We're Still In The Blue, Aren't We All?

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 – Malaysia is to increase the price of the RON97 petrol blend by 15 sen to RM2.30 per litre from December 1, two sources familiar with the plans said.

A formal announcement will be made later today, one of the sources said.

Malaysia’s government earlier this year cut subsidies on the benchmark RON95 blend, although it baulked at the wide-ranging reforms recommended by a government thinktank, fearing a voter backlash.

The government does not subsidise RON97, which is a higher octane fuel compared to the RON95.

In October, the government said its subsidy spend would be RM24.9 billion in 2011 up from a planned RM23.7 billion in 2010.

Malaysian inflation edged up to 2.0 per cent year-on-year in October, and housing, water, electricity and fuel rose 1.4 per cent from a year ago. Those items account for 21.4 per cent of the CPI basket. – Reuters

*****

No major newspapers in Malaysia have the guts to report this except this was seen in online dailies like The Malaysian Insider and Malaysiakini. Having went out to buy some groceries just now, I observed that many of the people are still in the blue over this thing. In other words, not even a single person or two are aware of such petrol increase. If we are to say that petrol increase, most of them are using the RON 95 thing.

Though some said that RON 95 is still okay to be used and not harmful, it is actually otherwise said. There are some car users whom after some time using RON 95 noticed that on some occasions their cars have internal knocking, and when they revert back to RON 97, it hardly happens at all. One friend of mine called this pricing strategy of pushing people to use RON 95 as the daily government con job. By pushing everyone to use RON 95, there would be any more excuses from the people to whine about, should there be future increases of the essential petrol - not the premium petrol. Actually, there is nothing much to differentiate apart from the burning time factor that's all. 

It's a shame that many of us are not aware of this and our local media should be blamed on this for failing to inform the people things that the people should know. Sure, I can see of such possibility that the Home Ministry calling in to the papers, saying "Why are you publishing this" (e.g. question) if they decide to follow suit and release this Reuters news piece? In the end, "SEMUA ORANG KENA KELENTONG LAH!!!"

Macam-macam digunakan untuk menipu orang....!

iPad in Malaysia: A Little Too Late

It is revealed that Apple iPad would be launched in Malaysia tomorrow. But I must say that it is already too late and far behind than other countries. Maybe it's because that the current trend of technology is little too slow to catch up than in Singapore or Australia.

I do not have the exact quotation price for the 3G + Wifi version of it. What was mentioned in the Star is that Harvey Norman chain of shops are selling the Wifi only version, 16GB at RM 1549. During my visit in Australia two months ago, the same model costs at $570 AUD minus 10% GST (628 AUD). After currency conversion, it seems that it is cheaper to buy here now that the gadget is out.

If there are travelers from other countries who have seen this in their home countries, surely they must have said that Malaysia releases it too late. And since there is a 3G + Wifi version due to be launched soon by major telco operators, it is likely that they will need to give a realistic plan to compete with YES and to let people choose between using the iPad or other phones (IPHONE, Blackberry, Android, etc)

References of Malaysia in Wikileaks

Wikileaks have already started publishing the approximate 250K documents collated from America cables all around the world, and the leaks have drew the ire from major world players, UK and America in particular are very embarrassed from the way the leaks were released. Sarkozy even called Wikileaks a threat to democracy. However, Pakistan already confirms what was leaked as the truth.

We might want to think that Wikileaks exposure is many times riskier in scale than publishing leaked documents of mismanagement and corruption in Malaysia as seen in the recent articles published by Raja Petra.

In the Cable gate section, there is one document that states point of origin coming from Secretary of State Clinton which mentions of two Malaysian companies, in relation with Pakistan and of missile technology. This document leaked was recent, in early 2010 (February to be more precised) and it comes from the cable in China.

Excerpt:

--In December 2009, we shared with you information regarding attempts by the Malaysia-based firm Electronics Component 
Limited (ECL) to buy TRS-500 gyroscopes from the Chinese firm VibTel Industrial Co. Inc. 
 
--TRS-500 gyroscopes are controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and China's missile-related export 
controls, and can be used in the guidance systems of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial 
vehicles. 
 
--We also noted that ECL is associated with a network of Iranian-controlled front companies that procure sensitive 
goods on behalf of a number of Iranian entities of proliferation concern. 
 
