Dashini Jeyathurai, ex-student of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Yahya Awal selected to be valedictory speaker at US university

Source : NST

Stories abound over the achievements of Asian students in American universities.
Last month, 13-year-old child prodigy Sameer Mishra from India stunned the American nation by winning the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee competition in Washington.

Today, it is a Malaysian girl’s turn to bag a rare distinction.Dashini Jeyathurai, 24, from Johor Baru, has been selected as one of two students out of the 30 bright students who auditioned for delivering the valediction speech on “Disorienting Dilemmas: Getting an Education.” She arrived in the United States in 2004 to pursue an undergraduate course in English and Womens Studies as her major and minor subjects at the reputed Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. The course is courtesy of Starr International Scholarship, awarded by the C.V. Starr Foundation in the US.

This month, Jeyathurai graduated with a summa-cum-laude distinction which is awarded to students who graduate with a 3.90 score and above.“I was the only Malaysian out of six students granted scholarships,” she said in an interview with Bernama.Jeyathurai is planning to study for her PhD in English and Womens Studies at the University of Michigan, a five-year academic endeavour.

She began her education at the Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Yahya Awal in Johor Baru, then went on to further studies in Singapore on an Asean scholarship.Jeyathurai has received accolades at Carleton, including the Mortar Board Fund Prize, Niles Prize in Medieval and Renaissance Studies and the Noyes Prize which is awarded to distinguished scholars from the junior class. This year, she won the Scott Tyler Bergner Prize for demonstrating excellence in character and thought, and the Andrea Iseminger Endowed Scholarship which enabled her to study theatre and empire literature in London.

PAS’S ALARMING PLAN FOR POWER GRAB.

A few days ago, DAP Johor was alerted by members of public of a commentary titled “Mendaulatkan Islam Yang Terbantut” posted in www.pasjohorbahru.com.

Our attention was drawn to a segment of the article and it is produced herein.

“…sekiranya PAS ingin melaksanakan undang-undang Islam, sewajibnya PAS

perlu menghantar wakil-wakilnya ke Parlimen sehingga menjadi suara

majority.

Dengan itu, jika PAS mahu melaksanakan hukum Allah, sewajibnya Pas perlu

menguasai kawasan DUN-DUN dan Parlimen-Parlimen. Justru itu, jika PAS

ingin menguasai DUN dan Parlimen, sudah pasti PAS perlu menghantar wakil

untuk bertanding di DUN-DUN dan Parlimen-Parlimen yang sudah

dimenangi PKR dan DAP.

Dalam kes ini, jika diharapkan dengan petugas-petugas sahaja agak susah

untuk pihak PAS merebut kerusi di DUN-DUN dan Parlimen-Parlimen yang

sudah dimenangi oleh PKR dan DAP, tetapi antara cara yang paling kuat

untuk “mengambil” kerusi itu adalah dengan membanyakkan cawangan-

cawangan PAS, yang dengannya PAS adalah golongan menguasai sesuatu

DUN atau Parlimen.

Apabila ini dapat dibentangkan dihadapan pihak DAP dan PKR, sudah pasti

mereka tidak boleh lagi hendak beralasan dengan mendakwa bahawa

sesuatu Dun atau parlimen itu milik mereka, yang dengan itu, walaupun

agak susah mereka terpaksa menyerahkan kerusi DUN atau parlimen itu

kepada PAS.”

I am gob smacked reading it. Occasionaly similar or like views do appear in blogs of inviduals but in the spirit of freedom of speech, such views can be tolerated and dismissed as an individual’s mussing however warped those views are.

However, in this instance, when such views appears in the party’s official website it naturally raises concern. It has to be deemed to be the party’s stand. In essence, the article reveals PAS plans for power grab and the extent it is prepared to go in order to achieve its aim. Naturally, it makes disturbing reading for Pakatan Rakyat’s coalition partners DAP and PKR

The open declaration and revelation by PAS of its actual and true agenda is not on callous but most disturbing. It may not be wrong to conclude that in truth PAS gives two hoots about its alliance with DAP and PKR. The end justifies its means and even if it means riding rough shod over its Pakatan Rakyat partners DAP and PKR.

It is high time PAS (and other parties in Pakatan Rakyat) realize that their success in the 2008 General Election was because each needed the other and each had to help the other. That’s the reason why the people supported and voted Pakatan Rakyat. People did not vote DAP or PKR or PAS. They voted Pakatan Rakyat.

Thus, when one party is not prepared to work together with its partners for the greater good of all and common goal but instead designs its own personal agenda and charts its own road to power grab, it can ultimately result only one thing – certainty of another failed alliance.

History has shown that opposition parties in order to challenge Barisan Nasional’s hegemony had in the past had attempted to form or replicate something similar to Barisan Nasional’s coalition. Unfortunately for one reason or another all the attempts did not last long.

Harakah Keadilan Rakyat (1986), Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah (1990), Gagasan Rakyat (1995), Barisan Alternatif (1999) ought to be a reminder to parties in Pakatan Rakyat how alliances formed with fanfare and hope in the end due to personal and conflicting agenda floundered and failed.

Should parties in Pakatan Rakyat and in this instance PAS fail to learn the lessons of past and instead work against each other, it would only mean that Barisan National need not do anything towards Pakatan Rakyat. Pakatan Rakyat will destruct by itself.

INDIANS - TIME TO GET REAL.

