Wanton Punishment: The Greatest Rematch Ever

If the Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson II match was deemed as the greatest rematch ever in boxing ever, then the Frank Castle vs Barracuda rematch is much better!

Yes, Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov, the artist for Barracuda has returned for Vol 9 of the series called the Long Cold Dark, the phrase simply says of Frank Castle's desire of slipping back into the shadows. Though the paperback isn't out yet, I managed to get all the 5 issues (why 5, because #50 is a double-size issue with Howard Chaykin art) and read it all.

The Long Cold Dark is the payoff of Barracuda and Man of Stone, Mr. Barracuda intending to settle the score with Frank by having a very prized possession that Frank cannot ignore: a toddler called Sarah which turned out to be...

....Frank's illegitimate daughter!

The child turns out to be the result of the relationship with Frank and Kathryn O'Brien and to get to the child and the whereabouts as part of the plan to draw him out, Barracuda whacked one of the characters we knew, setup a trap at a hotel that will give make sure Frank comes in and smack the ass out of him. The child was left to Kathryn's sister, Barbara as a request before she went to Afghanistan to whack six ex-Taliban men there.

We are seeing Terminators in the psychological level between Frank and Barracuda. One to protect, one to kill, in the spirit of guarding angel movies like Gloria, Ultraviolet, Nick of Time and etc.. Seeing how both men slug out, it is far more visceral than the Terminator and the T-1000. But then we don't see the mayhem and destruction in the city, all was on the outside as Frank's tactic is not to engage against the police Yes, we can see a hybrid of Kyle Reese in Frank in the form of 'Do exactly as I say', but Barbara was no hysterical woman as she had a clear understanding from the beginning when Kathryn made her swear to it.

The first act is a setup of the two men where the exposition from the events of the previous three episodes come into place. Frank knew that Barracuda's weakness was in the form of his ego and at the end of the first act, he admitted of him beaten in his own game. The question of who tipped Barracuda over everything was a mystery and we are likely to find out at the final chapter called Valley Forge. Act II is the bluff game between Barracuda and Frank while Act III is the rematch...! Somehow, they are not like Terminators, fighting like machines and here, we see through voice bubbles of what makes Barracuda is as of now.

But Parlov's art was too frantic, scribbled and doesn't show that kind of cool value of Barracuda as seen in the first encounter there. But there's more gore in here, head shots, blood, caved-in nose, two hands chopped off, well you have to see it. And the finale, it's just like the Harry Potter scene in the opening of the Sorcerer's stone or at the end of Revenge of the Sith and there's an instruction - don't look for him again.

The story value was not as exciting as of the last three episodes, but it's more psychological than The Slavers as this story involves more on Frank in layers than it was during his adventure with Viorica. When I was told of the preview, that Frank teamed up with Barracuda, I thought is that guy crazy. I had to find out. The paperback would not be out until May, so I guess it's sensible to find and read it in a e-format given right now I'm in tight spot over money.

Should you read it? If you want to see the so called rematch of the century, I can't stop you. But this assumes that you have also read the special mini-series spin-off of Barracuda so it will be good to read that first before coming here.

Dollah Badawi Will Not Survive

The Mojave Desert will sustain a massive nuclear fallout. You will not survive.

- The Terminator, Terminator 3

I've read several news pieces and reports and it points to one direction - Abdullah Badawi might only survive for at least a month or so.

Right now, he has to fight at two fronts - on the inside and the outside. There will be a high probability of him fighting inside first before dealing with the outside. Whatever the case is, it will be a lose-lose situation for him. As of now, last week, he was trying hard to postpone the UMNO elections to 2009 with the excuse of money, mostly used up for the general elections. But then, Ku Li will attempt to bring forth an EGM on May 11. April 4 2008 is the day where we see whether there's EGM or no EGM. Abdullah's camp will not rest to see that the EGM doesn't come and they will do all they can to postpone until 2009. To them, it's saving Dollah Badawi from wipe out.

As the saying goes, like lessons from Napoleon and Hitler, you should not fight two fronts at the same time. Whenever they fight two fronts at one time, it ended in disastrously. For instance, Napoleon was decimated during the 1812 war with the Russians, with his other front fighting against the English. Hitler's war machine was also decimated in World War 2 when he tried capturing Russia while fighting Western Europe. Both during winter.

On the outer front, they knew that Anwar Ibrahim was trying to amass MPs from the Borneo front to come over to the opposition. As of last week, the count stands at 38 (unsure whether Anwar himself is counted or not). When the 38 are added in, the current Cabinet will cease to exist, and the King will decide who among the majority is best lead the government. In that case, it could be 121-102. The exterior attack will be depending on: the first move from Sarawak and the outcome on April 4 2008.

Given of how bad things are in the BN front, they could be finished if it is not done by end April.

Whatever the case is, the first matter to be discussed in Parliament on May 7 2008 (first session) would be of course the no-confidence motion against Abdullah Badawi. Methods of both men are very in contrast. Anwar tries to amass MPs to come to the fold, while Ku Li tries to get 130 divisions or more to support him and his move to hold an EGM. From the information, it seems that as of now, Anwar is slightly ahead now, given of the complexity of obstacles. It will be a photo-finish, winning by the nose.

Interviewed!

Last Saturday, I was interviewed by TV9 over my opinion of bloggers. At there, fellow blogger, Wattahack, a friend of Howsy, whom I enjoyed talking over cameras, yes he has the brand new Tamron lens that utilizes low aperture took some of the pictures and gave me some ideas to get sharper images.

Just stumbled to his site to see some of the pictures up there, with Haris, Rocky , Anu and myself.

Here's the picture, with credit to him :)

Strange Bedfellows

I was in KLCC today intending take a cab to see my brother and my cousin for lunch at Pavillion. I was about 10 minutes behind schedule, leaving from the underground station. I went to two sides of the compound looking for a taxi that will take me to Pavillion. Given of the cash in hand that I carried today, I thought going there will cost around three bucks.

I asked those in waiting, those hungry for customers to come. The above sign reads that it's a meter taxi. I told them I would wish to go to Pavillion. But I noticed that most of them there are not using taxi meters. In K.L , it's using taxi meters all along.

I had a driver saying to go there costs $15, while another one says $7.

I was quite unhappy that they are not using meters and in frustration, seeing how slack the taxi drivers were there, I slammed one of the taxi doors too hard and scolded one of them, and walked on foot all the way there. At lunch, a customer of my cousin, who was joining us told me of that recently there are a bunch of taxi drivers who are refusing to use taxi meters anymore. I asked her, whether it's because of the election thing in KL (where 10 Opposition against 1 BN) was the main reason why. She was a lawyer and had been moving around in taxis before elections. I asked her again is it true or not this happens right now.

She didn't say yes or no but she instead said of complaining to the CVLB is useless.

Not sure whether if some companies are in support or loyalists of BN.

It seems that these guys are strange bedfellows of BN in KL. Not sure if it's true or not, but whenever I drive around the city, one common problem I always see on the road is always taxi drivers: road hogging, cutting without signal (something that irks mum) and sometimes ignoring people calling for them. On election day in Ipoh, taxis there are providing free services for that day to take people to polling stations as part of supporting BN there.

I would take taxis if I have too, but generally, I had a distaste of their professionalism.

MSM Has No Balls!

My fellow blogger Haris has been an advocate of the 'boycotting of the MSM' because they had been biased towards the opposition with news showing the favoritism of Barisan Nasional and being unfair. Besides, everything that is seen in the paper is more pro-government and providing the feel good image that they wanted. Anything bad is black out because they don't want to see it out in the papers the next day.

Other readers had written to him to express of the kind of shit and lies that MSM writes.

Someone told me once before that we even had sympathy for reporters and sub-editors there. They could not go beyond the line set by the editors because the main editors had to toe the line set by the 4th floor boys. You know who are they, right?

Of course this shows that the work entitlements of a journalist and editor has been stiffed because of such rules imposed by them. Bernama and Utusan are just lapdogs of 4th floor. The Star is 70:30 lapdog and it's also an extension of MCA - you know, KOTOW to UMNO.

