daripada pendapatan PETRONAS adalah daripada hasil minyak dan gas yang digerudi keluar daripada hasil bumi Malaysia. Manakala 75% lagi adalah hasil daripada pelabur PETRONAS di luar negara. Penerokaan peluang perniagaan diluar negara adalah dengan inisiatif PETRONAS sendiri. Kepakaran kakitangannya yang membantu menaikkan PETRONAS hingga tersenarai dalam Fortune 500 companies dan ranking ke 8 (tahun 2008) dalam senarai syarikat yang menjana pendapatan terbanyak di dunia. Tapi pendapatan PETRONAS hari cuma 1/4 sahaja daripada pendapatan EXXONMOBIL! Jadi, jauhkan politik daripada PETRONAS jika Malaysia sayangkan PETRONAS.

Malaysia perlu menyiapkan diri untuk mencari alternatif pendapatan selain daripada PETRONAS. Hari ini PETRONAS dibebankan dengan tanggungjawab 'memberi makan' Malaysia. Ibarat Bapa dan anak. jika tiada bapa, anak mati kebuluran."

Back from Egypt

Mimie's back from Cairo, Egypt. Well, not for good. Just for the
holiday.

She's darker now.. thanks to the heat of Egypt. Muahahaha. Now I'm not
the darkest in the family anymore, for now at least.

Automated car lift

Went shopping with mum and sisters :)
The car park is on level 8 and above. And the only way to get there is
via a car lift. Kinda cool.

Mom was scared though..LOL

When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you

Author: SUSAN TAY

One day, a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.



Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realised what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quietened down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

**********************************************

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less.

NOW .......

Enough of that crap. The donkey later came back and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him. The gash from the bite got infected and the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.



MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:

When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you

Congratulations, Isa

I would have seriously congratulated BN if they had fielded a fair candidate. Simply because I think PR has been quite a mess lately.

A few of us were at PRK Bagan Pinang, observing the election. My place went okay except for some quarrels and fights by the supporters. 

A friend of mine however, was confronted by several elderly Indian makciks who so innocently asked why they did not get the gifts n RM 300 offered to the estate folk as promised.

"I've already voted. Where can I claim my 300 ringgit?..."

Congratulations anyway, Isa.


--------------------- what others say -----------------------------------

KU LI
Much as the likely win by Isa would be welcomed by the leadership after the string of losses Umno has suffered, I am afraid what the nation needs is for Umno to lose again. This is because again we have fielded a candidate proven to be corrupt.

"A win by Isa would translate into an endorsement of corruption-as-usual within the party and the government that it leads," he said.

"For the good of the party, the dignity of the Malay community it claims to represent and for the sake of the nationwide reform in governance and politics that we must undergo, it would be better if Umno lost today, and used the loss to begin internal reform.

"Corruption is the scourge of the country. Umno is a step away from being identified with that scourge," added the veteran politician.

Come Home

I'm waiting...

When a little bird chirps

We can either enjoy the melody or ignore the chirping...

In this case, I can neither enjoy nor ignore the sound of the little bird chirping.

Fly little bird, you've chirped enough.

Weddings & Open Houses

**** update 00:15 4/10 *****

A summary of my Saturday with friends and lotsa babies... These cute kids made my day at least. A distraction from my high expectation to receive a follow-up call from someone who is supposed to still be in 'apology' mode.. yeah, like that is ever gonna happen.

Here goes...

*** 00:20 3/9/2009 ********

Too many occasions and I'm simply not up to it. Not today.

God, give me strength to get me through the weekend.

How does one forgive?

I'm searching deep in my heart to find the strength to forgive.

So casually.

I am sorry.

And nothing more.

Who am I?

The 3 words.

Does it mean the same still?

Is it worth it?

How do I start trusting again?

I've got a lot of strength to ignore and pretend. Too much strength in fact. Yet, the same strength is eating me inside.

I'm still shaking.

Uncontrollably.

Faith - it can never be forced

Religion intrigues me. I query about too many things, most people don't like it.

Whether it is a good or bad thing for me, I am not too sure... but at least it doesn't make me a racist, a religionist, or an Ultra-Malay. 

Anyway, a piece from Raja Petra... again! Ha ha. Some might think I'm obsessed with him by now. LOL.

But don't tell me what he has been writing all this while didn't make sense!! :p 

BETWEEN FARCE AND FAITH

Some extracts: 

"What is truth and what is farce? We don't know and we don't really care because we base our beliefs on faith and not on evidence. And our faith is mostly based on what our parents and their parents before them believed in.

I have met a Muslim ulama who took me for lunch in McDonalds in Washington. He ordered a beef burger and I had fish. He laughed and said he understands that I am from Malaysia so I am just doing the 'Malay thing' by eating fish and not any non-halal meat. But beef, even though not slaughtered by a Muslim, is halal, said this ulama of Arab descent who is very senior in the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

I have met a Muslim ulama who drinks wine. Wine is okay, said the ulama, but not beer, whisky or brandy. And he quoted a verse of the Quran to convince me.

I have met Muslims from Morocco who smoke during the fasting month of Ramadhan but will not eat or drink till the sun goes down.

I have met Muslims who only accept the Quran but not the Hadith. And I have met Muslims who only accept 500 of the Hadith but not the 7,000 that other Muslims accept. And I have met Muslims who take the Quran from its allegorical meaning and not from its literal meaning. And I have met Muslims who translate the Quran from Aramaic and not Arabic, which they say is the correct language of the Quran.

So, even amongst Muslims there are many opinions of 'right' and 'wrong'. Some even say that Judaism, Christianity and Islam do not exist because all three are actually the same religion and that Abraham's teachings and not the teachings of Moses, Jesus or Muhammad is the correct religion to follow.

Who is right and who is wrong? That is for you to decide. And since it is all based on faith with no evidence -- in the context of the law of evidence acceptable in the justice system that we follow -- then you decide the right and the wrong.

But don't force others to also believe what you believe. Most religions impose their beliefs on others. Since, due to lack of evidence, you can't prove what is right and what is wrong, you have no business forcing others to also believe what you believe which is all based on faith.

If 'religionists' can understand this then the world would be a much better place. Malaysia would be a much better place. And those hundreds of millions who were slaughtered over the last 3,500 years in the name of the 'true religion' need not have died needlessly.

This, the religionists, can't seem to understand. And this is because they have this high and mighty and righteous attitude where only they are right and all others are wrong. It never occurred to them that maybe they are wrong and the other chap could in fact be right. Or that maybe everyone is wrong because at the end of the day religion is all about unproven stories told 14,000 generations ago and passed down by word of mouth over 3,500 years with no evidence to support the stories or evidence to prove that the stories had not changed or become corrupted over time."

An Awesome Satire : Muslims are better looked after - Zainon Ahmad

Muslims are better looked after
Scene: Riverside Café, PWTC.

MOHAN: Muslims in Malaysia are so lucky. I wonder whether they realise it.

Azman: Why do you say that? Aren't non-Muslims in this country lucky too? I think we all are. We have peace and security and we don't go hungry.

Mohan: But Muslims have something extra.

Azman: What's that?

Mohan: Security for their soul.

Chong: Yes, Azman. Everything that can possibly be done to keep your soul out of harm's way, Satan's way, is being done. Even temptation is put out of your way.

Mohan: We non-Muslims have to take care of our souls ourselves. It's tough for us.

Chong: Unlike Muslims here those in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, have to take care of their souls themselves. So it is in Egypt, Iraq.

Mohan: With so many laws in place to prevent you from sinning, halal food and with so many lectures in mosques, in university lecture halls, on radio and TV to remind you of the fire of hell your soul must be in a pristine state.

Chong: So how can you be destined for anywhere else but heaven, Azman. Lucky you. As for Mohan and me, alas, we probably will be elsewhere. Pity though you won't be with us.

Mohan: Easy indeed to be a Muslim here. You can't even get to be tempted because all those things that can affect your soul have been taken out of your way.

Chong: You are discouraged from frequenting pubs and nightclubs. You can go but if there is a raid by the "morality police" you are in for some embarrassing moments. You cannot gamble.

Mohan: There is always the threat of being caned.

Chong: The Muslim month of Ramadan begins at the end of this week. You must fast. You can be arrested and punished for not fasting. So how can you not perform your religious duties. Maybe one day they will even mark your attendance at Friday prayers.

Mohan: The authorities are attempting to do many more things to protect you from doing things that can get you "demerit points".

Azman: They are?

Mohan: Yes. For instance there was an attempt to make beer unavailable in convenience stores in Muslim majority areas.

Chong: In doing all these things and attempting to do many more to "protect" Muslims it is sad that they have forgotten us, as if we don't matter or we don't exist.

Mohan: And they are protecting you from deciding to become denizens of hell by making sure you cannot opt out of your religion.

Chong: How fortunate and lucky you all are. Still I'd rather stay where I am.

Mohan: Amen.

Azman: But I don't want to be protected. I don't want the enforced protection. I want the freedom to act according to my conscience and according to the guidance my parents and my religious teachers have given me.

Mohan: But you can't. The constitutions are no longer the truly secular constitutions of the early days. The authorities have the power and can act against you.

Azman: But they cannot legislate on matters of morality and things like that. And they cannot enforce those rules. Can they Cikgu?

Zain: But they can. Under the amal makruf nahi mungkar (enjoining the good and forbidding wrongdoing) injunction of the Quran they assume they can do anything to protect you against temptations. In other words using force to protect you against yourself.

Azman: Can they do that?

Zain: Well, they are already doing it. But I have heard elsewhere that it is entirely up to the individual to do good like being charitable and to refrain from doing immoral things.

Azman: Yes, I heard a foreign expert on Islam once say that there is a reminder in the Quran that in discouraging people from doing immoral things an ulamak should remember that he can only remind and that he is not a dictator.

Zain: Yes, I heard something like that too. But with all these laws our ulamak or religious officials actually have very little to do in terms of keeping their flock out of harm's way. The laws are doing it for them already. And so relax. Why bother visiting families in his area occasionally to see how they are doing, whether they need anything explained or clarified and reminding them of their religious duties and to refrain from immoral activities. They don't have to do that. And even if some members of his congregation do not like his patronising ways and the way the religion is being administered there is little they can do about it. They can't leave their religion anyway. So why bother about establishing rapport with them. They cannot stray. They will have to remain in the flock forever. That's why there are those who stray away quietly.

Azman: Careful, Cikgu. You can be accused of insulting Islam.

Dead Butterflies

They flew for days..

and now they're dead

Butterflies in my Heart

beautiful butterflies

happy butterflies

fluttering butterflies

that, pretty much describe how i feel now

i can't wait for december!

Mak watches Sekar every night and I had to bear with this song... but now, I think I'm in love with it.

"meski ku tak tahu lagi
engkau ada di mana
dengarkan aku

ku merindukanmu"

Secrets

Even best of friends keep some secrets from each other.

Hush now..

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - Anas Zubedy' take

I would say I'm far from being the obedient child. I'm more like the 'black sheep' in the family. Hot-tempered (always merajuk and melenting tak tentu pasal), lazy-to-the-core (my sisters can attest to that), stubborn, rock-headed (ok they mean the same haha), super loud... you name it. I have all the characters that parents do not want for their children. Well, with one exception. I did great in academic and did make them proud by going overseas and having a decent job (so xde la memperabih duit mak bapak)..

I read UMI (Mother) by Anas Zubedy with deep interest. I was even in tears by the time I reached the end of the entry. Sentimental much, huh? LOL.

I don't know how much that entry would change me into being a better daughter or sibling. Change. It's the easiest word to utter, yet the hardest thing to do. Sigh.

Hopefully, under this spirit of Ramadhan... I would see some changes within myself. And I'm hoping the same for you guys too :)


P.s. I'm in Penang now with Laily! Mengepau her computer while she's at the hospital. Haha.

Merit comes from making right choices - Marina M

*i think this is a nice piece by Marina. go. have a read :) trust me*

By Marina Mahathir (The Star)

Living the faith is not just about avoiding what is prohibited, but more so about doing the right things where morals and ethics are concerned.

IN this month of Ramadan, one naturally focuses on questions of faith. And indeed, with several controversies in the papers, we can't escape it at all. Every day our lives seem to be increasingly circumscribed until the question of choice in our lives becomes irrelevant.

There are some people in our midst who seem to think that the only way to fulfill our religious obligations is by removing any sort of temptation or challenge in our paths.

Since we are prohibited from drinking, the answer is therefore to remove any form of alcohol from our sight so that we may never have the opportunity to be tempted by it.

Or, to disallow young Muslims to attend events sponsored by alcoholic beverage companies.

The assumption is that by the mere presence of liquor, we would abandon all inhibitions and imbibe.

This suggests two things. One is that the religious education of the young must be so inadequate that they feel totally uninhibited when faced with what they should know is prohibited.

Secondly, our faith is essentially a weak one since it can never restrain us from breaking rules.

There are other faiths that have food prohibitions as well. Many Hindus and Buddhists don't eat beef. There are people who take no meat at all.

Yet, living in a world of carnivores, where the beef burger is ubiquitous and most people are oblivious of others' dietary restrictions, they stick to their diets throughout their lives. Do they have stronger faith than Muslims?

I'm trying to imagine a world where our faith is supposedly secured by having absolutely no temptations or challenges at all.

We can ban every form of alcohol (including medicinal ones), we can cull every single pig in the land, but does that mean we will be able to float about blissfully certain that we now have a place in heaven?

In countries where alcohol is completely prohibited, an underground system invariably springs up and people drink much more, perhaps because it is illicit.

People who are used to ham made from turkey meat and bacon from beef tend to assume, when they travel to other countries, that all the bacon and ham there are also made from the same meats.

Children who have never seen pigs gush over the cuteness of those little pink animals with the funny snouts.

But faith is about more than just prohibited drinks and foods. It is also about morals and ethics. Every day we are faced with choices that challenge our sense of morality.

Do we pay a little extra to the officer in order to expedite our applications? Do we beat the red light, thus endangering other people, just because we are a little late? Do we keep quiet about a mistake we made and let others take the blame?

It is our faith that is going to provide us the answers to these questions. And sometimes these questions can be difficult to answer. Does that mean therefore that we should just get rid of them so that our faith need never be tested?

It would be nice to get rid of corruption completely so that we never have to deal with it. But do we hear of anyone calling for a ban on it? Or mobilising religious officials to catch anyone giving or receiving a bribe?

If our faith directs our way of life, then ethical and moral questions should dog us every day. How is it that those calling for people who drink to be whipped have nothing to say about people who neglect to repay loans? Or who leave their children in destitution?

How is it that the voices that bay for rock concerts to be banned are not just as outraged by the existence of the homeless and the hungry?

Faith, as someone said, needs to be exercised regularly. Otherwise it gets flabby. In what way can it be exercised if we think that living in a religious utopia is what we should aim for?

Is it better for our faith to be exercised by the trivial rather than the big moral questions of poverty, illiteracy and violence?

God said in the Quran, "if it had been His will, He could indeed have guided you all". (6:149)

We could all be perfectly good if He had so willed it. But we are given choices because that is how we earn our merits. We have the opportunity to think about what we should do and then decide.

In that way we have the chance to think about what ethics we want to apply in our lives. Take away that choice and we never have to think about morals and ethics. What sort of human beings would we be then?

