Oct 25, 2011
Aug 29, 2011
Apr 18, 2011
A Thank You Message No.4
The Sarawakians have woken and they have spokenFor far too long, the rules of govern have been broken
This sheer ignorance raises the people to be emboldened
And now the people have woken, we must ensure that BN be forgotten
Fret not without the two-third majority in the state
It is the parliament seats that are at stake
Come next GE, we must decide for our children sake
A wrong vote will put us behind by another decade
Forests gone, money gone and even human can be explosively gone
When the rule of law seems forlorn, the bankruptcy of the country is a foregone
Promise this, promise that and talk this, talk that but for years, the people have been conned
MCA or MIC, Gerakan or SUPP, they are nothing but to be used as pawn
Umno shouts of threats and racial slurs
What a great way for injustices and unfairness to unfurl
The FD in Sarawak for BN has mature
Putrajaya is in the hands for PR to capture
Malaysia, Oh Malaysia, a land with beauty and plenty
To lead and to guide is everyone's duty
Let us come together to make this country with greater bounty
Before it is too late for us to say sorry
Related posts: here , here , here
Mar 21, 2011
US Foreign Interventions: Folly or Bully
During the 60s to the 70s, when the US was involved in the Vietnam War, the phrase 'Make peace,not war' and 'Give peace a chance' were used by the Americans to denounce the government of its involvement in a war that brings no benefits but deaths to the thousands of young American soldiers.
The massive protest in front of the White House by the thousands of Americans, from the students to the ordinary at the height of the Vietnam War, has stunned the government so much that it reciprocated by using force to subdue the protests.
In one of the speeches on TV in 1970, President Nixon put on a brave front and declared:'We will not be humiliated and defeated by the North Vietnamese'. And to the chagrin of the Americans, he even expanded the war into Laos and Cambodia, triggering massive protests.
And hardly had the words settled in the mind of the Americans, the North Vietnamese took over Saigon and the Americans fled South Vietnam to eat humble pie at home.
Th current involvement of the US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan is akin to deja vu of the Vietnam War albeit with a difference: there is oil to fight for. Never mind the thousands of American soldiers who are killed on duty. As far as the US government is concern, it is a price worth paying for.
The military might of the US army is the most powerful in the world and with its strong advocate of democratic values, has make the US as a country for many to either look for protection or guidance. Hence, like a big brother, it further hedges its military might around the world.
The rise of India and China as the new economic power house has make the US government to rethink its policies towards these countries. The economy of China has overtaken Japan and is poised to overtake US as the biggest economy in the world. When China unveiled its ability to build stealth fighter plane, the US like the rest of the world is awed. Maybe there are more technological advances which the world has not seen yet. And together with its military force, the People's Liberation Army, which is the biggest in the world, China is now being view as a new superpower:from economy to military.
The huge trade surpluses of the Chinese economy with the US has being a thorn for the US economy for years. And to shift the balance of trade to its favor, the US has tried to pester China to devalue its currency, blaming it as the main source of the imbalance in trade between the two countries.
The massive protest in front of the White House by the thousands of Americans, from the students to the ordinary at the height of the Vietnam War, has stunned the government so much that it reciprocated by using force to subdue the protests.
In one of the speeches on TV in 1970, President Nixon put on a brave front and declared:'We will not be humiliated and defeated by the North Vietnamese'. And to the chagrin of the Americans, he even expanded the war into Laos and Cambodia, triggering massive protests.
And hardly had the words settled in the mind of the Americans, the North Vietnamese took over Saigon and the Americans fled South Vietnam to eat humble pie at home.
Th current involvement of the US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan is akin to deja vu of the Vietnam War albeit with a difference: there is oil to fight for. Never mind the thousands of American soldiers who are killed on duty. As far as the US government is concern, it is a price worth paying for.
The military might of the US army is the most powerful in the world and with its strong advocate of democratic values, has make the US as a country for many to either look for protection or guidance. Hence, like a big brother, it further hedges its military might around the world.
The rise of India and China as the new economic power house has make the US government to rethink its policies towards these countries. The economy of China has overtaken Japan and is poised to overtake US as the biggest economy in the world. When China unveiled its ability to build stealth fighter plane, the US like the rest of the world is awed. Maybe there are more technological advances which the world has not seen yet. And together with its military force, the People's Liberation Army, which is the biggest in the world, China is now being view as a new superpower:from economy to military.
The huge trade surpluses of the Chinese economy with the US has being a thorn for the US economy for years. And to shift the balance of trade to its favor, the US has tried to pester China to devalue its currency, blaming it as the main source of the imbalance in trade between the two countries.
Will China kowtow to the Americans?
While China is exploring for greater economic pie through diplomatic ties throughout the world, the US is interfering in world affairs through its military might, with Libya being the latest.
