Baik Beli Ferrari kan?

Izinkanlah saya menggunakan kata-kata yang sudah pasti akan melukai hati Tun Dr Mahathir, warga Proton, institusi Proton, rakyat yang ingin melihat Proton berjaya dan semua yang telah mendokong aspirasi Malaysia ini.

"Maka berkuburlah Proton di tangan Kerajaan Negeri-negeri Malaysia dan Kerajaan Pusat Malaysia"

Saya tak pasti sangat pasal "maintenance" kereta-kereta Proton. Rumah saya ada dua buah kereta Proton. Maintenance pun tak sampai beribu-ribu Ringgit setahun. Dah lah kereta - kereta Proton saya tu sekurang - kurangnya 5 tahun !

Malah, kereta yang abah dan emak miliki di rumah tu Proton Waja. Tak lah semewah Proton Perdana Eksekutif yang Datuk-Datuk, Datuk Seri - Datuk Seri, dif - dif kehormat naiki tu !

Saya berharap pihak ACA menyiasat perkara ini secepat mungkin. Saya juga ingin menyeru kepada pihak Proton agar mengeluarkan iklan dan kenyataan media secepat mungkin untuk menangkis segala kritikan oleh pihak Kerajaan Terengganu.

Izinkan saya meneruskan dalam Bahasa Inggeris.

Now, assuming the prices and market is not distorted, the price of a car is actually the best signal available to describe and symbolize the quality of it. In other words, it is an informational signal. However, some might argue that the prices and market of automobile in Malaysia is distorted.

We must not forget that the taxation of automobile is quite high for imported cars but certain cars like the Mercedes are locally assembled. Also, let us remind ourselves the existence of APs for imported cars that will further cause complications for us to really value the quality of the car with pricing levels.

If we take these in the absolute sense, then of course, by pricing level ( be it the Merc is locally assembled or not ), the Proton is incomparable to the Merc. Mercedes cars are a total different class as compared to Proton. They are ranked in the luxury good while Proton can be said as a normal good when it comes to automobile purchases.

In Economics, if there is a rise in income, the entity or individual will tend to proceed with an increase in demand or consumption for normal and luxury goods. In the Government of Terengganu - Merc - Proton case, they have been using Proton all these while under the policy of Malaysia's Executive arm.

Thus, given a "rise" in income with the grant of oil royalty to be handled by the State Government by the Federal Government, do we not expect the Terengganu leaders to demand and consume luxury?

I am just saying this in the Economics sense and Datuk Ahmad Said need not waste his time to attack me back on this. But let me tell you this Datuk Ahmad Said. Have you considered Range Rover? Not bad too. I think it is around RM 400k . Definitely better than Proton cars, can travel with lots of power in highways, highlands, rough lands, patchy roads, beaches etc.

What about Ferrari? I think they have a good reputation too. They cost around RM 900k and some run into RM 1 mil - 10 mil? I am pretty sure Ferrari cars and the Range Rover cars require fairly little maintenance although the initial investment cost is high. Perhaps in the long run, it might be a viable project to adopt?

The Ferrari might be pushing too far but why not Range Rover? Why not BMW? Why Mercedes? Reveal your calculations.

As State leaders, and I believe soon the Federal Government leaders might consider BMW or Merc or Rolls Royce, you are not even supportive of Proton, how can you not use something that represents the country's image and identity?

I know many of you hate Proton out there. But I believe it is cheaper and better to encourage Proton to improve as soon as they can. You won't want to know the economics and financial effects to our country's unemployment rate, GDP, crime etc that will occur due to the shut down of Proton.

Lend Proton your support, like the Japanese and Koreans did with their carmakers. And we shall excel one day. As a State leader, I would have expected Datuk Ahmad Said to at least talk to ACA, Proton, and the Federal leaders first before making the purchase of the Mercedes cars.

Just by looking at the maintenance figures, even a dumb person would know there is something fishy there ! One solution I believe is to auction off the cars or let the Federal Government take over the ownership for Foreign dignitaries and visitors to use in future.

Again, behave like a State leader. Your actions and words have caused ripples across other States and many States are opening their Lion's mouth to ask for Camry, Merc, BMW etc.

Now, will you be a nice gentleman and apologize to Proton for smearing their image? I believe Proton's investigations have shown that the dealer and service centre in Terengganu is "fishy" and under ACA probe now. But the damage on Proton was done and is really bad.

Yes. I have said it and I will say it again. "Maka berkuburlah Proton di tangan Kerajaan Negeri-negeri Malaysia dan Kerajaan Pusat Malaysia"

Relationship Economics

I read with great interest in Marina Mahathir's blog about the Economics of Love. Allow me to first congratulate Mr Ben Stein for applying Economics in a lighter sense and allowing us to view relationship from the perspective of Economics. For those who have not read it, go try and understand it here.

Actually, Economics is not all about supply and demand only. If that is the case, I would have graduated in my first year or perhaps even in my college days. Haha. Economics is indeed a broad perspective where there exists many branches such as Financial Economics, Political Economics, Game Theory, Micro and Macro Theory etc. There are also many types of Economic models out there for us to learn, grasp and apply in daily lives.

Never has it crossed my mind to think about Economics of Love given the seriousness of the contents of my lectures and courses although Dr Jane Golley did recommend us to read this book Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything when we were just in Microeconomics 1.

For those who want to know more about this Freakonomics book, I believe you can check it out the review in Wikipedia here.