I remembered of a Tamil movie called Mudhalvan in which a reporter is challenged to become a Chief Minister for one week by the incumbent who is a corrupt man, like BN who will pull all stops to make sure the reporter doesn't do well in the week.

So, Star, perhaps this will be a challenge. Give a citizen/ blogger one week to run the post of Chief Editor, with Datuk Wong not allowed to interfere or come within there. The person will need to show the guts, breaking the lines. I DARE THEM to say something that is not heard of before, like the corrupt counts of Khir Toyo or Abdullah Badawi is in jeopardy or whatsoever.

This is no longer 1987!

Yes, I must concur this piece from Malaysiakini: Journalism in Malaysia has to go back to basics or else it will become irrelevant in the future, perhaps within this year itself.

So that, please show to us that MSM has the testicles in the past bukan BOH CHOON TOI!

Mr. Samy, One More Humor Session, Ah?

Samy Vellu is gone, but we should hear one of his comic sessions...not to be missed.

Gorillas In The Mist

When I was a kid, one of the books that I read was David Taylor's Amazing World of Animals. The book is a compilation of several sub-books into one. The first part of the book is the best one that I've read, which is entitled Animal Olympics. One of the sports mentioned in the games is of course the weightlifting category. Many animals were in participation and there were two winners at the end.

The ant beats the elephant in the weightlifting category because it impressed the judges of its ability to carry a dead big beetle on its own despite its small size. This was the reason. The elephant, of course with its large nose trunk was able to lift a log of wood with ease. But the question that many people asked was why there wasn't a bronze medal offered in that competition.

The reasoning is, actually there was a place for a second runner up, which was won by the gorilla. However, it was disqualified for unsportsmanlike behavior by punching the referee when it was decided that the ant won the weightlifting competition. Because of that, it was decided not to reward the bronze medal to any other creature and only leave two winners for that game.

******

If you remember, Khairy Jamaluddin previously called bloggers as monkeys and since there are no rules in cyberworld, there is the need to use the law of the jungle to and we need to take action against the monkeys which is us of course.

But then, flash forward to post March 8 elections,we are seeing things the other way round. And when that happened, people at the Barisan Nasional camp are behaving like gorillas sulking over their defeats and behaved in an unsportsmanlike manner right now. They thought that they can continue to do their things whatever they wish, assuming that they retain their state or parliamentary seats, but this time, it wasn't.

Here are a few things cases that illustrate the gorillas in the mist of Malaysia, in this case, BN:

1. MB Issue in Terengganu - When it was decided by the palace that Ahmad Said, who had a good administering record at the expense of Idris Jusoh was selected to become the next Menteri Besar, 22 BN assemblymen from the Idris Cell led by the gorilla Rosol Wahid launched a boycott and threat of resignation if Idris is not re-elected. The Sultan, also the Agong who has the prerogative in deciding the MB was angered by Idris antics during his term and felt that he should not continue. While Ahmad Said was willing to perform the duties entrusted, he was stripped of his UMNO membership by gorillas but somehow performed as usual. Still, the gorillas are still aping over the issue and finally, at today's UMNO Supreme Council meeting, they decided to accept Ahmad Said's appointment. But it came at a terrible cost as Idris, Rosol and another man were stripped of the Datuk titles because of the insulting to the king. Another defeat conceded by Dollah Badawi.

2. NEP issue in Penang - On March 14, UMNO Penang, following their massive loss of Penang, being one of the states captured by the opposition had launched a rally at Komtar to protest at the opposition following CM Lim Guan Eng's decision to abolish the NEP (New Economic Policy) in favor of Anwar Ibrahim's New Economic Agenda. The main gorilla behind the thing was Penang UMNO secretary Azhar Ibrahim who famously said "IF BN is kicked out of government, THEN it means people of Penang don't want megaprojects" - meaning calling for the federal government to stop funding money for development in Penang. Of course, gorillas don't have brains to think like a human, so this was the presumption and from what he said seems that he was sulking heavily in defeat.

3. DBKL Double Standards - Not associated to Datuk Badawi Kahwin Lagi! No no no.... Yesterday the 10 Opposition MPs gathered at the Federal Hotel last night to make a joint report about DBKL playing double standards. The allegation is that in two months before elections, the city council has been very relaxed in taking enforcement against petty traders, tenants and hawkers. But following BN's loss in KL, with 10 Opposition MPs against 1 BN MP, the city council swung into action and punishing people in sections belonging to Opposition MPs except for Setiawangsa.

The resolutions detailed here are:

We, the 10 opposition Members of Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, note that two months prior to the 12^th General Elections (GE) DBKL was very relax in taking actions against the hawkers, petty traders, DBKL tenants and others.

We also note that immediately after the completion of the 12^th GE, resulting in the clear rejection of BN by the KL residents, DBKL swung into actions to victimize and/or punish the hawkers, petty traders and threaten to victimize and/or punish the DBKL tenants in the opposition held constituencies, for the miserable performance of BN in the GE.

We strongly condemn DBKL for involving itself in politics and taking such concerted actions to victimize and/or punish the hawkers, petty traders and DBKL tenants for exercising their democratic rights in the 12^th GE to elect the 10 opposition MPs from PKR, DAP and PAS in Kuala Lumpur.

We call upon the Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur to immediately stop the political actions in victimizing and/or punishing the hawkers, petty traders and DBKL tenants for exercising their democratic to elect the MPs of their choice.

Hoi...Datuk Hakim (Borhan)! Awak yes man untuk Barisan Nasional, kah or you ikut Mr. $700 million man? Kalau bukan, please fix the mess, if not, you could be sacked, boss. And who knows, YB Wee can take over your place lol! And then 'Throw Chair' Yew can become drainage inspector...!

4. Circular Salah But Halal ? -Our 'Mr. Keris' Hishamuddin, another gorilla, has issued another circular that schools under the opposition states are not to be inviting speakers from opposition states. It simply implies that if you want to invite speakers, you must invite people in pro-BN states including Johor...! To back up the circular, the gorilla said that failure to do so would result in potential dismissal from posts for headmasters and principals. BEGITULAH TERDESAKNYA PEMIMPIN2 DARI PARTI UMNO/BN INI MENGUNAKAN KUASA HARAMNYA SETELAH LEBIH 50 TAHUN MEMPENGARUHI BADAN2 KERAJAAN DAN MINDA RAKYAT YG RAKYATNYA RELA MENJADI ROBOT SEBAGAI ALAT KAWALAN OLEH PEMIMPIN2 UMNO/BN ITU SENDIRI.

Illegal circular that is passed as halal in 5 states?

5. Paper Shredding - In the days after the election, staff from the Selangor and Kedah state governments are found to be shredding paper, some believed to be documents of trade. This was highlighted and found prominently in alternative media. So, are they trying to hide their dirty secrets? People know that Khir Toyo is wanted for 20 counts of corruption or so. And in Kedah, what is there to hide if you have nothing done wrong? Gorillas in Kedah are found to make noise to mislead people saying that PAS to implement hudud laws. Bohong! Selangor gorillas also make noise but people are not buying into their bullshit.

And a few more you can add including UMNO pushing for village heads in Perak to quit, council members of municipal councils to quit when Opposition took over Selangor, Tajol Rosli crying and BN making noises in Perak, TV3 and Utusan making noises and laments against the opposition bashing and a variety of things.

Whatever the case is, those gorillas are emerging from the mists and if Khairy's theory is true, as the animal keeper, we may have to do things the hard way to push them back. Imagine if you're a zoologist, an option of course is to use tranquilizer darts or whatever to hold the line.

Yes, there was a possibility and a theory that you can try to teach a gorilla to behave as your own son or daughter, but then old habits die hard and gorillas don't think like humans. It can last no more than a man will to behave like its usual self. There was attempt but no avail. I'm not quite sure whether in Malaysia it is safe to take a gorilla into your wing and then get the creature to be your best companion for the rest of your life.

Anwar and Ku Li: The Race to Parliament

There has been some infighting in UMNO right now. Pressure is still mounting for Abdullah Badawi to resign and with this situation in mind, there is a debate of whether the next Prime Minister could be either Tengku Razaleigh or Anwar Ibrahim.

