What's In A Pic?

A picture worth a thousand words.


Pic taken at the 2008 Bar Dinner last night.

Of Millionaire Ex-Judges, Regrets and Reforms

Malaysian Insider and Rocky's Bru have more on that for tonight's event.

Mea culpa, tua culpa.... mea maximus culpa, vostra maximus culpa!

...guess it's time for another song..

That's It! No More Politics....

This morning, as usual (actually as and when I can), I fetched my 8th year old girl, the eldest, from the surau after her "mengaji quran" session.

On the way to the nanny's house, she told me "Abah, Pakcik Idrus (her school bus driver) asked me, Abahtok (her granddad) supported which, UMNO or PAS?"

I asked her back, "What did you tell him?"

She replied, "Oh, I told him that abahtok supports UMNO".

"Why you said that?" I asked her.

She confidently answered, "Well my grand uncle is someone whatever in UMNO, so that's why." I asked back, "What did Pakcik Idrus said about that?"

"Pakcik Idrus just said, 'why?'. Pakcik Idrus doesn't like UMNO, he likes PAS"

"Why do many people dislike UMNO abah?" she asked nonchalantly.

I tried to keep apolitical as I could at that moment while driving.

I said to her, "Well kakak, you know how some people like ice cream right, but some loves vanilla and dislike chocolate like our Hanna and some is the direct opposite. That's how."

At the moment, I sort of know that she's going for the bonanza question. And I was right.

"Abah, so who do you like, PAS ke UMNO ke?" she asked without looking at me.

Guess. What was my answer? I wish I could have told her that I like neither, but that would be lying because she sees how excited I am despite how calmly I would portrait myself as whenever I took the three of them to Baskin Robbins.

I wished I could choose one and tell her that, but that wouldn't be right, right? She's only a child. But then again, hey, I am not the one starting this conversation. She did. Do not underestimate your children, nowadays they know more than you think they do.

Your guess is right. Yes, I answered like a father should. I am what I must be, the apolitical dad. No compromise on that.

I felt great as I left her at the nanny's house. While driving to the office, I remembered this John Mayer's latest song titled "Say" from the movie "The Bucket List". Great movie by the way, starring Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman. I quickly searched for the song and listen to it from the car stereo. And listen to it I have.

If you could only...

Say what you need to say (x8)

Have no fear for givin' in.

Have no fear for giving over.

You better know that in the end

It's better to say too much,

than never to say what you need to say again

Damn it. Excuse my language. Next time I need to consult Rusmin first before I answered my children on anything of this sort, or for that matter on anything at all. I wish I could tell all Malaysian, politician and royals, here the same thing, listen to the song, listen to the lyrics, go watch the movie and most importantly consult your dear missus before issuing statement and making news like the one here.

Come on, let the Regent says what he needs to say. If I remembered correctly, there was this craze going on just recently that royals should speak up and speak their mind they should. And the support for that was fantastic, from all Malaysian of all walk and sundry. Why the sudden change of mood? Or was Karpal Singh correct? That all royals must be apolitical and instead of speaking their minds and making political decision that was not theirs to make in the first place, be the royals that they should be, royals that befit their roles as constitutional monarch in a parliamentary democratic nation.

Take all of your wasted honor.

Every little past frustration.

Take all of your so called problems,

Better put 'em in quotations.

Posted Using Flock

How Is Terengganu These Days?

Conversations heard over lunch, just recently in Terengganu between a group of UMNO grassroots in that state.

"UMNO Terengganu is not getting any better."

"Is that so?”

“Why?"

"Good YBs for example Rosol, Din Dam & Alias Abd are not being appointed as Exco because the Ketua Bhg are afraid of being challenged.”

“YBs who have defended PM's decision, or shall we say the party's decision against MB Mohd Said are now being branded as ''Traitors''."

"Oh, that's bad indeed. I know these guys. They are good People's people.”

“They got the job done!”

“But aren't all new Excos have been fully endorsed as good line-up by the new MB? It was also reported that these line up are the best of the best, people with experienced and all?"

"The YB being appointed as the Most Senior Exco has no previous experience as ADUN (as such no experience as Exco before).”

"Why?”

“Ha, you tell me why.”

“That's not good. How on earth the state machinery to smoothly continue with the development and programs initiated previously?"

"And, do you know?"

"What?"
"Officers who's not seen as supportive will be transferred.”

“Yes, seen that too. Some contract officers are given 24 hour notice to quit."

"Ya Allah, the situation happening is as if there has been changed in government."

"Yes, If BN need to survive in Terengganu....... we have to be more careful."

Something Closer To Home

Another mexican stand-off in the offing. But this time somewhat closer to home. If this is true, I say this to that person, "you'll reap what you sow, brother". But I jst can't help to think if this is just another "non-apolitical" games played by the people that keep urging others to be apolitical? What does it mean by demanding to "to peacefully co-exist"? Are we all not now co-existing together here? What you are trying to say? That I am holding a gun to your head? Be good with me and I'll be good to you.

It's a damn shame if this is just another threat to make others to toe the line and shut their mouth up. So much for transperancy, politics that transcend race, a new dawn for Malaysia and all those flowery slogans. Damn shame.

Malaysian Insider has the report:

No let up in the war of words on Penang's past land deals

PENANG, April 16 — Former Penang deputy chief minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah has until April 28 to explain why some developers were able to change the status of their land from leasehold to freehold without paying much of a premium.
He will also have to open the books and justify several transactions in Penang. If he does not respond by April 28, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has threatened to expose him and the former state government.
Guan Eng today upped the stakes in an ongoing campaign to show up his predecessors. It is a strategy with two aims: to keep up his election pledge of pushing for a more transparent style of governance and force the Federal Government to appreciate that it can either have a foe or choose to peacefully coexist with the Opposition.
Rashid was the chairman of the state’s Development and Land Affairs Committee. He has denied any wrongdoing and has even challenged Guan Eng to learn about land matters before making statements in public.

Read more here

Hey, if there are evidences of wrongdoing, by all means proceeds with all the legal recourse available. Catch the damn cuplrit, charge him in court. Why play "I dare you, you dare me!"? Don't reveal too much of yourself. It will eat you up one day. After all, you got 4 more years to go and the clock is ticking fast.

Stop the bickering.

Don't be political. Start serving the people.

He has the numbers!

So he claimed. Interesting. With a Prime Minister who has "two ears and listen very well", I am not surprised how DSAI could asserted as such. It's going to get more interesting in the days to come, that we can be sure of.

Let's see who dances better!

Anwars says it: I've the numbers to form a govt.