The partial text : (by Ben Stein)

1. In general, and with rare exceptions, the returns in love situations are roughly proportional to the amount of time and devotion invested. The amount of love you get from an investment in love is correlated, if only roughly, to the amount of yourself you invest in the relationship.


2. If you invest caring, patience and unselfishness, you get those things back. (This assumes, of course, that you are having a relationship with someone who loves you, and not a one-sided love affair with someone who isn’t interested.)


3. High-quality bonds consistently yield more return than junk, and so it is with high-quality love.


4. Stay with high-quality human beings.


5. Research pays off. The most appealing and seductive (that word again) exterior can hide the most danger and chance of loss. For most of us, diversification in love, at least beyond a very small number, is impossible, so it’s necessary to do a lot of research on the choice you make. It is a rare man or woman who can resist the outward and the surface. But exteriors can hide far too much.


6. In every long-term romantic situation, returns are greater when there is a monopoly. If you have to share your love with others, if you have to compete even after a brief while with others, forget the whole thing. You want to have monopoly bonds with your long-term lover. At least most situations work out better this way.

My crappy model : (crazy Kah Meng and I played around with it)

Haha. This is just for fun. But yeah. Ben Stein's article really made some sense. The above mathematical derivation I had is a simple, dumb and crappy one. Just didn't want to do any of my serious work tonight. Hmm. It is after all, a celebration day today. A friend's birthday.

Note :

Well, sorry pals that I didnt notify about my sudden change of my personal blog link address. Used to be ... (you know ..). So anyway, I have made it available with a link in APOMM. My Life Story. It comes with a new blog address. Yeah. I sincerely apologize if I had made APOMM some what unprofessional in the past also.

Things have gotten better with me a little bit and I am coming back to my senses a little. Nevertheless, I have a few words to say about my principles. I will always want what I have lost, and I hate to be challenged (haha... saya pantang dicabar... kinda famous words these days). Challenge me and we shall engage in war unless the payoffs of peace is better. So it depends. Haha. I am kinda getting the fun and entertainment of Economics. Yeah. But that is me.

I hope it is all uphill for me now after I had some setbacks some time ago. I realised that some of my readers are not at all happy with my thinking, my analysis, my opinions, my words and my style of writing on socio - political matters.

Let me say this. I am still just a young chap. If you have a different view, and you believe I am wrong, then share it with me. I am more than willing to learn from you and see from your side. After all, one can never stop acquiring knowledge for knowledge has no limits.

Allow me to be your student, to be your friend and to be your listener. I thank all my readers in advance. I welcome all criticisms, arguments, opinions and perhaps a pat on my back (once in a while). Haha. But please. No personal attacks. We are all learned mature individuals. So let us behave like an adult.

Sincerely,
Wei Liang.

Blogger

As a blogger, especially one listed in So Po, I always expect supporters and opposition to my ideas, analysis and perspectives of various issues. I thank all of you who have left comments for all my blog entries.

However, allow me to stress that perceptions are neither right or wrong. It is just different. That is why we have debators, Government and Opposition, and different parties in the world. I do not mind getting criticized for my views, especially the latest comment I received saying that I am naive.

Haha. Anyway, do not just say you are disappointed in me or I am naive etc. I know you have your rights to comment and monitor me as a blogger. I believe I have my rights to defend too. So please, do not be immature yourself. The world can be seen in many perspectives.

If you just know how to say a word that I am naive, then show me how mature you are and let us all see your perspective. Corrent me if I am wrong, and share with me your views for I have as much to learn as you do, my friend. Otherwise, I believe those of you who write a word or two to slam me, it will just show how "mature" or "intelligent" you are.

We are here in the blogosphere to voice out opinions. And I am always open for discussion. Not personal attacks. My ideas might not be consistent with what you have in mind. But we can always have an informed debate and discussion. We need not come to any agreement but at least, it is a mature argumentative discussion.


Sincerely,
Wei Liang
Editor of A Piece of My Mind

A Malaysian Malaysia

It is good to see unity from MCA with UMNO and MIC to unite all races and come up with a multi racial formula. This way, not only the Malays are ensured of their rights but also the minorities.

The Malaysian Chinese always say that it is unfair to them. However, have they ever thought that if we liberalise everything in Malaysia, and let us assume everything remains peaceful, the Chinese will be far superior than the Malays and Indians? I beg to differ.

We might be even worst off and instead of the term "systematically marginalized" (which I dont think is true), the Malaysian Chinese and Indians and other minorities might be facing a rough ride. Have you seen any minority groups in control of everything and remain superior than the majority? No.

Not even the "liberal" Australia. The minorities in fact are like 2nd class citizens if we look closely. The minorities are taxi drivers, office workers, shopkeepers etc. At least in Malaysia, the rights of Chinese and Indians who hold the Malaysian nationality are guaranteed.

To those who scream that they want more rights, let me ask the Chinese and Indians this. In times of war, will you go out to protect the country of her sovereignty and security? I doubt it. In fact, the Malaysian Chinese might be the first to leave the country.

But do not forget, the army and police force that mainly comprise of Malays will fight for all races and defend our country. Again, I believe it is the old generation of Chinese and Indians who have this thinking that joining the police and army is not good at all for their future. It is this mentality that I would like to criticize but I do not want to comment more on that today.

