tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27834128273682505892024-03-13T19:57:52.518+08:00A Little Taffer's RoomOne small room, say anything, anytime, loud and clear.Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.comBlogger1558125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-39730075052578957932015-02-17T14:10:00.003+08:002015-02-17T14:10:37.748+08:00Anwar's Appeal Afterthought Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
Part 1, written in October is <a href="http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/2014/11/anwars-appeal-afterthought-part-1.html">here</a>.</div>
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Interlude is <a href="http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/2015/02/yes-or-no-what-is-vote-count.html">here</a>.</div>
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***<br />
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Around 12 hours before the outcome was delivered at exactly 12.10 pm one week ago, I've asked one of my friends and source over whether if Najib can do an 11th hour act on the appeal outcome. The obvious reason is that he may need an unlikely ally to fight against Daim and Mahathir in the likes of Anwar Ibrahim.</div>
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No was the definite answer. The Old Man is controlling the shot here. No way he'd let Anwar move out on the street and office as usual to indirectly help Najib. It can implied while Najib is PM in name, but the action is being controlled by someone else. </div>
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"Are you going down to Putrajaya to witness the proceedings?" I asked, being the last question before we adjourned our dinner talk.</div>
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"No. There's nothing much to be surprised and awed about. Just go home and go to bed, wait for the bickering from the trial to die down and see the usual stuff that the other ultra primates will do in craziness before they start shaking legs like nothing happened....<br />
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"We're not going to depend on him anyway like if it's the end of everything." I finished the line, knowing that I am no fan of him, having being bored of the stuff he talks since 2011.<br />
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****</div>
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At least this time, unlike 3 years ago that these Pakatan people were already expecting the thing to come. When the High Court first declared a not-guilty verdict in 2012, the spanner was thrown into the plan since it was built on the assumption that he'd be sent to jail directly at that time. But even if they are ready this time round, there still remains the question mark of who will stand in his place - until they have finished their meeting later tonight or so forth.</div>
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The PMO's statement, released immediately after the panel of judges dismissed the appeal raised some eyebrows over whether it is still a fixed trial despite repeated statements that it had prepared both guilty and not guilty press statements. It comes days after Mahathir's statement asking for the court decision to be "accepted" with other bigger issues that remains to be unanswered including 1MDB, the real motive behind Altantuya's murder (a loose end since the two cops were sentenced to death) and a few other scandals that yet to reach the conclusion. </div>
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19 days ago, Zulkifli Noordin and the NGO Tibai have made a wild accusation saying that Anwar will flee the country if the verdict is against him and have asked for police action to avoid the circumstance that happened to Sirul. Sirul was not in court when the Federal Court delivered a death sentence for his part in the Altantuya murder. But his response, his 10 day-roadshow and his last defiant-oriented press statement before going off to Sungai Buloh prison is to portray himself as an example of someone <u>going against the myth of the lazy native</u> and embarking on the spirit of adventurism (semangat adventurisma).</div>
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According to Revolusi Mental, the definition of a lazy native includes characteristics such being a fatalist, insincere of oneselves, not seeing to their own faults, lack the courage to fight for the truth (read: everything must be accepted, even if wrong), making promises that are warm as a fowl's manure, contentment - that is no courage to take risks and many more that can be named.</div>
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In July 1995, Dr. Mahathir made a call:</div>
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<b>“Semangat adventurism ini kalau dalam bidang ilmu ialah kesediaan
untuk diuji dan dicabar. Kita tidak boleh mendakwa menjadi orang ilmu
atau pakar sekiranya kita tidak diuji pada peringkat paling tinggi.”</b></div>
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In observation and on the outset, Dr. Mahathir wanted to encourage things that will break the myth of the lazy native. He ultimately failed, in what was admitted as his biggest failure in his 22 years as PM. Pak Habib Al-Attas once saw Anwar as a person who can pick up that baton and continue that fighting spirit, considering of the age gap, but this ideal has yet to demonstrated and seen by the masses.<br />
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Why is our Police Inspector-General agitated when a cartoonist and a opposition MP have made a statement of disagreement and then demanded a Sedition-Act investigation against them? The two men are just defending the country against a government. Could this a sign that we are heading to a failed state, with the top cop showing a sign of not being impartial like what he tweeted?<br />
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Does it imply that everything cannot be questioned at all and people should be meek?<br />
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***<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
congratulations, UMNO, to incarcerate one man you fucked the whole country.<br />
— cina™ (@YouTiup) <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTiup/status/564991583213219840">February 10, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
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I will not be surprised that within one year or so after this, Shafee Abdullah will be given the post of Attorney General when Gani Patail, having finished banging his table for the 3-year quest of incarcerating one man. I won't be surprised that the supporting players in this drama are given various rewards for the role they played.</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-41108113400424385782015-02-08T16:47:00.001+08:002015-02-08T16:48:10.624+08:00Yes Or No, What Is The Vote Count?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Note: This posting can be considered as filler for Part 2. Part 1, written in October 2014 can be read <a href="http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/2014/11/anwars-appeal-afterthought-part-1.html">here</a>. </div>
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There is less than two days to go before the Federal Court decides if Anwar Ibrahim's appeal against Sodomy II conviction is dismissed (read: Go to Jail) or overturned again. </div>
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Three weeks ago I was invited for a dinner session by a friend at Bangsar as to discuss certain business matters having driven straight away from a small retreat in Bukit Tinggi. I've asked him whether if he had seen a live streaming of Anwar Ibrahim's talk session at One World Hotel held on that afternoon itself. </div>
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He said no, but asked what are the points that Anwar mentioned throughout the three hours there. </div>
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Based on what was mentioned in certain news portals, I just gave him the points in summary based on what I've skimmed through. After that, based on what Anwar said, my friend speaks of things that seems to be certain.</div>
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"This means my information is correct. They (judges) are going to throw out the appeal and send him to the jail."</div>
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So it seems to confirm my hunch feeling that I've written a few months ago (assuming that the judges are going to deliver on that same day). A few days to that, Syed Akbar Ali's information seems to match with what he said and what I felt. So it confirms my suspicion that some of the politikus aligning to the Old Man is determined to throw him off. And I keep imagining that the AG has been banging his table for more than 3 years since the High Court gave a not guilty verdict baying for his blood like a hound. </div>
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"What's the vote of hands?" I asked.</div>
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It's 3 to 2. </div>
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Hmm... seems to match my hunch too. My friend doesn't think that it would be 4-1. One week ago, Raja Petra Kamarudin seems to think it's 4-1, if the judges have their own way.</div>
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The next question was who are the judges likely to send him to jail. My friend and his source said "You know, the usual lot"...</div>
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Scratching my head, I tried to recall the names of 5 judges who presided in the Federal court appeal. </div>
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According to the insider source, it is likely that Raus Sharif, Suriyadi Omar and Ramly Ali are the ones that could vote yes to dismissing appeal, while the CJ Ariffin and Hamid Embong (they say he has a very good singing voice) is likely to say otherwise. When I asked about Raus and Suriyadi, my friend scorned at hearing the names of the two judges.</div>
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The last question we went to our business matter talk is of what happens after that? Assuming that we stick to the guilty verdict, I believed that there are many UMNO supporters and flea-primates are likely to jump up and down in excitement to see someone so badly in jail and then after a few days would shake their legs as if business is back to usual and the trend of "yes man" behind the scenes resumes as usual.</div>
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"You got it wrong, my friend."</div>
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He went to elaborate that once the verdict is out, people, starting with the opposition supporters will start to get angry at Najib, government and UMNO. Next few months down the line, ordinary people will start to join the queue, once they start to feel the real pinch of GST and worsening economy from the ongoing currency and petrol price wars between the big nations. Later, more people, especially the Malay people out of sympathy could jump ship in support. So this too hews closely Syed Akbar's opinion as well.</div>
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"You can be surprised that he can do more damage from the prison."</div>
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In anyway, Najib and Co gets a double whammy. Even at the 11th hour, with Najib deciding to intervene with the 5 judges, considering possible reaction, his internal party would not be very happy would start to use any means to kick him out. The label "incompetent" is hovering around Najib by some of them. </div>
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If there are people thinking that everything will vanish one way or another after the fallout of the trial, they are sadly mistaken. I will not be surprised the outcome in the future can be turned into a revolution one way or another, internal or external. And as Matthias Chang once said, it's not surprising that the new four letter work replacing the word "FUCK" is "UMNO".</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-6112735698621973452015-01-02T18:44:00.000+08:002015-01-02T18:44:00.399+08:00Praying By Itself Will Never Solve Problems<div style="text-align: justify;">
If there's one thing common that I've seen on twitter whenever there is an incident such as the Airasia QZ8501 / Malaysia Airlines MH 17 or the east coast flood lines is that the hashtags for those incidents will something like:</div>
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#PrayForMH17 #PrayForMH370 #PrayForPantaiTimur and so forth.</div>
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It is something that I didn't really </div>
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The Malay Mail's Boo Su Lyn has succinctly summed up what I'd want to say in the last few days. She said:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We live in the 21st century.<br />
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But instead, we still have such superstitious beliefs governing Malaysian life.<br />
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When the ferocity of the floods hit, hashtags like #PrayForPantaiTimur and #PrayForEastCoast emerged.<br />
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Similarly, after Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 disappeared Sunday, hashtags #PrayForQZ8501 and #PrayForAirAsia appeared.<br />
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There is nothing wrong with prayer. Prayer may be a very calming act at a time when everything seems to fall apart beyond one’s control.<br />
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But it is far more crucial to take preventive measures so that such environmental and aviation disasters do not happen again.<br />
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Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said last Friday that disasters were God’s will which could not be stopped by humans and went on to pass the buck to Putrajaya over the floods.<br />
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Prayer will not prevent floods from happening again this year or the next if Kelantan insists on prioritising considerations of deity over practical measures. - </blockquote>
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See more at: <a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/opinion/boo-su-lyn/article/the-bad-in-beseeching-deities-during-disasters#sthash.W1feMmQu.dpuf">http://www.themalaymailonline.com/opinion/boo-su-lyn/article/the-bad-in-beseeching-deities-during-disasters#sthash.W1feMmQu.dpuf</a></div>
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In his Kastamonu speech (30 August 1925), Ataturk, the founding father of Turkish Republic said: </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"In the face of knowledge, science, and of the whole extent of radiant
civilization, I cannot accept the presence in Turkey's civilized
community of people primitive enough to seek material and spiritual
benefits in the guidance of sheiks. The Turkish republic cannot be a
country of sheiks, dervishes, and disciples. The best, the truest order
is the order of civilization. To be a man it is enough to carry out the
requirements of civilization. The leaders of dervish orders will
understand the truth of my words, and will themselves close down their
lodges [tekke] and admit that their disciplines have grown up.<sup>" </sup><br />
<sup> </sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mango367_65-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk#cite_note-mango367-65"></a></sup> </blockquote>
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In light of our disasters, what do you really get hope to get asides from the idea coping yourself the lazy way as she asked? But this does not mean that we should not pray. </div>
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Rather, the problem is that we've been too much relying and dwelling on spiritual and material benefits in the guidance of the clergy. We seem to be neglecting the importance of the progressive mankind. Even the holy books never explicitly say that it should be interpreted base on the time when its narratives were written. Vision 2020 also alludes on civilized community one that is well knowledgeable and radiant, but we've not yet reach that kind of society that was striven 23 years ago. We're about 5 years to reaching that target but not much of progress seen.</div>
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Malaysia should not be a country that has the same attribute that Ataturk has said above.</div>
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Are we saying that we should be pray but without accompanying action as of what the columnist said pray for the beggar but not offering food, shelter nor clothing?</div>
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Are we saying that while we pray, we leave things as it is, left untouched?</div>
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Why didn't we lift a finger in improving the drainage and rainwater flow system years earlier? Is it just because we have a zero-sum thinking that the other party should not collaborate with the federal level for everybody's benefit?</div>
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Why didn't we bother to pay attention to the slightest portions of the current air aviation system ineffectiveness? </div>
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Do we need to have an apocalypse or something to bang in your head to wake up? Too many times, people have ignored it until they finally wake up when people reach the end of the world.</div>
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No wonder the fatalistic attribute described in the Myth of The Lazy Native rings true. Fatalistic in the sense of saying "everything is the will of God" but we didn't bother doing things to accompany it. Fatalism is this kind of attribute that Patton, the famous WW2 general poured scorn onto it. </div>
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As for side note, there have been question of why our Arab friends aren't helping in form of action aid to our airplane crisis nor the country's floods whereas it is China and Taiwan who are offering aid first?</div>
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Why aren't our Arab friends helping us in this time of trouble when we keep harping praises of the Arabs?</div>
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Why do you keep calling China communists while they came and offer relief humanitarian aid to our flood victims? </div>
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Get real!</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-5468038095683056352014-11-07T15:00:00.000+08:002014-11-07T15:00:09.815+08:00Anwar's Appeal Afterthought Part 1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There Are No Winners</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Some of us have thought that
Anwar Ibrahim’s final appeal could finish in the space of two days last week,
but surprisingly lasted for nearly a week. As of today, 7 November, the trial
may finish, provided if the five judges presiding the trial has reached a quick
verdict. Otherwise it is likely just as with the Allah-appeal by Herald
sometime back, they might reserve judgment, taking consideration of new written
submissions and a period of time of careful deliberation before presenting
their summary judgment at a later date.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Regardless of whether the verdict