A conversation

Me says:
http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/26300/84/
rpk's piece. a good read if u wanna get to know the history although of course u
don't believe in all this anyway

Curious Friend says:
lol

Curious Friend says:
of course i'll read it

Curious Friend says:
i just think that

Curious Friend says:
it has no correlation with life today

Me says:
they r just histories

Curious Friend says:
I know

Curious Friend says:
it helps explain to the followers of these
religions why they should not kill othrs

Me says:
hahahahaha

Curious Friend says:
while I think ppl should not kill other just
because it is the right thing to do

Me says:
weird benda camtuh pon kn vajar

Me says:
hey i
think the same way too of course

Curious Friend says:
yeah lol

Curious Friend says:
but u get what i mean

Me says:
i do

Curious Friend says:
it annoys me that ppl need to look ot the
history of a religion to find a reason not to do something

Curious Friend
says:
when it is something so obvious

Curious Friend says:
do you need a reason to do right?

Me says:
haha very true

How hard is it to use common sense, I wonder? What is the use of our brains (which is supposed to function more effectively than animals) given by God?

Salam.

Barbaric and Uncivilized Behaviour of some people in Shah Alam

Update 31/08/2009:


1) Khalid Samad's sober response on the temple relocation and HERE also

"Oleh itu, bagi mereka yang ingin tahu, izinkan saya menceritakan serba sedikit perkara sebenar berkenaan isu ini. Tapak Kuil yang dicadangkan adalah di kawasan Industri, lebih 200 meter dari kawasan perumahan. Sebuah Kuil yang sekarang ini berada di Seksyen 19 akan dipindahkan ke tapak baru yang dicadangkan ini. Di Seksyen 19, kuil berkenaan hanya berjarak 20 kaki dari kawasan perumahan! Buka pintu rumah, seberang jalan terdapat kuil.

Sebenarnya, kuil Seksyen 19 telah berada di situ sejak zamansebelum wujudnya Shah Alam lagi. Pada masa itu kawasan di mana kuil tersebut dibina dinamakan Ladang Sungai Renggam. Apabila PKNS ambil-alih, maka dijadikan kawasan perumahan. Semasa membina dan menjual rumah-rumah di Seksyen 19, PKNS tidak menunjukkan kuil tersebut di dalam pelan mereka. Sebaliknya yang ditunjuk adalah rumah-rumah teres dua tingkat.

Maka, para pembeli rumah sekitar kuil tersebut, 80% dari mereka yang merupakan orang Melayu Islam pun terperanjatlah apabila berpindah ke rumah baru mereka dan mendapati kuil masih berada di situ. Sedangkan mereka diberitahu bahawa kuil tersebut akan dipindahkan."

2) Khalid Samad's sensible response towards visitors' comments

"Ada pula yang bijak pandai berkata “Majoriti penduduk di seksyen 19 dan 23 adalah Islam. Kuil tak sepatutnya berada dikawasan tersebut. Pindahkan saja ke kawasan penduduk majoriti Hindu di kawasan lain”.

Hakikatnya tiada kawasan di Shah Alam yang mana masyarakat Hindu majoriti. Oleh itu, kuil ini akan memenuhi keperluan untuk Seksyen 19, 20 dan 23. Keseluruhannya saya dimaklumkan melebihi 1,000 penganut Hindu. Ada yang kata dah banyak kuil di Seksyen 19, 20 dan 23. Mereka berbohong. Hanya ada satu sahaja dan ianya di Seksyen 19. Dan kuil inilah yang ingin dipindahkan. Dasar kerajaan PR, ‛Tiada kuil baru dan tiada kuil yang diroboh’.

Ada juga yang menyatakan ada kuil hanya 1 km dari Seksyen 23, iaitu di Sri Muda. Kuil Sri Muda terletak 3 km dari lokasi berkenaan. Bukan 1 km, harap maaf ya.

Ada pula yang menambah Seksyen 22 adalah tapak cadangan kerajaan BN dulu, majoriti masyarakat Hindu. Hakikatnya tapak cadangan BN adalah kawasan kilang, jauh dari mana-mana penduduk, Muslim mahupun Hindu. Terlalu jauh dan amat tidak sesuai. Kalau betul ingin membantu, biarlah ikhlas, biarlah adil."

*** disclaimer: I'm neither anti-establishment nor pro-opposition. but i simply hate when sentiments are riled up for political gain ***


Malaysia-wide condemnation

Marina Mahathir’s
http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com/2009/08/barbarians-at-gate.html


Anas Zubedy
New Bob Agency, What the Quran Says About Non-Muslim Places of Worship.

Jahamy’s
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/08/hindu-brother-sisters-please-forgive.html

Walski's
http://asylum60.blogspot.com/2009/08/lrtq2-woe-to-foolish-aggressors.html

Pah Nur
http://lunchatthelakeclub.blogspot.com/2009/08/lrtq-2-this-cannot-be-islamic.html

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytAkNMyGd1M

This blue shirt guy threatened that there is going to be blood spill and

all other sorts of threats in his speech. You can hear it for yourself in the video.

These two were taped carrying the cow's head since the beginning of the protest. They might have been tired carrying it throughout the 'wallk' because the head changed hands later on.

See? Told ya'.. Some other 2 guys were seen carrying it as they were walking. Then, the head changed hands again

Wow, so much effort being put by these guys to carry the head. I wonder why...

The head organiser, Mahyuddin along with the other barbarians of Shah Alam openly making a fool out of themselves and disgracing Malaysians with their uncivilized behaviour.

Guess what the head of organiser had to say about it? It was reported by Malaysiakini (Of course no mainstream media will report this thing... so don't bother looking into The Star/Utusan/Berita Harian) and compare that to the video and photos taken during the whole protest.

Organiser: Cow's head a mystery

Rahmah Ghazali Aug 29, 09 1:30pm

Section 23 residents action committee chairperson Mahyuddin Manaf believes that the cow's head that was brought to yesterday's controversial protest was to 'provoke them'.However, the self-proclaimed PAS member declined to elaborate, saying he did not want the issue to be blown out of proportion. (i don't freaking care from which political party you are from!) He also stressed that the protest was not intended to stoke racial tension but rather to 'solve such grievances'. (wtf? and the cow's head is not racial to begin with? is he retarded?) As for the cow's head, Mahyuddin said its appearance at the protest remains a mystery. "We did a post mortem (on the protest) but could not identify the people who brought it," he told Malaysiakini. (yet, you carried the head the whole time and even marched with it? what kind of idiot are you?) Mahyuddin (right) was also unsure whether outsiders were involved in the protest. "There were some NGO leaders yesterday, but I don't know them personally," he said, adding that he wanted a peaceful protest. "Originally, the committee members planned to stage a demonstration participated by 3,000 people but I objected to the idea as I wanted a peaceful not chaotic protest," he added. (yeah, right! read: sarcasm) Mahyuddin also stressed that he was not a racist. (actions speak much louder than words, mister!) "From the onset, I gave importance to religious sensitivities. I want unity. We are not against the temple, we just do not want it to be built in a Muslim majority area," he said. (religious sensitivities? OMG, this bigot makes me want to strangle him! such a hypocrite!) 'Wants to avoid racial tension' Mahyuddin also expressed his disappointment at the lack of response from the state government for the memorandum that was submitted in protest of the temple relocation. "We have yet to have a meeting (with the leaders) and we have not even received a single notice," he said. He also explained why Section 23 residents are persistent on their stand in objecting to the temple being built in their area. He said that he wanted to avoid (racial tension) "just like what happened in Section 19" - where the temple is currently located. (what racial tension? racial tensions are caused by you religious zealots!) "Some issues emerged when Section 19 residents protested against the temple for the past 26 years and we just do not want the same thing to happen in our housing area," said Mahyuddin. He however refused to divulge more details on the incidents that allegedly occurred in Section 19. "We do not want to have disunity among the races when the temple is relocated here, that is why we are against this plan all the while," he said. (why should there be disunity unless you religious zealots cause it? yes, you racists!) He further reiterated that Section 22, although is an industrial lot, is the best place for the temple to be relocated. (now let me ask you this, would YOU like for YOUR mosque to be built in an industrial lot?) "And it is only about 200 metres from the big road and the Hindus can always walk to the temple. "If they argue it is not appropriate because it is an industrial lot, it does not make any difference as Section 23 is also an industrial lot," said Mahyuddin.

Outraged is an understatement. But what makes me tick even more is the fact that these bigots are not charged for being seditious, racist and openly inciting religious hatred. What is the problem of having mosques, temples and churches close to each other? Since when that becomes a problem? See this. Only religious zealots would make it a problem. Yes, you heard me right.

Hey, if the police could nab, arrest and jail the peaceful candle light vigils in PJ some months ago who are not even violent, racist or provocative... why are they keeping quiet on this one? Why? This stinks of politics from head to toe!!! (don't believe me? see THIS)


And until those in the video are arrested and charged, I'm officially announcing that I'm losing faith towards the police, PDRM, MACC and all other government agencies who seem to be serving the interest of the power-that-be rather than the peoples'.


Oh, by the way...


Salam MERDEKA~

Well Done :)

Cute sungguh cousin kecil aku sorang ni...

The name is Wildan, but we all call him "Well Done" heh..

Much furore over Caning

Some people are waiting for me to comment on the 'caning' issue. Kartika is a very famous lady now, thanks to the Kuantan Religious Officers. Financial Times even featured her in their latest issue! Sweet, huh? ;)

I have posted two entries about this kind of matter. I'm not going to write what I think should be or should not be, lest I'd be called 'konon2 pandai ugama' la ape la kan coz I'd be the last person to be called 'religious' in any way at all, believe me... So, I'll let the scholars who can give the closest opinion to what I have in mind do that for me..

1) Of Crime & Punishment - Worldly & Divine

"When you look at the laws of Islam, the crimes or the sins in Islam, there are certain sins which are very major. The Quran is very critical of both those who reject God and those who are Muslims but who are [also] hypocrites."

"But the jurisdiction over penalising those people does not belong to the worldly courts. It belongs to Allah on the Day of Judgment. So no syariah court, no matter how serious the crime of hypocrisy, is granted jurisdictional authority to issue a penalty for the crime of hypocrisy. Are you going to play God?" - Imam Feisal in an interview with Nut Graph

2) Between Acts of Sins & Criminal or Antara Dosa & Jenayah

"Akyol memberi satu contoh yang menarik dengan memetik satu kajian yang membandingkan amalan kaum Muslim di Turki dan juga kaum Muslim di negara jirannya, Iran. Ramai yang tahu bahawa Turki merupakan republik sekular yang diterajui oleh parti Islam moderat, manakala Iran merupakan republik Islam yang mempunyai struktur kepimpinan ulama.

"Di Iran, mereka yang berdekatan dengan sempadan Turki akan cuba menyeludup masuk pada hujung minggu — wanita membuka tudung mereka, lelaki cuba meminum arak dan sebagainya," kata Akyol.

Namun menurut Akyol, kadar penganut Islam yang mengerjakan ibadat puasa pada bulan Ramadan di Turki jauh lebih tinggi daripada mereka yang betul-betul berpuasa di Iran.

"Di Iran, ramai yang cuba menunjukkan bahawa mereka berpuasa di khalayak ramai, tetapi dalam sembunyi mengecam mullah-mullah, manakala di Turki, orang Islam amat bersemangat menjalankan ibadat puasa atas kesedaran mereka sendiri," kata Akyol.

Aneh, bukan? Negara yang tidak mengamalkan sebarang undang-undang untuk menghukum mereka yang tidak berpuasa sebenarnya memperlihatkan populasi yang lebih komited terhadap ibadat tersebut." - Shanonshah

Well, ever wonder why the Turkmens and Iranians (not all, of course) drink like there's no tomorrow in our country and vice versa? Some are even eating at the eateries during lunch today! Some Malays also take the advantage of doing so too when they are overseas! *oh wait, Musafir kot.... LOL.

So, I don't really need to elaborate what I think about the whole thing right? I'm sure many would not agree with me and it's your right not to, I can totally understand... I don't impose my beliefs on you guys.

I just pity Kartika. She'd be the center of attention, rolled like a ball here and there... while the NGOs, Islamic Associations and other agencies fight with each other. Who wins, I wonder.

Salam Ramadhan, anyhoo~

Are we fostering the nabbing of "whistle-blower" culture?

Citizen Nades laments about the not so new emerging culture....

http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=37252

Blow to whistle-blowers
R. Nadeswaran

FROM Day One, it had been explicitly stated and repeated several times that this columnist will not touch on race, religion or politics. Last week, I sat back, thought about it, and discussed with colleagues and friends whether I should make the exception. Over the weekend, there was some soul-searching to do over three issues – education, misuse of public funds and corruption. The course of events over the past two weeks has been disturbing indeed. And they related to politics and race. I was advised that I would be "acting against national interests" if I questioned the education policy. 

But I support the affirmative policies to help down-trodden fellow-citizens and have always maintained that I do not have an agenda. If I had chosen to keep my vows and remain silent as if they did not exist, the conscience would say that silence is acceptance of the wrongdoing. So, in all honesty, I have decided to seek your indulgence to touch on issues that need to be addressed in a manner befitting their importance.

Last week, commenting on the PKFZ fiasco, I wrote: "Never in the history of this country has there been so much vigour in the demand from the public to get to the bottom of a scandal-ridden project. 

The country has never seen the enthusiasm and openness of a minister who is bent on seeing justice to a problem which he inherited. Never has a minister committed himself to seeing the cornerstones of good governance – transparency and accountability – being practised."

Just when you thought the minister's courage will set a precedent for not only his cabinet colleagues but also civil servants to follow suit when someone drops a clanger and attempts to destroy one form of the "whistle-blowing" concept. All kinds of accusations are levelled against him in the name of politics and political donations and even appointments of key personnel are questioned. But those making the accusations are the same people against whom the special task force alleged had short-changed the government of  between RM500 million and RM1 billion. While right-thinking people will take such claims of parting with RM10 million with a generous helping of salt, it has put a premature end to attempts to create a new culture of "whistle-blowing" within the higher echelons of our government. 

It has certainly put a dent on efforts to give civil servants confidence that they should stand up to politicians who sometimes stray from the standard procedures. It also destroys the present government's policy of being open and transparent in all its dealings. Why should anyone stand up and expose wrongdoings when false and unsubstantiated accusations are made against him or her? 

Will the system protect such people or just sit and watch as one accusation after another is made?

Faisal Abdullah (Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd deputy CEO) goes to great lengths to question the legality of the appointment of the Port Klang Authority chairman, but he should be looking at his backyard first. 

Wasn't he the Klang municipal councillor who built his bungalow in Kampung Raja Uda in Port Klang without getting the necessary approvals? Wasn't he one of the 24 councillors who turned a blind eye when Istana Zakaria was being built? Wasn't he one of the councillors whose terms were not extended? 

The minister had been consistent from the very start when he took office. He made repeated assurances that the PKFZ scandal would be investigated and that the audit reports would be made public. Even then, there was no talk of RM10 million or free plane rides. The question to ask is: Why now, especially immediately after the reports of over-billings and high costs? This column has been consistent on corruption and wrong-doers. There will be no sympathy for either. But the key point is that "whistle blowers" are being systematically targeted.

Talking about whistle-blowers", one cannot put in words the courage of the supposed officials of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against one of their bosses. What they wrote will remain mere allegations until they are proven, but from my experience, there appears to be some semblance of issues worth investigating. It is unfortunate that I cannot make public what is within my knowledge lest I am accused of being judge, jury and executioner. However, for the sake of justice and the truth, I am willing to talk to any competent enforcement authority. Not one which wants to know where my information came from but to one who wants to get to the bottom of it all. 