I do not deny that Malaysia needs a Malaysian Malaysia one day. And not even the Malay, Chinese and Indian leaders of today can deny this. However, to do so, we need mutual cooperation and understanding of not only the Malays but Chinese and Indians as well.

For the time being, it seems like the Chinese and Indians are always slamming the Malays about their rights issue. But the Chinese and Indians must also not forget that their rights are also guaranteed even though they are the minorities. Sadly, we are not seeing a Malaysian Malaysia from the minds and mentaility of the Malaysian Chinese and Indians.

The Chinese and Indians' population percentage in Malaysia are so diluted now. Are we to blame the Government again and say these two races are systematically marginalized again? No. Because these two races are well known to encourage migration away from Malaysia. And that is a major contribution to the lower population percentage.

And again, being a Malaysian Chinese, I know very well that not many Malaysian Chinese and Indians have Malaysia in their mind and we can hardly find among them who will defend the country in times of war. I have always uphold this principle that if we know someone is in need of help, we should all rush over and help. In macro terms, if we know there is something wrong with Malaysia, then Malaysians in overseas should return home and Malaysians in Malaysia should remain in Malaysia to help build the nation of your dreams.

Do not just use your mouths and slam Malaysia and her Government but do nothing. We all praise the beautiful Europe and America. But have we not forgotten the principles that build America? Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask yourselves what you can do for your country.

The same goes for Australia, the European nations, the East Asia such as Japan. These countries' citizens bear in mind the same phrase that built America. But sadly, I shed my tears for Malaysia. For she is not as fortunate as the other countries that have excelled because of the mentaility of the Malaysian Malays, Chinese and Indians.

I make a plea to all. If you want to criticize Malaysia and you do not like the way it is in Malaysia, then change the country to something of your dreams. Otherwise, shut up !

Rebranding MCA

Thank you AL for highlighting to me about the recent challenge of young MCA members on the incumbents to have a debate ala Anwar-Shabery.

Well, to be honest, MCA needs no general rebranding. MCA all these while is a Chinese party, and this is one I cannot deny. However, never has MCA turned away other races when they needed help. Time after time, MCA throws in the weight and support in terms of finances, human resources and moral to those in need.

We need not go into details of what MCA has done for the general public, especially the Chinese. All we need to do is recall the famous man inside MCA, Datuk Michael Chong. In fact, I hope one day MCA can recommend him to the Yang di Pertuan Agong to give him a higher honorific title such as a Tan Sri or even a Tun for his contributions to the society.

Perhaps a Tun will be pushing too far but I believe his sacrifices and efforts to improve the welfare of Malaysians will see that he deserves a Panglima Setia Mahkota. I shall leave that for the Palace to decide.

As for MCA, all these while, the major support they have are from Dong Jia Zhong, Hua Zhong and the various Chinese associations, especially the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Let me bring our focus aside from the bones that form the one party called MCA. If we do a survey and ask around the young Chinese, especially graduates be it local or overseas, and if they are required to make a choice, they will enter DAP.

We ask ourselves why of course. DAP has managed to portray itself as a party of professionals where they fight for democracy and a Malaysian Malaysia. However, if it truly fights for a Malaysian Malaysia, then why is it that DAP comprises of mainly Chinese members? I can only wonder why. And now Pakatan Rakyat seem to be cracking but let us not stray too far away from our focus today.

Now, one reason why MCA are getting a lack of members is because of the nature of the party. It is a party where everything is spoken in Chinese and even the national assembly, general meetings, etc. I believe there are many Chinese who can hardly speak Mandarin, some can hardly read and write but can speak etc.

And that is why we have a famous term called "banana" to describe a Chinese who is a Chinese but either can't speak or write or perhaps both. Also, Malaysian schools are mainly national schools and there are a lot of Chinese who joined these schools instead of those Chinese language based schools.

If we do our Maths correctly, we will realise that more and more non Chinese language based Malaysian Chinese students are coming up as professionals in the field of law, finance, economics, engineering and medicine. We can perhaps leave aside the excuse that students join DAP is because they are fighting for a Malaysian Malaysia. That reason alone will not ensure DAP rules Malaysia one day because they are seen as a Chinese dominated party even now.

Allow me to stress that if DAP truly wants a Malaysian Malaysia, then I hope the leadership of DAP can release a memo and direct all DAP meetings and assemblies to be held in the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Otherwise, it seems to me there will be a conflict of their cause.

So anyway, back to MCA. They will need a specific type of rebranding. MCA has the support of businessmen and educationists all these while. But the recent elections, if they are to go by, MCA needs to bring in the young professionals.

Malaysia is not a country with the ageing baby boomers problem. We do have a lot of young fresh graduates and professionals in the country, especially Malaysian Chinese. If MCA is to survive, they are to be more flexible with their usage of language in national assemblies and meetings.

Also, the stalwarts and veterans of MCA should understand that it is time for them to go and let the young ones takeover. The veterans of MCA should be gracious and guide these young ones to understand the complications of party, state and national politics.

The future of MCA depends on the youths but the road to the future needs to be built by the veterans. If the veterans still insist in making comebacks or squash the youths who want to takeover their posts and leadership, then MCA will sink and break into factions very soon.

I do not know about the debate styles and I do not really agree with that in MCA because of the factions issue and we can never know if MCA grassroot members are mature enough to have a "peaceful" debate among candidates.

