Dr M speaks up on MB issue
By TUN DR MAHATHIR MOHAMAD
A concerned Malaysian has expressed his worry over the role being played by Sultans in the appointment of the Mentri Besar.
His Royal Highnesses have clearly refused to take the advice of the chief minister, that is the Prime Minister. Instead, they have chosen on their own a member of the state legislature to head the Government.
We hear a lot of opinions on the propriety of the action by the Sultan. Some say he has the right to do this while others point out that as a constitutional ruler he could not do this.
The Constitution says that the Ruler or Head of State must choose the elected member who enjoys the support of the majority of members in the legislative body to be the Prime Minister or the Mentri Besar. Subject to this provision, it is the Ruler who chooses and appoints the Prime Minister or Mentri Besar.
The Prime Minister, as Prime Minister has no role in the choice of the State Mentri Besar or Ketua Mentri. His naming of a candidate who should be the Mentri Besar is purely a party matter. Obviously if the state is captured by the Opposition party he cannot name the candidate.
However, if the Ruler chooses someone who does not enjoy majority support that person could be deposed at a sitting of the legislative body through a vote of “no confidence”.
After that another member can be appointed by the Ruler to take his place. But if for some reason there is no other candidate or the candidate with majority support is considered unsuitable by the Ruler, a new Government cannot be formed. The Ruler may then dissolve the legislative body and a new election may be held.
This new election may lead to the same impasse. The Ruler may not like the member with majority support.
However, it should be noted that this kind of thing never happened during the premiership of the four previous Prime Ministers. Concerned Malaysians should wonder why.
Is it just that the particular Ruler is being difficult, unwilling to accept the principles of democracy, wanting to return to feudalism and the absolute authority of the monarch?
I do not think so. There must be a reason why the Ruler refuses to accept the candidate named by the party. But the Ruler chooses not to reveal the reasons and indulge in public debates. He merely expresses his displeasure by refusing to do what normally the Rulers would do.
Concerned Malaysians must ask what has the particular candidate done which is so wrong that it incurs the displeasure of the Ruler.
There is a lot of talk in the town. Terengganu is blessed with petroleum deposits. It should get 5% of the total earnings from oil production. The Federal Government, fearing the previous PAS Government might use this money wrongly, had withheld payment.
But when the Barisan Nasional regained Terengganu, the money, now called “Wang Ehsan”, was lavishly spent by the Federal Government on Terengganu. It is not a small sum. Over these years “Wang Ehsan” totalled several billions.
We know that since the Barisan Nasional regained Terengganu in 2004 all kinds of projects have been developed in Terengganu. This includes The Monsoon Cup, luxury housing for sale to foreigners, Crystal Mosque and theme park, university etc. Some of these projects are very good but many are totally unnecessary and wasteful.
But what the Terengganu people are saying is that all these mega projects costing billions of Ringgit have been contracted out to people outside Terengganu. Terengganu contractors got practically nothing.
But additionally they say the contracts all went to one person and they are suspicious that behind this person are members of the first family. The rumours also say that the previous Mentris Besar were responsible for these things happening and of course they think that he might have benefited financially. The rumours went on to say that the Prime Minister might have influenced the Mentri Besar into doing wrong things.
These are all rumours. It will be quite impossible to prove anything as the perpetrators are skilled in hiding themselves.
This is not good for a Government keen to abolish corruption and be transparent. To clear its name an investigation should be made.
But the public is leery of investigations by government agencies and departments. Even Royal Commissions are not highly regarded. The people believe, not true of course, that the Government has been interfering with the work of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The say this is borne out by the results of investigations by these agencies.
When a Deputy Minister was accused of accepting money for the release of a detainee, the Attorney-General said there was no case because the detainee said he did not give any money to the Deputy Minister. It is so easy. If you have a case involving someone, all the enforcement agencies need to do is to ask him whether he was involved. If he says “no” then there is no case.
For some reason judges are finding that people accused of murder are not guilty because of insufficient evidence by the police. Yet people who are totally not involved in a case, who were not accused of any misdeeds and who did not appear in court at all and been given a hearing, are found guilty and publicly condemned.
The public cannot be blamed for not having faith in government agencies conducting investigations. The public cannot be blamed for suspecting cover-ups by the Government or, worse still, that the Government may be using these enforcement agencies to threaten people.
To clear its good name, the Government should get credible foreign agencies to conduct the investigations. Of course they must be given full access to the documents etc.
Now my detractors are going to say I did worse things when I was Prime Minister. Well if that is so let us have the foreign agencies investigate me also. I am aware that people are looking into possible misdeeds by me during my 22 years so as to threaten me and ask me to shut up. So far they have not found anything.
Not only have I not taken anything that was not due to me while I was Prime Minister but I have given back to the Government and the people everything that I had received as gifts during my tenure. The Government had offered me land in Kedah and Langkawi and I had refused to accept. I have a five-acre piece of land in Putrajaya which I paid for even though the Government was offering it to me free.
Unless there is a frame-up I think there should be nothing to pin on me. Even other accusations against me including the dismissal of judges were not my doing and I do not feel obliged to apologise. Ask the Tribunal to apologise.
The person asking that the Government should apologise for what happened to Tun Salleh Abbas may have forgotten that as President of the Muslim Lawyers Association, he fully supported the action that was taken. He castigated the Bar Council for condemning Tun Hamid Omar over the dismissal of judges. Now he wants to be more correct than correct. I wonder why.
Published in The Star
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni
China - the host of Olympic Games 2008 - will face the spotlight when the world's greating sporting event begins that not only foster greater international relationship and promoting peace as well as sportsmanship, but it also carries with it the political and income effect.
I wouldn't harp on income effect at all since we all know that tourism China is reaping in tons of cash. So what more to say when it comes to the Olympic Games!
Anyway, the human rights issues are severe in China. But that is well taken care of by the activists in China, the many international organizations as well as political weights from US. However, a disturbing piece of information from SPCA made me sick!! The following was received from SPCA Malaysia :
Thousands of pet cats in Beijing are being abandoned by their owners and sent to die in secretive government pounds or 'cat death camps' as China mounts an aggressive drive to clean up the capital in preparation for the Olympic Games.
This inhumane cull comes in the wake of a government campaign warning of the diseases cats carry and ordering residents to help clear the streets of them. Cat owners, terrified by the disease warning, are dumping their pets in the streets to be picked up by special collection teams.
Paranoia is so intense that six stray cats -including two pregnant females - were beaten to death with sticks by teachers at a Beijing kindergarten, who feared they might pass illnesses to the children. The crackdown on cats is seen by worldwide animal campaigners as just one of a number of extreme measures being taken by communist leaders to ensure that its capital appears clean, green and welcoming during the Olympics.
The cull of Beijing's estimated 500,000 cat population is certain to provoke international outrage as it comes just over a year after the Chinese were criticised for rounding up and killing stray dogs across the country.
Reports state that hundreds of cats were also being sent to Guangzhou in southern China, an area infamous for restaurants that serve meat from cats and dogs and exotic animals such as snakes and tigers.
We can only condemn the people in power in China for these acts of cruelty and hope that all the media exposure for this and other things will ruin their Olympic party and help things change for the better.
Read more here at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=528694&in_page_id=1811
I wouldn't harp on income effect at all since we all know that tourism China is reaping in tons of cash. So what more to say when it comes to the Olympic Games!
Anyway, the human rights issues are severe in China. But that is well taken care of by the activists in China, the many international organizations as well as political weights from US. However, a disturbing piece of information from SPCA made me sick!! The following was received from SPCA Malaysia :
Thousands of pet cats in Beijing are being abandoned by their owners and sent to die in secretive government pounds or 'cat death camps' as China mounts an aggressive drive to clean up the capital in preparation for the Olympic Games.
This inhumane cull comes in the wake of a government campaign warning of the diseases cats carry and ordering residents to help clear the streets of them. Cat owners, terrified by the disease warning, are dumping their pets in the streets to be picked up by special collection teams.
Paranoia is so intense that six stray cats -including two pregnant females - were beaten to death with sticks by teachers at a Beijing kindergarten, who feared they might pass illnesses to the children. The crackdown on cats is seen by worldwide animal campaigners as just one of a number of extreme measures being taken by communist leaders to ensure that its capital appears clean, green and welcoming during the Olympics.
The cull of Beijing's estimated 500,000 cat population is certain to provoke international outrage as it comes just over a year after the Chinese were criticised for rounding up and killing stray dogs across the country.
Reports state that hundreds of cats were also being sent to Guangzhou in southern China, an area infamous for restaurants that serve meat from cats and dogs and exotic animals such as snakes and tigers.
We can only condemn the people in power in China for these acts of cruelty and hope that all the media exposure for this and other things will ruin their Olympic party and help things change for the better.
Read more here at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=528694&in_page_id=1811
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
UMNO Terengganu biadap - Perarakan dan Protes perlantikan MB Datuk Ahmad Said dianggap hina Raja Melayu
Tajuk di atas sebenarnya idea Utusan Melayu. Namun, nampaknya Utusan Melayu, The Star, NST dan blogger-blogger lain tidak menghentam tindak-tanduk UMNO Terengganu. Maka izinkan saya untuk mendokong institusi Raja Melayu dan menghentam UMNO Terengganu hari ini.
Menurut Utusan Melayu pada 13 Mac di http://utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2008&dt=0314&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=politik&pg=po_03.htm&arc=hive
Ahli Majlis Tertinggi UMNO, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi menyelar perebutan kuasa yang berlaku antara DAP, Pas dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) di Perak yang jelas menggambarkan sikap tidak menghormati institusi raja.