goes to either which way whether to dismiss the appeal or to set aside the
Court of Appeal’s, there will be at least three definite reactions to the
fallout of the trial that is definitely can be figured out by anyone who has
been monitoring the news.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The judiciary will definitely get
whacked left and right by both opposition and ruling fronts. First, assuming
that Anwar’s appeal has been dismissed, PKR and their partners, as core of
their loose alliance of Pakatan Rakyat will definitely something in the tones /
examples like the judiciary decided to sell out to their masters, still being
manipulated by those walking in the corridors of power, and even would cite
previous cases where they decided to go against although against what it should
be (e.g Perak crisis, Allah Bible crisis, etc..). In this case, the slogan of
conspiracy theory that is being shouted before and throughout the trial has
will be made a correct hypothesis by them. Barisan will definitely say in the
tones of “suckers out there”, “we have nothing to do with them”, etc… will use
the opposite excuses at PR as well. On Monday, <a href="https://www.google.com.my/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCgQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themalaysianinsider.com%2Fmalaysia%2Farticle%2Ftian-chua-warns-of-mammoth-rally-if-anwars-conviction-is-upheld&ei=4WlcVM78CZSiugS-84HoAQ&usg=AFQjCNFIXwqFjusv_GO8GDCgqcRcg04hzA&sig2=l88sx5W3XWA8TNYaFIuM6Q">Tian Chua said that PKR wouldplan to organize a mammoth rally</a>, hoping to recapture the 1998 Reformasi style
if the appeal gets dismissed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
PKR vows mass protest if Anwar goes to jail. What will they say if Umno vows mass protest if acquitted? Cool heads needed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fb?src=hash">#fb</a><br />
— Zaid Ibrahim (@zaidibrahim) <a href="https://twitter.com/zaidibrahim/status/529526680239353857">November 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So what if it is the other way
round? As Zaid Ibrahim pondered, is UMNO, especially its root level members, going
to do the same thing, the mammoth rally, if the conviction gets set aside? By
looking at the other side of the veil or the mirror as you can say, we would
notice that the responses would be the completely opposite. UMNO, considering
how many members would react in emotion in contrast to logic in particular
would scream, about that man (A.I), with all sorts of expletives allowed to
let go. Next thing, immediately all fingers pointing at the judiciary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sure, you can’t please everybody
and it is these five judges that will be scrutinized by everybody of whatever
individual verdict that they will likely reach in the first three days after
the verdict has been delivered. In any case, as to satisfy each and every of
their egos including fans of their respective parties, this entity, called the
judiciary is in a lose-lose situation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
By the way, don’t be surprised if
Shafee Abdullah happens to replace Gani Patail as the next A-G when he retires
next year when he wins the case here. This obviously was warned way back a year
or two ago and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> not many seems to notice it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
B.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I remembered reading a few of
international reactions to Anwar’s first trial during secondary school and
throughout the years in tertiary education. Many of the reactions are mostly
negative in nature. No doubt that the foreign press, some international
diplomats and human rights groups are getting ready to roast Malaysia upside
down, if that is not enough with <a href="http://rakyattimes.com/index.php/news/1540-malaysia-s-moderate-muslim-face-takes-a-beating">their attempt to show themselves being amoderate Muslim-majority country ended up with more criticism</a> vs to the praise
that is to be expected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The common revealing the sudden
emotional outburst and the inferiority complex with lack of logic defending
from the certain men with suits and ties, even with songkoks from those in the
federal government is not a surprising thing and is already expected. If
people’s frustrations are turned away by those who are supposed to serve us, just
because they do not believe of the reality they were told or shown, what are
other forced-to-take alternatives to be considered including telling the
outside of what is happening? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Why not ask Rafizi Ramli and his
small group of people who were in Australia <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themalaysianinsider.com%2Fmalaysia%2Farticle%2Fpkrs-australia-roadshow-tarnishing-malaysias-image-says-shahidan&ei=6TFcVLelMoOTuQSvl4L4DQ&usg=AFQjCNFZLv0hDQLpxyLd42gT9aOLJSSZEA&sig2=JHEYrjmrw3BWwdkQLeANnw&bvm=bv.79184187,d.c2E">recently that got Pak Shahidan jumping up and down?</a> Why not ask or why not ask Pak Shahidan himself? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After all, aren’t some of those
people wanting to get themselves praised that they eventually get complacent as
there is nothing written that is critical against themselves in nature vs the
more praising and bootlicking? I’m already expecting that these groups of
people are going to jump up and down, with their balls dropped if international
media like Time Magazine, Huffington Post, BBC or even top international news /
magazine portals will start grilling Malaysia like a raw marinated meat on the
BBQ pit. They would BBQ until to the point that they would use black markers or
tearing out the 3-5 pages of what they find it offensive even though they won’t
admit their mischief!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
C</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
One week ago, veteran newsman
Kadir Jasin, a known Dr. Mahathir man, has stated that Barisan stands nothing
to gain but to suffer more regardless of the outcome. The trial has placed
(either by circumstance or deliberate design) Anwar into either he can be a
martyr (in the eyes of his supporters) in jail or a saint that was framed of
all charges by enemies who have hate to see him off by the crooked means. There
are still some who still are angered at Abdullah Badawi for his part of
releasing Anwar in 2004 after serving his first prison term.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Trust in the government has
dropped a lot while mostly the naïve, the ignorant and the fools are the ones
that are remaining. Maybe Dr. Mahathir was right one time previously. There are
too many of them with such characteristics in his own organization while the
professionals are in opposition parties even though there are some who exhibit
those characteristics above.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The gist is that while both sides
cheer or mock the other for whatever is happening people seem to forget about
the long term and bigger problems such as the high cost of living, especially
in light that the government isn’t willing to drop petrol prices in line with
the falling price of crude oil. I already had seen ahead that they are not
likely to be truthful and insincere of many things, as what a government deputy
minister has indirectly inferred to the other day when queried about the
falling oil prices.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The question is whether is it
worth it to cheer while you neglect your home?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There are no definite winners in
this trial, not even the judiciary. Each side will try to claim moral victory.
Each side will try to say that they are better because something and
vice-versa. What is certain is that both of them are cut from the same cloth
that weaves them, with both get cut in 1998. No matter how hard each site tries
to up ahead their opponent one step at a time, the only definite thing that
they do not have to be in this game scenario is if that premise didn’t exist at
all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If I am asked to hazard a guess
of what will be the verdict to come, I’d put it at either 4-1 or 3-2 that
appeal will be dismissed. No matter how well proven the defense counsel’s
arguments are here, at least three judges would are the ones deciding because
the man’s a danger, full stop. I’d guess that the CJ himself Ariffin Zakaria
and Raus Sharif as the ones definitely to say “No” just as what they did for
the Allah Bible appeal and the one that could be dissenting is Ramly Ali, if
<a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/279305">given what of the overview of judges presiding in this appeal.</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">to be continued </span></div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-72872655786563414802014-09-24T11:23:00.001+08:002014-09-24T11:23:17.466+08:00An Itch That Got Scratched Too Long<div style="text-align: justify;">
The so-called Kajang Move is over and instead of Kak Wan Azizah as MB intended by certain quarters within PKR, it's instead Anwar's protege Azmin Ali who was finally chosen as the MB after His Highness the Sultan has gone through the shortlist of candidates. At first I thought that Iskandar Samad may have a shot on it, but when he's allegedly brought up the health problem issue during the interview process, it might have saved in two-fold further bickering from PAS and the further ramifications from their other two partners PKR and DAP.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't want to say anything about this Kajang mess from the beginning because I didn't stay in Selangor for that long enough to be qualified as "anak jati Selangor", despite working in the Klang Valley for some years to give a proper assessment of Selangor. Many people that I know of are indeed very angry, in summary of their rantings, that they have been taken for a ride out of nothing. Obviously, this is what most people would say if they are not playing the political games that the rats from both sides of the divide would do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today's current generation of rulers are no pushovers, as what is shown now, unlike their predecessors, while the old guard still remaining (Pahang and Kedah). They are mostly much more educated, and clearly understood that they will have to adjust themselves as we are now in the 21st century and they are things that may fit decades ago but not at the present time. The only time that one ruler who showed that he was a no pushover was during the Perak MB imbroglio in the mid-1970s when he famously declared that he would not shave until Ghazali Jawi vacated his post as agreed upon initially (it was his second stint as MB). <br />
<br />
Note that I'm confident enough that these rulers are able to handle themselves that it is not required for those screaming men from NGOs to jump and make a lot of ruckus to portray themselves as sacrificial lambs for the rulers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Ideally, to be more sure, I would have thought His Highness could have call all
the 30 assemblymen who allegedly say they support Azizah and ask them
one-by-one. There will be a few who would say that they signed the SD
(statutory declarations) just to go along with the idea compared to
their actual answer of saying "why do I need to sign that piece of
paper?" Aha! He would certainly know that not all in the 30 has the
confidence of Kak Wan. Fortunately for this round, His Highness played his cards well, to make sure that things are in according to his terms.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only thing I was amused in this episode was about was how PKR and DAP gave one name to the palace instead of the explicitly stated "more than two names", meaning three or more. This is one thing that even schoolchildren who learn Bahasa and English can even understand, whereas both parties can't even understand a simple sentence of Bahasa Malaysia. My god, they can even understand Malay grammar? Keeping an open mind, it can be seen that DAP, had to play along with the ringleaders that is Anwar and Rafizi, considering that there are some, like in the respective parties didn't agree with the idea in their own heart.<br />
<br />
As to go back to the very beginning why this Kajang Move happened in this place, base on my information set, it is possible to have it summarized in three possible reasons:<br />
<br />
1. U.G - This problem happened way back since 2008 after GE-12 where UMNO wanted to band together with PAS to form the state government. There are some who wanted the idea while many didn't agree to the idea. According to some sources, the trigger point occurred when Anwar received intel that there are some PAS assemblymen who have been tempted to at least jump ship and band together with UMNO - a certain former PAS assemblymen as the moderator.<br />
<br />
2. Khalid Ibrahim refused to play ball with Anwar despite the former was told from the beginning that he'd be put on the seat as a warm-up before he moves in. Khalid didn't have much of the politicking maneuverability unlike Anwar who uses the ends to justify the means. <br />
<br />
3. Considering a mass reserve of RM 3 billion in the state coffers, you would definitely want to use it again to jump start his mini projects again in mind (you can name a few).<br />
<br />
This takes into account that the bible confiscation and the Kidex thing didn't happen right from the beginning where they took over the state - but only at the beginning of 2014.<br />
<br />
Anwar and Rafizi thought this time can go through without much of a hitch but this same problem they encountered was identical to the #KL112 incident where PKR did not anticipate the possibility of the other scenario that he would be acquitted (that was before the overturning of the appeal later). Anyone who clearly understands Murphy's law would mean that not all what was planned can work properly and it can go awry as this. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anwar is not Dr. Mahathir. He doesn't have the sufficient means and tools to bulldoze through like he, Ghafar and Dr. Mahathir did during the two constitutional crisis 20-30 years ago. The ball game is not the same as it was then. As expected by other analysts, Rafizi says that Kajang move was a success, but not really at the threshold that these two men would expect. If you are one who is not from a state that has a Malay ruler, there will be a handicap of not able to understand how the rulers operate.<br />
<br />
PAS too has a share of fault to be responsible. They come up straight that they do not want Khalid to continue before the 13th GE, but his performance in his duties was something that they could not shake it away lest people will ask why throwing someone who has done a very good job in the space of 5 years? Also according to a few friends, another bone of contention by PAS is that they keep harping the argument that because while Wan Azizah is a female, there is a "muhrim" factor, meaning that she can only go up to a certain time a day unlike their male counterparts who can sit longer and talk through with their colleagues on. It is this factor that they have an issue on while PKR and DAP do not have. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is saying that if you scratch too much, you injure yourself. In this case, it was an itch that got scratched for too long hoping it will go away but in the end, it was someone else that takes the next turn of the silver platter. Now that Azmin has the silver platter, there is a fallout that has to be handled, but how long will the fallout be? A few friends have even said that from the get go when Azmin starts day 1 in the office, they would be keen to get his answer about PJ Sentral or the 9 million thing that it is hoped that he'd better start answering.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
In the end, what was Rafizi and Anwar actually thinking about? Certainly when they planned the move, they have taken into account of what will happen if they decided to leave it as is. It is an open question that there can invite many answers and theories to that. </div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-9345744824918634642014-09-11T15:57:00.001+08:002014-09-11T16:00:16.211+08:00Recollections of New Hollywood Canning Garden<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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On 10 September 2014, The Rakyat
Post published an interesting article on the subject of New Hollywood coffee
shop located at a corner along Jalan Lee Kwee Foh in Canning Garden. The coffee
shop is reputedly to be one of the rare Chinese-eating places in Ipoh where
there’s a lot of patronization by Malays. It was born out of an experiment and
request from Malay college students who enjoyed eating but asked if they can
serve something else besides pork.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyone who grew up in Ipoh in from the 70s would definitely know of this place and well, can be said love the variety of delicacies offered, even if it is halal. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is interesting to note that
according to history, the late Sultan Idris Iskandar, one day in 1978 decided
to have a meal there following a morning walk and became a frequent customer,
subsequently members of the royal family too patronized this area there. : (see
Excerpt)</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;">
In 1978, the late Sultan
Idris Iskandar Shah II patronised the coffee shop after one of his
frequent walks in the area and became a regular customer, said Chan.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;">
“Later on, other members
of the royal families and former Perak Menteri Besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah
Talib also became regular patrons.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;">
“Their patronage gave the public strong confidence and, in turn, trust that the food served is indeed pork-free,” he said.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
Read more: <a href="http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/09/10/coffee-shop-brings-malaysians-together/#ixzz3CzS1F4eZ" style="color: #003399;">http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/09/10/coffee-shop-brings-malaysians-together/#ixzz3CzS1F4eZ</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Of course with modern technology, comes social media and it helps to expand the word of mouth which makes this place a popular eating place in Ipoh. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
However, there is an interesting story on my family's side on that place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My late grandparents were close to
His Highness on a strict private capacity, having known him and a select few of
his siblings since the 1950s until his death. Unfortunately, my gran was only Chinese-literate,
could not speak the proper Malay language, but the market-style language. Understandably,
His Highness, aware of her shortfalls and just to get along with the common
people rather of making it hard for people to approach him was acceptable and open to
speaking with the normal Malay style language with her as long as both
understood what the other is saying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Asides from the infamous beef
noodles, the place there also serves fried koay teow, wantan noodles with
chicken, lobak, rojak, chee cheong fun, while prawn mee is served in the
aftenoons. On Sundays, there will be a mobile stall selling fish ball hor hee.