Now, to the issue of education. I have read and scrutinised the answer scripts of at least 20 wannabe lawyers which was the subject of this column last Wednesday. I described them in some detail. At least 18 of them will fail the simple test we have for those wanting to become a journalist. I wouldn't even employ them as our office boy! Malaysians have a right to be worried. Are these the qualities of future magistrates who are going to sit and decide on our fate? Are these the people you turn to for justice and fair play? It is a frightening scenario indeed. Everyone I talked to washed his hands by saying: "This involves the national education policy. No one can do anything." But this policy, although giving priority to sections of the community, does not encourage the setting up of "sure-to-pass" universities. Neither does it specifically state that incompetent students must be made to pass by altering marks or lowering standards. Are our educationists interpreting this policy wrongly? I don't know and answers must be forthcoming.

Last Monday, I wrote about the Mathematics preparatory examination paper for Standard Six pupils and the amount of grammar mistakes in it. I did get a response – a call from the Selangor Education Department. All the caller wanted to know was where I got the examination paper. 

"Yang hantar itu guru atau ibubapa?" (Who sent it to you, a teacher or a parent?) she asked. I had to explain to her that it arrived in a brown envelope, sent anonymously. Is there going to be an official response? "Itu Pengarah akan jawab. Saya hanya ditugaskan untuk mengenal pasti macam mana kertas soalan boleh dapat diedarkan." (It is for the director to reply. I have been tasked to establish how the examination paper was circulated."

Thirty-three mistakes were identified in 40 questions and all the authorities are worried about is finding out how it ended up in the hands of this writer! Someone should explain how the mistakes came about; someone should trace the teachers responsible for the mistakes and the supervisor who is responsible for the lapse. All they are interested in is nabbing the whistle-blower! 

At a time when our leaders are going on lawatan sambil belajar to make Malaysia the regional education hub, we have subordinate officers making our standards a laughing stock. 

How many officers do you need to investigate the source of the mistakes? A dozen – 11 to find the source of the leak and one to sign the disciplinary note against the whistle-blower. So much for an integrated learning system!

R. Nadeswaran is editor (special and investigative reporting) at theSun. He can be reached at: citizen-nades@thesundaily.com.

Ramadhan Edition - Puasa by Dr. MAZA

Less political reviews this month, that's the aim. More of reminders and knowledge instead, God willing. You see, politics and religion intrigue me. I question a lot of things and I want answers to all these questions in mind. Most of the time, I've already developed opinions about the questions I have in mind...

The reason why I can relate with Dr. Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin (Dr. MAZA), the former Mufti of Perlis is because his explanation covers my questions in both the divine and logical sense of it. Today, I shall feature his article about Ramadhan which you can read at drmaza.com

Some interesting excerpts from him..

"Apabila saya memperkatakan tentang pemandu bas perjalanan jauh boleh berbuka puasa kerana musafir, ramai yang bersetuju. Tetapi apabila saya menyebut mereka sepatutnya berbuka puasa, bahkan disuruh berbuka puasa jika puasa itu mengganggu tumpuan pemanduan mereka lalu membahayakan nyawanya dan penumpang dan jika dia berpuasa juga dia menyanggahi petunjuk agama ini, ada pihak yang bertanya saya; apakah sampai hendak disuruh buka, setakat diberikan pilihan itu, tidak mengapalah?! Saya beritahu kepada mereka bahawa dalam hadis; Rasulullah dalam satu perjalanan lalu mellihat orang ramai berkumpul dan seorang lelaki yang dipayung (kerana terlalu teruk berpuasa). Lalu baginda bertanya: Kenapa? Mereka menjawab: Dia berpuasa. Baginda bersabda: Bukanlah sesuatu yang baik itu, berpuasa ketika musafir(riwayat al-Bukhari). Hadis ini adalah ulasan Nabi terhadap lelaki berkenaan yang mana puasanya telah membawa mudarat kepada dirinya sendiri. Maka baginda menyatakan bukan satu perkara yang dianggap baik dalam Islam berpuasa ketika musafir sehingga memudaratkan diri. Jika memudaratkan diri disebabkan berpuasa ketika musafir dibantahi oleh Rasulullah bagaimana pula dengan pemandu bas yang jika puasanya boleh memudaratkan dirinya, penumpang yang ramai di belakangnya dan pengguna jalanraya yang lain? Tentulah mereka ini lebih utama untuk berbuka lebih dari lelaki dalam hadis di atas.

Demikian juga anggapan ramai pihak bahawa seseorang yang mandi disebabkan keletihan atau terlalu dahaga pada bulan Ramadan, mengurangkan pahala puasanya. Ada yang menambah, sesiapa yang mandi selepas waktu asar, juga berkurangan pahala puasanya. Sedang di dalam hadis yang sahih yang diriwayatkan oleh al- Imam Malik di dalam al-Mawata’, Ahmad dan Abu Daud: Abu Bakar bin Abd al-Rahman meriwayatkan: “Telah berkata sahabah yang menceritakan kepadaku: “Aku melihat Rasulullah s.a.w. di al-‘Arj (nama tempat) mencurahkan air ke atas kepala baginda ketika baginda berpuasa disebabkan dahaga atau panas.” Dengan itu Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (meninggal 620H) menyatakan: “Tidak mengapa seseorang mencurahkan air ke atas kapalanya (ketika puasa) disebabkan panas atau dahaga kerana diriwayatkan oleh sebahagian sahabah bahawa mereka melihat Rasulullah di al-‘Arj (nama tempat) mencurahkan air ke atas kepala baginda ketika baginda berpuasa disebabkan dahaga atau panas.” (Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi, al-Mughni, 2/18, Beirut: Dar al-Fikr). Maka tidak menjadi kesalahan mereka yang letih atau kekeringan ketika bertugas membasahkan kepala atau mandi demi menambahkan kesegaran dan meneruskan urusan. Agama ini sangat rasional. Ia tidak menyuruh kita keletihan dan tersandar sepanjang hari.

Demikian sesetengah kita, akan berhenti memakan sahur apabila melihat jadual waktu imsak yang disebarkan oleh kebanyakan pihak. Jadual itu biasanya akan menetapkan waktu berpuasa lebih awal dari masuknya waktu solat subuh. Padahal al-Quran menyebut: (maksudnya): Makan dan minumlah kamu sehingga ternyata benang putih dari benang hitam dari waktu fajar, kemudian sempurnakanlah puasa sehingga waktu malam (surah al-Baqarah: 187). Dalam hadis al-Bukhari dan Muslim, Nabi menyebut dengan jelas: Makan dan minumlah sehingga azan Ibn Ummi Maktum, kerana beliau tidak akan azan melainkan setelah masuk waktu fajar (subuh). Ibn Ummi Maktum adalah muazzin Nabi. Baginda mengajar kita dalam hadis ini agar kita boleh bersahur sehingga masuknya waktu solat subuh. Apabila waktu solat subuh, bererti waktu sahur berakhir. Baginda tidak pula menyebut beberapa ketika atau setengah jam sebelum subuh. Bahkan dalam hadis Abu Daud dan Ahmad baginda memberikan kelonggaran yang lebih luas untuk umatnya. Baginda bersabda: Apabila seseorang kamu mendengar azan sedangkan bekas minuman berada di tangannya, maka janganlah dia meletakkannya sehingga selesai hajatnya (dinilai sahih oleh al-Albani). Baginda tidak menyuruh seseorang meludah atau memuntahkan apa yang ada dalam mulut apabila mendengar azan seperti pendapat sesetengah orang. Islam itu mudah dan praktikal. Ada orang kata, dia tidak dapat terima pendapat ini. Saya katakan kepadanya: Ini hadis bukan pendapat. Dia kata: Saya pakai pendapat orang ramai. Saya katakan: Agama berdasarkan dalil, bukan emosi."

Wallah'alam.

Selamat Berbuka! :)

Unbelievable? Believe it..

As RPK puts it... can you spot the difference? Hehe.

Nik Aziz’s statement as reported by Buletin Utama TV3:

‘‘Tiada sebab langsung orang Islam tolak Islam. Islam yang dibawa oleh UMNO ini Islam kacukan, Islam plastik. Macam duit palsu, ubat palsu, makanan palsu. Ini Islam palsu yang dibawa UMNO."

‘‘Islam ini tidak boleh bawa ke akhirat, tidak boleh bawa ke syurga, dia boleh bawa dekat pintu kubur. Bertengkar atas muka tak habis-habis dengan Melayu sendiri boleh bertengkar.’’

Nik Aziz’s statement as reported by Bernama:

Mursyidul Am Pas Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat berkata, anggota UMNO tidak akan masuk syurga kerana parti itu mengamalkan ajaran Islam palsu dari Palestin. Katanya, terdapat perbezaan antara Islam yang didakwah oleh Pas dan Islam yang diamalkan oleh umat Islam daripada kalangan anggota UMNO.

“Islam bawah UMNO tidak ke mana dan tidak boleh bawa seseorang itu ke syurga. Berdasar perkara itu, saya percaya penduduk di kawasan Permatang Pasir akan memilih calon Pas sebagai wakil rakyat mereka,” katanya kepada pemberita di Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) di sini hari ini selepas proses penamaan calon bagi pilihan raya kecil Permatang Pasir.

Whatever it is, I think humans shouldn't be playing God. It's best if we let the job of judging to the Almighty, shall we Datuk Nik Aziz? We know you're a nice, humble man... but even we don't know your place in the hereafter.

Another by-election is coming up in Penang. I turned on the TV just now and Muhyiddin was on TV, at the MERDEKA Celebration in Penang organized by the Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah negeri mana ntah. Read: PENDIDIKAN. Yes. Education. Such celebrations should be far from political. Especially when it involves teachers and young students. Educators. Students. But no. Muhyiddin just had to say "Be grateful to Kerajaan Barisan Nasional... blah blah blah". Hell, I'd be pissed off if any of the PR people say something like that in a non-political event too! Bagi ucapan tuh tengok tempat la brader~!

Calon BN written by Zaid Ibrahim is a must read. I mean, seriously. BN just can't find another 'fit' candidate to field at the place? Using the client's money is already a crime in the first place! That Rohaizat stealer-of-client-money guy was lucky that he was just kicked out and not jailed even!

"Lihat sahajalah calon BN untuk pilihan raya kecil DUN Permatang Pasir, iaitu Rohaizat Othman, yang telah digugurkan dari menjadi peguambela dan peguamcara oleh Majlis Peguam kerana syarikat guamannya menggunakan wang kliennya , sabuah koperasi,kira-kira RM160,000. Peguam tidak boleh menggunakan wang pelanggan mereka selain dari tujuan asal wang itu diberi kepada peguam tersebut untuk disimpan.

Majlis Peguam pecat Rohaizat lama sabelum hari penamaan calon. Majlis Peguam tidak tahu BN akan pilih Rohaizat. Mereka membuat keputusan berdasarkan penyiasatan rapi. Mahkamah Tinggi pula telah pun mendengar rayuan Rohaizat dan menolaknya; ia mengekalkan keputusan Majlis Peguam yang telah menggugurkannya sebagai seorang peguam. Jadi bila para pemimpin UMNO kata itu soal persepsi, mereka jelas tidak mengerti makna perspesi. Mereka cuba menutup hakikat sabenar. Apakah mereka ingat rakyat Malaysia masih jahil? Malah bila rakyat berkata UMNO sekarang terlalu perkauman, penuh dengan rasuah dan gila kuasa, para pemimpinnya pun kata itu persepsi. Tetapi kita tahu ini semua bukan persepsi. Ini semua ada bukti dan asasnya. Perkataan persepsi itu tidak boleh digunakan bila ada asas kukoh. Persepsi ertinya tanggapan yang tidak ada asas."

And what's this? Fairus' case re-opened just days before the by-election?

Sick sick sick.

Tan Beng Hock's case is still ongoing. Spiced up with a letter penned by the 'so-called' SPRM officers. My prediction, police will ignore the letter. MACC will surely ignore the letter!

'Surat Layang' - Rocky called it. Yet, he threw his "support" behind the T4TBH blog? Haha. Nak siasat, siasat je la btol2 both sources. If it's true the DAP guy is corrupted, then by all means, catch the guy lah. But still, it doesn't eliminate the fact that TBH's death is an inside job and clearly not suicidal!

Oh well.

Selamat Puasa anyway.

Bitter Me, boo hoo...

"You're a bitter person, despite the cheery and bubbly character you
seem to be portraying..."

I guess, I am :)
So, what?

Malik Hussin who won the 2.5 million.. remember?

1. He was handcuffed in his home without any warrant what-so-ever.
2. He was slapped in the face. He claimed 40-50 percent loss of hearing.
3. He was told to wear a certain type of specs. His face was covered with a smelly, black shirt
4. ...... just watch lah....

Oh, by the way.. the former Inspector-General of Police, Rahim Noor (also known as the police who left a huge black eye on Anwar) was also mentioned as one of the beater.

Oh, well...

ISA Rally in Kuala Lumpur

It was never my intention to go out today, knowing the massive traffic due to police blockades nearing the KL City Centre. Unfortunately, I had to send my brother since he had to go back to UiTM Seri Iskandar (Ipoh) to finish his assignments. To make things worse, we had to de-tour to Lowyat first to pick up the laptops that were sent to be repaired.

I knew about the organized rally by GMI (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA) since a few weeks back. There were mixed reactions about it, of course. Pro-establishment would regard is a "rusuhan", while the pro-opposition would declare it as a "right to express". I guess it depends whether you're sitting on the right of left of the fence.

When my brother and I deliberately drove near the gathering scenes, although traffic was pretty bad... it was already 2.30-ish. We saw several Chinese men and ladies wearing masks. Their eyes and nose were all red. Then, came the guys in kopiah and ladies in tudung... also covered with masks and towels. I opened my car window and instantly I could smell the stingy air. Teargas. Ah, the FRUs have already started spraying! That quick? We drove around and we could see people wearing Anti-ISA shirts walking along the road. We almost could not find the way out due to massive police blockades on all the road. We managed, finally.. after a few hours.

Watched the news later that night. Mainstream media called it "rusuhan". I just laughed.

For right-wing views about the rally, you can go to..

1) Updates on Public Nuisance

2) Video Updates

And if you want to hear from the lefties, you can visit..

1) Dandelion @ The Rally

2) Zaid Ibrahim's First Account

Malaysia, oh Malaysia!

Losing those flabby whaaattt...?..

I have to admit that the hardest parts to lose are my thighs and urmm... yes, butt! Thanks to genetic, I have a large bottom. Urgh!

But have you heard of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx? Well, you can go and google her up. She appeared on Oprah once. I am dying to own a Spanx but it's far too expensive! But then, I discover her new line... ASSETS! Browse punya browse... this blogger, aimalhanad, is going to order them all the way from US! Oh, how lovely!!! You might wanna tell aimalhanad where you get to know about this fantastic ASSETS from too ;)

My sister an I have already ordered FIVE!!! Melampau batas jugak ahh! Kuang3.. Hey, just sharing the love here, girls... Go get' em!

Loving Surprises! >_<

Thank you for the lovely surprise, Bosses and Colleagues!! :)

And someone showed me that I can do this! Hehehe..

Birthday Girl gets to be vain ok :p

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Yasmin Ahmad in memories

I know it's late. I guess I was and probably am still shocked that Yasmin Ahmad is no longer with us. I adore her. I managed to meet up with her personally only once. She was invited to one of the workshops that I attended. I remembered being so excited to see her. To listen to her talk and express herself. She even complimented my tudung. I remember earing a bright blue one that caught her attention.

The amount of people attending her funeral to show respect speaks volume about her characters. Malaysians from various backgrounds, religions and races... came to pay their respect to this wonderful person. She had an a big heart. She's a true Malaysian. The ads and movies she made are filled with emotions, messages and values in which she believed in. Yasmin Ahmad, the storyteller, who used to be called a living legend.. is now a legend...

