SAVING LOCAL MOVIE PRODUCERS BY PUNISHING FILMGOERS.

If Malaysian Film Producers Association had its way, Malaysian cinemagoers will have to pay more to watch Hollywood movies. Apparently the Association would soon submit this proposal to the National Film Development Corporation. According to the Association’s president only by hiking the admission fees for Hollywood movies from RM9 and RM12 to RM20 will it make Malaysian’s watch local movies such as Cicakman instead of Batman !. Also, according to the Association’s president, some of the locally made movies are on par with foreign movies in terms of quality. Really? Typically Malaysian isn’t it, when you cannot compete, devise desperate schemes in your favour.

The Association presupposes that the audience for Malay movies and Hollywood movies are the same. Let’s get real here. Malay language movies are produced for the Malay market with storylines and themes evolving around Malay norms, Malay issues, Malay culture and even set in Malay surroundings. No surprise that the moviegoers for these movies are exclusively Malays. In any event, with such settings and themes, does the local movie producers really and honestly expect Non Malays to flock and watch local Malay movies. It does not resonate with the Non Malays. Also, many locally produced Malay movies often have poor and tired storyline. Have you watched the locally produced Antoo Fighters. It is a ridiculous crap. Sometimes, the movie producers try to sell movies with preety faces who sadly, save for the preety looks cannot act for peanuts. Hollywood movies on the other hand, targets a universal and have in mind a cross section audience.

For me, save for Yasmin Ahmad whose movies have good storylines or even U-Wei’s intellegent and provocative movies, most local movies standards fall short. I cannot imagine Non Malays being attracted to local movies or for the matter I do not know of one particular Malay movie which had attracted Non Malay moviegoers in droves.

So perhaps the Association and the National Film Development Corporation ought to know that hiking the tickets for Hollywood movies to RM20 would not make movie goers watch local movies nor is the solution. In fact such a move would only benefit pirate DVD sellers and also bring down the cinema industry which is now enjoying a revival. Despite the strangelhold and attraction of Hollywood movies, the local movie industry have not performed that bad, Last year, local producers made RM29 million and for the first nine months of this year, local producers raked in almost RM35 million.

Local producers should find out how producers in other countries like Iran or even Indonesia can make movies which are really apealing and not to mention world class. When the Indonesian movie Debu-Debu Cinta opened in Singapore, even Non Malays went to watch it. What was so appealing about the film? Answer-the theme and superb acting. Also, it must be remembered that P.Ramlee movies till today, still has a strong following within the Non-Malay community. I myself have repeatedly watched almost all of P. Ramlee’s movies.

Just because Antoo Fighters, Cicakman 2, and Planet Hitam failed to score with movie goers, local producers to save themselves ought not to think of schemes to curtail Hollywood movies or suggest desperate and punitive measures against cinemagoers. In fact, increasing movies tickets to RM20 could result in cinemagoers giving locally produced movies a complete miss and instead save and use the money and watch Hollywood movies.

WINDFALL FOR THE CHINESE IN TERENGGANU HAS STARTED.

The Chinese represents 11 per cent of Kuala Trengganu’s 80,229 voters. That’s about 8,825 Chinese voters. Any political analyst will say that the Malay voters are split between Barisan Nasional-UMNO and PAS. A few spoilers have also joined the fray. In such a situation, the Chinese voters suddenly find themselves king-makers and will be courted by both BN-UMNO and PAS.

It seems the charm offensive has already started.

Thursday’s STAR Metro reports that the State MCA Chairman Toh Chin Yaw, announced that some 8,0000 people from the Chinese community in the state will be receiving ang-pows to celebrate Chinese New Year. Some RM2.5 million has been allocated for the purposes and distribution will start between January 3 and 5 next year. Qualified household earning less than RM1,500.00 per month, handicaps, single mums, senior citizens over 65 will receive between RM 200.00 to RM 400.00. Ah! How perfect the timing !.

Anyway, after being called “penumpang” and “pendatang”, RM200.00 to RM400.00 to the Chinese community is a small gesture planned to coincide with the Kuala Terengganu by-election. One famous politician once said, “kalau dia bagi, ambil aje tapi bila hari mengundi tau lah nak buat apa”.

One thing is certain. This is just the beginning and in the coming days more goodies will flow.
Hope the Chinese there would remember the penumpang slur, controversies. pendatang remarks, the detention of Theresa Kok, the arrest of Sin Chew newspaper reporter, the various protest and demonstration, objection to centralised and modern pig farming, objection to the appointment of the acting general manager of PKNS, the road signage and many other issues when considering who to vote for.

M.C.A TO BE BLAMED FOR THE DEATH AND DEGRADATION OF JALAN WONG AH FOOK.

Death and degradation of Jalan Wong Ah Fook is imminent. I blame M.C.A. It is M.C.A which must stand accused for dericlition of responsibility and allow the passing of Jalan Wong Ah Fook into the sunset of Johor’s history.

Since the opening of the new Sultan Iskandar Custom, Immigration and Qurantine complex a fortnight ago, traffic has bypassed Jalan Wong Ah Fook, the once main thoroughfare of Johor Bahru. The once triving shops are now experiencing almost 40% drop in busineses. Economic and business activities in Jalan Wong Ah Fook has gone on a slide. What we see now are shops which front Jalan Wong Ah Fook selling imitation goods and pirate DVD’s. Many of the old businesses have moved out from Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Also gone are the evening rush hour and the scene of Malaysians working in Singapore returning in the evening and patronising the food stalls at the back alley of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

Jalan Wong Ah Fook is simply not any ordinary road. The road reflects the historical relationship of the Chinese and Johor. The name has history and heritage and rightfully should be a proud reminder to all Johoreans of the man himself, Wong Fook Kee or better known as Wong Ah Fook. Sadly, ask who Wong Ah Fook is, many and particular the non Chinese would not know who Wong Ah Fook is or even how the road become named after him.

Wong Ah Fook, is the typical rags to riches immigrant from China, who should be an inspiration to all of us. Starting as a carpenter, he then moved into construction business and rose to become the chief government contractor and built many of the heritage buildings doting johor Bahru including Istana Besar. Not contended being a contractor, he even ventured into pepper and gambier planting and even had kangchu rights in Mersing. Later on he was involved in revenue farming. He is also remembered as the person also started Kwong Yik Bank, one of the earlist Chinese bank in then Malaya. For his sterling service in assisting the state to regain control of its revenues, Sultan Abu Bakar granted Wong Ah Fook a grant of land. The land was located on the east bank of Sg. Segget river and became known as Kg Wong Ah Fook village and was predomnantly occupied by the Cantonese clan. Three small roads in Kg. Wong Ah Fook village was named after his sons Siu Nam, Siu Koon and Siu Chin. From then on, Kg Wong Ah Fook village grew to became Jalan Wong Ah Fook, an important artererial road and the gateway to Johor Bahru.

Warning bells that Jalan Wong Ah Fook and more impotantly the name in time could lose its soul started in 1997. In 1997, a master plan for the redevelopment of Central Business District of Johor Bahru was unveiled by the Johor state government.The master plan envisaged restructuring of the city to a high technology financial centre.

However, what alarmed many Chinese and Chinese organisation was that the plan to replace Jalan Wong Ah Fook with gardens, pedestrian walkway and call it Sultan Abu Bakar City Walkway. The Chinese community and Chinese organisations made their disapproval known against attempts to obliterate the name. Both did not take place. The 1997 economicx crisis provided a respite. The restructuring of the city as a high technology financial centre did not take place and the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook thankfully remained safe and prominent. Of course, the stinking Sg Segget river which runs across the city centre was covered over and has become a walk way.

