Bribery: All in the name of 'Convenience'

This is my comment in Malaysia Today on the article "Bribes and the moral high ground"

It was noted there will be a pay rise for police personnels to reduce corruption in the force.

I support the pay rise. The police pay is actually very low. I've heard of some having only a few hundred ringgit salary. It is almost not possible to survive in KL with that amount of money.

However, I do not believe such move will reduce corruption.

Surprised to read this from New Straits Times but the writer does have some notable points on the bribery issue.

It takes two to tango. The Briber and The Bribed.

Many Malaysians do not think of the big picture when they perform bribes. All they think is their personal convenience as exemplified in this case. They do not want the hassle of lodging a report. They prefer to pay a bribe.

Bad things start from a small way. From such level of bribery, it can become a major issue where it may go into the local council and government.

A RM50 bribe mentality can turn into a RM50 million bribe all in the name of convenience.

Isn't it more convenient to bribe for a license rather than using the traditional hard way?

At the end of day, a system will be established. Everyone seeking to do business or pass certain tests may have to perform bribery. No bribe no pass. No bribe no license.

This mentality will spread into other previously unaffected government departments as well.

Finally, this is where the big picture settles in. When all areas run bribe systems it becomes a Culture or a Norm. The country is then a Corrupted Country.

Corrupted Countries do not go far in economy.

All this happened because of selfishness and "convenience".

It is more "convenient" to park our car at the roadside rather than in parking lots. Convenient for yourself maybe but all other road users are made inconvenient.

It is more "convenient" to bribe rather than report against bribery. I wonder why there is no one who thought it is more "convenient" to steal instead of working for the things that we want.

It is conceptually the same.

---------------------

When corruption becomes powerful , it will be the primary role of the government (having the power issued by the citizens) to put an end to the corrupted system.

This is where the government failed. There can be no excuse about it.

The citizens hands would almost be tied with such system. Only the government has the power to put a stop to this provided the chief control of the system is sincere.

However, how do we expect people with serious Corruption Charges and Credibility to stop this wrongdoing?

Good luck....

Hadhari Malaysia: Aku Keliru! Banyaknya Jenis Islam

Petikan di bawah adalah komen aku berkenaan dengan artikel "Abdullah bidas pihak perolok Islam Hadhari" di Malaysia Today .

Sagaladoola berkata:
Adakah perkataan "Hadhari" ada dalam Qur'an? Fikirkanlah sejenak."

gaya berkata:
Biarlah bersikap adil sikit, janganlah kalau sesuatu tu menguntungkan walaupun tak ada dalam al-quran ia jadi halal, manakala sebaliknya ia jadi haram pula.

KOMEN:

Islam sendiri sudah cukup untuk memenuhi apa yang dinyatakan dalam Hadhari termasuk yang menguntungkan dari segi akhlak.

Saya tidak lihat apa-apa yang menguntungkan dalam Hadhari, selain dari menjadikan satu mazhab baru yang mengelirukan orang-orang Islam tentang ajaran sebenar agama Islam. Dengan pengeliruan ini, orang-orang Islam akan berpecah-belah kerana pemahaman yang berbeza.

Saya berharap lain kali tidak akan ada perpisahan di antara kumpulan Hadhari dengan kumpulan bukan-Hadhari dalam Islam pada masa hadapan. Macam mana pula kalau satu hari nanti, dilantik pula Perdana Menteri yang baru yang ingin menerapkan Islam bentuk dia.

Andai kata PM baru tubuhkan nama Islam bernama "TulinBetul". Setiap kali Bah, setiap kali Pasir berubah. Fikirkanlah apa akan terjadi kalau setiap kali Perdana Menteri ditukar, ditambah dengan nama Islam yang berbeza.

Fikirkanlah hakikatnya. Bukankah ummah dan yang bukan Islam akan keliru kalau dibuat sedemikian? Bagaimana orang bukan Islam hendak faham ajaran agama dan menerimanya dengan berbagai-bagai jenis nama Islam?