I personally love Talentime. I haven't been able to watch some movies of hers like Muallaf and Gubra though. I think I'm going to spend some time watching Youtube and watch all the ads she did over the last I don't know how many years now...

Yet, I am disgusted by KOSMO that tried to discredit her. KOSMO, a newspaper only known to thrown in sexual-related stories to attract buyers with no decency what so ever, wrote trach about her. Shame on the editors! I'm truly disgusted.

Rest in peace, Yasmin. Al-Fatihah.

We want answers to MACC death - Ku Li

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/27461

The few sensible leaders left in Malaysia and Ku Li is definitely one
of my favourites.

Sent from my iPhone

CSI (Malaysian style)

I read Dr. Rafick's blog with interest. TBH's death should not be taken lightly by any Malaysians. At least, that's what I think.

Anyway, these are the series from his blog that you might be interested to read...

1) MACC death tragedy – My untrained CSI techniques

2) My CSI findings II

3) My CSI Findings Part III

4) My CSI findings part IV

5) My CSI findings part V

6) Death at MACC: My CSI findings part VI

Well, here are the photos.

Now, the reason why I can accept Dr. Rafick's arguments is because he doesn't write with sentiments but rather try to justify with facts and evidences. And maybe because I'm a huge fan of CSI! Heh.

Anyway, enjoy reading and tell me what you think!

Personally, I think there is no way that TBH committed suicide. R.I.P Tan Beng Hock. May God bless your soul.

Vanity comes in many forms...

Like this....

gotta love me' iPhone!! mwahahaha

Manchester United 3 vs. Malaysia 2

Wow, did Manchester United sleep during the game... or have our Malaysian football team really improved? I hope it's the latter :)

Kudos Amir Yahya for the 2 goals!

Foul Play or Accident?

You don't have to believe in it.. After all, "Malaysia Today is not the most reliable source. It does not offer the best of information. What Malaysia Today dabbles in are rumours and innuendoes."..... read more at M-Today

But when a man interrogated by MACC died at the office of MACC so mysteriously, it's too much of a coincident... don't you think? Well, only God knows best...

I would strongly rule out suicidal attempt though.

MACC ... too quick when it comes to PR and the likes of PR...

Yet damn bloody slow when it comes to the 'power-that-be'...

What the F*** are they doing interrogating a person (who is not even a suspect in the first place) for 11 bloody hours anyway? IDIOTS! I suggest they interrogate those implicated with PFKZ case for 11 hours also. How's that?

Siapa yang terburai?

No single political party should feel that they're more important than the others and they are much stronger than the others be it BN/PR...

PAS thought they can work without PKR & DAP. Manek Urai proved them wrong.

BN thought they're mightier with all sorts of resources. Well, they too were wrong.

Hard lesson learnt by both sides. Good for them.

Stating the Obvious

"anyway listen my friend, i gotta get going, if u ever need to talk, u know how to find me. cause i have a feeling u not exactly having the best of times. i just give u grief for comedic reasons. i am nothing like the guy are so called dating.... never known to leave anyone hanging.."

Do you believe in karma?

I do now..

Fall to Pieces - Avril Lavigne

I looked away
Then I look back at you
You try to say
The things that you can't undo
If I had my way
I'd never get over you
Today's the day
I pray that we make it through

Make it through the fall
Make it through it all

And I don't wanna fall to pieces
I just want to sit and stare at you
I don't want to talk about it
And I don't want a conversation
I just want to cry in front of you
I don't want to talk about it
Cuz I'm in Love With you

You're the only one,
I'd be with till the end
When I come undone
You bring me back again
Back under the stars
Back into your arms

Wanna know who you are
Wanna know where to start
I wanna know what this means

Wanna know how you feel
Wanna know what is real
I wanna know everything, everything

I'm in love with you
Cuz i'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you

KKP 2009 with a new team

The pink team (not everyone is in the photo though).. From left: Ogy si penari, Opie si polis, Erin sang tinggi, Dayang org Sabah, Ea si kecik, Fadh si kiut, Nor si garang, Aku yang camni laa and Syani si spastik.. hahahaah..

Sophie, Tini, yours truly and Fadh.. posing belakang keta Ea.

Sports. Netball to be exact. It's the one thing that I enjoy doing most. Maybe because it's the only sports that I feel I'm good at. If last year I played for Petchem contingent, this year I played for Corporate contingent. New team, new environment.

I was sick the whole tournament. I had a temperature, horrible flu, awful cough, lost my voice entirely, headache... Owh, all the dreadful things attacked me just right before the tournament! I felt just awfully groggy.

Our coach took us to Bukit Kiara to watch Netball Malaysia vs. Sri Lanka before our tournament started. It was an awesome game although Malaysia lost to Sri Lanka.

Our game
1st match: Oil vs Corporate
2nd match: Gas vs Corporate
3rd match: Petchem vs Corporate

4th match: International vs Corporate

5th match: Property vs Corporate

We won against Gas, International and Property. We lost to Oil and Petchem. I had fun nevertheless. Of course it wasn't fun playing when my body wasn't feeling too good. But I did and it was worth it..

Next year KKP..? Wouldn't miss it for the world!

Brown

I'm going brown! Haha. And the tournament has not even started yet! LOL

Just Briefly on Malaysian Politics by Me

Disclaimer: These are only how I feel and by all means, they are only a matter of opinion. They say that opinions are like a**holes. Everyone has one. That's kinda true. Ha ha.

1. I think it's great that Zaid Ibrahim decides to join PKR. I just hope he won't be less critical when he joins a certain political party. Because I liked him even when he was with UMNO because of his firm stand on certain principles and values.

2. It's simply ridiculous that some so-called 'leaders' in PAS even mentioned about banning SIS. It's even more ludicrous that it was passed without a debate! Perhaps that thick turbans of theirs have blocked up their senses. Have they even bothered to get to know what SIS has been doing for the women? Have they even bothered to engage and understand what SIS is all about? Just because some of them wear no headscarf, it's justified for these super-zealots PAS people to judge people that way? Now I know why I never believe in a religious-based political party. They are only interested in women not wearing headscarf, women wearing lipstick, women wearing heels, women wearing tight outfits, women this.. and women that... rape is caused by women, non-Muslims must be made to cover up... urgh! And they say that they are not chauvinistic men! Podah!

3. Perak Circus. It's still a circus. Judiciary is a circus, sometimes. What is so complicated about giving back the choice of leaders to the people... I really cannot comprehend. The power-that-be seems to be so THICK-HEADED, ARROGANT and PLAIN STUPID. Enough said.

4. Anwar-Saiful saga. Too many loopholes. And one has too many suspicions against Saiful. The missing HKL medical report, the PUSRAWI Medical report, the whatever-other-hospital report... the inconsistencies... it's unbelievable that DSAI has not been acquitted yet. RPK has a lot to say about this it seems.

5. PKR mini-leaders are behaving like children, throwing tantrums and all. HINDRAF's Uthayakumar is getting on my nerves too. PAS' Nasa is doing his best to dis-unite the party. Bravo! (note: SARCASM). See, you don't need other people to ruin your organisation. Your own people will do it themselves. Ha ha.

6. Malaysia is listed as "The Worst Place for Refugees" and Malaysia is on the blacklist of countries trafficking people. It's interesting that a report says that there is involvement of Immigration Department officials in trafficking Burmese refugees. Honestly, I don't think Malaysians are surprised or shocked when the news came up. It's like... what else is new? And the response from government?

i) The reports are not true!

ii) Najib rejected the findings

iii) There is no evidence to support that claims

iv) There is something "fishy" about the report

v) more and more and more denials

This is, my friend, the current attitude of our beloved government (note: SARCASM). I rest my case.

7. I attended the Race Relations Forum at Jalan Duta the other day. Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir was there. Prof. Aneez Ismail was a great speaker and he did share a lot about his own experience of having to go through racism in the UK. Racist scumbags deserve a good kick on the groin. I'd happily do the honour if I come across with any.

Okay, enough rantings. I'm off for a week playing Netball for Corporate Contingent while having fun with the International Contingent :)

Take Away

Take away pain from your heart..

Take away hurt from your heart..

Take away hate from your heart..

Let there only be what you believe should be resides in it..

And I shall do just that..

Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan Wilayah Persekutuan

I had the chance to join the "Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan Wilayah Persekutuan" organized last weekend at Taman Titiwangsa.

There were lotsa people from all parts of Wilayah Persekutuan KL. Officiated by Raja Nong Chik, The Minister or Federal Territories, the event started as early as 6.45am for the runners and there were pockets of activities such as outdoor sports (netball, futsal, etc.), indoor sports, fishing, and more!

You could see everyone from all different backgrounds at this event. I played netball with my PETRONAS team, UIA staff and students. Each team has to have a combination of multiracial players. We had fun although we lost 2 matches and only won 1! Haha :p

Anyway, kudos to the organizer! I thought it was a blast :)

Melayu Lama, Melayu Baru - Which one are you?

From RPK: Something old, something new

"But the Malays of today, the Melayu Baru, look beyond Malay interests. This, however, must not be interpreted as treacherous or pendeharka Malays who sell out their fellow Malays -- as what some Umno people would say. It is just that they see life as more than just communal interests. There is more to life than just worrying about Malay interests. We also need to consider what these Malays in power can do for the nation at large.

This may be difficult for the Old Malays to understand. What can be more important than Malay interest? Surely Malay interest is the one and only consideration. Well, maybe so to the Old Malays. But to the New Malays there are also things like transparency and good governance, an end to abuse of power and corruption, an independent judiciary and better laws, freedom of association and expression, and those other things that Umno would label as 'Western values'.

The Old Malays like Kadir Jasin are not stupid. In fact, if you know him personally, you will know that he is one smart cookie. So why does he still talk like he is a country bumpkin? Does he not realise that there is more to life than just communal interests?

Of course he does. As I said, he is not stupid. But Kadir Jasin, the Old Malay, believes that Malay interests override all other considerations. The ends justify the means. Okay, maybe we have rampant corruption plus all the other ills you can think of in a failed state or banana republic. But these are necessary evils. This is collateral damage. This is what we must endure to ensure that Malay interests are protected.

This is the mentality of the Old Malay. But the Old Malay is finding out that the New Malay does not think like this at all. The New Malay has different values from the Old Malay. And the Old Malays are getting lesser while there are more New Malays emerging.

In time, there will be more New Malays than Old Malays at the ballot box. If we can convince the five million Malaysians eligible to vote, but not registered as voters yet, to come out and get registered, and if we can convince them to actually come out to vote come the next general election, then we will find that the Old Malays will be reduced to a minority in a sea of black T-shirts, metaphorically speaking of course.

Can we embark on a voter-get-voter campaign? For every one of you who is already a registered voter, convince someone you know who is not yet a registered voter to go register as a voter. Then, in time, people like Kadir Jasin will be a thing of the past while people like Anak Muda Melayu will rule the day.

Voting should no longer be seen as a right. It should be regarded as a responsibility. Young people should be told it is their duty to vote. And to able to vote they must first register as a voter. "


From Anak Muda Melayu : CHE DET TAK FAHAM ORANG MUDA

Dalam blog CheDet (http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/2009/04/the-generation-gap.html#more), Tun Mahathir kata generasi muda tidak memahami erti kemerdekaan, diperintah oleh Orang Kita dan bukan Orang Asing. Beliau menyalahkan pendidikan sejarah di sekolah yang gagal memberikan kesedaran kepada generasi muda.

Oleh kerana aku lahir pasca 1957, aku ni generasi muda walaupun umur dah hampir separuh abad. Memangnya aku tidak pernah berada di bawah pemerintahan Inggeris, dan tidak berada di zaman perang. Tetapi aku masih ingat kacaubilau tahun 69. Aku ingat zaman Tun Razak yang menyemarakkan perpaduan. Masa tu juga banyak bentuk kemakmuran melalui bantuan pertanian, dan biasiswa pun dah mula diberikan kepada rakyat. Zaman tu juga banyak sekolah-sekolah asrama penuh yang melahirkan ramai cerdik pandai terutamanya di kalangan orang melayu. Kemudahan-kemudahan prasarana pun ditingkatkan. Jadi, sejarah yang aku lalui tidak perlu pergi jauh sebaliknya zaman pembangunan dan pemulihan ekonomi.

Bermula era Mahathir, pada mulanya terasa gah kerana Dasar Pandang Ke Timur, Bersih Cekap dan Amanah dan kemudiannya timbullah penswastaan. Pembangunan pun memang hebat tetapi masa tu dah banyak berlaku percakaran politik. Di pihak UMNO, Mahathir dengan Ku Li kemudian Mahathir dan Musa Hitam. Kemudian berlaku pula pembunuhan Memali dan seterusnya Pemilihan UMNO 1987 yang menyebabkan perpecahan dalam UMNO, maka timbul pula Semangat 46.

Apabila Tun Salleh Abbas di pecat, sekali lagi berlaku tragedi dalam pentadbiran negara kerana Cabang Kehahiman telah di kembirikan. Masa itu, aku yang masih di awal dua puluhan dah mula rasa seperti dijajah, bukan oleh orang asing tetapi oleh UMNO. Sungguh pun ada keistimewaan, kerana boleh bekerja dan ekonomi yang baik tetapi merasa diri ini dijajah. Minda dibodohkan dengan media, dan orang-orang UMNO berlagak macam Malaysia ni dia orang punya. Rakyat biasa hanya menerima apa yang ada, digula-gulakan dengan kehidupan biasa, dan kononnya negara ini aman.

Bagi orang yang pernah berada di England, Amerika, Australia tentulah tidak boleh dibodohkan dengan propaganda UMNO, kerana telah melihat erti kebebasan bersuara di negara-negara itu. Tetapi bila balik di Malaysia media dikudakan. Segala media kerajaan di Malaysia boleh bercakap tentang keamanan, kestabilan ekonomi, dan pembangunan tetapi Minda diikat. Untuk bercakap songsang daripada pemimpin BN bererti menentang. Tambahan pula bila kita lihat mahkamah-mahkamah dan Polis digunakan untuk menjaga kepentingan UMNO dan Barisan Nasional. Generasi muda kecewa, fasal kebebasan yang diinginkan seperti yang dilalui di negara maju tidak boleh dicapai. Dengan adanya ISA, AUKU, Akta Rahsia Rasmi, dan pelbagai lagi Akta yang menggerunkan terasa bahawa Malaysia ni macam negara ketiga di Afrika. Baru-baru ini Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya pula bercakap seperti pihak UMNO dan BN. Sebagai rakyat, perasaan benci meluap dan lama-kelamaan akan diterjemahkan sebagai undi untuk memilih pembangkang.

Selain daripada undang-undang itu, banyak bentuk penyalahgunaan kuasa dan pembaziran wang negara berlaku. Aku tak boleh tahu apa yang betul atau salah. Tetapi bila di sebut skandal BMF, bail out untuk MISC, PERWAJA, MAS, dan banyak lagi mula timbul tandatanya -- apa sebenar yang berlaku. Jawapan samar-samar dan mengelirukan. Bila timbul pula kes pembunuhan Mustakizah, apa sebenarnya berlaku? Bila banyak sangat timbul tentang Altantuya, kami ingin cari kebenaran. Semua ini menjurus kepada kekeliruan dan keraguan. Kredibiliti pemimpin masa itu dipersoalkan.

Seterusnya kuasa raja-raja pun dikurangkan. Masa tu, sebagai rakyat memanglah seronok sebab kita rasakan kuasa dikembalikan kepada rakyat tetapi lama kelamaan baru menyedari bahawa kuasa itu sebenarnya adalah untuk PM dan pemimpin-pemimpin UMNO.