We were also quite well acquainted with a few of the hawkers including the
current coffee shop owners (the Chans).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pPr3divq6UWbrfLz2W4Rhb7kSFC8Txa-RDjcA2U4nDvq3k6PNpcV_c8y9WPAbh71c4VwqPQx9lqqRXfC3ufSvJ1ipdw16LcasuKmNTnMDFX2Fp14Fxn7psY_L1MpzA2sLZUIKZdybe3K/s400/Picture+188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pPr3divq6UWbrfLz2W4Rhb7kSFC8Txa-RDjcA2U4nDvq3k6PNpcV_c8y9WPAbh71c4VwqPQx9lqqRXfC3ufSvJ1ipdw16LcasuKmNTnMDFX2Fp14Fxn7psY_L1MpzA2sLZUIKZdybe3K/s400/Picture+188.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the shop is the Canning Garden wet market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpeJCxlV-cF-QcZXdkDvsvzTUex4s45HBOBaTqUzK3LiMs-t1EfNsWx5D-plcug1jeApZaz5z-55I8FB9Uo8rWejmAY0fum55Vkk1bpp-zy5RU7IvY4FkYogY3UE-4XaJkxh4PyMUP10/s400/P4030698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpeJCxlV-cF-QcZXdkDvsvzTUex4s45HBOBaTqUzK3LiMs-t1EfNsWx5D-plcug1jeApZaz5z-55I8FB9Uo8rWejmAY0fum55Vkk1bpp-zy5RU7IvY4FkYogY3UE-4XaJkxh4PyMUP10/s400/P4030698.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous beef brisket noodles, served with soup and dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://foodventuras.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/picture191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://foodventuras.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/picture191.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lobak from Mr. Khoo, my classmate's dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The uncle who served the beef
noodles retired about two years ago. Before he and his wife moved to the coffee
shop, he used to sell those noodles at a hawker stall in front of Maybank (in
front of Jalan Lau Pak Khuan roundabout – the stalls were demolished down in
the late 80s). He knew my gran and Annie, the 4<sup>th</sup> wife of His
Highness since that time and both women would enjoy having his food. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In fact, yes, there were a few occasions
within those final six years up to 1984 where both of them would join Annie and occasionally His Highness (they remained good friends for the rest of their lives) for food. Even
her children would also at times tag along with her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I could not recall exactly if the
four of them were at that place on that fateful occasion in 1978.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
This was one of our favorite breakfast places that my grandparents would visit to for the rest of their lives. On college breaks, I would go with them on one of the mornings every week, considering that it is one of the nearest coffee shops near home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Disclaimer: pics are based on Google searches, with thanks to original pixmen. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/09/10/coffee-shop-brings-malaysians-together/#">The Chinese coffee shop that brings Malaysians together </a></div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-14635893786507370302014-09-10T00:47:00.000+08:002014-09-10T00:47:12.945+08:00Uber's Ruffling of Feathers<div style="text-align: justify;">
Uber arrived in Malaysia not that
long ago at the end of last year and has gained popularity in the space
of a few short months. It's popularity has rattled the balls of many
Klang Valley taxi associations and drivers by cutting through the
competition by offering much more better services than these
associations. It has delighted many users in particular because of the
opportunity for them to choose the car of choosing, better fare, booking
and pay by mobile technology and most important of all, a complete
guarantee that there will be at least one vehicle that will come to the
pick up point where you will be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of us <a href="http://www.expatgomalaysia.com/whats-new-detail/1487/kl-has-third-worst-taxi-service">have recalled that Kuala Lumpur was ranked by TripAdvisor the third in the world with the worst-taxi drivers</a>
based on observations by tourists who visit the city there. Aside from
them, even locals are not even spared from the problems that ranges
from:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a)
Price haggling, with the cab driver would throw a huge figure to reach
one place, more for tourists, especially in towns and other cities
outside Klang Valley that don't use meters. From my understanding, how
they count is based on the estimate distance and mentally calculated
with either the rate (not sure is the latest or the one five years back)
+ small margin of profit. In the end, you, as the customer still
overpay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
b)
Some of the taxis can smell smoky (if the cab driver is a smoker) and
sometimes cabs that you go in, especially the older ones are quite dirty
at times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
c) Picky drivers - the bane of passengers. Some will say, I don't know where it is, or outright, no I am not going there, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
d)
Even there are crime-cases involved taxi drivers, especially rape and
rob cases where passengers were taken for a ride and then either raped
(especially females) or robbed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite these issues being highlighted to the tourism industry and to the worldwide travel media, <b>well, many of those there still couldn't take it well and may have screamed "you are bias at us"</b>
or other sorts of expletives. Then again, how the usual taxi driver
attitudes act to their potential passengers was what caused the negative
perception and ranking there, even if they spot a proper uniform or a
proper taxi car. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before
Uber reached our shores late last year, MyTeksi was one of the taxi
apps that will allow you to book from the place you are to the place to
go. It was no doubt the best avenue to go as it adheres to the meter
system, during my one week of work without a car. In December 2013, I
had to leave my car at a workshop for about 5-8 days for a repaint job.
Knowing of how usual taxi drivers would respond when you flag them from
the shoulder of the road, I decided to use that app to have a taxi
sending me to my client's office or to my home or other places for that
weekend itself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's
about 80% useful. The only issue with them is that sometimes there are
no responses from any potential cab drivers who are within the vicinity
of the place. At one time, after work it took me about 8-10 attempts
before a response was made. On one occasion, a potential taxi driver
aborted the agreement when he admitted that he was unable to turn into
the road leading to my office due to a bumper-to-bumper crawl in front
of G Tower.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I
had two friends who loved Uber so much. One even told me that by
getting pick the car he wants to ride on, he gets to show off to other
of his friends that he can come to some nice social event (e.g clubbing,
event hosted at a hotel) in a very nice big car like a celebrity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another
one felt that Uber was better because it will come to pick him at his
working place no matter how bad is the traffic heading there, as he has
to shuttle back and forth to a few branches he has to supervise when
necessary like in Bangsar, TTDI, and Bukit Damansara.<br />
<br />
Looking at the rate of <a href="https://www.uber.com/cities/kuala-lumpur">Uber X and Uber Black, the cost of 0.55 per kilometer</a>,
with a base fare of RM 1.50 definitely makes people think that taking
this service saves the cost by a certain margin. The diagram here (by
SoyaCincau.com) shows the comparison:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soyacincau.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/140702-uberx-uber-kl-uberlux-budget-grabtaxi-grabcar-rates-comparison.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.soyacincau.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/140702-uberx-uber-kl-uberlux-budget-grabtaxi-grabcar-rates-comparison.gif" height="197" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
launch of Uber X has got a lot of people excited and in admission,
because of it's cheaper rate, resulted in overwhelming response, <a href="http://pando.com/2014/09/04/uber-continues-to-screw-its-partners-now-by-forcing-uber-black-drivers-accept-uberx-fares/">Uber told its drivers in the Black-car-class category to pick up X-class customers</a>,
something that a few parties are a bit dismayed off. Note that Miami is
one of the cities in the States that does not allow Uber.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to some driver forums, UberX trips tend to be shorter and thus the per-ride fairs are lower.
Further, the rates, minimum fares, and Uber commissions are different
for each of these tiers. Even if the result is more trips per hour, and
thus more total income, this change looks to many like a bait and switch
that forces drivers to do significantly more work for the same (or
marginally more) pay. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There’s
also the problem that UberX and Uber XL attract a different
customer demographic than do Uber Black and Uber SUV. So for a some who
chose to drive for Uber expecting a high-end experience, this new
program often means something far different. However, Uber's requirement
with these drivers is that the passenger acceptance rate has to be at
least 80 percent or more, with the highest performers rate is at 97
percent at most.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ah, the threshold acceptance rate could something that was missing from either SPAD or the taxi companies. In Ireland, <a href="http://www.google.com.my/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CC0QqQIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.independent.ie%2Fbusiness%2Ftechnology%2Fnews%2Firish-taxi-regulator-gives-uber-app-green-light-30569156.html&ei=IScPVI6DOs2JuATt5oC4DA&usg=AFQjCNGZ8SuZj7crwRP7eD8k4XbYqacSPg&sig2=r9oL7j-TvDGVUogY8wEzdQ">the transport regulator had no objections to its use as long it sticks to their rule of thumb</a>,
which is that their rates cannot be more than what is permitted there.
SPAD has a legit reason to be concerned with because of the past episode
of "taxi sapu". In the years prior to the launch of MyTeksi, this case
has been prominently spotted not just in KL but in Georgetown as well.
More than ten years ago, these cabs ply their trade around Komtar,
asking for passengers but without spotting taxi paint and meter that a
passenger might not be aware of. Such memory like that is what regulars
of taxi may be worried about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It
is also taken into account that some taxi drivers had to do it
considering that they do not, at this point of time have the ability to
own individual licenses to operate their own taxis. Bear in mind that
they out of the total fares collected per day, a large portion has to be
paid off for the daily rental of vehicles from their cab cartels. Some
will have to go along with the cartel lines despite disagreeing to that
on the individual capacity lest deemed insubordination by their
organization. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Uber
is no doubt a double-edge sword in Malaysia. Uber should continue to
have more sessions of talking and shouting with SPAD. SPAD to my opinion
is more of the moderator, but the real party that Uber has to faced
here is the taxi cartels.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But to scream that Uber cuts away a slice of a pie shows two things in a nutshell:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a) Our taxi cartel and service is not confident of giving a solid competition with a new kid on the block</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
b) There isn't any willingness to provide another option of the taxi transportation especially during desperate times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You
may want to picture yourself in the worst-case scenario when there is
no taxi or bus coming in the area due to extraordinary circumstances
while your mouth foams about Uber. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See also SPAD's press release statement on Uber <a href="http://www.spad.gov.my/news-events/media-releases/2014/media-release-uber-services-must-be-accordance-law">here </a>(29 August 2014)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-35341024490689160022014-08-31T19:28:00.002+08:002014-08-31T19:28:42.870+08:00Merdeka Day Ponderings<div style="text-align: justify;">
So today is Merdeka. We're already 57 years old, or more precisely, Malaya is 57 years old, while Sabah is 51 years old. There are only two people in my life as I know of who is at the same age as of Malaya and Sabah. The Malaysian formation is only 51 by come 16 September. I don't need to repeat again about the history as every young Malaysian would have learnt a big chunk of this in secondary school whether you like it or not. <br /><br />We may be 57. We already have been freed from the colonialism that was the English, Dutch and the Portugese, in cumulative, but is it completely?<br /><br />Not really. We're not totally freed largely on the aspect of of our mind. How we act and how we rule is still following what happened almost 60 to 70 years ago. The idea of independent thought, unconventional ideas and acts that are to break the existing mold, boundaries and rules are still considered alien to many Malaysians, especially those in the older generation. Having a different set of thoughts can at the extreme be considered as crime by some. Just because of that, some are thrown into the prison cells while we seem to be neglecting the bigger evil, of those who cheat, rob and murder still runs wild. And to summarize a point to ponder from today's The Malaysian Insider editorial, even if Malaysia is viewed as a shiny apple in the postcards and images that we see, it is not what it seems to be, especially if you are observing how things are happening inside and at the surface astutely.<br /><br />We still are thinking a few steps behind of the people from nations have moved a lot of their society obstacles aside. We still can't even win a single Olympic gold medal and even fell behind to our poorer neighbours in certain aspects. And some are worried that the society is starting to move backwards in social apperances and thinking towards prior the 16th century or earlier. Will this be prolonged until we reach 2057, when Malaya is officially 100 years freed from the English?<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On that question, it is possible that it could happen as the result of the sins of the older generation and the present generation's ignorance. While we keep ignoring the signs and the cower in the threat of being hauled for saying something that is breaking the convention, the warning is that we could only live to see it regretting whenever an apocalyptic event occurs. The horsemen of Apocalypse do not know anyone by its religion or skin. It will claim whoever is on their path, regardless of a person claiming to be holier than thou. So, are you going to realize it only at the twilight of your life when you have the chance to do it right when you have able limbs to move around? I don't really like such outcome in the end, because gleefully, it can be used as ammunition for myself to rub more wounds on those who would start lamenting when that time comes.<br /><br />Will you be willing take the risk to yourself if you choose to leave it as it is, even it will cost you in one way or another? <br /><br />The idea of Merdeka is not just about waving flags, heading to Merdeka Square to celebrate, seeing those propaganda videos played in cinemas and on TV. It also means independence of the soul meaning you are who you are and only you decide what you want to end up. A person should be given the chance to decide for themselves of what they wish to do and they only need to be reminded that they are responsible for their actions and be ready for their consequences. It's sad to see there are certain Malaysian friends, despite being Malaysians who are not given the chance to really think and decide, whereas are compelled to accept blindly what others authorities say and not allowed to question for themselves. That is not the proper freedom within the framework system that one is entitled for. There's no such thing as this applies to certain groups while the other group cannot have the same thing as others. To be consistent, it's all or nothing.<br /><br />Let's put another example. Say there is a law introduced where it is considered bad on moral grounds, bad because it goes against the Money 101 principles, are you going to keep quiet and meekly accept it or do you start to come out and prove that they are actually wrong or something? No wonder, the famed man, the Pendita Zaaba, as well as the book Mental Revolution (Revolusi Mental) has posed a problem that was on Malays previously, but Malaysians now that we are poor in the soul and who does not have the spirit of adventure as certain Malaysians do.<br /><br />Our administrators have yet to have some of the solutions matched to the current time. The solutions we had are still archaic in time and nature. Britain may no longer be our colonial master but the rules in the past have been put into their archives acknowledging that time has catched up with the old terrors like Sedition Act, the Eady Levy, etc.. Come to think in the next two decades or so, are we going to be a subject of chastising of other countries, even from our financially poorer neighbors who say that we still use obsolete things to make ourselves omnipotent but foolish?