Mengapa nak bagi nama baru bagi Islam? Islam itu Islam. Islam hanya satu. Ajaran Islam sebenarnya bukan ganas tetapi segelintir orang yang tidak baik memutarbelitkan ajaran dan menjadikannya ganas untuk kepentingan diri sendiri.

Adakah penubuhan ini bermaksud Hadhari itu melegakan keganasan yang terterap dalam Islam? Apakah yang cuba diketengahkan? Perlukah kita berbuat sedemikian rupa?

Sememangnya, apa yang sepatutnya dibuat ialah mengajar anak-anak dan memberitahu kawan-kawan yang Islam itu bukan ganas sebagaimana yang terterap dalam Qur'an. Itu saje. Jangan tambah mazhab, nama atau pengeliruan. Ummah patut bersatu. Yang bukan Islam patut diberi kemudahan untuk pemahaman.

Pada pandangan saya, penubuhan Hadhari ini, menambahkan pengeliruan dan TIDAK MENGUNTUNGKAN. Noktah. Itu saje.

Sekian...

What Actually Belongs to the Jurisdiction of Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry?

This is my remarks on the article "Rais chides museum over ghost exhibition" in Malaysia Today.

It seems like Rais say many items are not under his jurisdiction.

Museums
In this case, he said:
“The management of state museums is not under the jurisdiction of my ministry. It is under the jurisdiction of the state government."

Aren't museums a part of "Culture", "Arts" and "Heritage"? How come they are not under the "Culture", "Arts" and "Heritage" ministry?

Movies
On the 'Lelaki Komunis Terakhir' movie ban, he suggested a viewing for all ministers. A lot of us thought the movie will finally be allowed. In many countries, this movie was well received critically instead of commercially.

Our hopes run too high. At the end of the day, Rais said that areas of movie is not under his jurisdiction.

I am confused with the term "Culture", "Arts" and "Heritage" right now. Isn't a documentary about history a "Heritage"? Isn't movie a form of "Arts"? No?

He is trying to apply this stance the second time for the "Apa Khabar Orang Kampung" movie.

It makes me think over and over again, what kind of real elements or work is under the "Culture, Arts and Heritage" JURISDICTION?

Chuah Cheng Bok Mansion
Suddenly, a thought came. The Chuah Cheng Bok mansion is under his jurisdiction. Although the mansion is regarded as a heritage by many, it was demolished last year. I am not sure but I heard that it was nominated using the Heritage Act.

Then Rais said, "not all buildings is heritage" after the demolition took place. I am not sure why Rais never mentioned it before the demolition instead. I am confused on what Heritage Act is for, right now, if it can't protect nominated potential heritage buildings.

-----------

A case of Tai Chi, lepas tangan, hands tied, inefficiency or any unseen unknown problem?

Maybe Malaysians here can try to evaluate his efficiency level.

Hmmppph.. now the jurisdiction begins..

How Malaysian Are You ?

This is what I received this morning when I opened my mailbox :

________________________________________

HOW MALAYSIAN ARE YOU ?

NO CHEATING PLEASE !!!

1. How much is satu kupang?
2. Where's the favourite spot to take wedding pictures in Taiping?
3. In what dialect is Apo Nak Di Kato?
4. Name at least five variations of roti canai.
5. What is the staple food of native Sarawakians.
6. Name a popular Malay ointment made from "sea-cucumber"
7. Name the sauce made from fish or shrimp that the Kelantanese love.
8. What does pi mai pi mai tang tu mean?
9. Which fruit is Ipoh famous for?
10. What is the English name for putu mayam?
11. "Lah" is to Peninsular Malaysians as"..." is to Sabahans.
12. What does ABC stand for?
13. How long is a sari?
14. What does the Cantonese phrase" ngam ngam " means ?
15. Name Penang 's famous beach.
16. How do you order coffee mixed with tea at a kopi-tiam?.
17. What's on Malaysian TV at 8pm?
18. On one side of our RM1 coin is the bunga raya, what's on the other?.
19. Now what's on our 10 sen coin?
20. What was the name of the KL Commonwealth Games 1998 mascot?
21. When you fill in a form, if you're not Malay, Chinese or Indian, you are...?
22. Who is Malaysia 's favourite Kampung Boy?
23. How did the word "gostan" come about?
24. Lobo's "Whispers in the Wind" is the English version of which famous Malay song?
25. When did Malaysia last win the Thomas Cup?
26. What is the name of our national flag?
27. If you want 4D numbers, who do you consult?
28. What's the name of the Malaysian-made 175cc motorbike?
29. Name our national bird.
30. If the father is a baba, and the mother is a nyonya, then what is the son?
31. What is most beautiful woman in Malaysia?
________________________________________