Ahmad Zahid berkata, keputusan penangguhan itu seharusnya dihormati demi menjaga kedaulatan dan keluhuran institusi raja.
''Jika tidak hormat, ia dikira satu penghinaan. Bukan sahaja kepada adat istiadat Kesultanan Perak malahan keseluruhan institusi raja-raja Melayu.
''Semua rakyat Perak harus berdiri teguh bersama-sama pentadbiran istana Perak dan sekali gus menolak keangkuhan DAP," ujarnya.
Artikel Utusan Melayu oleh Herman Hamid "DAP biadab -- Arahan pulau majlis pelantikan MB Perak dianggap hina raja Melayu"
DAP bertindak biadab apabila mengarahkan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) daripada parti itu memulaukan majlis angkat sumpah pelantikan Menteri Besar di hadapan Pemangku Raja Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah yang sepatutnya berlangsung hari ini.
Wahai rakyat Malaysia dan orang orang Melayu. Siapakah yang kurang ajar? Nampaknya jelas mengapa orang Melayu dan bukan Melayu telah mula menyokong PKR, PAS dan DAP.
Saya mengaku DAP memang kurang ajar sedikit dalam isu perlantikan MB Perak. Beribu-ribu ahli UMNO dan media massa termasuk bloggers menghentam DAP. Namun, apabila ahli UMNO Terengganu, PM Malaysia, DPM Malaysia, Setiausaha Agung UMNO yang baru, MB Perlis yang baru, bekas MB Terengganu, dan lain-lain lagi kurang ajar dan tidak hormati institusi Raja Melayu di Terengganu, adakah UMNO dihentam oleh blogger, media dan parti politik lain? Adakah Majlis Tertinggi UMNO menghentam Presiden, Timbalan Presiden dan ahli-ahli UMNO Terengganu yang kurang ajar?
Di manakah suara Datuk Seri Hishammudin? Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi? Bukan main hebat kutuk YB Lim Kit Siang, PAS dan PKR kerana kurang ajar dengan institusi Raja Melayu. Adakah mereka berdua bersuara kini?
Tidak! DAP akhirnya menghadiri upacara rasmi perlantikan MB. Bukan sahaja DAP, malah PAS dan PKR bersama dengan DAP tidur sebantal dan mengurus negeri Perak kini. Di Terengganu pula macam mana? 22 ahli ADUN UMNO mengadakan perarakan menentang Istana Terengganu pada hari perlantikan!
Kurang ajarnya UMNO Terengganu. Kata-kata saya ini bukan pendapat saya seorang sahaja. Sikap 'double standard' UMNO ini terang-terang dikutuk oleh Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee, Ketua UMNO Cheras.
Bacalah di sini http://agendadaily.com/cmspreview/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_dafaf96c-cabec5bb-1d85ab90-bfd53222
Saya memanglah dididik dari kecil lagi. Rukunegara Malaysia ingat lagi tak? Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara. Saya memanglah tak sedar Raja Nazrin yang perkenan kepada perlantikan YB Nizar sebagai MB Perak. Sekiranya saya tahu, saya tentu akan mengecam tindakan Presiden DAP YB Lim Kit Siang yang tidak menghormati persetujuan antara pemimpin parti BR di Perak yang mengadap Raja Nazrin.
Namun, ulasan politik saya memanglah hanya pendapat tentang kecerahan politik Barisan Rakyat sekiranya ahli PAS dilantik menjadi MB Perak. Buat masa ini, analysis dan pendapat saya kekal sama iaitu ahli PKR berbangsa Melayu dan beragama Islam patut dilantik menjadi MB Perak demi menjamin kecerahan politik Barisan Rakyat di Perak.
Di Terengganu, selesaikanlah baik baik seperti kata Tengku Razaleigh, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim dan Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Hormatilah institusi Raja Melayu dan berbincanglah baik baik. Tak perlu double standards, tak perlulah buat kecoh banyak banyak.
Saya hairan .... ada berita mengatakan bahawa Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh tidak dilantik semula kerana hubungan yang tidak baik dengan pihak Istana. Mengapa perkara sedemikian berlaku? Apakah sengketa atau perselisihan yang wujud di antara Datuk Seri Idris dengan pihak Istana? Isu apakah yang tidak sependapat? Jawablah UMNO Terengganu. Jawablah Datuk Seri Idris.
Menurut Utusan Melayu pada 13 Mac di http://utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2008&dt=0314&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=politik&pg=po_03.htm&arc=hive
Ahli Majlis Tertinggi UMNO, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi menyelar perebutan kuasa yang berlaku antara DAP, Pas dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) di Perak yang jelas menggambarkan sikap tidak menghormati institusi raja.
Ahmad Zahid berkata, keputusan penangguhan itu seharusnya dihormati demi menjaga kedaulatan dan keluhuran institusi raja.
''Jika tidak hormat, ia dikira satu penghinaan. Bukan sahaja kepada adat istiadat Kesultanan Perak malahan keseluruhan institusi raja-raja Melayu.
''Semua rakyat Perak harus berdiri teguh bersama-sama pentadbiran istana Perak dan sekali gus menolak keangkuhan DAP," ujarnya.
Artikel Utusan Melayu oleh Herman Hamid "DAP biadab -- Arahan pulau majlis pelantikan MB Perak dianggap hina raja Melayu"
DAP bertindak biadab apabila mengarahkan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) daripada parti itu memulaukan majlis angkat sumpah pelantikan Menteri Besar di hadapan Pemangku Raja Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah yang sepatutnya berlangsung hari ini.
Wahai rakyat Malaysia dan orang orang Melayu. Siapakah yang kurang ajar? Nampaknya jelas mengapa orang Melayu dan bukan Melayu telah mula menyokong PKR, PAS dan DAP.
Saya mengaku DAP memang kurang ajar sedikit dalam isu perlantikan MB Perak. Beribu-ribu ahli UMNO dan media massa termasuk bloggers menghentam DAP. Namun, apabila ahli UMNO Terengganu, PM Malaysia, DPM Malaysia, Setiausaha Agung UMNO yang baru, MB Perlis yang baru, bekas MB Terengganu, dan lain-lain lagi kurang ajar dan tidak hormati institusi Raja Melayu di Terengganu, adakah UMNO dihentam oleh blogger, media dan parti politik lain? Adakah Majlis Tertinggi UMNO menghentam Presiden, Timbalan Presiden dan ahli-ahli UMNO Terengganu yang kurang ajar?
Di manakah suara Datuk Seri Hishammudin? Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi? Bukan main hebat kutuk YB Lim Kit Siang, PAS dan PKR kerana kurang ajar dengan institusi Raja Melayu. Adakah mereka berdua bersuara kini?
Tidak! DAP akhirnya menghadiri upacara rasmi perlantikan MB. Bukan sahaja DAP, malah PAS dan PKR bersama dengan DAP tidur sebantal dan mengurus negeri Perak kini. Di Terengganu pula macam mana? 22 ahli ADUN UMNO mengadakan perarakan menentang Istana Terengganu pada hari perlantikan!
Kurang ajarnya UMNO Terengganu. Kata-kata saya ini bukan pendapat saya seorang sahaja. Sikap 'double standard' UMNO ini terang-terang dikutuk oleh Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee, Ketua UMNO Cheras.
Bacalah di sini http://agendadaily.com/cmspreview/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_dafaf96c-cabec5bb-1d85ab90-bfd53222
Saya memanglah dididik dari kecil lagi. Rukunegara Malaysia ingat lagi tak? Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara. Saya memanglah tak sedar Raja Nazrin yang perkenan kepada perlantikan YB Nizar sebagai MB Perak. Sekiranya saya tahu, saya tentu akan mengecam tindakan Presiden DAP YB Lim Kit Siang yang tidak menghormati persetujuan antara pemimpin parti BR di Perak yang mengadap Raja Nazrin.
Namun, ulasan politik saya memanglah hanya pendapat tentang kecerahan politik Barisan Rakyat sekiranya ahli PAS dilantik menjadi MB Perak. Buat masa ini, analysis dan pendapat saya kekal sama iaitu ahli PKR berbangsa Melayu dan beragama Islam patut dilantik menjadi MB Perak demi menjamin kecerahan politik Barisan Rakyat di Perak.
Di Terengganu, selesaikanlah baik baik seperti kata Tengku Razaleigh, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim dan Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Hormatilah institusi Raja Melayu dan berbincanglah baik baik. Tak perlu double standards, tak perlulah buat kecoh banyak banyak.
Saya hairan .... ada berita mengatakan bahawa Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh tidak dilantik semula kerana hubungan yang tidak baik dengan pihak Istana. Mengapa perkara sedemikian berlaku? Apakah sengketa atau perselisihan yang wujud di antara Datuk Seri Idris dengan pihak Istana? Isu apakah yang tidak sependapat? Jawablah UMNO Terengganu. Jawablah Datuk Seri Idris.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
BN oh BN
Yes yes .... thank you for reminding me time and time again Hijaz that I am pro Mahathir ... haha ... I do not deny that Tun Dr Mahathir had certain extremes in his policies but at least we all agree on a fact that Tun has contributed amazingly and led a nation through ups and downs with rapid development and economic growth. Put another leader in Tun's era as the PM ... I wonder what Malaysia will be like.
That is one thing we all cannot deny, Hijaz! How are you in Adelaide anyway? Oops ... let me check ... yeah ... Uni Adelaide right? Pardon me for having a forgetful mind. Hmm ... hope you are doing well buddy.