Apa yang berlaku? Sungguh pun bukan semua dalam Internet betul, tetapi penulisan daripada Raja Petra (sebagai contoh) boleh diterima. Banyak bukti dan kenyataan beliau ada asas. Kami generasi pasca 1957 yang bukannya ahli totok UMNO akan terus mencari kebenaran dan biasanya boleh diperolehi daripada Internet. Kami tahu apa yang karut, dan apa yang betul. Dalam Internet tak ada penapisan jadi sebagai manusia yang diberikan fikiran kami buat penilaian dan tahu mana baik dan buruknya.

Kemuncak rasa tidak puas hati apabila Anwar Ibrahim diperlakukan dengan cara zalim. Sungguh pun aku tak pernah kenal Anwar dengan rapat dan dia pun tak peduli sapa aku, tetapi sebagai manusia berhati perut aku rasa perlakuan Mahathir kepada bekas Timbalan Perdana Menteri melampaui batasan kemanusiaan. Masa itu bukan soal kredibiliti tetapi kebencian yang amat sangat kepada Tun Mahathir. Dia mungkin hebat satu masa dulu, tetapi segalanya musnah kerana melampau dalam tindakannya.

Apabila Che Det bercakap tentang sejarah dan bebas daripada penjajahan, aku tidak terima hujah tu. Generasi aku inginkan kebebasan sebagai rakyat, untuk bersuara dan memilih pemimpin kami. Selagi pemimpin itu memahami aspirasi rakyat, bertindak adil dan segala institusi kerajaan tidak dipergunakan, kami boleh terima mereka. Pada kami, Malaysia telah bebas daripada penjajahan dan kami mahu terus bebas daripada pemimpin yang korup.

I don't tolerate copycats

Enough said.
Now, get the hell outta my site!

rasuah sana.. rasuah sini..

BN rasuah voters...
BN rasuah PKR
PKR rasuah BN...
PKR rasuah ex-PKR..
DAP rasuah BN
BN rasuah DAP
DAP rasuah PKR
BN rasuah ex-DAP
PAS... hmmm.. so far clean lagi.. haha

Chinese rasuah Malays
Malays rasuah other Malays
Malays rasuah Indians
Indians rasuah each other..
Malaysians rasuah police

what else is new?

Lagi lagi Perak... hadoih...

"Mengapa anda pakai baju hitam" tanya polis.
"Kerana saya suka warna hitam" kata aktivis. Maka, polis pon tangkap sebab kesalahan pakai baju hitam. Eh, saya pakai baju hitam hari ini. Polis tak nak tangkap kah?

"We have the rights to be visited by families, relatives and advocates. Each time isnot more than 15 minutes, not more than 2 people at the same time."
"Itu semua nak ikut arahan atas"

****** arahan atas??? hurmmm...******

"Mereka minta saya tukar baju, tetapi mereka minta saya tukar di dalam lokap. Tetapi lokap tidak ada pintu , cuma ada pagar sahaja dengan CCTV..... Kita nampak pegawai polis lelaki keluar masuk keluar masuk sesuka hati."

Rewind: 5 lawyers arrested for wanting to attend to clients

I just would like to rewind to what had happened on the 7th of May and the next day.



Please watch the video and judge for yourself. I'm repeating the words of Marina Mahathir's article here...

The chief culprit would be the police.

Why was there a need to arrest someone who was asking people to wear black clothes? Since when has wearing black been classified as dangerous?
.....

And what was the need to arrest people who bring a cake?
.....

It only got worse. People holding vigils got arrested. People sitting in coffee shops got booked. Lawyers trying to provide legal advice got taken in. Does any of this make sense?

DOES ANY OF THIS
MAKE SENSE AT ALL?

I hope the next generation of voters would be smarter or smart enough to judge this whole situation. I heard there will be about 4 million new registered voters for the next General Election.

This is Me, Being Difficult

"Don't know why you're being difficult.."

.............

Coz it's difficult being me. But of course I don't expect you to
understand that...

Akmal Suyat
Sent from my iPhone

Love and Hate

Humbleness and arrogance
Truth and lies
Concern and ignorance
Love and hate
Happiness and sorrow
Laughter and tears

Have your pick...

Akmal Suyat
Sent from my iPhone

What Racial Polarization, Nazri?

I was laughing out loud when I read this...

(mStar online) - Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz berkata desakan supaya diadakan pilihan raya negeri Perak bagi menyelesaikan krisis politik di negeri itu hanya akan mewujudkan polarisasi kaum.

Beliau berkata dalam keadaan politik sekarang, sentimen perkauman begitu menonjol dan dikhuatiri para pengundi akan memilih calon daripada kalangan bangsa sendiri.

Oh my, I have this feeling that he missed the Bukit Gantang by-elections last month. Maybe I should be the one reminding him since I was there to experience at Ground Zero....

1) Perakians (Chinese, Indians and Malays regardless of races and religions) lined up before the polling stations waving PAS flags and shouting "Makkal Shakti"

2) Perakians (Chinese, Indians and Malays regardless of races and religions) lined up before the polling stations waving BN flags and shouting "Hidup BN!"

3) Non-Muslims of Perakians proudly wear PAS shirts, caps, and badges to show support towards their favourite MB and without fear towards the so called Islamic Party.

4) BN supporters consist of all races (Indians, Chinese and Malays) too..despite the fact that the candidate is a Malay. I don't see that as being a problem.

5) The results showed that Malaysian-Chinese voters for PAS' candidate increased during the by-election. Do I need to remind Nazri that Nizar is a Malay, thus makes him a Muslim? Why would the Malaysian-Chinese vote for PAS if Nazri's so called "racial polarization" exists?

So, seriously... What kind of race polarization is he talking about? His own propaganda to instill fear between the races? I've had enough with politicians talking about race this, race that... religion this, religion that... Hoi, we're already talking about being MALAYSIANS here! Not Chinese or Indians or Malays alone. Certainly not Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists or Christians alone. We don't friggin' care who represent us and from what race/religion he/she is coming from. As long as the person is accountable, responsible and fair. And that is all that matters!

Nazri should really check with that boss of his who came out with the '1Malaysia' tagline. I hope it's not just another catch phrase.

Disgusted

I am also expressing my disgust, echoing the Malaysian Bar Council, regarding the arrest of 5 lawyers on May 7 when they were only trying to help those who were arrested in Perak.



I doubt you guys remember the World's Human Rights Day or something last year. They wanted to walk just like any perarakan for Merdeka Day, Maulud Nabi, and so on... First, they were allowed to walk. Then, they were not allowed to walk. And on the day, heaps of policemen and FRUs turned up and started the whole chaos. What was supposed to be a simply "Human Rights Walk" without any political agenda turned out into an intimidating event with heavy attendance of police forces.

NTV 7 Poll: 99% want fresh Perak elections

Taken from Anil Netto

An SMS poll conducted by ntv7 on its 7 Edition (English news) bulletin at 8.00pm yesterday revealed that an astounding 99% of viewers want fresh elections to resolve the political impasse in Perak.

Pakatan of course calls for election
MCA calls for fresh election
GERAKAN calls for frech election
Marina M supports the idea of giving back the power to the people
Who else?
Ku Li also...
alah, yang lain tuh you go and google lah!! :p

However, when POWER gets into the heads of that kind of people... what can I say?

Have they learned anything fromm GE 2008? I guess not.

Do they care about the people? You think?

Are they still arrogant, selfish, corrupted and position-obsessed people?

You know what... I shall leave that for you to judge.

Btw, my family has stopped watching TV3 and instead feed ourselves with news from TV9 or NTV7 instead. Well, at least they're less controlled. I don't watch TV3 ever. My favourites are always 701, 702, 708, 107, 119 and that's about. I'd turn to 501 and 502 when I'm in my "intelligent input requirement" mode. TV3? No, thank you.

Even my mom knows how to ask for alternative channel now.."TV berapa tuh mal yang elok sikit berita dia tuh, tak berat sebelah.." My my, not bad ah my influence? LOL.

Toodles~

Hot Heads, Crazy Heads

Hot heads don't solve anything By Marina Mahathir (The Star)

Some extracts from Marina's column in The Star.... Hey, I couldn't agree more!

Everybody seemed to lose all sense of proportion and was reacting in ways that were totally unwarranted.

The chief culprit would be the police.

Why was there a need to arrest someone who was asking people to wear black clothes? Since when has wearing black been classified as dangerous?

Then we should arrest all those women in top-to-toe black burqas walking around, both local and tourist.

So wearing black was meant to be a political statement, and that was deemed offensive.

But people wear political statements on their bodies every day, whether in the form of slogans on T-shirts or even the very clothes they wear, especially on the head.

Are we going to go around and arrest everyone?

And what was the need to arrest people who bring a cake?

So you don't like the joke. But, by any measure, cakes are not dangerous weapons, except perhaps to those with high cholesterol.

If I were a policeman with common sense, I would have taken the cake, said thank you, sent the cake-deliverers on their way, and then dumped the cake in the rubbish bin. End of story.

Instead, the police gave the cake deliverers exactly the publicity they wanted.

Even worse was the reaction towards students protesting against the arrest of their lecturer.

Was there a need for armed policemen?

Private university students are generally a docile lot, bent on getting the degrees their parents paid so much towards.

But surely loyalty to, and support for, their lecturers is something to be encouraged?

Instead they were made out to be troublemakers.

What is likely to have happened now is that those 20 students, having now observed an injustice first hand, have become politicised.

No guesses on how they will vote in the next general election.

It only got worse. People holding vigils got arrested. People sitting in coffee shops got booked. Lawyers trying to provide legal advice got taken in. Does any of this make sense?

........

Increasingly, I think the common sense thing to do is to dissolve the entire assembly, have new elections and hope that none of these people get voted in again.

..........

Common sense should prevail. And perhaps it will tell us that asking Perakians who they actually want to govern them is the only sensible thing to do.

Le Sports Sac

Cute yet not too girly.... So I bought one LSS make-up pouch at
Alamanda.. Hua hua hua..

Between Act of Sins & Criminal

Remember the entry I made in December? It's titled Of Crime & Punishment - Worldly & Divine. This is something of that sort as well.

I missed the forum where Mustafa Akyol attended in KL several weeks ago. I would love to see him personally since I have been following his writings quite some time ago. Probably 2-3 years to be exact. It's called The White Path by the way. No, no.. I don't read his stuff only because he's cute. LOL.

I came across some articles from The Nut Graph about the forum by Shanon Shah and thought that I should share with ya'll...

1) http://www.thenutgraph.com/democracy-defends-apostasy
2) http://www.thenutgraph.com/antara-dosa-dan-jenayah

I think Article Number 1 should not be titled like that as it invites negative connotation to it. What Mustafa Akyol was really saying.... (taken from The Nut Graph)

Akyol said the ban on apostasy did not originate from the Quran, but was rather a strategy to quell rebellion by the caliphs who succeeded Prophet Muhammad in leading the early Muslim community.

If apostasy was made legal, Muslims would not convert out en masse, he said.

"In Turkey, there is no law banning apostasy, but the conversion rate of Muslims to Christianity has been around 2,000 out of a population of 71 million," he explained.

.....

"In this case, I personally think that the secular state is ideal and compatible with Islam," he said.

.....

Akyol stressed that leaving religion to the individual's conscience also meant that personal sins could not be treated as crimes against the state.

"Even homosexuality, which many Muslims believe is a sin, should not be criminalised by the state," he said.

"The rights of minorities must be protected, and human rights are not debatable in a democracy."

One may call him all sorts of names, but one is entitled to his/her own opinions. His views are almost similar to the Imam Feisal Abd Rauf (in the entry I posted in December). And I for one, agree with their opinions.

And just to clarify.. I don't choose opinions based on popularity *wink*

Politics, Oh Politics!

SEX IN THE DEWAN - Marina Mahathir

Ha! I'm sure that will grab your attention! LOL. Go and have a read ;)

Anyway, I was surfing around and found these..

A survey showed that the assembly under the 'tree' received support from 97% of the voters at TV9. But this may be biased since a lot of the suporters of the "power-that-be" only watch TV3 while the ones who are more independent and pro-opposition would watch anything other than TV1 and TV3. LOL.




And this one, shows what had happened on the 7th of May in Perak..



If the Monarchs still don't see how ridiculous this issue has become.. how this issue alone has caused constituitional crisis, abuse of law, political instability, and is ruining the reputation of not only the monarchy but the country as a whole whici will impact the economy... then I rest my case. They should know that the only way to solve this ridiculous ruckus is to dissolve the assembly and call for a fresh election.

Let the rakyat of Perak decide. Once and for all. And let there be no complaints from either side once the result from the Perakians is announced.

BN, stop trying to bother PR's states. You're supposed to govern the whole country. There should be no biasness, regardless whether the state is controlled by your party or not. Deal with those corrupted members of yours before you start pointing fingers at others.

PR, quit this habit of opposing for the sake of opposing. Offer solutions, not starting the blaming culture for political milage. Concentrate on your states and keep your men in line! Beware of culprits within your parties. There should be no issue of corruption, abuse of law, and cronysm. If there are, deal with 'em justly and don't try hiding it. Respect is earned when you deal with ill-mannered members without double standard.

No Respect, Not From Me

I was asked about the crisis and turmoil of Perak. I just shrugged. Honestly, I would have safely say that I am independent. But everyone would go... "Reeeeealllllyyy?" sarcastically.

I was pretty sure both sides have their own strengths and weaknesses. I just wanted to see a fair balance between the two powers so that the people can benefit. So that expenditures are carried out in a responsible manner, and corruption reduced, judiciary becomes more independent and reliable, and so on... Perhaps, now I should take a firmer stand.

My faith in the Monarchs has gone down the drain.

My undying wish to see politicians maturing is crushed.

Judiciary? Don't even start to make me laugh!

With this, I announce that I have no intention of ever giving my support to the so-called leaders who...

a) have no respect for the constitution and institution

b) have no respect for the people's voices and democracy

c) have no respect for people (what's with literally dragging out the Speaker? Idiots! Can you imagine the other party doing the other way round? I bet 5 seconds later, they'd get arrested)

d) have no respect for the people they are supposed to governed

e) have no respect for laws

To them, everything is about POWER, MONEY, POSITION, PERKS, and POWER and POSITION again. It was never about THE PEOPLE. NEVER.

If it is about the people and only about the people, then the power would have been given right back to the people. The right people of Perak. Let the people bloody choose for themselves! If the Perakians want BN, then good for them. If they choose Pakatan Rakyat, so be it.

It doesn't matter who governs (BN ke, PAS ke, DAP ke, keAdilan ke, party rumput ke...) as long as The Rakyat decides who it should be.. But do they really care about us, rakyat? Hell, no! What matters is how much goes into their pockets!

And you expect me to respect and recognize these people as Malaysian leaders? *puke* Over my dead body...

Teaching..

How I spend my nights :)

Ask not what the country can do for you..

Instead, ask what you can do..
For the country..
For the nation..
For the future generation..

And stand tall like these two fellas :)

The Pooh Card

The first card I received from him 3 years back.. :) and I'm amazed that I still got it until now..

And oh how he had always teased me about how fat I was...

Mask

It is interesting to learn about my own 'original' culture over the past 2 weeks.

What you see is rarely what you get.

I wear masks. Different masks with different people.

SMDI Cookout @ Serendah

1. Mini family day a.k.a getaway for the department started around 3.30-ish at Sakinah's place in Serendah, with Kitt arriving the earliest followed by Yem & Izzat (son) and then me.