The state’s attempt in 1997 to make the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook insignificant ought to have made M.C.A sit up and ensure that the name and the area would never fade away or lose its lustre. M.C.A ought to have ensured that whatever development is planned elsewhere, it must not result in the death of Jalan Wong Ah Fook. M.C.A ought to have taken all necessary steps and been more pro-active in ensuring that the name Jalan Wong Ah Fook and the area would remains a prominent and premier business area. Also M.C.A could have also done much more to remember this great man. For example asking the Johor Bahru City Council to erect a statue, historical plaque or build a little square in the city as one often see in other cities. All this could have been initiated by M.C.A, as a reminder to the people of Johor of Wong Ah Fook’s contribution. It is obvious that the M.C.A State Executive Councillors or M.C.A during the regular “lawatan sambil belajar” overseas had not learned how cities and towns abroard remember and commemerate local personalities. Obviously, nothing was done.

M.C.A is well represented in the Johor State Executive Council and Johor Bahru City Council. They more than others would have known first about the C.I.Q plans. M.C.A more than others would have been first to know could have realised the fate of Jalan wong Ah Fook after the erection of the C.I.Q complex. M.C.A more than others would have been the first to know that with the erection of the C.I.Q complex, traffic and people would by-pass Jalan Wong Ah Fook. M.C.A more than others would have known the consequences arising from the C.I.Q complex to the busineses in Jalan Wong Ah Fook. So, the question then to be asked is what exactly did M.C.A do to ensure that the Jalan Wong Ah Fook continue to be a place of business activities and would not be devoid of human traffic. What were M.C.A plans, if they ever had one, to regenerate and vigorate the area with the opening of the C.I.Q. M.C.A in the state ought to have raised, presented with new plans for the area and ensured that Jalan Wong Ah Fook would not slide and become a backwater.

Judging from the present situation it is obvious that the degradation, slide and gradual obliteration and fading into history of this great street and name has started. Gradually this prominent landmark with historical significance will become a footnote in the history of Johor Bahru. That is real sad. It becomes real sad when M.C.A who calls themselves the guardians of Chinese, let Jalan Wong Ah Fook pass into history.

Norman Fernandez is the Vice Chairman of DAP Johor and is a lawyer with his own practice in the vicinity of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

M’sia willing to help where Malays are minority, says Najib

MalaysianInsider

MELAKA, Dec 23 — Malaysia is willing to offer help towards the advancement of Malays in countries where they are a minority, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

He said Malaysia could be a gateway for this through the Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI, Malay World Musim World) Forum to help Malays in countries like in the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Cambodia, South Africa and southern Thailand.

“Of course the Malays in these countries must be realistic. They cannot expect us to support them in taking up arms for a revolution to establish Malay governments in them,” he said when opening the DMDI's 9th convention at a hotel in Bandar Hilir here today.

Also present were Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

According to Najib, the DMDI could play constructive role in bringing about peace in southern Philippines and southern Thailand.

He said Malaysia had played an active role in southern Philippines towards ending the Moro conflict though the peace process there had encountered some obstacles lately.

He added that the DMDI should do all it could to portray Islam as an ideal religion which strived for the advancement of all peoples.

At the function, Mohd Ali, who is also DMDI president, presented Najib DMDI’s Mansyur Shah award which is a special recognition in honour of the Melaka empire during the reign of Sultan Mansyur Shah.

Over 500 participants from among others Malaysia, South Africa, the Philippines and Indonesia are participating the convention which ends tomorrow. — Bernama

"This is utter rubbish coming from the police force, which has long lost its credibility"....

Was what PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan said in response to Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar statement that the Police stopped a team of more than 50 riders in Jerit's ‘Ride for Change' campaign in Rawang yesterday in order to "save under-aged cyclists" from being exploited.

Malaysiakini reported the following today ;

1. 29 adults and 27 teenagers were taken to the police station at around 5pm because the organisers failed to get a permit to peddle through Rawang town.

2. Most of the 29 adults were released on police bail at 3am this morning, but the police refused to allow those under the age of 18 to leave the station and instead handed the teenagers over to Welfare Department officers

4. One teenage girl was amongst those detained (or protected) overnight.

3. Gombak district welfare office was unable to accommodated the 27 teenage riders and they were instead housed for the night under the observation of the welfare officers in the upper unit of the police station

4. The are they were kept before being moved into the Police Station began flooding due to heavy rain, however when the "detainees" tried to move out of the area the Police and FRU forced them back in.

VS

Orang asing ?

Malaysiakini

The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) is seeing red over the use of an insensitive term during a seminar held in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.

The seminar was jointly held with a government-linked bank to seek assistance in form of loans for its members. Some 70 traders were present.Miba president P Sivakumar told Malaysiakini that participants were riled up when a high-ranking officer from the bank allegedly repeated the words 'orang asing' (foreigners) twice.According to Sivakumar, the officer in a "direct reference to the Indian community" told the audience that 'orang asing' could now apply for jobs in particular banks.

Whole story at Malaysiakini, here.

VERNACULAR SCHOOLS NOT CAUSING DISUNITY

Vernacular schools are often singled out as the main cause for the lack of national unity. The latest being Mukhriz Mahathir who recently proposed that vernacular schools in its current format be closed and that the schools should instead be intergrated into national school system so that pupils would be able to interact better. Mukhriz Mahathir, however is not the first politician who has repeated this decade old polemics blaming vernacular schools for causing racial polarisation and disunity.

Those who continuously fault the vernacular schools ought to be reminded that it is the desire and wish of every parent to see their children mix, study and play with children of other races. After all, the parents themselves were often the products of national schools where students of different races and religions studied, played and interacted together and forged friendship which extended long after they left school.

Vernacular schools in the past were not necessarily the schools of first choice of Non Malays.. Non Malay parents sent their children to English medium schools simply because education was in English, The schools had good teachers and English medium schools provided school leavers better career opportunities. In fact Chinese schools such as Han Chiang High School in Penang were on the verge of closing down because of falling attendance and in the 70’s had to depend on students from Indonesia and Thailand to survive. Now the reverse has happened.

According to statistics, Chinese parents who sent their children to national schools have fallen from around 50 % in the 1970’s to about 6% in 2006. The NST November 19, 2008 reported that 9 out of 10 Chinese send their children to Chinese schools. More alarming is that, Tamil parents and even the Tamil professional who were educated in national schools are now beating a path to Tamil schools, despite the fact that many Tamil schools lack the facilities national schools or Chinese schools have. With Chinese and Indian parents abandoning national schools for vernacular schools, the national schools not by choice, have taken on the image of “sekolah Melayu”. Today some 630,000 students study in in 1288 Chinese primary schools while 100,142 students study in 523 Tamil schools.

Politicians like Mukhriz Mahathir and the ilks like him do not bother to find out why have Non Malays and particularly the Chinese have simply abandoned the national schools and send their children to Chinese schools. Mukhriz Mahathir if he cares to find out will know that there are almost 60,000 Non Chinese students studying in Chinese schools and a substantial proportion of the students are Malays. So, we now have Malay parents seeing the benefits of Chinese education also abandoning national schools for Chinese schools.

Mukhriz Mahathir and others who wallow in their misguided belief and keep harping that Chinese schools are source of the nations ills, conveniently choose to ignore that there are also schools which are exclusively for a single race, religious schools of a particular religion, universities catering to a single race and universities with religious orientation of a single religion. Are not the existence of these schools and universities equally divisive, polarising and creating disunity and should be equally blamed for causing disunity ?

The truth is that if there is divisiveness, racial and religious polarisation and disunity, it is because of the government of the day. It happened as a result of how how the country has being governed and because of government policies which has resulted all these fault lines.

Malaysia is unique with its multiracial, multicultural and multi religious population. The role of a school is not only to create a learning atmosphere. In Malaysia schools have an added responsibility in that it ought to be a place where students are taught to value and celebrate diversity. Students should be thought to acknowledge and respect each others culture, language and religion and to be imbuded with a sense that each others cultural, language and religious diversities are part and parcel of our national heritage and that this uniqueness should be treasured and protected by all. Schools must inculcate multiracialism, multiculturalism and multireligiousm. Mukhriz Mahathir and others should ask themselves whether the schools have done this. The character of national schools have changed and have become overtly and overwhelmingly Malay-Muslim. Malay-Muslim centred actions and policies in the of national have caused the exodus of Non Malays from national schools.

