News at a glance

The ‘High Chaparral' Kampung Buah Pala issue has been a thorn for the Penang run DAP government. Earlier they were calls that Lim Guan Eng and DAP were running the state as their own without consulting PR partners and the recent row on the appointment of MPSP head was centre of controversy. The sacking of one of the councilor’s as well. High Chaparral is now another issue where both the BN and PR jokers are playing politics! The villagers will file a fresh writ at the Penang High Court next week to stake claim of ownership over the village, which they claim to have resided in for nearly 200 years. According the documents, the cooperative society had paid RM2.247 million on March 14, 2008 - a week after Lim had become the chief minister. The land was transferred by the state government to the cooperative society on March 27, 19 days after Pakatan Rakyat captured the Penang government in the March 8 general election. There are accusation that LGE claims that he is unaware of this transfer as Cecil Rajendra the then counsel for the villages have told him that there was a pending court case on the village land. Well people are talking that DAP cares more about pigs than human being as they threaten to pull out of Kedah state government over a abattoir! What an irony, so stop playing politics and get down to business if Koh Tsu Koon has done something wrong and fraudulent hence bring him to court or put a caveat on the land! Aiyo…. LGE don’t talk through your personal secretary that you don’t want to be a populist but a champion of CAT. Walk the talk buddy! Remember DAP election campaign vote for us we’ll save you or over our death body will they take Kampung Pala!
I am surprised that the former PM so called the father of modern Malaysia was not so supportive of Najib! What a shock for someone who closed an eye on many corruptions accusation thrown on Najib but now hitting on him. Wonder why? Is it because Najib is making his own decision now compared to earlier by consulting him on any government policies? Malaysiakini quoted Mahathir said Najib gained "more negatives rather than positives" since taking over as the prime minister from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on April 3. He is now holding a poll in his blog to get the rakyat response on using English to teach Maths and English. Why are you seeking the rakyat’s support now Mahathir and in many other case all the rakyat’s plea fell into deaf ears; Perak Assembly, PKFZ, stimulation package? Do you feel that the PM is changing and challenging you? Sudahlah Mahathir.
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Uthayakumar has managed to set aside a bail condition to surrender his passport.The matter was decided by Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Zainal Azman Abdul Aziz, who overturned a decision made by the Sessions Court on Dec 11, 2007. DAP is claiming that he is a BN man now as a reliable insider source but they loved Ganaphathy Rao statement supporting DAP decision in Penang that Hindraf has erred in Kampung Pala incident. I guess DAP is like UMNO too, only like to hear songs of praises but not criticism. Personally I don’t care whether Uthayakumar is PR or BN that man deserve a better treatment! Always remember one of the reason why you blokes won was because of him, you jokers were never prepared to win in Penang just to reduce the 2/3 majority,remember?
Aiyo this joker is still alivekah? MIC president S Samy Vellu today hit out at Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) for denying the party permission to rebuild a 75-year-old Tamil school in Perak."They have forgotten the sacrifices made by Indians who played a major role in the construction of the railway track from Ipoh to Padang Besar," said Samy. Dai you have forgotten about the Indians during your presidency for the last 28 years, why cry foul now about KTMB. This is not new for the Indians as they have been living marginalized for the last 50 so years. The government did noting and more so you did nothing, just swindled all for yourself and your cronies? Remember…remember Telekom shares and also remember MAIKA Holdings, PP Narayanan Hostel, Indian Association in Setiawan? Do I need to go on?

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Why English is not Important

Most of us would have either read or discussed for the past few weeks about using English to teach Maths and Science. Recently Muyhiddin Yassin, our beloved DPM made a press statement he has already discussed and explain to Mahathir about the decision to revert to BM to teach both the subjects. Why is that he and Najib are still talking to Mahathir when the later is no longer in politics? Do they need his approval to govern or is he still running the country? Anyway below are two reasons why I agree with DPM and also the Education Ministry that they should not use English as education lingua franca not only to teach Maths and Science but also English as a subject.
Case 1: UiTM
4th UiTM INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FIESTA
19 – 23 November 2009 FUTSAL-RUGBY 7- TENPIN BOWLING-BADMINTON

Dear Sport Friends,

Regarding about the global issue H1N1 happens around the world, sadly to be informing that our UiTM International Sports Fiesta will be postponing to 19-23 November 2009.
For all teams which have been confirm to participate in our events, we have to say sorry for this announcements and our Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Health also advise to us to change the date for this current situation.
By the date have been confirm incoming this November hopefully your teams still can participate in our event and don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.
And again, we would like to say sorry about the date change for the sake of our health among us.
See you in this November at UiTM Malaysia!!