DE FACTO Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made this stunning claim at a press conference after a police interrupted speech at the Sultan Sulaiman Club, Kuala Lumpur. He wasn't forthcoming with more details. The lawmen were obviously nervous about the size of the crowd at the gathering — estimated at 10,000 within the premises and another 20,000 outside.
Anwar had spoken for about an hour before police cut short his address. He gave reporters his comments on Dr Mahathir's barbs: I've refrained for a long time from responding to Dr Mahathir's vicious and venomous personal attacks. I consider his views obsolete. Unfortunately, he's getting crazier, he's never consistent and has a particular personal agenda to promote Najib and free him from all scandals. Read more here.

Oooh Saucy!

"Never mind. I just listen. I have two ears. I am not deaf. In a democracy, everyone wants to talk. So what can we do? If we don't allow them to speak out, they say we are scared...there's no freedom, so let them talk."

"Why shouldn't I contest? You tell me."

"They can announce anything they want. They can say anything they want. The decision is mine, people can say anything they like."

Read more here

This came from a guy who was on the same day (few hours back) urged the BN leaders to go back to basic and be humble. "Don't be arrogant", he said. Read here

It's a sickness.

Wiseman Speaks

He has spoken. Brave and direct, they say.

The Malaysian Insider has the story.

Tells BN reps they're in charge, to transcend racial thinking, be humble and return to basics

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 — With pressure mounting on the prime minister to quit now rather than later, this afternoon’s briefing by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to all BN Members of Parliament, senators and state assemblymen had an air of seriousness befitting the circumstances BN finds itself in after 50 years of near uncontested rule that was disrupted by the tsunami of March 8.
The Dewan Tun Hussein at PWTC filled up quickly before 3pm with politicians from all BN component parties present to size up the PM and see for themselves whether he is a dead man walking.
While the PM’s poltical future depends more on Umno than the BN component parties, any desertion of the BN ranks will surely spell the end for Abdullah. Some representatives from states in which BN is now the Opposition came to listen to what Abdullah had to say about how to deal with life on the other side of the fence. MPs wanted to know what the tone of the debate should be like when Parliament convenes in two weeks.
Generally there was uncertainty in the air before the function. Just after 3pm, Abdullah walked in with Najib. As he made his way on stage there was a warm but subdued applause for him. As the emcee called out the names of the leaders on stage, beginning with Abdullah, Najib,and then all component chiefs including those who lost, the applause became warmer and the hard edge that people felt initially was softened.
There were no introductory speeches and Abdullah immediately took to the podium. Just as he had done with at the Umno information machinery gathering more than a week ago, Abdullah came out firm and confident.
He didn’t waste time on platitudes and boring sound bytes – typical of pre-tsunami Abdullah. He was sharp, articulate and bold. He told the BN representatives that the party cannot afford to continue to dwell on the
result of the election. It was time to move on.

Read More here

But, it has been said too that a wiseman speaks when he has something to say, a fool speaks when he has to say something. Go figures!

Abdullah umum tanding jawatan Presiden

14/04/2008 5:05pm
Utusan Online-Terkini
KUALA LUMPUR 14 April – Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, beliau akan mempertahankan jawatan Presiden pada pemilihan UMNO Disember ini.Mengenai pelan peralihan kuasa, beliau berkata, perkara itu akan dibincangkan dengan timbalannya, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak untuk menentukan bila ia akan dilaksanakan. - Utusan

And spoken he has...

Perbahasan sentuh sensitiviti kaum boleh dikenakan tindakan - Abdullah

14/04/2008 6:03pm
Utusan Online Terkini
KUALA LUMPUR 14 April – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mengingatkan anggota Parlimen supaya tidak membahaskan isu yang boleh menimbulkan sensitiviti kaum di dalam negara ini semasa perbahasan di Dewan Rakyat kerana Akta Hasutan boleh dikuatkuasakan di dalam dewan yang mulia itu.Perdana Menteri berkata, mereka perlu memastikan perbahasan yang berkualiti di samping sentiasa ingat bahawa isu yang boleh menimbulkan sensitiviti kaum dan yang melanggar Akta Hasutan dielakkan daripada dibawa.“Kerana Akta Hasutan boleh dikuatkuasakan dalam Dewan Rakyat dalam erti kata Akta Hasutan boleh dipakai juga di dalam Dewan Rakyat.“Mereka tidak dibebaskan untuk bercakap apa juga yang melanggar Akta ini,” katanya selepas majlis perjumpaan beliau bersama Anggota Dewan Negara, Dewan Rakyat dan Dewan-Dewan Undangan Negeri Barisan Nasional (BN) di Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini hari ini. - Bernama

Ketuanan Melayu?

Read about what DSAI have to say on the current polemics on "Ketuanan Melayu" in the Malaysian Bar Council website today,


'Umno, not Malays, under threat'

Sunday, 13 April 2008 05:30pm
©Malaysiakini (Used by permission)by Chan Kok Leong
Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said the ‘Ketuanan Melayu' card increasing played up by Umno is to divert attention from the party's internal problems following its unprecedented setback in last month's general election.

The former Umno deputy president said this today at a hotel in Shah Alam when he was asked to comment on Utusan Malaysia's ‘Ketuanan Melayu tercabar' front-page headlines in the Umno-owned newspaper.

At a gathering organised by newly formed Barisan B Tengku Faris Petra told the crowd that it was not appropriate for other ethnic groups to seek equality and privileges accorded to Malays."We didn't hear much about this (Malay rights) issue last month or before the elections. I believe their intentions are to divert the attention of everyone," said Anwar.

He said that instead of the ‘Ketuanan Melayu' concept, the more important cause is ‘Ketuanan Rakyat'."And when we say 'rakyat', it includes the Malays...especially the downtrodden ones and not the rich ones," said Anwar, who is former finance minister. Read more of it here

Catch what DSAI has to say on various issues here (7 Parts Video in all). To view all of it, go here. This is Part 6 of The Star Q&A with him:

When asked about his immediate political plan, this is what he had to say:

Sunday April 13, 2008-The Star Online
Anwar: No immediate plans
By WANI MUTHIAH
SHAH ALAM: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had no immediate political plans after he becomes eligible to contest for public office on Tuesday.
He said his immediate priority would be to ensure that the Pakatan Rakyat coalition leads with good governance, accountability and democracy.
“People ask me what are your plans but my personal plans are not the priority now,’’ Anwar told a press conference at a leadership seminar organised by PKR for its elected representatives here Sunday.
However, he said the plan for a PKR-held parliamentary seat to be vacated for him to contest to become an elected representative still stood. Read more here.

Our PM-in-waiting? Mathematically the odds are not against him. What are 30 or 40 seats? Just numbers.

DSAI has made some arguably valid and interesting points. Ketuanan Melayu v Ketuanan Rakyat. It's fresh, it's original and it's appealing.