--In response to this information, you agreed to look into this matter, but asked if the United States could provide 
additional details on ECL's relationships with firms in Iran. 
 
--We now want to provide you with additional information indicating that ECL is part of a network of 
Iranian-controlled front companies that includes the Iranian firm Shahin Sefid Esta and the Malaysia-based front company 
Skylife Worldwide Sdn Bhd. 
 
--This network procures sensitive goods on behalf of a number of Iranian entities of proliferation concern, including the 
Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group (SHIG), which is Iran's primary developer of liquid propellant ballistic missiles, 
and Heavy Metal Industries, a front company for the tactical missile developer Ya Mahdi Industries. 
 
--Both SHIG and Ya Mahdi Industries are sanctioned under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1737. 
 
--Additionally, the TRS-500 gyroscopes are controlled items that would be prohibited from being exported to Iran under 
UNSCR 1737. 
 
--We hope this information is useful in supporting your efforts in this case and assists your ability to prevent the 
transfer of these gyroscopes by VibTel Industrial Co. to ECL.

The complete document that mentions of Malaysia above is here.

The second document that touches on Malaysia is that the Malaysian ambassador to the UN - Hamidon Ali - is listed as one of the 12 spy targets by the US State Department. There are orders to carry out information checks that comprises of bank account numbers, work schedules, names / contacts in business cards and other information, internet handles, e-mail addresses = ALL information that we can consider as invasion of privacy.

It is placed the document, "Diplomats Helping American Spies" published in NY Times.

Note: At this time, the Cable Gate sub site at Wikileaks releases 266 documents, about 1 percent  of it. But major dailies associated with the leak, NY Times, Guardian, Le Monde and Der Spiegel are putting up minute by minute updates. At this time, the White House has ordered another security review.

Pushing Citizens Off The Cliff

If Anwar Ibrahim whacks the Najib and APCO, there's another person that openly whacks APCO and that's Michael Moore (documentary maker of Fahrenheit 911, Sicko, Capitalism: Love Story). The first common thing, having read his recent piece (appeared in Malaysia Today on Tuesday) is that when both men starts to blow the lid on APCO,  the company would discuss Plan B: Pushing Anwar / Michael off the cliff.

You can notice that when Anwar blows the lid a few months, the Parliament Rights and Privileges Committee would surely would censure him over this matter as to cover up the real guilt. Anwar and Moore are unfazed over such threats, as what Michael said, it's not personal, it's not pushing him (in this case both men), but in fact all citizens.

I noticed that the first three paragraphs that Moore wrote is parallel to what is happening in Malaysia. A shame though that many of us are either have no idea of what is actually happening behind the scenes, as it was remarked that the media never gave people to think and act. Instead it merely gives information that sometimes a lie can become a fact / truth.

I let you read the rest of it, as to draw your opinion from that on. If American are pushed off because of Big Tobacco, then Malaysians are pushed off by... (fill in the blanks).

What Moore wrote at the conclusion was:

Anyway, this is all just a way for me to say to APCO: No hard feelings! My getting mad at you would be like a chicken who's still happily pecking away getting mad at McDonald's. Compared to the millions you've already turned into McNuggets, you've actually treated me much, much BETTER! Spying on my family, planting smears and lies about me, privately badgering movie critics to give the film a poor review, scaring Americans into believing they'd be committing a near-act of treason were they to go to the theater and see my movie -- hey, ya done good, health insurance companies of America. And, most important, you stopped the nation from getting true universal health care. Good job! 

Notice some the parallels there:

"Scaring Americans into believing they'd be committing a near-act of treason"

- Isn't it similar to saying "If such trend happens, Malay rights will be eroded" a.k.a spooking Malays with ghost stories or falsehood?

 

"You stopped the nation from getting true universal health care." 

- Isn't that line congruent as "You stopped citizens from getting the real truth of Malaysia?"

What Can We Learn From Bonsai and Witch Doctors

My friend Hisham Rais lamented a few months ago of how the mindset of the Malay community has shrunk a lot to the shape of a bonsai plan, hence the new adjective uttered - bonsified. But I let you read this Malaysiakini article again here if you need a news piece to refer again. However, with the recent events including Sunday's disrupted anti-ISA event that Hisham was involved in Penang by pro-government supporters, coupled with the still yet to be matured and liberated mindset of the majority of the Malaysian community, it is maybe worthwhile to illustrate a real example of a bonsai and a bomoh (witch doctor).