Recently, newspapers reported the story of K.Kamine Devi. Although she scored 10A1 in last year’s SPM, the Public Service Department turned down her application to study medicine overseas. This after the PSD had issued a statement recently guaranteeing scholarship for students who scored 9 A’s in their SPM. To add insult to injury, her application for a matriculation programme was also rejected. Kamine Devi is an Indian.

She is not the only Indian in the lurch. Lost out simply because of skewed education and affirmative action policies. Also, Kamine Devi is not the only unfortunate Indian. There are many with a similar story.

A fortnight ago, M.I.C Central Working Committee Member S,Murugasen in a letter to Malaysiakini revealed that out of 751 successful candidates for Jawatan Pembantu Penguatkuasa Gred N17 only 10 candidates or 1.3% were Indians. Now, for the uninformed, Grade N17 are support staff and is usually open to applicants with SPM or equivalent qualification. There are more likely from the lower and lower-middle income families who may have discontinued studies after Form 5 to find a job in order to support their families.

What I found interesting was the M.I.C’s Central Working Committee Member’s expose that “whenever the issue of low percentage of Indians being accepted into the government employment is raised, the standard answer is that there were insufficient number of applicants. However, feedback from divisional level M.I.C Youth leaders is that many Indians Youths do apply for governmental jobs but are not called for interviews and out of those called only a very small percentage have been successful”. Quite startling and hard-hitting especially when during the recent general election, M.I.C gave a glowing report card about job opportunities for Indian youths. Yet three months later, M.I.C in public is talking about unfairness. Is M.I.C in the government or now running with the opposition?

Still on the same point, a letter from the Inland Revenue Board published in NST on Monday, June 23, 2008 stated that the Inland Revenue Board does not have race quota in recruitment of new officers. Now let me remind everyone that I also believe in the fairy god-mother and Santa Claus. According, to the Inland Revenue Board, in their recent recruitment exercise only 2,16% (324) of the total applicants (15,018) for the post of executive officer Grade 7 were Indians. And of the number of successful applicants, 2.47% ( eight) were Indians who fulfilled the criteria set for the job. As for the total application received (916) for the post of administrative assistant Grade 11, only 0.44 % (four) were Indian applicants. Of the total number of successful applicants (190) all four of them were successful.

Even in the Johor Bahru courts, the majority of the Indians are only employed as court interpreters. This is a sunset position as there are already some judges who encourage litigants born after 1970 to converse in Bahasa Malaysia. They are often urged to speak in Bahasa Malaysia without the aid of an Interpreter. So, it is safe to say that in years to come the job of interpreters especially Tamil and Chinese Interpreters will become redundant. With that another job opportunity in the civil service closes for Indians.

The private sector does not look promising either. Go to the banks and other office's and count the number of Indian faces there. Even, legal firms which once provided Indians with clerical job opportunities employ fewer Indians. If there is one segment of the Indians population who has better prospect of finding jobs, at least clerical jobs are those who can speak Mandarin. Trust me if you can speak Mandarin, you will never be jobless.

Last week, the Star gave a breakdown of the intake into public universities. Out of the 40,184 STPM and equivalent candidates, 6.84% were Indians. The number of places awarded to Indian student for critical courses are as follows:-

What can be seen is that the Indian intake into public universities is ridiculously and unfairly small.

Hoping for an overseas scholarship to study one of the critical courses will be like waiting for Godot. There is a better chance of witnessing the Halley’s comet.

So what’s the point I am making? Indians must realize that in the near future it is going to be nearly impossible for Indians to get employment in the civil service. In the private sector which is dominated by the Chinese, there is a “national service” pressure for companies to provide employment for Malays first before Indians. Just have a look at the banks and see how many Indians are employed. Indians are already finding it really difficult to near impossibility in getting scholarships. Indians must prepare now for their children’s future. Indians must begin to look elsewhere and not rely on the government to educate their children.

The only way for Indians to uplift themselves and their families is through education. That means Indian parents must make every possible sacrifice for their children. My sister, brother and myself are eternally grateful to our parents for the sacrifices they made to ensure that we got the education we want. My parents received not a single sen from the government yet my parents sacrificed their yesterday for our tomorrow. The saved every single sen to pay for our education.

To study, one needs money. Indian parents must realize that the realistic option for their children education are private universities or to study abroad. Whichever option, one needs money and lots of it. I just wonder how many parents and particularly from the lower and lower middle class Indian families actually put aside of money each month for their children’s education. However seeing the number of empty beer bottles on the table of the ever grateful Chinese coffee shop owner only, I fear a bleak future for many Indians. Add to that, is the sad sight of seeing children wasting their valuable studying time every night sitting together with their mothers watching Indian serials on Astro. Sometimes I just wonder if Indian parents ever care for their children’s future. There are many Indians who would not buy a computer for their children but have no qualms in installing Astro. Just where are their priorities, I often wonder. At least one can see Malay parents buying for their children computers at Courts Mammoth even if it is purchased through installment plan. Believe me, Malay children are really good or at least better than Indian children when it comes to computer technology.

Let me advise Indian parents, save and save all your money. Invest in your children’s education even if you could only educate them to have only trade skill. Education, that’s the best gift you can give your children. Cut out or at least reduce the beer, forget the cigarettes and disconnect Astro. That’s a good start. The savings made, put it into your children’s education account and see it grow. It is hard but sacrifice now and be assured you will reap benefits later. With education, the world and not just Malaysia opens opportunities for your children. Your children will never need to be victims of quota system and affirmative policies. Instead the world awaits and welcomes them.