2. Sakinah's place is marvellous (and this is my 2nd time being there) as her family has the golf course as their backyard (well, at least one can say that lah.. heheh)

3. Her parents and family are really cool people! Her mother bakes her own bread, her father has his own boat and even builds his own boat! Her father's interest in bikes is just..cool! ;)

4. Plenty of food...! BBQ - Lamb, chicken, hotdogs, corns, salads, potatos... and the list goes on. I only brought myself, several bottles of soft drinks and jajan! :p Rita, Mr. G & Dr. G, Big Boss, Abg Din, Dzul, Zul, Keena, and Zel arrived shortly with their families.

5. The kids started to jump into the mini pool. Kitt tried to drag me into the pool, but failed. I have got the Jawa Power! hahha..

6. Zel's kids, Luqman and I played twister while everyone else are eating and the kids are swimming around (oh, Kitt was also in the pool!). Luqman with his dirty tricks and long arms and leg won the game. No fair!

7. Kitt, Luqman, Shana & the little boy played again and I only watched. Only Kitt and Luqman lasted. Never did I know that they had this devious plan of kenakan me. Kitt surrendered and I thought the game was over. Oh no, it wasn't rupanya! Both of them suddenly ran towards me, lifted me up while I was trying hard to escape... and BURRRRRRR!!!! I was already in the pool.. Those buggers! Cheeky cheeky buggers!!!! Nasib baik aku bawak baju spare! Kurang asssammm..

8. I spent about half an hour in the water with Dzul's daughters before joining the guys playing soccer. I was the only female o_O but it was cool. The guys are pretty impressed, anyway. Hahaha..9. Ayim, Abol and I managed to throw Luqman into the pool! Hahahaa.. And oh yeah, I almost forgot. We played this water balloon game and Mr. G got the huge splash by Big Boss! mwahahaha.. the irony :p

10. I'm home now, exhausted! Sigh, I wish I don't have to get up early in the morning tomorrow!! Are you reading, Mr. G? hihi

Here are the photos of SMDI Happy Families :)

My Baby Krystal :D

To ask me whether I love my new Krystal or not... is an understatement! I'm super lovin' it! Now, I have internet everywhere... I can check my mails, read news and blogs, always peek on my facebook, play games when I'm bored, listen to my favourite songs, challenge myself with lotsa free games like bowling and golf, doodle my own name when I have nothing better to do, record my own voice, explore information of other countries, entertain myself with horoscopes and and fill in my schedule of the week/month in the organizer, check my bank accounts, shop at ebay, pay stuff through paypal and even save myself lotsa trouble of finding my way because it has a freaking map & GPS!

Phew, that was sure a mouthful!

And I got it without the super-freaking expensive Maxis plan! mwahahaha..

Religion - a principle or a tool?

I hate to say this.. but many have misused religion as a tool. I haven't been visiting Dr. MAZA's website for a while. I had the chance to read his thoughts on a few recent issues and I pretty much agree with his thoughts. Here, why don't you read yourself eay?


1) Islam : Prinsip Atau Alat?

Beberapa email saya terima meminta saya menyatakan pendirian kepada media berhubung dengan isu pengajaran sains dan matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris. Ada juga yang meminta supaya saya membantu dengan memberikan dalil-dalil dari al-Quran dan sunnah yang membuktikan bahawa perjuangan menghapuskan penggunaan bahasa Inggeris dalam pengajaran dua mata pelajaran adalah perjuangan agama.

Saya berterima kasih atas kepercayaan dan harapan, namun saya menarik nafas panjang dan merasa amat gusar dengan permintaan itu. Amat menakutkan apabila agama ini sering dijadikan alat untuk melariskan atau menghalalkan atau memenangkan sesuatu isu atau cita-cita. Padahal agama sepatutnya menjadi prinsip, bukannya alat untuk mencapai matlamat tertentu.

2) Beza Antara Merebut Nama Allah Dan Mempertahankan Akidah

Ada orang tertentu yang berkata kepada saya: nanti orang Islam keliru kerana sebutan nama Allah itu sama antara mereka dan Islam. Lalu rosak akidah orang Islam kita nanti. Saya berkata kepadanya: “Jikalaulah sebutan nama tuhan itulah yang menentukan akidah Islam, tentulah golongan musyrikin Mekah tidak memerlukan akidah yang dibawa oleh Nabi s.a.w. Mereka telah sekian lama memanggil tuhan dengan panggilan Allah."

Lihatlah bapa Nabi kita Muhammad bernama ‘Abdullah yang bermaksud hamba Allah. Tentu sekali bapa baginda lahir pada zaman jahiliah sebelum kemunculan baginda sebagai rasul. Nama itu dipilih oleh datuk Abdul Muttalib yang menjadi pemimpin Quraish pada zaman dahulu. Quraish pada zaman jahiliah juga bertawaf
dengan menyebut: LabbaikalLahhumma yang bermaksud: Menyahut seruanMu ya
Allah!

3) Sinisnya Dr. Asri: Jawatan Mufti 'Satu Nikmat' yang Sukar Dilepaskan


Take some time to digest his articles :)

I Go

This, is a message for you..



So long, fare thee well
The dancer and the dancing days have taken leave and fell
So turn down this bed of stone
Quench me with the deadly nightshade from the rose that you belong

The long December rain is falling now
Running down on streets to nowhere
Music is my life and you're my sweetest nightingale
But I can't hear it here no more
And I go ... I go

Hush now, don't shake or break
Words have fallen silent like soldiers to the grave
No matter what they do or say
Lay me on the sleepy meadows by the tracks upon your face

Singer - AIZAT
Composed by PETE TEO

2 Bukit & 1 Batang

We lost 2 bukits and win 1 batang?
Or we win 2 bukits and lost 1 batang?

That all depends on who you are and who you support for.

I went to witness the by-election as an independent (Malaysians for Free & Fair Election - MAFREL) at Bukit Gantang last Tuesday. Just to sum up my experiences...

1) The traffic was really, really bad! I think a lot of people who came were outsiders and not even Bukit Gantang people!

2) Poster Wars can be seen everywhere. BN used 'sembah derhaka' issue at most places and how PAS is a DAP stooge. Meanwhile, PAS used 'Altantuya' issue, corruption and made a poster of UMNO's series of "derhaka" incidents against the Sultans since 1960s.

3) We could see FRU trucks on stand-by mode. I heard that they did spray the people with water canons when the supporters made a ruckus by throwing bottles and chairs at each other.

4) No major issues at the place that I was observing. However, some highlighted matters from all the places that we took care of were;

• 2 men came using the same I/C at my place {One came in the morning, another came in the afternoon. The later one was refused to cast vote}
• Several people came with only photocopy I/C. They were also not allowed to cast votes.
• SPR & Police handled their job well, despite protests from supporters of political parties.
• The 2 guys I went with were really offended with what they heard. When we passed through the BN crowd, they shouted "Red IC, Red IC!" at them. Really biadap. However, when we passed the PAS crowd, they all smiled and shouted "Makkal Sakti!". At least, that kinda cooled them down a bit.

Around 6 pm, the counting of votes began. I witnessed the whole thing. The procedure of counting process and I even did my own counting as well, just to counter-check.

We knew the result by 7pm and headed home later.

Can't You Be A Li'l Bit Smarter, IGP?

Sorry for the harsh language. But sometimes they think Malaysians are too stupid, and it really pisses me off.

From Malaysiakini

Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan today denied that the police had deliberately imposed a specific ban against raising the issue of murdered Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in the campaigns for the three by-elections.

"We never mentioned that politicians are prevented from talking about Altantuya (in ceramah). All we said was that they shouldn’t touch anything on on-going court cases," he told reporters after visiting the temporary police operations centre in Changkat Jering, Perak.

Subjudice? I didn't hear that same bloody IGP saying anything when BN went on and on and on and on about the sodomy allegations against DSAI last time during the by-election!! Isn't the case an on-going case too? Yet look at how they utilize the mainstream media & television to publicize the case to the max!

"We're not against any political party..."????? Really, IGP? I just have one thing to say to you, IGP. Bullsh*t! Oh, maybe two. TOTAL BULLSH*T!

Good Riddance, Kalai

I simply hate it when people expect to be "rewarded" for their so-called "contributions".

Read this for example - PKR leader Kalai quits party over by-election snub

I was involved in too many associations too. I contributed because I think it's my responsibility. I chose to be in an organization and I was responsible for the tasks and responsibilities that came within. I didn't do it because I wanted to be the President or the Head of a particular organization. I didn't expect rewards or recognition. Even when I did, that was nothing compared to the satisfaction of knowing that I had contributed. I deeply believe, that when you're sincere... the rewards will come by itself.

You know what, Kalai.. if you keep thinking of Indian this, Indian that.. then, stay in your own tempurung please. Malaysians should fight for all Malaysians, not only a particular race. And all this while, if you were doing it just to chase for positions.. then, good riddance~ No wonder you weren't selected anyway!

TALENTIME

To those politicians who keep playing racial cards, I'd suggest they watch Talentime. Seriously.

My sisters and brothers in law were laughing at me mercilessly... basically because they know that my sort of love-complication is almost the same as Melur & Mahesh in that sense.

Anyway, I love love love it... We laughed good, we cried good... And I'd say that this is amongst the best Yasmin Ahmad's movies I've ever watched so far.

By the way, this poster is made by a friend by the name of Faiz Akhbar. His name is right there in the poster. He's a very talented architect in the making. I'm really really proud of him!

Ili's brother, Aizat, have too good songs in the movie! And oh, I've no idea his voice is that good! I'm sure Ili's so proud of him!

Babe, I miss you so much when I watched this. Find some time to watch it too, okay! :)

Pilihanraya Kecil

Mari Balik Mengundi! :)

I found this... kinda like it..

New Hope or No Hope for Change?

Berdegang-degang cakap pasal rasuah, money politics, kronism, etc... But read what Marina Mahathir has to say.. This is what they call change?

These are some of the motions proposed by the delegates taken from here;

• Overseas Umno clubs representative Wan Md Hazlin Hassan called on the government to ban the Egypt-based Malay students organisation PMRAM as it was dominated by the opposition. Wan Hazlin urged that PMRAM must be banned and the scholarships of students who join PMRAM must be revoked
  

• Selangor delegate Ismail Tijo meanwhile alleged that the Malays have never been treated this bad especially by the federal opposition led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "They insulted the Malays as is if we have no dignity left. And then there is Anwar Ibrahim who wants to make the status of the Malays the same as others," said Ismail referring to Pakatan Rakyat campaign platform, Ketuanan Rakyat (People's Supremacy)

• Puteri Umno representative Mazlina Lazim told delegates that the government must ensure Umno loyalists are given positions in government-linked-companies (GLCs). "If Umno doesn't help Umno members who else would do that," she said.

• Umno Youth delegate Nor Said Nayan, Langkawi, Kedah said that Pakatan Rakyat is an illegal coalition as it is not registered. We must from now on not use the term ‘Pakatan’ and the media should stop giving them free publicity.

• Musa Sheikh Fadzir, Bukit Mertajam, Penang : When others question our religion, our special rights, who defends the Malays? Us, Umno. But when we try to defend ourselves, our leader gets a three-year suspension (referring to Ahmad Ismail).

  People always say don’t play money politics. But this is a political organisation. If we don’t have money, how are we supposed to come to this AGM in Kuala Lumpur?

  “Those days, an application for a taxi permit would require the endorsement of an Umno branch or division chief. If the branches and divisions are strong, then Umno will be strong again.”

• Hasnoor Sidang Hussin, Bukit Katil, Malacca said high-ranking appointments in government-linked companies and higher learning institutions should be reserved for Umno members.

  “So, just like the president said about returning Umno to its roots, let’s bring Umno back to its glory days where we controlled everything.” He cited the example of UiTM vice chancellor Datuk Seri Ibrahim Abu Shah who was a party loyalist.

  Musa’s call was also echoed by a Malacca delegate, Datuk Hasnoor Husin, who also urged the government to ensure that only Umno loyalists be appointed to senior positions in public universities.

  “Please make sure the faculty members are all Umno men, and the same goes for other civil servants,” said Hasnoor.

• “The soft approach is not going to cut it. We should try and take the hard approach next on the opposition,” said Mohd Afendi Yusof, a Youth delegate from Kelantan.

• “He can promise you everything, he can even promise you the front and the back,” said Zaidi in an apparent insinuation to Anwar’s sodomy case.
  
  “The biggest mistake we ever did was to free Anwar (from jail),” he added and was accompanied by stomps from the floor.

I REST MY CASE!

I am Just Human

For as strong as I may seem to be
I am vulnerable

For as calm as I may appear to be
I am shaken

For as jolly as I may have portrayed myself
I am broken

For the successes that I may have shown
There are as many failures

For the humbleness that I preach about
There is arrogance in me

For the bright sides that I have shared with the world
There are more of my dark sides hidden

For the beauty that others have seen
There is this ugliness that you have not

For that friendship offered and breached
I have long forgotten and do not intend to reconcile

For the friendship that I intend to keep
My apologies for the lack of effort on my side

For that love that has gotten lost
It was never meant to be

For the love that is blossomming
I wish I can hold on to this feeling forever

For the meaning of perfection is only a definition of my name
And not the definition of my imperfect self

For I am just human...

Stay - Estrella

I appreciate good songs. And this is one helluva song. Reminds me of you though. Enjoy!

Sound straight from the twilight
Has me up all night
I can't fall asleep 'cause I keep thinking of you
And I..saw a shadow outside my window and it's you.

All my sorrows flew away
Hush, keep quiet, hear me say
I don't ever want you to go
Please stay
With the moonlight dancing free
And there's no one but you and me
There's no reason to go astray
Please stay.

Making up a story
It's the way you're looking at me
If you think that this is funny, it's just you.

Try and think about it,
If you're heart is closed don't lock it,
Keep your keys back in your pocket,
Think this through.

All my sorrows flew away
Hush, keep quiet, hear me say
I don't ever want you to go
Please stay
With the moonlight dancing free
And there's no one but you and me
There's no reason to go astray
Please stay.

Please stay with me
Just stay with me
and I will take you to Foreverland
Just stay

BANNED Harakah & Suara KeAdiLan - thumbs down

DEMOCRACY? FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

What? Are you serious? In Malaysia? Where got one????
*sarcastic laugh*

"State paid for FORMER MB’s wife to visit son in Melbourne" - The Malaysian Insider

I've counted. MACC took less than 7 days to charge MB Khalid on corruption over 'cows' meant for the community in Selangor.

Wanna bet how long MACC will take to act on this one? Lets see.. I'll give.. urm... 3 months. On 2nd thought, maybe 6 months! Heh..

You see, if you're a member of the power-that-be.. you might not even be charged at all! You don't believe me? Oh, come on! Don't tell me you don't remember the late Zakaria and his 5 million worth of palace!

My Kelantan Trip :)

Money Politics = CRIME. Period!

I don't get this.. I'm really puzzled. Money politic has always been known as CORRUPTION. Corruption by any name is a crime, if u ask anyone.

Yet, for UMNO or at least Lembaga Disiplin UMNO.. corruption within UMNO is only UNETHICAL and not a crime? That surely sounds like encouraging corruption to me!

What is wrong with these people? Leaders of the country? *roll eyes*

MONEY POLITICS = CRIME. PERIOD.

Talam Banyak Muka. Who? Speaker?

Source: http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/19393/84/-
Prof Azmi Sharom - The Truth Hurts

It is very strange but whenever someone writes to me about my newspaper column, and if they really don’t like what I say, and they want to insult me; they call me gay.