Pic by The Sun

It took me a few minutes to study this picture of this KMA man Mohd. Ghani Jiman and I can surmise that whatever he says clearly demonstrates the example of a man as a bonsai (shrunk mind) although Hisham said that this man can be an assemblyman due to his right to his view. Sure, the forum has attracted UMNO Youth in coming over to say support to the ISA, although, many matured minds said that it has started to become irrelevant and needs to be abolished and replaced with a new anti-terrorism bill.

A shrunken mind, I would remark is mainly because:

1. This law was introduced against communism. Communism in Malaysia is officially ended in 1989 with the Haadyai agreement. World War II is 65 years over already. Who is the real enemy now that the ISA needs to be used?

2. Several prime ministers, when come to office said that the ISA will be disbanded soon, but nothing happened at all. Instead, it became as a clinging and carelessly used against people at times. If you look back at Barry Wain's Malaysian Maverick, you see how the late Ghazali Shafie (King Ghaz) used the ISA against non-weapon-wielding opponents, even including the late laureate A. Samad Ismail.

3. The mindset is plainly based on what they were told. Hisham did said a few days ago about lazy : -

dalam banyak banyak surat balasan terhadap berita ini ada satu pekara yang amat jelas ia itu : ramai yang malas berfikir dan malas bertanya mereka nampak percanggahan tarikh hari raya haji yang tidak sama tapi mereka malas berfikir.

mereka tidak memiliki fikrah yang sentiasa ingin bertanaya justeru mereka lebih selesa menjalar dalam zon selamat dari banyak bertanya dan menyoal. mereka amat selesa menjadi pengikut setia yang bebal kah kah kah..
 
Simple: Many don't read books, ask questions, although they have the right to know and understand more than what they are told. If you are told that ISA is needed, do you really believe it outright? No? Then what is the use of Google if you are doubtful of what you're being told?

Speaking of which, I was certain that this Penang UMNO Youth chief, Norman Zahalan was there before the news of the event came out, though he didn't show that mob style antics sometime back. (Note: if you recall back in early March 2010, Zahalan tore up an invitation card to debate and accused Penang Pakatan Rakyat Youth Wing "kuda tunganggan" Guan Eng).


In the same Malaysian article, Hisham was talking about how people are spooked when some people said that their Malay privileges will be eradicated / off if they allow other forces to control them. The people who said such falsehood statements are as similar to witch doctors in villages, he illustrated.

In case if you need to check back, you can view the video from my previous posting in September here.

"The Malays are fearful of new ideas. They are fearful of differences of new ideas. They were made to takut-takutkan."

Following the Namewee cancellation concert in Kuantan, UMNO Youth Pahang warned something that was quoted from the original article:

Meanwhile, in Temerloh, Pahang Umno Youth stated its strong objection to the show, saying it feared it could spark off undesirable incidents.

Its head, Abu Jimmi Samat, said there was nothing racial to the objection but it was raised because Namewee had hurt the feelings of the people before.

“We want an entertainer who has noble values and can serve as an idol for all races,” he said.

Look, I don't think that Namewee hurts people feelings. Namewee is trying to make a realist statement that the country must bear to know. Don't count the TNB, and having viewed it with an open mind, I say that Nah and Negarakuku shows the ugly side of Malaysia that many of we people forgotten to look at, instead of just the feel good side. It's like at the preliminary stage of cancer that we choose to ignore it until to the moment it becomes very critical that it may be too late for us to reverse it. This is the unfortunate situation we are in right now.

Notice how Abu Jimmi Samat remarked as warning. Notice that it indirectly is very similar to what a witch doctor (bomoh ) would say. As Hisham said, "If you stay in a village, there is always a bomoh there. The bomoh can spread news of ghosts and all the villagers will come to give things like eggs, chicken etc.. in the pretense of appeasing ghosts." In parallel, statements like "hilang kuasa", "orang Cina" are statements that are spooked people into hiding and cowering in fear. And now do you see that it's like and similar to a bomoh?

Sure I understand that the mindset is that most of us are being told by leaders not to rock the boat, lest some people will be off from it and into the sea / river, but the problem is that the current boat is in the struggle of staying afloat and perhaps sinking in a matter of time. But the voyage on the same boat is already 53 years and running, and the wood is eaten by moss, fungus, etc, which needs refurbishment and renovation as to keep it brand new and going. 