Regards,
Mr. Mustaza Ahmad
Director
Sports Centre
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Malaysia

CASE 2: University Tun Hussien Onn

New Straits Times
23 August 2008, page 43

HONORARY DEGREE AWARD
7TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY UNIVERSITY TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
TO
YANG AMAT MULIA RAJA ZARITH SOFIAH BINTI ALMARHUM
SULTAN IDRIS AL-MUTAWAKIL ALALLAHI SHAH
D.K.II, S.P.M.J., S.P.C.M.

Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Al-Mutawakil Alallahi Shah has born on 14th of August 1959 in Hospital Batu Gajah, Perak. Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith is a third son to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzwan and Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Mazuwin binti almarhum Raja Arif Shah.
Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah get early education in Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Datin Khadijah Kuala Kangsar in the state his birthplace namely in Perak. After end of the education in primary school, Yang Amat Mulia continue the education to form one at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Raja Perempuan Kalsom Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
In the month of September 1972, Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah have set forth to England for further education in Chaltenham Ladies College, Gloucestershire to form six. Then, Yang Amat Mulia continue learning it in Davies College London in September 1977 and his following year in receive enter to Somerville College, London after having passed Oxford Entrance Examination.

After graduated at Oxford University with Bachelor of Art in June 1983 and follow the traditional University of Oxford, Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith will receive Master of Art after three years in 1986. Yang Amat Mulia also is a linguist follow several courses including language Mandarin at the tertiary level, French and Italy language.
As his father, Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah is a person that talented in picture arts. Refinement of soul, Yang Amat Mulia always watching natural beauty environment immortalize in the form photograph and painting to make look and reference. Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith performance become guide to deliver the message education to general public. Yang Amat Mulia concern on women and natural world and it custody aspect in become deep theme in painting.

Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah comply have interest profoundest field documentation. Apart from producing book, Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith doubled up guest writer in the The New Straits Times newspapers and in personal column it “Mind Matters” in The Star newspaper. Besides writing, Yang Amat Mulia comply active presenting a working paper at the conference national level and international.
Education from her father and mother over concern to the people, make Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah likes engaged in voluntary activities about as Deputy President of Majlis Wanita Johor (ROSE), Chief of Persatuan Pandu Puteri Malaysia Johor branch, Chairman of Nationalistic Community Service Red Crescent Malaysia, Patron of Spastic Children School in Johor Bahru, Patron Rotary Club of Tebrau Foundation, advisor of Traditional Arts School International in London and become Pro Chancellor University Technology Malaysia (UTM) and becomen Royal Felllow Faculty of Language and Linguistic University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

As the appreciation towards her contributions of ideas and efforts in the development of education in Malaysia, Chancellor of University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Duli Yang Amat Mulia Tunku lbrahim lsmail lbni Sultan lskandar, Tunku Mahkota Johor, has approbation to presented the awards to Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Al-Mutawakil Alallahi Shah the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Education at 7th Convocation Ceremony of University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia in this year. Congratulation from us, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia members.

There you go; there is no reason why English should be used in Malaysia as medium of instruction after all during the Melaka Sultanate we did not use English though! I also heard that the Education Ministry will no longer send our students overseas and call back those in overseas to join our local universities as we are among the worlds' best.