What is UMNO doing by the way? Are we still politicizing everything under the sun?

Who is actually wagging the dog now?

Freedom Of Speech

The right to freedom of speech is guaranteed under international law through numerous human-rights instruments, notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Right

In Malaysia, Article 10 (1) Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech, the right to assemble peacefully and the right to form associations to every Malaysian citizen.

Of all the people, I would believed a senior lawyer and statesman should be the one who are in the know of these provisions. However I am sad to see a news report of statements made by him which suggested that such guaranteed fundamental right does not apply "in toto" to all. Some people are just not allowed to criticize and speak of their mind.

Mahathir should stop criticising Abdullah, says Karpal
The Star 12th April 2008
PETALING JAYA: There is no political mystery for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to solve and his services are definitely not needed to criticise the Government, DAP adviser Karpal Singh said.Responding to a letter in The Star by Dr Mahathir yesterday, Karpal Singh said there was no question of any conspiracy by the DAP or Pakatan Rakyat, as alluded to by Dr Mahathir.Dr Mahathir had said that the DAP wanted him to stop criticising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi so that the Opposition could continue to capitalise on Abdullah’s apparent weakness in the next general election.However, Karpal Singh said he and Lim Kit Siang had not spared the Government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, including his ministers, from sometimes scathing criticism over policies undertaken by them.“I repeat once again, Dr Mahathir should not drag himself further into the political mud by trying to resurrect his political career. It is too late,” Karpal Singh said. “Dr Mahathir should accept reality and let his successor carry out the mandate secured in the recent election.“The Opposition, in the form of 82 MPs, is more than enough to keep the Government in check. Dr Mahathir is not needed for that purpose,” he said.
Read more of the above story here

Nevertheless, it seems now that a political party, which has been labelled as undemocratic and led by authoritarians and dictators all the while, is singing a different tune. I for one see this as a positive sign and good progress.

No gag order, says Najib
The Star 12th April 2008By SIMON KHOO

PEKAN: Umno will not issue gag order on its leaders expressing views as it shows democracy is alive in the party, deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.He said the party would continue to allow Umno division leaders to speak out in the open on issues close to their hearts."What is important now is to provide an avenue to the grassroots to express their views in an open and sincere manner."We will then leave it to the party's leadership particularly Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to come up with the best measures to reform the party and regain the people's trust," he said Saturday after launching the fish protech aquaculture project in Kuala Pahang here. Read more about it here

If you believe in freedom of expression and objected to such authoritarian act as seen in the past in the form of "Ops Lalang" etc. you therefore should not practice a selective application of the same. If you believe in freedom of speech, you believe in freedom of speech even for views you don't like. If we don't believe in free expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.

As said by Voltaire " I may not agree to what you say, but I'll defend to death your rights to say it". All of us, practising lawyers in particular, who have sworn to uphold the constitution and duty bound to protect the rule of law, should subscribed to the said saying, without qualification.

Again if I may hereby reiterate, to all Malaysian politician, please "walk the talk" and don't just "wag the dog"!

Finally!

Not that it is something for us to overly rejoice as the damage has already been done. At least, we know that signal we sent is getting through, bit by bit. Hopefully the "line" will get better by the day so that the rest of the message can be received in full, loud and clear.

It's not the sender or radio bandwidth issue, but the problem lies more with the receiver unit at the other end. It needs repair or to save us all the trouble, just change it with a new unit altogether.

Abdullah akui beliau antara penyebab BN kehilangan undi

UTUSAN ONLINE-Terkini
11/04/2008 7:24pm
JOHOR BAHARU 11 April – Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mengakui beliau merupakan di antara faktor yang telah menyebabkan Barisan Nasional (BN) kehilangan undi pada pilihan raya umum ke-12 bulan lepas.

Abdullah yang juga Presiden UMNO berkata, disebabkan perkara tersebut beliau merasakan bertanggungjawab untuk berbuat sebaik-baiknya bagi memulihkan BN dan UMNO.

"Saya merasakan saya adalah penyebab kepada 'pembuangan undi' (undi tidak diberikan) kepada Barisan Nasional. Dan saya merasakan bertanggungjawab untuk membuat sebaiknya-baiknya untuk memulihkan BN dan UMNO," katanya kepada pemberita di sini hari ini.

It's long overdue. Sigh.

Nevertheless, congrats to you, though it took you quite a while to come to your senses. It's not that hard to admit. To be in denial will not do you, your party or the country any good.

Now the healing process can start. Make haste!

No Reason What?!

"What for?" "Got no reason what?"

Kalau ada sebab boleh jumpa - Abdullah
Utusan Online

PUTRAJAYA 10 April - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, jika ada sebab, beliau akan bertemu sekali lagi dengan Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
''Kita tengoklah bila... kalau ada sebab-sebabnya," katanya ringkas hari ini.
Beliau ditemui pemberita selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat Majlis Kebangsaan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Malaysia Ke-47 di Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) di sini.
Abdullah diminta mengulas pandangan jika pertemuan antara beliau dan Dr. Mahathir diadakan dalam waktu terdekat ini.


"Yes, there's no reason."

"What reason? Can't see any at the moment!"

Jangan dengar khabar angin desak Abdullah berundur
Utusan Online - Terkini
11/04/2008 11:05am

KUALA LUMPUR 11 April – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak meminta orang ramai supaya tidak melayan khabar angin kononnya terdapat gerakan di kalangan UMNO Kedah dan Pulau Pinang yang mendesak supaya Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berundur.
Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, perkara itu adalah tidak benar kerana segala perasaan tidak puas hati di kalangan ahli UMNO akan ditangani secara dalaman. - Utusan

"Let's wait for a reason. It's only "puting-beliung"

"..not yet a tsunami..."

"While we at it, let's wait till kingdom come, shall we?"

"Why not?"

Puting beliung landa Pulau Pinang

Utusan Online

TASEK GELUGOR 10 April - Angin kencang diikuti puting beliung yang disifatkan paling buruk pernah berlaku, melanda beberapa buah kampung sekitar sini hari ini. Ribut hampir lima minit mulai pukul 3 petang itu merosakkan kira-kira 50 buah rumah di samping banyak tanaman penduduk musnah. Di Kampung Padang Chempedak, penduduk menjadi cemas dan bertempiaran menyelamatkan diri apabila bumbung rumah mereka diterbangkan angin sehingga ada yang tersangkut di pokok.

Even nature is trying hard to get the message through.

Ain't No Reason-Brett Dennen

People walk a tight rope on a razors edge

Carrying their hurt and hatred and weapons.

It could be a bomb or a bullet or a pen

Or a thought or a word or a sentence.....

There Ain't no reason things are this way.

It's how they always been and they intend to stay

I don’t know why I say the things I say, but I say them anyway.