Sagaladoola :

Definition for what is Malaysian should start from the simple things in life.... Reading above makes me think that these simple things are those that are unique to Malaysia.

The answers to those questions above transcend the boundaries of race. Definitely these are better than a massive wastage of massive fund during uncertain economy times to make 'roti canai' and 'teh tarik' in space.

Images from the movie Matrix "bullets storm" comes into my mind when I think of the "teh tarik" action. Sheesh.. hahaha.

Anyway, I could only answer a few. If you know the answers, please post a comment to reply (in BM or English)

Thanks and Regards...... Malaysia BOLEH !

Malaysia Moves Up Corruption List

This is a comment from a Malaysia Today visitor by the name of vesewe. The title of the article is "Dr. M: Claims meant to blacken my name"

It seems that Malaysia has moved up on the ranking of corruption from last year's. The annual survey was carried out by Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) on 13 countries and territories across the region in January and February.

Malaysia is seventh in the list.

--------------------------

vesewe wrote:

The top problems in Malaysia are corruption, corruption and corruption.

Get rid of corruption you get rid of all the problems associated with it.

Corruption can be broadly defined as the misuse of public office for private gain. Abuses by government officials such as embezzlement and nepotism, as well as abuses in bribery, extortion, fraud and influence peddling.

The effects of corruption:
1. Corruption in elections and legislative bodies reduces accountability and representation

2. Corruption in judiciary suspends the rule of law

3. Corruption in public administration results in unequal provision of services

4. Corruption in selecting or promoting officials without regard to performance will stifle progress

5. Corruption siphons off the resources needed for development

6. Corruption undermines democracy and good governance

7. Corruption undermines democratic values in trust and tolerance

8. Corruption undermines the legitimacy of government

9. Corruption undermines national economic development

10. Corruption weakens government institutions by disregarding official procedures

Corruption generates economic distortions in public sector by pulling investment from essential projects such as education, health care and low cost housing into projects where bribes and kickbacks are more plentiful.

Corruption lowers compliance with construction, environment, or other regulations.

Quality of government services are reduced due to inefficiency as the result of corruption, thus budgetary pressures on government increases and ultimately, the citizens foot the bill and are denied the share of the national resources as well.

In the public sector, corruption undermines economic development. In private sector, corruption increases the cost of business and stifles healthy competition.

Corruption shield companies with connections from fair competition, thus making our country less efficient and less competitive in the global market.

--------------------------

My comments:
I do agree with what vesewe wrote. Is corruption in Malaysia an unremovable system now?

What can we do, as Malaysians, do about it? Change the government? I do ponder whether that would be sufficient or would it make the situation worse.

:-(

'Apa Khabar Orang Kampung': Right to Think is a Democracy

I have read Dr Azmi Sharom's article in Malaysia Today / The Star. The title is "The Right to Think"

He claimed he is sick with the attitude of those in power, who chose to censor the 'Apa Khabar Orang Kampung' or 'Village People Road Show' movie due to so-called "Communist Propaganda"
In reality, the aforementioned movie is just a documentary detailing the views of the last remaining Malay Communists still alive and seeking refuge in Thailand.

Despite such censorship from local authorities, this movie had opened in many international screens such as Berlin Film Festival and Singapore.

I agree with Dr. Azmi, we have a right to think.

After all , a right to think is a democratic principle ...