That was what a group of people including myself were debating over the weekend. Who should be the next prime minister? Out of a dozen plus, most of them think that Anwar should be the next prime minister despite the notorious past and the recent believe that he was victim of the corrupt.

The race is now on to see who could possibly replace Abdullah. There is no doubt that Abdullah might not be surviving for that long, given of calls for UMNO assembly, but since it's been called off, the next option would be either Ku Li or Anwar -if he wins one of the by-election Parliament seats - to go to Parliament and bringing up the motion of no-confidence as the first matter. If things are going on right, the first sitting is scheduled to begin on May 5. However, it would be best for him to take the Bandar Tun Razak over Khalid Ibrahim since the latter is concentrating more on work as the Selangor Chief Minister and the chances of winning are far better than in Permatang Pauh.

Chances if Anwar goes to Parliament, Najib is finished, not even the chance of taking over via baton passing as the next PM as Anwar has tons of facts and evidence. Those materials are likely to be the basis of bashing including his implication in the Altantunya murder, so he's dead meat, as so to speak.

Now let's examine some things and see where is the standing of Anwar and Ku Li:

On Anwar, many think that he should do so because having 8 years of experience as Finance Minister, Anwar is capable of reducing or creating a safety net as well as improving the national economy. Many discussing between Anwar and Ku Li feels that the main reason is largely due to the expected global economic meltdown likely to happen next year on.

In order for Anwar to win, he needs only another 30 more MPs to jump the boat. That is before anti-hopping laws are established and as long as they show things that they didn't buy MPs. So far, there could be 17 planning to leave Barisan Nasional and jump over. The resignation of this Surian MP was the starting point.

Anwar is free of restraints right now, just seeing and supervising how things are going around the country, unlike UMNO. But there could be enemies tailing him now, like today's case of two mysterious cars tailing his convoy everywhere.

Ku Li is one clean guy who intends to wipe the slate clean. He remains one of the few from the old UMNO, and came close to becoming the PM in 1987 with an incredible battle of wills with Mahathir. Yes, he was a Finance Minister, and he can promise electoral reforms.

Age could be a factor. Ku Li is 71 now, and there is no fix thing of how long can he hold before the old age takes a toll at him.

In order to challenge Abdullah for presidency, he must have at least 60 divisions of UMNO nominating him for presidency. What's more there are some divisions who disagreed of throwing a party election and early assembly this year. And another problem is that UMNO elections could be postponed until next year due to budgetary reasons, all being spent for the election campaign.

But the one card they can have in common and could be a lose-lose situation is in the King and the Parliament. Should the parliament convene as planned and Abdullah is boot out due to the vote of no confidence. In the case, the King has the obligation of deciding who would replace Abdullah Badawi and yes, the choice can even be Najib. It is one thing that they would rather avoid.

The good game strategy is for Abdullah to continue but on the bad side, it could spell the end of UMNO and BN in the coming future. If Anwar wins, to some they are being called, the MPs with shortest reign in the Malaysian history books.

Add. Reference: The Countdown Begins

Mr. Shabbery, Please Come to Meet and Hear Us!

As mentioned previously, new Information Minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek had expressed his interest in meeting with the bloggers, with full realization of how important they are in helping to shape the future of the nation.

It has been confirmed that Bloggers United Malaysia 2008 edition will be held at the Lake View club, the same place as last year's on Labour's Day.

Now here's the chance for you to meet and talk to us. Seize the day, Datuk!

Interview With Rocky by TV9

Note: Previously withdrawn and now re-published following Rocky's recent post:

Following the Information Minister's comment and admittance of how important bloggers are to the country recently, TV9 has conducted an interview with Rocky at Blog House last Saturday night.

The interview is in regard with the reaction by top bloggers in regarding to the statement by the minister. In addition to Rocky, Galadriel, Haris and myself were interviewed to provide blogger perspective feedback on the statement. I did it as to provide / represent the 'younger blood / generation' of bloggers.

The following video, which I shot and available at youtube, is the small part of the full interview. If anyone has seen the interview, please add in the info.

In Malaysia, Hail To The King is 'Non-Binding' - AAB

The royalty in Terengganu has decided that Ahmad Said is the best person to run the state. But somehow, Said's members of UMNO stripped him of his membership simply because he refuses to budge aside to let Idris Jusoh return to power.

If K.J calls bloggers as monkeys sometime ago, perhaps how the 22 assemblymen, now 9 behind Idris were behaving can be equated as behaving like monkeys. But they are one step short of behaving like the PEKIDA gangsters.

Yes, the facts are K.J instigated this matter here simply because of one reason: Idris Jusoh was the one that allowed the family partner, Patrick Lim to sponsor and bankroll the Monsoon Cup. Lim was the biggest benefactor to Terengganu, saving them from further debts. If this is the connection, this means that Idris is the yes man of Abdullah Badawi and seeing the appointment of Ahmad Said over Idris is somewhat ruining the plan of the future for Terengganu. In addition, with the ECER, primarily in Terengganu, it could be in jeopardy for Ahmad Said's method of running the country is far in contrast to the preferred Idris.

However, those monkeys assume that the people are behind him, but the people DID not explicitly say that they want Idris to run the state. I don't hear anyone saying that! It's the assumption that the people says yes. Not the facts.

In previous times, the phrase hail to the king is used everywhere, even here, the principle of 'Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara' is there. But apparently, with the actions over this, this shows the double-side of Abdullah Badawi. When he said that the appointment is non-constitutional, this sets up a showdown between the King and the PM. Never in my life have I heard of this until today. Bedol thinks he is king, or as Emperor Napoleon, with threatening to use National Operations Council as his trump card against the Agong. In citizens thinking, going against the king is punishable with banishment or death in feudal times, but this is somewhat odd.

In Malaysiakini, Ku Li revealed of the government going from bad to worst with such intervention.

Ahmad Said is just showing his willingness to perform the duties entrusted by the regent council of the state. Why make the noise out of it? Malaysian leaders are supposed to illuminate the way to greatness and should be models to be emulated by youngsters. But given how they behave, it's like making youngsters behaving like gangsters in future. What's more, are they trying to say that going against king is Halal and valid in Islam Hadhari? This not the first time that Abdullah Badawi has violated his own tenets. He has done it many times, and he's actually not interested in running the country, just the PM in name and let KJ do the show.

'Go and fight with UMNO!' - RPK, Port Klang, March 1 2008.

Dispute Over The Post of MB

Just did the join-translation with Rocky:

From Hard-T:

The assemblymen in Terengganu has insisted that Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh to be named as the Chief Minister following the National Coalition's 2/3 majority win over the state at the general elections two weeks ago. They have threatened to boycott tomorrow's swearing-in ceremony if Idris is not announced as the MB.

The palace has appointed Datuk Ahmad Said, 51, the assemblyman for Kijal as the next Chief Minister of the state. Terengganu remains the only state in Malaysia that has yet to confirm a Chief Minister after the 8th of March elections.

(P) Rendezvous With yang Berkhidmat

Yesterday was my first day at work for the new company that I've joined. It's a multi-national one primarily consisting of Indians since it is originated from India. I felt very different in the company culture as they are totally different from my previous one. They helped me to get my feet wet to it and my superiors, one being the operations manager by the name of Sanjeev and the other one, my department head by the name of Wasem dropped by to see how things are going.

I was thankful that they are not pushing or expecting me to show like a pro from the beginning, but they are looking more into the learning curve. As the matter of fact, they encouraged working together with other 'insurance' department colleagues and collaborating with them (sticking together) to achieve the targets. My parents called me a night, checking on how was my first day and I told them that.

Rendezvous with yB

I knew from the other day that yB Wee was gracing a party at Wangsa Maju organized by his loyalists and supporters as to thank the people for helping him to win in the general elections. When he goes to the Parliament, the BN MPs would be running scared given of his maverick reputation and the fiery brand there.

The rendezvous with yB covered from 9 p.m until 4 a.m in the morning! I parked my car at one of the transit stations before going to work. By the time I returned back to the station I could not move my car out because the small path out was blocked by a row of 4 cars, parked by inconsiderate drivers. Frustrated as no one came to move their cars, I took the train to Wangsa Maju, took a cab there and found the party. Coincidentally, my friend Eric was there, he came with YB from Petaling Jaya to here. It was raining though.