Debates might not be beneficial for the young challenger too. This is because MCA members are still mainly dominated by hardcore Malaysian Chinese who speaks only Chinese and their dialects. Young MCA members tend to like Bahasa Malaysia and English more in their conversation. And if we talk about Economics, finance and good governance, I am not sure every single member of MCA will understand too ! So how then can the MCA members make a informed decision?

It will not be fair for both the voters and candidates. However, a debate for the national level election candidates might be a good idea. This is because division and State leaders as well as national leaders who get to vote at the MCA National Assembly are better and well educated people. They will be able to choose who can best lead MCA to a better future and face challenges from inside BN and also Pakatan Rakyat.

So to wrap up, I believe MCA needs to change the nucleus and style of their party. Allow me to say it again. The younger generation of MCA members and potential members will need to takeover in the nearest future possible.

But being young and inexperienced, they cannot go far. The engine of MCA will fall and break down soon enough without proper maintenance and guidance. Thus, the road to the new era of MCA will need to be built by veterans of MCA.

Mylivingwall

Thank you AL for the comments and I am glad to see that my article is featured in your webpage. For those who want a further read about politics and blogs, take a look here. Also, I am happy to know that I do have loyal readers be it from the blogosphere, friends or family.

Recently, AL highlighted to me this article. I will respond soon after I give some thoughts about it. At the moment, I need to rush out to get some books. Haha.

All right.

Life After Anwar Ibrahim for PKR

As we all know, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is the most powerful Opposition party now. It used to be PAS and then DAP. After the Court release Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim based on technicalities from his jail sentence on sodomy, Parti Keadilan Rakyat is back in the mainstream.

Allow me to remind my readers that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sentenced to jail based on two charges, corruption and sodomy. He did his time for corruption but was released from his sodomy charge based on inconsistencies from the Prosecutors in terms of the timeline of the "crime" and they failed to prove Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Nevertheless, the Court highlighted that the "evidence" showed that the said sodomy act took place but Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was released due to inconsistencies on the Prosecutors' part.

To add to this, I am curious why Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not challenge the Court's verdict about the "sodomy". Perhaps the law does not allow him to do so? Or was there a deal between the Executive and Anwar for a win-win solution?

Well. I say win-win here because if the Court maintained that Anwar had in fact been involved in sodomy acts and announced that the Court released him by putting the blame on the Prosecutors, then Anwar gets out of jail and the Government and Police can assure the world that it wasn't a set up at all.

Hmm. I shall leave that alone because I am no lawyer and I don't really like to mess around with those in the legal system. Haha. You will never know what kind of trouble you can get into.

All right let me bring our focus back to PKR. The de facto leader of PKR and Pakatan Rakyat now is surely Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Let us leave the Pakatan Rakyat aside for now. And we all know that Datin Seri Wan Azizah is the President of PKR and the Opposition Leader of Malaysia. Her deputy is Dr Syed Husin Ali who used to be a leader of Parti Rakyat Malaysia.

Moving down the ranks, Vice Presidents are Azmin Ali, Dr Lee Boon Chye, Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, Sivarasa Rasiah, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. The Secretary General is Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. I believe I do not need to go down further and you can all check it here.

We all cannot deny that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can pull crowds just like Tun Dr Mahathir. He is indeed a great debator and someone who can impress everyone who listens to him whenever he opens his mouth.

Also, we can see that Datuk Seri Anwar is the reason why Pakatan Rakyat is a shining star now. In the past, when Datuk Seri Haji Hadi Awang, Lim Kit Siang, Datin Seri Wan Azizah, Datuk Seri Nik Aziz and other leaders were heading the Barisan Alternative or any other alliance, they failed miserably to challenge Barisan Nasional.

With Datuk Seri Anwar back, he held all 3 parties together and march ahead. He is like the buffalo pulling the cart. And the cart moves forward because of this man called Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

However, if we look at his age, he was born in 1947. He will soon be 61 years old. Malaysia's life expectancy rate for males are 71.9 years. Assuming he lives a healthy lifestyle and gets another ten out of the life expectancy rate, we can predict that he will have at maximum 21 years to rule Malaysia if and only if he takes over as PM in September.

But we cannot discount the fact that he might not be that fit physically to lead Malaysia for so long. Perhaps a 10 year term? We dont know that for sure.

We must however accept the fact that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will no longer lead PKR and Pakatan Rakyat one day. Pakatan Rakyat must understand that they need to find someone as influential and as crowd capturing as Anwar Ibrahim. Or else, they will sink.

I believe PAS new and young leaders are up to the task. I am not sure about DAP leadership but I have my eyes set on M Kulasegaran, Fong Po Kuan and Lim Guan Eng. So what about PKR?

PKR did not fare well without Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Under Datin Seri Wan Azizah, they performed miserably. It also appears to me that PKR does not have a clear successor after Anwar Ibrahim.

Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Azmin Ali seem like probable leaders of PKR in the future. Perhaps not Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim given that he is now into state politics in Selangor. And I wonder if Azmin Ali will be the successor of PKR and perhaps Pakatan Rakyat if PKR remain the party with the most Parliamentary seats.

Life after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in PKR will not be good, I am afraid. They might not be as strong as they are now be it in mainstream politics or in the alliance of Pakatan Rakyat. Unless of course, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim grooms a successor, which he is clearly not doing now as he is more focused on his sodomy case and national politics.

Hmm. Malaysian politics are always interesting and we never know what will happen tomorrow. Take for instance we have the rumours about PAS and UMNO. And like I said, the probable crash of PKR in future when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is no longer around to lead the party. DAP will also be interesting to watch when Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh retires from politics.