School administrators and the principals in some national schools have turned the school and and the school culture’s dominantly Malay-Muslim centred. While great effort is taken to continuously remind the Non Malay students about respecting Malay cultural mores and religious sensitivities, the same is not not done when it comes to Non Malays cultural and religious sensitivities and even worst they are blatantly indifferent to the sensitivities of the Non Malays..

Here is a letter which appeared in malaysia-today news portal where a parent wrote:-
“ In my children’s SK school, the hari Raya holidays are stretched to well over a week to accommodate the Malays. Replacement classes are planned months ahead and notification letters are sent out very early. However, when it comes to Chinese New Year, not a single extra day is given-not even for the kids who have to travel to make it to their home town. Mind you, Malays make up roughly 50% of the student population.”

This is merely one example. Many Non Malay parents also complain that while the school has religious and religious activities for Muslims students, it is near impossibility to have the same for Non Malay-Non Muslim students. In some school classes are segeratted but giving time-table convenience as an excuse. Some schools even forbid their students from wearing shorts for physical education.

Parents naturally would want the best for the children. Non Malay parents have complained that there is a marked drop in the standards of education in national schools. A lecturer at the Teacher’s Training College in Johor Bahru once lamented about the quality of the trainee teachers. According to him, many of these trainee teachers hardly have a passion for teaching and that teachers training college was their last choice after having failed to secure a place in the universities or other colleges. The attraction to teaching is its perks - half day session, five day week and the long term breaks. In school, many of the teachers seem disinterested and unmotivated and instead some are more interested in moulding the children for the hereafter.

Razak Baginda ( Yup ! of the Altantuya fame) who was the executive director of Malaysian Strategic Research Centre is quoted in the International Herald Tribune June 7, 2005 as saying that his “dauughter complained that the religious teachers are the culprits, They inculcate very negative views of te other religions. They are always have them and us attititude that is very destructive.”


Mukhriz Mahathir and others like him rightfully ought to ask the parents of the 60,000 Non Malay students ( a substantial proportion being Malays) studying in Chinese schools, why did they as Malays abandon national schools which have better facilities, teachers and students of same race and religion and instead choose to send their children to Chinese schools where their children are a minority, and be exposed to Chinese culture, Chinese religious believes or have to eat in the school canteen which serves food with “bak”. If Mukhriz Mahathir and others like him care to find out, he will know that the reason is simple- teachers there do nothing but teach and teach they do with passion and dedication.

I know of one Chinese school in Johor Bahru where the teachers sacrifice the school term holidays and weekends when exam nears just to give free extra tuition for her class. If you have a child in national school ask yourself if your children’s teachers has ever sacrifice their term holidays or their weekends to give free extra tution especially when exam nears.

I believe the exodus in such droves from national schools to vernacular schools would not have happened had the government been far sighted and been quick to arrest the problem. The government need not follow Singapore’s way of abolishing vernacular schools, since in Malaysia, vernacular education is right guaranteed by constititution and by acts of parliaments. What the government could have done was to innovate a little and make studying of student’s own language mandatory and also make it part of the examination syllabus. Had the government initiated teaching and examination of Chinese and Tamil language and also shown an honest commitment by providing equal funding and qualified and competent teachers, vernacular schools would have struggled to exist.


Now, the added attraction of Chinese schools is the emergence of China as the powerhouse. Knowledge of Chinese becomes of fundamental importance. With economic opportunities at home becoming more difficult and realising that Government’s preferential policies, quotas and restrictions will continue for a long time, many Chinese believe that China may provide their children a window of opportunity. Thus, you can be a lawyer or a banker or a businessman, but if you do not speak Chinese, you would experience more difficulties in China. Presently, Malaysian Chinese are able to now take advantage of the opportunities in China is simply because of the their ability to read, write and speak Chinese and for that one has to thank Chinese schools which provided the foundation.

Mukhriz Mahathir and others who believe that the panacea for national unity is closing down vernacular schools should remember what Helen Ang said - “The Chinese education boat has left the habour and sailed too far to turn back now”. So, leave vernacular schools alone and instead have the courage to call for a review of government policies and you will realise that it is these which has given rise to racial and religious polarisation- not vernacular schools.

Huge Keris

Will anyone from UMNO be tempted to lift this Keris at their party's general assembly ?



Source : NST

Bukit Antarabangsa Disaster - The Comedy Continues..

The Malaysian Govt continued it's comedy act in managing the disaster with Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Chuan ruling out human negligence even before proper investigations.




Adding to that is PM Abdullah Badawi demanding the Selangor State Govt of past 6 months to take the responsibility of the disaster instead of the previous UMNO led government that had led the state for decades!

Minister of Misinformation

Massive landslide..
Four lives lost..
Many injured..
Thousands displaced from their home..

And this is what our esteemed Minister of Information had to say.

Malaysian Government English

This is the naked proof of Barisan Nasional government's educational policy.


Taken from Lim Kit Siang's Blog

====================================================

YB Lim
This is found on the pages of our National Registration Dept website. Sigh, what a sad state of affairs, when such atrocious English is held up for display, for practically the whole world to see…..

And we are proud of sending a “space man” above???? A by-product of all the years that UMNO and BN has been in charge of our Education System. Now, it’s not just us M’sians who know that the quality of our local grads is hopeless, but this is being paraded for the whole world to see.
Don’t UMNO/BN have any shame? Hope you will raise this issue up at the right forum.

Regards
Shanker

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(Note, this page have since been amended by NRD)http://www.jpn.gov.my/BI/4_5_kadpengenalan.php

1. I’m 17 year old, when should I change my identity card replacement?

A person whose had got first-time identity card namely during old 12 year, are required change again his identity card when have reached the age 18 year. If this change made within life time 18 - 25 year, no any penalty imposed.

2. I already 25 year old and still not have my own identity card. What shoul I do?To them not yet own identity card although already aged more 16 year are advised to come to any nearby NRD to apply identity card past record. Applicant and promoter must showed up together to be interviewed, bringing with together following documents:-Applicant Born Certificate / AnakAngkat’s Certificate / W’s Form OrApplicant Enter Permit / Confirmation Form National Standard(if concerning)Promoter Identity Card3. I a foreign citizens and have gotten permit of entry from Jabatan Immigration Malaysia. Whether I qualified to apply identity card? What is conditions for I apply identity card.You qualified to apply identity card with permanent resident status(Red). Applications requirements is bringing with permit of entry and passport and copy both of them and application fee as many as RM 40.00. Applications can be made in NRD Putrajaya Headquarters and NRD Branches only.

4. Is there any payment am being imposed in case happened damage for chip in my identity card.

Chip damage who is not due to purposely destroyed, misuse and others within one year from the date of submission card is give replacement by free, and if card period has been held by the applicant exceeding one year, payment as many as RM 10.00 imposed.

5. How many payment am being imposed if I loss identity card?

Lost identity card would be charged follow loss number. Please see payment schedule.

6. How long MyKad’s application period can be completed?

MyKad can be completed within 24 hours as applicant whose opted to take MyKad in NRD Putrajaya headquarters. For applicant opted to take MyKad in any NRD branches office in Peninsula of Malaysia, then MyKad would be completed within 10 working day while 30 working day for applicant opted to take MyKad in any NRD branches office in Sabah, a Sarawak or Labuan. MyKad’s charter completed this only involve applications from Warganegara Malaysia and prayer not problematical only.

7. Could I change address without change my identity card?

If I can how many rates imposed?Yes. With payment RM2.00 and new address information would be updated inside chip. If you want change identity card one time, the charge is RM10.00 .