....The wind blows wild and I may move,

The politicians lie and I am not fooled.

You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth.

Signal Still Not Coming Through!

"Line tak clear lah!! ..you see there is this plane flying above my head.." Still not getting the message despite all this?

My bro, Walk Long informed me of an interesting piece, here is an excerpt from the blog entry concerned,

Perjalanan ke Sabah itu disertai oleh beberapa mantan Menteri Besar dan Pengerusi Perhubungan UMNO. Mereka telah diundang menyertai PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah dalam pesawat eksekutif A319CJ yang bernombor pendaftaran 9M NAA itu.

Semasa dalam perjalanan, mereka mengambil peluang untuk ‘membelasah’ PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah cukup cukup. Terutama Idris Jusoh, menyebut isu isu yang sering orang ramai perkatakan saban hari seperti ‘Tingkat Empat’, pembabitan keluarga dalam keputusan Kerajaan, kronisma dan sebagainya. Setelah keadaan hangat, PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah bangkit dan berjalan ke bilik khas diburitan pesawat.

Setelah mendarat, apabila bertemu orang orang kanan, salah seorang dari pemimpin UMNO peringkat negeri itu menceritakan apa yang berlaku dalam pesawat. Beliau mengunakan perkataan “PM (‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah) tak mahu dengar suara rakyat!”, walaupun sebelum ini pemimpin ini teragak agak untuk menyuarakan pendapat peribadi mengenai gesaan agar PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah.


Read more of Rafidah dibelasah dalam telefon oleh ibu ‘Budak Tingkat Empat’? from the blog The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles....


Somehow or rather I pity the poor guy. It has been too easy to find faults with the man, and it's getting easier by the day. Too easy, isn't it? Caveat Emptor! Don't just buy it. We better give him the benefit of the doubt. Could it be that he just faking it, acting ignorant and all. Could it be that he's far more shrewd than what the masses think of him.


Even the shrewdest of politician in Dr. M has fallen prey to the man. Hey! The guy has beaten the great DSAI to the post. Look here, even Mr. Patrick has succumbed! Read more of anilnetto.com latest blog entry, "Abad Naluri chairman quits; game over for Patrick ".


Just heard from a reliable source that Dato Sri Kamal Hashim, the chairman of Abad Naluri, has resigned from his position with immediate effect.Kamal Hashim is presently the northern region director of The Star, which gave the launch of the PGCC by the prime minister last year prominent coverage.

It is also believed that the Prime Minister and his family are now distancing themselves from Patrick Lim, whose dealings exposed the BN to stinging criticism in the run-up to the general election - from opposition parties as well as from Mahathir.Abad Naluri is the developer of the controversial PGCC project and was supposed to sign an agreement to buy and develop 300 acres of land in Batu Kawan as a replacement race-course for the Penang Turf Club.


Now, everyone around him is taking the blame. One by one. KJ, the 4th Floor boys, the alternative media (them bloggers), UMNO themselves (those saboteurs), the archaic ministers in the last cabinet, MCA, MIC, GERAKAN, the "yet to be reform" judiciary, HINDRAF, "correct, correct, correct" lawyer, Dr. M, Ku Li, Razak Baginda & Co., the trigger happy cops in KT and many more (but not Pakatan Rakyat, of course!). If everyone else is to be blame, at the end of the day, who then will be blame free? A victim of circumstances.

Think about it, who is the clever one here? After all, how many of us made it to become the Prime Minister of Malaysia? Not that many.

Give Back

DAP and GERAKAN have shown the way! This is what I meant when I wrote here that you must "keep short" on the politics & immediately start servicing the people. At least, here in Penang, the "poison" SMS brouhaha has halted. It is very commendable what DAP Penang State Government did. Kudos to the state EXCO member concerned. To let an issue such as circulation of gossip laced SMS will not solve any problem. You won't catch the crooks by circulating SMS. Whereas, to come out and confirmed that the SMS is rubbish simultaneously vindicating the opposition shows good judgment, fairness and maturity. Then again, this is not about the SMS but more about the attitude shown in handling the issue.

After all, you are the state government. It is within your power to check on any murky land deals in Penang. Having said that, one example of an issue on point, could be the one highlighted here. The present state government can always catch these bigger fish, with all the access and power to screen and question previous government conducts. If I may, a suggestion with regard to land dealings, find and formulate mechanisms on how to stop fraudulent land deals that have been escalating in figures over the years. There are innocent land owners, the little people, out there of who are caught between a rock and hard place due to Federal Court rulings in Adorna Properties v Boonsom Boonyanit case. Show us that you care. Give us some indications so that we know that you have started working. This goes to other state governments and the Federal government too. Enough of the politics! Show us your worthiness.

Exco man clears Gerakan of purported land deal
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG
The Star Online (latest) 9th April 2008

PENANG: The state government has denied an SMS circulating here that the previous state administration transferred state land in Rifle Range to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.State Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the ownership records showed that the land lease was still 100% held by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP).

Particularly like what I read below:

"This (clarification) will help Gerakan clear its name," Chow told a press conference Wednesday after the state executive council meeting.
Read more here.

Maybe UMNO, PKR and PAS could take cue of the above and get their acts together. It's a long short and how wishful thinking it maybe I do believe, there are still good people out there in UMNO, PKR and PAS. Those who know when to stop the politics and get on with serving the people. Save the bickering on useless polemics for the next GE and start venturing into something constructive instead.

It’s time to Give Back!

Liverpool 4-2 Arsenal (agg 5-3)

Enough of Malaysian politics for the day... Scousers Rule OK! Yes, fortune will always favours the brave.

"Just when you thought you were out, they pulled you back in!".

Liverpool 4-2 Arsenal (agg 5-3) - BBC Sports Online

Liverpool set up another Champions League semi-final with Chelsea after a stunning late win over Arsenal.
Abou Diaby put Arsenal into an early lead but Sami Hyypia lost Phillipe Senderos to head an equaliser.
Fernando Torres looked to have settled it when he scored in the top corner, until a superb Theo Walcott run allowed Emmanuel Adebayor to tap in.
But Kolo Toure fouled Ryan Babel and Gerrard held his nerve from the spot, before Babel broke to add a fourth.

It was an extraordinary end to yet another wonderful European tie at Anfield.
The two sides, who have faced each other three times in six days, saved their best for last in a game that was full of drama from start to finish.
Both teams played as if their season was on the line and it resulted in a pulsating cup tie.
Arsenal looked like they had a new lease of life from the side that started the 1-1 draw so lethargically at the weekend and it was little surprise when they went in front through Diaby, on his return to the side.

It was a cruel exit for Arsenal but there was no denying it was Liverpool's night.
They will face Chelsea in the final four for the third time in four years when the two sides meet on the week beginning 21 April and 28 April.