It was there I met an acquaintance of Eric, Meng Heng and we were talking while waiting for yB who might give me a lift back to the LRT station. Just then, there was a change of plan in which yB Wee had to go somewhere else. This opened the door to midnight craziness. So the three of us, were in the car, went to the NPC club (on the way seeing if the car had been cleared or not, but sadly not yet). We had our drinks, a few jugs of beer at the lowest price, played snooker, and met with Haris and Tony at the place.

Y.B Wee came over at 1 a.m and brought the house down by getting a few more jugs of beer and talking to most of those who are still there. He offered to refill glasses of beers, and when I told him of half-cup, Y.B remarked of 'no such thing as half-glass beer'. :)

We thought of going back but the guys wanted to celebrate with y.B Wee with another round of early morning / breakfast steam fish with rice at Old Klang road. At 3 in the morning, there was a police roadblock at one of the roads, which Meng escaped, maybe because of the police seeing me at the back seat and thinking I was a boss or something. :)

It was of the car, that got the ball rolling on that day. I was too exhausted and only woke up at 1 p.m today....hahaha.

Author's note: Picture removed following feedback from certain quarters. Apologies :(

Shabery Cheek on Acknowledging Bloggers

We look forward to here and meet with you, Datuk!

"Well, they are important because in this global explosion of information technology, everywhere is the centre of information and people are free to express what they think. There is the good and the bad about that. I wish we can sit down and talk to them and think openly what's best for the country. That's the bottom line."

Last night, I was at the NPC with a few guys including Eric, Haris and Tony. I was mentioning to them of one website that can be used: no2Umno. In less than four months, the site has amassed close to 450000 visits, more than anyone else. And when we saw this clip, we realized that this Minister was better than Mamak Maidin and was willing to talk to the blogging community. So, yes, we will find time to invite you to come over for a dialog session with us.

On The New Malaysian Cabinet

The list of the new cabinet ministers was released just in afternoon by Sleepy Head Dollah.

The list is as follows:

PM : Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

DPM : Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz
Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim
Datuk Amirsham Abdul Aziz

Deputy Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department
Datuk Johari Baharom
Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim
Datuk K. Devamany
Datuk Hassan Malik

Finance
Minister - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Second Finance Minister - Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop
Deputies - Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Datuk Kong Cho Ha

Defense
Minister - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Deputy - Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop

Internal Security and Home Affairs
Minister - Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar
Deputies - Datuk Chor Chee Heong, Senator Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh

Housing and Local Government
Minister -Datuk Ong Ka Chuan
Deputies - Datuk Robert Lau , Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Works Minister
Minister - Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamad
Deputy- Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Energy, Water and Communications
Minister - Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy- Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
Minister - Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Deputy - Datin Paduka Rohani Abdul Karim

International Trade and Industry
Minister -Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputies- Loh Wei Keong, Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan

Foreign Affairs
Minister -Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputy- Tunku Azlan Abu Bakar

Education
Minister -Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputies -Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Datuk Razali Ismail

Higher Education
Minister - Datuk Khaled Nordin
Deputies - Khoo Kok Choong, Datuk Idris Harun

Transport
Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Deputy - Anifah Aman

Human Resources
Datuk S. Subramaniam
Deputy- Datuk Noraini Ahmad

Women, Family and Community Development
Minister-Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen
Deputy- Noriah Kasnon

National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage
Minister- Datuk Shafie Apdal
Deputy-Datuk Teng Boon Soon

Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister- Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy- Fadilah Yusof

Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development
Minister - Datuk Noh Omar
Deputy- Datuk Saiffuddin Abdullah

Natural Resources and Environment
Minister - Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas
Deputy - Datuk Abu Ghapur Salleh

Rural and Regional Development
Minister - Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib
Deputy- Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Minister - Datuk Shahrir Samad
Deputy - Jelaing Mersat

Plantation Industries and Commodities
Minister - Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy- Senator A. Kohilan

Youth and Sports
Minister - Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaacob
Deputy - Wee Jack Seng

Health
Minister - Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy- Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad

Information
Minister - Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputy- Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Tourism
Minister - Datuk Azalina Othman
Deputy - Datuk Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abu Taib

FT
Minister - Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique

Deputy - M. Saravanan

I had reviewed the list and noticed that although there are many new faces in the cabinet, there are some who still remained in the list.

1. The two notable daylight robbers, Zulhasnan Rafique and Nor Mohammad Yackop are still retain of their previous portfolios. By holding on to the existing position, Zulhasnan can amass more government contracts in addition to the current total of $700 million.

2. The Taximan / BodohBodohBodoh Nazri still is one of the ministers, but the role of de facto Law Minister belongs to Zaid Ibrahim. Although outspoken, he might not be able to do well if there is interference and disagreement among the ministers.

3. Shahrir Samad would be an interesting choice to watch. I would really like to see how he does compare to Shafie Apdal.

4. One of the deputies in the Internal Security Ministry, Wan Farid Salleh is an extremely dangerous choice. Being the political secretary previously, he is known as Khairy's Gatekeeper, the person that correspondence goes to before it reaches Sleepy Head.

5. Shaziman Mansor, who previously complained about the bloggers aside from Mamak Maidin is promoted, replacing Keng Yaik. However, we are not very sure whether this guy will say more on the blogosphere scene.

6. Kerisman as Education Minister - more criticizing again from the other front and the public.

7. Mat Tyson - dropped but appointed minister? Ridiculous!

Although this edition of cabinet has new faces, the existing ones are irking the people.

On Why BN Is Still Strong On The South and East Coast

Today, I was discussing with a friend which admittedly said that election fever had prompted him to talk a little more of politics and did agree that UMNO is stoking racial hatred among the people.

In the recent elections, BN managed to secure 85 against the opposition's 80 Parliamentary seats. Their saving grace would be of course Sabah and Sarawak. Many said that Anwar Ibrahim would be the PM-in-waiting, never settling for 2nd place but gunning for the top. Given of the current political scenario, he could just become one if he can get 30 MPs from the BN camp to jump to the opposition ship.

As agreed by some activists, this was one of the dirtiest elections ever with things being rigged to their favor.

In Peninsular Malaysia, most of the BN seats that were won are mostly at the south and the east coast. My friend had a interesting point of view in which can explain why Barisan Nasional can win those seats there, with cheating of course and some stupidity. 3 prominent states are discussed here, Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor.

Terengganu:

Barisan Nasional apparently used a few tactics to buy votes from the Terengganu natives, somehow as predicted, the result was a close 50-50 fight, only victories by postal votes:

1. For those who are working elsewhere, they were offering shuttle buses from designated points in other states to go back there to vote. When disembarking from the arrival point, they are given money and some gifts with a message to vote for BN. This too mirrors to in Ipoh where taxi drivers are offering free rides to election poll stations in the town itself.

2. Some of the natives are working offshore at Petronas. It was found that whoever votes for the opposition, not sure it's via postal votes or not could face the sack.

3. The postal votes cases do influence certain seats like Kuala Terengganu. Were it not for this case, we would see a sharing government, a first ever in a state.

Pahang

With exceptions to Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, most of the people in Pahang are quite poor and had to rely on the government support on funding development so I think that this would keep them to vote for BN. On Pekan, Najib has been distributing money to people in that town, since it's also the royal town. It's just poverty leading to cling of support.

Johor

La la Land...hahaha. I've learned something interesting from my friend in regards of his insight of Johor. Arguably, most Johor people are too dumb to understand things happening in Malaysia. Influence of UMNO and BN is very strong here. Crime rates are still at the high. In actual fact, Ong Ka Ting could have lost at Kulai, but for some unknown reason he won.

The thing is that in Johor, most people do not seem to know what is really happening, not even on the Bersih or the Hindraf rally. Their perception they get is by watching mostly Singapore media which propagates of opposition being the bad side. (note: there is a clear reception of watching Channel 8 or 9 there) But that is Singapore, somehow the influence was spread to them here and they perceive the opposition here as a bad, antagonist. This is why there is not much
of the opposition front here spreading the word there, for they know one thing: they are quite useless there. This would explain why mostly would think BN has done a good service there and voted blindly for them.