The writer welcomes comments at anfalaw@streamyx.com

WHEN DOGS COME INTO EDUCATION

Many years ago, my friend who was a lecturer at a teachers training college in Johor Bahru lamented at the quality of the trainee teachers there. His profound words “education has not gone to the dogs but instead dogs have come into education” remains etched in my mind.

Now let me make it clear that it is not my intention to insult teachers. I have uncles and aunties who were school teachers and incidentally my good mother was also a teacher. Many of my school teachers had a great impact in my life and most of all Mr Chakravathy of Sekolah Menengah Tinggi Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. I still remember going to see and inform him that I will be leaving for teachers training. Instead he tore into shreds my teachers training selection notification and sternly told me to continue with my studies. Phew! what a right decision it has turned out to be.

Reading, Hannah Yeoh’s latest posting in her web-log www.hannahyeoh.blogspot reminds me of my friend’s profound words.

Hannah Yeoh is the DAP Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya. This law graduate from University of Tasmania and incidentally where I too graduated from, was a student of SMK Subang Jaya and was also the Head Prefect for the year 1995/1996. For years there has been a tradition of an annual Prefect Reunion where former and present prefects attend the function which is actually a private function.

What has made Hannah really upset is because some cabbage brained teachers saw it fit to issue a threat to the school prefects to withdraw their invitation to her and even worst to issue an ultimum that should Hannah be invited the function will be cancelled. I just wonder how sensisitive would her presence be at the function. Do the teachers think Hannah will turn the prefects reunion function into a political function and give a political ceramah or use the opportunity to recruit members for DAP? Come of it !

How true are the profound words of my friend said years ago. Dogs have indeed come into education. The school and the teachers of SMK Subang Jaya rightfully should feel proud that one of their students had not only qualified as a lawyer but also has now been elected as an Assemblywoman. Instead, these dumb-asses saw it fit to cast Hannah as an outcast for no other valid reason but simply because she was a DAP Assemblywoman. Had she been a BN Assemblywoman, the school would have had a special assembly and everyone connected with the school from the Principal to the tuck-shop operator to the lolly-pop man would have jostled to kiss her her arse in the hope of getting some “peruntukkan or surat sokongan”. The PIBG Chairperson would have been there with a garden of flowers pinned on his bush-jacket giving an off tangent glowing speech about the government and pleading for “peruntukkan untuk PIBG”.

It is sad that there are teachers who have been so brainwashed that they live in a blinkered and skewered world devoid of any logical and sensible reasoning. I still remember when I was selected by my class teacher to speak on the best book I have read and why to the class. I told the class the best book I read (then) was Time Bombs in Malaysia by Lim Kit Siang and went on to talk about what Lim Kit Siang said about the real situation in Malaysia and what was Malaysia’s future. Through out the session, the teacher felt really uneasy and after I had finished sarcastically quipped “lain kali baca buku yang lebih bermanfaat”. She just could not accept “such books”. She would have been happy as a button if I had said that the book I read was “ Hikayat kura- kura lawan arnab”. Incidentally when I became the top student for History, she presented me the book “The Malay Dilemma”.

Coming back, it is really despicable that teachers have became agents and tools of the government and has no qualms about and are willing to intimidate, instill fear and threaten others against others who do not share their belief - all hallmarks of the government. Teachers not only ought to impart knowledge but also identify role models which their students can emulate. Who better than their ex-students as role models. They ought to be proud of the achievements of the schools’ ex- students. Sadly, the teachers of SMK Subang Jaya are blissful to live in their cloistered coconut shell and see it fit to demean and mortify their own (ex) student. Would the teachers of SMK Subang Jaya reacted in the same manner had Hannah Yeoh been the Assemblywoman from BN? Surely not !

Rightfully, the parents of SMK Subang Jaya should demand an explanation from the Principal and identify the dumbass behind the withdrawal of the invitation. In fact that person could be a real threat to other students for that person may have his/her own agenda to poison the young minds at SMK Subang Jaya with his/her own skewed thoughts and other propaganda.

Truly, we can do without these petty minded teachers who are nothing who only know how to only froth the rulling party’s agenda.

RACIAL STREOTYPING OR SIMPLY PLAIN MISCHIEF

Reading, Kosmo June, 19 I came across an article about KRU Films new movie Notti. According to the movie’s lead actress Fara Fauzana, she is to play the role of five characters. No doubt it may be daunting to play that many roles but it is not impossible or that it has never been done. Afterall, a Tamil box office currently playing in the cinemas has the lead actor taking on ten roles including one that of George Bush!

Anyway, it not her multiple roles that caught my attention but her revealation that among the roles she would be playing would be “Watak orang jahat pula melakukan kerja seperti membunuh dan menjual dadah. Itu adalah watak orang Cina”.

Now hear it clearly- the murderer and the drug trafficker character is to be a Chinese. We can safely assume that Notti being a Malay movie, it is targetted for the Malay audience. That being the case, what’s the big idea of specifically making the murderer and the drug trafficker in a Malay movie to be a Chinese. Are the movie producers sending the message that murderers and drug traffickers are exclusively or usually Chinese? I am not saying that there are no are no Chinese who are murderers or drug traffickers but equally there are murderers and drug traffickers also from the Malay community.

Crime is never associated and or ought to be associated with any one community. To do that is simply being racist. Notti being a Malay movie, could the directors not make the baddies also from the same community. Will there be a problem if it is done? But as it is now done, it is nothing more than racial stereotyping or at the very least mischief making. Since the lead actress is already playing four other roles, no harm will be done if she also plays the role of the murderer and drug trafficker without the neccessity for her to step into another community’s shoes.