<br /><br />Let's finally go back to the Merdeka history. We seem to be seeing only figures from Tunku to Najib all the time whenever we drive around the streets of KL. But what about other figures who have also contributed indirectly to Merdeka, the left-wing figures like Ibrahim Yaacob, Ahmad Boestaman and etc..? What about the anti-British freedom fighters who fought at the cost of their livelihood of the likes of Tok Janggut, Dato Bahaman or even Dol Said? Aren't their figures supposed to show up to show our appreciation for their contribution? Have we forgotten them already?<br /><br />A year or two ago, people have raised the issue of our flag resembling the American flag and the tune of our national anthem resembling the Memula Moon song. They brought it up on the historical perspective and even showed the alternative flag the Sang Saka flag. Instead of getting to know the other side of our national history, other people jumped up and down like mad dogs, screaming all sorts of nonsense. Couldn't these people digest such possibility and acknowledge that these resemblances are perceived by some that we are copycats instead? And again as to repeat the earlier question, are you going to only notice / realize it when your life's at the end?<br /><br />That's also some food to ponder and Selamat Hari Merdeka folks.</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-59697734316632102172014-06-25T10:52:00.002+08:002014-06-25T10:52:33.892+08:00You've Got Warned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjJRBBDuG-DsxPVp0pf6hbd4k9-uvNLFA93uRL_ZB_vC1CcY9ZWucOVSTQfXZ1MEX0GpMXIDjkUo55ynz1pp-iDUqCjlfnKgSA6HrWuwXYNramNRUg_k10hP5hSC96HxOWFf_wkIHBk7IDunmop9aGZPcMxXrYD0xlQdj-qT8S3kb2skVKOamgk_kFWX1ciVgSRsF6QzOo6SSG8TwbmIPcTYlxnZw=s0-d-e1-ft" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjJRBBDuG-DsxPVp0pf6hbd4k9-uvNLFA93uRL_ZB_vC1CcY9ZWucOVSTQfXZ1MEX0GpMXIDjkUo55ynz1pp-iDUqCjlfnKgSA6HrWuwXYNramNRUg_k10hP5hSC96HxOWFf_wkIHBk7IDunmop9aGZPcMxXrYD0xlQdj-qT8S3kb2skVKOamgk_kFWX1ciVgSRsF6QzOo6SSG8TwbmIPcTYlxnZw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-78495532696410800252014-06-23T19:14:00.002+08:002014-06-23T19:14:35.709+08:00A Realist Implications of The Allah Appeal<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Federal Court today affirmed at a narrow 4-3 verdict of the Court of Appeal's judgement that the "Allah" word is exclusive to Muslims of Malaya, (note that I use Malaya deliberately) because the issue has stem up from the Muslims in Malaya whereas this ruckus has never and did not occur in Sabah or Sarawak. People who either originated from either of the two first-class states or whom have worked in these two states for a certain period of time would observe that there has never been the case like in the peninsular.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's preferred to put a realist point of view on this matter, considering that I am despised the subject of theology and religion (it was never my forte) and avoiding the common clash of comparisons between Islam and other races that others would have highlighted; and finally to look at the bigger picture of how the issue could impact on the national and worldview manner. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The affirmation of the Appeal Court's ruling and the sign of reluctance by the four judges in today's session can give several implications with some as the following (<a href="http://www.loyarburok.com/2014/01/28/asklordbobo-allah-definitive/">see also LoyarBurok's opinion, dated 28 January 2014</a>):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a) On the technical aspect of the ruling, it can be a very dangerous precedent because on the execution stage of a SOP (similar to how execution of the hudud law) a Muslim religious body can simply enter and raid a place of worship of other faiths based on an alleged complaint irregardless of time or sometimes without a raid warrant. Hence, the 10-point solution that was agreed upon prior to the Sarawak 2011
state-elections is possible to be swat aside by people and
authorities who feel emboldened by today's outcome. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
b) The support of argument by the COA that it confuses Muslims and can pose a security threat to them may give inference and portrayal to non-Muslims, observers and analysts that the Malays are, as depicted in the 1970's book <b>Revolusi Mental</b>, that they are "more often led by sentiment", that is easily prone to emotional vulnerability and mental astray. As one cynical observer said in exact words about his own race, "The court just ruled that Melayu-Islam is the stupidest bangsa yang senang ditipu." It's not something supposed to be celebrated contrary to the reactions of the Muslim NGO-s parading outside the courthouse in Putrajaya.</div>
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c) Socially speaking, this means continuation of accepting oppression that fate is more powerful than changing oneselves, although this issue was among the issues highlighted by the prominent thinker, the late Za'aba (Pendita Za'aba) - including the poverty of soul. Another person also highlighted that the ruling also means of not giving about making Bahasa Malaysia as a language of knowledge. </div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
"Jika
kamu tidak tutup mulut kamu daripada terus memperkotak-katikkan Islam,
kita akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan, kita akan
pancung kepala kamu.<br />
"Biarkan kamu mati daripada terus menjadi parasit," katanya semasa
berucap dalam perhimpunan di depan perkarangan Istana Kayangan di Shah
Alam, hari ini.<br />
- See more at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor#sthash.of0yz863.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
"Jika
kamu tidak tutup mulut kamu daripada terus memperkotak-katikkan Islam,
kita akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan, kita akan
pancung kepala kamu.<br />
"Biarkan kamu mati daripada terus menjadi parasit," katanya semasa
berucap dalam perhimpunan di depan perkarangan Istana Kayangan di Shah
Alam, hari ini.<br />
- See more at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor#sthash.of0yz863.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
"Jika
kamu tidak tutup mulut kamu daripada terus memperkotak-katikkan Islam,
kita akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan, kita akan
pancung kepala kamu.<br />
"Biarkan kamu mati daripada terus menjadi parasit," katanya semasa
berucap dalam perhimpunan di depan perkarangan Istana Kayangan di Shah
Alam, hari ini.<br />
- See more at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor#sthash.of0yz863.dpuf</div>
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d) The original ban order was from the previous minister Syed Hamid Albar. With today's incident considered, a hint has already been provided that whoever says that the ban applies only to the Herald or Sabah / Sarawak, he / she is accidentally or deliberately insincere and lying. </div>
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e) The long standing issue of dominating and selfish Muslim attitude of imposing their values on others will remain there until events that break the mold and convention (ref: <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/coming-home-to-roost-2/">highlighted by Raja Petra during Anwar Ibrahim's visit to UK in 2010</a>) . No sooner after the decision today, Perkasa and Isma have been making selfish, imposing tone statements. For <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor">instance</a>, Perkasa's Ruslan Kassim said as if it
was in the 16th century, "<b>Jika kamu tidak tutup mulut daripada terus
merperkotak-katikan Islam, kami akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu
mengkhianati Sultan kami akan pancung kepala kamu! Biarkan kamu mati
dari terus jadi parasit."</b> (If you don't shut your mouth from ridiculing
Islam we will shut your mouth and if you betray the sultan we will
behead you! Better to die than becoming a parasite!") </div>
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There still remains a standoff as JAIS (Selangor's Islamic Department) has still yet to return the seized bibles and this outcome can make them said, "no way Jose". It's like a kid stealing another kid's toy, and never returning it back although the kid who steals it is clearly in the wrong.</div>
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I grew up watching apocalyptic and war movies. If there's one common theme from watching those movies, the four horsemen of Apocalypse (Death, Famine, Pestilence and War) knows no bounds, whether if you have sangreal blood or not. Thus, those who claim "Ketuanan Melayu" or those who scream of blood transfusion being contaminated by the tainted Cadbury chocolates and etc.. will need to have their heads checked and rethink again because the apocalypse knows no one special.</div>
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Ring-fencing oneself to avoid this issue will not last indefinitely until to a point where one will be thrust into making a choice to determine the life and death of a person and the country. Currently the situation right is deliberately done to make middle Malaysia to "abandon all hope" of fighting to right the wrongs and instead from comments by some people, to get people to roll over and die, submit and let them do as they please.</div>
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We seem to forget the proverb "menang tersorak kampung tergadai" - it seems to well etched in some of us that while they scream the country is having other, but bigger problems than this. By the time Malaysia gets disfigured and unrecognizable, it is too late to save, that I often mused, "sampai kiamat tak mahu sedar." If I have the last laugh when that happens, the one who starts to ramble and say all sorts of nonsense about this is deserved to get mobbed or slapped first. After all, I would say, didn't I warn you and yet you didn't listen?</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-68858249406854958292014-04-28T16:16:00.004+08:002014-04-28T16:16:55.467+08:00The Chest-Thumping Village Heroes After Skulking In Shadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/var/archive/storage/images/media/images/0105-gorilla-thumping/9290082-1-eng-US/0105-gorilla-thumping_full_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.csmonitor.com/var/archive/storage/images/media/images/0105-gorilla-thumping/9290082-1-eng-US/0105-gorilla-thumping_full_600.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've already expected that as soon as Obama departed Kuala Lumpur for Manilla early in the morning, the chest-thumping heroes that I've mentioned about in my previous post (read here) have started to talk in things that can make certain people puke like a billy goat. These people made comments based on Obama's statement from yesterday's town hall meet at UM stating that <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-cannot-succeed-unless-equal-opportunity-given-to-non-muslims-says">Malaysia cannot succeed unless given equal opportunity.</a></div>
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No sooner after the President's departure, the first chest-thumping style statement comes from the Home Minister himself who refuted the president's statement and immediately said in his own way of almighty style saying that Putrajaya has been fair to everyone including non-Muslims. However, this was contradictory to what NGOs, The Bar Council and SUHAKAM have told in a one-hour closed door session with Obama at Ritz-Carlton KL. Anyone who have heard and read the myths of the lazy native would surely can figure that Zahid's statement falls under the myth of "lazy natives lack of courage to fight for truth and be truthful for themselves"</div>
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See also: <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/utusan-ignores-obamas-statement-on-equal-opportunity-for-non-muslims">Utusan Ignores Obama's Statement on Equal Opportunity for Non-Muslims</a></div>
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Zul Noordin should have been putting up this statement earlier rather than throwing a stone but hiding his hand as what he had shown when issuing his press statement following Obama's visit. Read <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/get-rid-of-anwar-as-he-is-a-menace-to-democracy-says-zulkifli-noordin">here</a></div>
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<br />The religious NGO ISMA is no doubt the worst offender of the lot noted claiming that Obama is handicapped thinking. However, it is imperative that one should not underestimate that the expatriates working in KL can also serve as eyes and ears for the higher global organizations, as an expatriate friend of mine have introduced me to one such person who can do these kind of roles, especially should a their own person is threatened or intimidated. Their logic of "my religion is better than yours" apart from certain supporters from both Malay-majority parties of both divides is actually a congruent of "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19.5px;">The religious intolerance and the dominating and selfish Muslim attitude of imposing their values on others."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19.5px;">Also read: <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/coming-home-to-roost-2/">Malaysia Today - Coming Home To Roost</a></span></span></div>
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ISMA's comments have resulted in a response from Zaid Ibrahim who said by three twits:</div>
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Zaid Ibrahim's comments via Twitter: (2.23 pm - 2.25 pm)</div>
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<i>Government has been fair to Non-Muslims according to Home Minister. Fairness is subjective, equality better test. On equality there is no doubt that Muslims are treated differently. ISMA does not even recognize equality for non-Muslims. Sad thing is neither Zahid nor PM will dare contradict ISMA.</i></div>
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Because of the "white man from the west is always right" mentality, nobody dared to stand up and ask tough provocative questions and matters (like the foreign journalists do) while the #POTUS is in town. Either they didn't have the inspiration to question or as the myth of the lazy native points out - hesitant of asking lest inviting provocation from peers.</div>
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Also read: </div>
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<a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261243">Simple questions cast Asean youths in poor light</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/wasted-opportunity-as-future-leaders-throw-weak-questions-at-obama-say-ngos">Wasted opportunity as future leaders throw weak questions at Obama, says NGOs</a></div>
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No doubt, this has shown what some of us think that these "jaguh kampung" are on the emotional fuel when at home and there's no white man outside, but should one come, they would mellow and become meek. Thus the mantle to carry on fighting what some of the people who have passed fighting for the same thing has become harder and harder each day comes. Yet they keep forgetting the adage of "menang tersorak kampung tergadai"</div>
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Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-40919148761358633622014-04-27T17:22:00.002+08:002014-04-27T17:22:57.062+08:00The Chest-Thumping Village Heroes of Malaysia<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, on the second day of the long-awaited Barack Obama's visit to Malaysia, <a href="http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/27/obama-visits-national-mosque/">he was seen and photographed</a> by local and international photographers visiting the National Mosque in the morning before going for his list of engagements of the day here. </div>
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Interestingly, many netizens, upon seeing the photograph have started to ask why is someone from the west who is allowed to visit mosques, suraus and etc, whereas usual non-Muslim Malaysians and other people especially Opposition politicians resulted in brickbats, and screaming from the Malay-race crusaders like Perkasa, Pekida and even from UMNO themselves, despite the fact that they are being invited by the mosque committee days ahead before then.</div>
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Is there a problem when people with different religious beliefs visit mosques or churches in other countries, especially in the more-matured-society countries? Absolutely not. All were welcome provided that those who visit are decently dressed and they do not make a ruckus in the places of worship. These are the two core and common rules that would definitely make sense whenever one visits the place of worship.</div>
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The gist of the story is that Malaysia is full of people who thinks they are better than the rest of the lot there, claiming themselves to be the race protectors. However, upon seeing a white man from the west, they cower, perhaps due to the mentality that the white man from the west is always right. Why are those chest-thumping race-champions not making a sound at all when a prominent white man walks into a place of worship? If this happens, it indeed shows, as the myth of the lazy native demonstrates, the weakness, selfishness and the negligence of the those who claim to be superior than the fellow Malaysians who do not follow their holier-than-thou claims. </div>
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This mentality was subtly shown prominently last month. If you look at the trend of the news coverage within the first 10 days right after the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 went missing, our authorities seem to be in-adept in handling the crisis. Looking at how they take the questions, they have been conflicting statements one another. </div>