So now to talk about Barisan Nasional. Deep down in my heart, I do not want BN to be irrelevant at all. We have to live life with Opposition to keep us on our feet and ensure check and balances. Otherwise, no matter how religious you are, you will tend to abuse your power and maximise your greed. Haha. But what should BN do now? First of all, FIX YOUR OWN TEAM!!!
We read the papers everyday with MCA, MIC and UMNO having instability and disagreements. How then can I cast my vote for BN in future when you can't even have strong agreements among yourselves and remain tight knitted as an unbreakable bond? Whatever happened to the spirit of Barisan Nasional?
Forget Datuk Seri Najib's Zero Opposition campaign. Or was it Barisan Nasional supreme council's idea? It was totally ridiculous and arrogant! And the results of GE 2008 gave you guys a refreshing slap!
Secondly, maybe Datuk Mukhriz is right. And I believe the Palaces in Malaysian states are showing signs as well. A leadership revamp must be carried out. MCA and MIC will see through a transition and mending of damages done to their image and household very soon. What about UMNO? Enjoying the comfort of the executive chairs? Kinda soft and comfy huh?
Sigh ... thirdly, be more people oriented. Don't meet the people every 5 years. I know I have not seen YB Lim Kit Siang making rounds in Ipoh too ... maybe he did but normally during elections. So do other YBs. Please listen to those sellers in the market, the shopkeepers, businessmen, teachers, communities. We do not want to see the candidates or representatives every 5 years. I specifically do not like former YB Bercham Mr Gooi Seng Teik's assistant's reply. You know what she said? "If people don't come to our office to complain, YB won't know what is happening".
My mom was mad when she heard that reply because formerly when she worked for former YB Datuk Tan Chai Ho, he had reps making rounds etc. But nowadays, no longer do we see any people wearing MCA shirts walking around during non election periods.
I believe YB Fong Po Kuan is an active MP in her constituency. YB Ong Ka Chuan and former YB Lee Kon Yin as well in Perak. Other than them, I got no idea. Spend some time to walk around the markets, shops and malls etc. Don't just come asking for support every 5 years and ask me how are things going on.
Do your rounds at least once a month, my dear BN MPs and state YBs !!! Then only we can restore our trust in the founding fathers of Malaysia's efforts in building a united nation!!
Sigh ... BN oh BN ...
That is one thing we all cannot deny, Hijaz! How are you in Adelaide anyway? Oops ... let me check ... yeah ... Uni Adelaide right? Pardon me for having a forgetful mind. Hmm ... hope you are doing well buddy.
So now to talk about Barisan Nasional. Deep down in my heart, I do not want BN to be irrelevant at all. We have to live life with Opposition to keep us on our feet and ensure check and balances. Otherwise, no matter how religious you are, you will tend to abuse your power and maximise your greed. Haha. But what should BN do now? First of all, FIX YOUR OWN TEAM!!!
We read the papers everyday with MCA, MIC and UMNO having instability and disagreements. How then can I cast my vote for BN in future when you can't even have strong agreements among yourselves and remain tight knitted as an unbreakable bond? Whatever happened to the spirit of Barisan Nasional?
Forget Datuk Seri Najib's Zero Opposition campaign. Or was it Barisan Nasional supreme council's idea? It was totally ridiculous and arrogant! And the results of GE 2008 gave you guys a refreshing slap!
Secondly, maybe Datuk Mukhriz is right. And I believe the Palaces in Malaysian states are showing signs as well. A leadership revamp must be carried out. MCA and MIC will see through a transition and mending of damages done to their image and household very soon. What about UMNO? Enjoying the comfort of the executive chairs? Kinda soft and comfy huh?
Sigh ... thirdly, be more people oriented. Don't meet the people every 5 years. I know I have not seen YB Lim Kit Siang making rounds in Ipoh too ... maybe he did but normally during elections. So do other YBs. Please listen to those sellers in the market, the shopkeepers, businessmen, teachers, communities. We do not want to see the candidates or representatives every 5 years. I specifically do not like former YB Bercham Mr Gooi Seng Teik's assistant's reply. You know what she said? "If people don't come to our office to complain, YB won't know what is happening".
My mom was mad when she heard that reply because formerly when she worked for former YB Datuk Tan Chai Ho, he had reps making rounds etc. But nowadays, no longer do we see any people wearing MCA shirts walking around during non election periods.
I believe YB Fong Po Kuan is an active MP in her constituency. YB Ong Ka Chuan and former YB Lee Kon Yin as well in Perak. Other than them, I got no idea. Spend some time to walk around the markets, shops and malls etc. Don't just come asking for support every 5 years and ask me how are things going on.
Do your rounds at least once a month, my dear BN MPs and state YBs !!! Then only we can restore our trust in the founding fathers of Malaysia's efforts in building a united nation!!
Sigh ... BN oh BN ...
Wow wee .....
I was just reading The Star's new article and I am surprised with such comments. The article I read was NGOs concerned 'over fate' of Perak Malays at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/23/nation/20080323185137&sec=nation
But it wasn't the plight of the Malays in Perak that made me chuckle. It was the following :
Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim, who represented Perak Wanita NGO, said the popular votes showed that more voters supported the Barisan instead of the Opposition.
She said the Barisan garnered some 333,000 votes compared to 282,000 that went to the opposition front.
Based on this, she said Barisan had a simple majority and should be allowed to form a minority government.
Erm ... somebody might want to tell her that she is making a fool of herself? Anyone have any stats on how good the opposition fared in terms of popular votes in all states and the Parliament seats?
Haha ... Datuk Kamilia .... let me tell you something all right? According to reports by Malaysiakini, the peninsula-wide popular votes of Barisan Nasional was only 49.79 percent! This means that according to your definition of simple majority and governance, the Opposition should rule the Peninsula! Yeah... remember to write a petition to DYMM Yang diPertuan Agong that the Opposition should rule Peninsula Malaysia okay, Datuk Kamilia?
Ridiculous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But it wasn't the plight of the Malays in Perak that made me chuckle. It was the following :
Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim, who represented Perak Wanita NGO, said the popular votes showed that more voters supported the Barisan instead of the Opposition.
She said the Barisan garnered some 333,000 votes compared to 282,000 that went to the opposition front.
Based on this, she said Barisan had a simple majority and should be allowed to form a minority government.
Erm ... somebody might want to tell her that she is making a fool of herself? Anyone have any stats on how good the opposition fared in terms of popular votes in all states and the Parliament seats?
Haha ... Datuk Kamilia .... let me tell you something all right? According to reports by Malaysiakini, the peninsula-wide popular votes of Barisan Nasional was only 49.79 percent! This means that according to your definition of simple majority and governance, the Opposition should rule the Peninsula! Yeah... remember to write a petition to DYMM Yang diPertuan Agong that the Opposition should rule Peninsula Malaysia okay, Datuk Kamilia?
Ridiculous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Political Instability
What is happening in Malaysia? First of all, Barisan Nasional did not retain their 2/3 majority which they enjoyed over 50 years of rule. Although they did win the Federal Government, but losing 5 states, 2/3 majority and total number of BN votes showed that BN is facing a crisis.
But then, what about the Palace? Did the Bersih's effect really work on the link between the Palace and the Rakyat? We used to have a supreme party running a 'one-man show' in the daily administrative matters of Malaysia. Although we still have the monarchy system in Malaysia, the Rulers are playing roles under the advise of the ruling party only.
Now, we see more and more involvement of members of the royalty getting involved in administration and politics. Will we see a royalty in politics and lead the nation in future? Perhaps .... I hope talents like Raja Nazrin will be able to lead the country one day !
But now, I would like to slam UMNO for being rude to the Palace. In Perak, DAP was labelled "kurang ajar" for attempting to boycott the appointment of YB Nizar from Pasir Panjang as MB of Perak. We also had the issue in Perlis where several UMNO members were rude to the Malay ruler. That issue was settled with the "retirement" of Datuk Seri Radzi, Datuk Seri Azmi and Datuk Seri Shahidan. So all three Generals of Perlis were sent to enjoy their fruits of labour.
What now in Terengganu? Let me tell you this UMNO. JANGAN BIADAP TERHADAP RAJA MELAYU! Terengganu Palace picked their MB. And you sack the Palace's choice? The next time you criticize the Perak DAP and YB Lim Kit Siang for being rude to the Palace, why don't you look at your own backyard, UMNO?
I remember reading blogs and Utusan Melayu that slammed DAP leaders for being rude to the royalty. What about UMNO Terengganu? Pak Lah should say something since states like Penang and Terengganu are where his pet projects are mainly invested in.
In the past we have Tun Dr Mahathir standing out to make peace between UMNO leaders and the royal families. Palace choices were respected, meetings were closed doors and solutions were publicly announced. Thus, that left us with no political instability. It is all different now. I don't hear anyone from the top leadership saying anything. All I see is the newly appointed Secretary of UMNO, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan, standing out to speak!
Chaos and political instability always result in poor economic performances. The longer we wait for things to run like normal again, the longer will we suffer. Things might even get out of control. Chaotic behaviours and patterns are always dangerous as some are unpredictable and hard to contain, well at least mathematically.
Hm ... peace ....
But then, what about the Palace? Did the Bersih's effect really work on the link between the Palace and the Rakyat? We used to have a supreme party running a 'one-man show' in the daily administrative matters of Malaysia. Although we still have the monarchy system in Malaysia, the Rulers are playing roles under the advise of the ruling party only.
Now, we see more and more involvement of members of the royalty getting involved in administration and politics. Will we see a royalty in politics and lead the nation in future? Perhaps .... I hope talents like Raja Nazrin will be able to lead the country one day !