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." - JFK

Well, today marks 48 years since JFK was assassinated and one of his famous quotes is that above, which requires a very much liberated mind. Just as to refurbish the boat to let it adapt to the current waters, the people on the boat will have to brave many things, minds going more than what they are merely told and see what lies in the next 30 years or so. Sadly, many of us do not do that, instead, sticking to the same thing over and over and over....The liberation of the mind is very essential and it serves as an eye-opener to things that may not seem to be as what we think to be.

Joceline Tan Gets Rapped

I received an e-mail and reproduce below a mail sent to the Star in response to Joceline Tan's recent article:

Original article by Joceline is here.

Unethical journalism and a blatant lie by Joceline Tan

We refer to the analysis entitled “End of the road or a new beginning?” published in the Star dated 20 November 2010.

Based on what Joceline has written, it is glaringly clear that Joceline is an unethical journalist who writes for the sake of spinning instead of on real facts. Her analysis has been time after time riddled with twisted facts and outright lies, obtained from unreliable sources or she herself spins them with ulterior agenda.

For the record, Joceline has never been to Datuk Zaid’s house and we are baffled with her make believe & superstitious comments about the layout and renovation works at his house. Joceline seems to be pretty obsessed with Datuk Zaid and will do anything to fabricate and convince her readers.

We therefore would like to clarify on points raised in her `analysis’ as we are the closest associates for Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

We had informed the media on Thursday 18 November at 9.15 am that Datuk Zaid decided to call off the scheduled press conference on Friday, Nov 20 due to an emergency. However after Anwar Ibrahim issued a press statement that is full of lies and deceit, he decided to answer those allegations as he felt that it was of paramount importance that the truth be told. We then decided to resend confirmation to the media on Thursday, 18 Nov at 3.15 pm informing the press conference will take place as originally scheduled so the question of not following the script as claimed by Joceline does not arise.

We are extremely perplexed with Joceline’s statement that there was a script and Datuk Zaid did not go with the script. A press statement as usual was distributed to the reporters that included all of the items Joceline mentioned in her analysis and her accusation that it was actually meant to be otherwise is a total fabrication. Even those questions askedby reporters and answered by Datuk Zaid in details are all in tandem with the statement issued. Joceline’s statement with regards to Datuk Zaid taking political sabbatical and for him to stop demonizing Anwar is another blatant lie and her ignorance to differentiate between a sabbatical and giving a three-week resignation notice is simply appalling.

We also would like to throw Joceline a challenge to name the so called close associates of Datuk Zaid who had divulge these comments to her. Since you have not been in touch with either one of us as well as Datuk Zaid himself for any clarification whatsoever, we are dumbfounded by your analysis which is nothing but a lie.

In her many subsequent statements, Joceline continues to mention that comments are made or obtained from Datuk Zaid’s associates. The real truth we reckon is that she is expressing her own opinion but by using other `sources’, Joceline would be able to save her skin. Joceline should just come out from the closet and stop being a coward to upkeep the ethics of good and fair journalism rather than being unethical and lopsided in her
articles which coincidently favors Anwar.

Datuk Zaid is not a one-man demolition team as Joceline claims, as he speaks for thousands of frustrated and disillusioned PKR members throughout the country and mind you the numbers are growing daily. Let’s go back to the core of the issue. The party election is riddled with manipulation and vote rigging beyond imagination and it mirrors similar problems faced by the general public and Opposition alliance in the General
Elections. Manipulation and vote rigging is the highest crime in any election. In the case of PKR elections, it has been plagued with inconsistencies and fraud from day one that have been design at highest level to favor certain individuals. Many PKR division leaders, members and contestants have filed hundreds of reports to the CEC, but there has not been any concrete action. It is also questionable that CEC Chairman does not address
these issues but rather been handled by the Secretary General.

Are you trying to tell your readers that you condone these disparaging acts which are now been sanctioned by PKR senior leaders? It is absolutely true that Datuk Zaid would have given a good fight in the party elections and possibly could have won on level playing field if there was no disturbance and direct intervention by Anwar, Azmin and a few leaders in urging members to vote for some identified contestants. Where is the
democracy that the party is claiming to champion?