If Malaysia wants to steer itself towards a Developed Country, we need to establish a culture that encourages thinking and discussion.

It should be that, rather than encouraging downright elitist attitude that controls the mindset of the people for personal gains.

Banning this movie equals to restricting the freedom of speech and the right to think.

I have a question to ask the so-called democratic powers-that-be in Malaysia:

"Isn't such attempt to restrict a form of Communist governance?"

Please practise what you Preach...

What is Integrity? NST's Version and Mine

This is my comment based on the article "Racking up the muck" in Malaysia Today.

EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE:
Integrity is in essence an ethical question rather than a structural problem, and requires a personal makeover in attitudes and values rather than changes in institutions.

MY COMMENT:
Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a big round of applause to New Straits Times Editorial for such Refined Language.

Good spinning there, dear doctor.

Let me reword the sentence above:
Integrity is in essence an ethical question and also a structural problem.

The government needs to create and practise a structure (or system) that promotes and defends integrity.

As such, this requires a personal makeover in attitudes and values of the Head/Leader of the structure (or system).

"Sincerity of the Head/Leader" is the keyword in the "makeover". Otherwise, there will be no changes in corrupt institutions.

Without sincerity, the corrupt will stay corrupt and Integrity is violated. Perhaps, citizens should think of changing the governing institutions instead to instill Integrity in the country.

The Keris Man Can: Promises of an Upcoming New Show

This is my comment to the article "Umno's 'keris man' aims to spur Malays" http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=2881 in Malaysia Today

EXCERPT:
If Datuk Seri Hishammuddin's political pedigree is impeccable, in many eyes, so too should be his multiracial outlook. His grandfather is today best remembered for his attempts to open Umno to non-Malays.

COMMENT:
GRANDFATHER IS MULTIRACIAL, very true, can see it from every angle. As for Datuk Seri, I am trying to look from many angles. So hard to find. Where is it Datuk Seri? Tell us which portion of you is multiracial?

--------------------------

EXCERPT:
'If at a time when people are hungry, what's to stop someone to use the keris to instil hatred? Hopefully, by what I'm trying to do, if we do it right, people will be sensitised to it,' he says.

COMMENT:
Yes, people are hungry. Inflation is high. As for who is using keris, we have to push back the question to you, Dr Hishamuddin.

Hmmn, what does the title of the article say again? "Umno's 'keris man' aims to spur Malays". Hmmn... OK, after thinking for a while, I catch the point.

Otherwise, maybe I should ask, "Are you hungry, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin?". I thought UMNO "feed" their members well in meetings (p.s. Ask Pak Lah, he would know)?

Big appetite? Still not 'kenyang'? How much... you need .. (to take)?

Don't misunderstand yeah, readers.. I am talking about food ;-D

--------------------------

EXCERPT:
He believes that he can do so because of his reputation as a level-headed politician, devoted to the multiracial ideal. No one, he insists, would ever imagine using the keris to 'slash and kill' anyone.

COMMENT:
I, the writer here, is a human. I like to praise myself as a level-headed person too. I am not big-headed. Yes, readers, please believe me.

One guy said, "We are going to bathe the keris in blood?". Another said, "So, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin already brandished the keris, now we ask him when are we going to use it?". Hmmn, I try to tell myself this is not "imagine using the keris to 'slash and kill' anyone". I try to tell myself that it is not "threatening to other races". I try very hard to heed your advice, you know....

--------------------------

EXCERPT:
You have to sensitise people. It takes a certain kind of person...People will say Hisham is not really the type to use the keris to slash people and kill.

COMMENT:
I try (still trying) very hard to bring myself to say that too. Still trying hard to say it up to this day.

--------------------------

EXCERPT:
'Fifty per cent of my constitutents are Chinese. So if I am playing politics with the keris, I'd be crazy. But I'm confident my constituents know me, that what I am doing is not racial and will not affect my responsibility to Malaysia. In time, more people will understand that.'

COMMENT:
Don't worry, with your "Special" party support, we know you won't lose, and I am not talking about MCA.