BLESS THIS MAN

At a time when Malaysians are peeved off at the petrol hike, this story as appeared in the STAR June, 19 really brought a smile to my face. I read the news no less than three times and I visualised the whole scene.

Anyway, though what he did may be wrong but one has to be thankful for small mercies. At least all those lucky motorist ought to be. Afterall God acts in mysterious ways. If this man is ever caught and charged, I am most prepared to assist him pro bono. The very least to mitigate on his behalf for leniency.

Here is the article… read on

HOW MUCH INCOME DOES ONE NEED MONTHLY?

Just how much income does one need in order to have a reasonable and decent standard of living or to be able to support his family?

Here are two scenario’s. I found these interesting reads from the internet and newspapers.

Someone earning RM3,000-00 per month

(bench mark of an average Malaysian family per month). Family of four – father works, mother doesn’t and there are two children one school going and the other an infant.

The calculation :

· Electricity and water bills – RM100 (no air-conditioning, home theatre system or water

heater);

· Phone bill (Telekom Malaysia Bhd) – RM100;

· Meals – RM775 (based on three meals for the whole family at RM25 per day);

· Father’s refreshments, light lunch and the tarik during working hours – RM155 (that’s a

measly RM5 per day);

· Car instalment – RM400 (a modest Proton Saga Aeroback, seven-year repayment

period);

· Petrol – RM300 (driving in the city to go to work and take the son to school with very

minimal toll payment);

· Car and life insurance – RM650;

· House mortgage repayment – RM750 (low-cost or low medium-cost housing repayment

for 30 years, which can stretch on after retirement);

· Tuition ( a norm for every child) – RM80 (if there is one that cheap);

· Pocket money for the child to take to school – RM20 (that’s less than RM1 a day, is that

enough?);

· School fees for various activities, books and uniforms – RM130 (there is always something

to be paid);

· Milk powder for the younger child – RM50 (the least expensive ); and,

· Miscellaneous – RM100 (shampoo, soap, detergent, rice, sauce, toilet paper and other

household items).

The total for the above comes up to RM3,610 and that’s a clear deficit. And notice that the expenditure has not included some of the common things like satellite television subscription, mobile phone bills and Internet fees.

There are also no provisions for other kinds of family leisure. And the RM3,000 monthly wage has not taken into account the deductions for income tax and Employees’ Provident Fund.


Someone earning RM6,000 per month

Even if one is earning RM6,000 and having an ordinary lifestyle there is still a deficit each month.

The calculation :

Gross salary RM6,000.

· Net after EPF RM5,340;
· Net after Tax RM5,090;
· Less Housing Loan RM1,000;
· Less Car Loan RM600;
· Less Petrol RM350;
· Less Hand Phone RM150;
· Less Wife Allowance RM500;
· Less Parent Allowance RM500;
· Less Two Children Kindergarten RM350;
· Less House Electric RM120;
· Less House Water RM60;
· Less House Telephone RM80;
· Less House Food RM500;
· Less Own Lunch RM180;
· Less Car Instalment RM150;
· Less Medical RM100;
· Less Personal Insurance RM500;

Balance RM50

What is clear is that, it is becoming to rather difficult to have a decent living standard even if one is earning RM6,000. If that is so, just imagine those earning RM1,500 and below. Spare a thought for them. Who do you blame. The same people who promised “Aman, Selamat dan Makmur” – Barisan Nasional.

Incidentally here are some of the excesses of Barisan Nasional (ref : www.malaysiawaves.com).

This list below is hardly exhaustive as these are the ones uncovered so far – the tip of the ice-berg, if you will! What lies beneath could be much larger :-

1. The Bank Bumiputra twin scandals in the early 1980s saw US$1 billion (RM3.2 billion in 2008

ringgit) wasted;

2. The Maminco attempt to corner the world tin market in the 1980s is believed to have cost

some US$500 million (RM1.6 billion);

3. Betting in foreign exchange futures cost Bank Negara Malaysia RM30 billion in the 1990s;

4. Perwaja Steel resulted in losses of US$800 million (RM2.56 billion). Eric Chia was charged

with corruption for allegedly steering US$20 million (RM64 million) to a Hong Kong based

company);

5. Use of RM10 billion public funds in the Valuecap Sdn Bhd operation to shore up the stock

market.

6. Banking scandals of RM700 million losses in Bank Islam;

7. The sale of M.V. Agusta by Proton for one Euro making a loss of €75.99 million (RM348

million);

8. Wang Ehsan from oil royalty in Terengganu amounting to RM7.4 billion from 2004 – 2007;

9. For the past 10 years since the Philharmonic Orchestra was established, this orchestra has

swallowed a total of RM500 million;

10. In Advisors Fees, Mahathir was paid RM180,000; Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Women and Social

Development Affairs) RM404,726; and Abdul Hamid Othman (Religious Affairs) RM549,675

per annum;

11. The government has spent a total of RM3.2 billion in teaching Maths and Science in English

over the past five years. Out of the amount, the government paid a whopping RM2.21

billion for the purchase of information and computer technology (ICT) equipment of which

the breakdown of costs is unknown;

12. The commission paid for the purchase of jets and submarines to two private companies,

Perimeker Sdn Bhd and IMT Defence Sdn Bhd amounted to RM910 million;

13. RM300 million to compensate Gerbang Perdana for the RM1.1 billion “Crooked Scenic Half-

Bridge”;