There, to win a state seat or Parliament seat, you need to pay 'tithes' to select elite in order to gain their respect, or else the seat will go to whoever pays more. In here, most would either buy votes from them, in form of cash and at times, BN used intimidation tactics at voters. For instance, a person will be asked in the face whether you have voted for the BN or the opposition. In most cases, if you tell them that you vote for opposition, you could face a beating by some people there.

The NEP here was misused far more serious than what it is in Selangor. If in Selangor, a Bumiputra is entitled to a 7% discount here, the mechanism is different. Suppose that you are a developer who built 1000 houses with a intent target gross of $100 million, at Johor, it is understood that 40% of the housing estate developed must be owned by the Bumis and a 15% discount must be offered. That means, non-Malays will have to pay more. The worst part of it is of how it was misused. The rich and elite ones will snap up the price and hold the property for one year before they sell it to others, particularly Singaporeans with the price that is 60% higher than the actual price. And that is how they profit from it.

Now UMNO is making noises of NEP, it seems that this would serving a good lesson. If they do not correct their mistakes, this could be the end of them as according to Ku Li (Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah)

Metaphor: Inilah Bagaimana UMNO-BN Dihukum Oleh Rakyat!

[SPOILER] - At the first season finale of The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the FBI raided the apartment looking for a rogue agent who is actually Cromartie, a Terminator sent to kill John Connor. However the raid ended in the disastrous manner as all the FBI men except agent Ellison were killed. It was after the shootout when Ellison realized that Sarah was right all along when the rogue agent is not a human but a Terminator - evident by the visible chrome marks.


The visual metaphor of dead FBI men falling down onto the swimming pool polluted with blood was an echo to the Book of Revelations telling of the Fourth Seal that speaks of Death, the fourth Horsemen of Apocalypse coming and it also mentions of second and third trumpets: sea and water turned to blood. (Listen as well to the accompanying soundtrack).

I was watching the scene a few times and given of the current context of Malaysia, this might represent of how the National Front here lost badly in the general elections. The people had enough of the inability of the 2004 administration to deal with corruption, crimes, and rising religion tensions as well as rising living costs. And so, they decided to reject the next government seriously, having no choice seeing how the outlook would be in April.

The visual image of dead men falling into the pool can also be interpreted as the ministers and deputy ministers, incumbent MPs who lost in the elections like Samy Vellu, Sharizat and Mamak Maidin.

In the aftermath of the elections, UMNO divisions in Penang and Selangor are protesting over the possibility of discarding the NEP in favor of the MEA - Malaysian Economic Agenda. Apparently, the corrupt ones, those who benefited from the NEP's loophole are protesting against it for their source is gone. Nazri Aziz admitted that the NEP or NDP - if some called it after 1991, is about to disappear. Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah contributed 60 percent of the national GDP, and with those states.

Talk of a few more others like UMNO inciting racial hatred and spinning the news through their lapdog agencies Bernama and Utusan....- that should be understood.

My relatives were talking of the protest at Komtar the other day by UMNO Penang and the pseudo-Malays last week. The protest has resulted in a three hour jam on the bridge. But the FRUs are practicing double standards, allowing them to do so for one hour instead of against those who go against the government before. UMNO's Azhar Ibrahim was instigating the incident of and asked the Federal government to stop funding projects for the NCER and Penang. This sentiment was then echoed by another racist Ali Rustam who could be punishing those who voted for opposition in Malacca.

This would be against the religion basic principles of never to subjugate and oppress other races.

If the people are being oppressed and subjugate to the point of not holding anymore, they would retaliate in anger. And that's how UMNO-BN are punished badly.

In Regards To The Ong Brothers: Fools!

My grandfather worked under the Koperasi in the early 60s until his retirement in 1978. He spent briefly for four years in Malacca from 1967-1970. In the early 60s his assignment would be to see and monitor prospective people registered under the Koperasi's program. His assignment takes him back and forth between Pantai Remis, the coastal town of Perak and the rural area of Lenggong, on the way to Kuala Kangsar. And whenever he is free, he goes back to Ipoh to see his wife, my grandmother, his children, which of course includes my dad.

Interestingly, during his adventures in Lenggong, being full of Chinese Kongxi people (read Kuomintang), he had met a family, husband and wife are farmers with their two boys. This was during his years going there back and forth, seeing how things are progressing. It was these two boys which he recalled pique me of the interest of writing something in regards of those two. When I was a kid, he didn't mention it. It was only through the newspapers and of course the MCA general assembly reports that he finally revealed to me.

The two boys he met are actually the Ong brothers: big brother Ka Chuan and little Ka Ting.

When it was learned that Ka Ting took over Ling Liong Sik as the MCA president following Ling's retirement, he told me of this when I was in the car, listening to the radio news. He started telling me more his encounter with the boys. When I asked him more and more of what of his regard with the brothers, he stopped short of elaborating more except this:

On Ka Ting - he doesn't do much and he's unfit on running MCA.

On Ka Chuan - he just doesn't do much and at that time didn't have enough muscle to serve.

Grandpa's comment on both men was well reflected in the recent general elections in which MCA suffered badly that they only won 15 out of 40 parliamentary seats it contested. Well, it is clear that the people are rejecting the MCA right now, particularly Ka Ting. Former vice-president and Christian reformist Chua Jui Meng, according to Malaysiakini, has called on him to resign because of his responsibility of MCA's failure.

On my opinion, the Ong brothers had failed and too dumb to see a few major things in which Chinese Malaysians are angered with:

1. The loophole of the NEP allows Bumiputras, including the rich are able to purchase a property with a 7% off standard price whereas others must pay at the full price. This was not part of the policy and the other races are angered with it. As the Housing and Local Government Minister
he should have brought up the issue instead of keeping in the dark.

2. The most significant of all is that MCA never bother to defend from the non-sensible and racial invasion made by UMNO youths. When Kerisman asked MCA to shut up over secular state row, they should have keep fighting against them as part of their purpose to safeguard the rights of the Chinese. Instead, they just bowed down to the semi-literate and dumb leadership of UMNO as being their lapdog. Even if a MCA MP is elected to office, he cannot go beyond the BN's official stance, unlike the opposition. The stance was set by UMNO and going beyond results in facing the whip and the penalty.

The BN knew at that time before election that they are desperate, and in and attempt to muster support and gain publicity, Abdullah Badawi gave cash to Ka Ting and sent him to missionary schools in Perak and elevated them to fully-aided status. (Previously, only government built schools are fully funded) and to appease people anger against the Education Ministry.

3. While the MCA's objective is to defend the Chinese, it also implies indirectly that it tells the Chinese that the Indians and the Malays are their enemies. And they are fighting for race survival. The answer is there is no more race defending as previously, but instead everyone is ready to work together for a better Malaysia instead of fighting using the race card.

4. Big brother Ka Chuan was foolish to say that DAP cheated voters. The answer is that MCA is still sulking over their losses and MCA did not look into the above faults as the reason Chinese go against them. Even if I am invited to join MCA youth's (since it's open to all Chinese youths, I still say no because of #2.)

Don't keep on being dumb, Misters Ong and Ong! My family knows your antics...

While They Bicker, UMNO-BN TakesThe Advantage

UMNO is still in shock mood and sulking over their losses to the opposition last Saturday. And in fact, they are trying to take advantage of the current squabbling over forming the coalition of the Perak state government. One fire torched out and another came, so it says that Keadilan could not agree over the allocation of the exco members among the three parties. Most of them were snapped up by DAP and PAS, while PKR gets nothing.

The swearing in of Nizar Jamaluddin was called off today due to this issue. From Malaysiakini: This issue, brought up in the afternoon via discussions was discussed from 2.30 p.m. until 4.05 p.m, but by that time, it was too late to reach in time to start the swearing in ceremony. The distance to Kuala Kangsar from Ipoh is roughly 45 kilometers or close to one hour from town to the Palace in Kuala Kangsar.