Perhaps their sons will take over? Lim Guan Eng, Gobind Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Fong Po Kuan, M Kulasegaran. They seem like future leaders of DAP.

To wrap up, I believe the current leaders of Pakatan Rakyat need to formulate a clear succession plan just like the Barisan Nasional. That way, everything will be clear, systematic and proper for the benefit of Pakatan Rakyat and their component parties as well as for the future of Malaysian politics.

The MCA Dilemma and The Future of PPP

By now, we all know that Datuk Ong Tee Keat will be challenging for the President of MCA's post. Also, we expect Datuk Liow Tiong Lai to fight for the Deputy President's post. I use the word "challenge" and "fight" because I expect Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek will rise up and reenter the fray in MCA.

Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng will certainly not contest for the Deputy's post. If he intends to run for elections, then we can safely expect him to register his interest for the MCA President's seat. What then will Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek do? He has a large enough support inside MCA.

It will be interesting to see Datuk Ong Tee Keat, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek and Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng fighting for the top post of MCA. However, I personally expect handshakes and teams although Datuk Ong Tee Keat said he will go into the elections on his own.

At this time, I dont think Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng will (or should) put his name up again to fight for the Presidency. Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek might have a better chance. He has contributed a lot to the Malaysian medical and hospital systems. I congratulate and thank him for that.

However, in politics, perception and image matters. We all know that his extra marrital affairs caught on tape looked like a set up.

Even if that is true, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek will have his integrity questioned, his character etc. So that might pose as a problem to Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek if he wants to make a comeback. Nevertheless, his track record in politics and public service should be commended.

MCA will face a dilemma soon when the elections are held and the results announced. Remember the "chai dan" MCA used to have? I wonder if there will be a "menu" this year.

Hmm. The senior members and veterans of MCA will need to worry about a split and a break up of the party. We have seen Datuk Tan Yee Kew leaving MCA and will be joining PKR soon. I expect many more MCA members will leave the party after the elections.

Well, we all know that after elections, especially in MCA, there are bound to be splits and unhappy factions will slam the party and the new line up as usual. Given that MCA and Barisan Nasional did not fare well in March 2008's General Election, the unsatisfied faction with respect to the upcoming MCA elections might consider leaving the party to join the high riding Pakatan Rakyat now.

I shall say this once more. MCA will face a dilemma. And if that happens, Barisan Nasional will be in trouble too.

Anyway, I am curious about the future of the People's Progressive Party. In the run up to the General Election, PPP seems like a rising star in Barisan Nasional with Datuk M Kayveas in the news almost every day or every week. Now, in BN, I wonder if I can describe PPP as a silent and helpless child?

The limelight of BN seems to be focused on UMNO, MCA and SAPP now. Even Gerakan is silent these days. And of course we can leave MIC alone for them to rebrand themselves. MIC members know what "rebranding" they need.

Datuk Seri Samy Vellu should really start to groom a successor and retire from politics. His colleagues of the "golden generation" like Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad have all left the scene.

Back to PPP, I am just curious why isn't Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim or why aren't there any Pakatan Rakyat leaders inviting Datuk M Kayveas and PPP members to join PKR, DAP and PAS in an alliance called Pakatan Rakyat? I believe PAS will not like the idea because their influence and weightage in the Pakatan Rakyat will be diluted if PPP joins the alliance.

As for PPP, the members surely remember the "slap" on their face from Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam in Malacca, the quarrel with MIC and the stern warnings from Barisan Nasional leaders.

The "Election Tsunami" is actually a good one for Barisan Nasional. I agree totally with Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu that BN is now a stronger party.

In testing times like this, and with Pakatan Rakyat claiming that they will takeover the Federal Government soon, it is indeed a test to show who is sincere and loyal to Barisan Nasional. From here on, BN will be able to form a strong united party.

If PPP stays with BN, I hope the BN leadership can at least say a few words about their loyalty to the party and to the alliance of Barisan Nasional. After all, a pat in the back during difficult times will surely motivate BN members and component parties to strive harder.

I congratulate Malaysia for having achieved a "developed" status in politics. We have finally achieve a mature two party political system. I strongly urge Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to respect the people's choice and stop all the political drama, especially the hopping of parties.

BN claims that they could reclaim Perak. PR claims that they will takeover the Federal Government soon. Well, I have said this many times and I shall say it again till we all understand. The people have voted and made their choice known to the leaders of both BN and PR. Let us all be mature in this sense and let our country progress in peace.

Royal Commission

I have not blogged for a long time here. The reason is only known by a few. Pardon me for not blogging for so long. I might only be blogging occasionally from now on.

I have stated my comments on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat many times already. I have no problems supporting both BN and Pakatan Rakyat. But politics is not about one individual called Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Have you all ever realised that whenever Pakatan Rakyat component parties have disputes, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has never said anything much or anything at all? Everything in his mind is just about himself - Pemimpin agung bernama Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

And anything that circulates around him, we call it conspiracies. I hope YB Azmin Ali can clarify what he meant by demanding the PM ensures a fair and just trial of DSAI. What if the Police decides to charge DSAI in Court? PKR will say it is a conspiracy again?

Yes. This is not a Ang Lee production or a Steven Spielberg thriller. To do such a conspiracy, it involves a large scale of actors and actresses. I dont know whether this is a conspiracy or not. If it is, then I say that Saiful and his team of side actors are indeed amazing !