14. RM1.3 billion has been wasted building the white elephant Customs, Immigration and

Quarantine (CIQ) facilities on cancellation of the Malaysia – Singapore scenic bridge;

15. RM100 million spent on the Parliament building for renovations and to patch up leaks;

16. National Astronaut Programme – RM40 million;

17. National Service Training programme – yearly an estimate of RM500 million;

18. Eye on Malaysia – RM30 million and another RM5.7 million of free tickets;

19. RM4.63 billion ‘soft-loan’ to PKFZ;

20. RM2.4 million on indelible ink;

21. Samy announced in September 2006 that the government paid compensation amounting to

RM38.5 billion to 20 highway companies. A RM380 million windfall for 9 toll concessionaires

earned solely from the toll hikes in 2008 alone;

22. RM32 million timber export kickbacks involving companies connected to the Sarawak Chief

Minister and his family;

Bailouts –

23. Two bailouts of Malaysia Airline System at RM7.9 billion. At a time when MAS

incurred losses every year, RM1.55 million was used to but three paintings to decorate its

chairman’s (Munir) office;

24. Putra transport system bailout which cost RM4.486 billion;

25. STAR – LRT bailout costing RM3.256 billion;

26. National Sewerage System bailout costing RM192.54 million;

27. Seremban – Port Dickson Highway bailout costing RM142 million;

28. Kuching Prison bailout costing RM135 million;

29. Kajian Makanan dan Gunaan Orang Islam bailout costing RM8.3 million;

30. Le Tour de Langkawi bailout costing RM3.5 million;

31. Wholesale distribution of tens of millions of shares in bursa Saham Malaysia under the guise

of NEP to cronies, children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth billions of

ringgits;

32. Time Asia magazine issue on March 15 2004, a South East Asian economist at Morgan

Stanley in Singapore, Daniel Lian, figures “that the country may have lost as much as

US$100 billion (RM320 billion) since the early 1980s to corruption. “Mind you, this is only

corruption and it does not include wastages and mismanagement which would increase the

amount!.

Food for thought?

Norman Fernandez

EVEN THE MONKEYS ARE LEAVING

I came accross this news in the June 15, 2008 edition of Kosmo. A houseowner claims that a group of monkeys entered into his house and stole his International Passport.

Yes ! you heard it right ! Monkeys stealing International Passport. That's a first !

Just goes to show that things are really getting bad in Malaysia so much so that even the monkeys want to leave. Maybe it just want to get away for a while.

- Melbourne bound ?

Perhaps...

Fuel hike protest at Kampung Baru.

More pictures at the people's parliament.

Shock and Awe

May 24, 2008
MELAKA, May 24 (Bernama) -- The government has no plans to increase fuel price despite the price hike of petrol by 30 per cent in Indonesia beginning Saturday, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said. - Bernama

June 4, 2008
PUTRAJAYA, June 4 (Bernama) -- Petrol and diesel prices will go up by 78 sen and RM1 per litre respectively at midnight tonight, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Wednesday. - Bernama

June 9, 2008
GEORGE TOWN, June 9 (NST): The current prices of petrol and diesel will be maintained until next March even if world oil prices touch US$200 (RM660) a barrel, said Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad. - NST

June 10, 2008
PUTRAJAYA, June 10 (NST): The government has not decided whether the prices of petrol and diesel will stay at the current rates until March or if they will be reviewed monthly. - NST


July, 2008 ?????
It's as good as anybody's guess but the rakyat better be ready for another "shock and awe" move from the government.

Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim says that fuel price will be cut if the opposition gained power. Read more here

All cabinet members and deputy ministers will take a 10 per cent cut in their entertainment allowances

By referring to Malaysiakini report on the 10% cut off their entertainment allowance, we can derive that a Minister will have, on average about RM 10,000.00 per month "to play" while a typical rakyat has to fork out an extra RM 200 to RM 300 from his only source of income. Mind you, a typical rakyat does not get any "entertainment allowance" from his employer.

RENUNGILAH WADAH MUFTI PERLIS

Lihat negara kita yang kaya dengan berbagai hasil. Sepatutnya kita akan tetap kukuh dan setiap rakyat akan menikmati kekayaan ini dengan adilnya. Namun, disebabkan pembaziran, harta negara yang sepatutnya dapat dimakan puluhan tahun, tetapi surut mendadak dalam masa beberapa tahun.

Maka, yang patut mendapat bantuan dan hak, tidak cukup untuk sampai kepadanya. Barang keperluan pula bertukar menjadi mahal. Pembaziran memusnahkan kehidupan rakyat bawahan dan menghalang hak yang sepatutnya sampai kepada mereka.

Maka betapa wajar untuk para pembazir itu dipersaudarakan dengan syaitan. Apatah lagi dalam banyak keadaan, pembaziran itu lahir dari keangkuhan dan kesombongan. Sifat-sifat itulah jua yang menjadi asas kepada kekufuran syaitan.

Soalannya, mengapakah apabila kita membicarakan tentang pembaziran, kita hanya terbayang orang-orang bawahan di kampung ataupun bandar. Jika kita ingin meminta supaya setiap warga negara ini berjimat dan jangan membazir, maka bermulalah daripada atas. Bukan sekadar untuk mengenakan si miskin yang sekian lama telah berjimat dan sudah tidak tahu apa yang hendak dijimatkan lagi. Mengapa kita hanya terbayang rakyat yang berada dalam rumah persendirian dan berbelanja dengan wang poketnya yang sudah lelah?