This is odd to me because the last time I checked I don’t do or say anything to suggest that I am. I can’t stand musicals of any sort; I do not listen to Kylie Minogue; I don’t support Manchester United ; I don’t carry a man bag; I don’t have any sort of fashion sense; and I only go to IKEA because they have a free playground where I can dump the kids for an hour. The reason why my hetero sexuality can be questioned I suppose is that awful photo of me used for the column. I must admit; it is rather gay.

Anyway, this sort of name calling does not bother me in the slightest because I don’t see being called gay as an insult and besides I am reminded of a friend of mine in school who had the unfortunate nick name of “bender”. When I asked him how come he is not upset by it, he said “only the truth hurts”.

This brings me to Gobind Singh MP and his suspension from parliament. A touch of name calling and the MP from Puchong suddenly finds himself with no MP pay and no access to the august house for a year. It’s all a bit rich I think.

Nazri Aziz, who is oh so concerned about good behaviour in parliament, was once captured on video in the Dewan screaming hysterically at another MP, calling him a racist again and again. On what grounds did he make that strong accusation I wonder? Were they well founded or is it just based on his perception.

And what about obnoxious MPs who get away scot free when making moronic comments about women and their menstrual cycles.

You also get seditious MPs who tell our non Muslim brethren that they can leave the country.

Nazri and all these people did not get the slightest smack on the wrist by the speaker. It all stinks of hypocrisy. Just as the actual process of Gobind being suspended smacks of hypocrisy. One would have thought that the proper procedure was for the case to be brought before a Committee of Privileges. It
would then listen to all the parties involved, including Gobind Singh and then make a decision. This decision can then be brought to the Dewan to be endorsed. Here the case was brought straight to parliament as a motion made by that defender of parliamentary decorum Nazri Aziz, and voted on without the MP concerned being given the opportunity to defend himself. Clearly the basic right to be given a fair hearing was not adhered to.

Ironically, when a similar situation happened in Perak, when the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly suspended a few Barisan ADUN, the very same people calling for the head of Gobind, were calling for the head of the Perak Speaker. Listen people, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

The Parliamentary Speaker was also reported as lamenting that our parliament was no longer a “first world parliament”. I wonder when we actually lost this status. Did we ever have it in the first place? It is strange that the responsibility of making our parliament “first world”, whatever that might mean, should fall on the shoulders of a first timer opposition MP and not the plethora of badly behaved MPs in the recent past. Besides, in using his broad discretionary powers should not the Speaker use it in a way that is not contrary to natural justice? Surely, adherence to basic principles of fairness is one of the things that make a parliament “first world”.

And Lets Shout Out Loud.. "TAK NAK NAJIB!"

A must read speech by Dato' Zaid Ibrahim. I'll put some extracts here..

[Speech from Dato' Zaid Ibrahim]

Let me offer some of my own insight to this debate. The major difference between then and now is this: in most instances, Mahathir was harsh and dictatorial if he believed it was good for the country. But an authoritarian style of government under anyone else would be dictated by the need for self preservation and very little about the country’s interest.

The evidence is all around us. After March 8, (2008) when the prime minister ceased being the home minister, the threats of reprisal have escalated and a climate of fear
re-cultivated. The detention of Raja Petra Kamarudin, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoong Cheng exemplify this turn for the worse, this appetite to use the sledgehammer.

The shameful power grab in Perak and wanton disregard for public opinion over how BN wrested control of the silver state make many people shudder at the prospect of a return to the dark days. If that was not depressing enough, we have had to bear witness to the police and the newly-minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) displaying their allegiance and support to the BN when all we needed and craved for were honest brokers.

It stands to reason that in the mind of the average Malaysian, having suffered a significant loss last March, Umno is on a rampage to regain what it lost by any method available and the man who is expected to lead it to victory is the man who succeeds Abdullah: Najib (Abdul) Razak.

So hear me out! I, a Malaysian citizen, is saying NO TO NAJIB AS PM. So, who's with me? Are you bold enough to say it out loud too? Or would you rather risk your own country to this man?

I'd rather have Ku Li, DSAI, RPK or Zaid Ibrahim Malaysian PM. I think I don't even mind Shahrir Samad. Add Lim Guan Eng to the list also. If I can have my way, I'd hand-pick Hassan Marican & Tony F. Haha.

There are views.. and there are views..

I haven't been commenting on the political circus in Malaysia. Yes, it's a so-not-bloody funny circus that we are all watching at the moment. My views about this circus are not important all actually. They are just.. well... all just views!

Lets recall from the start..

1) Perak turmoil due to 'rash' decisions by BN - Tun M

The bold part comes from [ here ]

Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the political turmoil in Perak was the result of “rash” decisions undertaken by the Barisan Nasional to wrest the state from Pakatan Rakyat.

MCPX

“The problems you see in Perak are because (BN) took some wrong steps. They should have asked the AG (attorney-general) on what is said in the law, then there would have been no problems.

“But because they didn’t follow the law, now there are all sorts of problems,” he said to a question during his lecture today on “Democracy and the Future Leadership of Malaysia”, organised by the Former People’s Representatives Council (Mubarak), at the Tun Hussien Onn Memorial in Kuala Lumpur.

Elaborating, Mahathir said that BN was “terlalu gopoh (too rash)” by not waiting for a state assembly sitting to rid Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as menteri besar through a vote of no confidence.

“Instead, they asked the sultan to throw out the menteri besar. Some say that the Perak laws allow this, but to my knowledge, this is not the case. Nor does the Federal Constitution (allow this),” he said.

Resulting from this, Mahathir said that it was no surprise that Mohd Nizar and his cohorts refused to heed the sultan’s directive, thus setting off a chain reaction of lawsuits.

Mahathir, who clipped the powers of the royals during his reign as prime minister, also displayed disdain for royal intervention in Perak.

“This is also dangerous - if the sultan can get rid of a menteri besar or the Agong can get rid of the prime minister - susah kita (we’ll be in trouble).

“They (the rulers) have other interests. They don’t have our political interests in mind,” he said.

At a press conference later, Mahathir did not give a direct answer when asked if he meant that the BN takeover of Perak was unlawful.

“It is up to the legal people to decide. What I do know is that for a menteri besar to be removed, it is through a vote of no-confidence (in the state assembly),” he said.

On the RM60 billion economic stimulus package, Mahathir said that it may be the beginning of a series of stimulus packages, just like in the US.

2) Learning Science & Maths in English (PPSMI)

I was educated in Malay language. I learned Science & Maths in Malay until the age of 17. I could not converse well in English, seriously. At least not until I went to Melbourne. I guess, in a way, I was lucky to be sent there.

Yes, I was outraged when the decision came to change the medium from Malay to English. It was not because I was not fond of Tun M (still am not fond of him actually), but it was because of the gopoh-ness of the policy. The implementation of the whole thing was rash. Teachers were only trained for a few months and were 'forced' to teach not in their own mother tongue. How do you expect them to teach the children if they can't speak proper English themselves. City kids are lucky in a way, since their exposure is much wider and most of their parents can already converse in English. Rural kids however, face a lot of difficulties. Not only their parents have low level of education awareness since most of them are not educated people, they are hardly exposed to English-speaking environment.

6 years have passed. These students who undergo the transition phase have already sat for their exams. It's a little sad though to observe that the graph has been pushed downwards just to ensure that kononnya 'more students' excel with English as a learning medium.

So by now, you'd all think that I'm against PPSMI. The weird thing is, I'm not. It has been 6 years already. I just think it's time that we stop 'testing' the students. Sure, PPSMI has its own pros and cons. Learning in BM also has its own pros and cons. Whatever policy we have now, I think we should just continue. Instead of reverting back and confuse the students more, would not it be better and more productive to channel the energy towards improving English instead? Going back to square one is just another waste of time, or at least I think so. Oh well...

3) Monarchy? Raja Adil Raja Disembah, Raja Zalim Raja Disanggah - RPK

I do not believe in blind loyalty to any person, organization or political party. What I do believe in are ideologies, principles and institutions.

Just because I agree with Tun M doesn't make me a pro-Mahathir. And just because I agree with DSAI doesn't make me a pro-reformasi either. Mahathir and DSAI are different people with different ideologies and perhaps, different principles. And PAS is a different ideology altogether. However, I do believe that none of them wants the best for Malaysians, for the country.

My point is, Rulers are not God. Enough said.

UMNO is mostly being run by a group of people who have no respect for laws and The Constitution (although there are actually very sincere people in there too). When they could have easily voted for no-confidence against the then MB Nizar during the state assembly, they took law into their own hands. And now, they're blaming others for the constitutional crisis?

Just look at the recent demolition of 'Democracy' plaque in Perak! That action alone portrays how un-civilized they are. Do they really think that democracy dies with the demolition of the black sign? Idiots they are if they do. Because what they did was simply lifting up the spirits of millions of other Malaysians out there.

Darn, I'm too tired to continue writing lah! *yawn*

Wedding #2 @ Suyat's - Wawa & Zul

As usual, we were cam-whoring during the Nikah Ceremony :p

Wawa is officially married! :)

Yeay, the wedding is over! LOL

One-Night Transit @ Bangkok

They say a picture is worth a thousand words..
I beg to differ. I think it's worth a million words :)

Bangkok city from the sky. 10 minutes before landing in Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

As soon as my Boss & I put our luggage in our rooms, we headed out to Pat Pong. The trains and stations are almost similar to the ones in Malaysia.

Sneak preview of the market where you can find 'branded' stuff like Mount Blanc, Guess, Coach, Tiffany's, LV, etc. for only about RM20! ;)

3-wheeler motorcycle. Tuk Tuk or something. I can't remember what it is called!

My boss did some shopping, I was only sight-seeing. Besides, there were strip clubs along the market. LOL. It was a pleasant sight-seeing I tell you. Hahaha. Time to rest. My flight to Yangon the next day would be at 7.15am!

The Painful Truth By Zaid Ibrahim

Six questions with Datuk Zaid Ibrahim

Posted by admin

Sunday, 08 March 2009 09:03

Zaid: The mandate given by the people during the last election has not been well received by Barisan Nasional. There has been no magnamity and little respect for the wishes of the electorate. The Malaysian Insider Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has seen it all over the past 12 months. He was appointed to the Cabinet by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a few days after the polls, to give his reform agenda some legitimacy. He resigned when it became obvious that Abdullah's reforms were about as popular with Umno as a trek through the minefields of Cambodia. He was sacked from Umno for cozying up with the Opposition. He campaigned with Pakatan Rakyat during the Kuala Terengganu by-election and has started a foundation to make Malaysians colour-blind. He shares his thoughts with the Malaysian Insider on post-election Malaysia. Question 1: As you look back on the past 12 months, what strikes you as the most significant development in Malaysia? Zaid: The mandate given by the people during the last election has not been well received by Barisan Nasional. There has been no magnamity and little respect for the wishes of the electorate. That is why we have witnessed decisions to channel funding to only approved federal agencies, and the suspension of certain federal projects already approved in some states held by Pakatan Rakyat. And now we witness the crisis in Perak where the BN is bent on doing everything possible to take over the state. So for me the the most significant development is the depressing realisation that BN cannot accept the voice of a significant number of Malaysians. Question 2: Do you believe that the euphoria after the March 8 results and the belief that a new dawn was upon Malaysia is still justified a year later? Zaid: I would say yes. And let me add a word of caution. Change is not going to come overnight. So we cannot be euphoric one day and be pessimistic a month later. Of course, some days we will feel like nothing has changed and that the Opposition is not getting anywhere. But remember what we are facing in Malaysia today is a product of decades. Perak is a brilliant example of the kind of formidable obstacles that anyone committed to change will face. But has Pakatan Rakyat wilted and walked away from the challenge in Perak? No. The reaction of the public over the removal of a democratically-elected government also gives me hope that 12 months on our commitment for a better Malaysia is still strong. Question 3: What have you learnt about Umno/BN 12 months after it suffered major reverses? Zaid: Quite honestly, I did not learn anything that I did not already know. Umno is quite confident of keeping the power they now have and so they don't really care about winning the hearts and minds of the people. Leaders have talked about reforms but it has been talk. It has been the same with Barisan Nasional. Not enough time and effort have been invested in re-inventing the coalition. Question 4: Can Umno change and can it play the role of being protector of all races? Zaid: These two questions can be answered by looking at the current line-up of Umno leaders and the second echelon, and by assessing their actions and statements. I am not optimistic that they can evolve from their narrow worldview to embrace a wider role of seeing themselves as protector of all Malaysians. Question 5: Is Pakatan Rakyat ready to govern Malaysia? Zaid: Yes. Some changes have to be made to the structure of Pakatan. Too much is dependent on Anwar. I would like to see decisions being made by a committee of leaders. But for all the problems they have encountered; their inexperience and the numerous obstacles placed in their path by the BN, they have done reasonably well. The thing about Pakatan is that you can be sure that they will give their best shot. Malaysians must remember that this coalition is still in infancy, they are making mistakes but they are not afraid to admit it. Since we have been so patient with BN, we should give Pakatan some time to grow. By doing so, we are nurturing the two party system and laying an important foundation for a better Malaysia for future generations. Question 6: What has surprised you most about Malaysians since March 8 2008? Zaid: It warms my heart to see the resilience and solidarity of the people. The unity they have shown, cutting across racial lines race lines. Who says Malaysians are apathetic and don't care about politics, about their country? We are witnessing the maturing and rebuilding of democracy in Malaysia. And this is because Malaysians care and love this country.

Source: Malaysia-Today

Yangon Trip

I will be in Yangon in a few days.
I have no idea how the place is.
I haven't started packing yet.
I bet it's gonna be one helluva trip though.
Am looking forward to it :)

Career, Love & Life Lines

I think I wanna do the chedet style of blogging today.

1. March will be the time that I will be expanding my business

2. My sisters and I will be in synergy, expanding our learning centre to a higher level. Really soon, hopefully.

3. My significant other has gone back to his study place this afternoon. I didn't have the chance to see him or even wave him goodbye. He should have landed by now, yet his phone is still off.

4. I'm going to KK this April. I've booked my ticket and all. Kecik and friend are coming along.

5. I plan to travel to the East Cost islands this year. Which and when have not been decided just yet.

6. My 2nd sister's wedding is in 2 weeks. I've already applied leave for both Fridays to help her out with some chores.

7. Life has been too good to me. Most of the time, I get things easily. I don't think it will last long. I just hope I haven't been taking things for granted..

8. OK, actually I just miss him. This sucks!

Good Nyte. I've got to entertain 50 Indonesian guests tomorrow and I would not want to look all sembab in front of the cowok2 ganteng (if there is any).

Lets Do an Anas Zubedy!

I avoided writing on politics for some time.

Immature politicians on both sides. We have corrupted, non-ethical politicians on one side, and we have short-sighted, power-obsessed politicians on the other side. It's a sad moment for Malaysia, especially during this financial crisis period.

Lets Do an Anas Zubedy! I have been following his blog for a while now, especially since the Read The Quran campaign. He wrote a "Dear Malaysian Politicians" article, one which I think most of Malaysians would agree.

Just some excerpts...

"So this is my plea.

Pakatan Rakyat, please stop your attempts to take over the federal government and persuade BN’s lawmakers to join you. Stop all legal proceedings, no more 916 and let go, just let go. The nation can wait till the next general elections if they want change. By doing so, Malaysians will see your party as caring, unselfish and gracious and give you their support in the next elections.