But in game theory, we all know about the Prisoners' Dilemma. If one finks and the other does not, he gets a better deal. So, if this is a conspiracy and it surely involves a large cast, then wont there be an incentive for one of the players to blurt out the conspiracy?

He might even be given a Panglima Setia Mahkota for ensuring the greatest conspirary in Malaysia does not take place! Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim might even give him a Tun or a Minister-ship when he takes over as PM on Sept 16th (as DSAI himself claims he will).

Like many people, I dont know what is going on. But I hope that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cooperates with the relevant authorities.

Do not blame the cops for using the Special Forces unit. He is after all Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the self claimed soon to be Prime Minister of Malaysia. He deserves the best police force to arrest him as well as to protect him.

If we just send a Lance Korporal to arrest him and mid way something happened, people might say it is a conspiracy to kill Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the way to the KL Police HQ via a road accident method or assassination or whatever you can think of under the Sun.

Nevertheless, I feel that at this point of time, I want to step up to talk about something more important than a rather "normal" investigation of Police on a "criminal" case. Just that the players in this are rather high profiled - one a Opposition leader and the other was once his assistant, ex Student leader and had once met the Deputy PM of Malaysia.

Hm. Now. The focus of my blogging today is to demand the resignation of the individuals involved in the sale of MV Augusta to Gevi Spa for 1 Euro.

Allow me to begin. I demand for the resignation of :

1. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in his capacity of Prime Minister of Malaysia and Finance Minister, for coming out to defend and agree to the sale of MV Augusta to Gevi Spa for 1 Euro. The reasons at that time given was to ensure the survival of Proton and the mechanics of accounting together with the advice by Credit Suisse First Boston justified the selling price of 1 Euro.

2. Dato' Mohammed Azlan Hashim, in his capacity as Proton Chairman.

3. Board of Directors of Proton.


As a caring citizen who loves his country and Proton, I hope that the Government of Malaysia will launch a full scale investigation on this matter, because this involves multi million dollar "losses". We could have made more than 1 Euro by multi million folds based on the recent purchase of MV Augusta departments by BMW and Harley Davidson.

I hope the Parliament of Malaysia can approve an independent investigation on this matter by setting up a Royal Commission to investigate the Management of Proton, Directors, Financiers and Accountants involved in the recommendation of the sale of MV Augusta to Gevi Spa for a nominal fee of 1 Euro.

Also, I demand that the Government of Malaysia and shareholders of Proton lodge a formal request for a detailed explanation from Credit Suisse First Boston on this subject matter. If necessary, we should involve the Attorney General of Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, to look into possible legal suits against Credit Suisse First Boston.

I believe Khazanah Nasional or some Government investment arm has great amount of stakes in Proton. Again, the Director of Khazanah Nasional elected to Proton Board should be sacked and Khazanah Nasional's department that evaluates Proton's decision to sell MV Augusta should also be investigated.

Our country's national carmaker lost millions just like that ! So embarasssing, do you realise? What more to say the reputation of Malaysian financiers, accountants, Directors and managers? We have just scooped up faeces and smacked it on our face !

Me Too !

Allow me to reply to several comments left recently at A Piece of My Mind's articles. Someone with the ID "anonymous" said the following with regards to my entry on The Healthy Blogger :


"if thats true, we're running out of food to eat! haha. well, can't believe all the stuff we read. otherwise, life wud be such a bore. dont u agree?"


I totally agree!! We are really running out of food to eat. Haha. In fact, according to a close friend of mine, he says everything around us is carcinogenic. Just that our body has anti cancer barriers.

Certain carcinogens are able to penetrate the barrier and cause cancer in our body. Sigh. Life is already getting very very boring in terms of food. Haha. Let me share something with you. For those of you who wants to spoil my mood in future, feed me food that I don't like or not tasty.

Haha. Those of you who know me well will surely know that if I eat something I dont like or not good enough, it will spoil my mood for the rest of the day.

Hmm. That's why I always place importance on my diet and my food consumption. Haha. With even more limitations, I have to be even more careful so that my mood is always checked.

Well, I dont really take starfruits anyway. But there are a lot more food and fruits that we should avoid, or eat at a minimal quantity.

Also, a reader called "anonymousofmalaysia" left a comment at my posting on For The Sake of Malaysia saying :


"Recently, I'm kinda tired of these political dramas..."


Hmm. Allow me to say this. SO AM I!! Haha. I am actually tired already. As you can see recently, I am diversifying my full attention into medical journals, Thailand monarchy, politics and economy, food, friends and spending more time on my personal blog.

Recently we have Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, MCA Youth leader commenting that the recent BN losses were attributed to UMNO's arrogance. Well, allow me to remind all of you what Datuk Liow did in respond to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and the keris quarrel. Datuk Liow led MCA committee members by flashing the Rukunegara during a MCA assembly.

Some of you said MCA is not defending the Chinese. That is wrong. MCA is. MCA fights for not only the Chinese but also all Malaysians. There is no need to worry about rebranding MCA. MCA, especially Datuk Michael Chong, helps all Malaysians. Barisan Nasional's multi racial formula has always considered the main objectives - to preserve peace, harmony, unity and prosperity.

The recent March tsunami sees a need for Barisan Nasional component parties to take a look at their policies. The voters have voiced that there is a need for a change. Or perhaps the multi racial formula have taken a step back and caused BN to lose badly? Or was it really the arrogance of UMNO? BN should review fast.

