Thursday, June 30, 2005

Malaysian talent practicing overseas were not only seeking for additional remuneration mate!

By indicating this, 'Make them an offer they can’t refuse', Tony Fernandes has indeed shown me that he has no inkling about humanities. Err, I also suspect his business acumen actually. I really think that his success with AirAsia is more to do with his association with the people in power and all.

I reckoned most Malaysian practicing overseas are not doing it due to better remuneration away from the country sake alone. It's the lifestyle and living condition. It's Freedom After Speech! The democratic living that they are enjoying away from Malaysia made them shy away further.

They will always come back for holidays tho'. Where else can you get cheap immitation products if not at Petaling Street, and pirated goods at Sungai Wang and Imbi Plaza?

Malaysia sucks really. If only I have the opportunity, I would go away as well, being a bumi-putra, as I am, I am not the least privilleged. That's astonishing! Not really.

Why am I not privilleged even though I am a bumiputra? Because I am not UMNO-putra!

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhh!

The Star Online > Nation

Friday July 1, 2005
Make them an offer they can’t refuse, says CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: Companies here can lure Malaysian professionals working abroad back by making offers that are attractive, according to AirAsia Bhd chief operating officer Tony Fernandes.

His company has brought back 25 Malaysian pilots who were working for foreign airlines.

“We managed to get them by talking to them,” he said.

Fernandes, who presented a paper at the National Human Resources Summit 2005 said the Government should publicise its scheme to bring back Malaysian professionals.

The summit themed Harnessing Talent to Drive Organisational Performance was organised by the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI).

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn, who launched the summit, told reporters that the Government's scheme to bring back professionals had not produced the expected results.

Only 300 of the 4,000 expected had returned home over the last five years, he said,


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Bapa borek, anak rintik! - Teenagers willing to take bribes?

He he he.

Were you startled to read that Malaysian teenagers (are) willing to take bribes?

Me, nope. I was laughing my a*s off!

The Malay saying 'Bapa borek, anak rintik' is very apt for this case. Maybe 'leadership by example' is appropriate as well?

Corrupt practice by people in power is perceived to be rampant by the general public, and since current morality is judged according to standard practice of the day, this trend will not go away.

Until and unless the perception is cleared and all the rumoured individuals are cleared/charged accordingly, the problem will persist, and the country will indeed stays as un-developed as the other non-developed nations, with corruption being part and parcel of the game of the rulers!

Another checking mechanism is good religious background, but then again, being pious will not bring food home!

The Star Online > Nation

Friday July 1, 2005
Teenagers willing to take bribes
BY AUDREY EDWARDS

PETALING JAYA: Hundreds of thousands of Malaysian school leavers are willing to accept bribes if they have the power and the opportunity to do so.

According to a 2002 survey of the public’s perception of corruption by the Malaysian Integrity Institute (IIM), 30% of the students sampled said they would take bribes.

This shocking discovery was presented by IIM president Datuk Dr Sulaiman Mahbob at a briefing to the country’s top leaders and civil servants on Wednesday.

“It is a sub-sample. But we are concerned,” he said when contacted yesterday.

“They are post-Form Five students and represent a small percentage of the sample. It is not widespread. It’s just 2.4% of the population,” he said, downplaying the findings.

However, 2.4% of the country’s 26.1 million population represents an eye-popping 625,400 young people, many of whom have entered or will enter the country’s workforce.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, ministers, deputy ministers, government officials and representatives from other sectors were at Wednesday’s closed-door briefing.

Dr Sulaiman said IIM was working with institutions of higher learning to help increase awareness on work ethics.

“It will take some time to change several factors but I am optimistic we can check the problem,” he added.

Overall, the nationwide survey of 8,000 people showed that 86.8% of respondents did not agree that bribery would make it easier to acquire something, while 85.1% had no experience in receiving or giving bribes.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

What is the credential needed to be a vice-chancellor of a Malaysian public University

Stumbled on this news, New UUM vice-chancellor is appointed.

He is Datuk Dr Nordin Kardi, the current director-general of National Civis Bureau, normally known with it's malay ancronym, BTN, Biro Tata Negara!



2nd day - Datuk Dr Nordin Kardi speaking to UMNO Youth members "Penyuburan Jati Diri Melayu Sebagai Modal Pembinaan Bangsa Yang Cemerlang, Gemilang Dan Terbilang".

Originally from UMNO youth picture collection!

So, what is the credential needed to be a VC of a public malaysian university?

#1 is definitely the association with the party ruling the country, in this case, UMNO. Nordin is! He's one of the executive committee member of the 'Jawatankuasa Biro Kelab UMNO Luar Negara', UMNO club (overseas). His name is also listed at the other site, locally.

Nordin was rumour to be appointed here, maybe because it was also mentioned in the malay newspaper, very early in June, an excerpt could be found here.

I don't really know much about him, but, as the former UUM VC who passed away recently, both are/were UMNO Club exco! Do I need to elaborate more?

In the run-up to the General Election 2004, he was also rumoured to be the BN's choice as the candidate to run for PutraJaya parliament seat, along with Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Ahmad Ab Latif and Datuk Khairuddin Samad.