8. Is it NRD receive payment other than cash ?

Yes, NRD comply accept payment electronically namely via credit card, card debit and MEPS.However, there were limit minimum sum accept to payment via credit card there is as many as RM 50.00

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http://www.jpn.gov.my/BI/3_3_1_pengenalan.php

WHAT IS MYKID
Mykid is identity card or introduction from children’s chip issued to children aged below 12 year.Mykid’s feature is the same as MyKad only it had no picture and fingerprints.
” My ” bring purpose “Malaysia” WHILE ” kid ” also is the abbreviation to ” Personal Identity Card “. Personal identification number that there were to Mykid this will be used in all business from born till the end.

Mykid contains 3 major application contain in chip namely:
* JPN’s Application (presentation data)

* Health information

* Education information

MYKID’S ADVANTAGE
* Current form ease of use deal government or private with the agency

* Are used during deal with the department or agencies as hospital or clinic supply health screening objective, schooling and others .

* Portable because miniaturized

* Have security feature to avoid from misused.

* With technology chip wherein information readable on the card or in chip. Chip in information stated also simple to be updated.

* Strikingly good-looking form

MYKID’S IMPLEMENTATION
MyKid were implemented in all NRD branches in Peninsula of Malaysia and it only to registration of birth just.
MyKid Enquiry, please contact 03-88808066

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http://www.jpn.gov.my/BI/4_1_web.php

1. What is NRD’s website?
NRD website is abbreviation to official web National Registration Department. NRD website make major world to information and national registration department service through Internet.

2. Why this website been created?
Latterly, information and service majority National Registration Department has been prepared by online and NRD website been created to provide convenience to the public find information and service that are provided.

3. Whom were allowed surf and use this website ?
Generally, this website could be achieved by all society. However, there were some information and service that need registration.

4. What is privacy policy for this website? Am I been recorded or not?
All access and your use up on this website shall not be recorded. To further information, please visit to ‘Privacy Policy And Safety Policy’ in bottom of each page.

5. What method for I contact National Registration Department?
You can contact us:-Public Relations OfficeTel: 03-8880 8206 / 7071 / 7077 / 7067 / 7069Fax: 03-8880 8288 atauEmail: pro@jpn.gov.my

6. How should I sent my feedback to Goverment Agencies?
You can fill form in the division “Public Complaint System ” In NRD website. It would be channelled to the divisions relating

Iranian Muslim's doing Yoga

source : malaysia-today

THE ELEGANT SILENCE OF M.I.C

That Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) is an uncouth, crass and gutter politician is now confirmed beyond a shadow of doubt. In fact, he is not the first Barisan Nasional - read UMNO politician with a penchant for vulgarities and crude behaviour. Many other UMNO politicians before him has in the august house made similar remarks against Indians. Surf the net and you can read the miscreants profanities and racist remarks. Tajuddin is merely upholding the "proud" party tradition.

In all these instances, whenever an UMNO M.P suffering a sudden attact of contrivitis ( a sudden rush of shit into the brain), spews out profanities and makes derogatory and racist remarks against the Indians, have you heard of any M.I.C M.P standing up to chide the recalcitrant and calling him to withdraw and apologise.

It will be interesting to read the bloggers comments !

YOGA AND THE NON MUSLIMS CONCERN.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said that Non Muslims should not feel hurt or slighted by the announcement of the yoga fatwa by the National Fatwa Council, as it was only applicable to Muslims.

Yes, the fatwa is applicable to Muslims and that is comforting. Nevertheless, Non Muslims will be concerned by the implications arising from the fatwa. Though the National Fatwa Council edict is restricted to yoga excersises which involved chanting of mantras and acts of worship which is deemed haram and against Islam, the implications of the edict could result in yoga centres and particularly commercial yoga centres in the near future facing various obstacles and restrictions.

The real concern is that Local Authorities and their "little Napoleans" may soon draft new rules for compliance before licence for yoga centres and particularly for commercial yoga centres is issued. In the Auditor General's Report for Johor a new phrase has creeped in - "perniagaan sensitif'". Now with "perniagaan sensitif" appprovals and consent from various authorities is required. Would Yoga centres may be added to the list of "perniagaan sensitif" ?.

It is also possible that those who run yoga centres or intend to open up yoga centres particularly commercial yoga centres will need to first "isi borang permohonan" and then wait for the local authorities licensing officers to visit and inspect the yoga centre and wait for their "lapuran" before licence is issued. There is a real possibility that in future yoga centres applications could be rejected due to the surrounding's "sensitiviti". The operators of commercial yoga centres may have to forward "untuk diluluskan" by these "little Napoleans", the course manuals and paraphernalias to ensure that the yoga practice do not contain any religious or spiritual elements and importantly there are no chanting of mantras. Yoga instructers may even be required to attend "kursus" and obtain"sijil' before they can operate a yoga cente. There may be restrictions in how many yoga centres can be opened in one area. Lastly, yoga centre operators may be asked to put a sign "untuk orang bukan Islam sahaja or "Orang Islam Di Larang Masuk". The licence for yoga centres and particularly commercial yoga centres may contain "syarat-syarat" to be adhered.

All these may be far fetched and work of an imaginary mind but taking into account the obtacles and hurdles one has to go through before a pub can be opened, I would not be surprised if commercial yoga centres will meet an almost similar fate. I pray that I am proved wrong.

Thus, although the fatwa may be meant for Muslims only, Non Muslims still have every reason to be concerned.

A SENTENCE RIGHTLY METED OUT AND JUSTLY DESERVED

These are the shocking and horrific pictures of Nirmala Bonat, the Indonesian maid who was tortured by her employer . On Thursday, the Kuala Lumpur Session Court, imposed an 18 years jail sentence on Nirma's former employer Yim Pek Ha. That sentence is rightly meted out and richly deserved. What an evil person Yim Pek Ha is !.

Some have opined that the 18 years sentence meted out to her is excessive. Now, those who suddenly find sympathy for the employer ought to first see these pictures. Spare a moment and imagine the pain the poor maid had undergone and the mental scars she will forever carry. In fact, do surf the net and you will find more horrific pictures of Nirmala Bonat injuries. Clearly, her employer not only abused her but worst she was tortured.


A maid is not a chattel or a slave that one by virtue of paying a monthly salary can then abuse and torture her.

Let the court's sentence in this case serve as a warning to other employers that they may face a similar fate should they abuse their maid.

Tajuddin Abdul Rahman

Pasir Salak MP - 6 million dollar man Tajuddin Abdul Rahman continued his hot streak of making idiotic remarks in the Parliament, this time by making racist remarks against Ipoh Barat MP - M Kulasegaran. And as though to make sure his idiocy is not downplayed by the media, he threw in a sexist remark as well.

Malaysiakini

Vocal government backbencher Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Umno-Pasir Salak) was today accused of making sexual innuendos in the Dewan Rakyat.

According to Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah), who evoked the Standing Orders against Tajuddin, the BN MP had made the offensive remarks during yesterday's sitting.Section 36(4) of the Standing Orders prohibits parliamentarians from using offensive language.

Fong told the House today that Tajuddin had uttered the words when attempting to interject Mujahid Yusof Rawa's (PAS-Parit Buntar) debate on Teo Nie Cheng's (DAP-Serdang) (photo, right) motion for a RM10 pay cut for Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.She quoted him as saying, "Dia (Mujahid) tak masuk lagi, dah lama tak masuk. Main tepi saja" and "Bila nak keluar lagi air dia?"

The following is exchange between Tajuddin, Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee and Mujahid as was published in the Hansard.

Tajuddin: Oh, tak masuk lagi?
Kiandee: Dia tak bagi Yang Berhormat, tak bagi.
Tajuddin: Dia tak masuk lagi? Dah lama tak masuk-masuk. Main tepi saja.
Mujahid: Yang Berhormat Pasir Salak sabarlah.
Tajuddin: Bila nak keluar lagi air dia?

Expressing disappointment with the conduct of parliamentarians, Deputy Speaker Wan Junaidi Jaafar said: "From the information I got from my officers, I am very disappointed by the abusive words of the members of parliament.""But I have to refer this matter to Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee to take further action," he added.