Reported in Liverpool Echo,

Apr 9 2008 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
Liverpool 4, Arsenal 2 (Liverpool win 5-3 on aggregate)

NEVER mind the fight for fourth, any more nights like this and UEFA will have to give Liverpool an automatic place in the Champions League every year.

No other club has given Europe’s most glamorous competition such logic-defying drama on such a regular basis and no other club can boast such an outrageous back catalogue of glory nights.

The latest instalment of Liverpool’s ongoing love affair with the European Cup was perhaps the sweetest of the lot.

Read More here

Man proposes but God disposes

This was heard yesterday, from Pakatan Rakyat's camp,

April 08, 2008 21:37 PM - BERNAMA
Hadi Admits People's Alliance Trying To Persuade BN MPs To Switch Sides

PENANG, April 8 (Bernama) -- PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang Tuesday admitted that the Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) was trying to persuade Barisan Nasional (BN) members of parliament (MPs) to join the alliance so that it can form the federal government but wanted the effort to be free of money politics.

"We hope the BN MPs will join on their own free will," he told reporters after paying a visit to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the latter's office here. The alliance, consisting of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), DAP and PAS, won 82 of the 222 Parliament seats in the March 8 general election. They need a minimum of 30 BN MPs to cross-over to have a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat. The BN won 140 seats.

Asked when the alliance expected to realise the goal, Hadi said he could not say for sure.” It might be earlier than six months, maybe longer. Man proposes but God disposes," he said when asked to comment on remarks by Penang Deputy Chief Minister I, Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin that the alliance would oust the BN government in the next five or six months.-- BERNAMA

Meanwhile at the Barisan Nasional camp, it was also heard yesterday,

Tuesday April 8, 2008-The Star
I won’t overstay as PM, says Abdullah

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says he has no intention of overstaying as Prime Minister but wants to put all things in order before retiring.Abdullah, the Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, wants to put the party and ruling coalition on a stronger footing first.

“I will retire one day. I will not stay any longer than I should. But there are things I would like to do now. Of course, I cannot leave at a time when the party is in this condition,” he said.

When asked if he had a succession plan in mind after naming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as his successor.Abdullah said he had no intention of remaining as Prime Minister “for years”, adding: “Datuk Seri Najib understands more than you can understand it.”He said he had to ensure development programmes and schemes would be implemented effectively following the March 8 polls.To another question, the Prime Minister dismissed talk that he was absolving himself of any blame for Umno and Barisan’s dismal performance in the polls.

Say whatever you want to say. Do whatever you have to do.

Be it if you are praying for leapfrogs to join your team on free transfer for the upcoming new season (despite you condemning these leapfrog(s), cursing and belittling them in the past). Or if you are wishing that the match will go into extra time (or better still to a re-match) and that you are not substituted while still wearing the captain’s armband.

Hoping that the manager will close one eye and let you play despite your obvious under-par performance through out the game. Hopelessly wishing that the manager will not see that the team needs a new captain moreover when the team is trailing with the score on injury time is 6 -8 (5+1+1+1).

Keep on wishing and praying. Insinuate and propose all that you can. Ultimately, as we all know too well, "Man proposes but God disposes!”

Good luck to all and by the way, if possible, do keep short on the politics and immediately conjure and execute all plan and services you owed to your "bosses", the little people that have voted for you.

30 days have already passed since the election. Haven’t seen that much to date apart from the politics.

Please, no more "I am still warming up" or "The game has only started about 20 minutes, you can't expect me to score 3 goals already!" analogies, this time around.

"Selamat Berkhidmat".

Denial

Denial is a defense mechanism' postulated by Sigmund Freud, in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence.

Can we just accept it, and move on, instead of procrastinating on the obvious?

Sabotaj punca prestasi buruk - Kalau bukan kerana faktor itu, BN tidak hilang majoriti dua pertiga – Abdullah

Oleh MARHAINI KAMARUDDIN dan HERMAN HAMID
KUALA LUMPUR 6 April – Perbuatan sabotaj oleh ahli UMNO sendiri di peringkat Parlimen dan negeri dikenal pasti sebagai punca prestasi buruk Barisan Nasional (BN) pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12.Ekoran masalah yang dicetuskan itu, kata Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 14 kerusi Parlimen dan 22 Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) yang sebelum ini diisytiharkan kawasan putih dan dijamin menang turut terlepas ke tangan pembangkang.
Read more here

Rocky's Bru has more here rocky's bru: Umno saboteurs

The Empire Strikes Back

Paklah strikes back, truth be told, kind of nice to see the PM defending and/or striking back at what he thought matters the most.

Waiting in anticipation, The Return Of The Jedi, no doubt. As they say, all is fair in love and war!

Synopsis of the actual movie* ...the irony of it all:-

The film is set three years after the destruction of the Death Star. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia Organa are being pursued by Darth Vader and the elite forces of the Galactic Empire. While Han and Leia are chased across space by the Empire, Luke studies the Force under Jedi Master Yoda. Vader is secretly plotting a trap for Luke that will lead to a vicious confrontation and a shocking revelation.

The Star Online, today, reported:

Dr M responsible for poor state of judiciary: PM (updated)
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has hit out at Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Razaleigh Hamzah and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for their criticism of his leadership.
"There is no stopping (Dr Mahathir's) slew of accusations. He claims there is no freedom of media. Does he not remember that during his time, he asked the media to 'block out' stories and photos of (former Prime Minister) Tun Hussein Onn and not give coverage to certain people.
"As for Operasi Lalang, don't forget who's responsible," he said, in reference to the 1987 crackdown in which over 100 people were arrested under the Internal Security Act for purportedly causing racial tension and posing a threat to national security.
On the judiciary, Abdullah said the problems did not start during his era.
Abdullah, who is the Umno president was speaking to reporters after giving a briefing to Umno grassroots leaders at PWTC over the party's performance in the general election.
On Razaleigh's recent open criticism of his leadership, Abdullah said the Gua Musang MP should take a good look at himself.
"He was the reason Barisan lost Kelantan to PAS in the first place," he said, adding that the Kelantan leader had done nothing to win the state back.
On former deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was sacked from the party in 1998 and was trying to make a political comeback, Abdullah said Anwar could wait all he liked.
"He may be the Prime Minister-in-waiting but I'm the leader of today," he stressed.
He also pointed out that when Anwar was the country's number two he (Anwar) too tried to control the media in terms of what came out on TV and in print.

*from Wikipedia

Vintage Article!

Vintage Rehman Rashid... got to hand it to the man, he nearly got me.. I was about to root for Paklah... then I remembered, Oh! I need to change my 2004 vote.. or have I?