Pakatan Rakyat present themselves to the people as a united and strong front with promises for all Malaysians. PKR might be able to do so. However, the alliance that involves DAP and PAS makes Pakatan Rakyat's strength as a coalition highly questionable and in doubts.

PR needs to show to the people that PKR-DAP-PAS can form a formidable Government and serve the rakyat better than Barisan Nasional. Otherwise, Pakatan Rakyat will fall and Malaysians will soon give up on their own country if BN continues to rot also.

Well, anyway, I am really tired honestly. Sigh. I have not even started my steps into the real world of politics myself yet. And I am already beginning to feel like this. I already had plans to join a particular political party in mind recently. Some matters playing in my mind is definitely holding me back.

Malaysia's political scene is covered with mist, clouds, fog. The visibility level of the future in Malaysian politics is extremely low. Politicians exist to serve the people and fulfill their responsibilities as lawmakers of the country.

In other words, besides the Government, politicians are in charge of the well being and health of the country. Malaysian politicians need to clear all the clouds that are blurring their vision of the path ahead.

If things get uglier, perhaps Yang diPertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan needs to adopt the King Bhumibol method in 1992 when the King of Siam ticked off General Suchinda Kraprayoon and Chamlong Srimuang..

Okay. I am just like you my friend. Tired. I want to lift the mood in APOMM a little bit. So let me start by saying I like the pic of the cheesecake I bought for my two friends in Canberra :) I bought a strawberry cheesecake for them and another chocolate cake for me and my housemates. Haha.

I didnt take any photos of my yummy chocolate cake but this girl took a pic of my strawberry cheesecake. Wow. I have to admit I am not good in photograph editing or Photoshop. But this is one nice pic *J* !

Hmmm. I am currently walking with a limp! Consulted my family doctor this morning. Something to do with the tendon of my big toe and foot at my left leg. Haha. Never mind.

Okay. Going out for a meal at Kenny Rogers with a friend now. See ya !

Health Check !

Now, I have been diverting my interests a little away from politics to medicine these days. Haha. Dont ask me why.

Let us get into serious talk first. Read this. According to this New England Journal of Medicine study, the scientists down South (Singapore) came up with researches on the virus H5N1. They developed a vaccine that has been successfully tested for safety and immunogenicity.

Besides this piece of news on the vaccine, I have also read a little bit about the relationship of hearing loss and diabetes. A research was done among US adults. The results? Hearing impairment exists among adults with diabetes. I used to think that diabetes can cause loss of sight only. Didn't know about the link with hearing losses. Check it out here.

Also, this is for men! The Archives of Internal Medicine had a research on the relationship of Vitamin D and myocardial infarction ( er ... heart attack ... ). The conclusion ? Allow me to quote unquote the report. "Low levels of 25(OH)D are associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction in a graded manner, even after controlling for factors known to be associated with coronary artery disease." Read the report here.

Haha. I dont really understand the chemistry and the medical jargon that much. However, we all can roughly get what they mean even if we are not Science-based people. All right. I will highlight more of these researches in future as I continue reading.

Hmm. Need to see the doctor tomorrow. Sprained the joint between my toe and the foot at my left leg this morning. Sigh. It hurts and I have difficulty walking :(

Well. Nothing much to worry I guess. Health is really important these days huh? Haha. Take good care of yourselves everyone for I do not want to lose any of you. I hold everyone of you dear to my heart.

All right. That's all for today I guess. Gotta go to my personal site now. Haha. So busy blogging :)Good nite !

A Peaceful 2nd July

A few weeks ago, Thaksin Shinawatra blamed the political instability and economic crisis of Thailand on the alignment of stars. Yes, don't ask me why a learned billionaire like him uses geomancy and astrology as guidance to his life.

Thaksin is said to be well known for his beliefs in astrology and geomancy. Remember the required time of landing for the first plane that touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Yes. Then, a famous fortune teller came out to the Press and rebutted Thaksin. He even predicted that July 2nd will be the darkest day in 30 years of Thailand history.

It is 9.31 pm, 2 July 2008, now and so far, everything seems peaceful. And I don't think there will be anything happening till 12am.

Thankfully, a peaceful Thailand marches on, at least in terms of political stability and public harmony. Well, Thailand's economy is not really good especially for the people up North and the farmers. Inflation is now at a 10 year high of 8.9%. The Government is not able to dispense soft loans to needy farmers and Thais.

Honestly? They need another "CEO of Thailand" to captain the ship and surf past this tsunami of economic crisis.

I am reading The King Never Smiles. I now understand why the Palace seems unhappy with this book. Let me comment a little about this book's contents that interest me.

It provides another perspective of Thailand's monarchy, especially King Bhumibol. The title really explains everything. The King Never Smiles. King Bhumibol never smiles publicly.

The chronological events from the time he ascended to the Chakri Throne guided King Bhumibol to be a revered symbol of Thailand. As I said before, some Thais have the King in their eyes as a divine figure.

According to Paul Handley, "In Buddhist culture, either a smile or a frown would indicate attachment to worldly pleasures or desires". That is why. The King never smiles in this Buddhist populated country. King Bhumibol is always portrayed as a calm looking and benevolent King on the throne.

King Bhumibol's image is so strong among Thais these days. He claimed the throne at a point when the Palace's power, influences and image were massively slashed. From there, King Bhumibol and his aides worked to bring the Palace back into the eyes and minds of Thais.