Kita sepatutnya terlebih meneliti semula bagaimana perbelanjaan yang menggunakan harta negara dan rakyat yang sedang berjalan di istana-istana, kediaman-kediaman rasmi kerajaan di peringkat negara dan negeri? Apakah wajar di kala ini keraian untuk orang-orang besar sama ada sultan atau menteri begitu mewah? Makanan yang dihidangkan untuk mereka, harga satu meja kadang kala boleh dimakan oleh ratusan rakyat bawahan. Karpet yang dipijak oleh mereka harganya ribuan bungkusan nasi yang dimakan oleh ‘orang biasa’.

Apakah patut pada saat yang sebegini, ada istana atau kediaman rasmi menteri yang hendak ditambahmewahkan? Apakah patut orang-orang besar ini diraikan dengan hiburan atau pertunjukkan dan konsert yang menelan puluhan ribu ringgit sempena sesuatu kunjungan mereka?

Wang itu, wang negara. Wang itu, wang rakyat. Apakah dalam masa yang sebegini mereka masih mendapat peruntukkan untuk bersantai, bermain golf dan ‘berhiburan’ dengan menggunakan wang rakyat bawahan yang disuruh menjimatkan nasi lemak dan air kopi mereka?

ONE

I am only one

But still am one

I cannot do everything

But still I can do something

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do


-Edward Everett Itale-

Johor DAP Vice Chairman Wore Songkok.

This is a photograph of me in my younger days. Note the headgear / songkok.

"TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE SONGKOK" - THE STAR SUNDAY 9, JUNE 2008.

PRESS STATEMENT
VICE CHAIRMAN DAP JOHOR
NORMAN FERNANDEZ

ISSUE: REPORT IN THE STAR SUNDAY 9, JUNE 2008
“TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE SONGKOK”.

The Sunday STAR 9th June, 2008 reported at pg N4 “ To wear or not to wear songkok”. Having read the news, I wish to clarify the issue and also make my personal stand.

1. My statement as appearing in the STAR would seem to imply that I am questioning the wisdom of DAP Central Executive Committee and that Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Johor DAP State Chairman/Adun Skudai and myself are of the same view. That is far from true. I have not and wish not to criticize the CEC.

2. I wish to make it clear that what I meant and was referring to, is the stance by the DAP National Legal Advisor Sdr Dr Chen Man Hin who had been quoted in the paper as saying that the songkok ought not to be worn. As such Sdr Dr Chen Man Hin’s statement runs contrary to the decision of the CEC. The CEC had already decided with regard to the wearing of the songkok. I wish to make it very clear and reiterate that I hold steadfast to the decision of the CEC meeting held in Penang after the election which left to the respective state committees to decide the decision whether to wear or not to wear the songkok.

3. In the recently concluded 12th General Election, DAP Johor won the Parliamentary seat of Bakri while winning the State seats of Skudai, Senai, Mengkibol and Bentayan.

4. The Member of Parliament for Bakri is Sdr Er Teck Hwa. The State Assemblymen are Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Skudai, Sdr Ong Kow Meng, Senai, Sdr Ng Lam Hua, Mengkibol and Sdr Gwee Tong Hiang, Bentayan.

5. In the aftermath of the election, the wearing of the official attire (No.1 Suit) in the Dewan Undangan Negeri Johor became an issue. The official attire or the No.1 Suit as it is known consist of a Jacket and a songkok with the crest.

6. The CEC of the DAP in its meeting held in Penang after the general Election, decided that the decision on whether or not to wear the songkok will be left to the individual state committee to decide.

7. In accordance with the directive of the CEC, the Johor DAP State Committee thereafter at its meeting held on the 20th April, 2008 discussed the issue of wearing the formal attire, namely the No.1 Suit and more importantly the wearing of songkok.

8. Save for the Assemblyman for Bentayan who was absent, all other Aduns and the State Committee members present expressed their views.

The wearing of the songkok was an emotive issue and the Committee Members were reminded of the unfortunate events of 1990. There were a diverse of views. The pros and cons of wearing the official attire and more importantly the wearing of the songkok was freely debated. The State Committee also took into account the unfortunate events which happened to the then DAP Aduns namely Pang Hok Liong and Wong Peng Sheng in the Johor State Assembly in 1990 The Johor state DAP remained steadfast in its stand that the events and incidents and the use of force to the then DAP Aduns had no justifications.

In the end, the state committee taking account of the winds of change and the new politics brought about by the 12th General Election, in its meeting on 20th April, 2008 resolved that that all Aduns shall and must wear the official attire together with the songkok.

It was the general consensus that the wearing of the songkok was not or ought not to signify cultural submission or capitulation of principles but instead the wearing of the songkok with the state crest state crest was as a sign of respect to His Highness Sultan of Johor who will be present for the opening of the Dewan Undangan Negeri. In any event, the wearing of the songkok was only for the period when His Highness Sultan of Johor was present.

9. Thereafter on May 13, 2008, at an informal meeting held at the Gelang Patah Parliamentary Liasson Office and attended by among other by all the DAP Aduns save for the Adun of Bentayan, the two DAP State Vice Chairmen namely Norman Fernandez and Ahmad Ton and the DAP State Secretary, Sdri Gan Peck Cheng. A brief discussion on the issue was held once again it resolved to maintain the decision of state committee of April 20, 2008.

10. At the said meeting, the Johor State DAP Chairman then directed the Johor State DAP Secretary to send a formal letter to all Aduns to remind them of the decision and compliance of the state committee’s decision of April 20, 2008. A draft of the said letter was immediately prepared by Norman Fernandez and given to the Johor State Secretary for her action.