There was this piece by Adam, who have been a former product of Nordin's training scheme at BTN. He said,
"I was fresh graduate of Biro Tata Negara, UMNO's mind bending/screwing project under one Nordin Kardi. It was instilled in me that PAS was more dangerous than communist and Stalin and Mae Zedong combined.......... BTN took 2 bloody weeks to convinced me that Ust Hadi and PAS were more dangerous than Castro or Breznev. But in mere 15 minutes Ust Hadi has managed to convince me that there was something VERY VERY WRONG with BTN indirectly. I was born again.... Hallelujah...Allahuakbar..Praise the Lord !!!"

That speaks very well of his credential!

Oh, as biased I am by being an opposition supporter, Nordin did well by saying in 2003 that flying flags on vehicles is not a real measure of patriotism! It's the personal contribution to the nation is the measure of patriotism!


The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 30, 2005
New UUM vice-chancellor

KUALA LUMPUR: National Civics Bureau director-general Datuk Dr Nordin Kardi is the new Universiti Utara Malaysia vice-chancellor.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh made the announcement during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s visit to the Integrity Institute of Malaysia here yesterday.

The post fell vacant following the death of Prof Datuk Ahmad Fawzi Mohd Basri at Selayang Hospital on May 23.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

AutoZine Awards that we would rather not have....

Reading this AutoZine Awards achievement must left few sour taste in the mouth of all proud Malaysian.

Biased review? Might be.

But then, I also have my reservation of that particular product!

What else to do, Proton?

Original review:-

Worst Car of the year : Proton Gen.2





The Gen.2 was designed and engineered mostly by Lotus, but that doesn't guarantee success. Build quality is the first issue Lotus cannot help. The Malaysian way of quality control is the biggest problem, not only at Proton's assembly plant but also the parts suppliers. Whenever the Gen.2 rides on bumps, its loosely fitted parts squeak while a lot of suspension noise and harshness enter the cabin. The nasty plastics, filmsy cupholders, low grade door trim and flawed driving position worsen quality feel further. The Campro engine is weak on torque and noisy at high rev. The cheap tires lack grip. The rear seats are short of headroom... Gen.2 is easily the worst car of the year.

I have contributed to a Weblog Survey

I went to this MIT Weblog Survey after reading about it at MENJ's blog.

This guy, MENJ, is one hell of a person, not afraid of saying a spade is a spade. May Allah provide him with guidance and rahmat, let him have enough health to continue his good deed.

So, if you would like to give this survey a try, why don't you?

Take the MIT Weblog Survey

Monday, June 27, 2005

'un-negotiable Taxi Fare' - strong enough reason to kill?

Reading 'Cabbie killed over fare', surely makes the mind wonder.

Is it a strong enough motive to kill? Surely there's some other reason?

Or have this sweet country of ours has been producing killers overnight?
Btw, have you ever taken a ride on any taxis these days, or maybe I could rephrase that, 'have you been taken for a ride by any taxi drivers lately?'

Taxis are driven by vultures as drivers, especially the ones preying on their victims at Puduraya. Meters, no can do. It's fixed price there.

Enforcement. He he he, are you joking?


The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday June 28, 2005
Cabbie killed over fare

KUALA LUMPUR: A taxi driver was stabbed to death in Puduraya.

Dang Wangi deputy police chief Supt Rodzi Ismail said Wong Chin Foo, 45, from Raub, was seen with two men at the taxi stand on the upper floor of the building at 4am yesterday.

Wong was stabbed by one of the men when he refused to reduce the fare.

He ran to the ground floor and alerted the police but he died on the way to hospital.

One of the two men was arrested outside Puduraya.

Anyone with information can call the Dang Wangi police headquarters at 03-2070 2222 or Rakan COP at 03-2115 9999 or send an SMS to 32728.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Malaysian in action .. bad manners and all

Interesting posting, this one.

Here's my comment to that effect....

What were you expecting?

The basic ethics and morals are lacking in this sweet country of ours, no thanks to the sudden spread of capitalism, which in-directly introduce the traits of kiasu-ism and greed.

The common sense that is embodied through a thorough understanding and application of religious principles has failed to be adopted by most Malaysian, no thanks to the ruling government emphasis on developing materialistic aspect while ignoring the spiritual development of the citizen. It's simple really, 'Leadership by example'. Current gangster-like euphoria associated with this current governance will ensure im-passioned citizen till kingdom comes.

Stronger opposition in parliament would be able to halt this bad phenomena with a more concious governance with check and balance!

Kasihan rakyat Malaysia yang baik-baik, such as you, :)!

ps: Not every rich individuals are educated tho' .. they might have been shrewd businessmen or have rich inheritence!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

This is me, according to Kenny Sia

While attempting the Kenny Sia's 'Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?' test, this is the result of me!

He he he! Boleh lah..

Congrats, Kenny for the blog award of the year. Keep it up.


Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

Congratulations Mamat, you are...




5x Mom of chanlilian.net


You have a maternal instinct secretly hidden deep inside you. To many people you are this well-meaning, protective mother always readily sacrificing yourself helping others. Unfortunately this sometimes can be seen as nagging or being over-protective. Then you become confused because the person you're trying to help suddenly turned on you. But you are diplomatic and you have the patience to slowly but surely patch up any animosity that may exist between you and your detractors. The best thing about you is that no matter how bad the whole world treats you, you are forgiving and never attempt to hold any grudge inside you. For that, you are golden.



Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

What were the thoughts of the bloggers at the BASH are?