But now, I would like to slam UMNO for being rude to the Palace. In Perak, DAP was labelled "kurang ajar" for attempting to boycott the appointment of YB Nizar from Pasir Panjang as MB of Perak. We also had the issue in Perlis where several UMNO members were rude to the Malay ruler. That issue was settled with the "retirement" of Datuk Seri Radzi, Datuk Seri Azmi and Datuk Seri Shahidan. So all three Generals of Perlis were sent to enjoy their fruits of labour.
What now in Terengganu? Let me tell you this UMNO. JANGAN BIADAP TERHADAP RAJA MELAYU! Terengganu Palace picked their MB. And you sack the Palace's choice? The next time you criticize the Perak DAP and YB Lim Kit Siang for being rude to the Palace, why don't you look at your own backyard, UMNO?
I remember reading blogs and Utusan Melayu that slammed DAP leaders for being rude to the royalty. What about UMNO Terengganu? Pak Lah should say something since states like Penang and Terengganu are where his pet projects are mainly invested in.
In the past we have Tun Dr Mahathir standing out to make peace between UMNO leaders and the royal families. Palace choices were respected, meetings were closed doors and solutions were publicly announced. Thus, that left us with no political instability. It is all different now. I don't hear anyone from the top leadership saying anything. All I see is the newly appointed Secretary of UMNO, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan, standing out to speak!
Chaos and political instability always result in poor economic performances. The longer we wait for things to run like normal again, the longer will we suffer. Things might even get out of control. Chaotic behaviours and patterns are always dangerous as some are unpredictable and hard to contain, well at least mathematically.
Hm ... peace ....
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wow
Firstly I didn't expect Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir to speak up against Pak Lah. Haha. What will UMNO do to him this time? The public will judge not only the Barisan Nasional this time but also the opposition. On one hand, BN has their own problems internally and the Opposition seem to be enjoying life at the moment.
How well will BN's new Government and mandate be? There seem to be some changes in the Cabinet with leaders like Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid and Datuk Seri Radzi dropped. Other long serving Ministers like Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik and Datuk Seri Samy Vellu are no longer around too. Hmm ...
The question now is ... the Cabinet is up and ready as of today and the Government of Malaysia will get on with business as usual. But as we past time day after day, we begin to read and hear about UMNO branches and certain leaders asking for the resignation of Pak Lah. Will that solve any problems? Who will take over as the next PM of Malaysia? Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak? Please remember that in the public eyes, many see Datuk Seri Najib as having an indirect or perhaps direct link to defense contract scandals, the Altantuya murder and also the fact that Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor might be a influential figure in the administration of Malaysia.
Will the DPM's leadership be any better? I don't know. No one knows. He might be, he might not. Then we have Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the sidelines waiting to be the next PM of Malaysia by fishing at least 30 MPs over to PKR and kick BN out. Or perhaps, he is waiting for the next GE where he will be expecting another round of victory for the Opposition that will give him the mandate to be the new PM of Malaysia. Haha ... I don't know if that will happen or not, but going by the many comments I read online and the many comments by Tun Dr Mahathir, I am a little bit skeptical DSAI will be a good PM.
New leaders are entering the ranks of Minister-ship in the new Cabinet. Perhaps Datuk Zaid Ibrahim can be the next PM of Malaysia? Haha ...
What I see in this new 5 year mandate is just instability of politics and economics. I hope things return to 'normal' soon for the benefit of the people. We only want peace, prosperity and security in our country, in our states, in our homes. Cut the crime rate, and please get back to business and hunt for the many kidnapped kids!! Just because of the GE, the police force had to abandon their search for Sharlinie. Sigh ... my prayers and wishes are for her and I hope parents out there can look after their kids better.
Okiesss
How well will BN's new Government and mandate be? There seem to be some changes in the Cabinet with leaders like Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid and Datuk Seri Radzi dropped. Other long serving Ministers like Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik and Datuk Seri Samy Vellu are no longer around too. Hmm ...
The question now is ... the Cabinet is up and ready as of today and the Government of Malaysia will get on with business as usual. But as we past time day after day, we begin to read and hear about UMNO branches and certain leaders asking for the resignation of Pak Lah. Will that solve any problems? Who will take over as the next PM of Malaysia? Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak? Please remember that in the public eyes, many see Datuk Seri Najib as having an indirect or perhaps direct link to defense contract scandals, the Altantuya murder and also the fact that Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor might be a influential figure in the administration of Malaysia.
Will the DPM's leadership be any better? I don't know. No one knows. He might be, he might not. Then we have Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the sidelines waiting to be the next PM of Malaysia by fishing at least 30 MPs over to PKR and kick BN out. Or perhaps, he is waiting for the next GE where he will be expecting another round of victory for the Opposition that will give him the mandate to be the new PM of Malaysia. Haha ... I don't know if that will happen or not, but going by the many comments I read online and the many comments by Tun Dr Mahathir, I am a little bit skeptical DSAI will be a good PM.
New leaders are entering the ranks of Minister-ship in the new Cabinet. Perhaps Datuk Zaid Ibrahim can be the next PM of Malaysia? Haha ...
What I see in this new 5 year mandate is just instability of politics and economics. I hope things return to 'normal' soon for the benefit of the people. We only want peace, prosperity and security in our country, in our states, in our homes. Cut the crime rate, and please get back to business and hunt for the many kidnapped kids!! Just because of the GE, the police force had to abandon their search for Sharlinie. Sigh ... my prayers and wishes are for her and I hope parents out there can look after their kids better.
Okiesss
More comments from another reader
Now that the opposition parties have won control of 5 state governments and denied BN two third majority in the parliament, do the next stage by petition for a Royal Commission on Electoral Reform (RCER) in Malaysia.
If you want to have a better future for our children in Malaysia, do your part by signing the on-line petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/RCER2008/petition.html
This is one way to bring our message to the Government.
Don’t just sit there, stand up and be counted! We want a fair and transparent election.
WHY DO WE NEED TO REFORM THE ELECTION COMMISSION?
1) Gerrymandering. The discrepancy between number of voters in voting areas is too great. The smallest parliamentary seat (Federal Territory, Putrajaya) has only 6,608 voters while the parliamentary seat for Kapar in Selangor has 112,224 voters. What this means is that one vote in the Putrajaya parliamentary constituency is equivalent to 17 votes in the Kapar constituency.
2) Phantom voters. A common tactic is to ‘buy’ the identity card of the voters. Party members from the ruling parties will then vote on the voters’ behalf. Random checking of a person’s identity must be conducted using those finger print checking device (like the bank use). Any voting done on another person’s identity must be made a serious offence under the election law. Now you know why the indelible ink was withdrawn at the last minute by the SPR (Election Commission).
3) Postal votes. The rules on postal voting must be reviewed, tightened and amended. The current rule favours the ruling party as the armed forces personnel and policemen who vote by ‘postal voting’ would obviously not jeopardize their career or promotion prospect by voting for the opposition. Voting under postal voting is not secret as it is under the watchful eyes of the senior officers. Christina Liew of DAP (Api-Api) lost due to postal votes. The ruling party has control of 250,000 postal votes!
4) Spoiled votes. How do we define spoiled votes. It is very easy to turn good votes into spoiled votes (by adding one more x to the ballot paper). Are spoiled votes being verified and watched over by the party representatives? In marginal areas in which the winning margin is razor thin, the so-called spoiled votes need to be scrutinized.
Posted by Sean E to A Piece of My Mind at Tuesday, 18 March, 2008
If you want to have a better future for our children in Malaysia, do your part by signing the on-line petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/RCER2008/petition.html
This is one way to bring our message to the Government.
Don’t just sit there, stand up and be counted! We want a fair and transparent election.
WHY DO WE NEED TO REFORM THE ELECTION COMMISSION?
1) Gerrymandering. The discrepancy between number of voters in voting areas is too great. The smallest parliamentary seat (Federal Territory, Putrajaya) has only 6,608 voters while the parliamentary seat for Kapar in Selangor has 112,224 voters. What this means is that one vote in the Putrajaya parliamentary constituency is equivalent to 17 votes in the Kapar constituency.
2) Phantom voters. A common tactic is to ‘buy’ the identity card of the voters. Party members from the ruling parties will then vote on the voters’ behalf. Random checking of a person’s identity must be conducted using those finger print checking device (like the bank use). Any voting done on another person’s identity must be made a serious offence under the election law. Now you know why the indelible ink was withdrawn at the last minute by the SPR (Election Commission).
3) Postal votes. The rules on postal voting must be reviewed, tightened and amended. The current rule favours the ruling party as the armed forces personnel and policemen who vote by ‘postal voting’ would obviously not jeopardize their career or promotion prospect by voting for the opposition. Voting under postal voting is not secret as it is under the watchful eyes of the senior officers. Christina Liew of DAP (Api-Api) lost due to postal votes. The ruling party has control of 250,000 postal votes!
4) Spoiled votes. How do we define spoiled votes. It is very easy to turn good votes into spoiled votes (by adding one more x to the ballot paper). Are spoiled votes being verified and watched over by the party representatives? In marginal areas in which the winning margin is razor thin, the so-called spoiled votes need to be scrutinized.
Posted by Sean E to A Piece of My Mind at Tuesday, 18 March, 2008
Interesting Comments from a Reader
What's wrong with current PAS assemblymen in Perak? Or to be more specific,is there anything wrong with Ir Nizar?If the MB is from DAP,I'll welcome that decision because they deserve it.But majority of Msians are not up to that level yet.We are still cant get away from ethnic politic.
Maybe if u read Nizar biodata u 'd have a different view.If u already did,up to u if u still want to stick to ur opinion.Referring to his biodata,I think he is more 'multiracial' and has more experiences with non-muslim, perhaps better than Husam.