Flight or Fright

I was away on a business trip to Kuala Lumpur yesterday and decided to travel by Fireflyz because Subang Airport being the closest to KL compared to LCCT or KLIA and also for nostalgic reasons being the first International Airport in Malaysia as it brought back memories of the past.
Anyway I am not writing about airports but of a fantastic merry go round trip that I had during my return flight from Subang to Penang. The flight was scheduled at 8.20 pm and they were reliable as they were preparing to take off on time and it was I guess a 60 sitter Fokker plane. I found my seat number and sat down reading the NST of the day which I have not been doing since Nov 2007. It has been ages that I read the main press media for reasons known to most and one being for their “un-biased “report with utmost professionalism.
I am not going to talk about press freedom either, coming back to my story. There I was enjoying a pleasant trip back to Penang to see my other half as I have told her that I should touch down by 9.20pm and she assured me that she’ll be at the airport to pick me up. After 30 minutes in the sky the trouble started as the weather was becoming bit rough. The plane went through some turbulence and I was ok for now in this rainy conditions it is normal for planes to go through turbulence more so a for a Fokker. I was very wrong as it began to shake more and flashes of lighting could be seen outside and the weather began to take a bad turn when we were about to reach Penang. It was raining heavily with the plane shaking left to right, up down and realized that the plane was surprisingly going faster than normal. The turbulence was getting worst and the plane was fast descending and all of the sudden I saw Penang Airport on my right and it appeared very close. I thought that the pilot would land the plane but had my doubts with the speed the Fokker was going and it was descending at the middle of the runaway which is not normal. To my shock the plane just took a violent thump on the runaway and took off again swaying left to right. Just like in the Hollywood movies and I heard people let out a loud cry with curious heads looking either at each other or through the window. I guess at this very moment when the plane took a thump our entire life history would have flashed before us. My first thought was what will happen to my family if something were to go wrong? Who would take care of them? I do not even have a will that could administer my so called “assets” not to mention the debts? The tall tale of Michael Jackson’s will issue came to my mind? Wondered what difficulties would they go through? The legal vulture and predators would do a scavenger hunt on my loved ones. My god! Did I become more religious at the moment, I don’t think so, I became more of a realist as I became more rational in my understanding of religion and god. I did not lost faith in religion nor trying to be religious but merely questioning the very existence of god? When man looses all direction in life and I reckon he turns to god for an answer. Could god be just “hope” that mankind wants to believe in as he does not have answers to many of his life questions? It became unquestionable belief called “faith” that keeps him going in life.
I could see that many may have embraced their faith or become reborn Christian, Hindus, Buddhist Muslims or whatever faith that they’ve lost. The lady sitting beside me was kept her eyes locked close while clasping both her hands together like saying a prayer and I looked around and I saw some anxious faces that looked pale even in the dimed light of the aircraft. The plane was lifting higher and higher into the sky and I thought that it is going to turn back to do another attempt to land , that’s when the pilot announced “ due to bad weather we have to turn back to Subang airport”! His voice was no assurance to all of us and the passengers let out their frustration with a disapproving moaning sound. Million questions pumped through my head, my heart beat was faster than usual as if I am doing my exercise. As a seasoned practitioner of breathing technique I was trying to calm myself by taking deep controlled breath, technique which I learn to handle myself during stressful or anxious moments. Little did I know that my heart had its own agenda of not listening to my breathing technique as it continued to pound faster! It was another one long grueling hour ride back to Subang with more curious faces all around. When we landed in Subang, it gave us a big relief and we were told that they are not sure when we can board the flight again. I could see everyone of the passenger clinging on to their hand phone upon reaching the terminal updating their loved ones of their experience and some of them were very descriptive with their gestures. I wonder if their mobile phone has any features that can show their gestures while they were talking, any way mine doesn’t? After waiting while the announcement came asking us to board the plane again and I could see a group of people were talking to the attendant and I guess that they are not willing to board the plane and possibly asking for a refund. I boarded the plane and this time I was very calm indeed and the flight was alright for 30 minutes in the sky but the turbulence started again until we reached the Penang airport. This time around I could see that the plane flying was lower compared to the earlier trip as I could see the housing and street lights below. The flight was slowing down and hovering slowly towards the airport with the island slowly become visible. The plane descended on the runaway with much anticipation as I think the passengers probably not hoping for another round trip experience. Finally I reached Penang safely at 11.40pm and my trip from Subang to Penang took about 3hours rather than mere one hour. What an experience guess, I’ll be writing my will after all!