I can't make it to the BASH, well, not that I really want to be there in the first place. Read about the fun time told by leona on the PPS Birthday Bash report as well as Jeff Ooi's thanking this Aizuddin, and Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan.

Congratulations to all these winners:-
  • Neophyte Blog Of The Year Award - Simon
  • Ping Of The Year Award - Jeff Ooi
  • Blog Of The Year Award - Kenny Sia
Anyways, I don't have any regrets for not being there. Spritually, I am there, in some sense or rather.

However, the thoughts of Frank&Honest, while commenting at this post are with me all the times!

His tots was on 'have(ing a) prayer for Malaysia and (to) weep together on behalf of all Malaysians for what they (Malaysian) had or had not done to make Malaysia a better place for all... and for the political mess in education etc that we (caring Malaysian) all cared about together', 'for their (the Star newspaper and other mainstream journalist) below-standard performance in journalistic reporting on national governance issues', and the genaral being of 'all Malaysians, especially the Malaysian Indians (this sufferings are applicable to all Malaysian, irrespective of religion, race and faith) '.

Kasihan rakyat Marhain Malaysia!


What else to be done? Work together for a more caring government. Elect new representative for the next election in ensuring a stronger voice of the people in the parliament!

Now, then only will I look forward to singing 'NegaraKu'!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Savings to be used when you're old? What about if you're out of job?

You know what? I am currently out of job. It's been quite some time now.

I have exhausted my savings, personal ones, made while I was working all my 15 years of career, plus some monies from my late mother's inheritence. All gone after 1-year of un-employment.

What should I do? There's benevolent funds which I can turn to. I am an engineer registered and member of few professional bodies that do offer help for members who are in trouble such as being un-employed. They are IMechE (the benevolent website) as well as IEM. I haven't turned to them yet. I don't know how to beg them for some help, in my time of trouble. Pride, maybe?

Anyways, I do have my own personal saving at the Malaysian Employee Providence Fund,KWSP - Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja. I can't even withdraw my own monies from there. There's no scheme catered for this kind of trouble. I can withdraw some of them later when I'm 50 and the rest when I'm 55.

What should I do while I wait 12 years? I guess it's better for me to die now, so that my family could at least earn those EPF contribution of mine due to my death. They have that scheme. Or maybe I could injure myself so that I becomes invalid, they allow total withdrawal for that.

I'm seriously contemplating suicide. Nah, I can't and will not do that. I am a Muslim. We can't take our own life. But wait, someone else can do it for me. Mercy killing, euthanasia anyone? To help my family?

Or maybe you could help me by convincing your elected representative to lobby for EPF to allow withdrawal due to un-employment!

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Throw out Michelin from F1 and penalise all the constructors that retired their cars

My, my, my.

A very sad day for Formula 1 fan, not only the Americans, but the whole wide world. I sympatise with their anger, but throwing stuffs into the track is worst than the stupid act of running into it like the protesting Irish guy the other day. Those debris could risk injuring any of the drivers and might even hit the watching fans as well. Shame on you throwers!

Congratulations to the FIA for their principled stand, Ferrari for standing to their rights, and a bit of mention to Jordan for indeed racing as well. I would not like to put Paul Stoddard in the same line. He's just a whiner, and was just trying to win both ways! He was better a couple of years back. He's not doing very well, most probably these days.

It was indeed sweet justice that both of his cars could not match Jordan's.

Anyways, the fiasco should be blamed on Michelin, c.c.c.p's post was a very true reflection of the critical observation that I don't have to repeat. Read it here. Kenneth Chiew digested it well here as well. For Azfar, read those two for the answers to your questions! Monolith should read more on the sport rather than to blame the 3 racing teams.

Anyways, what I would like to see is for the FIA to throw Michelin out of F1 event for the year, with probation for the next one, and even for the other events that they are involved in FIA sanctioned ones. The constructors should also be penalised by taking away points, with probational sentence hanging over their heads as well.

The Michelin-shod constructors are the ones who have been putting ransoms after ransoms and threats after threats at FIA, yet, Ferrari is always the team being blamed for all the unsatisfactory stuffs that the fans seems to grouse at.

This new turn of event, indeed is a very rosy triumph of some kind to Ferrari and all of REAL formula 1 fans, not the bulk of new followers of the trend, watching F1 just because it is the in-thing to do!

A sad day to the REAL fan tho', the fiasco of Michelin!

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Poverty No More

Arrived at this website, Make Poverty History, courtesy of HCFoo.

Excellent site and it is really refreshing to note that they are still people who cares enough, a departure of all the money grabbing schemes of capitalist.

What could we all do to help out? Start from home?

Ensure poverty is eradicated within our communities first?

Friday, June 17, 2005

How much do drivers earn?

I am not too sure how much a Honda City costs, but surely it's a cheap car. The late driver of DS Chan Kong Choy's drove one and he died in it. The Star's highlighted Chan’s driver killed in road crash.

I'm still driving a 22-year old junk. Me, a M.S. degree holder and a member of few professional institution!


The Star Online > Nation

Saturday June 18, 2005
Chan’s driver killed in road crash

SHAH ALAM: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy's driver Balan Nair

was killed when the car he was driving collided with a lorry at the 13.3 kilometre of the New Klang Valley Expressway here on Wednesday night.

Shah Alam Traffic Police Chief DSP Zainy Mohd Noor said Balan was on his way from Kuala Lumpur to Klang when the Honda City he was driving hit the back of the lorry at about 10.30pm.