I would like to stress that PAS didn't ask for that post.It's just the sultan requested the three parties submit a name each and he will decide.I'm not sure whether there will be a 'Kerajaan PAS Perak' or 'Islamic state of Perak' if Nizar become the MB and most of the excos will be from DAP and NONE from PAS.
The fact that the MB is from PAS doesn't make the state under PAS rule,it is still under the coalition government. Looking at what Nizar said and PAS Perak Commisioner press conference,PAS pretty much realises that fact.And please remember that the decision came from Sultan of Perak,whom i think the most educated sultan in our country.
I also don't understand why the non-malays still have this skepticism about PAS.PAS today is not the same as PAS in 1980s.Not even the same as PAS in 1999.I still woder why the Indians in Parlimen Kota Raja voted for Dr Siti Mariah(PAS) and give her a 20,000plus majority although her opponent is from MIC. Even the Chinese in dun kota lama(kelantan) voted for PAS' Chinese muslim candidate, not the candidate from MCA.Maybe u want to find out why.
Posted by canberran pas supporter to A Piece of My Mind at Friday, 14 March, 2008
Maybe if u read Nizar biodata u 'd have a different view.If u already did,up to u if u still want to stick to ur opinion.Referring to his biodata,I think he is more 'multiracial' and has more experiences with non-muslim, perhaps better than Husam.
I would like to stress that PAS didn't ask for that post.It's just the sultan requested the three parties submit a name each and he will decide.I'm not sure whether there will be a 'Kerajaan PAS Perak' or 'Islamic state of Perak' if Nizar become the MB and most of the excos will be from DAP and NONE from PAS.
The fact that the MB is from PAS doesn't make the state under PAS rule,it is still under the coalition government. Looking at what Nizar said and PAS Perak Commisioner press conference,PAS pretty much realises that fact.And please remember that the decision came from Sultan of Perak,whom i think the most educated sultan in our country.
I also don't understand why the non-malays still have this skepticism about PAS.PAS today is not the same as PAS in 1980s.Not even the same as PAS in 1999.I still woder why the Indians in Parlimen Kota Raja voted for Dr Siti Mariah(PAS) and give her a 20,000plus majority although her opponent is from MIC. Even the Chinese in dun kota lama(kelantan) voted for PAS' Chinese muslim candidate, not the candidate from MCA.Maybe u want to find out why.
Posted by canberran pas supporter to A Piece of My Mind at Friday, 14 March, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
My 22nd Birthday
March 14th ... Hmm .... pals celebrated by giving me a yummy chocolate cake !! Gosh ... I hadn't had chocolates for quite some time. Pals also got me a pillow. Now, pillows are not to be looked down. This is exactly the pillow I liked. Double down surround pillow. Hotels like the Marriott chain use these pillows and the last time I tried it was at Marriott Sydney ! Amazing !
Had a nice happy pizza dinner. Well, thank you also to Sue Ann. She bought for me many things when I got back. She got me a Lacoste shirt ! Amazingly comfortable and nice ... thank you for the Marks and Spencer shirt too ... thanks dearie ! Sue Ann also bought me a Esprit pouch, and some tea ! Sadly, I couldn't bring the tea over due to time constraints of my domestic flight. So I couldn't afford any time with the customs officer on declarations of food. Haha.
As for my birthday again, I received another present from the International Students officer in ANU. I was slapped with a warning that I did not register any Australian address in my account and if I still do not have one, in 5 days time, they will report me to the Immigration Department !! Lol .... I actually changed my mailing address to the Malaysian one as I was back in Malaysia for summer holidays. I forgot to change it back to my Unilodge address ... what a present ! Haha ....
My double down pillow ....
Had a nice happy pizza dinner. Well, thank you also to Sue Ann. She bought for me many things when I got back. She got me a Lacoste shirt ! Amazingly comfortable and nice ... thank you for the Marks and Spencer shirt too ... thanks dearie ! Sue Ann also bought me a Esprit pouch, and some tea ! Sadly, I couldn't bring the tea over due to time constraints of my domestic flight. So I couldn't afford any time with the customs officer on declarations of food. Haha.
As for my birthday again, I received another present from the International Students officer in ANU. I was slapped with a warning that I did not register any Australian address in my account and if I still do not have one, in 5 days time, they will report me to the Immigration Department !! Lol .... I actually changed my mailing address to the Malaysian one as I was back in Malaysia for summer holidays. I forgot to change it back to my Unilodge address ... what a present ! Haha ....
My double down pillow ....
My Lacoste shirt from Sue Ann .... I already have a blue one .... this one is "sweeter" ...haha...
Sue Ann bought me this Marks and Spencer shirt ... a white one ... apparently she likes me in white .... haha ...
And a special thanks to Haky, my buddy from Korea. He got me this set !! He remembered that I liked Poker alot ... haha ... great gift !
All right, a little digression from politics to my personal life .... haha ..... anyway, I appreciate the comments from one of my readers .... he doesn't have a blog and he gave a long comment. I liked the opinions so I will publish it soon in another blog entry. For now, I will head straight to bed ! I have to walk up Black Mountain tomorrow morning ... exercise day ! Haha. Nites.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Kejor Yeop Kejor !
Perak oooh Perak. What is going on? YB Lim Kit Siang and his DAP team in Perak will be boycotting the appointment of YB Pasir Panjang from PAS as the MB of Perak. As I read around the blogosphere and from the comments I received in my blog, people are starting to call DAP a chauvinist Chinese. There was a reader who even "reminded" me that the Perak MB post is only fixed for a Malay Muslim.
Now, I am no DAP guy. But allow me to defend Malaysia's 2nd most famous Uncle Lim (the most famous would be Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong). The statement by DAP says they respect the alliance of PKR-DAP and that either YB Jamaluddin of Behrang from PKR or YB Ngeh Koo Ham of DAP should be the MB.
Given the legislation in Perak that the MB has to be a Malay Muslim, by the notes of the official statement of DAP, I wouldn't be surprised that DAP will nod their heads, smile and attend the official ceremony of the appointment of YB Jamaluddin as the MB of Perak.
How then can we say that DAP stalwarts are racists, chauvinists? The term chauvinists seem to be a description of Chinese only. And more recently, Indians. What about the UMNO racists in the General Assembly? Were there any suspensions served to them or sacking? In MCA and MIC, if anyone plays the racial cards, wow ... they get slapped hard ! But in UMNO, Datuk Seri Najib will come up saying "We will not be airing the General Assembly live on air in future".
Haha. I am not saying DAP is a party for all. We all agree that they are not. But the case in Perak, there is a dilemma indeed. The Chinese and Indians there are supportive of PKR and DAP. They are wary of the motives, agendas and leadership of PAS in Perak.
Kelantan heroes like Datuk Husam Musa and Nasharuddin Mat Isa would have been welcomed with open arms in Perak. But not the current line up of PAS assemblyman in Perak that we have now.
So, the dilemma is this. If PAS gets the MB-ship instead of PKR, we can be ready to see that the supporters of DAP and PKR that consists of Malays, Chinese and Indians might vote for the Barisan Nasional candidates in the 13th General Election. Also, those Malays, Chinese and Indians sitting on the fence will also vote for the Barisan Nasional in the next term. This spells trouble for the Barisan Rakyat!
Let me remind you that we Perakians Malays and non Malays have never ever fought against Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib or Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli's legitimacy or grasp on the MB-ship of Perak. Never ever. So never ever label the Perakians Malays and non Malays as bodoh, chauvinists, racists or any bad smelly names!
It is just that politically for the opposition, it would have been wiser to have a PKR Malay MB that a PAS Malay MB at least for this new Government of Perak for this term. It would help to boost the confidence of the people in the opposition and perhaps in the next term, accept the leadership of PAS in Perak. With the official appointment of YB Pasir Panjang from PAS as the new MB of Perak and DAP Perak chief Ngeh Koo Ham as the Deputy MB of Perak, I would say that the opposition is in for a hard time in the 13th General Election in Perak. If instead YB Jamaluddin was appointed as the new MB of Perak and Ngeh Koo Ham as Deputy MB, the stability of politics in Perak would have been better and life can get on as usual.
For those of you who want UMNO, MCA and MIC under the umbrella of Barisan Nasional to win back Perak, feel free to cheer on the Barisan Rakyat of Perak! If everything goes well, the BN can wrest control of Perak in the next term.
Now, I am no DAP guy. But allow me to defend Malaysia's 2nd most famous Uncle Lim (the most famous would be Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong). The statement by DAP says they respect the alliance of PKR-DAP and that either YB Jamaluddin of Behrang from PKR or YB Ngeh Koo Ham of DAP should be the MB.
Given the legislation in Perak that the MB has to be a Malay Muslim, by the notes of the official statement of DAP, I wouldn't be surprised that DAP will nod their heads, smile and attend the official ceremony of the appointment of YB Jamaluddin as the MB of Perak.
How then can we say that DAP stalwarts are racists, chauvinists? The term chauvinists seem to be a description of Chinese only. And more recently, Indians. What about the UMNO racists in the General Assembly? Were there any suspensions served to them or sacking? In MCA and MIC, if anyone plays the racial cards, wow ... they get slapped hard ! But in UMNO, Datuk Seri Najib will come up saying "We will not be airing the General Assembly live on air in future".
Haha. I am not saying DAP is a party for all. We all agree that they are not. But the case in Perak, there is a dilemma indeed. The Chinese and Indians there are supportive of PKR and DAP. They are wary of the motives, agendas and leadership of PAS in Perak.