As for the crazy part, is "amok" a type of craziness? Perhaps yes, perhaps not. Mature readers please try to understand his "good deeds". Yeah, right, hahaha.

--------------------------

EXCERPT:
Having pledged at the height of the controversy last year not to stop wielding the keris, he says that he will do so again at the next Umno assembly.

COMMENT:
I will enjoy the show next year. Is this the one-racial outlook or multiracial outlook? I mean you mentioned a lot about yourself as a multiracial minister. Inform us Datuk Seri... please, so that we will not be misinformed.

Datuk Seri, I recommend that you bring a keris to your constituency and make sure it goes into the TV and Radio news DURING ELECTION. I am sure it will do well for UMNO as a multi-racial party, especially for your 50% chinese constituency. Remember to show a very stern face when you wield it so that people will take you seriously.

Hahahaha.. yes, I am right... I give you my support from the depth of the heart

--------------------------

CONCLUSION:
'Keris man' is a "good" person who spurs and sensitise using the keris for many reasons.

OPINION:
A keris is a beautiful cultural subject. It is peaceful unless the wielder intends to use it in a violent way.

Keep cultural items 'cultural'. One should not exploit it as a violent weapon.

Regards .....

MCA is walking a Dangerous Tightrope

I have written a comment and review on the article "Damned if you speak up, damned if you don't" in Malaysia Today.

See, people, if you read the whole article, what MCA is trying to say is they cannot pressure the government although they are the 2nd largest component party. I am wondering what or who else can do that if the 2nd largest can't do so. Ong Ka Ting still unshamefully claimed that everything is done in the dark or behind closed doors.

A sign of obeyance to UMNOputra is they say they cannot "stir up a hornet's nest" (as mentioned in the article). It was Badruddin favourite words. In fact, he is the first UMNO member to use this phrase in public in year 2005. The 'show' was performed along with the brandishing of a book on the May 13, 1969 racial riots

Link: http://ktemoc.blogspot.com/2005/12/badruddin-amiruldin-gets-his-way.html
Link: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/30305

That is their explanation to the chinese in public on why they are seen not doing their work (according to my understanding). For goodness sake. can anyone believe this? can you believe this? can you?

This further confirms my writing "MCA members Never Reject, They Only Accept"

Allowance for disgrace
MCA talk about their leaders not banging tables or take to the streets on issues. Well, what they say should be true. After all, Team A and Team B only bang tables and throw chairs in General Meetings among themselves but not on the streets. Fight among themselves for power but no exclamation to ascertain rights on important issues.

They say when they raise sensitive topics, they will put the government in the tight spot. I agree what they said is true. However, by not raising would mean putting the Chinese voters feelings in a tight spot and put MCA themselves in tight spot. The only one in the "Free" spot are the UMNOputras. UMNO members are free to wave keris around, brandish May 13 books, tell the non-Muslims to leave Malaysia or threaten to increase the bumiputra equity from 30% to 70%.

It that a right thing to do? Perhaps, MCA is not emotional. In my point of view, that is what UMNO expects MCA to do. What has MCA accomplished for the Malaysian Chinese in this area? Nothing?

That is what MCA did and the Merdeka centre public opinion poll is the echo. MCA get what it deserved.

Closed Door Solution: Begging or Persuading?
Ong Ka Ting said "Too many public quarrels and a war of words will lead to a lose-lose situation. That is something we want to avoid.". From a philosophical viewpoint, what he said could be true. On the other hand, by keeping quiet/mum over issues by public self-restraint, what has been achieved? From what I can see, most of the time, nothing has been achieved, hence, MCA got what they deserved in the Merdeka centre opinion poll.

Ong Ka Ting claims his approach of closed door solution proves successful when it includes how MCA has successfully persuaded the government to build more Chinese schools. Is he sure about this? From the last information that I gathered, there are no new chinese or tamil schools in Rancangan Malaysia ke-Sembilan.