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And there's the DCA director who's inadequate in addressing theies international press questions, leaving to Hishamuddin Hussein to deal with it (you got to give a small compliment of how he addresses himself) whereas, whenever there's an airflight crisis, it is always the DCA first that will have to deal with it instead of the ministers and other relevant parties.</div>
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It's a norm and a reality that most international journalists and reporters would definitely pose hard and tough questions. However, many do not see the kind of standard seen in the local press, as their quality of writing give a meek and docile impression / perception that they are trained to non-critical of the government. Anything against it is a seen as a sign of capitulation to the enemy (Cold War mentality). Hence I've always been insistent that the National News Agency should display the names of the reporters who write their articles as a sign of showing real authorship and responsibility. </div>
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The old Malay adage of "menang tersorak kampung tergadai" seems to be forgotten in the minds of those lower-level rungs supporters of political parties of both divide. However it is noted that UMNO commits more mistakes than any other Malaysian political party because they are in the political driver's seat. It is critical to be reminded that while these people scream of all sorts of rhetorics for political support, it leaves the nation and the fabrics of foundation in tatters.</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-72898989253299330832014-04-05T00:28:00.002+08:002014-04-05T00:28:39.293+08:00The Passing of "Unker" Bernard Khoo a.k.a Zorro<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometime ago I knew that my blogger buddy Bernard, a.k.a Zorro Unmasked was not in a good condition, as the last time I visited him at the UMMC a few months ago, he was undergoing treatment to remove the cysts in his kidneys. Late last week, I became aware that he was to undergo another surgery on Monday. Though it was reported successful, things have taken downturn after that, with another friend of mine said that he might not last that long already.</div>
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I eventually decided that I would want to visit him while he's still breathing during lunch hour today. Anura, my other blog buddy a.k.a Galadriel also wanted to go to, as according to her. Having regretted not speaking to my granddad further a week before he passed away 5 years ago, I am determined that if possible to say something to him before he goes off eventually or to hear what wants to say if possible. </div>
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Unfortunately, my other friend Duke inform all of us that Bernard left us just before 11 a.m. I wasn't aware that he had cancer for nearly 2 years or so. And the my original plan of the day got cancelled for that. I can only <br />
<br />
What can I remember about Bernard?<br />
<br />
Well, first time meeting him was back during the first B.U.M (Bloggers United Malaysia) in Subang Jaya in 2007. It can be said that Bernard is one the two bloggers originally hailed from Perak, apart from Stephen (Shanghai Fish) and myself, though from different towns. After the first BUM, we would eventually meet up at a few other gatherings with other bloggers at events like the Anak Bangsa Malaysia opening, and even other rallies as well. Or informally, we would happen to bump to one another and having drinks with some of the folks at the regular drinking outlet at Taman Desa.<br />
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Some of us like Galadriel, Mob (Chris), Aliza, SK Thew (Mage) and Kerp and the younger generation tend to call him Uncle Bernard considering his seniority over the rest others. It's quite sad to see another senior age blogger to go off after Captain Yusof (The Ancient Mariner) and Dalilah (One Bouncy Breast).<br />
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I can remember at times we would go around areas as the Special Bunch group such as visiting the by-election areas. I've been to a few of the places there with the group, whenever I am available. A proud moment with compliments from him was doing the first scouting at Bukit Gantang by-election prior to the group spending a week at Taiping. It was by coincidence that I went there following my granddad's passing in Penang that I eventually decided to give them a head start. This was written <a href="http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/2009/03/sightseeing-at-bukit-gantang.html">5 years ago on 27 March</a>.<br />
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I know Uncle Bernard can at times be sarcastic, pulling my legs and at times pestering me over a few things including relationships which I felt I am still not ready yet despite my age. A sarcastic remark at me by him during the Bagan Pinang by-election landed him in hot soup by some mutual friends of ours as some other people overheard that sarcastic remark. Things cooled down eventually.<br />
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I intended to visit him today as to make peace and forgiveness over a few things, but it didn't happen. So, "Unker", if you have to apologize over what you have at me, you have my forgiveness and vice-versa.<br />
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Now that Bernard is gone, I wonder how can we carry on the his desired fight to achieve a new Malaysia? How can Malaysia reach Vision 2020 if there are still many who have this conservative mindset? I don't like an outcome where people only realize the mistake 300 years later as the Galileo history has shown in example. Will it only happen after even myself gone too in 40-50 years to come? <br />
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I will be getting real drink later to salute in his honor.<br />
Farewell, as you ride off to the sunset! </div>
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P.S: I also managed to dig up some old photos and found some clear images of him for savor. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOK7ZXL5JdEq-brz6UeLRUiteeTsMNjU1r8i8n5GAkH8b2mm9hgZXov8TLIHi08SQAp_lk6KOfDBrhWHUGnhCRCkZ8It5p3ip-1Yyo2oasYcQ-OAaNZ8vHOSL_d3w0dVRgVc3v11ZDY4/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOK7ZXL5JdEq-brz6UeLRUiteeTsMNjU1r8i8n5GAkH8b2mm9hgZXov8TLIHi08SQAp_lk6KOfDBrhWHUGnhCRCkZ8It5p3ip-1Yyo2oasYcQ-OAaNZ8vHOSL_d3w0dVRgVc3v11ZDY4/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was sometime in 2008 at the NPC.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMAF6y_VYx0GyB_4LFmXGF2QJ0v9fciyH4qEYNKzwt28nnoYt89yi89UPGw14i4Q_5w233FCumjvfdiZUo96o73QmAIcmZ-uKeWlhsqJR63emKtWQgPNtE7l8ilv-NV4vKuRoxrZaawQ/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMAF6y_VYx0GyB_4LFmXGF2QJ0v9fciyH4qEYNKzwt28nnoYt89yi89UPGw14i4Q_5w233FCumjvfdiZUo96o73QmAIcmZ-uKeWlhsqJR63emKtWQgPNtE7l8ilv-NV4vKuRoxrZaawQ/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday night vigils at MBPJ, remember?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRZpSKLcfKbS5BT976v3ecHL6WBNXuSRedFfhVRcvceDP-DAcpbLnklzrBynwy3LH8wfmiORZ5dRml33sNTNb9kMG4Vo7TzPXeNZqd2RodaCqY1wUg4y95YhqwHHdc6uLdpdvUsV38xY/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRZpSKLcfKbS5BT976v3ecHL6WBNXuSRedFfhVRcvceDP-DAcpbLnklzrBynwy3LH8wfmiORZ5dRml33sNTNb9kMG4Vo7TzPXeNZqd2RodaCqY1wUg4y95YhqwHHdc6uLdpdvUsV38xY/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot at Chris (right)'s request</td></tr>
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Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-36681306162690628742014-03-26T11:15:00.001+08:002014-03-26T11:15:55.598+08:00A Different Ballgame Together<div style="text-align: justify;">
Serdang's MP Ong Kian Ming gave his own analysis of the recent Kajang by-election describing the 3 percentage increase of popular votes as a signal of increase support for Pakatan. His analysis has been published on Malaysiakini <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/258196">here</a>.</div>
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However, in the overall statement, I am not in agreement with it because Kajang is just a different ballgame compared to other areas. As Kajang is considered an urban area, it can be said that a Pakatan victory is almost certain, regardless of the vote majority.</div>
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The East Malaysia such as the upcoming Balingian by-election is a different ballgame. The challenge there is the Malayan-style of politics can hardly work in there, with people do not take kindly to the people from the Peninsular in particular to meddle with the state affairs. I once recalled having some friends going over to Batang Ai to see the campaign during that by-election. However, it was noted that the form of persuasion and thinking of people there are not as the same as it was, subsequently some gave up and left days before the polling day.</div>
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The much tougher ballgame challenge that Ong and his coalition colleagues should understand and tackle immediately would be the rural areas of the peninsular. One area of instance would be in Lenggong where I was told that almost the majority of voters there do not have Internet and clearly rely on the MSM - hence most would believe of the stereotypes of "Chinese taking over the country and etc."</div>
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It is important to understand these ballgames are not the same as one another. It clearly depends on the location and whether it is situated in Peninsular or in East Malaysia.</div>
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Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-46755442683664622592014-03-09T09:46:00.001+08:002014-03-09T09:46:31.130+08:00#MH370 Thoughts and Observations<div style="text-align: justify;">
As this weekend marks the 7th anniversary of this blog, I originally intended to write a few observations that I noticed during the yesterday's unusual appeal trial of Anwar Ibrahim until today's incident where a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 craft crash landed in the sea 153 miles of the coast of Vietnam, prompted me to put that writing aside to talk briefly about the incident.</div>
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While we all put our hopes and prayers on whether most of the 239 people including two infants will be able to make it out unscathed, the focus on the issue is on one of the things that MAS group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya had stated earlier on. </div>
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In the press statement, Jauhari stated that there has never been such a MAS-related flight accident for over 20 years, but however did say that the craft <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmalaysiandigest.com%2Ffrontpage%2F282-main-tile%2F492200-updated-mas-kl-beijing-flight-mh370.html&ei=ztEaU62iF4ahiAefv4GoAQ&usg=AFQjCNGJmHdFJHVCwRTwoOwEURcJz0RJkA&sig2=yCVP0B0fy8y5T6b4oGCOPg&bvm=bv.62578216,d.aGc">is nearly 12 years old</a>. The craft or the vehicle age is the gist of the subject here. </div>
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At this point time, most press updates stated that there's yet to be seen of any wreckage meaning, should the plane crash lands, with the entire craft intact, there's a better chance for rescue teams to see find any survivors (e.g Hudson River airplane crash) or by usual means, the craft breaking into two halves. In the mean time, it is 15 hours since the crash landing so we're hoping that if there are still survivors, they are still hanging on until help arrives. </div>
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There are several probable causes why the plane could crash despite clear telemetry and data feeding to the control center:</div>
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a) Cabin depressurization malfunction: if this could be the cause, the pilot must execute a 35,000 feet to 10,000 feet drill in order to stabilize the pressure within the stipulated time. This drill is obviously trained and mandatory bi-annually. Failure to do so could result in the plane nosediving towards impact point. This is arguably the most common sign of a start towards a plane crash. </div>
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b) Electrical or cargo fire: if there is a case of fire in either holds, the pilot will have to fly at a lower altitude of 10000 feet or less, then ensuring that the fire is put out adequately before the oxygen system is activated. Failure to do so can be potentially disastrous, worst case scenario is the plane explosion.</div>
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c) Monitoring team on the ground fails or neglected to provide sufficient data and information for the pilot to act accordingly, thus resulting in human error in piloting the vehicle. <br />
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d) As it have be alleged, there two people traveling on a false passport, thus leading to as what United States of America to believe - hijacking and deliberate crashing at the neutral waters </div>
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<b>Escalation to National Disaster</b></div>
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Foreign presses are doing round-the-clock coverage of the disaster. This has appeared across most major world news channels including BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, and ABC. However, local TV stations have not shown the coverage round-the-clock. This, coupled with the authorities late-than-expected responses prompted many people wondering whether the government and the media are not very honest and not focusing on today's incident but rather on Anwar Ibrahim's trial yesterday that they still keep playing on and on. Malaysiakini has <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/256443">reported that the 'no update' by authorities</a> have made family members in China angered.</div>
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In other words, there are still many people still want to play "village hero" but buckled when facing international pressure. The other question remains on why only Malaysia Airlines would be the only party giving out the press statement but not the PM, his cousin or even the Department of Civil Aviation giving out information as well. This of course can cause anger from international parties. Other countries are dragged in because there are more than half of the total passengers who are non-Malaysians, 153 of them being Chinese nationals. </div>
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The whole thing can become a national disaster. China and other nations can elect to take action against Malaysia via the International Court. Likewise, Boeing can choose too as a result of remarks, appearing on Al-Jazeera of someone from the airlines earlier on saying that there was not much of a worry about on the incident - but the craft was manufactured by Boeing. </div>
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<b>MAS Mismanagement?</b></div>
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The aborted share-swap agreement between Air Asia and Khazanah could also indirectly play a part in this incident. In fact there have been warnings all around that MAS could not cope with the intense pressure of maintaining their 100+ airplane fleet due to the share swap. And this could be the result of the aborted deal.</div>
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The replacement of the MAS Engineering director with someone not as well competent as he does a few years ago, can also be attribute to the negligence in maintenance. All-in-all MAS top management is going get the big heat for this disaster from all fronts, in addition to relevant government officials. </div>
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<b>It All Goes Back to our Automobile Policy</b></div>
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A similar domestic incident such as this, but not an aviation craft was the Genting bus incident which occured last year. The investigation report points a possible reason contributing to the accident was largely due to the age of the vehicle. All in all it all goes back to the issue of vehicle acquisition ability.</div>
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Vehicles at the older age tend to generate higher safety risks and maintenance cost. </div>
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Sad to speak, the top brass and policymakers in Malaysia had an inappropriate picture. People wanted to replace aging cars, not to stock up more cars at home for nothing. At the same time, external factors such as inefficient, unsatisfactory to the proper standard of public transportation, geographical factors and time constraints prompted the need of getting a transport for oneself. Thus the stereotype of acquiring a vehicle as a privilege stated by a certain politician is no longer correct, but it has already become a priority.</div>
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The prices however, is a factor of hindrance. Actual vehicle prices, including service taxes and import taxes paid to the Customs department including the mandatory car insurance forms from about half or up to 63% of the marketed (RRP price), depending on the vehicle engine's CC. In the present age's scenario where Malaysia's economy has yet to reach it's full target potential, the policy remains in efficient. Not even the January-announced NAP nor the Barisan Nasional's election manifesto of vehicle price reduction promise can solve the issue. The latter is viewed as a broken promise by some parties.</div>
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On the individual perspective, as a person who is not born rich or rich inherited, supporting a policy of getting a vehicle at a artificially inflated price is morally viewed as:</div>
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a) Not honest with oneself having calculated viewed many perspectives on the subject of vehicle acquisition.</div>