Kelantan heroes like Datuk Husam Musa and Nasharuddin Mat Isa would have been welcomed with open arms in Perak. But not the current line up of PAS assemblyman in Perak that we have now.
So, the dilemma is this. If PAS gets the MB-ship instead of PKR, we can be ready to see that the supporters of DAP and PKR that consists of Malays, Chinese and Indians might vote for the Barisan Nasional candidates in the 13th General Election. Also, those Malays, Chinese and Indians sitting on the fence will also vote for the Barisan Nasional in the next term. This spells trouble for the Barisan Rakyat!
Let me remind you that we Perakians Malays and non Malays have never ever fought against Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib or Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli's legitimacy or grasp on the MB-ship of Perak. Never ever. So never ever label the Perakians Malays and non Malays as bodoh, chauvinists, racists or any bad smelly names!
It is just that politically for the opposition, it would have been wiser to have a PKR Malay MB that a PAS Malay MB at least for this new Government of Perak for this term. It would help to boost the confidence of the people in the opposition and perhaps in the next term, accept the leadership of PAS in Perak. With the official appointment of YB Pasir Panjang from PAS as the new MB of Perak and DAP Perak chief Ngeh Koo Ham as the Deputy MB of Perak, I would say that the opposition is in for a hard time in the 13th General Election in Perak. If instead YB Jamaluddin was appointed as the new MB of Perak and Ngeh Koo Ham as Deputy MB, the stability of politics in Perak would have been better and life can get on as usual.
For those of you who want UMNO, MCA and MIC under the umbrella of Barisan Nasional to win back Perak, feel free to cheer on the Barisan Rakyat of Perak! If everything goes well, the BN can wrest control of Perak in the next term.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Kedah, Selangor
Before I begin, let me make it clear I am never a racist guy. I have friends of multi races and I have criticized the Malays, Chinese and Indians consistently. However, my following comments might be misinterpreted by some people. But that is the way we analyse election results in Malaysia where race based politics are still in existence. So be patient when you read and don't start having bad assumptions about me.
People of Penang. You have voted Gerakan and MCA out of Penang. Sayonara for Penang! My dad would be very sad now because something he said was quite true and affected my thinking. All these while, UMNO had more seats than any single party in Penang. However, due to the pact acknowledged in the past, and that MCA+Gerakan>UMNO seats, Gerakan maintained the Chief Minister-ship.
Now, given that DAP has a clean sweep of Penang, then what will happen to Penang in future? If DAP-PKR-PAS continue winning Penang, there will not be a problem and the Chinese can be assured that Penang will remain a multiracial state under a Chinese rule of DAP.
But, what if Barisan Nasional wrests Penang back in future? UMNO warlords in Penang might tell Gerakan to "go to hell" and blame them for their failure in the 2008 elections. The warlords could push for a UMNO member to hold the CM-ship or the federal level leadership would agree to a rotation system of Gerakan-MCA-UMNO Chief Ministership in Penang. What then will the Chinese in Penang get? It could end up in a lose-lose game for them there.
So why are the Chinese, Indians and Malay voting DAP, PAS and PKR? This question is more to the Chinese. Barisan Nasional has not done enough for you? No 2nd bridge? No monorail?
Do you think voting Barisan Rakyat will give you a monorail, another bridge and a better economy? Don't compare to Tun Lim Chong Eu's time. He brought in industrial mega companies and created jobs and development in Penang. With Penang's current space constraints and with Penang already having so many things, we surely cannot expect a great bang boom boom from BN but we should instead expect gradual growth. What do you want Gerakan to do? Bring more cash to your home? How? Ask Toyota to come in and build the factory on top of Intel factory? Voila .... economy solved?
Let us all see what a Malacca politician - the now Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng - can do for all of you in Penang. We all criticize Pak Lah for letting his son-in-law getting into power, MCA with the Ongs and Lings, Gerakan with the Lim dynasty also. What about the Lims in DAP, the Ibrahims in PKR? Let us all hope the Opposition can really satisfy the needs of Penangites.
In Perak, the people voted for DAP and PKR. Why will we be having a PAS assemblyman from Pasir Panjang as the next Menteri Besar of Perak? If that is the case, I am not being racial or what, but the Malay, Chinese and Indians who looked forward to a PKR-DAP rule will no longer support the Opposition in the next term.
Perakians are not like the people of Kelantan or Kedah. There are alot of Indians and Chinese here. And a lot of Malays, Chinese and Indians support DAP and PKR here due to the power of professionals in DAP with their check and balance and the Anwar factor of PKR. This is clearly shown in the composition of results of the Opposition. If the YB of Pasir Panjang is sworn in as the next leader of Perak, I am sorry to tell the Barisan Rakyat that the next results for Perak could be the worst ever for them. The Chinese, Indians and some Malays are worried over the PAS rule especially from the 'stories' they heard of Kelantan and formerly Terengganu.
Note : I am beginning to receive some comments and it seems that I have been misunderstood. Never have I said here that I want a Chinese MB in Perak. I am aware that 'Undang-undang Tubuh Negeri Perak menyatakan bahawa seorang MB mestilah seorang Melayu yang beragama Islam'. Just that in the eyes of Perakian non Malays, they wouldn't mind having a PKR Malay who is a Muslim to lead Perak as compared to someone from PAS. Perakians, especially those living in villages, have heard 'scary' stories of the Islamic state rules. They are already having misconceptions since the beginning of PAS existence. We Perakians have never rejected a Malay MB in Perak.
Thus, to appeal to the public that consists of a multiracial society, it would have been wiser to put a PKR Malay as the next MB for at least this time. You wouldn't want to see the DAP-PKR-PAS pact winning only this time in Perak, right? Moreover, PKR would have deserved more given that the results were DAP - 18, PKR - 7, PAS - 6. In this case, it could be Ab Yunus Jamhari of Kuala Kurau, Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu of Changkat Jering, and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi of Behrang. Again, I have nothing against PAS and it is just a comment of what I think the Perak people will feel ... I personally have in the past and present stressed my support for PAS rule under Nasharuddin and Datuk Husam as well as Nik Aziz. I wouldn't mind having any of the two as my MB in Perak. But I am not sure about this YB of Pasir Panjang. Nevertheless, it will be a fresh new start for Perak! So please, don't come writing comments in my blog to slam me on this anymore okay? Thanks ! ( added 12.38am 10th March 2008 )
As for Kelantan, bye bye UMNO. Uprising PAS leaders like Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Datuk Husam Musa are just too good and charismatic. I guess the Kelantanese want to unite under PAS and see what the new leaders can bring to them when Dato' Nik Aziz steps down next. And I have a preference to see Datuk Husam Musa to take over ... it would be interesting to see either Nasharuddin or Husam as the next MB though.
I guess Dato' Seri Khir Toyo is feeling uneasy now. Many UMNO Youth leaders are awaiting his head at the chopping board. But pity this guy. He was the MB of Selangor till the 8th of March. When results were officially announced, he automatically becomes the Opposition Leader of Selangor. There .... things happen overnight huh? Never did I expect Selangor to fall under Opposition rule. This is because according to the interactive elections map in The Star, the description for Selangor was "Barisan will undoubtedly retain the state but look out for some interesting, even tough, fights in certain parliamentary and state seats where the Opposition is fielding some strong candidates."
Over confident I guess? Never try to make sweeping statements anymore, dear editors of The Star! Well, I have just read that Kedah's MB has been sworn in at 3.30pm today. That was pretty quick. I don't know much about Kedah so I will leave it there.
Dr Mahathir called a press conference and asked for the leader of Barisan Nasional to take responsibility for creating the best ever election results in 2004 and now the worst ever election results in 2008. Haha .. Encik Sufi Yusof (Tun's PA) will be forwarding the transcripts to me soon and I hope we can all see what Tun said on post election day!
People of Penang. You have voted Gerakan and MCA out of Penang. Sayonara for Penang! My dad would be very sad now because something he said was quite true and affected my thinking. All these while, UMNO had more seats than any single party in Penang. However, due to the pact acknowledged in the past, and that MCA+Gerakan>UMNO seats, Gerakan maintained the Chief Minister-ship.
Now, given that DAP has a clean sweep of Penang, then what will happen to Penang in future? If DAP-PKR-PAS continue winning Penang, there will not be a problem and the Chinese can be assured that Penang will remain a multiracial state under a Chinese rule of DAP.
But, what if Barisan Nasional wrests Penang back in future? UMNO warlords in Penang might tell Gerakan to "go to hell" and blame them for their failure in the 2008 elections. The warlords could push for a UMNO member to hold the CM-ship or the federal level leadership would agree to a rotation system of Gerakan-MCA-UMNO Chief Ministership in Penang. What then will the Chinese in Penang get? It could end up in a lose-lose game for them there.
So why are the Chinese, Indians and Malay voting DAP, PAS and PKR? This question is more to the Chinese. Barisan Nasional has not done enough for you? No 2nd bridge? No monorail?
Do you think voting Barisan Rakyat will give you a monorail, another bridge and a better economy? Don't compare to Tun Lim Chong Eu's time. He brought in industrial mega companies and created jobs and development in Penang. With Penang's current space constraints and with Penang already having so many things, we surely cannot expect a great bang boom boom from BN but we should instead expect gradual growth. What do you want Gerakan to do? Bring more cash to your home? How? Ask Toyota to come in and build the factory on top of Intel factory? Voila .... economy solved?
Let us all see what a Malacca politician - the now Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng - can do for all of you in Penang. We all criticize Pak Lah for letting his son-in-law getting into power, MCA with the Ongs and Lings, Gerakan with the Lim dynasty also. What about the Lims in DAP, the Ibrahims in PKR? Let us all hope the Opposition can really satisfy the needs of Penangites.