Datuk Zaid is a man of principles and would not allow himself to be part of this dirty politics and his political record speaks for itself. It is very pathetic of Joceline to equate this PKR saga to a reality show on TV. It further indicates her shallowness in analyzing what is of great importance and beneficial that Malaysians have been denied for the past 52 years.

However, if Joceline still would like to believe that this saga is somewhat similar to a reality show then Anwar the Chameleon together with Joceline the Spinner is the real actor/ actress.

Lastly, we strongly urge that the Star management takes heed of this call for fair and ethical journalism & ensure that Joceline’s future articles or analysis on political issues are strictly scrutinized before publication. Please do not condone dirty political journalism.

Thank you,

Muhammad Firdaus Christopher
Rashid Azad Khan
Associates of Datuk Zaid Ibrahim

 

The Guessing Game on Cabinet Reshuffle

It's likely that within the next two weeks that Najib could be doing a cabinet reshuffle, which includes dropping several ministers, reinstating some and promoting those who didn't make it to the first lineup after April 2009 into the fold.

According to Free Malaysia Today, the likely ministers to be dropped include Shabery Cheek, Sabri Yaakob (a.k.a Ayah Dafi), Shaziman Mansor and Ng Yen Yen (who came under fire from other MPs over amount spent on oversea trips). Another name cropped out from word of mouth could be Rais Yatim since, his antics last month (filing a police report against bloggers drew the ire of Najib).

Two former ministers from Abdullah's cabinet, Tengku Adnan and Azalina are mentioned on those reinstated, with the latter likely to go back to the Tourism ministry if Yen Yen is dropped. 

Because of his handling of the Felda matter, Ahmad Maslan could be elevated to a full minister post. But the amount of duties means, that he had to vacate the UMNO information chief post, in which is believed that Idris Jusoh (ex-Chief Minister of Terengganu) taking over.

Khairy could be promoted to a deputy minister, as it is mentioned. Some other ministers could be shuffled to other portfolios, e,.g Hishamuddin could be moved to Defense Ministry.

It may not be final, but there's still a guessing game for now.

However, it is rumored the ministers identified in the who's who to be shuffled list was drawn up by Rosmah and her aides. If recalled previously, several circles and avenues described the appointment of Raja Nong Chik replacing Zulhasnan Rafique as a directive by Rosmah and her aides.

See that similarity? And as to live with the saying, thing are not deemed over until the Fat Lady shouts / sings / says so (pick one of the last three words).

So, Are Cake Parties Now Considered Illegal?

Hey, it's just a cake party across several spots around Malaysia and MCA's own UTAR has been making noises warning students to not go for a party to celebrate something. See story here.

I don't think this idiot or "MALAON" by the name of Teh Chee Seng understands the difference of being a political event or not, but from what I see, here is that the party does not even involve political parties at all. And it's not a political event. Here's a wrong excuse of having the UUCA act being used even though it is evident that there are no political elements in here. What's more since today is a public holiday following the Eid-Adha festival, it's usually a party to celebrate and relax since it is an eve of a public holiday, especially if it falls on the weekday.

What this ingrate said is tantamount of privacy invasion. Has UTAR got no sense of respect of privacy, and so does the police if they decide to step in over a party thing?

Mahathir has misjudged the consequences of amending the UUCA act, where people now, not as in the late 80s or so started to be bolder and braver in bringing out things. Malaysia is supposed to churn bright people, not robots, and UUCA act does indeed reduces and presses people down into thinking and acting like a robot. 

I can see that MCA may still find less support than it used to be if there's another GE coming, except for loyalists and those who have no clue whatsoever about alternate frontlines, the Chinese would still snub MCA.

Didn't We Warn You Zaid?

I only saw Zaid once while he was the NPC club on the printing problems in June 2008. But most of the time, I would meet those who are connected to him, the closest being his aides. We knew that the problem that Zaid would end up is already knocking at the door and even if he joins a party like PKR, his maverick style and antics would not last him long in a party.

And look what he got into right now. 

It was about 2 years ago that over a cup of coffee in Bangsar that one of the guys joining a group of us for a round of drinks told us about how he was with Zaid in Permatang Pauh during that by-election campaign. Said about considering to join PKR and hope to change things better. In fact the book, "I Too Am Malay" has a one section that shows of thoughts that justifies his decision. The man cautioned Zaid of joining because once in, he has to toe with the party line and to sum things up, he has to play with their rules or do not play the game at all. But Zaid was all game and went in, but when he tries get the party to dance to his tune, that's where the problem kicks in.