Nevertheless credit must be given where credit is due, below is an excerpt of that well written and exceptionally crafted article:

Rehman Rashid

New Straits Times 2008/04/04

TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks at the Singgahsana Hotel in Petaling Jaya last Tuesday rank among the greatest denunciations he has issued in his long, long career.
It was vintage, distilled, pure and refined Essence of M: a brazen blast of concentrated vitriol; the faceful of pepper spray surely never forgotten by anyone who ever crossed him.If, while he was in charge, this acid was used to dissolve presumptive challengers into puffs of vapour, nowhe uses it to show how to take down incumbents.For those only now encountering Dr Mahathir in full furious force, it might be useful to read between the lines he delivered last Tuesday.First, Dr Mahathir does not despise Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He despises Khairy Jamaluddin, whose career profile he considers an illegitimate affront. For Abdullah, Dr Mahathir has contempt.
Read more here

TDM in action (kudos to bro dan for the link):

A Storm Brewing In The East

What's the angle on this? Sign of support or rejection? One of UMNO's solutions in reinventing and rebranding itself? Why the Supreme Council and not the supreme leader or vice supreme leader, for what it's worth? Oh! UMNO Pahang State Liaison Commitee! Why Pahang? You got to get yourself a better angle to read into this. Do not jump into conclusion just yet, it could be a storm but then again, it can also be nothing, but a shiny rainbow beyond that horizon. This is Bolehland, anything goes!

Utusan Online Terkini has the scoop:
Semua ahli MT perlu lepaskan jawatan
04/04/2008 5:35pm
KUANTAN 4 April - Badan Perhubungan UMNO Pahang meminta semua Ahli Majlis Tertinggi (MT) UMNO meletakkan jawatan bagi memberi laluan kepada Perhimpunan Agung Khas untuk melantik anggota MT yang baru berikutan prestasi buruk mereka dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 lalu.
Setiausahanya, Datuk Ahmad Tajuddin Sulaiman berkata, langkah itu sejajar dengan Fasal 9.11 Perlembagaan UMNO bahawa jika semua ahli MT berhenti serentak maka Pengerusi Tetap atau timbalannya perlu mengadakan Perhimpunan Agung Khas bagi menubuhkan semula MT dalam tempoh tidak lebih daripada 60 hari.
“Perwakilan akan menentukan semula siapa ahli MT yang baru bagi menggalas tanggungjawab menentukan hala tuju parti,” katanya.
Menurutnya, gesaan itu dilakukan berikutan kegagalan pucuk pimpinan parti dan ahli MT mempertahankan empat daripada lima negeri yang jatuh ke tangan pembangkang pada pilihan raya lalu.

All Is Well In Jerteh

"Yang penting adalah Khidmat dan bukannya Pangkat", he said.

That's the kind of mentality for servant of the people, a "Wakil Rakyat", should have. And it seems he has already started living and breathing what he has preached.
To other elected representatives, please "walk the talk", and don't just "wag the dog".
Glad to see that all is well in Kampung TokHas, Jerteh.

Bernama has this to report today:

Idris Remains As Terengganu Umno Liaison Chairman

JERTIH, April 4 (Bernama) -- Former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh will remain chairman of the state Umno liaison committee, if his leadership is still needed by the party.He is also prepared to give up the post any time if directed by the party leadership to do so."As an Umno member, I'll abide by the party directive and if Pak Lah (Prime Minister and Umno President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) wants me to relinquish the post, it is of no problem to me," Idris told reporters after a Maulidur Rasul celebration at Kampung Balik Bukit, near here last night.It was Idris' first statement to the press since the crisis on the appointment of the Terengganu Menteri Besar was resolved with Datuk Ahmad Said being appointed to the post on March 23.

Idris said he preferred to keep mum to prevent quarters from exploiting his statements which could aggravate the situation.Asked on his daily routine since no longer holding the post of menteri besar, Idris said he and his wife were more relaxed and that he was able to give more time to party work and meet his constituents in the Jerteh constituency.

"I work for the people. If the people are happy, so am I," he added. Idris thanked the people of Terengganu for supporting him and the Barisan Nasional (BN) that enabled the coalition to retain power in the state in the March 8 general election."I hope the people will not be disappointed with what has happened and also hope that they will continue to work hard for the state and the party so that the BN can continue to be in power in Terengganu," he added.-- BERNAMA

Jostling For Pole Position?

Not a good sign for the People's Pact, or is it People's Alliance? It seems that there are independent and separate ideas from each quarters on whom supposedly to be the Head Honcho, the Big Kahuna, the Chief of all Chief. This is not good, not a good start, indeed. Who will the PM then, if and when, Pakatan Rakyat is to become the government of Malaysia? Haji Hadi? Anwar Ibrahim? Wan Azizah? Lim Kit Siang? ...Too many question marks! I am sorry to say, this is not convincing enough.

Bernama has the report today:

Proposal For PAS To Become Backbone Of `Pakatan Rakyat'

ALOR STAR, April 4 (Bernama) -- The Kedah and Terengganu PAS Youth movements Friday supported the proposal by Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yaakub that PAS becomes the backbone of the `Pakatan Rakyat' or People's Coalition to realise the objective of forming an Islamic state.National PAS Youth vice-head Azman Shapawi Abdul Rani said PAS should be the backbone of the coalition as the party had been in existence much longer than Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP.In addition, the majority of the people in the country were Muslims and many of them had become leaders currently, he told Bernama, here Friday.Based on these factors, he said PAS was more qualified to lead the coalition compared to the PKR which was a very young party, he said.Azman, who is also the Terengganu PAS Youth head, said the proposal would be discussed at the national level at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur soon.

Asked whether the proposal would result in a dispute within the coalition, especially the DAP which had always been against the formation of an Islamic state, Azman said the matter would be studied thoroughly and discussed among the three component parties of the Pakatan Rakyat."It will not be a problem and will be discussed. What is important is to have a meeting (between the Pakatan Rakyat component parties) and discuss the matter in more detail," he said.Meanwhile, Kedah PAS Youth head Musaddak Ahmad said he was confident of PAS' capability in leading the coalition by highlighting the Islamic concept in national administration.In fact, the party was not only holding the Menteri Besar's post in Kelantan, but in Kedah and Perak too, and this proved that the party was capable of providing the leadership."As such, PAS should become the backbone of the coalition to realise the objective of forming an Islamic state," he said.

Musaddak said, however, the objective of forming an Islamic state could only be achieved if everyone understood and accepted the actual concept of Islam which had never belittled or marginalised any ethnic group because Islam was a religion that protected the interest of all mankind.-- BERNAMA

Updated

Another story from BERNAMA, isn't it getting too darn obvious? It is not just the pole position it seems, 2nd Grid is also in contention.