The answer to the dilemma is simple. DAP should consider giving three exco seats to PKR just as to make everyone happy. While they squabble, UMNO is taking over the advantage, attempting to put a smear to the Barisan Rakyat, derailing what is to be the first fruit that is expected from the people who run the winds of change. They stoke racial flames among the others. If this persists, I might see this as a KO before the show kicks off. Penang had got of to the start by refusing to use the NEP policy for the state, a move described by Dollah as inciting hate against the Malays. Kerisman, another ultra-UMNO man, also was saying the same thing as well.

Are they actually trying to stick back of separation of powers and rights?

The actual problem is laid out in front of our eyes: UMNO is playing by the race card, they wanted to rule everything separated out by race. Employment in Malaysia is sorted out by race first, given the impression of discrimination. If persisted, they could fall in future. The thing is right now, with Internet as a weapon, people are aware of the race cards they want to play and for goodness sake, we are free of the past. We just need to learn the mistakes of the past and move on. Why do they want to go on with the race thing? By doing this 'Malay Supremacy' thing, they are nothing more than the Nazis themselves!

This is how UMNO would do, with their mainstream media in their arsenal and a variety of attacks. Believing themselves high and mighty, they can play dirty and nobody seems to care while ACA turns a blind eye on them. But there are exposures of alleged crimes committed by UMNO members, and some fighting other rivals in the same party. When Mukhriz attempted to hold a PC to call for Dollah to resign, Khairy and his 'PEKIDA gangsters cohorts' stopped him short. Khir Toyo, suspected of having 20 corrupt cases against him is plotting with Hassan Ali of joining with PAS Selangor given that PKR is still with DAP over exco seats. And another interesting fact of how 'Boy George' Azalina won unopposed is this: a buy out of the PKR candidate with the offer of $1 million.

ACA needs a revamp. The son of the ACA director is involved in the porn case in Australia. And there are cases where ACA forced people to come out of the open or having identities compromised by unethical officers. We thought it was an independent entity like the police or the judiciary, instead it's merely an extension of UMNO.

And then, there is also a plan to reignite the flames of 1969 using NOC and PEKIDA with the excuse of 'Malay rights in jeopardy'. A plan by KJ himself. The calls for Dollah's resignation is getting insurmountable. Such tactic is used to nullify all that we've worked falling apart with one evil deed by that man himself. Many of the BN loyalists had accused him for the political tsunami that is March 8.

There were two recordings of Raja Petra that I heard over the past week, with one or two interesting parts. The first recording, taken from his Port Klang speech reveals the fact that UMNO Youths are more radical than the seniors and they are the ones who fan the flames of religious tension at Malaysia including showing how holier am I than thou as well as showing the Dagger in front of the assembly, whereas they should not. What they say, from Dollah and Kerisman implies that UMNO defends the Malays AND sees Chinese and Indians as their enemies and vice versa.

The second recording, taken from Brickfields says that whatever UMNO says in the past about risk being killed by Chinese and Indians is a mere lie, to mislead everyone. Even the Malays now are prepared to work and live together with others as part of multi-racialism. Just like a team of football, they can be successful if they work together, black skin or white skin, Herman Boone doesn't care, as long they can play to his method. A quote from him also indicated that UMNO youths are cowards from the way they do the dagger antics at the General Assembly. Take out, kiss and put it back, which is not the right way to do...isn't it?

Again, we are already over the past thing. I don't want to squabble with our Malay and Indian friends over a small issue. I don't carry a gun or baseball bat when meeting another dark brown skin guy. I don't pose a danger to anyone. If UMNO does that, then what are National schools for when they do things contradicting to the aims of a National school?

No Need To Argue, 'Uncle Kit'!

The dispute over who should be the next Chief Minister of Perak ended yesterday as the IR Nizar Jamaluddin was selected over DAP's Ngeh Koo Ham and PKR's Jamaluddin Radzi. Those three names were submitted to the Regent, deputizing for Sultan Azlan Shah a few days ago and Nizar was recommended and endorsed by Raja Dr. Nazrin after viewing their extensive credentials. - You have the Regent endorsing it. He's not stupid, he's a PHD gradate, so he knows better.

Malaysiakini reports that Lim Kit Siang was bitterly opposed to the idea of having Nizar as MB, and instead felt that Ngeh or Jamaluddin would be preferred given that the impression of multi-racialism that they would pose. He announced that the DAP Perak would boycott the swearing in ceremony this evening at Kuala Kangsar. I supposed that he was expecting the provision of the state constitution allowing the Ruler to waived the mandatory requirement of having a Malay as an MB - if Ngeh is selected.

Kit Siang, no need to argue. Arguing would add more cracks to the attempts to break the coalition by UMNO. Nizar has already made a compromise of having Ngeh and Jamaluddin - both will assist him and the majority of the executive committee of the state government will be comprising of DAP assemblymen. How's that? At least, Nizar is trying to get everyone to work together and at least respects other people!

Most Perak Malays are Ready For Multi-Racial Government

Having PKR in Perak was how to say something that UMNO wanted in mind as Anwar would go there and see how things are running, cajoling the others and so on. Then at the same time, via their MSM, paint the DAP as Chinese chauvinism or PAS Taliban image. UMNO die-hards would want to do that, but one important thing missed out and unforeseen is that Malays and everyone else in Perak are ready to see a one-race Malaysians running the state show.

DAP itself remains the obstacle. Given of their dicey perception against PAS, they will need to shed their eccentric behavior before things get worse. When Nizar says to have DAPs part of the excos, this shows that at least PAS is better than UMNO. They don't wave the dagger, they respect everyone, like in Kelantan, and they need others to help them work. It's modesty that drives PAS around.

Just beware of UMNO sabotage. They will make trouble at opposition states.

Post Election: BN Plays Dirty

No less than three days after election is over, Barisan Nasional is sulking over their biggest defeat: losing 5 states to the opposition. Two moments of that would include Mamak Maidin lamenting his loss and said, "Non-Malays would pay the price for their decision." The other one was quite a sniffer: Tajol Rosli locked himself up and was crying whole night as BN Perak lost to Opposition.

Now, when it was mentioned that the plans of the opposition government naming their choices for the exco seats in the three states of Selangor, Perak and Kedah, the BN was planning a dirty method in an attempt to make the opposition start off to a bad start and perhaps to sabotage things or change back things into their favor.

Buying Up PKR States Assemblymen

BN-UMNO is attempting to buy the hands of PKR statesmen who won the state seats in Perak. They are attempting to repeat the success in Kelantan, where they successfully used money to buy 150 PKR men to join UMNO. However, the PKR top brass were aware of this and Anwar Ibrahim had summoned PKR reps from the three states for an emergency meeting to face this potential problem.

4th Floor Boys Spinning A News

The 4th Floor boys with the help of their BN lapdog, Bernama's Annuar Zaini has reported of a news intending to mislead the people with called Kedah state government introducing Islamic hudud laws as baseline for the state. However, the Harakah portal denies of Tuan Hadi saying that, as he did not specify it directly from his mouth. In Kedah, there is one DAP state seat there and common sense does say that you cannot subject everything to Islamic laws even if you have a DAP DUN guy there. This excerpt from Malaysiakini says this:

"The menteri besar doesn't represent the party. He is a menteri besar of the coalition government," said Ahmad, who is also one of the four PAS vice-presidents.

Asked if the large non-Muslim population in Perak would react negatively should a PAS member be made menteri besar, Ahmad said that the public should not worry unnecessarily.

"Don't worry. All decisions would be made collectively. We cannot make decisions unilaterally," he said.

It is said that KJ hatched this smear image plan...

Fighting to Save Rep

After the Opposition won Selangor, numerous cases of corruption in Selangor resurfaced in what is called a call to new MB Khalid Ibrahim to do cleanup of the possible corruption practices committed by the past MBs including Khir Toyo, 20 counts and Mat Tyson. Apparently, BN is in panic mode over this and are playing dirty to go scott free.

KISS MY ASS, BARISAN NASIONAL!

2008 marks the only time in Malaysian history besides 1969 that the opposition has produced the best result in history with accomplishing the primary objective of denying Barisan Nasional 2/3rds the majority and giving Abdullah Badawi the greatest beating he will never forget. In other words, the urban people had spoken and they are disappointed of how he runs the country and not being the Mr. Clean he promised.