In Perak, the people voted for DAP and PKR. Why will we be having a PAS assemblyman from Pasir Panjang as the next Menteri Besar of Perak? If that is the case, I am not being racial or what, but the Malay, Chinese and Indians who looked forward to a PKR-DAP rule will no longer support the Opposition in the next term.
Perakians are not like the people of Kelantan or Kedah. There are alot of Indians and Chinese here. And a lot of Malays, Chinese and Indians support DAP and PKR here due to the power of professionals in DAP with their check and balance and the Anwar factor of PKR. This is clearly shown in the composition of results of the Opposition. If the YB of Pasir Panjang is sworn in as the next leader of Perak, I am sorry to tell the Barisan Rakyat that the next results for Perak could be the worst ever for them. The Chinese, Indians and some Malays are worried over the PAS rule especially from the 'stories' they heard of Kelantan and formerly Terengganu.
Note : I am beginning to receive some comments and it seems that I have been misunderstood. Never have I said here that I want a Chinese MB in Perak. I am aware that 'Undang-undang Tubuh Negeri Perak menyatakan bahawa seorang MB mestilah seorang Melayu yang beragama Islam'. Just that in the eyes of Perakian non Malays, they wouldn't mind having a PKR Malay who is a Muslim to lead Perak as compared to someone from PAS. Perakians, especially those living in villages, have heard 'scary' stories of the Islamic state rules. They are already having misconceptions since the beginning of PAS existence. We Perakians have never rejected a Malay MB in Perak.
Thus, to appeal to the public that consists of a multiracial society, it would have been wiser to put a PKR Malay as the next MB for at least this time. You wouldn't want to see the DAP-PKR-PAS pact winning only this time in Perak, right? Moreover, PKR would have deserved more given that the results were DAP - 18, PKR - 7, PAS - 6. In this case, it could be Ab Yunus Jamhari of Kuala Kurau, Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu of Changkat Jering, and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi of Behrang. Again, I have nothing against PAS and it is just a comment of what I think the Perak people will feel ... I personally have in the past and present stressed my support for PAS rule under Nasharuddin and Datuk Husam as well as Nik Aziz. I wouldn't mind having any of the two as my MB in Perak. But I am not sure about this YB of Pasir Panjang. Nevertheless, it will be a fresh new start for Perak! So please, don't come writing comments in my blog to slam me on this anymore okay? Thanks ! ( added 12.38am 10th March 2008 )
As for Kelantan, bye bye UMNO. Uprising PAS leaders like Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Datuk Husam Musa are just too good and charismatic. I guess the Kelantanese want to unite under PAS and see what the new leaders can bring to them when Dato' Nik Aziz steps down next. And I have a preference to see Datuk Husam Musa to take over ... it would be interesting to see either Nasharuddin or Husam as the next MB though.
I guess Dato' Seri Khir Toyo is feeling uneasy now. Many UMNO Youth leaders are awaiting his head at the chopping board. But pity this guy. He was the MB of Selangor till the 8th of March. When results were officially announced, he automatically becomes the Opposition Leader of Selangor. There .... things happen overnight huh? Never did I expect Selangor to fall under Opposition rule. This is because according to the interactive elections map in The Star, the description for Selangor was "Barisan will undoubtedly retain the state but look out for some interesting, even tough, fights in certain parliamentary and state seats where the Opposition is fielding some strong candidates."
Over confident I guess? Never try to make sweeping statements anymore, dear editors of The Star! Well, I have just read that Kedah's MB has been sworn in at 3.30pm today. That was pretty quick. I don't know much about Kedah so I will leave it there.
Dr Mahathir called a press conference and asked for the leader of Barisan Nasional to take responsibility for creating the best ever election results in 2004 and now the worst ever election results in 2008. Haha .. Encik Sufi Yusof (Tun's PA) will be forwarding the transcripts to me soon and I hope we can all see what Tun said on post election day!
Unbelievable
I have never expected Perak and Selangor State Governments to fall under opposition. Yesterday night when I was looking at updates from NST that the opposition won 22 seats and needed a few more only to take over, I was stunned. And I forgot about my home state till 3.30am when I saw the results table that opposition was leading the Coalition by 7 to 1.
Damn! 5 states under opposition rule. Perak, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan. I left Perak under BN rule, and if I return in June or November this year, it would be a new Barisan Rakyat government! Day after day when I read newspapers in Malaysia, I was optimistic with BN's chances in Kelantan. Tsk tsk, sad to say, even Dr Awang Adek - the Kelantan MB designate - lost to the ever popular Nasharuddin Isa!
I was expecting chaos because in the past when DAP wins alot, the Chinese are deemed as racists and there were signs of riots and uneasiness in Malaysia. However, this time around, sorry to say this to UMNO-MCA-MIC, MALAYSIANS consisting of Malays, Chinese and Indians have voiced out by supporting the oppositions' multiracial candidates as well!
In some seats, I can see that the challenger from the opposition defeated the BN incumbent of another race! Given that most of the time BN play by racial politics and place a candidate based on the highest number of race in that particular constituency, this would mean that if a Malay opposition candidate wins an Indian populated seat, even the Indians are supporting the Malay candidate!
So then, do we really care much if we are Malay, Chinese or Indians? I don't think the significance of this point bears much weight anymore. People are voting against the coalition due to many factors which I guess Pak Lah will analyse soon and let us know! Pak Lah should prepare and explain to us why the struggles of BN's founding fathers are no longer in the minds of voters. Pak Lah should also stress to the Coalition that their 'excellent' record in the history textbooks are no longer useful. Scare tactics of reoccurence of May 13 if we vote for the opposition will never work anymore.
In such a defeat, the first thing that came to my mind was Dr Mahathir's comments about Pak Lah's leadership. However, Pak Lah made it clear that the people did not vote against his leadership. So let us see in Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Penang and Kelantan.
Kedah - is BN trying to blame Datuk Mahdzir Khalid?
Perak - Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli not doing a good job? Maybe ... has been a retirees town since the birth of Perak. Er, Sultan Azlan and Raja Nazrin might be shocked to see a new Government.
Selangor - let me just say UMNO Youth will be smiling all the way when they see Dr Khir Toyo getting rid of and what does that mean? Promotions in UMNO Youth when Dr Khir is out and obsolete! But to me, Dr Khir has been a good leader I believe. Hmm ... a self declared developed state by BN is now under the Opposition. I remember the opposition slamming the Coalition on the developing-developed status of Selangor. I wonder if the new Government of Selangor will be happily shouting out "Selangor Dah Maju" like BN.
Penang - even before the elections, I believe many of the Malays, Chinese and Indians know Penang might fall under the Barisan Rakyat rule led by DAP Penang. I believe Lim Guan Eng will be the new CM. What then will happen to the monorail project? The 2nd Penang Bridge? The Rapid Penang will not be 'rapid' anymore? Hmm.
Kelantan - Dr Awang Adek lost his election bid earlier on the day. So, I guess it is expected that in the end, PAS will still rule. I hope Datuk Husam Musa gets to be the new Menteri Besar. I think he is quite good. UMNO was quite confident of winning Kelantan. But in the end, the Malays rejected UMNO's presence and sent them all packing with a trashing!
When I see these results, I guess someone has to be responsible. Should party component leaders resign? Should the BN leaders resign and make way for others? I just read from Rockybru that Dr Mahathir will be having a press conference at 11am in his residence. Watch what he will say. UMNO might need an EGM I guess.
Heavyweights like Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, Datuk Seri Shahrizat, Datuk Seri ZAM and Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon were rejected and it was surprising to see that even Nurul Izzah could win! As for Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, I guess the Indians are very unhappy. Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon should have been given a safe seat ... but it is too late now. Oh yes, the Taiping people rejected M Kayveas!
My dad was a Taiping boy and I think he expected it. Hmm. Given that so many state Governments, haha, Datuk-ships will not be given to Coalition people
Damn! 5 states under opposition rule. Perak, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan. I left Perak under BN rule, and if I return in June or November this year, it would be a new Barisan Rakyat government! Day after day when I read newspapers in Malaysia, I was optimistic with BN's chances in Kelantan. Tsk tsk, sad to say, even Dr Awang Adek - the Kelantan MB designate - lost to the ever popular Nasharuddin Isa!
I was expecting chaos because in the past when DAP wins alot, the Chinese are deemed as racists and there were signs of riots and uneasiness in Malaysia. However, this time around, sorry to say this to UMNO-MCA-MIC, MALAYSIANS consisting of Malays, Chinese and Indians have voiced out by supporting the oppositions' multiracial candidates as well!
In some seats, I can see that the challenger from the opposition defeated the BN incumbent of another race! Given that most of the time BN play by racial politics and place a candidate based on the highest number of race in that particular constituency, this would mean that if a Malay opposition candidate wins an Indian populated seat, even the Indians are supporting the Malay candidate!
So then, do we really care much if we are Malay, Chinese or Indians? I don't think the significance of this point bears much weight anymore. People are voting against the coalition due to many factors which I guess Pak Lah will analyse soon and let us know! Pak Lah should prepare and explain to us why the struggles of BN's founding fathers are no longer in the minds of voters. Pak Lah should also stress to the Coalition that their 'excellent' record in the history textbooks are no longer useful. Scare tactics of reoccurence of May 13 if we vote for the opposition will never work anymore.
In such a defeat, the first thing that came to my mind was Dr Mahathir's comments about Pak Lah's leadership. However, Pak Lah made it clear that the people did not vote against his leadership. So let us see in Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Penang and Kelantan.
Kedah - is BN trying to blame Datuk Mahdzir Khalid?