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b) On the financial factor, indirect saying that you are willing to burn more of your hard-earned money to get something </div>
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c) Government indirectly implies telling people that safety risk increase by aging vehicles can be neglected as it is unlikely any incidents can be happen except from the human factor. </div>
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These can be put under the stereotypes of the lazy native persons that Malay Dilemma or The Myth of The Lazy Native has related and narrated about</div>
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The bus incident last year still has yet to awaken policymakers and politicians as well as other people alike that this thing as a privilege is already a wrong believe and a stereotype. Few can understand that people falling in between the 80% of the total population (poor and mid-class) people would want to acquire a much better and efficient vehicle, but not at the kind of present ridiculous inflated prices.</div>
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Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-72441595431331054672014-02-24T15:56:00.001+08:002014-02-24T16:06:27.533+08:00Liberalism Is Mentioned In Vision 2020<div style="text-align: justify;">
Politicians and even ministers from the both sides have lauded the Sabah-born federal Minister, Joseph Kurup whom on last Friday have brought a long-awaited proposal to remove the "race" field seen in most official forms as an indirect effort foster unity among Malaysians. You can read last Friday's article <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/minister-suggests-removing-the-word-race-from-official-forms">here</a>.</div>
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As far as I recalled, this "race" field is no longer a required field in Singapore on most official forms except on certain scenarios, for instance a Chinese translator. The Singapore Manpower has clearly specified that if there is a need to require the "race" field, clear and sound reasons are required to be given prior to the potential candidates for the job, lest to invite trouble of law from the Ministry itself. This practice has already been in place for many years though.</div>
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Two
weeks ago, a group of people lodged a police report in response to the
Malay NGO's chicken slaughter and slap offer gathering held at Jalan Tun
Perak at the Brickfields police station. When submitting their report,
they requested to have the race code replaced with "Anak Bangsa
Malaysia". Although the computer form doesn't allow them to change, the
police officers in charge of report taking that night were gracious
enough to allow them to make that amendment. This was documented in
Haris Ibrahim's account <a href="http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/anak-bangsa-malaysia-are-doing-it-for-themselves/">here</a>.</div>
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Muhyiddin Yassin responded that the idea will have to be presented to the Cabinet for consideration, while right-wing Malay NGO Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali has rejected outright, reasoning that it is equivalent to removing Malay privileges. You can read Ibrahim Ali's response <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/cadangan-buang-perkataan-bangsa-bererti-hapus-keistimewaan-melayu-kata-perk">here</a>.The next day, ISMA, in addition to Perkasa showed <a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/axing-race-from-official-forms-signals-unwelcome-liberalism-malay-groups-sa">signs of opposition to the idea, according to them inviting liberalism.</a></div>
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Do you think that Kurup's idea is likely to go through? High probability of no likely.<br />
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However, the "Mudah Lupa" syndrome rears its head here, not just the majority of Malays, but most of us Malaysians as well.</div>
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Looking back at a math's exercise book that I kept at home that states about the Vision 2020, the liberal society was listed as one of the nine challenges in facing 2020. This is what is said about Vision 2020's fifth challenge: (from Ministry of Education's <a href="http://web.moe.gov.my/bppk/pdf/penerbitan/WAWASAN%202020%20VERSI%201.0.pdf">website</a>)</div>
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MEWUJUDKAN MASYARAKAT YANG <b>LIBERAL </b>DAN BERTOLAK ANSUR, DI MANA MASYARAKAT PELBAGAI KAUM DI MALAYSIA BEBAS MENGAMALKAN ADAT, KEBUDAYAAN DAN KEPERCAYAAN AGAMA MEREKA DAN PADA MASA YANG SAMA MELETAKKAN KESETIAAN MEREKA PADA SATU NEGARA.</div>
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We are six years away from 2020. Considering how the social-political-economical level in Malaysia, it is unlikely we can reach the target. In other words, we've broke the set philosophy that was set. The one who came out with this concept is none other than Perkasa's patron and ex-PM, Dr. Mahathir himself. </div>
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The question, has Perkasa and ISMA as well as other NGOs involved in the Malaysian human-rights arena forgotten about this thing before shooting their mouths? To say no, implies that they are rejecting what the old man is outlined about the concept in 1991. At that time, it's about 30 years away. We're six years from the deadline - where are we now?</div>
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If Kurup's suggestion gets a go ahead and becomes a new law due to popular support from people from all races, from both sides of political divide, who is it that is going to die from it? It can be definitely assured that the races in the world will never go extinct at all despite various threats. Do bear in mind that any Constitution amendment that involves the main religion do require participation from the "Council of Rulers" even it has been passed in Parliament, so there's no way to be cowed by an non-existential threat.</div>
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Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-57662990478233409582013-12-31T18:17:00.001+08:002013-12-31T18:17:19.161+08:00Waking Up At The End Of The World<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Here we are at the very last day
of 2013. As I have predicted more than a year ago, things have not gone better
and things have been rolling downwards on the hill. The number one matter that
will be etched in the minds of the people will be the higher costs of living
with no higher income to offset the inflation. The current national economy
state is in a very precarious situation that the Najib administration has
introduced the GST tax, and has done another round of their so called subsidy rationalization
on advice by his circle of con-sultans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With things have not improved,
certain civil societies and groups of people have little choice but to come out
tonight to the streets to show their signs of protest against the measures
introduced by Najib. The former PM, Dr. Mahathir did say a week ago that Najib’s
team should be cutting their costs first instead of passing the buck to the
Malaysians of all groups. Considering that Malaysia is unlike countries in the
Middle East or in Thailand, people come out as a last resort, not because they
like to, but pleas to the Federal government (since control is centralized )
have most of the time been turned away for various excuses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I knew that Barisan’s win in the
elections doesn’t come cheap. I asked myself a question more than a year ago
that they will win largely due to Malay and women votes, but at what exact cost?
The price hikes is one of them. There remains a high number of theft cases and
pass-by killings of innocent people. Income for the living is a main factor for
anyone who wants to survive. There’s still plenty of people still homeless and
below the level of poor income. Yet, although there have been plenty of
announcements from the federal government, many feel it is still merely
cosmetic and lack substance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The main gist of this New Year’s
Eve posting is about being appalled by the characteristics exhibited by certain
quarters in the matter of bread and butter affecting issues as well as cases of
senseless crimes. While people scream of innocent blood being spilled either
physically or financially, these people scream at those people as ungrateful,
traitors of the country, asking them to leave the country if unhappy and other
sorts of negative adjectives. Part of the reason identified is due to the
culture. Most of such remarks, by the count of numbers and the identity of
those who said are in fact the Malays themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The narrative established by the
English and even repeated again in some published books like Revolusi Mental
and even Dr. Mahathir’s The Malay Dilemma has in fact spells out the many
traits of the lazy native. Despite various efforts in the attempt to disprove
the myths, unfortunately press statements and illogical and irrational actions
done by many quarters In this case have pointed the relevance of the myth, even
centuries have passed. Many Malaysians are still poverty in soul. There is a
lack of realistic attitude and are not capable of effort. I often look at the
end that when a situation dies down, people tend to shake their legs but do not
have the acquisitive instinct, lack of originality of thought, imagination and
the spirit of adventurism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the months since GE 13, I have
noticed that some of the promises indicated in the winning party’s manifesto
have been broken, such as “toll reductions” and “car price reduction”, thus
reflecting of the attitude of making and doing promises as warm as a fowl’s
manure (Malay idiom – hangat-hangat tahi ayam)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the actions and responses
to criticism by other non-government parties are perceived backwards done by
certain government agencies and ministries have demonstrated their lack of
confidence and the emotional vulnerability that is exhibited by many lazy
natives. I am quite surprised that many people even defended their leaders
without even thinking and even kiss their feet and hands in showing their </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I think civil society should not
rely solely on politicians and mass news media but instead to think on
solutions without including them in the problem-solving issues. Because when
people do, you can see people manipulated by the press making plenty of police
reports based on what they’ve read. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a need to remind these politicians,
especially in the opposition PAC that they should not mistaken people support
as devotion to Anwar Ibrahim or Lim Kit Siang but as conditional support; that
is “we choose you because we don’t like BN” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A week ago, PAC chairman Datuk
Nur Jazlan warned of more losses for the ruling coalition especially, in urban
and semi-urban areas if prices continue to spike. I don’t really think it is
likely because the mindset of people are mostly conditioned to “accept
everything regardless”. The English and Malay Dilemma narrative also points out
this fatalist attitude as a stumbling block in national progress at the
international stage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As to summarize the entire thing,
it is unfortunate to see that there are still many Malaysians who are unwilling
to take a radical step in improving the nation. Many are still in other words, victims
of scaremongering about non-existent events that can never happen because of
present laws and regulations and what is written in the Federal Constitution. When
looking at the other side of the coin, statements made by many parties implied
that they are still conditioned to be meek and docile, with lack of inquisitive
and adventurism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
No wonder because of these
traits, we often didn’t perform well in the worldwide stage of tournaments of
big spectacle like football. Don’t blame the coach but as what Khairy said one
time, the Malaysian team performs well in the first 20 minutes but fall apart
by the start of the second half. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Let’s be honest with ourselves
for a moment. Let’s take car issue as an example. With the exorbitant price of
cars (since there’s artificial tax included), at the tough situation of higher
costs, do you feel honest of yourself to splash two times of your own hard
earned money of the actual cost of a car to buy a car? If your answer is yes,
then you get the drift. Otherwise, there must be something wrong with your
reasoning and logic. To go to the most basic of honesty: if your government
leaders asks you to jump off the roof, will you jump considering that you are
seen as kissing your leaders’ feet or hand?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Many don’t want a repeat of the
Greece / Ireland fiasco. Many are wondering what really happens to Vision 2020.
Many are still living a hard time with approximately 4 million Malaysians plus
politicians are still squeezing the lives of others including children. There
are still post-Merdeka generation people who don’t even realize they are
condemning Gen-Y and their unborn descendants to hard times. Gen-Y and
subsequent generations no longer have the conservatism point of view as their
previous generations do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I often believe that there
society change has to be done by doing things not by mere cosmetic but a
radical with substance. Yes, I know that there are questions on how reliable
our opposition politicians are, but you have to answer yourself who’s really
running the country and who’s making more mistakes than those people in
question? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As what Raja Petra said in one of
his postings a few weeks ago, it might take about 100 years or so, after we are
long gone before people realize the mistakes of the past generation. I tried to
warn people that if you just turn away warnings and think that nothing happens
from your own shell, you could be in the wrong. Considering how our society is
conditioned to accept without questioning, it would take one major disaster
before you all people wake up. I’d be happy to gloat at you people to see who’s
in the wrong eventually!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I wish I am right when you wake
up at the end of the world. </div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-31011929100903179292013-11-21T14:42:00.002+08:002013-11-21T14:43:55.351+08:00Can PAS Skirt The Trap?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83Nujb7DN9mHopd6fUqXhRWQu7jRwphbSb2FFa2_EOB8UlRGuF-KiYvfrV9AkMStNj8TaJqaVOlNEeQAqBKfBnAAzTUpMwYn8Tyg9ISbXsAgvjfHsWQUFOab1NvP_pmSiGih4qiLPPNs/s320/557442_271835046259386_44162573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83Nujb7DN9mHopd6fUqXhRWQu7jRwphbSb2FFa2_EOB8UlRGuF-KiYvfrV9AkMStNj8TaJqaVOlNEeQAqBKfBnAAzTUpMwYn8Tyg9ISbXsAgvjfHsWQUFOab1NvP_pmSiGih4qiLPPNs/s320/557442_271835046259386_44162573_n.jpg" /></a></div>
The PAS’ Muktamar has already
kicked off in Shah Alam and the main question is whether Mat Sabu will still
remain as the deputy president or will it be Nik Amar taking over instead? We’ve
also seen how the mainstream media, especially the Malay dailies as well as a
majority of politicians hoping for the “theological” faction of the party to
win big in this edition’s Muktamar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If one can understand the present
political lines in right now, having the theological faction to win is
actually, and many still do not know that the party is walking into the trap
setup by their rivals, UMNO. UMNO, considering that they have lost much support
from their non-Bumi partners managed to scrape through in the general
elections. The assessment from the election is that those votes and support are
a foregone loss for them. For that reason, the direction that is to be taken by
them is that they need to portray themselves as more Malay and Islamic as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That sets up the ante for PAS to
match them. If PAS is to better them, they need to be more religious and pious
in nature by them, hence the theologians must lead the party – according to
UMNO’s view. But indirectly, they will lose the support of their non-Malay
partners who supported them as the alternative to the non-Bumi BN parties (MCA
/ MIC). They must understand again and again, that their support is not because
people are pro-Pakatan, but a result of frustration and anger over the incompetence
of the BN regime. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
While I do not have much to
comment but to wish that Mat Sabu continues another term as PAS’s no. 2, it is
clear that the PAS party must be willing to adopt a more progressive and
pragmatic approach in the view that it is now the 21<sup>st</sup> century and
the fact that many people are tech savvy, Gen-Y in particular and no longer
place religious and tradition restrictions on them in their quest to pursue
their interests and stretching their creativity. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Turkey, in the pre-Erdogan and
from the start of the Ataturk period has demonstrated itself as an ideal model
society with the rules that the country is predominantly consists of Muslim
people. The reason is because that the country’s constitution, as I have
written previously, is silent on the official religion of the country. Instead
the constitution puts that as neutral, while the Ataturk administration
strictly forbids the factor to be included in the daily administrative affairs.