Balan, 49, died on the spot.

Chan's political secretary Wong Kung Foo said Balan had served Chan for 20 years and was a dedicated worker.

His body has been sent to his hometown in Bentong, Pahang, for burial.

Chan, who had just returned with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak from France, said he would ensure the welfare of Balan's wife and son. –Bernama
� 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Is this really a move to please the moderates.. the non-religious?

Well, well, well!

What's left for the BN-led opposition in Kelantan to use for ammunition?Kelantan to lift ban on karaoke and snooker, reducing their arguments of the PAS-led government of Kelantan of being anti-social and only concerned with spiritual stuffs, while forgetting about sports, development, culture and the likes.

Anyways, I have no reservation about the lifting the ban on sports related activities, but karaoke lounges are not really a welcomed move.

If it is indeed a real need for this, then I hope he would find ways to ensure naughty stuffs being said about the karaoke lounges in the big cities would not happen in Kelanatan as well!


The Star Online > Nation

Wednesday June 15, 2005
Kelantan to lift ban on karaoke and snooker
BY SYED AZHAR

KOTA BARU: Snooker, billiards and karaoke, which have been banned in Kelantan since 1990 by the PAS-led government, will be making a comeback by the end of this year, under strict conditions.

Local Government, Housing and Health committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan said the details would be discussed at the executive council level before the go-ahead was given.

“I do not expect that there will be any hassle in getting the green light because we had received many requests to allow such activities to be revived, but had turned them down as it was the policy of the government to ban such activities.

“We plan to impose conditions that only associations registered with the State Sports Council could apply for licences to operate (snooker and billiards games), and that only members would be allowed to play them without any element of gambling,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Such premises would also not be allowed to operate in secluded areas, Takiyuddin said.

The state government had banned snooker, billiards and karaoke on the grounds that premises where such activities were held promoted vice and gambling.

To enforce the law, the government had introduced the Entertainment Control Enactment which allows authorities to take action against those operating such activities.

Takiyuddin said snooker and billiards were no longer categorised as entertainment but as sports, and that was why the government was willing to strike them out of the enactment.

As for karaoke centres, Takiyuddin said the government was likely to issue licences only for those that catered for families.

He said stricter conditions would be enforced to ensure that there were no private rooms and only suitable songs such as nasyid would be allowed to be sung.

“There are lots of nasyid songs in the market and I cannot see why we should not allow families to entertain themselves moderately,” he added.

© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

What was he really thinking of?

I don't know what to say to this Debtor who offers his daughter to be raped to offset his loan. Or for that matter, to the loan shark who raped the girl as well as the failings of the institutions in Malaysia.

Financial institutions give loans to all those richs to make them richer, while helping oout the banks to recover their investments, but real needy individuals seldom are given a chance to get any small loans. If only that chap were to be provided a soft loan, a child could have escaped rape, as well as the trauma of an un-wanted pregnancy!

Then again, loan sharks should be shot for taking advantages of those needy people.

The government has indeed failed when people have to resort to taking loans from sharks and all. No elaboration needed, you know what I mean, unless, you're from Mars!


The Star Online > Nation

Wednesday June 15, 2005
Debtor offers daughter
Other News & Views
Compiled by TAN SIN CHOW, DALILAH IBRAHIM and T. PERIASAMY

A MAN in Kota Baru had offered his 15-year-old daughter to a loan shark in 2003 to offset a RM7,500 debt, Sin Chew Daily reported.

The loan shark raped the girl at a house after spiking her drink. He then paid her RM500 for her silence.

The girl became pregnant and gave birth in July last year, but the rape only came to light last month.

The girl, who had been staying with her mother in Penang, related the incident at a press conference organised by the MCA Complaints Bureau.

Police arrested the 38-year-old loan shark in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, last week. He is now under remand in Kelantan.

China Press reported that in Johor Baru, a snatch thief slashed his victim with a parang when she put up a fight.

The woman was by the roadside when one of two men on a motorcycle grabbed her handbag.

During the scuffle, the man whipped out the parang and attacked her. The woman lost her handbag and mobile phone.

Nanyang Siang Pau quoted Deputy Education Minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim as saying that the Government had approved RM47mil for the expansion or relocation of 44 Chinese primary schools.

With this exercise, an additional 12,000 places would be created for students in Chinese schools.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Monday, June 13, 2005

This goes without saying, or is it not?

I almost fell of my chair reading the encouragement of the MCA President, a member of the cabinet of Malaysia's government to the educators in Malaysia. Seek more knowledge, educators told!

In one way or rather, what this chap is saying that our Malaysian academician have really gone down to the drain, all loads of them, from the Vice-Cansellors running the universities, professors, as well as the teachers in all schools in Malaysia.

What is meant by this? 'Scholars should not wait for political masters, corporate leaders or some other patrons to guide them towards excellence'? This is the real reflection of the situation in most education institutions in Malaysia, full with academicians who are mere 'obedient' subjects of the political masters of the day. The masters wishes will be their commands!

Get your honour back, academicians, especially those guys at Universiti Putra Malaysia, namely the Department of Aerospace Engineering, of the Engineering Faculty. Pathetic academicians! Well, not all of them......



The Star Online > Nation

Monday June 13, 2005

Seek more knowledge, educators told

KUALA LUMPUR: Scholars and educators should spur themselves on to seek more knowledge to improve themselves.