The outcry of the Arab League of the attack by the French,British and the US forces is indeed a cause for concern. Such an attack is being perceived as an attack by the West against the Muslim world.
And such perception, when dangerously played up by the many Osamas, will give rise to further extremist attacks against the West.
What is the cost of human suffering that can be considered justifiable for war?
Mar 13, 2011
When diaster struck,let us pray this will not happen in Malaysia
Fireman Ali: We must search for the Malay survivors first.
Fireman Chong: No, no no! We must search for the Chinese first!
Fireman Muthu: Hey! What about the Indians? We must search for the Indians first.
Mar 9, 2011
Autobiography or My Story: To believe or Not to believe
It is very common or rather a norm for leaders, from the corporate to politics and from the greats to the dictators to write their memoirs so that they can be remembered as they want us to remember them.In the home front, we have the ex-premier of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohd. who has just launched his latest autobiography: The Doctor in The House. I have to admit that I did not read the book but from what I have gathered, his book depicts him as a great leader: a leader who for the sake of the country, dare to take risks and make unpopular decisions and also who seems to do no wrong.
When we read an autobiography, we need to understand that most biographies are usually written a few years after they have retired. Thus, the situation at that time and a few years later can be very different and thereby providing the writer a 'loophole' to change the reader's perception.
A classic example is the latest autobiography by Mahathir Mohd. In his book, he coyly blamed the Ops Lalang in 1987 on the IGP when as PM he seemed powerless to stop the action of the police force. Can you believe it? The invoked of the ISA to arrest the opposition members during the Ops Lalang has always been a thorn in Mahathir's administration.
The fact that he has devoted a chapter on his justification to arrest and subsequently jailed Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy, showed his fear towards Anwar who is politically strong enough to dethrone him as the PM of Malaysia. And suddenly it seems out of the blue in his memoir, he accused Anwar of having a sexual tryst with four prostitutes, when during the sodomy trial of more than 10 years ago, this was never mentioned. Can you believe it?
He accused Tengku Razaleigh of money politics during Umno's presidential election in1987 where both parties fought tooth and nail for the seat. And Umno was divided into Team A and Team B was because of Tengku Razaleigh. He also accused Daim of corruptions and Musa Hitam of back stabbing him.
And hey presto, through this autobiography, Mahathir seems to be a 'clean' man.
But what about the massive plundering of wealth from Petronas and EPF to bail out his children business and his cronies during the Asian financial crisis? How can his son become a billionaire and is one of the richest in Malaysia? And what about the deterioration of the judiciary system since the sodomy trial of Anwar Ibrahim? What about the squandered RM100 billion of the nation's wealth? Can someone pinpoint to me where are the truths in his book?
If George Bush is to admit in his autobiography that he had erred in his decision by sending the American soldiers to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, he would be 'castrated' by the thousands of Americans whose sons and husbands have died in the war. And maybe he should learn from Mahathir by blaming the CIA for providing inaccurate or false information on Saddam Hussein's so call catchment of weapons of mass destruction.
And if Bill Clinton is to admit in his autobiography that he had sex with the White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, he would be castrated by Hilary Clinton, literally speaking. And maybe he can also learn from Mahathir by twisting facts like he was drugged by the intern and therefore, he did not remember what he was doing.
So, if you are going to write your own autobiography, are you going to write the truth, nothing but the truth?
Feb 16, 2011
Holiday in Bandung and Jakarta
At last, after being 'grounded' for a few years, I managed to 'take off ' for a short holiday of three nights in Bandung and two nights in Jakarta with my family during this Chinese New Year.
Just to share some photos and perhaps some advice for those who are planning for a holiday to Bandung.
A VIP welcome by my driver, Mr.Robert from Mulia Car Rental service which was arranged prior departure. It is advisable to arrange such service for comfort and convenience to move around Bandung: from the volcano sites to the many Factory Outlets for shopping. Oh yes, and not forgetting the professional service provided by my driver. Thanks, Roberts!
Highly recommended to stay at Novotel Bandung with its spacious room and friendly service. However, the room in Hotel Ibis Jakarta Tamarin is much smaller.
It is a new experience shopping in the many Factory Outlets in Bandung. These outlets are big shops by itself, unlike in KL, where we normally shop in complexes. There are a wide selections of branded names for both male and female. Generally, most prices are affordable and are quite cheap.
The main Factory Outlets are located at Jln.Dago, Jln. Rhiau and Jln. Setiabudi and most probably it needs two days for the shopaholics to finish their shopping in these areas. So, make sure you bring some empty luggage to stuff all your new clothes.
For the jean buffs, there is Jln.Cihampelas where the whole street is devoted to selling jeans. I was told by Robert that most are fake brands. So, he took me to another shop that sells original Levis (sorry, can't remember the name of the shop/street). Like the jean street, Cibaduyut street specializes in selling shoes. I suggest you do not waste your time here as most are locally made shoes that are mainly sold in shops and stalls. We left the place in less than half an hour.