IN YOUR FACE, SLEEPING HEAD!

Scoreline: BN 137, OP 85

In the amazing display and the winds of change, the Opposition has captured Penang, Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, and Selangor. The best performance was produced in Penang. DAP had done a clean sweep, capturing all 19 state seats and 7 Parliamentary seats. Blogger pioneer Jeff Ooi won big in Jelutong as well as Karpal Singh. Gerakan took a beating with Koh losing in Batu Kawan and Chia Kwang Chye as well. Thanks to the efforts of Kelantan and their own unique community initiative, PAS captured 40 out of 45 seats, with the help of their Harakah news portal. Selangor managed to win as well, scoreline 35-21 (state levels). Federal Territory is also doing well, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.

The intelligence reports by YM Raja Petra are quite accurate. The chances of opposition capturing the northern states of Malaysia are quite high, and I didn't realize that Selangor and Perak could go into their hands. As for Terengganu, it's definitely 50-50 chance close fight, with Barisan winning an extra seat, edging by 17-15, no 2/3rds for them.

Only 7 million out of 11 million people voted. I thought that were the remaining 4 million voted more, the results could also change in favor of the Opposition.

On the Home Front

I was primarily monitoring the results in Perak, and Selangor. I admitted that I really wanted the opposition to win, and Ma admitted to me she picked Opposition to win. My primary reasoning is that BN component parties are lapdogs. Even though if a BN MP is elected to Parliament, he still has to kotow to the leadership and BN's stance; if they go against the line, they will be answering to the whipping man, Najib.

At night, when I saw the unofficial results tally for Ipoh Timor at Malaysiakini, I told Ma that Lim Kit Siang had won Ipoh Timor and Wong Kah Woh had won Canning. We were jubilated that, happy that at least we get an OP MP to help deny 2/3rds majority there. Dad's friend had asked me to monitor the Tanjung Malim seat. The Ong brothers, both that my grandfather knew during the early 60s at Lenggong (Kongxi guys) had won, as well as some places.

MIC Whacked, Component Parties Decimated

Much of the upset was partially influenced by the Indians who are unhappy how they are treated and in the aftermath of the HINDRAF rally in November. The biggest cheer for the Indians is that Samy Vellu was beaten in his territory of Sungai Siput and all the big heads of the MIC party lost in their respective seats. Two of my dad's friends, one being in the HINDRAF assembly had a party and were cheering when they learned that Samy lost and all MIC got whacked.

People are aware from opposition ceramahs, being an eye-opener that MIC and MCA didn't do anything at all when temples are demolished or when UMNO radicals do the dagger thing in their general assembly. When I mean eye-opener, it means that they are given new information that was not shown in the mainstream media. In the last few days, I was listening non-stop to RPK's speech at Brickfields about the many crimes that UMNO did. All in all, the minorities are totally unhappy with UMNO running the government with their radical policies. Component parties just kotow to UMNO.

Rough-Arm Tactics

There are some cases like in Sibu and Rembau where BN used rough tactics to win their seats. For instance, in Rembau, gangs under Son-In-Law used vote buying and gangster tactics to taunt the opposition and somehow managed to win by a 5000-vote majority after a demand for recount. In Sibu, people voted for BN in fear because they were threatened that BN will pull the plug on funding the $900 million water project. Threats of pulling out of the funding also played a key factor in Johor as well.

Bye-Bye Ministers!

Some ministers who lost in their seats are going off as well. In addition to Samy Vellu, some who lost include Azim Zabidi, Sharizat Jalil, Fu Ah Kiow, Tan Chai Ho, Mah Siew Keong and others. Rafidah managed to scrape through.

Get Lost, Mamak Maidin!

Information Minister, Mamak Maidin has been a menace to the cyber community since April last year. He has embarrassed the nation at the eyes of the world with his bullshit and pathetic views especially his language at the Al-jazeera phone talk at the Bersih rally aftermath. When we learned that he lost in Sungai Petani, everyone here of the Malaysian So-Po blogging directory said adios and get lost to this asshole!

Bloggers and Lawyers in Public Office

With their wins yesterday, some of the bloggers that I knew will be going to public office coming April. Jeff will be the first blogger in Parliament and he'll exposing the dirty tricks of UMNO with his facts to backup. Tony Pua with incredible economic ideas and formerly a young businessman. On the state level, there's Elizabeth Wong, Nik Nazmi (whom I called yesterday to congratulate him), and few others. Hey, I'm even surprised that Gwo Burne won at Kelana Jaya. Some vets also blog and won including Teresa, Po Kuan, and Uncle Kit. Almost all DAP vets had their own blogs there. Wee Choo Keong, a lawyer that I met on a few occasions managed to win by a slim 15o vote majority against the throwing chair tantrum Yew Tiong Look.

Time to do your work as you promised, guys!

You Guys Are Still in Dreamland

Barisan still wins big at the southern and eastern territories including Perlis up north. When I looked at the analysis, I was wondering that the rural voters are still in dreamland, believing in the bullshit of the newspapers and the lies that Barisan Nasional spread. Rural people are still in the burden of their daily lives and they couldn't trust of enjoying the possibility of petrol price reduction. In other words the chance has been squandered with their decisions.

It's almost impossible to win big in Johor for opposition because of the strong UMNO influence there. I also noticed that there are some notable, alleged corrupt ministers and daylight robbers still winning their seats. I'm not sure why they would do that, either they are a die-hard loyalist to them or they are still in the dark over the truth. I've mentioned to you some of the known sharks like Zulhasnan, Conan Mansor, Rogue Banker Yackop.

I'm astonished to see Bodoh!Bodoh!Bodoh Taximan still winning including Ms. AP...haha! Most probably it's the loyalist attitude that wins them the seat.

Sadly, these people are still in the dreamland, promises of better economy wasted by their choice.

Conclusion

So what happens next? Abdullah is getting jeered, there are calls for resignation. Most people still don't like Najib to be PM because of the scandal and the alleged involvement in Altantunya murder and radicals are now being checked for their behavior, which of course would be KJ, Kerisman and the few.

It will be a good verbal debate, trading blows are the Parliament house when the next Parliament begins one month from now. At least there will be some check. I'm not sure whether a government with simple majority will allow petrol increase or not, most probably there will be protests from the people's side.

A lot of opposition winners are highly educated people compared to BN MPs who are semi-literate. There will be more controls over practices, making sure that no stone is unturned.

All in all, UMNO-BN is ultimately punished for their arrogance.

Time for a break.

At the Poll Station

My voting Parliament constituency is in Ipoh Timor, while the state seat is Canning. My polling station was at Marian Convent Primary School adjacent to Tambun Inn. The proceedings there were quite smooth, and I did not have to wait that long for my turn to vote.


There were 13 channels at that station, and I only need to wait for two more persons before my turn to do my vote.

In that channel, there were six people, two issuing ballot papers, one list checker and caller, two double-checking and one presiding officer. For those of you who are not eligible yet, you basically go in and show your ID card. The list checker will check your name and will call out loud your name and the ID number for the double-checkers to verify. Then a ballot issuer will give you two ballot papers, one state and one Parliament for you to make the choice.

You would go into the panel and make your choices, cross X on your choice and then place the respective papers in their respective transparent boxes. This time, it's no more black, but transparent!

If things are fast, it will take you roughly 15 minutes to finish the job. I went there at 11 in the morning, and there are people from both parties trying to rope you in to help you check your voting ID numbers. My mum who came later in the afternoon was approached by DAP people to do that, but the camp was smaller than the BN camp!

I already had in mind who to vote before coming there. And to some who were born before 86/87, and being registered to vote, that's the first chance.

Election D-Day - Are You Ready?

I'm sorry for having it written in a very simplified format as I'm using a dial-up connection.

The question in people's mind is that it is either new change or more suffering?

If it's more suffering, you only have yourself to blame for choosing the wrong person.
If it's new change, then congratulations, you made the right choice to save Malaysia.
Well, everyone's a hero if that happens.