Both Anwar and Zaid are ex-UMNO no doubt and still to this day, the perception is that PKR is still sharing the same spotlight and shadow as in UMNO, albeit modified here and there. But the catch is Zaid is only 18 months plus int the party, while Anwar has founded the party for already 12 years or so. So who's really more in control, Zaid or Anwar? Comparing to Zaid and Azmin, Azmin is more wily in nature, (double degree), has been Anwar's political secretary since his DPM days and their relationship is quite that bosom and close, so surely they have been going through hell and back to put PKR as in its position right now. This is the key point that Zaid failed to understand until today. What Zaid did is attempting to rock the boat and rearranging things that create more complications rather than solutions, though Zaid wants to generate more solutions. 

PKR has a much more important agenda right now, which is their ultimate dream: winning Putrajaya and GE-13. This means that Anwar, Azmin and even Azizah can't be paying too much to Zaid's rants and his announcement to quit but instead focusing on going back to the drawing board and plan a strategy to fight BN. 

Someone suggested to him not to join PKR but instead help to lead the "Third Force" thing that some people have been advocating about. His rants, in style will not get any much benefits if being in a party but not running on, so I'd keep crossing my fingers until Friday. This morning, when I saw the news that Zaid wants to leave, I asked his associate, whether if he wants to leave the party since he's a Zaid's kaki. The answer was an obvious yes, since the system, tested for the first time went disastrous over alleged fraud and manipulation.

Didn't we warn you on this, pal?

Letter from Jonson to Kak Wan

Again, Zaid's aide has sent me this open letter from Jonson to Kak Wan via e-mail:

I reproduce the following below:

Dear Madam President,
Please allow me to make one final plea to you for the sake of our Party’s future.

KEADILAN’s current state of affairs, to say the least, is profoundly disturbing and sad. Indeed, not only party members but all our supporters are extremely disappointed by the manner in which our party election is conducted.

No doubt, we had very good intentions when we first mooted the idea of direct elections, where each and every member will be given the democratic right to vote for their leaders.

However, we must remember that we are not judged by our intentions but by the results of what we set out to do. We must do the right thing the right way.

Now, whether we like it or not, the credibility and image of KEADILAN is at an all-time low. This is nothing less than a crisis for the Party.

I understand that it is difficult for you to suspend the ongoing party election. However, no matter who wins the contest, we are all losers in the end. Hence, after some serious thought, I would like to make a humble suggestion to you.

Currently, there are many doubts about the integrity of our Party’s electoral process. I believe that if we can show the public that we are sincere in rectifying whatever irregularities, perceived or otherwise, then we will have taken the first step to salvage KEADILAN’s tattered reputation.

Hence, I humbly suggest that we take the most dubious incident as a litmus test to show, once and for all, that our Party election is free from irregularities. I am referring to the Libaran results, which shows an impressive but incredulous 60 percent turnout of voters.

If agreed by you, Madam President, I will personally help raise the necessary funds to engage an independent and professional audit firm to scrutinise the polling results of Libaran. With the large number of generous KEADILAN supporters who are still hoping that we will do the right thing, I am confident that resources can be arranged to carry out this important task.

If the Libaran results are certified to be free from irregularities, then I will unequivocally accept the Party’s overall election results. I believe all other contestants will do the same. However, if the audit results show otherwise, then a resolution must be passed at the upcoming National Congress to nullify the results of the Party election.

We are now at a critical point in our Party’s history. We must show that KEADILAN is true to its own name. Not only must justice be done but it must also be seen to be done.

Madam President, right now, the Party needs you to take charge and lead us through this challenging period.

Thank you.

Humbly yours,
JONSON CHONG
Member No. B130001542

King Kong Ain't Got Shit!

The line "King Kong ain't got shit on me!" spoken by Denzel Washington in Training Day was the line that earned him the Best Actor award for that year itself. Somewhat, it reminded me of the ego that King Kong portrays, particularly in its standoff against the biplanes at the Empire State Building climax. 

Last month in the UMNO general assembly, Najib, in the tune of the real Ketuanan Melayu rhetoric said that "they need to defend Putrajaya" at all costs, even if there are strewn of broken bodies along the way. Can you imagine that like in King Kong's last stand against the opponent? I think Mr. Zunar's cartoons can be interesting and humorous. But I don't see the reason why idiots in the Home Ministry, particularly Hishamuddin Hussein and Mahmood Adam would say Zunar's cartoons are a mockery and disrespect of the law. 