Kiandee had presided over yesterday’s session.Tajuddin's sexual innuendo remarks were missed in the uproar he had sparked off when he called M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) “keling”, a derogatory term for Indians.Following pressure from Pakatan MPs to withdraw his remark, Tajuddin had today reluctantly obliged and made the retraction.Although Kulasegaran requested Kiandee to take stern action against Tajuddin, the deputy speaker, however, said a retraction was sufficient.

Related posts;

Benci = Ba***rd

BLOOD POLITICS

Yesterday in the Johor Legislative Assembly, Gwee Tong Hian (DAP Bentayan) asked why the Sultanah Fatimah Hospital in Muar had rejected a blood donation drive organised by the DAP. Apparently an officer from the hospital told him that the rejection came from higher authorities.

Now here comes the reply ! (as reported in today's STAR pg.29). Responding to his query State Womaen, Family, Welfare and Health Committee chairman Dr Robiah Kosai is reported to have replied:-

"it was better that blood donation drives be organised by NGO's, voluntary or religious bodies rather than political parties."

"She contended that if a blood donation campaign was organised by a political party those with a different political view might not want to participate in the donation".

"If the DAP organised a blood donation drive, those from UMNO may not donate their blood during the campaign."

This is an answer from a doctor- politician !. Abraham Lincoln once said " Better to remain silent and thought of as a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." Dr Robia Kosai's reply has no doubt removed that doubt.

It is simply amazing how low some will be prepared to stoop, to the extent that they can even politicise blood. Since UMNO members may be reluctant to receive blood from those who are not from UMNO, perhaps the members could inform the hospital authorities that should they ever need blood transfussion, the blood should come from their fellow members own.

A Somali view on Dr.Mahathir and Malaysia

Malaysiakini

Din,

I’m a Somali living in Malaysia who follows the local scene here very much. I would have to admit that Tun Dr M’s greatest disadvantage is his pure, unadulterated hatred for anyone who disagrees with him.

Never have I seen a human being whose sole motivation, drive and engine is pure hatred. Just visit his blog which is read by friends and foes, locals and foreigners and I must tell you it epitomizes him in every way.Since he started it after complaining of UMNO media strangulation, did you see an article that he has written concerning the poor, the needy, the widows, the orphans, the handicapped, the downtrodden, the wayfarers, compassion, empathy, sharing, sacrifice, charity, morality, accountability, God’s fear and Judgement, forgiveness, patience (etc)?

No.Always it is about some people, blaming others, calling them names, dishing out unvanished, pure hatred. Blaming others for this and that and exonerating himself from all blame? Surely, at this age? You can’t build a society and a nation through hate, vengeance, intense anger and mean spirit.

You would have to remind the people the higher purpose of life for them to get motivated and work harder for the less fortunate and for themselves. Finger pointing, blaming others, planting defeatist culture in the Malays, reducing them to mad people (we are sensitive, we will run amok society that makes even foreigners despise the Malays) will not help this society and nation.

My people (the Somalis) suffered from cruel leadership and when the hatred became too much, we turned to each other and till today, we the only nation with no Central govt. The Malays share with us almost every trait, very feudal, manipulated easily, territorial, misuse of Islam for expediency, rigid explanation of Islam and too much interest in outward Islam than inward Islam that strengthens the hearts, our only difference is that the Malays have the Chinese and the Indians around that make them watch out for the “enemies.”

For us, we didn’t have that and that’s why we turned to each other. If God has loved the Malays and Malaysia, it is because He brought other people here. If some Malays regret the presence of the Chinese and Indians, ask us the Somalis and you will know what it means to be an incestous (homogenous) society and you will praise the Almighty day in day out.

If it was possible, I would have shipped the Chinese and Indians to Somalia to create diversity in my nation but it is wishful thinking.

The other person who makes me cringe in shame is one Curry[Khairy] Jamaluddin. Never have I seen a more uncouth, uncultured, degenerate, pugancious, ill, nefarious and utterly infantile being than this young man. I have a big heart who tries to understand everyone and put myself in their place, but I don’t think my heart can accommodate one Curry Jamaluddin. He is a primate and deserves the worst treatment (though I hate it because we are Muslims and human beings) but honestly he is too much.

AbubakarOctober 25, 2008 at 5:43 pm

IS IT MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA OR MAHKAMAH TINGGI TANAH MELAYU ?

Is it Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya or Mahkamah Tinggi Tanah Melayu ? Perhaps someone would quickly clarify.

My attention is drawn to the legal notices placed by the Insolvency Department Negeri Sembilan as appeared in the Utusan Malaysia 22nd November 2008.

The intitulement in the notices uses the following words:-

DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI
TANAH MELAYU DI SEREMBAN
DALAM KEBANGKRAPAN No.....

Mahkamah Tinggi Tanah Melayu ? Since when ? Now, this is clearly a departure from the usual form which is:-

DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA
DI (Name of Town/City)
DALAM NEGERI (Name of State)
DALAM KEBANGKRAPAN No......

A cursory examination of all legal notices advertised in the newspapers would reveal that they are usually in the form and manner as stated above. It is always Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya and never Mahkamah Tinggi Tanah Melayu.

Thus, the legal notice by the Negeri Sembilan Insolvency Department is a radical departure from the usual.

Under the Courts of Judicature Act 1964 " High Court" means the High Court in Malaya and the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak or either of them as the case may require. Clearly the act envisages the words "Malaya" and not "Tanah Melayu'.

'local jurisdiction" means:-
(a). in the case of the high Court in Malaya, the territory comprised in the states of Malaya, namely Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, selangor, Trengganu and the Federal territory of Kuala Lumpur; and
(b). ....

Further, in respect of bankruptcy proceedings, The Bankruptcy Act 1967 states the following:-

S.1 (2) The Act (Bankruptcy Act) shall apply throught Malaysia.
S.2 "The Court" means the courts having jurisdiction in bankruptcy under the Act.
S.3 A debtor commits an Act of bankruptcy in each of the following cases:-
(a). if in Malaysia....
(b). if in Malaysia....
(c). if in Malaysia....
(d). if in Malaysia....
(e). if in Malaysia....

Note that the bankruptcy act has to be committed in Malaysia and not in Tanah Melayu.

Meanwhile, under the Bankruptcy Rules 1969, Rule 9 states:-
"Every proceeding in the bankruptcy matter shall be dated and shall with necessary additions be intutuled as in Form 1."

Form 1 states :-
In the High Court in............... at................................
In Bankruptcy( name of debtor) (NRIC) No............... of (Year)

It would be interesting to know the reason of the Negeri Sembilan Insolvency Department as to why they have changed the usual format and begun using a different form.

In any event, I have written to the Bar Council highlighting the matter and seeking a clarification.

I sincerely hope, this will not turn into a political issue but be quickly resolved. In the interim stand corrected.

FOMCA's brilliant idea : RM3 as petrol retail floor price !

The letter "M" in Fomca would fit to represent Planet Mars instead of Malaysia since they seem to be completely out of touch with the living cost of average Malaysian even with current petrol prices.

NST
KUALA LUMPUR: RM3 as the retail floor price for a litre of petrol is what the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) would like to see.

"We should set a floor price that would encourage the prudent use of petrol, promote the use of public transport and push for development in alternative energy," Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said when contacted by the New Straits Times yesterday.Sha'ani said a floor price of RM1.92 per litre was too low to regulate the price of petrol.

That was the price at the pump before the meteoric hike in price by 78 sen on July 1."Continued reductions in pump prices will only benefit those who drive their own vehicles but leave out low-income earners and the poor who do not own vehicles."At the same time, people will stop thinking about prudence in petrol use and start using their cars more, and then our roads will be jammed again."

Since the July 1 high of RM2.70 per litre of petrol, the government has been reducing prices in tandem with the fall in global crude oil prices. There is speculation that by early next month, pump prices will be below the pre-July prices.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad has proposed a price floor plan.Yesterday, Shahrir gave the assurance that every detail would be considered before the government decided whether to implement a price floor plan for the pump.He stressed that everyone must acknowledge that global oil prices were bound to go up at some point so the government would need something to fall back on.