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said they should not only continue pursuing their own specialised field but other areas of knowledge as well.

“Scholars should not wait for political masters, corporate leaders or some other patrons to guide them towards excellence.

FASCINATED: Ong playing the angklung to mark the programme launch yesterday. Behind him are the institute advisor Datuk Teng Gaik Kwan, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry parliamentary secretary Chew Mei Fun, Datin Seri Wendy Ong and the institute's chairman Datuk Yu Chok Tow.
“Instead, they should pick up the momentum themselves in the quest for greater knowledge,” Ong said at the launching of Institute CECE Malaysia’s Lifelong Learning Series on the Alphabet programme yesterday.

Such a series, Ong said, should be extended to reach out to more educators at the community level.

“We also hope to instil lifelong learning in ordinary citizens as well as their children, and this can be done through local educators,” he said.

“Through the lifelong learning process, we hope that all of us will know how to live properly, happily, healthily, successfully and meaningfully,” he said.



© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Indian Muslims? Are they Malaysian?

Was slightly amused reading the former PM Mahathir thanks Indian Muslims for their support.

Why?

These people are known as Indian Muslims, so, they are not Malaysian then?

He he he.

If they are, shouldn't thay just be called Malaysian, or if they insist on labelling their race to the citizenship, Indian Malaysian?

I am for one, just would like to be known as Malaysian, but, currently, with all the shameful stuffs of bad governance and everything, it's actually quite shameful to be one, for the moment!



The Star Online > Nation

Monday June 13, 2005
Mahathir thanks Indian Muslims for their support

KUALA LUMPUR: The Indian Muslim community's contribution and support that ensured victory for the Barisan Nasional in the last general election is much appreciated, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He said that although they were a minority community in the country, he felt grateful to them.

“Their number is not high but in a democracy, even with one vote, one can win,” he said at a dinner organised by the Johor Malabar Muslim Assembly here yesterday.

The dinner themed Jasa Mu Dikenang (Your Deeds Are Remembered), was held in honour of Dr Mahathir for his big role in the country's development.

Also present was his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.


� 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Friday, June 10, 2005

Implement 'hudud' on rapist, you'll see a decline in rape cases almost Immediately!

Do you all want to know the solution to this ever-increasing phenomenon of rapes, as again being highlited by the news on Woman home alone raped by ‘admirer’.

Apply 'hudud', stone the rapist to death in public.

Immediately, people will think twice about raping, and definitely there'll be no more rapist in action, insyAllah.

Trust Allah's word, if you are indeed a believer!

'It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.' - AlQuran NurKareem:033(Al-Ahzab):036.


The Star Online > Nation

Friday June 10, 2005
Woman home alone raped by ‘admirer’

PETALING JAYA: Unknown to a 29-year-old woman here, an “admirer” had been watching her every move when she leaves and returns to her Kelana Jaya condominium over the past several months.

On Tuesday, he climbed up four flights to her home and entered her bedroom through an unlocked window.

The woman, who works in a consultancy, told police that the intruder entered her home at about 3am and raped her.

When she broke down in tears after the incident, the man, believed to be an Indonesian construction worker, tried to console her and told her that he had been watching her over the past months and had “feelings” for her, a police source said.

After a few minutes of consoling he made his escape through the door.

It is learnt that the victim was at home alone as her housemate had returned to her hometown in Malacca.

Deputy OCPD Supt Abdul Rahman Ibrahim said police believe the suspect worked at a nearby construction site, and was tracking him down.

In another case, police handed over to the narcotics department a brother of a suspect involved in the loss of two police firearms on June 3.

Supt Abdul Rahman said the man, an electrician, had tested positive for drugs.

Two policemen lost their weapons to four suspected criminals last Friday but one of the suspects has since surrendered to the police.

The 29-year-old man, also an electrician, gave himself up several hours after the group attacked a police patrol team and fled with an MP5 submachine gun and a revolver at Section PJS here.

The police later recovered the submachine gun, without its 25 rounds of ammunition, and detained the brother of one of the suspects to help in investigations.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Racism in disguise of nationalism?

I wonder what crap is this project about, Project to link Malaysians and to tap resources worldwide?

Lead by Chinese Malaysian initiative (Datuk Ng Poh Tip, Asian Centre for Media Studies (ACMS) executive director is one, supported by The Star Paper, known Malaysia Chinese Association political party mouth-piece), I am not surprised that this thing came up at all. Nationalism and tribalism is very much in-built in most of the Chinese, Malaysian or non.

In Islam, there is no such thing as nationalism, 'tribalism' or racism. Each and everyone is the same, to be treated the same, what-ever race you are, rank in society, citizen, etc.

Each and every individual is entitled to their rights, which is guaranteed by the rulers, who abide to Allah's rules and regulation.

Down with racism, nationalism, tribalism and the biggest evil of all, CAPITALISM!

Choose and embrace Islam.

The Star Online > Nation

Friday June 10, 2005

Project to link Malaysians and to tap resources worldwide

PETALING JAYA: The Global Malaysians Network, a project to link Malaysians globally, has been launched.

And minutes after the launch, some Malaysians in New York joined the network by registering online at www.globalmalaysians.com.

An initiative by the Asian Centre for Media Studies and supported by The Star, the project is aimed at networking Malaysians and tapping resources that they can offer to other Malaysians worldwide.