Only one example has been stated in the 'closed door solution' context. What are the other issues solved? There is only one thin line between begging and persuading. As a saying goes "beggars can't be choosers". Malaysian Chinese is in a serious need of a party who can fight for their rights, not beggars !

Poor Leadership
As the party’s Number One, he admits he has been speaking up a lot more of late, as he tries to assuage the people that he is indeed "respectful, firm and polite".

Respect is earned, not assuaged. Besides, what has he spoken up, I wonder? Perhaps, any bloggers in-the-know here can relate to me?

Last year, Ong Tee Keat raised the issue of funds misappropriation for chinese schools in Parliament. He was reprimanded by the Cabinet. Is Ong Ka Ting's idea of speaking up means saying "Ong Tee Keat's issue has no relation to MCA"? Ong Tee Keat was left to take the fall alone for bringing up matters crucial for the Malaysian Chinese.

Read Shen Yee Aun's comments on this matter:
http://shenyeeaun.disagrees.net/?p=30

How does Ong Ka Ting intend get respect with that kind of attitude?

Unclear Image-Building Strategy
As for the image-building, it is futile to just approach English-educated chinese and expect them to follow the tail of MCA. There is only one image for MCA now. Be it Chinese or English educated, they view it the same way.

One wonders how convincing it could be when Madam Chong Eng mentioned that MCA's other synonym should be "Money Collecting Agency".

Unless the rebranding is to remove the word "selfish" from the party, MCA will forever and ever be the same undependable party it is today.

Until a proper Image is built, MCA will be 'damned' in the next election.

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Bjork's Follow-Up to Medulla ==> VOLTA

Prior to the announcement by Bjork's official website , this is what I have searched and extracted from Wikipedia

_______________________________

Björk's sixth full-length studio album "Volta", a follow-up to 2004's Medúlla, will be released on May 7, 2007. It has been written and produced entirely by Björk herself and will feature ten new tracks. It will feature input from:

• Timbaland (R&B and hip hop producer)


• Antony Hegarty (Frontman and lead singer of the band Antony and the Johnsons


• Brian Chippendale (Drummer/vocalist in the band Lightning Bolt)


• Chris Corsano (Drummer)


• Toumani Diabate (Malian kora player)


• Mark Bell (Musician and record producer. Previous Björk collaborator since album Homogenic)


• Sjón (Lyricist, has previously written the songs "Bachelorette" and "Oceania")


• Konono N°1 (Musical group from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo


• Min Xiao-Fen (Chinese pipa player and vocalist)


• A ten-piece female brass section consisting of Icelandic musicians.^[3]

Björk will also be touring for the first time in four years in support of the upcoming album; the majority of confirmed performances so far are at festivals. Drummer Darrin Costin has been working with Björk on her forthcoming tour.^[4]

Björk has also collaborated on tracks with the following artists, the status of which are as yet unknown.

• Michael Pärt has been "assisting at writing stages and involved in production and recording".^[5]


• Damian Taylor, programmer on Vespertine, has worked with Björk on material for her new album.^[6]


• Meredith Monk and Björk have worked together on a collaborative piece.^[7]

Björk is also contributing songs to several forthcoming releases by other artists, the majority of which are to be released in early 2007.

• Björk is also contributing vocals to Valgeir Sigurðsson's new album, titled Equilibrium Is Restored. [14]
  
• Björk's long-rumoured cover of Joni Mitchell's song "The Boho Dance" will finally surface on a tribute album due on March 5 in the USA. [15]

_______________________________

This is great !!! My guess is, this album will have a somehow similar "musical jumble" as "Post". High possibility that the music should be more pop-oriented and slightly more commercial compared to "Medulla".

Timbaland and Tagaq (her throat-singer collaborator in "Medulla") mentioned she was producing some strange hip-hop music. In fact, Timbaland produced for 7 trakcs. As for the rest of the involved, there was no information leakage.

Bjork and Hip-hop? Sounds interesting... A hip-hop album written entirely by Bjork with Timbaland helming the beats. Will it sound like Nelly Furtado? I hope not. Hmmnn, curious, curious.. Weirdly interested.