"In the end, the money (for subsidies) has to come from somewhere."Even if we save the subsidy for petrol, it will still go to the consolidated fund, which in turn will be used for something else for the benefit of the people."Whatever the case, just wait for Dec 1 and the Economic Council will decide on it (price floor plan).

"The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) agrees that the price floor plan is workable.Cassa president Datuk Dr Jacob George, however, cautioned against imposing a price floor that was too far removed from the prevailing global crude oil price."We should not be seen as tampering with market forces because it may be viewed as Malaysians being unable to handle (the economic crisis).

"Both Sha'ani and George agreed that the crux of change lay in consumer habits.Consumers, they said, must keep tabs on their petrol consumption and avoid waste.The associations advised consumers to find an alternative mode of transport for their daily commute and consider at least a partial shift to public transport.

"Everyone is talking about saving 10 or 15 sen at the pump, but ultimately it is the millionaire who enjoys the low prices as this does not have much impact, if any, on the mid-income class," Sha'ani said.

He stressed that instead of pushing for lower prices of goods, the government should focus on bringing down the overall cost of the use of public amenities such as public transport, medical care and education.Sha'ani noted that by allowing the private sector more freedom to set their own prices, it would help spur the economy and reduce the stranglehold of a handful of companies that monopolised the sale of certain goods such as sugar and flour.

George agreed that it was necessary to "get rid" of cartels and parallel importers, who he said were stifling the development of healthy competition among businesses."We need to promote competition which is good for everyone, and this is where we all can come together and come up with a plan which is fair and reasonable for both consumers and the business community."Consumers and the private sector need to compromise and this is where the government can play its part, by helping both sides come to a consensus."This is not the time for protests. This is the time for prudent thinking and we all need to be accountable and work according to our conscience."

A case of rakyat subsidising the government ?

Gov't should profit from low fuel prices, says Shahrir
Malaysiakini

The government is justified to earn revenue from the recent drop of global oil prices as it had given out subsidies when prices were high, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Speaking to Malaysiakini in Parliament yesterday, he said the government can make a profit if local fuel prices remain at RM2 per litre and global crude oil prices hover at around US$55 per barrel.Stressing that consumers were also benefiting from current low prices, he added, "Motorists have got some money in their pocket, which is the RM625 rebate we have given out."Shahrir said the government will start earning revenue with the help of the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), where all costs are fixed, including the profit margins of oil companies and petrol station operators.

"Thus the oil companies will never make money beyond what we set because we control their margins.

"The rest (of the profits) will be taken by the government, which is a fairer system," Shahrir said."The question now is whether the government plans to give away (the money).

"We gave it away in the form of subsidies when prices were high, so it's only fair that the government makes some money now when prices are low."

The minister also explained that petrol stations will not be able to profit from the current low prices as they get a fixed margin of 12 sen per litre."If the retail price is higher than the market price, it is the government that benefits because we have taken care of their margins. If the prices are low, petrol stations will still enjoy the same margins," he said.Shahrir, however, said the decision to earn revenue has not been made as the government has yet to set a floor price for fuel, in which prices are not allow to go lower than a set level.

The issue will be discussed in an economic council meeting on Dec 1. The minister had earlier said he favoured a floor price of RM1.92 per litre.Subsidy policy remainsTwo days ago, Shahrir revealed that the government had stopped paying petrol subsidies since Nov 1 when global crude oil prices dipped below US$65 per barrel."At the price today, which is at RM2 (per litre), there is no subsidy and we do not have to pay.

"The subsidy is not going to be abolished, it is just that we have stopped subsidising (at the moment)," he told reporters.He also said the subsidy policy will remain as the government is still giving out subsidies for diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as a petrol rebate for motorists."Don't forget we give direct cash benefit to the motorists through the rebate. So we are still giving the subsidy, but there is no subsidy at the pump level," he explained.

Shahrir’s statement was a departure from what the deputy prime minister-cum-finance minister had stated in his Budget 2009 winding-up speech on Nov 4. Najib Abdul Razak had then said that the government would maintain a 30-sen fuel subsidy at the pumps. Global oil prices have already fallen substantially when he made the speech in Parliament.

Related posts

Govt to make u-turn

BARKING AT THE ROAD SIGNS

Briefly this is the state of the country as at Tuesday 11th November 2008.

1.Business Times Singapore reports that according to the latest figures from Bank Negara, Malaysia's international reserve position shows a further US$7.4 Billion decline to US$100 Billion as at 31st October. That amount according to Bank Negara is sufficient to finance 8.1 months of retained imports.

For the month of October Bank Negara's reserves fell by US$9.5 Billion compared US$12.8 Billion for the month of September. In fact, Malaysia's reserves have fallen by US$25.5 Billion since it peaked at US$125.7 Billion in June.

Any Barisan Nasional politician concerned of the falling reserves ? Nope.

2.Next, The Finance Minister recently informed that the government will borrow RM5 Billion from Employees Provident Fund, yup ! Simpanan Hari Tua Anda, to fund the government investment agency Valuecap Sdn Bhd. Basically what Valuecap would do is use your money to invest in companies where the share prices are low but have strong fundamentals and potentials.

Any Barisan Nasional politician raised any objections in Parliament ? Nope. Only the Pakatan Rakyat M.P's are engaging the Government in a furious debate.

3.Next,according to Malaysian Insider, it has learned that the Finance Ministry is conducting an audit of assets that it owns or has a stake in and apparently the government is mulling the possibility of raising cash by disposing its assets. Fire sale?

Any Barisan Nasional politician concerned ? Nope.

Now, contrast that to the reaction by Barisan Nasional and UMNO politicians to the decision of the Pulau Pinang state government giving its approval to Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang,to erect multi lingual road signs. Barisan Nasional and UMNO politicians are behaving like bats out of hell and attacking the Pulau Pinang government and its Chief Mininister Lim Guan Eng.

Its not as if Lim Guan Eng has decided to make all road signs in Pulau Pinang multi lingual. But the way the issue is being potrayed is as if Lim Guan Eng has decided to errect multi-lingual road signs in the whole of Pulau Pinang. Not that Lim Guan Eng has decided to change the name Kepala Batas to Kitsiang Jaya or Bukit Glugor to Bukit Karpal. All that Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang is doing is to put up road signs in Chinese, Tamil and Arabic along with the national language in the heritage areas of Georgetown which was recently declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

In fact Lim Guan Eng has gone on record stating that multi-lingual road signs will take account of characterictic of the area. Thus if it is a Malay heritage area, the road sign will be in Bahasa Malaysia and Arabic/Jawi. Alas, Barisan Nasional UMNO politicians chose to turn the whole issue into a racial issue and try to pit the Malays against the Non Malays. Despite the clarification by Lim Guan Eng, it does not pacify Barisan Nasional and UMNO politicians who are continuing with their protest, even though it was revealed that the previous Barisan Nasional state government had approved multi-lingual road signs and had even allocated funds for the project. So why the hypocricy?

Yesterday members of UMNO Tanjung went unannounced to the Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang office to hand in their memorandum. The memorandum stated that such a move would incur the anger of the Malays in the state and it warned what would happened to the state if chaos broke out. Malay anger or UMNO anger?

Prior to this, a member of the pro-tem committee of Gabungan Graduan Melayu Muda (don't they have better things to do like helping out unemployed and unemployable graduates?)filed a law suit against the Pulau Pinang state government and Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang. Apparently the roads signs are at odds with article 152 of the Federal Constitution. Of course other bedfellows like academicians, linguist and nationalists have all joined in and had their three minute fame on TV and in the newspapers particularly Utusan Malaysia, lambasting the Pulau Pinang state government and its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Some of these creatures who find it an impossibility to articulate a sensible and valid argument,instead revert to the all encompasing and all weather war cry "mencabar ketuanan Melayu".