Perak - Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli not doing a good job? Maybe ... has been a retirees town since the birth of Perak. Er, Sultan Azlan and Raja Nazrin might be shocked to see a new Government.
Selangor - let me just say UMNO Youth will be smiling all the way when they see Dr Khir Toyo getting rid of and what does that mean? Promotions in UMNO Youth when Dr Khir is out and obsolete! But to me, Dr Khir has been a good leader I believe. Hmm ... a self declared developed state by BN is now under the Opposition. I remember the opposition slamming the Coalition on the developing-developed status of Selangor. I wonder if the new Government of Selangor will be happily shouting out "Selangor Dah Maju" like BN.
Penang - even before the elections, I believe many of the Malays, Chinese and Indians know Penang might fall under the Barisan Rakyat rule led by DAP Penang. I believe Lim Guan Eng will be the new CM. What then will happen to the monorail project? The 2nd Penang Bridge? The Rapid Penang will not be 'rapid' anymore? Hmm.
Kelantan - Dr Awang Adek lost his election bid earlier on the day. So, I guess it is expected that in the end, PAS will still rule. I hope Datuk Husam Musa gets to be the new Menteri Besar. I think he is quite good. UMNO was quite confident of winning Kelantan. But in the end, the Malays rejected UMNO's presence and sent them all packing with a trashing!
When I see these results, I guess someone has to be responsible. Should party component leaders resign? Should the BN leaders resign and make way for others? I just read from Rockybru that Dr Mahathir will be having a press conference at 11am in his residence. Watch what he will say. UMNO might need an EGM I guess.
Heavyweights like Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, Datuk Seri Shahrizat, Datuk Seri ZAM and Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon were rejected and it was surprising to see that even Nurul Izzah could win! As for Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, I guess the Indians are very unhappy. Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon should have been given a safe seat ... but it is too late now. Oh yes, the Taiping people rejected M Kayveas!
My dad was a Taiping boy and I think he expected it. Hmm. Given that so many state Governments, haha, Datuk-ships will not be given to Coalition people
Internet
I have been busy for the past week till Thursday. And what a surprise I got on Friday. I was taking my bath and midway, the light just went off. I thought someone was playing with the lights and wrapped a towel around me and went out to check the switches, the fius box. In the end, I found out that the whole Unilodge did not have electricity.
After awhile, electricity was back here but the internet server suffered a breakdown. And I don't have internet ... till at least Tuesday just because the technicians don't work on weekends and public holiday (10th March is Canberra Day). Arrrgh .
So sorry for not blogging much. But I am keeping myself updated with latest news of the election results !
Amazing and interesting so far as I am writing this blog entry. Well ... gotta go now, it is late and I wanna concentrate on the latest news as they flow in !
After awhile, electricity was back here but the internet server suffered a breakdown. And I don't have internet ... till at least Tuesday just because the technicians don't work on weekends and public holiday (10th March is Canberra Day). Arrrgh .
So sorry for not blogging much. But I am keeping myself updated with latest news of the election results !
Amazing and interesting so far as I am writing this blog entry. Well ... gotta go now, it is late and I wanna concentrate on the latest news as they flow in !
Monday, March 03, 2008
Manifesto Barisan Nasional
Pardon me for not blogging about the manifestos of the political parties. Have been really busy and emotional since last week. Well I might look big and macho but I have a fragile emotion at times. Haha.
Anyway, I have just downloaded the manifestos of the political parties contesting in East Malaysia i.e. BN, PAS, DAP, PKR. I only had time to browse through BN's manifesto. Will read the rest soon. I think Pak Lah's manifesto seem more detailed than the rest. But it seems to me that Pak Lah is promising alot of things in this manifesto.
The election promises seem more liberal with focus on many key issues. I wonder if Pak Lah has the power to steer the BN warlords to fulfill these election promises and gain approval from all elected MPs during their Parliamentary meetings and their respective parties' General Assembly.
Hmmmm. We shall see ! Canberra is cold at night and in the morning nowadays but warm in the noon. Not really used to the weather yet but I am adjusting my life a little. Workload seems stressful but I guess I am gonna take it step by step. I have too many things in my head now. Maybe it will be clearer in a month's time.
Mom said that she might be accompanying my grandma for a trip to Australia. I hope she comes to see me in April :) I am currently taking up the challenge from mom to go down to 78kg and she will give me the reward ... Haha. Dad had another warning that if I dont lose weight, he won't buy me an airticket to return home for holidays this year. So yes ! I am on a diet and exercise with support from pals and family.
Hopefully I can do it ! I have work to do and look through what I have missed last week. So, will blog more later. Meantime, if you have anything you want to say or contact me, do so through my blog or my email. Take care folks !
Anyway, I have just downloaded the manifestos of the political parties contesting in East Malaysia i.e. BN, PAS, DAP, PKR. I only had time to browse through BN's manifesto. Will read the rest soon. I think Pak Lah's manifesto seem more detailed than the rest. But it seems to me that Pak Lah is promising alot of things in this manifesto.
The election promises seem more liberal with focus on many key issues. I wonder if Pak Lah has the power to steer the BN warlords to fulfill these election promises and gain approval from all elected MPs during their Parliamentary meetings and their respective parties' General Assembly.
Hmmmm. We shall see ! Canberra is cold at night and in the morning nowadays but warm in the noon. Not really used to the weather yet but I am adjusting my life a little. Workload seems stressful but I guess I am gonna take it step by step. I have too many things in my head now. Maybe it will be clearer in a month's time.
Mom said that she might be accompanying my grandma for a trip to Australia. I hope she comes to see me in April :) I am currently taking up the challenge from mom to go down to 78kg and she will give me the reward ... Haha. Dad had another warning that if I dont lose weight, he won't buy me an airticket to return home for holidays this year. So yes ! I am on a diet and exercise with support from pals and family.
Hopefully I can do it ! I have work to do and look through what I have missed last week. So, will blog more later. Meantime, if you have anything you want to say or contact me, do so through my blog or my email. Take care folks !
Sunday, March 02, 2008
In Canberra
I was on board MH 123 from KLIA to Sydney at 10.40 pm and arrived at 9.40am Australia time. Then, I filled up the declaration form crossing 'no' for all the stuff because I really am not bringing any food, any medicine, any soiled items, etc.
However, sadly, I was led to a counter for questioning and searching of my luggage !!! So of course I had to cooperate. I had a copy of The Star with me and the officer looked at an article of a drug ring busted.
And he asked me if anyone has ever asked me to do the same, if I have drugs etc. I was questioned and slowly examined - my intentions to Australia, how long I have been studying here, how do I like Australia, what are the items in my bag, who is paying for my education etc. It was way too long and I kept looking at my clock because I had a domestic flight to catch !
Thankfully I had sufficient time to go the Terminal 2 via bus after the questioning session and still have 20 minutes to wait for the plane from Sydney to Canberra via Virgin Blue. I was innocent and had nothing.
There were three of us (coz I saw two guys in front of me) who were searched and questioned at that moment. I guess it was a random thing. But everything went well between me and the officer. Luckily it wasn't any longer.
Otherwise I could have been late for my domestic flight ! The journey was tiring but I am now back in Canberra. Pals went out lunch with me and I am exhausted. I am beginning to dislike airline food and sick of flying a little.
But seriously, I had troubles of homesickness and other emotional issues. I miss my home, my parents and their voices and grumbles, my naughty sister and my dogs. But this time I have another sadness. I won't be able to see Sue Ann anymore till December when she comes back for holidays.
Sigh. I feel sad when I think of all these. Life must go on though but talk is easy. My feelings now are highly emotional. Cried when I said bye to Sue Ann, wept when I said bye to my family in KLIA, and had tears in eyes while in MAS plane and the Sydney Airport.
I do hope that my schedule will keep me busy and not think too much of other things though it might be hard for the meantime.
Elections in Malaysia is on the way this weekend ! Although physically I am not there, but I will be with you all the time online and updating myself !
However, sadly, I was led to a counter for questioning and searching of my luggage !!! So of course I had to cooperate. I had a copy of The Star with me and the officer looked at an article of a drug ring busted.
And he asked me if anyone has ever asked me to do the same, if I have drugs etc. I was questioned and slowly examined - my intentions to Australia, how long I have been studying here, how do I like Australia, what are the items in my bag, who is paying for my education etc. It was way too long and I kept looking at my clock because I had a domestic flight to catch !
Thankfully I had sufficient time to go the Terminal 2 via bus after the questioning session and still have 20 minutes to wait for the plane from Sydney to Canberra via Virgin Blue. I was innocent and had nothing.
There were three of us (coz I saw two guys in front of me) who were searched and questioned at that moment. I guess it was a random thing. But everything went well between me and the officer. Luckily it wasn't any longer.
Otherwise I could have been late for my domestic flight ! The journey was tiring but I am now back in Canberra. Pals went out lunch with me and I am exhausted. I am beginning to dislike airline food and sick of flying a little.
But seriously, I had troubles of homesickness and other emotional issues. I miss my home, my parents and their voices and grumbles, my naughty sister and my dogs. But this time I have another sadness. I won't be able to see Sue Ann anymore till December when she comes back for holidays.
Sigh. I feel sad when I think of all these. Life must go on though but talk is easy. My feelings now are highly emotional. Cried when I said bye to Sue Ann, wept when I said bye to my family in KLIA, and had tears in eyes while in MAS plane and the Sydney Airport.
I do hope that my schedule will keep me busy and not think too much of other things though it might be hard for the meantime.
Elections in Malaysia is on the way this weekend ! Although physically I am not there, but I will be with you all the time online and updating myself !
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