Due to the 'excessive' shopping of my daughters, we missed the Anklung Udjo cultural performance.
For dinner, we tried the local Sundanese and western food which are reasonably priced at the many hilltop restaurants with all overlooking Bandung city: The Stone Cafe, The Peak, The Valley and Kampung Daun. Do not forget to bring your jacket as it can be very cold at night.
A beautiful night view of Bandung city from The Valley restaurant.
This is what mother nature has created after a volcanic eruption: Kawah Ratu on Gunung Tangkuban Perahu
We can still hear the hissing sound of the smoke billowing out from the crater and from it, the smell of sulfur. There is another crater nearby call Kawah Domas where you can see the hot water bubbling from the crater. Unfortunately, due to the rain, we couldn't make the trip. Deeply regretted.
However, you need to pay a guide IDR250000 (MR85.00) per hour to take you there.
Another stunning view of Kawah Ratu.
This is Kawah Putih, another volcano site north of Bandung. Its greenish white water and the solid rock background makes the crater truly beautiful.
Just to share some photos and perhaps some advice for those who are planning for a holiday to Bandung.
A VIP welcome by my driver, Mr.Robert from Mulia Car Rental service which was arranged prior departure. It is advisable to arrange such service for comfort and convenience to move around Bandung: from the volcano sites to the many Factory Outlets for shopping. Oh yes, and not forgetting the professional service provided by my driver. Thanks, Roberts!
Highly recommended to stay at Novotel Bandung with its spacious room and friendly service. However, the room in Hotel Ibis Jakarta Tamarin is much smaller.
It is a new experience shopping in the many Factory Outlets in Bandung. These outlets are big shops by itself, unlike in KL, where we normally shop in complexes. There are a wide selections of branded names for both male and female. Generally, most prices are affordable and are quite cheap.The main Factory Outlets are located at Jln.Dago, Jln. Rhiau and Jln. Setiabudi and most probably it needs two days for the shopaholics to finish their shopping in these areas. So, make sure you bring some empty luggage to stuff all your new clothes.
For the jean buffs, there is Jln.Cihampelas where the whole street is devoted to selling jeans. I was told by Robert that most are fake brands. So, he took me to another shop that sells original Levis (sorry, can't remember the name of the shop/street). Like the jean street, Cibaduyut street specializes in selling shoes. I suggest you do not waste your time here as most are locally made shoes that are mainly sold in shops and stalls. We left the place in less than half an hour.
Due to the 'excessive' shopping of my daughters, we missed the Anklung Udjo cultural performance.
For dinner, we tried the local Sundanese and western food which are reasonably priced at the many hilltop restaurants with all overlooking Bandung city: The Stone Cafe, The Peak, The Valley and Kampung Daun. Do not forget to bring your jacket as it can be very cold at night.
A beautiful night view of Bandung city from The Valley restaurant.
This is what mother nature has created after a volcanic eruption: Kawah Ratu on Gunung Tangkuban Perahu
We can still hear the hissing sound of the smoke billowing out from the crater and from it, the smell of sulfur. There is another crater nearby call Kawah Domas where you can see the hot water bubbling from the crater. Unfortunately, due to the rain, we couldn't make the trip. Deeply regretted.However, you need to pay a guide IDR250000 (MR85.00) per hour to take you there.
Another stunning view of Kawah Ratu.
This is Kawah Putih, another volcano site north of Bandung. Its greenish white water and the solid rock background makes the crater truly beautiful.
Feb 12, 2011
Malaysia: The destiny is in our hands.
As I sat and watched with intrigue the change of governments in Tunisia and Egypt by the people's revolution, the immediate question that comes to my mind is: Will this happen in Malaysia?
Well, Najib has already said that Malaysia is different and he could be damned right. Yes, Malaysia is different, unlike Tunisia and Egypt whose population is basically homogeneous whilst the population of Malaysia consists of many races. The UMNO led government has dissected the people by playing the racial card to the hilt to make sure that the people cannot stay united to formulate a people's power. However, the difference ends here.
What Najib and his UMNO/BN led government fail to see are the similarities.
Fist and foremost is the scourge of massive corruptions which the people detested but have to live with it and suffer in silence. The great plunder of national wealth by those in power and their cronies seemingly with impunity is at an all time high since post independence. The invoking of the draconian ISA as and when they like and deem a threat to national security has stymied the voices of the people.
The few rounds of price hike in petrol, albeit in a silent manner, has spiral the cost of living. Many average income earners are currently hard pressed to cope with all the price increases. And with the slow pace of economic growth, job opportunities are hard to come by for the new graduates. Even if they found one, will the income be enough to sustain their personal monthly expenses, let alone a family? Who will they vent their anger and frustrations at?