11. Yesterday, 7 June, 2008 the State Chairman made a shocking revelations claiming that apparently the CEC on April 21, 2008, that is a day after the Johor DAP State Commmiteee had resolved to wearing the official attire, the CEC had revoked its decision to let the individual state committee to decide on whether or not to wear the formal attire and more importantly the songkok.

If it was true that the CEC had revoked the decision of the Johor State DAP, then I have to also question why the Johor State DAP Chairman did not to inform the Johor DAP State Committee until yesterday. Regretfully, I am made to understand that the CEC did not and never had revoked the decision of the Johor State DAP.

Further, had the CEC revoked the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee, question also arises as to why the Johor State DAP Chairman on May 13, 2008 had given a directive to the Johor State DAP Secretary to send out to a formal letter of reminder to all the DAP Aduns notifying the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee of April, 2008. Was it play acting by the Johor State Chairman?

12. Today’s report in the Star “To wear or not to wear the songkok” has left me no opportunity but to clarify what has indeed transpired so far and also to make my personal observation and stand public.

13. Sdr Gwee Tong Hiang (Bentayan) from the onset had said he will not wear the official attire and the songkok and is prepared for any consequences arising. While I do not agree with Sdr Gwee, nevertheless I must say that at the very least he has stated his stand openly, never mind rightly or wrongly his decision may be.

14. Sdr Ng Lam Hua (Mengkibol) has steadfastly stated that he will wear the official attire and the songkok. The Sunday Star reported the reason for his decision and I salute him for his courageous and forward thinking.

15. Sdr Ong Kow Meng (Senai) has expressed his concern and stressed the importance of the DAP Aduns being united. He has repeatedly said openly that has no objection to wearing the songkok.

16. Since the stand of the other three Aduns are clear, what then is the stand of Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau (Skudai). From Sdr Dr Boo’s statements and conduct, I am now of the view that it is plainly clear that he do not wish not to wear the songkok but instead is and has been seeking an excuse or rather any excuse for justifying not being able to wear the songkok. Blaming it on the decision of the CEC ( when there was none) would naturally be a good cover. Little wonder that he prefers to ignore the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee of 20 April, 2008 and instead finds refuge and reasons on statements by certain DAP leaders as justification in not wanting to wear the songkok.

I am made to understand that the Secretary General had made it clear that the final decision on the wearing of the formal attire and the songkok is with the respective individual state committee. That’s precisely what the Johor DAP State Committee in its meeting on April 20, 2008 did – agreeing to wear the official attire and the songkok. As such I am deeply dissapointed by Sdr Dr Boo’s attempt to drag the Secretary General into this issue.

Dr Boo Cheng Hau must find courage to state his stand openly whether he will or will not be wearing the official attire and the songkok. The shilly shalling has to stop and he should not divert blame or justification not to wear the songkok on the Secretary General or the CEC. The onus is on Dr. Boo to prove that the CEC had on April 21, 2008 revoked its earlier decision. Until then the directive of the CEC must be held to be true and remain.

17. I had from the onset been firm in my conviction that the wearing of the songkok should not be viewed as cultural submission and the capitulation of principles but to view the wearing of the songkok with the state crest as a sign of respect to His Highness Sultan of Johor. Rightfully, the Aduns ought to be play the role of his Majesty’s Loyal Opposition representing the subjects of the Sultan and not instead behave as bunch of defiant protagonist.

18. It has been 18 long years since DAP had any representation in the Johor State Assembly. During this time politics and peoples perceptions on many issues have changed. Sad, that for some Aduns, despite the winds of change as seen in the 12th general election, small mindness still remain. Perhaps these Aduns ought to have been forthcoming during the election campaign by telling the voters that if elected they will defy the Sultan and not wear the songkok. I wonder if they would still be elected.

19. I am most upset that the proud occasion of the opening of the Johor State Assembly on June 19, 2008 is going to end in one ugly saga. I call upon all the Johor DAP Aduns to wear the official attire and the songkok.

Norman Fernandez - the opinion expressed are the writers’ personal opinion. Norman Fernandez would welcome readers comment on this issue at anfalaw@streamyx.com.

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PULAU PISANG – RIGHT TO OPERATE LIGHTHOUSE GRANTED IN PERPERTUITY TO SINGAPORE.

Pulau Pisang measuring 178.4 hectares is situated about 15km off the Johor coastline in the Straits of Malacca.

History

In 1885, an agreement was reached between the Sultan of Johor and the Govenor of the Straits Settlement in Singapore pursuant to which the Sultan granted to the government of the Straits Settlement a plot of land on which to build and maintain a lighthouse and a roadway access to the lighthouse.

In 1886 a lighthouse was erected and in accordance with 1885 agreement, the lighthouse was managed and maintained by the government of the Straits Settlement and later by Singapore which continues to do so to the present.

The 1885 grant by the Sultan was not reduced to writing at the time but it was subsequently recorded in an express written indenture signed on the 6.10.1900 between the Sultan of Johor and the Governor of the Colony of the Straits Settlement after the Sultan of Johor had sent a reminder to this effect to the Governor of the Straits Settlement.