Malaysians, their family members and expatriates who have worked or are currently working in Malaysia or those with investments in the country can participate in the network.

“The network is our response to the opportunities and challenges of globalisation. It will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, skills, experience, investments and contacts among its members.

“Think of the possibilities,” Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan said.

SIGNING UP: Tan, flanked by models Amber Chia and Daniel Tan, registering as a member of the Global Malaysians Network at Menara Star yesterday.
Malaysians, he said, were now scattered throughout the world – with an estimated one million overseas – and were involved in various fields and businesses.

“In the past, most Malaysians lived and worked in Malaysia. Today, home is still Malaysia but the world is their stage.

“They bring their expertise to their host countries but, at the same time, they can continue to serve Malaysia,” he said at the soft launch of the project in Menara Star here yesterday,

Tan said Star Publications was experienced when it came to connecting people, as the organisation itself had gone global.

“We were the first newspaper in Malaysia to have an Internet edition and an e-paper,” he said.

He said the network offered more than just interactivity via its website, noting that events would be organised in various countries in future.

For a start, he said, a symposium would be organised during the network's official launch in September, to which Malaysians abroad would be invited.

QUOTES

“With the availability of the Global Malaysian Network, we are able to reach out to those who have worked in Malaysia before. They are friends of Malaysia.”

– Datuk Ng Poh Tip, Asian Centre for Media Studies (ACMS) executive director

“Through this network, more people can get to know Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), our mission and vision. It can encourage staff or student exchanges, as well as the initiation of research collaboration.”

– Tan Sri Dr Ng Lay Swee, Utar chief executive officer/president

“It is interesting to note that ACMS and The Star have taken this initiative to keep global Malaysians together through this network for the prosperity of the country. This is the first step towards greater success for Malaysians all over the world.”

– Perth-based Jeffrey Francis, Excel Education Pty Ltd deputy chairman

“Travelling a lot can be lonely, and you always hope to meet Malaysians abroad. This is a great tool to keep in touch with friends and family when you’re far from home. Great way to find out places with good Malaysian food, too!”

– Amber Chia, model

“I will definitely promote this network to all my friends overseas. I am sure Malaysians abroad will be really excited to read about other Malaysians who live near them in other parts of the world.”

– Daniel Tan, model

“Since I will be going to Australia for four months, it will be a great way to keep in touch with my family. I get homesick very easily, so it would definitely help to know Malaysians who are living there.”

– Deborah Loo, Utar student

“This is a great way to bring Malaysians around the world closer to each other. We’re a Malaysian community.”

– Au Wen Chia, Utar student

Related Story:
Businessmen welcome website for Malaysians


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Two killed after car slams into lorry

Again, my heart goes to the deceased! Reading about these Two killed after car slams into lorry, saddens me, in that, the car slams into the crashed truck. Definitely the car driver has not practiced 'defensive driving' at all. He might have been a very im-patient driver in the first place.

I have came across multiple offences committed by many drivers in Malaysia, and accidents of these types are not surprising at all. The statistics of road-accident-related death are definitly of the high, and is a high contribution to the losses of the country, money-wise as well as population-wise.

I only hoped that continous enforcement and monitoring by the enforcement forces (once they sort their corruption problems), and more safety-conscious individual drivers in the future might see a reduction to cases of traffic accidents, as well as the number of death! Better Road design and a revamp of the road regulation and rules could help too!


The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 9, 2005
Two killed after car slams into lorry

SEREMBAN: Two people were killed and six others injured in a road crash involving a car and a lorry at the 282.5th kilometre of the North-South Expressway near here on Tuesday night.

The dead were identified as R. Rani, 30, and V. Valiamal, 66, while the injured were driver M. Periyakaruppan, 30, his children P. Thulasinee, five, and V. Kannan, 16, lorry driver Azmi Mohd Nor, 38, and two others in the lorry, Mohamad Zaki Jamaludin, 14, and Mohd Anuar Abdullah, 16.

State Traffic Police Chief ASP Mohd Shahar Ibrahim said the car hit the back of the lorry after the lorry skidded and rammed the road divider.

Periyakaruppan and his two children were admitted to the Seremban Hospital, while the three from the lorry received outpatient treatment. – Bernama


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

DAP should respect PAS as it is!

It saddens me to read on the call of Drop Islamic state plan, DAP tells PAS.

Has PAS in any way has asked DAP to drop any of their principles? I don't think so.

DAP should appreciate and respect PAS' plan as it is their own welfare. PAS, being a party of Islamic principle has to adhere to the teaching of it's religion and setting up an Islamic state is the paramount objective of any Allah-fearing individual. There's nothing more important to them.

Different parties with different way of thoughts should work together for common gronds, and to forget what-ever small differing details, in order to succeed. As long as the opposition parties are continously bickering about small and petty matters, Barisan Nasional group of parties could continue rulling the country until the 'cows go home'.

Such a sorry state of affairs for the already frail opposition parties in Malaysia!

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 9, 2005
Drop Islamic state plan, DAP tells PAS

PETALING JAYA: The DAP has called on PAS' new leaders to drop their Islamic state objective so as to win over non-Muslims.

DAP national publicity bureau secretary Gobind Singh Deo said PAS would not win the support of non-Muslims so long as it continued with its political objective of achieving an Islamic state.