After all, it is a Bjork and in my opinion, there will always be something different than the rest.

Regards....

Samy Vellu's SMART: They Can Go To HELL !!!

This article is written in response to an article in Malaysia Kini. You can view some of the responses in Lowyat.Net forum

For those not in the know, SMART tunnel is a Mega-project involving about USD 600 Million in total. It is the first of its kind in the world. It is so unique that "Extreme Engineering" of "Discovery Channel" is featuring it, placing it in the same league of heavy constructions like Tokyo's Sky City, City in a Pyramid and Transatlantic Tunnel

Bless you, Malaysia Boleh !

The function of SMART according to its official website :
"SMART is primarily a flood mitigation project being implemented by the Government to mitigate flooding in the city center. The project has a secondary purpose which is to act as an alternative traffic dispersal system between the Southern Gateway and the city center."

Let's all hope it really does what it is being claimed.

Being a Malaysian project as it is, it will normally involve a certain number of corruption allegations.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth vice-chief S. Manickavasagam said he would turn to the police and Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) if Works Minister Samy Vellu fails to reveal all documents related to the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) project.

It seems there are discrepancies (including the toll fare) in the project. Mr Manicks said the revelation has to appear within seven days. Perhaps, time is already running out for the Minister in question. Tick, tock, tick, tock.

ISSUE NO 1:
Naturally, when the press asked Samy Vellu about police reports, he said: "They can go to hell".

MY COMMENT:
Wah, wah, wah, see what kind of Minister we have here? This is so un-professional. Speaking bad words, telling people to "GO TO HELL" in public. He should instead give proper replies or explanation.
__________________________

ISSUE NO 2 (excerpt from article):
"I can also make a police report saying that they are trying to pressurise me into making public the toll rate, which has yet to be announced...that they are doing this by not following the government rules and regulations," he added.

COMMENT:
Is there any law that says police report can be made for "pressuring" someone? I am always pressured by my bosses in my job, but then I still can't get them arrested (pun and sarcasm intended)

Maybe Samy Vellu can tell the Malaysian public which clause in Malaysian Law that provides for this so that we will not make criminal out of ourselves.

I know corruption is a serious crime, but I never thought "pressuring" is a crime. Am I right or am I wrong,?

Since Samy, he is an "innocent" (Yeah, hmmn, right, yes..) person, he should aid Mr Manicks in catching the "big sharks".

Why is he so worried with the police report Mr Manicks is potentially lodging if he is innocent?

Let Mr Manicks report and take the fall for untrue allegations. Samy Vellu did not practise corruption, right? (Yes, hmmn, ermm, ahh, ok ..hahaha, I believe Samy)

After all, there is nothing wrong with the reports and the toll rates, right? Samy Vellu is not corrupted, right?

OTHERWISE, IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG?

I repeat...

IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG? Advise the press to ask Samy Vellu so that he can tell the public. We need to help him. hahahaha....
__________________________

CONCLUSION:
If a Minister cannot take the pressure, he/she should go for retirement. Get some rest. Especially those who have been in the Parliament for decades. If a Minister cannot perform at his old age, please give chances to others.

I am not anti-government. I am saying this for the Minister's own good (health).

:-D

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Fairy Tales and Reality: Similarities and Differences of ALI BABA

This is my writing with regards to an article on page 26 of "Comment" column in Sunday Star.

I have also posted these writings in Malaysia Today previously .

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

On The Beat by Wong Chun Wai

Title: Let us forge together to develop our tanahair

Excerpt:

1) And while there are negative connotations to the Ali-Baba business venture, it is not necessarily bad.

2) Wong Chun Wai can be reached at onthebeat@thestar.com.my

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Who is the biggest shareholder in The Star by the way?

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The Ali Baba Woodcutter

Ali Baba Partnerships and Normal Business Partnerships are entirely different.

Why?

1) Ali Baba in the business context is a system exclusively practised in Malaysia.