Najib's 1 Malaysia

The talk about 1 Malaysia by Najib has been the government’s mantra for the past few weeks and both the government members of parliament and the opposition haave been airing their personal views on this so called 1 Malaysia. Just thought of exploring the notion mooted by Najib or rather the UMNO led BN government on what it is?
Najib said that the concept’s meaning and appreciation should be based on three core principles – acceptance, nationhood, and social justice. “I hope the 1Malaysia concept will lead towards stronger unity. It brings the appreciation of unity to a higher level from tolerance to acceptance. If that is true then why is that he is proposing or rather asking PAS to re-consider its decision on muzakarah (dialogue) between UMNO and PAS for the sake of Malay-Muslim community saying that Islamic party should not allow political considerations to get in the way of uniting the Malay/Muslim cooperation. How interesting? How is that the PAS-UMNO cooperation will benefit the nation at large? How about the rest of the political parties, aren’t they suppose to be involved in this unity talk after all it is about Malaysia that they are discussing? What about the Chinese, Indians, Kadazandusuns, Dayaks, Sikhs, Eurasians and others? What role will they play in a Malay unity government and who will look after their interests?
Where does the 1 Malaysia concept fit into this muzakarah? Well the politicians have answers to all this possible questions? This is what Khairy, yes the guy who won the UMNO Youth leadership but holds no cabinet position. Yes...yes the ONE who was called SIL ( Son In Law) of the PM. If you still did not get it how about this? The guy who is married to Nori the daughter of Abdullah Badawi who happens to be the former PM of Malaysia and the wealthy unemployed graduate.
Anyway it’s not about his credential that we are talking about. He said that surely, neither UMNO nor PAS are going to squander attempts to engage with non-Malay/Muslim communities just by talking to one another. In fact, it is imperative that the muzakarah and any subsequent cooperation between UMNO and PAS continue with the spirit of both 1Malaysia and "PAS for All" to demonstrate the inclusivity of this union towards non-Malays/Muslims. Then why not call all the parties to this unity talk rather than just PAS? Why is that the talk must only happen between both PAS and UMNO? Is Khairy suggesting unity under UMNO?. Can’t the Malays unite under PAS? If all we seek is Malay unity then it does not matter under which banner they unite as long as they unite,right? Will UMNO take such approach? Only in our dreams!
He further added insult by saying that they “would not affect unity among the races," and that MCA was "confident that UMNO is aware of its responsibility to the people of Malaysia” .I wonder what unity is he is talking about; just look at race relations in Malaysia as it is only good on posters and bill boards!
At one side the PM is talking about 1 Malaysia but on the other end his deputy Muhyidin is stirring up Malay racial sentiments with the clarion call that UMNO will fight to the last drop of blood to protect Malay rights in his speech in Pagoh, Johor. Are they singing a different tune to different racial audiences as to one audience they are talking about 1 Malaysia and to another about Malay and Muslim unity and yet to the Malays they will die defending their rights? I am confused with this 1 Malaysia thing?
I suggest that Najib and company should stop talking about whether Malay unity is good for the country or otherwise but they should be focusing on Malaysian unity as it is better than just Malay unity! By the way we a multi-racial, multi-cultural nation so any agenda that should be discussed should include all races and not just the Malays!