“What we now have are new leaders singing the old song,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said the new leaders needed to consider dropping their Islamic state political objective if they really expected Malaysians to believe that the party was prepared to change.

New PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa was reported to have said that winning over non-Muslims was top on its agenda.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

A eye for an eye... How do you pay for death?

My heart goes to the family of this child, Girl killed after van rams into bike.

How do you make the culprit pay?

In Islam, 'blood money' is the compensation and only if the family of the deceased accepts to it. Else, the van driver has to be put to death!

May Allah bless the late Ratna!

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 9, 2005
Girl killed after van rams into bike
Other News & Views
Compiled by NG SI HOOI, K. SAITHURUKA AND T. PERIASAMY

AN eight-year old girl was killed after being dragged 400m in a hit-and-run accident.

A van had rammed into the motorcycle that she was riding pillion on.

Berita Harian reported that Ratna Prawit died on the spot in the 3.15pm incident, which occurred near Terbak, Tumpat.

She was on her way to her tuition class and on the bike ridden by her grandfather Eh Chum Eh Deng, 50. Both were thrown off the machine after the collision.

Despite sustaining injuries, Eh Chum chased after the speeding van, along with other villagers who had witnessed the accident.

The paper said the driver finally stopped the van in an alley and fled.

The villagers helped Eh Chum pull Ratna, a pupil at SRK (C) Yok Sze, from under the van.

A witness, Veena Benedict Merimdo, 45, said she thought a stray dog had been hit when she heard a loud thud.

“But I was shocked to see Eh Chum shouting his granddaughter's name numerous times and screaming that she was stuck to the bottom of the van,'' she said.

Utusan Malaysia reported that the Government would provide incentives to private bumiputra higher learning institutions which lacked capital and expertise.

Higher Education Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Adham Baba said the incentives included exemptions for stamp duty payments and property sales tax.

He also said that such higher learning institutions, which merged to become new entities, could also continue to offer their old programmes without having to submit new applications to the ministry.

Dr Adham said this while launching a carnival at Kota Baru Polytechnic in Kok Lunas yesterday.

He was replying to comments from National Private Bumiputra Higher Learning Institutions Association president Datuk Dr Ismail Mohd Salleh that 123 such institutions had “closed shop” while 30 were “ailing” because they lacked students.

The issue came about after Mara and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), which usually sponsored bumiputra students, could not afford to do so.

Private bumiputra institutions are also facing stiff competition from the Education Ministry's matriculation colleges and community colleges.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

This is what I have been preaching all my life! No HOMEWORK at schools!

BBC NEWS | Education | Schools try abolishing homework

Like what I said, 'NO HOMEWORK!'.

Children should enjoy childhood, and not work their as*es-off like working adults!


Since we are one of the colonised nation, I wonder if anyone would be taken to this exercise as well.




Schools try abolishing homework
By Shola Adenekan

Alex Taylor thinks school homework is a waste of time.

As he goes through his physics homework, Alex, a pupil at a secondary school in Edinburgh, thinks there are few benefits in the ritual.

"I don't know if I'm getting something out of it," he said.

"I'd rather not do it. I don't think life would be bad without homework."

Some head teachers in the UK agree and are experimenting with no-homework policies.

'Long day'

Malsis School, an independent prep school in North Yorkshire, adopted such a policy two years ago.

Its head teacher, Christopher Lush, said: "This is not a question of banning homework as deciding it was inappropriate.

"At the end of a long, busy school day it's not necessary that children should be forced to sit down and do homework or prep.

"Being an independent school, parents and children would vote with their feet if they believed their children were being short-changed academically. This is far from being the case."

Instead of homework, the school, which has a significant boarding community, uses evenings to offer children an array of clubs and activities.

High standards

Mr Lush says the evening is a time when most children are far from their best in terms of producing high quality academic work.

The time for that, he believes, is earlier in the day when they are fresher.

"In other words we offer a better learning experience all round. We maintain very high academic standards but there is more to education than being schooled for examinations," he said.

"Children should be allowed to experience the joy of childhood and have time for play and activity, to develop human qualities, and develop talents and interests that will last them a lifetime."

The latest report on the school by the Independent Schools Inspectorate says pupils do perform to a high standard in all academic subjects.


It's a basis for parents and pupils to work together and to understand the curriculum
Head teacher Roy Tedscoe
Some educationists say no-homework policies at a number of independent schools are examples of the choice and variety on offer within the private sector.

They doubt if it would appeal to pupils and teachers in the state sector.

Roy Tedscoe, a head teacher at Coleraine Park Primary School in Tottenham, London, says homework will continue to be an integral part of his pupils' learning experience.

He believes it underlines the learning that takes place in school.

"It's a basis for parents and pupils to work together and to understand the curriculum, reinforcing knowledge for both students and parents," he said.

"It's a handy assessment tool for teachers in order for them to understand their pupils. In addition, it's a very good home-school link."

Current government guidelines on the amount of homework children should have range from at least an hour a week for five to seven-year-olds to two-and-a-half hours a day for pupils aged 14 to 15.

Like Mr Tedscoe, the government is very keen on homework, believing it is the equivalent of an extra year's schooling and a way of involving parents in what schools are doing.

Anxiety

But is there any evidence that homework actually does anything for attainment?