The world will never forget the bloodshed and clashes of Prime Minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon and Opposition leader Chamlong Srimuang. After a few days of tension and clashes, the two most powerful men in Thailand knelt down, bowing to King Bhumibol in 1992.

The King offered his words of advice and reprimanded the two leaders for their desires and personal gains. King Bhumibol wanted them to put an end to their rivalry before Thailand is destroyed. This event, was live on Thailand's television.

Hmm. I leave the rest of the story about King Bhumibol for you to find out. Read the book. It is very interesting.

For the Sake of Malaysia

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, leaders of Pakatan Rakyat,

Is it even necessary? Respect the rule of law. Datuk Seri is being accused of sodomy by Saiful Bukhari. The case is being investigated by Malaysia's forensics, police force and the chamber of the Attorney General.

No one said you are guilty yet Datuk Seri. Why do we need to see massive protests and a nationwide tour to clear your name?

If that is the case, then every accused person in Malaysia will be very busy campaigning among the public to prove that they are innocent !

Sabarlah Datuk Seri. Let the police do the job. At this rate, I think if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim walks in to a "kedai runcit" and steal a packet of sugar, no one will believe that he is actually a thief if the staff of that store lodges a report !!

Who said Datuk Seri committed the sodomy against Saiful? No one did. Only Saiful himself said Datuk Seri sodomized him. Did anyone say Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is guilty? No. Then why is it necessary to create instability in the country with your demonstrations, protests and nationwide tour?

Well, I think Datin Seri Rosmah, Tun Dr Mahathir, Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and even Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi should hold massive protests and demonstrations and nationwide tours against PKR and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for all the accusations thrown at them all these while.

Take for instance. Tun Dr Mahathir was accused of cronyism and nepotism. It all depends how you define these two terms and how you view them actually. Have we all forgotten Anwar Ibrahim was said to be placing many of his supporters in strategic jobs in Government linked agencies like Group Editors of the mainstream media in 1998?

I believe Anwar slammed and criticised Tun on many accounts, issues and policies. If that is the case, Tun will be very busy holding massive protests against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim week in week out !

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. You have succeeded in grabbing the whole international community's attention on you. Even your friends in US are already saying you are innocent and officially interfered with Malaysia' internal affairs.

Is there a need to hold protests and nationwide tours? Where is the law? You have not even been thoroughly investigated and seems like US and PKR thinks you are innocent and framed. The law says a person is innocent until proven guilty. So let the police go ahead with their investigations.

Malaysian authorities will not dare play a fool, I strongly believe this. The eyes of Malaysians and the international community are watching like hawk eyes on this sodomy case.

KLCI fell 21.13 points today. I cannot say the fall in the Composite Index today is entirely because of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's case. A look at our neighbour, Thailand, also shows that their stocks went South by 8.58 points. Partially though, the fall in KLCI was linked to the sodomy case and the expectations of political instability.

I expect KLCI to fall even more with the organized and planned nationwide tour as well as the massive protests coming up beginning this Sunday in Petaling Jaya by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Pakatan Rakyat must remember. It is not all about Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It is about good governance, leadership, and service to the people. The rakyat wants stability. There is absolutely no need for him to go out and create unrest among the people.

Do you know how much losses our economy will suffer because of this? I believe after posting this, many of you will start saying that you dont have confidence in the police, in the judiciary etc etc.

Enough is enough. The Government and the rakyat knows. It is not the whole judiciary system that is rotten. It is not the whole police force that is rotten. Just because of a few bad apples doesnt mean I have to throw the whole basket of fruits away, you know?

People still approach the police force and the Courts for justice and security. Yes of course the system might not be perfect. That is why the voters voted for the Opposition with the tsunami. However, I strongly believe lobbying is not a crime. We all lobby for jobs, favours.

Look at PKR. Dont tell me the appointments in the Pakatan Rakyat states and their component parties do not involve an ounce of lobbying. Lobbying exists anywhere in the world, even in families. We must not forget that the Constitution allows the Executive led by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to appoint judges.

If that is what you think is rotten, then amend the Constitution and the portfolio of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Table a motion on that. Don't go around singing the tune "Judiciary is rotten... police force sucks". That is wrong.

Pakatan Rakyat must look at the bigger issue of political stability, for the people, for the country and for the economy. For the sake of Malaysia. Not Anwar Ibrahim. No one should politicise Anwar Ibrahim's case - be it Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional. It is a case of an individual lodging a sodomy report against another individual.

Please. Stability of the country is very important. Are we turn ourselves into a country like Thailand or Indonesia? The decision is yours.


URGENT
I read at Rockybru about YB Zulkifi Noodin's posting that PKR received information including reports from the Intelligence Unit from a neighbouring country that there is an attempt to assasinate DSAI and that several hired killers have been brought into the country recently.

I hope the Government of Malaysia can look into this matter. First of all, why is the Intelligence Unit of another country feeding DSAI with information? Secondly, there might be foreign agents planted as moles in our Government.

Finally, for the safety of our Yang diPertuan Agong, royal families, Ministers, Opposition leaders and all Malaysians, I hope the Police can quickly look into the claim about assassins who entered Malaysia. DSAI and PKR should cooperate with our Police and arrest these threats to our stability and security.

I hope to see peace, harmony and stability restored in Malaysia as soon as possible. I do not want to see my country crushed and damaged.