Funny, no Barisan Nasional UMNO politicians, academicians or any nationalist raised article 152, ketuanan Melayu or warned about rising anger and chaos, when the the Court Complex in Putrajaya was (for a long time) known as the Palace of Justice simply because it was not politically right to call it Istana Keadilan. There are no demonstation or filing of lawsuits seeking a declaration that the streets in Putrajaya remove the prefix "prescint" and "boulevard" because it is at odds with article 152 of the Federal Constitution. No one foamed in his mouth or marched into the Sarawak Chief Minister's office and demanded the Sarawak state government and Kuching City Council to remove the Chinese road signs. And what's this Ain Arabia in Chinese heartland of Bukit Bintang. No Barisan Nasional politician has objected to the Kuala Lumpur City Council bending over and pandering to the Arabs. I know of one road in Kuala Lumpur named Jalan Isfahan. I am sure that road will not lead you to Isfahan, Iran ( though some has genuine fear that's where the country is leading to).

So what's the hue and cry over the multi-lingual road signs in Penang. Why the double standard?

I must applaud Lim Guan Eng for standing firm in his decision.

rahmat bahagia.....crash...boom...bang...!!!!

Malaysiakini

Despite video evidence, Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar has denied that the police moved in on participants at a candlelight vigil last night while they were singing the national anthem.

"That is what they (participants) are claiming," Khalid told reporters at the Petaling Jaya police district headquarters about midnight.

According to Tony Pua, who was also arrested, the Police charged in when they were about the finish singing the Negaraku, a fact supported by Malaysiakini video.




Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar's answers the media ;


"i am denying it"
When told that there was a video recording of the police action.

“He was part of the illegal gathering.”
On why Malaysiakini videographer Syukri Mohamad had been detained when he was on duty

“That doesn’t matter. The law says that a permit must be obtained.”
When asked if the group had posed a danger to the public


By the way, Syed Hamid Albar's comment on this incident was....
Saya tak tahu pun..

What could the PM be doing ?

source

Maybe...
just maybe...
he maybe...
sleeping Zzzzzz
thinking hmmm
scheming heh...heh...heh
meditating mmmm
yoga aummmm

GONE TO HELL

Imam Samudra, Amrozi Nurhasyim and Ali Ghufron went to hell today via Nusakambangan Island, Indonesia courtesy of the Indonesian firing squad.

The evil trio were responsible for crimes against humanity and will be remembered for killing 88 Australians, 29 Britons and 8 Americans in the 2002 Bali bombing.

A welcome and induction party awaits them in hell.

More news from around the world.

Indonesia executes Bali bombers

Justice has been served

Bullets silence Bali Bombers

Survivors, families mourn Bali lost ones

Indonesia executes Bali bombers, radicals call for revenge

RPK freed

Benci = Ba***rd ?

"You bloody bastard, show me proof"

Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – It is often referred to as “this august house” but conduct in the Dewan Rakyat today plumbed new depths with obscene language that would make even a street walker protest.
More than eyebrows were raised when a government MP called an opposition member a “bastard”.

Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) used the expletive on M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) after the Ipoh Barat member said the Pasir Salak Indian community “hated” Tajuddin.
Immediately, a furious Tajuddin yelled out “Bastard!”, and repeated the insult. “You bloody bastard, show me proof,” Tajuddin screamed. Full story here.

PS : Google's image search for Tajuddin Abdul Rahman produced an "interesting" result.

Obama wins!

The law allows detention up to 24 hours before needing to get an order from a magistrate....

even for a guy clad in a T-shirt bearing the words 'No to ISA' ?????

=======================================================

Deepavali bash: Man held over anti-ISA T-shirt
Andrew Ong Nov 4, 08 5:14pm

Malaysiakini

His curiosity piqued, KS Oliver and two friends attended a national-level open house in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

However, Oliver's festive mood came to a rude halt when he ended up being detained by the police for three hours over his 'dangerous' T-shirt.According to the 27-year-old Malaysiakini subscription executive, the police considered him a possible threat to the VVIPs present, which included Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Relating his ordeal, Oliver said he and his friends had visited the event after seeing a banner in KL Sentral regarding the bash, which was taking place at a nearby car park. The three were passing through exhibition booths when the police confronted them and escorted Oliver - who was clad in a T-shirt which bore the words 'No to ISA' - to a beat base in the vicinity. "I asked why I was detained and they asked why I wore this T-shirt. I asked what was wrong with the T-shirt and they said I could be a threat to the VVIPs present." "They gave me two options: Remove the T-shirt or remain at the police booth until the VVIPs leave. I refused to remove my shirt and chose to stay," he said.

Repeatedly quizzed during his detention, Oliver said he was repeatedly questioned by several police personnel about his background and purpose of attending the event. "I had to repeat myself like a tape recorder. At one point, one police officer asked if I was paid to wear the T-shirt," he said, adding that he wished the authorities would respect the freedom of expression.

However, Oliver said the police were professional and cordial throughout his detention.

Contacted later, Brickfields district police chief ACP Wan Abdul Bari Wan Ibrahim said Oliver was detained for documentation purposes and for the police to determine his reasons for being at the event."We needed to establish if he had any bad intentions," he said. On the duration of the detention, Wan Abdul Bari said the law allows detention up to 24 hours before needing to get an order from a magistrate. The national-level Deepavali open house is an annual event organised by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.

Zaid Ibrahim's speech at the LawAsia 2008 conference

The 'Ketuanan Melayu' model has failed, declared former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim in an incisive speech at the LawAsia 2008 conference in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

"It has resulted in waste of crucial resources, energy and time and has distracted from the real issues confronting the country," said Zaid, who criticised the race-based policy despite being a member of the ruling Umno party which was set up to safeguard Malay interests.

The former minister called on the BN government to abandon its 'reworked' concept of the social contract and embrace a fresh perspective borne out of discussions and agreements made in good faith with all the communities. "It is time for us all to practise a more transparent and egalitarian form of democracy and to recognise and respect the rights and dignity of all the citizens of this country."

"We are a deeply divided nation, adrift for our having abandoned democratic traditions and the rule of law in favour of a political ideology that serves no one save those who rule."

"It makes us lose our sense of balance and fairness. When a certain Chinese lady was appointed head of a state development corporation, having served in that corporation for 33 years, there were protests from Malay groups because she is Chinese," he said referring to the controversy involving the appointment of Low Siew Moi as acting head of the Selangor Development Cooperation (PKNS).

"While I applaud the prime minister for calling upon the Indian community to reject extremism, should not a similar call be made on the Malay community and (Malay daily) Utusan Malaysia?

"They (the Malays) are not under seige. The institutions of government are such that the Malays are effectively represented, and there is no way the interest of the Malays can be taken away other than through their own weakness and folly."

The full speech can be downloaded in pdf format here

One Brave Malaysian

The NST today reported that Shahfrulnizam Abdul Malek was charged in Klang Sessions Court for robbing a Nigerian....yes a Nigerian of USD 2,000 at KLIA airport on October 22nd.

All I can say is that Shahfrulnizam is one brave and courageous man to pick on a Nigerian.

================================================================

NST

KLANG: A 31-year-old unemployed man was charged yesterday with robbing a Nigerian businessman last week.
Shahfrulnizam Abdul Malek claimed trial to committing the offence against Maxwell Nnamdi Nwanozie, 29, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 1.45pm on Oct 22.He allegedly robbed Maxwell of US$2,000 (RM7,104). Three others are still at large.Sessions court judge Aslam Zainuddin granted him RM12,000 bail in one surety and fixed Nov 28 for mention.

Govt to make U-turn on pledge of pegging petrol price to global market price?

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad yesterday began testing the ground sentiment on the plan to fix a minimum price for petrol, even if the global oil price continues to plummet. His idea is to fix the price at a minimum of RM 1.92 and maximum of RM 2.70.

This is despite their earlier pledge in August to strictly follow market price with 0.30 cents subsidy per litre.

The Politics of PKNS

Six staff bodies of state agency Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) have objected to the appointment of a senior official as acting general manager on grounds that she is Chinese.