What is not helpful is where students have to do so much homework that they have no time for other activities
Researcher Susan Hallam
A recent study by the Institute of Education, University of London, suggests that homework can create anxiety, boredom, fatigue and emotional exhaustion in children, who resent the encroachment on their free time, even though they think homework helps them to do well at school.

The report's author, Dr Susan Hallam, says that while homework can enhance examination results, its impact is relatively small compared with the students' prior knowledge in a particular subject.

"What is not helpful is where students have to do so much homework that they have no time for other activities or where homework is not planned so that they are sometimes overwhelmed," she said.

"This leads to anxiety, which in itself is detrimental to learning."

But for students on the borderline between grades, Dr Hallam believes it may make a difference to the grade that they get.

"The important thing about homework is that it should be set because it has a meaningful purpose in relation to the learning of the students not just because it is on time table," she said.

"Teachers and schools need to make a judgement about whether it's important in relation to the learning needs of particular groups of students."

Monday, June 06, 2005

But, other people have a need for transport and communication!

As much as I appreciate colenel's No Need For A Car/Bike/Phone, I can''t help to note that he didn't notice that there are people who have need for those that he already had.

Excellent that he appreciate the truth about hard-earned money. May he be a wise person in the future, by the looks of it, he is already quite a bright person.

I wished for cheap, efficient public transport as well as the cheapest possible forms of communication and information retrival!

TAK NAK Proton!

Here's my piece onProton Savvy TUV Audit » paultan.org - Cars, technology, gadgets, and alot of other random stuff.

Know what audits can do for Proton.

It's just a 'facade'!. Quality speaks for itself, and Proton has failed all these whiles.

TAK NAK PROTON!

TAK NAK RACISM!

kennysia.com: Oh No, Not Another Post On Racism

This is my reply to this post of Kenny Sia! A blogger par excellence.

Racism is alive and well, not only in Malaysia, but everywhere.

To cut all the crap, let's all remember that each and every human being are ONE! A bretheren, all siblings, from the same source, Adam!

Let's get back to 'Let's do unto others as you want others to do unto you'. Hopefully, the world, especially Malaysia would be a much, much better place.

Death to racism! Do your part! TAK NAK RACISM!

Friday, June 03, 2005

National car, national joke?

This is part of my 'ranting' at usergroups jaring.pcbase, tmnet.streamyx, soc.culture.malaysia, jaring.marketplace

There's some point in expressing dis-satisfaction and nasty previously-experienced stuffs here.

Besides getting away from permanent head damage due to unable to contain the anger anymore, the writings might be of some help to others.

Public expression? Have you heard of freedom after press in Malaysia? I don't.

It's no secret of the Proton brand being the least of the appreciated car on the market, but people still have to buy them because of the protection being put on them by the ruling Executives. On level playing ground, Proton would have been dead on the 5th anniversary, the latest.

This non-level playing field is also applied everywhere in the country, be it in education, employment etc. Meritocracy? It's more of 'BN-ocracy", or to more extend, 'UMNOcracy'!

On automotive trade, I would propose for the elemination of protection for national product, equal taxation and duties scheme. At the same, I would be recommending for a review of public transportation system, for cheaper and more efficient travels for the citizen.

mamatd .. appreciates other views, but not impractical solutions.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Do we cry over 'spilled milk'?

When reading about how 13-year-old dies in crash after sneaking out in dad’s car, I am almost speech-less. This is a classic example of incidents that could be avoided, if only proper safety and security measures are adhered to.

First of all, my heart goes to the families of the deceased. This is indeed a trying time. To get hold of oneself and to come to term to the tragedy that has befallen them.

Anyways, if only the keys to the cars are kept away from children?
If only the elders are aware of things that is happening to their children at all times?
If only the elders are in control of things at their houses, the opening and closing of doors, the entry and exits of occupants?
If only?

My prayers for no more of this kind of incidents in the future and especially not to me and my own family and friends.

My other wishes is that there should be a regulation to penalise the owner of vehicles whenever their vehicles are used by un-licensed drivers. Would there be any, in light of this sorry accident?


The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 2, 2005

13-year-old dies in crash after sneaking out in dad’s car

BY FREDERICK FERNANDEZ

The badly-damaged car at the scene of the accident in Jalan Seraya, Taman Chi Liung, Klang, early on Wednesday. Chia Ern died in the crash while one of her friends, who was driving the car, suffered serious injuries.
KLANG: A 13-year-old girl paid with her life when she sneaked out of her house with her father’s car for supper with four schoolmates early yesterday.

Tan Chia Ern died on the spot when the car driven by one of her friends smashed into a tree on the way home.

Chia Ern left her house in Jalan Seroja, Port Klang, at 2am to pick up her friends for a late meal in Bukit Tinggi 7km away.

When they were done at 4am, Chia Ern handed the car keys to Chong Ji Yin, 17, to drive them back. She rode in the front passenger seat.

Ji Yin lost control of the car at a sharp bend in Jalan Seraya, Taman Chi Liung, and drove into a tree by the roadside. The impact threw him and Chia Ern against the windscreen.

Chia Ern was pronounced dead on arrival at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital while Ji Yin was warded with serious injuries.

The three in the back seat – sisters Fang Wai Kwan, 18, Yee Theng, 16, and Lee Kit Yi, 14 – received out-patient treatment at the hospital.

Klang traffic police chief Asst Supt Junaidi Bujang said none of the five teenagers, who were students of SM Hin Hua, had a driving licence.


© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)