But that would be another issue of that. It seems that UMNO's ego on not letting Putrajaya fallen to others is somewhat like behaving like a 6 year old school kid. Just like in Perak now, they are now showing primary school boy mentality. They think anything other than themselves means capitulation to the enemy. No more than what the IRA used to be about Northern Ireland. 

Below here is the famous ranting in Training Day. Notice that how the scene plays out as in real life. A critic in 2003 used this video as a metaphor as to how Saddam Hussein was deposed by his own people. If the people starts to ignore tyrants, this how most things would play out. But only if that is if people are smart on the inside to know how sometimes political leaders in BN can be when they are arrogant and go above the law.

BERSIH 2.0 Launch

Bersih 2.0 was launched yesterday and I happened to hear what PAS' Dr. Dzulkefly said that of 1.0 transitioning to 2.0 is like being from a opposition party face to a more civil society, NGO face type. And during that launch, the chairperson, Ambiga said that most proposals are welcomed by the EC, with objections to automatic voting, indelible ink and the right to vote reduced to 18 years old.

Of course, in order to get more people to vote (as we're reminded of the alarming 4.2 million unregistered but eligible voters) the UUCA amendment that Mahathir pushed for will have to be reversed. AUKU (as in Malay) will have to be taken off. But of course Mahathir would definitely objected to it because, as his remarks said that a person in a uni should concentrate more on studies instead of politicking! And it seems things have backfired to for him for his perception might not work any longer.

There were a few MPs from the opposition there and most of those who were there were civil society activists and so forth. The crowd was estimated to be around 1000 as one online news portal said about. There were a few shows including a stand-up show that my friend Hisham Rais put up, coupled with speeches from few people about elections, and how dirty postal votes can be so forth though.

I won't elaborate much except to get you guys to read the supplement news item from Free Malaysia Today

Memories of BERSIH and BERSIH 2.0

10 November 2007 was the BERSIH rally in KL in which the police and former PM Abdullah Badawi called it as a "perhimpunan haram". But nobody gave a damn about the warning and braved the streets despite roadblocks put up by police to prevent more people coming in. Although it rained heavily that day, people still come into the streets and marched up to the Palace to make a statement to the government that "the election process is still dirty and needs clean-up".

There are still memories of me witnessing those events while walking through the streets of KL that very Saturday afternoon. It was bad weather, police have been in many places including sealing off Dataran Merdeka, and there's Unit Amal from PAS to cover people up and the march to the palace. And of course in the evening news, being covered by Al-Jazeera in which the whole world was laughing over what former Information Minister Zam Maidin was saying over to the news anchor that Malaysia kena malu over it.

Well, we can check those things back on Google - that's what the search engine for or you can refer. Or you can check out my account on Bersih in two parts (Part 1 link here) and (Part 2 Link here)

Anyhow, despite the protest, the Election commission withdrew the idea of indellible ink at the very last minute. And as to say total ignorance to the demands, the retirement age of the EC chairman was extended to 66. 

What caught my attention here is that on the voting of the proposal above.

There are a few BN MPs who once said during 2004 GE campaign that they really represent the people's voice in the Parliament. Say they got voted into Parliament by the people, in other words receiving the mandate. There is an upcoming proposal of approving A. The MP asked the people whether to approve A or not. People said no. But the whip demands you vote to approve A otherwise disciplinary action is taken. The MP has no other choice but to follow the whip. Then what does that make you? A real MP representing Parliament carrying people's mandate or a mere UMNO machai?

Note: See the pre-Batu Sapi by-election posting by Haris to Linda Tsen.

It seems that no matter how much demands and calls for improving the election system, with improved measures including automatic registration, constant check of electoral roll, indelible ink, dealing with phantom voters, the EC still remains yet to show signs to follow the calls of improvement. This gives the picture that EC is an unofficial component party of the BN mob group. 

So it seems that the message is not drilled into their heads hard enough.

 

INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH OF BERSIH 2.0

UNITE AND ADVANCE ELECTORAL REFORM

We, the BERSIH 2.0 steering committee, invite your organisation to join and unite with us to advance clean and fair elections in Malaysia. Much still needs to be done and Bersih 2.0 needs your support and help to make the mission come true for a democratic Malaysia.