Malaysiakini reports that Low Siew Moi was set to retire as PKNS’ deputy corporate affairs and accounting manager this month.

However, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim (right) recently appointed her as acting GM to replace outgoing general manager Harun Salim.Low, 57, a trained accountant, has served PKNS for 35 years with her last post being deputy GM for corporate development.In their joint memorandum dated Oct 25 to Khalid, the staff associations said:

“PKNS was established for Malays and to fulfill the Malay agenda. Because of this, the organisation needs to be led by a Malay.”

“However, leading PKNS would need certain leadership criteria, among them, rapport with all staff and associations and ability to communicate with different levels of personnel.”

The memorandum stated that, as PKNS conducts activities that are spiritual in nature, its leader must understand and practice Islamic values. “In other words, the one who will become the general manager will be the ‘imam’ for all the staff,” the signatories said.

Harris Ibrahim pops the question if Pakatan Rakyat is perpetuating raced based politics and governance.

Meanwhile PAS has volunteered to find a more "suitable" candidate .

Happy Deepavali to all Malaysians

Going To Hell - Bon Voyage

The Star Online
Indonesia will execute the Bali bombers on death row in early November, the spokesman of the Indonesian attorney general's office said on Friday.The three men -- Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Mukhlas, also known as Ali Ghufron -- were sentenced to death in 2003 for their roles in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 lives.

11 alleged Hindraf supporters held

11 people were arrested when they attempted to submit a letter at Prime Minister Department’s office in Putrajaya today.

"“We were trying to obtain permission from the security guards for Vwaishhnnavi to submit her letter. They said that we were from Hindraf, but we insisted that we were concerned Indians who were accompanying Vwaishnnavi,” said Police Watch Malaysia coordinator S Jayathas, who was also held.

Vwaishnnavi, the six-year-old niece of detained Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar was with the group when they were held.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman confirmed the arrest of eight men and three women during the incident. He clarified that Vwaishhnnavi has not been arrested and is in her mother’s care.

Details at ;

malaysiakini

ISA again

Oct 17, 08 11:56am

A 26-year-old activist has been arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) tonight following a report she made accusing the police of abuse of power in yesterday’s controversial eviction of a squatter colony in Johor.
Cheng Lee Whee, a self-employed programmer who is a volunteer for human rights group Suaram, lodged the police report at the Permas Jaya police station in Johor Bharu at about 3pm yesterday.
The report was made in response to the forced eviction of squatters in Kampung Baru Plentong Tengah - a predominantly Malay village akin to Kuala Lumpur’s Kampung Baru - and the arrest of 27 individuals for attempting to stop the demolition of the settlement.

Read the rest at Malaysiakini

HINDRAF banned

TheStar

The Hindu Rights Actions Force (Hindraf) has been declared an illegal organisation from today, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

He said the order was being made as a result of monitoring and investigation on the organisation’s activities by the Registrar of Societies (ROs) and Home Ministry, since Hindraf’s inception.

“The decision to declare Hindraf an illegal organisation is not based on one or two of its activities that are in contravention of the law but covers all the actions it has taken since being formed,” he said.

"....Hindraf had actively exploited the Indian community to organise illegal assemblies and street demonstrations without permits to the point of causing a segment of the community to rise up against the Government and also hatred among the Malays and Indians in the country." he added.

HISHAMMUDDIN - Pot Calling Kettle Black.



Pot calling the kettle black. This timely advice to politicians to refrain from going overboard from someone who had no qualms brandishing a kris as a reminder.

KHAN YOU BELIEVE IT, ?

Absurdity is a virtue in Malaysia. How else can one describe Malacca’s decision to confer Datukship on Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Years ago when I was at the Subang airport, a security guard beaconed a driver who had parked his Mercedes Benz right at the entrance of the main door to move on. Somehow the driver just refused to move and so the security guard walked to the driver and told him sternly to drive off. The driver protested saying that he was “tunggu Datuk” (waiting for Datuk). I chuckled pink when the guard told the driver “hello, Daud Kilau (a popular gelek singer) pun Datuk lah… jalanlah”. (Hello, even Daud Kilau is a Datuk.. just move on will ya..). The guard cared too hoots for Datuk’s.

Recently, a writer wrote in the NST, how at the waiting room of Institute Jantung Negara, when a nurse called out the patient “Datuk”, six Datuk’s actually got up !.

Malaysia, it would seem is teeming with Datuks and the running joke is if you were to throw a stone in Malacca, there is a very high possibility that the stone would strike a Datuk. I am confident sooner or later I will also obtain one (well maybe after 20 million other have got theirs).

So just what did Shah Rukh Khan do to deserve his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka Datukship. According to Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the decision to confer the title was suggested to the Yang di Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob by former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin. Apparently in 2001 the Bollywood heartthrob had shot a movie One Two Ka Four at A Famosa Resort, Alor Gajah Melaka. According to the Chief Minister that has resulted many people visiting Malacca.

Yesterday, was the investure ceremony but the actor did not attend the ceremony. Infact the great Khan was in Singapore for a Zee TV engagement. Apparently, Tun Daim is making arrangements to bring the actor here to receive his gong in a special ceremony. The great Khan must be really looking to the great day but before that he must once again look up in the map where the sleepy hollow is.

Now, if Shah Rukh Khan deserved the award, then other notables like Catherine Zeta Jones and Sean Connery who shot the movie Entrapment against the backdrop of Petronas Twin Tower, Chow Yuen Fatt in King and I shot around Ipoh and Jackie Chan who shot among other Police Story surely also deserves Datukship.

Datukships in Malaysia are too easily dished out. Add to the annual list which seems to grows each year, some Datuk’s are known to have obtained theirs from the Sulu rulers. Now, we have Datuks who are Yoga masters, to mini market owners to “besi buruk” businessmen added to the perenial list of politicians being rewarded more often than not for service to their political masters. Just read the congratulatory advertisement which appear in the neswspapers after each investure ceremonies and you would have an idea what their day job is. Mention also must be made of many lawyers who hardly have any time for service to the BAR but are Datuks by virtue of their public service in the east coast.

I believe it is high time that members of the public should also be allowed to nominate Malaysians who have distinguished themselves in the service for the people for consideration for such awards.

HOW AIR ASIA KEEP'S COST LOW!



But still for me Air Asia is still the best.

Thank god for Tony Fernandes.

Penan girls claim abuse

TheStar Online

PETALING JAYA: School was supposed to be a way for the community to improve their socio-economic situation.

However, Penan girls hitching rides to school and back have now found themselves easy victims of sexual abuse by logging company workers.

Interviews conducted in settlements in the Middle Baram area in northern Sarawak, revealed that several students had become victims of rapes by logging workers.

The students are boarders in two secondary schools in the area and only go back to their settlements during the school holidays.

Village leaders have previously appealed to timber camp managers to provide transportation for the students so that their journeys can be cut down to several hours from up to a week if done on foot.

Last year, a 16-year-old student from Long Kawi, a settlement in the Middle Baram, became pregnant after being raped while returning to her boarding school. She gave birth recently.

Relating the incident, she said she was hitching a ride with a logging company vehicle back to her school SMK Long Lama.

When the driver reached the logging camp, he refused to continue driving although the school was not much further.

She alleged that she was dragged to some bushes behind the camp and raped by a man who she believed had been drinking.

A student from the other secondary school with boarding facilities in Long San said she knew of cases of female students being driven to logging camps when taking transportation provided by companies.

Long Belok settlement headman Alah Beling believed the known cases could just be the tip of the iceberg.

Earlier reports quoted Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohmad Salleh as saying that police were prepared to launch immediate investigations into the allegations of sexual abuse against Penan girls by logging workers.

Women, Family and Community Develop-ment Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen and the Human Rights Commission have said that the complaints would be investigated.

Allegations of sexual abuse against Penan girls came to light after it was exposed last month by local and foreign non-governmental organisations.

see also

bruno manser fund

borneo project