Recent intelligence reports can hint of what will happen if you keep supporting BN:

1. From Bernama, 4000 officers from the Domestic Consumer Affairs Ministry are in standby for their nationwide deployment in April for another price check.
2. Pak Lah said of we will keep monitoring of oil prices. This is a subtle hint and cleverly disguised fact that the price of petrol will go up on April 1st.
3. Change of secular laws to Islamic laws.

In the objective of denying the 2/3rds majority for Barisan Nasional, the Barisan Rakyat has a good chance of accomplishing it:

1. Intelligence and according to Kickdefella, has revealed that Barisan has admitted defeat in Kelantan.
2. There is a good chance of opposition winning the northern territories of Malaysia. However, Terengganu is a 50-50 chance.
3. Urban voters like in Selangor are opposing Barisan Nasional.
4. Penang DAP has drawn a massive crowd on Thursday and a Star reader has threatened to initiate a Penang boycott paper initiative for their biasing.

Some musings:

1. I told some guys in Wangsa Maju to take Wee instead of the chair-whoppin asshole Yew.2
2. Bloggers are menace to BN, so there are blogger candidates telling people the truth.

Makkal Sakti! HIDUP RAKYAT! HIDUP RAKYAT!

A Little Taffer's Room Is A Year Old

Today, March 7, A Little Taffer's Room is one year old!

I started this blog on that night as to share things following suit of my good friend Edmund. He had started his blog two months ahead of me and seeing the incredible musings and personal life content of the blog, I decided to start a blog of my own.

There are some of you who have yet to understand the meaning of the word 'taffer'. I've actually written an unfinished draft of the history of the word and to support my reasoning of calling the blog of the name above. But it's unfinished, as of now and it will be out some day.

Initially I wrote personal things and musings of my own pleasure. Fine, but I started venturing into and adding social-political content since May last year. The reason is simple is because of Mamak Maidin and his pathetic one-step backward views that could affect the young and old. I was irked at that asshole that I decided to add my voice in fighting the semi-literate politicians of Bolehland.

Since September, when I started to write about UMNO cyber-troopers, witness privacy compromised, the judiciary scandal and the Bersih rally, readership shot up, to hundreds per day, unique and non-unique. A fellow blogger has also mentioned of how proud he is to see more of the young blood contributing their voice in the quest of making Malaysia a better place to be than of now. And what more is the reward of being a listed under the Malaysian So-Po directory? And at the process, I get to know some of the fellow bloggers who put up the same fight as I do - making sure BN loses in the cyber-war and tasting their own medicine.


Almost everyday, people have been criticizing Abdullah Badawi for his inability to do what he promised 4 years ago. I thought the word taffer can be used in this context as well. I always imagined of going into a place with a blackjack (a club) undetected and knocked out a person from the back!

For the first year, I was targeting on writing one post per day and if I don't, I'll make it up the next day or so. People were commenting on this saying you have time on this , that's incredible! No, as more things shown in media, prime and alternative surfaced everyday, I would at times get some ideas including parallels of fiction with real-life. I'm not saying that this is entirely a so-po blog. It is supposedly contain some personal things, tech stuff and back forth.

Thanks readers, and do keep on reading here. As in the next two days, Internet connection might be slow as I will be using a dial-up connection, and I will be providing: a personal first-time experience of voting as well; a sum-up prior to elections and if possible a two cents of the results.

Of Barisan Nasional's Notable Daylight Robbers and Rogue Traders

In history, there are a few notable rogue currency traders and rogue bankers that were caught in the act and profiled. These guys are the ones that are responsible in the collapse of a financial institution. The loss affected just one big banking organization.

Notable rogue traders include:

1. Nick Leeson - Infamously responsible for the collapse of Barrings Bank, the 233-year old personal bank under HM the Queen with the losses amount to $1.4 Billion USD in 1995 alone with his daring risk-taking approach. Over three months he bought more than 20,000 futures contracts worth about $180,000 each in a vain attempt to move the market. Some three quarters of the $1.3 billion he lost Barrings resulted from these trades. When Barings executives discovered what had happened, they informed the Bank of England that Barings was effectively bust.

2. Jerome Kerviel - Primary suspect for $7 billion lost of a French bank. His modus operandi as a rogue trader is as: using imaginary IDs and passwords to show factious trades. The collection of accounts was gathered when he was on a desk job. See more here.

3. Roberto Calvi - Also known as God's Banker as being the banker for the Vatican. In 1982, Bank Ambrosiano, being the second largest bank in Italy went bankrupt and Calvi was suspected of the missing $1.5 billion of missing Vatican funds. He ran away and was found hanged at the BlackFriar Bridge in 19 June 1982. Apparently, he was silenced because of the blackmail threat against the masonic P2 group.

These are among the few notable rogue bankers that were caught in the act. But not in Malaysia. In Malaysia there are a few rogue bankers but they were never caught and they walked free - some sort of unfair justice.

Now, everyone knows that the problem of people being the victims of daylight robbery. The corruption that is UMNO has resulted in the elitist group amassing profits whereas it was supposedly be shared to the people. As some said, 50 years is enough, it's high time for a change. BN is called by most as Barang Naik. You can be sure that the next thing after general elections is increment of prices, indirectly to sate more of the hunger of the elitist groups.

Most of the cronies and rogue bankers are those in the UMNO wings. Recently, Wee Choo Keong has mentioned of the 18 sharks of Barisan Nasional that are among the elitist group. We knew some of them. Some of them include:

1. FT Minister Zulhasnan Rafique - As mentioned many times, this $700 million man has manipulated government contracts in Kuala Lumpur alone. The contracts are given to four of his cronies one in Segambut, another in Bukit Bintang, the others in Seputeh and Kepong. He's lording in Kuala Lumpur and anything must go through him, not even K.J himself can try to kick him out. See the link for some contract tender exhibits:

These contracts were not properly tendered but were negotiated without tender and given out at prices very much higher than market prices. And this was all done by the 'Sultan' of Kuala Lumpur who says “the credibility and integrity of an individual make up 60% of the overall personality of a candidate; even the party he is representing is not a deciding factor.”

Take a good look at his face. Note down his name. He will be contesting a seat somewhere in Kuala Lumpur. He wants to be one of the 13 Members of Parliament from Kuala Lumpur. But this can only happen if the voters allow it to happen. And if he can manipulate RM700 million in four years, just imagine what damage he can do to our tax money if given another five years in Parliament.

- From Malaysia Today

2. Azim Zabidi - UMNO Bukit Bintang Chief, Treasurer - The CEO of the government bank, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Azim alone amassed $900 million of profits and was directly involved or played part of the PKFZ scandal. Through his company, Kuala Dimensi, Port Klang Authority bought the land intended at the price of $1 billion and when the final cost ballooned up to $4.6 billion, the profit that he amassed alone is at the staggering $900 million. A deal with one Lu Leong Seng was called off an according to the condition, Azim must refund the investment money but refused. True, he was guilty of everything and there was a lawsuit against YM, but the clear statement was AZIM, GO TO HELL!

3. Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yackop - A veteran reporter, who I acquainted during the Raya open house in PWTC has spoken of Yackop's refusal to explain a few things involving the financial exchange rate. At the time of October, the rate was at around 3.5X and the problem was the refusal to have rate appreciated. I can't remember much of his ramblings, except he left me a number to call. Later, I was reminded of the 1994 Bank Negara Scandal in which Mohamed Yackop was the financial adviser. The scandal resulted in the $30 billion loss in foreign exchange and resignation of the late governor Jaffar Hussein. It also triggered to the $1.8 billion financial MAS privatization scam.

There is now a police report on Mohamed Yackop on an apparent crime of CBT and of course money mismanagement that you can view here with actual copy of the police report.

You see the thing right now is that Yackop and Zulhasnan is competing in the upcoming elections, in Tasik Gelugor and another in Setiawangsa. An anonymous SMS surfaced and warned that if the daylight robbers and rogue traders are re-elected, there will be a repeat of scams and the elitist groups will keep on robbing money into their pockets. When a potential financial, global meltdown, hits everywhere in the future, they are the ones who will be keeping the wealth, not the people.

Remember Perth and the Patrick Badawi thing? It's going to happen again if there is no control over it. So....the answer is simple, make sure the opposition wins!

So people....please spread the word...tell them in elections that you don't want to be robbed anymore!