Karpal Wants Amendment To Provide For Deputy Opposition Leader

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- DAP chairman Karpal Singh wants the relevant standing orders of the Dewan Rakyat to be amended to provide for a deputy opposition leader.In a statement here Friday, Karpal, who is Bukit Gelugor member of parliament, said that in view of the Opposition now having 82 seats in Parliament, it was necessary to have a deputy opposition leader.

He said Standing Order 4A(1) of the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat provided for the appointment of only one opposition leader."On the other hand, Standing Order 4A(2) provides for a leader and deputy leader of the government. Having 82 members of parliament in the opposition is unprecedented."It is imperative, therefore that the standing orders be amended to provide for a deputy leader of the opposition, and with regard to the DAP having 28 seats in Parliament, (it) should be Ipoh Timor Member of Parliament, Lim Kit Siang," added Karpal.

He urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to ensure that the Standing Orders be amended as soon as possible to provide for a deputy oppposition leader.Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has been appointed parliamentary opposition leader, a post hold by Lim in the last parliament before the March 8 election.-- BERNAMA

Paklah Garang!

Popularity stunt? PM Abdullah giving CM Lim a dressing-down? "Lembik, who?" Would love to hear the other side of the story from the Penang CM though.

Utusan Malaysia has the report, today:
Abdullah minta Guan Eng hati-hati buat kenyataan
03/04/2008 4:42pm

PUTRAJAYA 3 April - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menasihatkan Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng supaya berhati-hati dalam membuat kenyataan kerana pemimpin DAP itu kini adalah ketua sebuah kerajaan negeri.
“Beliau tak seharusnya cuba meraih populariti,” kata Perdana Menteri kepada Bernama selepas pertemuan selama 30 minit dengan Lim, yang juga Setiausaha Agung DAP, di pejabatnya di sini.
Abdullah berkata: “Saya memberitahu beliau yang kita sedang mengawasi dengan teliti apa yang sedang berlaku di Pulau Pinang. Saya nasihatkan beliau bahawa beliau kini menerajui sebuah kerajaan negeri dan beliau seharusnya berhati-hati ketika membuat kenyataan.”

"I am here. I am here. I am here"

Signals not coming through?

Sometimes you do wonder what does it takes to get the message through to him.

But to be fair to the guy, someone should try smoke signals instead. Do you copy? Do you copy? Do you copy?
NST has the report:
ABDULLAH: I will not resign as PM
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah, BERNAMA
PUTRAJAYA, WED:
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today denied speculations that he would step down as prime minister. Abdullah stated his stand that he would not run away from his responsibility as the prime minister.
"I am here. I am here. I am here. They make all the speculations that I want to run away, I've resigned. Why should I resign?

Elected MCOBs

From the Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA) website:

Elected MCOBs - Election 2008

Congratulations to the following MCOBs who have won their seats:

PARLIAMENT:
1 Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (BN) P32 GUA MUSANG (Class of 52)
2 Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Aziz (BN) P61 PADANG RENGAS (class of 71)
3 Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah(BN) P88 TEMERLOH (Class of 78)
4 Datuk Sri Hishammuddin Hussein (BN) P153 SEMBRONG (Class of 78)
5 Datuk Sharir Samad (BN) P160 JOHOR BAHRU (Class of 65)
6 Dato Kamarul Baharin Abbas, (PKR) P132 TELUK KEMANG (Class of 64)
7 Dato` Rashid Din, (PKR) P14 MERBOK (Class of 64)
8 Dr Mohd Hatta Mat Ramli(PAS) P31 KUALA KRAI (Class of 73)
9 Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS) P19 TUMPAT (Class of 68)

STATE SEATS:
1 Zaabar Mohd Adib (BN) N26 Rantau Abang, Dungun (Class of 71)
2 Wan Abdul Hakim W Mokhtar(BN) N32 Air Putih,Kemaman( Class of 85)
3 Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid (BN) N16 Kamunting, Taiping (Class of 85)
4 Dr Nik Mazian Nik Mohamed(PAS) ,N32 Gaal, Pasir Putih(Class of 75)
5 Dr. Mohamad Taslim (PAS) N15 Maharani, Muar (Class of 68)
6 Iskandar Samad (PAS) N21 Chempaka, Pandan (Class of 78)
7. Abdul Aziz Kadir (PAS) N22 Jelawat (Class of 66)
8 Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR) N32, Seri Setia, Kelana Jaya (Class of 99)

Selamat Berkhidmat

He Got It Right, For Now!

At least someone from UMNO Supreme Council got it right, for now. Can we expect to see more of this? The signs are there, hopefully not another drama, the people are getting sick of it. Make yourselves relevant, you'll bounce back, create another drama, you can expect the last tsunami to turn into 9.5 Richter scale's earthquake in 4 years time.

The Star has this to report:

Focus on major issues, says Umno VP (updated)
By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: There are other major issues afflicting Umno than the proposal to abolish nomination quota system to contest top posts in the party, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Umno vice-president said top party leaders had not even gone down to the ground yet to address members’ concerns after the party's major losses in the March elections to restore their spirit.

Not Another Marriage Of Convenience?

For the country & the people's sake, towards a more matured society, let's pray that this is not another one of those soap opera being played over and over again down the years. Too many dramas. Too little to show. But then again, it's still early. With a bit of luck, they can interpret the aspirations of the people to something more concrete like better governance and transparency with the current five states under the PR (Pakatan Rakyat) ruling.

NST reported the followings:

PKR, DAP and PAS plan to formalise cooperation
BERNAMA

PETALING JAYA, TUES:
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), DAP and PAS today agreed to consolidate the cooperation between the three parties and proposed their alliance be called the “Pakatan Rakyat” (People’s Pact).

PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had all agreed that the move to formalise the alliance be brought back to their respective parties for approval.

Fear & Loathing in PutraJaya

"He blamed the disastrous results of the party’s performance on the elements of fear and loathing. Fear from the people who dared not stand up for the truth, who failed to convey the people’s wishes to the leadership; fear from the leadership who failed to listen objectively to the people’s wishes; and loathing from the people who could see that their messages were being manipulated by certain individuals who bore the initials KJ."

..Fear & loathing... Heed the signals sent, there's no two way about it.

Confused Man!

ZAM you are one confused dude!

Last I recalled Dr M was still the "nemesis". Wasn't he supposed to do that, being the "enemy" and all?

Stop bro! You are glorifying the man. As the superhero or shall we say, ex-superhero, you are not supposed to do that, giving cred to the "villain". ...kan?

It's a blessing that you are not the Information Minister anymore.

"Way to Go, Captain Obvious!" nonetheless.