As what Ataturk described in his own words, “the religion will be elevated by
itself, if it ceases to be a political instrument.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Should Mat Sabu wins, it can be
said as putting UMNO’s trap back to the drawing board and PAS’s successful
clearance of a trap hurdle. But their fight is not over for there’s still
plenty of members who have yet to understand the real big picture. Their
agenda, even as to compete with UMNO will never get past the final hurdle:
consent of the Ruler’s council, for the Rulers themselves also have to take
into consideration of their non-Malay subjects as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The most important thing is right
now as what some commentators have said is to get PAS progressives leading the
party, rather than walking backwards. </div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-59216193340809110702013-11-13T22:23:00.000+08:002013-11-13T22:23:06.671+08:00The Leaked I.P.R. Chapter The Secret Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wikileaks has just released one of the 29 key chapters of the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. The 95-page document, chapter published by WikiLeaks is perhaps the most controversial
chapter of the TPP due to its wide-ranging effects on medicines,
publishers, internet services, civil liberties and biological patents.
Significantly, the released text includes the negotiation positions and
disagreements between all 12 prospective member states. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The chapter is all about the IPR: Intellectual Property Rights</b>. This chapter was distributed among the chief negotiators by the US trade representatives following the 19th round of talks in Brunei at the end of August 2013. The next round of talks will be held at Salt Lake City, Utah from next Tuesday to Sunday (19-24 November). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The TPP negotiations are currently at a critical stage. <b>The Obama
administration is preparing to fast-track the TPP treaty in a manner
that will prevent the US Congress from discussing or amending any parts
of the treaty. Numerous TPP heads of state and senior government
figures, including President Obama, have declared their intention to
sign and ratify the TPP before the end of 2013</b>." - Wikileaks</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The longest section of the chapter is in regards to enforcement. Malaysia is designated as MY, and there are noted remarks on which country proposes, agrees or opposes to the list of clauses / subjects under the chapter itself. Jumping straight to enforcement (<b>Section 8 of the document</b>): </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Example: if there is a case of infringement of trademark, the country is obligated to provide "personal information" of the person(s) or entities alleged to be committing that to be sued for damages by the copyright holder. For certain countries, the damages can be determined by the holder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For infringement via digital technology, not even Internet Service Providers are spared from the potential spilled liability that could be incurred.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quoting from KEI's brief analysis:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The document confirms fears that the negotiating parties are prepared
to expand the reach of intellectual property rights, and shrink
consumer rights and safeguards. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Compared to existing multilateral agreements, the TPP IPR chapter
proposes the granting of more patents, the creation of intellectual
property rights on data, the extension of the terms of protection for
patents and copyrights, expansions of right holder privileges, and
increases in the penalties for infringement. The TPP text shrinks the
space for exceptions in all types of intellectual property rights.
Negotiated in secret, the proposed text is bad for access to knowledge,
bad for access to medicine, and profoundly bad for innovation.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The text reveals that the most anti-consumer and anti-freedom country
in the negotiations is the United States, taking the most extreme and
hard-line positions on most issues. But the text also reveals that
several other countries in the negotiation are willing to compromise the
public’s rights, in a quest for a new trade deal with the United
States.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Julian Assange's summary: <i>“If instituted, the TPP’s IP regime would trample over
individual rights and free expression, as well as ride roughshod over
the intellectual and creative commons. If you read, write, publish,
think, listen, dance, sing or invent; if you farm or consume food; if
you’re ill now or might one day be ill, the TPP has you in its
crosshairs.” </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Assange mused during the live session: "I think this release could be kill the deal."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The session ended at 10.21 pm local time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Full leaked chapter (<a href="http://keionline.org/sites/default/files/Wikileaks-secret-TPP-treaty-IP-chapter.pdf">here</a>) and analysis (<a href="http://www.keionline.org/node/1825">here</a>) by KEI</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-53847330912433603952013-11-13T16:02:00.001+08:002013-11-13T16:02:31.349+08:00Putting Religion Neutral and At The Back Seat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To manipulate a man is a careful project. Too light a hand and he
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<br /></div>
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Malaysia still remains on
autopilot mode while religious NGOs have been making plenty of noises,
bickering trivial matters that is as like intruding people’s privacy, and
religious authorities have a hand in making policy decisions that goes down to
every individual. All this remains and yet the government is not very firm in
making their stand on these matters. While these people bicker, thumping their
chests declaring themselves holier than thou, the fabric of society and economy
in Malaysia is slowly disintegrating, as there has been countless number of
cases of blood of innocent people spilled, being crime victims, people being
discriminated, places being torn down, and so forth.</div>
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Why? One of the answers would be
that bear in mind that Malaysia to this day has only ratified two of the nine
articles of human rights, namely articles regarding women and children. But
other articles like civil / political rights, economy / social / cultural
rights, refugee status, racial discrimination, torture and cruel degrading
punishment, disabled persons and even migrant worker protection rights (signed)
were never ratified at all. This has indirectly given a loophole in law to
allow bad apples in the authorities / enforcement entities to do things that
can be kept secret. It is no doubt that there have been plenty of reports from
various human-rights NGOs in Malaysia about third-degree interrogation (beating
in custody) and all the misconduct coming from the authorities (just because of
a few bad apples).</div>
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Human rights NGOs have been
heavily whacked to and fro by Muslim NGOs, ISMA in particular. Likewise, even
MPs have accused other MPs for supporting LGBT. Most individuals in the accusing
NGOs have demonstrated emotional vulnerability and inferiority complex when
they commit such accusation. What they are unaware of is that their statements
indirectly hint of the tendency to put aside these groups of people, who are
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Most youngsters today are no
longer the same in the mindset against the previous generation. Sometimes,
their actions have drawn the ire of the older generation, old men in particular
who have called various measures to stifle them all for the reason of security
and public order. The question remains on where do we exactly draw the line or,
if there’s a line being established, rather to raise the line or lower the line
to the point of being considered of committing something out of order.<br />
<br />
Example: some concerts from international artists that youngsters of all
races have been waiting for were cancelled at the last minute. The last hurdle
towards getting the permit to perform at any venue is always the conservative
dress code. Make fans happy and you are actually forcing these people to go to
either Bangkok, Jakarta or even Singapore just to see this show as result of
not letting them have their fun in their lives. Boohoo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There is now a trend of Muslim
youths shifting towards freethinking and atheism in the Middle-East. The trend
kept on expanding despite the popularity not being reported in their own
country’s presses? While many think that the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule in
Tunisia and Egypt seem to make people turn against people who thinks liberal,
secular, and trying to think beyond the boundaries of religion, on the
contrary, it had a reverse effect. The myth that Western influences over them
is not entirely true and accurate. However, it underlines the notion that is that the
heavy hand of religious interference has impede the ability of think further in the advancement of knowledge and science</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Few may understand that some of
the social-related authorities in the country are their own worst enemy. They
have introduced various measures that are tantamount to violating a person’s
privacy. Even the raids on people suspected of committing acts of adultery and indecency
are also not even spared. On the worse cases, it seems that the some of the
Friday sermons that were reported by the news were more or less going astray
from the original teachings. Some of the instances include the (GST) sermon or
even the Chinese bashing were already showing that the organization uses the
religion as cover and a political instrument to coerce agreement (manufacturing
consent) by force, by drilling the falsehoods for the people to turn against their
fellow non-Muslim Malaysians. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am quite surprised to see a
remark from the Islamic affairs minister that there would be a proposal brought
forward to arm religious officials with guns, bringing them on the same status
with the police. Oh my, you mean if they are going for those raids, they can
bring their new toys and point those things at people? Religion at the whims of
a gun barrel? So the national society has gone cuckoo. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Look around. I thought Malaysians
would be exponentially highly educated after 50 years, but it has gone roller
coaster from the mid-70s until now. Literacy rate instead is around the precarious
levels of dunces. Most of them can’t even speak perfect English, most of them
don’t get those professional level jobs, and many of them would rather skip the
knowledge and feel of hard work to get the quick buck. I guess the English and
the Dutch’s (colonial)’s negative assessment of the natives here was right
after all after more than four centuries here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kemal Ataturk was ultimate proven
right after all, 75 years after his death. He knew that if religion being mixed
into administrative affairs it will hamper the society’s progress in facing
with the rest of the world. He would rather let the religion be elevated by
itself; it should not be a political instrument that can be wield by any party
ruling or otherwise. The 1928 amendment, one of the first since the republic’s
foundation removes the clause of “Islam as the official religion” was part of
the goal of establishing a more real democratic Turkish front. As for religion,
the stance as specified in their constitution was put at neutrality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is more or less being left up
and giving to the people to believe and decide for themselves, while having a special
department administering. In his Kastamonu speech in he did say the following:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the face of knowledge, science, and of the whole extent of radiant
civilization, I cannot accept the presence in Turkey's civilized community of
people primitive enough to seek material and spiritual benefits in the guidance
of sheiks. The Turkish republic cannot be a country of sheiks, dervishes, and
disciples. The best, the truest order is the order of civilization. To be a man
it is enough to carry out the requirements of civilization. The leaders of
dervish orders will understand the truth of my words, and will themselves close
down their lodges [tekke] and admit that their disciplines have grown up.<sup id="cite_ref-mango367_56-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk#cite_note-mango367-56">[56]</a></sup></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The bottom line is that young
people already have enough of what religious authorities are trying to tell
them to do. Many are still in the time warp, particularly the older generation.
Many inherited the response and the inferiority complex from the British
mindset 60 years ago. Today, the English mindset has totally changed. It is no
longer the same as was before Merdeka. The Malaysian society has to rely more
on knowledge and science, and not material and spiritual benefits from the
clergymen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Part of the way to achieve that
is also via what you dress as well, although not to the extent of making it a
by-law but to provide encouragement and the clear reason of professionalism and
an identity in facing the futuristic age (in fact the age we’re living is still
considered at the infancy of advanced tech age). Since we’re in a world where
order is based on the “survival to the fittest” mantra, Malaysians, not just
Malays must get out of the need for protectionist. There’s still the
complacency thing being underlined from news reports that are designed to
elicit manufacturing consent from the public. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
No wonder some of the other
articles written by other a few other writers cited here are exactly what I am
trying to say. It’s time for politicking religion to take a backseat permanently,
while giving women more chances to stand up in their skills as well rather than
making them mundane.</div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Reference </b>reading material:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Malaysia Today – RPK’s No Holds
Barred</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a1<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/no-holds-barred/60394-its-a-mans-world">It’sA Man’s World</a> (11 November 2013)</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b2<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/no-holds-barred/44949-can-i-know-your-stand">Can I Know Your Stand?</a> (14 November 2011)</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Nut Graph:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a1<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.thenutgraph.com/human-rights-whats-stopping-malaysia/">HumanRights: What’s Stopping Malaysia</a> (10 December 2008)</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b2<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.thenutgraph.com/mengapa-sesetengah-orang-islam-yang-alergi-dengan-hak-asasi-manusia/">MengapaSesetengah Orang Islam Alergik Dengan Hak Asasi Manusia?</a> (11 November 2013)</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk#Civic_independence_and_the_Caliphate.2C_1924.E2.80.931925"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mustapha Kemal Ataturk’s Turkish Civic Independence 1924-1925</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/15863"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Golden Age of Arab Atheism </b></a></div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-1651314628486909742013-09-28T16:54:00.000+08:002013-09-28T16:54:51.601+08:00Religion's Loss In Sense of Loving, Sharing, Caring and Forgiving<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Early this year, the Brits are
given a slight rude awakening with the unearthing of more historical findings
of the famous King Richard III. The king’s identity was confirmed by the
scientists of the Leicester University following the skeleton’s discovery at
the car park in August 2012, buried by the Greyfriars after the Battle of
Bosworth in 1485. Following the confirmation, things started to show up such as
the artistic impression of the church prior to the Dissolution of the
Monasteries, graphic visuals of how the Tudor propaganda vilifies Richard via
Shakespeare’s play and of the indication by art experts pointing that a
well-known portrait of the monarch that has the slightest signs of
biasness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, there has been
hardly of the play being performed. People are starting to see a different
angle to the history that was shown to them more than 500 years after that
series of events.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If that's what happened about Richard III, why not Chin Peng? After all, the existence of Internet has
allowed users to look for alternate information to what is found the present
books available in the market or at our home shelves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There has been an admission by
the English and the historians that the 1948-1960 communist insurgencies led by
Chin Peng against the British have accelerated plans for independence by 10-12
years. Had Japan was not A-bombed at the end of WW2, Malaya would have been
declared independent on 17 August 1945. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I can understand that many of us,
especially those who were born pre-Merdeka are quite scarred by the horrors
inflicted by the faction that was led by the man himself that it is quite hard
to forgive such person and to move on. In fact the emotion before the moving on
stage is the difficult part for most of us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There is a sense of inconsistency
where JI terrorists originally from Malaysia like Noordin Mat Top were allowed
to be buried back home while just because Chin Peng is not a Malay or just
because the name strikes prominently in the Malaysian history that politicians,
government and people have started to get too emotional until the point they
lose their marbles and the logic to think properly that they outright said no
way Jose on bringing the remains back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was watching Hanipa Maidin’s
speech on the Legal Profession Act amendment a few days ago and at one point,
he was describing of how our authorities and sometimes leaders tend to act very
emotionally rather using their heads to think properly under a very calm state
of mind. No doubt this is exactly why the Malaysian society has still yet to
match with their counterparts in the first-world countries, socially speaking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Every religion in the world
actually emphasizes on loving, sharing, caring and most important of all
forgiving. Instead, most of the preaching now no longer emphasizes on that but
instead merely points on sin, legal, not legal and most important of all,
heaven and hell. Every Friday, there are news articles that shares what Jakim
tries to talk during their Friday sermons. The texts are prepared by them, and
imams are not given the free reign to decide whether to use their own sermon or
to use the prepared text sermon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The late Sultan Idris Shah of
Perak wrote three days before his death that the religion has lost its allure
and has the need to show the love and caring attitude (love thyself and thy
neighbor mantra) rather than scaring the people with things that are sinful or
talking just of heaven and hell. Turns out he’s right - that after nearly three
decades since his passing things have taken a turn or the worst.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
History has often shown by number of cases and scenarios that most
of the Christian missionaries are much more successful than their Muslim
counterparts. It is largely attributed to the approach that they undertake. It
is noted that most Christian missionaries adopt the community service method
and show them of how they can help the community there and how the community
can help them in return. This would be in far contrasting with the more
hardball approach that the Muslim missionaries would adopt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Further reading: RPK’s article
The Approach (6 Feb 2013)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Towards Merdeka, JAKIM’s
controversial sermon has painted an impression that vilifies the non-Bumiputra.