2) Ali Baba has a system of a Master(the customer), a Middleman(the contractor) and a Beggar-Slave(the sub-contractor). The partnership is between Mister Middleman and Beggar-Slave. Why? Read the story (item 4) below.

3) Normal Business partnerships have only a Master (the customer) and Partner(s) (equal takers/executors/contractor). Sub-contractor is not on begging or compulsion. Big contracts are awarded based on merit. Points 1, 2 and 3 are based on my own opinion and perception. Perhaps, what you can do is to evaluate the similarities and differences by yourself. Why is it that business partnerships in overseas are not termed as "Ali Baba"? Why does it not exist?

4) I believe the name "Ali Baba" originates from the story "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves" of 1001 Nights (a Persian story). Yes it is the "Open Sesame! Cave Door" story. I am a stupid businessman. Do not believe all of my stories.

A poor woodcutter who becomes a thief by stealing from the 40 thieves who stole from other richer people.

The forty thieves seek revenge but Ali Baba's slave-girl Morgiana is so smart and therefore managed to kill the 40 thieves.

Morgiana married Ali Baba's son and they lived with the Stolen Gold dahulu, kini dan selamanya.

Read: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/alibaba.html

Moral of this story: One can become a thief by stealing from another thief and become successful in life. A slave can become rich by stealing from another thief to give to her master.

5) Forget about the story above, typically "Ali Baba" is "not necessarily bad although there are negative connotations" like some say. I am a stupid businessman. I can only tell and read stories. After all, Ali Baba and her "family" get to live happily ever after. God Bless Malaysia.

Other lessons learnt:
- Stealing is OK, not necessarily bad. If you are a smart slave, you can become rich by helping your master steal from "richer people" who work hard for their money.

- Woodcutter do not have to work so hard and do not have to plan his wood business. Steal from other thieves and become instant millionaires is the right thing to do.

- The "richer people" have been marginalised from the Ali Baba story. Marginalisation is OK as long as woodcutter and slave can go on stealing and live happily ever after.

Yes, everything is OK !

Ohh , I love to read stories. I will tell my children that based on this story, "Ali Baba and the 40 thieves" are all immoral characters. Do not practise what they did. Strange thing some people can consider them as something "why not?"

I will tell them to Study hard and Work Smart (not cheating). If they need money, they will have to work for it.

So, people, what are you going to teach your children?

Feel free to post comments .....

Tutorial on "How to get the IP of a blogger"

A blogger by the name of SBennit has given a guide on "how to get the IP of a blogger" in the Malaysia Today comment section of the article "You condone a Mafia in your website?"

I am not very sure whether it works but here it is.
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SBennit wrote:

I'll just do it. I'll give the tutorial anyway as I think some others here might be interested to know as well:

First, let’s sign on to the website, Google.com. Right now you should be on the “Classic” homepage and signed out of any username you may have with Google. Click on “Personalized Home” at the top. More options on the homepage are featured here. Click on “Make it your own”. If that isn’t available, go to the right of the page and click “add stuff”. If you clicked “Make if your own”, check out the right side of the options list. That’s pretty interesting…there are tons of News and Sports options I can choose that are specifically related to whichever part you are from. Choose “the entire collection” link at the top. This is the page that comes up if you chose the “add stuff” link before. Here, you are taken to a literal mall of features one can choose for their personalized homepage. On the left side of the page, click the “tools” option. Scroll down the list of options to IP Address lookup.

Still with me Qua Vadis. You might see this popup “You are about to add a feature that was not created by Google. Preference settings and other information you enter in order to use this feature may be available to the feature’s provider. Do you wish to continue?” Click OK anyway!
Now go to the main Google page and play with the e IP Address Lookup box. Put in your ip address there and click. What do you see.

Now take my ip address 210.8.139.62 and insert in the box and click. Click also on “more info”. A new page pops up with options you can choose to explore about my IP address. Take some time to check out the various options such as “address information” or “domain owner info”.

That’s it…YOU ARE DONE.

If you find the above information useful. Please thank me.
28/02 17:39:07
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Feel free to post comments.