Maybe it's a curse for what you have done to the old man. Moral of the story, don't ever bite the hand that have fed you.
The Star has this to say, today:
Zam: Dr M to blame, too
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must shoulder some of the blame for Barisan Nasional's worst-ever performance in the recent general election, says former Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.
Dr Mahathir’s various accusations swayed the people to vote against Barisan, he said.
“Laying all blame on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for Barisan’s losses is not right because it is clear that Dr Mahathir is full of anger and uncontrolled vengeance,” said Zainuddin.
“His credibility influenced people into believing what he said and he also lent this credibility to bloggers and websites,” he said when met at his house here yesterday.

P/S- Still harbouring hopes to become a "superhero" once again, are we?

"Captain Obvious" - Contrary to popular belief, Captain Obvious is capable of flying but is afraid to, so he drives around the country in an RV, constantly on the lookout for blatantly obvious things to explain to the general public. Source: here

The Fiasco Is Over, But Does It Really?

Lots of relieved faces were visibly seen when the fiasco of Terengganu MB (State Chief Minister) crisis came to and end recently. I for one did not see it as over, in the actual sense. The Pandora box has only been opened. Now, it seems that the MPPR (Royal Advisory Council) do have veto power over the voice of the people, the recently concluded General Election, and for me, this does not augur well with the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy concepts that Malaysia uphold since her independent, more than half century ago. Much has been deliberated on this issue and I believed that Malaysian of all and sundry do understand the consequences and the principle law regarding the same and as such will not be discuss here.

But what I wish to touch here is the consequences with regard to blatant disregard of convention. Convention or practice has been accepted as one way to interpret the constitution, in the event of lacuna or gap in the law itself, and the failure to adhere to such a convention that since 31st August 1957, the Prime Minister, by way of a Letter of Appointment issued under his name, has been the person advising the ruler on who is to be elected as State Chief Minister of that particular state where his party has managed to form a government, would definitely have some adverse effect in the future. It is foreseeable that other convention such as that the Prime Minister must be Malay no longer holds water and precedent wise could as well be challenged. Malaysia is a very unique country, one of a kind in this context, and negative consequences will always be there no matter how matured and savvy the people are. Even recently, "demos" have been carried out by UMNO Penang due to a statement made by the new CM of Penang concerning the much debated NEP (National Economic Policy), which in actual sense, does not exist anymore due to its abolishment in 1990 when it was changed to another policy by the former Premier. And the danger is that some quarters would keep on to stoke the sentiment of the people and by starting a precedent, in terengganu context, that is alright not to adhere to established convention of the constitution certainly would not help. Laws and conventions must be certain and consistent. To simply disregard certain laws or conventions according to one's whim and fancy would only makes matter worst.

Having said that, hypothetically, in Terengganu context, the MPPR, down the line during the term of the coming Terengganu State's Assembly, feels, for whatever reason (they seem to have that luxury, of not having to justify their decision), that they do not like the new MB anymore and decides that he does not "command the support of majority" in the State Assembly and instead appoint another state assemblymen as MB, that in their mind command the majority support. From what have happened in Terengganu, that would constitute a valid appointment nevertheless in accordance with the precedent made recently. What will happen then? Your guess is as good as mine.

..So, is it really over? "Tepuk Dada Tanya Selera"

The issue and some interesting points relating to the same have been raised and blogged here, here, and here too.

Addendum: Courtesy of MalaysiaKini.tv

Former MB apologizes and making his points on the issue.

The Grand Old Man Speaks Up!

..once a statesman, always a statesman...

DrM speaks up on Rulers and politicians
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

PETALING JAYA (March 27, 2008): A Concerned Malaysian has expressed his worry over the role being played by Sultans in the appointment of the Mentri Besar.

His Royal Highnesses have clearly refused to take the advice of the Chief Minister i.e. the Prime Minister. Instead, they have chosen on their own a member of the state legislature to head the Government.

We hear a lot of opinions on the propriety of the action by the Sultan. Some say he has the right to do this while others point out that as a constitutional ruler, he could not do this.

The Prime Minister, as Prime Minister, has no role in the choice of the State Mentri Besar or Ketua Menteri. His naming of candidate who should be the Mentri Besar is purely a party matter. Obviously, if the State is captured by the Opposition Party, he cannot name the candidate...... ...However, if the Ruler chooses someone who does not enjoy majority support, he could be deposed at a sitting of the legislative body through a vote of "no confidence".

In The News After 23 Years

My father, by virtue of being the person who named Malaysian first national car, way back in 1985, was in the news again, after 23 years... for a mere 2 seconds or so. Likewise also for the former prime minister who initiated this project.

I couldn't get the actual TV news, but The Star video news coverage will suffice for now, here you go, courtesy of The Star Online.

The Unofficial Photostory - Xantheus Commune 8589

Compiled & edited from various (limited) sources that I can get my hands on..



As we were then.. fast forwarded 18 years, as we are now..

MCKK Class of 89 (14th Thoroughbred) Xantheus Commune

Updated

xantheus reunion video 2003 MCKK Malay College Kuala Kangsar

Video Link here

Dylan's Masterpiece

Perhaps, this 'back to front' lyrics of Dylan's masterpiece would make sense after all. Oh! Malaysiaku....

"There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief,
"There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief.
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth,
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth."

"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke,
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate,
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late."

All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.

Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl

Maafkan Aku!

Sajak by Pyan Habib, food for thought!

Ma'afkan aku! kalau aku sering saja berlaku songsang,
terutama di perayaan tahunan seperti hari ini......
Apabila orang telah sedia duduk, aku bangun berdiri
Apabila orang bertepok, aku diam
Apabila orang orang ghairah berbincang, aku tidor
Apabila orang membaca zikir, aku takot mati
Ma'afkan aku jika aku sering saja berlaku songsang
terutama di perayaan tahunan seperti hari ini
Orang lain sudah merdeka,
aku belum
Aku bahagia kerana aku masih Melayu,
walaupun Melayu kata "Melayu bodoh!"
Melayu kata "Melayu kecoh!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu malas!" Melayu kata "Melayu mulas!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu kecot!" Melayu kata "Melayu takot!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu belut!" Melayu kata "Melayu belot!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu kasap!" Melayu kata "Melayu lesap!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu tongong!" Melayu kata "Melayu bingong!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu serong!" Melayu kata "Melayu jerong!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Melayu kata "Melayu sombong!" Melayu kata "Melayu murong!" biarkan........., biarkan..................
Maka Luncai pun terjun dengan labu-labunya.

Walk On..

...much as we cannot borrow or steal yesterday's sun to shine for us today; we should not cumber ourselves with yesterday's baggage when facing tomorrow. March on... let the games begin. Roll the dice... this is what separate us from a boy and a man. The line has been drawn & the whistle has been blown. Let see who dances better!