According to the Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman as reported in the Harian Metro May 27, 2008, Singapore has been granted 0.4 hectares of land which includes the lighthouse, the access road and the jetty. Further, since 2002 the Malaysian government has made it a condition that those working at the Lighthouse must register with the Marine Department, Immigration Department and also with the Royal Customs at Kukup. Every forthnight, when there is a changeover of personels, both personnels goes through the procedure. The Menteri Besar seems to paints a rosy picture that local villagers in Pontian are allowed to go to the island to cultivate and harvest fruits. However the letter by a reader to www.bloglimkitsiang.com seems to suggest otherwise. (see letter below).

SOVEREIGNITY AND OWNERSHIP
In contrast to Singapore’s continuous assertion to ownership and sovereignity of Pedra Branca, Singapore has not asserted soveregnity of Pulau Pisang.

Singapore’s (then) Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. S. Jayakumar in 2003 in his parliamentary reply is quoted as saying “ Let me say upfront Pulau Pisang belongs to Malaysia. We have never disputed Malaysia’s sovereignity over Pulau Pisang but our MPA however has a right to operate the lighthouse there and the plot of land as well as the road leading to the lighthouse has been granted in perpertuity so long as Singapore operates that lighthouse. It is an indenture between the Johor Sultanate and the Straits Settlement,”

THE CONCERN AND QUESTION
Note the key words “ granted in perpeituity”. In the light of Pedra Branca, the government should urgently clarify clearly the status of Pulau Pisang and confirm if any right in perpertuity actually exist and the actual extent of that rights. Numerous letters have been written about Malaysians not allowed entry or shooed away from Pulau Pisang. Has the right to maintain and manage the lighthouse and the road leading to the lighthouse been extended to Singapore maintaining security of the island and making the island a restricted zone and thereby arbitrarily preventing Malaysian from the shores of Pulau Pisang or landing at the Jetty at Pulau Pisang. There seems to be an unwritten no trespass zone rule in operation. Here is a letter “Kedaulatan Pulau Pisang” as appeared in www.bloglimkitsiang.com where the writer raises concern that Pulau Pisang may someday face the same fate as Pulau Batu Putih (now Pedra Branca).

“ Kedaulatan Pulau Pisang

Letters by Azmi

Salam sejahtera YB, saya adalah seorang anggota TLDM yang pernah ditugaskan untuk memantau kehadiran petugas rumah api warga Singapura di Pulau Pisang. YB, Pulau Pisang adalah pulau yang tidak dihuni, dimana penduduk asalnya telah berpindah ketanah besar di Pontian, yang tinggal hanya dusun dan perkuburan yang tidak terjaga, Ia terletak di perairan Pontian Johor dan jauh daripada Singapura.

Persoalannya mengapa kita yang telah 50 tahun merdeka masih memerlukan bantuan Singapura untuk mengawal selia rumah api tersebut, adakah Jabatan Laut tidak berupaya untuk mengawal selianya. Disini saya ingin memaklumkan kepada YB, selama penugasan saya di pulau tersebut, kami tidak dibenarkan memasuki persekitaran rumah api, malah menggunakan jetinya juga dilarang apatah lagi memasuki kedalam rumah api. Maka sepanjang penugasan kami di sana, kami hanya memerhatikan dari jauh warga Singapura keluar masuk, tidak lebih dari itu.
Merujuk kepada kemenangan Malaysia keatas kedaulatan Pulau Ligitan dan Sipadan adalah atas dasar pembangunan dan kawal selia Malaysia di pulau tersebut, begitu juga kehilangan kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura juga atas alasan yang sama.

Tidakkah kerajaan Malaysia berasa risau dengan kedudukan Pulau Pisang yang mungkin akan dituntut haknya oleh Singapura pada masa akan datang (tidak sekarang, mungkin 50 tahun akan datang. Tuntutan ke atas Pulau Batu Puteh pun dilakukan setelah puluhan tahun ia mengawal selia pulau tersebut). Ada atau tidak perjanjian antara Malaysia dan Singapura yang jelas menyatakan bahawa kehadiran Singapura di Pulau Pisang hanya mengawal selia rumah api sahaja.

Apakah para penasihat Kementerian Pertahanan atau Panglima Angkatan Tentera tidak sedar akan perkara ini. Tidakkah PAT terfikir, sekiranya berlaku konflik antara Malaysia dan Singapura, dengan mudah mereka boleh menempatkan pasukan elitnya di pulau ini. Mahukah kita buah pisang berbuah dua kali? kehilangan kedaulatan wilayah kepada pihak yang berada jauh dua kali ganda jaraknya daripada kita.

Saya amat berharap YB dapat memanjangkan persoalan ini kepada Menteri Pertahanan semasa persidangan parlimen. “

Siti Nurhaliza in a ghazal tempo, waxes lyrical about Pulau Pisang.

PULAU PISANG

Pulau Pisang
Pulaulah Pisang
Pulau Pisang rumahlah api sayang
Pedoman kapal belayar malam (x2)

Sebelum ajal
berpantang mati
walaupun tercampak dalam lautan dalam (x2)

Pedoman kapal
Pedoman kapal belayar malam sayang
Sarat bermuat buah keranji
Walaupun tercampak lautan yang dalam
Tidakkan lupa segala janji.


The loss of Pulau Batu Putih (now Pedra Branca) though it may only be a granite outpost is already painful for Malaysians and Johoreans. The loss is felt even deeply by the Johor Malays. May the government learn the lessons from the loss of Pulau Batu Putih and ensure generations to come will never have to reminisce the loss of Pulau Pisang by singing the song.

SALINAN SURAT PEMANGKU SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN JOHOR YANG MELEPASKAN HAK PULAU BATU PUTIH.