The constant spewing of lies and the distortion of facts through the UMNO/BN led government controlled mainstream medias is indeed a blessing in disguise. In this well connected and wired world, it clearly allows the world to see the idiocy and the mentality of those in the government.
So, when former US ambassador John Malott wrote an article 'The price of Malaysia's Racism' which was published in the Wall Street Journal, the political goons in the government made a big hue and cry over it even though what was written was backed by facts and figures. The truths certainly hurt.
Does the government care whether the current political climate will affect the flow of FDIs into the country? Don bet on it. All this UMNO/BN political parties care is to cling on to power at all cost, in Najib's threatening words: even over crushed bodies, lost lives and ethnic cleansing.
Malaysia with its rich natural resources has certainly what it takes to be a well developed country. In fact, it should had achieved a much higher status than its little red dot neighbor had the country being govern efficiently,fairly and justly. Instead, we can now only grin with jealousy, envy and full of animosities.
So, what does the future holds for Malaysia?
To begin with, those clowns in the government are already making us the laughing stocks. And if these clowns are going to perform continuously with new tricks, the greater will be the laughing. And with the greater laughing, Malaysia will be looked upon as a 'sick' country.
And in the forefront of the international stage, we have the now infamous Altantuya murder case, Teoh Boon Hock neither homicide or suicide verdict and the Anwar sodomy II trial. All these trials have catapulted Malaysia into instant recognition and showcased the quality of Malaysia's judiciary in true Malaysia style.
Malaysia Boleh!
Malaysia has a relatively young population and a great part of them are literate and wired in this borderless world. It is this group of people that must educate those in the rural areas who are naive enough to believe that everything is pinky and rosy in the country. It is extremely crucial to engage them politically so that they can play a positive role in shaping the country.
And who else to end the misery of the people, but the people themselves.
Well, Najib has already said that Malaysia is different and he could be damned right. Yes, Malaysia is different, unlike Tunisia and Egypt whose population is basically homogeneous whilst the population of Malaysia consists of many races. The UMNO led government has dissected the people by playing the racial card to the hilt to make sure that the people cannot stay united to formulate a people's power. However, the difference ends here.
What Najib and his UMNO/BN led government fail to see are the similarities.
Fist and foremost is the scourge of massive corruptions which the people detested but have to live with it and suffer in silence. The great plunder of national wealth by those in power and their cronies seemingly with impunity is at an all time high since post independence. The invoking of the draconian ISA as and when they like and deem a threat to national security has stymied the voices of the people.
The few rounds of price hike in petrol, albeit in a silent manner, has spiral the cost of living. Many average income earners are currently hard pressed to cope with all the price increases. And with the slow pace of economic growth, job opportunities are hard to come by for the new graduates. Even if they found one, will the income be enough to sustain their personal monthly expenses, let alone a family? Who will they vent their anger and frustrations at?
The constant spewing of lies and the distortion of facts through the UMNO/BN led government controlled mainstream medias is indeed a blessing in disguise. In this well connected and wired world, it clearly allows the world to see the idiocy and the mentality of those in the government.
So, when former US ambassador John Malott wrote an article 'The price of Malaysia's Racism' which was published in the Wall Street Journal, the political goons in the government made a big hue and cry over it even though what was written was backed by facts and figures. The truths certainly hurt.
Does the government care whether the current political climate will affect the flow of FDIs into the country? Don bet on it. All this UMNO/BN political parties care is to cling on to power at all cost, in Najib's threatening words: even over crushed bodies, lost lives and ethnic cleansing.
Malaysia with its rich natural resources has certainly what it takes to be a well developed country. In fact, it should had achieved a much higher status than its little red dot neighbor had the country being govern efficiently,fairly and justly. Instead, we can now only grin with jealousy, envy and full of animosities.
So, what does the future holds for Malaysia?
To begin with, those clowns in the government are already making us the laughing stocks. And if these clowns are going to perform continuously with new tricks, the greater will be the laughing. And with the greater laughing, Malaysia will be looked upon as a 'sick' country.
And in the forefront of the international stage, we have the now infamous Altantuya murder case, Teoh Boon Hock neither homicide or suicide verdict and the Anwar sodomy II trial. All these trials have catapulted Malaysia into instant recognition and showcased the quality of Malaysia's judiciary in true Malaysia style.
Malaysia Boleh!
Malaysia has a relatively young population and a great part of them are literate and wired in this borderless world. It is this group of people that must educate those in the rural areas who are naive enough to believe that everything is pinky and rosy in the country. It is extremely crucial to engage them politically so that they can play a positive role in shaping the country.
And who else to end the misery of the people, but the people themselves.
Jan 31, 2011
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