Barisan Nasional, please stop any attempts to take over PR states and win over PR’s lawmakers. You have proven your point with Perak. The nation can wait for the next general elections if they want your party. Focus all your talent, energy and hard work in steering the country out of an economic downturn. By doing so, Malaysians will see your party as caring, unselfish and smart and give you their support in the next elections.BN and PR! Call for a truce. Get together and compromise. Someone has to give in. Or has hate consumed your heart till it blinds you? You can do it. You have enough intelligent people between you. I am sure you can find solutions. Take the nation to heart. That is why you are in politics in the first place.

Focus on the people."

On the same note, Karpal might be a wee bit over is head to say such things, but resorting to violence is unjustified either.

I'm flying a kite tomorrow @ Kepong Metropolitan Park. If you guys have nothing to do, I'll see you there.

I love you, P

There is no turning back. I've tried so many times.. yet, it never does give me the satisfaction like you have. Yes, I am in love with you, P. Very much. I don't know how to begin...

I've tried to like L. I've made a lot of effort to stay with L. For 2 years now, I have been so loyal and faithful. I never complained. We went through our own ups and downs together.

Everything was fine and rosy... until I heard that you're coming to town. I was excited. Too excited in fact. I went down and asked for you, but they said that you have not arrived yet.

Just as I got tired of waiting, I met you by accident. That day was among the happiest days of my life. Having to see, touch, smell and savour you. Owh, there is no turning back! I can't. I fell for you the first time I saw you. And there is no way that I'm turning back to L. Never...

I love you, PEACH-kin! mmmuuuuaahhxxx... Bye, LEMON! >_<
p/s - HERBALIFE Tea 100g Peach Flavour is now available in store! Email for info ;)
And the large 2000ml water bottle does wonders! I loikeee~

Sakae Sushi-ing

Photos courtesy of Aida :)

A few days before Aida went back to Melbourne, Nik (who just recently got engaged) and Aida came to meet us, Ruth & yours truly. It has been a bloody long time since we last met, so it was good catching up and all..

Congratz, Nik! Thanks, Aida >_<

Nik & Aida (the two best friends) and Ruth & I (ex-housemates)

Smile, gurlz! It's gonna be pretty in Aida's latest huge profesional camera :p

Sedap sehingga memakan pinggan! Hahaha..

Happy Belated Birthday, Kakak & Mimie

I was so busy today. Hasan & I headed to my dad's ex-Pengetua of SAS in the morning for an important meeting. We finished around 12pm, when a downline of mine called to meet at my centre at 1.30pm. Darn, I have already promised by brother in law to be at Hotel Equatorial Bangi at 2pm. Business is business :p, so I headed to Cheras.

Negotiated a deal with a guy who wanted to rent my centre. However, I didn't make any decision just yet. I then received payment for an education portal that a parent wanted to subscribe to. It was nearly 2.30pm by then and we rushed to Bangi.

It was raining oh so badly! But we managed to reach the Hotel 45 minutes before the Hotel closed its buffet.... Ah, sempat makan sepuas2 nya!

(oopss.. my bakal brother in law yang jadik tukang amik gambar!
tak bley tunjuk gambar sekarang. i'll ruin the surprise... ahaks)

(muka retard dapat hadiah from her hubby)

(next present, we handed at the parking lot.. haha.. Issey Miyaki Perfume Set)

My parents' present to her cannot be wrapped. Since she's moving to her new house soon (thank God for that! haha), Abah & Mak is going to sponsor a new kitchen cabinet. I'm so going to request for the same thing when I turn urmm.. 29! LOL.


And the final pose from yours truly and her siblings...

'Coz You Make Me Smile :)

Thank you... fugly-haired man! Haha.

Self Comparison

Transport to Airport

KL Sentral - LCCT return RM16
KL Sentral - KLIA East return (expected to be less than
RM15)
KL Sentral - KLIA return RM70

Flight Ticket

KL - Melb via AirAsia RM1,500++
KL - Melb via MAS RM 2,800++

KL - Jakarta via AirAsia RM450++
KL - Jakarta via MAS RM1400++

MAS almost went bankrupt and was bailed out although it has the MONOPOLY of the aviation industry in Malaysia. Yes, MONOPOLY. How can a company that monopolizes an industry make losses, you say? Hey, don't ask me!

Air Asia on the other hand, despite so many hurdles, blockades, financial and space constraints, emerges as one of the most successful low cost airlines... in the World? hmm.. not too sure of that, but I can safely say within Asia at least.

*amal shakes head, acting surprised*

Wait a second... hurmm.. in which part does it say that Air Asia burdens Malaysians and wasting people's money again? As far as I am concerned, KLIA East @ Labu will cost so so much lesser than the 'don't know how many years it has been delayed' supposedly KLIA North!

What? Safety? This is an aviation industry, not a Nasik Lemak industry. Safety is the ultra top priority. Would Tony be so dumb to compromise safety? *think to self*

*yawn*

And Tony Lashes Back!

Courtesy of Malaysiakini

"Q&A: Blogs getting 'sick and twisted'"

Tony Fernandes in the first of a two-part Malaysiakini’s interview with the AirAsia boss talks about the attacks - at times personal - that have been leveled against him in cyberspace.

MCPX

Malaysiakini: Other than the proposed KLIA East @ Labu airport, another issue you should be worried about is the impending change of leadership in about two months’ time. There’s talk that you’re close to the present prime minister and Khairy Jamaluddin, his son-in-law. They (the new leadership) could easily, in two months’ time, mothball the project.

Tony Fernandes: One of the main things that has been talked about is AirAsia’s purported closeness (with certain individuals).

I have a hotel business, an aviation business, and a financial portal. None of these really require government approval as far as the hotel and financial portal are concerned. I can get on and do my business. I go and buy my building, I have to get planning permission and approval, off we go.

In my business here (AirAsia), I need routes. In most countries, routes are fairly liberalised. Send your application over and it’s either a yes or no. Most of it is open skies (in other countries). Here, you need to get approval from both governments. And the national airlines (MAS) has an enormous amount of clout.

When AirAsia started, we had two major handicaps. We were competing against a subsidised airline that receives subsidies on their domestic (routes) which range from RM400 million to RM600 million a year. It’s very hard to compete. In the early days, (the global) oil price was US$30, so it was okay. But (the) oil (price) began to creep up. I fought for a level playing-field - remove the domestic subsidies.

In August, it was removed. We had gone to see everybody and all cabinet members and a lot of MPs. We did briefing sessions with MPs to show our situation. Part of that deal was that they gave us the rural air services, which was not (what) we wanted.

I don’t see how anyone can say that (removal of subsidies) is wrong for the country. Taxpayers (now) don’t subsidise MAS. In fact, MAS has become profitable since the subsidy was removed and is competing with us on everything. That’s fair.

The second thing is routes. We lobby (for them just) as MAS lobbies to stop us from getting them. I don’t sit in at post-cabinet meetings. You see in The Edge that the deputy secretary-general (planning) of Ministry of Transport (Long See Wool ) has been appointed to (airport operator) Malaysian Airports Holdings Board (MAHB).

How can that be fair? You know what I mean. MAHB should be made up of independent people. How can anyone be objective when they sit on MAHB’s board and they don’t hear AirAsia’s point of view? This what we’ve been continually fighting (for).

So what have we got from these purported links (Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Khairy)? We’ve got routes, which I think we deserve and it took me seven years to get Kuala Lumpur-Singapore. I still don’t have Penang-Singapore at this point. I’m still fighting for Myanmar, which MAS objected to us getting. I’m still fighting for more rights in Indonesia, (which) MAS objected to us getting.

Yet, what are we trying to do? Bring in tourists, move people around at cheaper costs. It’s good for the country. There were no low fares when AirAsia was not around. MAS didn’t have these super-cheap fares. If you look at it, where we don’t fly, they don’t have super-cheap fares.

All we got - and we had to lobby everyone for it in the cabinet - was the removal of MAS subsidies. We also asked for routes. I’m still lobbying for routes. Tell me something else we’ve got from this purported relationship.

The biggest mistake of my life, and to be fair to this guy, is (when) Khairy Jamaluddin’s team came to propose sponsoring the MyTeam (football project). Honestly, it was the biggest mistake of my life.

How fantastic - taking guys from the rubber estates, from kampungs, from new villages - to London to play Manchester United. This airline is all about making dreams come true. We’ve also sponsored Manchester United. How great!

But then it backfired because suddenly, it was rumoured that Khairy and the ‘Fourth Floor’ now own 40 percent of AirAsia. Come on!

So, is that true or false?

I hate to sound like a politician, but put a Bible, Quran, whatever, in front of me and I’ll swear on it and say no! I only did the MyTeam thing with him (Khairy). Malaysia has become a bit sick and twisted, if you read some of the blogs.

He doesn’t. I honestly feel sorry for the guy. If he benefited from the MyTeam thing and there are criticisms, fair enough. There’s a whole lot of confusion when it involves Khairy, the old guys, the new guys, the in-between guys, and we just got caught (into it). It’s easy to link us.

Me and (the other AirAsia directors) Kamarudin Meranun initially (owned) 80 percent of this airlines along it, Datuk Pahamin (A Rejab), Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar and Conor (McCarthy).

Over the years, we’ve gone public. Me, Kamarudin, Aziz Bakar, and Coner now own about 32 percent of the company. The rest is probably floated. Our value, our stock, has gone down (laughs).

I’ve tried to buy the company back - that’s no secret - because I think we’re undervalued. That’s my confidence in it. So, if you take me, Kamarudin and then you add in what the Fourth Floor is supposed to own and what Khairy is supposed to own, there’s not much left for us.

Are you still pursuing the (privatisation) option?

We can’t for six months now, but ... I put my money where my mouth is.

If someone were to look at it rationally and say that Khairy Jamaluddin and all the Fourth Floor guys are shareholders, what has AirAsia got (in return)? If you say AirAsia operates exclusively on all its routes and MAS cannot operate on them, (that’s a) dodgy (thing to say).

There are so many dodgy deals and concessions out there, but none of them get hammered. But after this (AirAsia’s sponsorship of MyTeam) had gone public, we get hammered.

If I get all the government business, and I’m the only person that can fly civil servants or for National Service (participants), okay. Under DRB-Hicom, we had the haj contract, which was very valuable to us, and I did it for two years. MAS took that away (in 2003). They undercut us, we couldn’t match it, and it was gone.

But that’s fair competition. No complaints. But you say I’m a crony? If so, I should have been able, with all my powerful friends, to keep the haj contract.

The Ministry of Defence contract (with AirAsia when it was under DRB-Hicom to transport soldiers between Sabah, Sarawak and peninsula), we did it for seven years and gave fantastic service to the Army.

Look who’s minister of defence (Prime Minister Abdullah) now. Yet, we lost 50 percent of the defence contract to MAS. They say we’re so powerful. It’s a big contract. (If we were so privileged) MAS wouldn’t be going around saying, ‘Hey, we won the contract, 50 percent is back (with us)’... So there’s nothing that we’ve got!

Why then are you getting all this flack?

It’s guilt by association. I’m ‘collateral damage’, aren’t I?

Perhaps you’re too successful?

Maybe. People say that. I don’t believe that’s the case. There may be some people who may be jealous, but I don’t believe that. I walk around the streets now, and everyone wants to take photographs, everyone wants (me to) sign caps. People want to be like us. We make dreams come true.

There’s a vicious community of bloggers out there who just spout hate. I’ve tried to engage them. I’ve even invited them here. Look at (Wangsa Maju MP) Wee Choo Keong. He’s a member of parliament. He wants such an airline to fail?

We’re a Malaysian company with 6,000 people. I’ve asked him to come and see us so many times. If you’re objective, you’d come in to see us.

In your experience with government-linked companies (GLCs), with all the monopoly that they have, is it stifling private enterprise?

I work with GLCs, and they all can’t be painted with the same broad brush, but when you compete directly with them, it’s tough. How can anyone say (state investment firm) Khazanah Bhd is objective when they own MAS and MAHB?

None of the bloggers have picked that up. They’re willing to bash me and use racial slurs.

There’s one good thing, though, and that’s they’ve called me fat. So now I’m motivated to be thin (laughs). When I read the blogs, I see, ‘Hey Fatso!’ But I’m going to show you I can be thin! (More laughter)

Have you looked at our blog? There are about 1,100 comments.

And most of those have been positive...

And you go look at the Rocky's Bru blog and there are 40 comments… and maybe 30 by vested interest parties. I want to just define the criticism. It’s a myth that (the opposition to AirAsia) is all over the place.

You’ve got a pretty formidable detractor in the form of (former prime minister) Mahathir (Mohamad).

Dr Mahathir gave us the (airline) licence and we owe him a lot for giving us the licence. I don't think he detracts against us, I mean if you read it (his Cet Det blog), he detracts against the (KLIA East @ Labu) airport plan. But he hasn’t heard all sides of the story. I don’t have access to him and he doesn’t see our problems. I dare say he has not even been to the LCCT. And so maybe when he’s given a chance to see…

In his blog, has congratulated AirAsia for having received such high numbers of passengers. He congratulated on our presentation (on Labu). He still has questions, and his and a lot of other people’s views are ‘why can’t it be built here (KLIA)?’ And we're trying to argue that the 'why', (and) articulate it.

It’s not our first desire to move out of here. Our first desire is to be in (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in) Subang. And in fact, even Dr Mahathir asked, ‘Why can’t we be in Subang?’ I would love to be in Subang.

Tun (Mahathir) is very learned, he gave us the chance - we have built this airline. Hopefully we will be given a chance to show our side of the story.

Are you willing to meet him, talk to him?

I’m willing to meet all the bloggers (to address their concerns with KLIA East @ Labu). (Laughs) I’m definitely willing to meet Tun.

In Support of KLIA East @ Labu by Air Asia

I have been in support of the Airport for a long time. However, since I have observed that a lot of people (even Jeff Ooi, Rocky and MP Wee Kee Cheong) are so against it, I decided not to say anything just yet. Not even to my family members until my sister brought up the topic during my cousin's wedding recently.

It surprised me that we share the same thoughts. We discussed and reasoned about the whole KLIA East @ Labu issue. We even wondered why everyone is so dengki of Tony Fernandes?

It has been a while since the last time I visited Kenny Sia. Just 5 minutes ago, I did. And what did I find? Kenny Sia - in support of KLIA East too!

Source: http://www.kennysia.com/archives/2009/01/in-support-of-k.php

Thank God, else I would have to write a lengthy one just to express my thoughts on it! Just go and have a read, alright. I have so much respect for Tony as he is a remarkable entrepreneur who have been turning around AirAsia - which used to be an underdog airline company that nobody cared about.

Suddenly, I remember the issue where our own Malaysian Angkasawan, Sh Muszaphar, was accused of charging thousands of Ringgits for his tour/speech. Regardless of what my opinion is about the whole Angkasawan Program, I think he's one lucky bloke. He got all the attention, all the chicks (except me, of course) dig him, he even got a 'Datukship' some more! And when he suddenly becomes famous and of course, richer than before, everyone starts throwing accusations and allegations on him. Poor bloke. There's too much Penyakit Hasad Dengki in our community.

My sisters and I laughed at the whole joke. It's called demand and supply, stupid. If you think he's too expensive, then just don't invite him to your event! It is as easy as that! So what if he has earned thousands or millions as claimed from his visits and tours? Do they think that his time and effort are zero of value?

Oh, darn. I gotta go. Later~

New Friends from Jakarta :)

To Joi, Guna, Lila, Metta, Telly, Ibu Ratna, Ibu Bayu, Pak Islah, Wan Zul, Ica... darn, can't possibly remember all the names! Thank you so much for your hospitality :)

I enjoyed Jakarta alright.. especially Tanah Abang, Jakarta City Centre, Indonesia Plaza, Sabang, ITC, Ambassador.. and more!

Will definitely go again! >_<