PM vs DPM a contradiction

This article by Tony Pua appeared in MT and I thought of sharing it in my blog not that I am supporter of DAP but I guess the questions raised make sense.
"DAP welcomes Najib's statement that “Having quotas is not the right way and is not good for Bumiputeras” but Barisan Nasional should stop the the policy of divide and rule among Malaysians of all races.
At a dinner organised by the MCA and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCCIM), the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has not only announced a new “National Scholarship” category that will be based on merit, but more importantly he had also hinted at removing quotas in all economic sectors in Malaysia by admitting that “having quotas is not the right way and is not good for Bumiputeras”.
The DAP fully supports all efforts to improve the economic livelihood of all poor bumiputeras and Malaysia, and believe that the quota system as has been implemented under BN's New Economic Policy (NEP) has failed the bumiputeras for it has promoted a rent-seeking culture, and entrenched cronyism and corruption among its politically connected beneficiaries.
Therefore, the DAP is willing to provide full support to the Prime Minister to eliminate the inefficient and ineffective NEP quota system, and in its place promote meritocracy, not only for scholarships, but in all sectors including education and the economy. The policy on meritocracy should be complemented with an affirmative action policy based on needs, and not race.
However, the goodwill and sincerity of Najib's statement is put to question when on the very same evening, his Deputy Prime Minister, continued to stir Malay racial sentiments with the clarion call that “Umno will fight to the last drop of blood to protect Malay rights” in his speech in Pagoh, Johor. Taken together with the Prime Minister's own persistence in Malay and Muslim unity talks with PAS, raises the question as to whether the Barisan Nasional government is continuing the policy of singing a different song to a different racial audience.
This divide and rule concept also clearly flies in the face of the 1Malaysia concept being preached by Najib, as UMNO continues to place Malay unity and Malay rights above everything else under its “ketuanan Melayu” concept where all other BN component parties and ethnic groups are subjugated to the authority of UMNO.
We would like to call upon the Prime Minister to put his words into action by delivering a Ministerial statement in Parliament to call for the removal of the quota-based New Economic Policy and to replace it with a New Economic Agenda which promotes meritocracy and a needs-based affirmative action policy to help all poor, regardless of race, creed or religion.
The DAP will give the Prime Minister our full support in Parliament to ensure that such a New Economic Agenda bill is approved as the new economic paradigm for Malaysia. We believe that a just, fair and equitable economic foundation will serve the interest of all Malaysians and will be the best approach to improve the competitiveness, competence and livelihood of the bumiputeras.
So do you think that the government is sincere in its intentions? It makes us all wonder.

No inspiration...

I have lost my inspiration to write and I am not doing justice to my blog! Looking at the turn of events in Malaysia I feel I am losing hope for its future as the rakyat seems will ever change and this nation which was build by our fore fathers may not be truly 1 Malaysia that we aspire.
You may call me a pessimist but that's the way it looks. Take the example of Perak what happened was decided by the courts or at least looks like that. Today in TV3 Muhiddin and Zambry were seen meeting with the Sultan of Perak smiling away. It really makes me wonder what credibility does this man hold,I mean the sultan? I am also angry with the Perak people for being cowards! Ask me why? Just look at Iranian, they have more balls compared to us as they can protest outside their country demanding justice for the recent election at their homeland. Even in Malaysia they were seen marching on the street by hordes. They have more national pride than us so called Malaysian. We will only support people like Raja Petra, Zorrro,Harris Ibrahim's and other bloggers alike by being supportive in our views which are seen as comments at their blogs hero but when we are needed most we wrap our tail in between our legs giving all sorts of excuses to act.
So...how lah to change these people..only time can tell maybe another 50 years? By than I may not be around to rejoice the feeling of GE 12.

DPM On English

It came as s shock to me to know that our DPM did not know that English was not a must pass subject! The STAR quoted him to say that “ Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is surprised to learn that English is not a “must pass” subject for SPM and wants public feedback on the matter”.
The Education Minister said it was a revelation to him as he had always thought that it was a prerequisite since students had to learn English in school and what further schoked him was that national schools no longer taught English grammar. “I don’t know how you can learn English without knowing grammar,” he told newsmen after launching the Kirkby College alumni association.
For the DPM’s knowledge a pass in English has never been compulsory for SPM for a long time it was during the LCE/MCE examination where you need to get a credit to pass the exams, but how times has changed. How do you expect students to be proficient in English when you don’t even teach them the basic which is grammar?
Well what surprised me was that a DPM did not know about this at all, wonder what Kerismuddin the former Education Minister got to say on this? If this is the standard of ministers in the cabinet how the heck are they going to govern the country? Only God knows, save this country!