BERSIH 2.0 believes that it is only when elections are clean and fair, can citizens determine their own destiny and expect holders of public office to act accountably and effectively. The road to electoral reform is part and parcel of the democratic process to put into place the rule of law, human rights protection, good governance and sustainable development in Malaysia. As citizens we can make this our reality.

The key issues of electoral reform include

1. A complete revision of the electoral roll to ensure that the existing irregularities are removed and a roll with full integrity is in place.

2. The use of indelible ink (as is done in Indonesia and India) to prevent multiple voting.

3. The reform of postal voting to abolish the existing separate electoral roll for postal voters and to make it flexible for all voters, at home or abroad, with valid reasons to opt for postal voting.

4. Free and fair media access for all contesting parties, which should include: (a) free access to state-owned media especially television and radio; (b) fair paid access (political advertisement) to private media; and (c) provision of the right of reply for all contesting parties and personalities who are covered negatively in news reports.

5. A meaningful minimum campaign period of 21 days.

6. Fair and professional practices in constituency redelineation exercises to minimise malapportionment, gerrymandering and consequent disproportionality in seats and votes.

7. Automatic registration of all eligible voters.

8. Reduction of the voting eligibility age from 21 to 18 years old.

9. Reform in electoral financing to ensure transparency and limit the influence of money politics.

10. Administrative neutrality of all levels of governments before, during and after general and by-elections for the federal and state legislatures.

11. Affirming the right of all students of 18 years and above, to participate in politics inside and outside campus.

Bersih 2.0, whilst acknowledging the importance of the reform agenda of Bersih, is now relaunched as a fully non-partisan coalition of civil society groups. It is a movement of ordinary citizens asserting the right of all, to clean and fair elections as guaranteed by law. We must ensure our votes and voices count.

We, therefore, warmly invite you and your organisations to join us and extend your full support to ensure that the next election and future ones will be clean, fair and democratic.

The details of the launch are as follows:

Date: 10 November 2010 (Wednesday)
Time: 8.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Venue: PJ Civic Hall, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Petaling Jaya.

Please bring your members and friends to the launch. You can contact Nurul at 03-77844977 for more information. If you have not joined BERSIH 2.0 as a member, we have enclosed a membership form for your action.

Yours sincerely,
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan
Chairperson

The Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0 comprises:
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, (Chairperson), Andrew Khoo, Arumugam K., Dr Farouk Musa, Haris Ibrahim, Liau Koh Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dr Wong Chin Huat, Yeoh Yang Poh and Zaid Kamaruddin.

Yep, I want to come and watch this out. There's no way that thing can be ignored at this time though.

Zaid Withdraws From PKR Contest

I received an SMS yesterday from one of Zaid's assistants asking me to wait for a press statement from him.

Having read that statement, maybe, what Pete said in his No Holds Barred posting about play or don't play makes sense at all.

Below is the full text statement:

**********

I wish to announce my withdrawal as a candidate from the contest of Deputy President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and my resignation from all posts held in the party.

I was offered to join this party under the belief that I could promote enlightened and progressive politics; nurture and develop principled political values and culture that I consider indispensable to the development of democracy and good governance in this country. I was mistaken.

Over the course of the party elections, events have shown that the leadership actively condones malpractices and electoral fraud to achieve its designed objectives. I am certain that any political party with such hypocritical and false values will not be able to offer meaningful reforms to the people of this country.

I have made this decision because there is no attempt on the part of the party leadership to address the various issues of manipulation and unfair electoral practices, although these issues were raised repeatedly.

I wish to thank all the members who have supported me and placed their faith in the cause of reform. It is of utmost disappointment that I am unable to continue in this flawed election process. I remain committed to the Opposition’s cause and will continue to speak about the issues of the common people. Together, we will continue our unabated struggle towards a better government for the people.

Finally, I hope those adoring fans of Anwar Ibrahim will no longer regard me as a “spoiler” standing in the way of their march to Putrajaya. I wish them well.

ZAID IBRAHIM
MONDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2010

Happy Deepavali!

To my Indian friends and colleagues, I would like to wish you all a Happy Deepavali.

Man, my office also had a Deepavali festival as well, as CSR initiative, and apart from exchanging gives, we had a round of samosas for lunch and teatime, with photos, dressing and etc..

Pretty fun day.