And to add more insult, JAKIM seems to paint itself as someone who has a direct
divine communication with God with so many recent non-sensical statements. They
may have forgotten while they keep fingering other people as their worst
enemies in the name of religion, it is they themselves that they are not aware
of, as of one finger forward, three finger backwards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So what’s the point of writing
this? I am trying to say that despite all of Chin Peng’s atrocities during the
communist insurgencies; it would be a rather less messy and let the wounds heal
by letting his ashes being interred back in Sitiawan. Why would the authorities
and UMNO in particular want to scream around and flog a dead horse that is
called Chin Peng whereas there’s a more pressing national situation that would
be addressed? Are they implying that as in the Spartacus movie they are like
what Crassus would react and feared of Spartacus even after his death? Are you
saying that a whole city fears just one man? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
History is not always 100%
accurate, as what the further discoveries surrounding Richard III has shown us.
The Malaysian history as what we’ve learnt in the school books isn’t always
accurate. UMNO and the police have already shot themselves in the foot by
highlighting one man by the name of Chin Peng. On the other side of the coin,
this has instead increased the curiosity of knowledge-seeking people that wants
to see more of the history than what it was written on the surface. In fact
what is written in the history books in school is just a scratch on the surface.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The society controlled by old men
is somewhat driving many people towards mundane and in fact getting more people
lazy and being manipulated. The internet, on the positive side has instead shed
more light to what was hidden from the surface of the Malaysian history that we
have known about. </div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-50880632309632094402013-09-03T19:58:00.001+08:002013-09-03T19:58:57.236+08:00An Omitted and Forgotten Part of Malaysian History<div style="text-align: justify;">
Activists Hishamuddin Rais and Adam Adli were arrested in the Sedition Act due to numerous police reports that they have put up a Sang Saka Malaya flag during the Merdeka countdown night at the Merdeka square. What has been noted is that the action by the police was due to the number of police reports made by a few right-wing Malay NGOs including the GPMS. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Sang Saka flag was one of the parts of the pre-Merdeka Malaysian history that has been omitted and deliberately forgotten. It is meant to paint the picture that it was UMNO that spearheaded the road for independence in 1957. However, the path was traveled twice before:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. The first attempt was in 1945 just before the end of the Second World War. Japan had agreed to grant independence to Malaya on 17 August 1945. However, following the A-bomb incident resulting in Japan's surrender on 15 August, two days before the set date, the plan was scuppered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. The second attempt was in 1946 spearheaded by AMCJA - the All-Malayan Council of Joint Action. Because it has mostly comprised of left-wing people, UMNO calls it a communist.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the <b>Memoirs of Mustapha Hussain</b>, pg 344, the Sang Saka flag was alluded there. Excerpt:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>On behalf of PUTERA, I proposed four more clauses to strengthen our rights, referring to the magic phrase "The 9 Malay States" already in the preamble as proof of PUTERA's absolute right to claim them:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>a) Malay to be Malaya's national and official language.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>b) Malaya's defense and foreign policies to be handled by the Malayan and British governments with equal responsibility.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>c) Malay as the nationality for the people of Malaya.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>d) The National Flag would have a red band over a white one.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The problem is there are many NGOs and parties who are actually too emotional and sentimental, not using their brains to think well. This is why there are a flurry of unnecessary police reports made as a result of being blinded from one part of history by the main party that runs the government. It is no wonder that Malaysia was described by someone as the country in the world where there are most number of police reports made!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are still many who while acknowledged that the national flag did not realize that it(s) design was largely influenced by the American flag (noted for its blue, red and flag bands). On the other hand, our national anthem's tune was largely based on Memula Moon tune, popular in Hawaii. Unfortunately, we didn't acknowledge the work of the original composer, unlike in Germany. The German's national anthem, though it(s) lyrics had changed over the last 200 years, yet it's tune was credited and acknowledged that it was written by the Father of Symphonies himself, Joseph Haydn. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Are we still in the believe that UMNO was the first and last party that spearheaded independence without bloodshed? On the contrary no. There are precursor parties and events prior to 1957 that shaped the path of independence from colonialization by the English. Why are many Malaysians no longer fly our national flag? Partly it's because they have realized and discovered the unrevealed history of our nation. Partly it's because that the independence fighters, those who have fought against the English including Tok Janggut, Datuk Bahaman and the rest have been totally forgotten by the people and made to do so by the UMNO propaganda machine.<br />
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Have we really forgotten as the famous saying of "Melayu mudah lupa?"</div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-12360972937067046532013-07-18T11:43:00.001+08:002013-07-18T11:43:25.768+08:00In the memory of 'Death in custody' victims<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2Ad9GT986LY" width="459"></iframe>Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-13295731446508752592013-07-16T16:35:00.002+08:002013-07-16T16:35:26.894+08:00Alvivi: A Double Edge Sword Case<div style="text-align: justify;">
As of now I do not want to comment further or repeat again about the fuss going around with the situation surrounding the sex couple Alvin and Vivian thing. I have so far examined some remarks spoken by some people and I observed that the situation is a double edge sword. In other words, it's not just the pair who's in fault, but instead it is the society and the people too that plays the part.</div>
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First and foremost, the pair should have replaced a photo of the dish with something more generic in nature that can be consumed by all. Alternatively, they could also consider sending their message with a short one minute clip of them greeting - no pomp - instead of showing that. </div>
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It is a sad thing that there's still many things to be learnt by both of them. The present society, though it's still naive and conservative are yet to be ready to accept the ideas of liberalism that advanced societies have been advocating. I remembered of one interesting line spoken by a minister, Nancy Shukri saying that drug criminals should been treated as patients rather than being criminals. We still have yet to see things from the other side. </div>
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Of course, I would say let the law run its course, but the methods used to investigate like, how they are being made to sit for nine hours and subsequent overlapping questioning and multiple charges by police and even Islamic religious regencies have shown how inefficient our investigation system is. I also had a imagining thought of a couple in jail for a non-serious physical crime (murder, drugs, criminal breach of trust etc..) whereas on the real world, serious crimes have yet to be solved and addressed.</div>
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Muslim people, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia often mistook the pork ribs with herbal soup (bak kut teh) by associating it with pork (a taboo thing in Islam and many people). Another lesser variant, substituting pork with chicken is actually available, but it was to cater for other races who wanted to have a taste of the famous delicacy of the Chinese. </div>
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<b>Weakness In The Malaysian Society Psyche</b><br />
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However, while we let the police do their job (I wish they would have been more efficient rather than a triple-deck procedure), the ruckus that was triggered by many people, Malays in particular. Speeches and comments one after another with many commenting about the insensitivity of the two and chest thumping themselves, telling others not to interfere with the affairs have clearly demonstrated key weaknesses in the Malaysian society psyche.</div>
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First of all: we are people obsessive. We seem to be minding people's affairs and more interested with tabloid stories rather than more serious pressing matters. As the result while the nations foundation stones keep on rumbling of a possible collapse, people still remain ignorant all in the name of maintaining national security. </div>
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Secondly, this has already revealed how certain groups of Malayisans are prone to various emotions. Many reacted small heartedly, not respond, to various situations at the slightest hint of mentioning something that will tick them. For instance, a few got very small hearted when seeing their non-Muslim people eating in front of them or if they see them wearing clothes that they do not like. When they are in that situation, they tend to make plenty of mistakes in decision making and this could at times result in a scenario being taken to the extreme (overboard).<br />
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Third, this has revealed hypocrisy by these people. This doesn't mean it's for certain group, but it happens to all of Malaysians, politicians included. A very simple example explained is about we showing our support for Syria and Palestine, but on the other hand, acted and responded wildly if a Vatican ambassador or any ambassador starts to make criticism or support to a certain view in Malaysia. In other words, we go emotional if there are things talked which didn't match our set of ideals that might be flawed. Okay, go ahead and charge them but the common question asked in this situation is "what about Ibrahim Ali or Zul Noordin?"<br />
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Fourth, is of course that many leaders rely on the old excuse answer of "for the sake of national security" or<br />
"it will confuse a certain group of people" demonstrates their lack of inquisitive nature to go forth and find out the real answer. Was this excuse built on the hear sayings that was passed down for generations? Can't our leaders and the intellectual people dig down further to see whether that excuse myth is actually true or false. Surely, it is no harm done of revisiting the holy books, narratives, commentaries written by the scholars of the past to ascertain our hypothesis? Our leaders - especially the old guard are still bankrupt of ideas, and those young and energetic might have the problem of breaking ranks with the veterans considering of repercussions to come.<br />
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Today, Malaysia is one of the small number of countries in the world that still uses the British-spawned Sedition Act. The act, according to the time of conception is actually close to 800 years ago, introduced during the reign of Henry VIII. Even our own former colonial master has abolished it three years ago seeing of its irrelevance and the alternative laws that can be used for that. It's no wonder that Malaysia is actually a neo-feudal country. This old law is one case, the native's mentality, especially the uneducated is still stuck around the equivalence of the 17th century Europe. I often wondered what really happens if this same structured society is around the next two - three centuries: we would be ridiculed and chastised all the way even until after death. A fitting way to say how stupid and naive we are until we die. </div>
Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783412827368250589.post-88787588793965599362013-07-12T16:35:00.001+08:002013-07-12T16:35:37.050+08:00More Boredom and Doldrum In Learning History<div style="text-align: justify;">
Islamic Civilization to be a must in private varsities (<a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/235371">Malaysiakini</a>, 11 July)<br />
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An opposition MP today questioned the Education Ministry’s move to make Islamic Civilisation (<em>Tamadun Islam</em>) studies compulsory for local students even in private universities.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />The ministry has stated that the subject would be made compulsory in all private institutions beginning Sept 1 in an effort to “standardise” requirements with public universities.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />“We strongly urge the Education Ministry to reverse the ruling and let the individual universities decide on the needs of their courses,” DAP’s Kampar MP Ko Chung Sen said during a press conference today.</div>
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Ko questioned the need for the ministry to make this subject compulsory for non-Muslims but at the same time restrict it to only local students.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />“How will this help those who are studying to become lawyers, doctors and engineers?” he asked.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />He said that Muslims would have known about Islamic civilisation beforehand through their teachings, whilst non-Muslims do not need to learn of Islamic civilisation in universities.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />He said that according to the federal constitution, any individual should not be forced to learn any religion that is not his or her own.</div>
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I used to like History. It was a favorite subject in school. I found it quite fascinating because the syllabus, be it whether you study in lower-secondary and upper secondary covers history from the Malaysian history to world history. At least it scratches the surface of each part of the world.</div>
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When coming to Form 4, the inclusion of the Islamic civilization section (forms one bulk of the SPM syllabus) has eventually driven many classmates, whom I have observed into boredom. It rears an ugly head in learning history. Instead of making it quite exciting and more balanced, the bias focus on one civilization has got many losing interest and subsequently, it is one of the essay questions that many students would skirt around / avoid when doing homework or sitting for mock / actual exams.</div>
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The names and terms in the Islamic civilization is enough to drive a non-Muslim (especially student) into nuts and subsequently boredom in learning. This has resulted of many teenagers losing steam and interest towards the subject towards the end of their secondary education. It's not the alif-ba-ta thing that makes them lose. It's the historical period - dull and sometimes monotheistic in nature.</div>
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Fortunately, when I was in tertiary education, the local subjects - a requirement before you can complete your degree in a local university was mainly on moral studies (Form 6 equivalent) and the other one called the equivalent of Form 6's Pengajian Am. I nearly didn't graduate because of that Pengajian Am paper: I took Moral studies during my freshman year while skipping Pengajian Am because of the subject set on Saturdays at that time - it didn't interested me to come for Saturday classes. In the end, I only took it on the second half of my third year (out of the total 4 years). </div>
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I recalled that 2002 was the last time that in foundation year, a student is allowed to skip the first semester (of three) if the SPM results are quite good and satisfactory to warrant a bypass. By December 2003, it wasn't allowed anymore and at that time, when we're near to the end of the third year of class, we went through a crash course of finishing that missing period - all in the space of one month itself out of the full four months. </div>
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I don't even know who's idea was to add one more to the existing but sufficient two local study subjects but you can be sure that it is from the academic point of view will result in more boredom and frustration at the expense of standardization as what the Education Ministry claim to be. The one problem right now is that Malaysians don't even realize until the very last minute or when something hit them so hard that they will only do so.<br />
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Ibrahim Ali <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/235481">replied today and gave the same high mighty tone</a> akin to "who are you to question it." Let's just let that frog croak whatever he wants - since it represents his political face (you'll see a different face if you happen to sit with him for dinner or a cup of tea in private). There are many people who closed their eyes and say kind of crap, unless they talk to their non-Muslim friends about being in their shoes and see from their point of view to gain their enlightenment.<br />
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One thing I noted was that Dr. Ko never referred that matter to Agong and etc..whereas Ibrahim's comment mentions the Agong. It might be that he may have either been misled by his loyal-to-the-end newspaper Utusan. It ain't about race and religion here, but on the long run it will not make students love history that well - it makes things worse because you are being made to stare at one focal civilization compared to having a fair amount of share time on studying other civilizations - the proper way to go through that syllabus.<br />
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Melvin Mahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787921245305124636noreply@blogger.com0