Sunday, October 23, 2005

What Bosses? Stup*d bosses of foreign labourers?

These concerned Bosses are not really looking at the interest of the nation at large, but to the own interest the most!

There's various ways to continue their business, at a profit, if only they start using their brain instead of their connections and 'under-table' money!

Kasihan Malaysian at large.... the real needy and needed ones...

***

The Star Online > Nation



Bosses against higher medical fees for foreigners

PETALING JAYA: A resounding “no” – that is the response from employers to the move to charge foreigners more at public hospitals from next year.

The Government, they said, should reconsider its decision or risk scaring off investors and foreign workers.

Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said this move would make Malaysia unpopular and was not good for the country.

“When foreign workers are involved, higher medical fees translate into an increase in business costs, which means reducing Malaysia’s competitiveness,” he said yesterday.

Shamsuddin: ‘Higher fees translate into an increase in business costs’
On Saturday, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek made the announcement, which will lead to charges for foreigners at public hospitals being increased based on the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) schedule of fees for private practitioners.

Foreigners now pay first-class rates at public hospitals.

The Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association said the move would scare off foreign workers.

President Datuk R. Ramalingam said foreign workers also paid levies when they entered the country and the Government had a responsibility to look after them.

“Where would this country be without the large number of foreign workers that has helped it progress?” he asked.

Malaysian Trade Union Congress president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said: “It is the employers who should be footing the bill.”

However, MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the body supported the move, which would result in some cost-recovery for the Government.

“The MMA’s schedule of fees is a set of fees that is the closest to cost-recovery for a hospital,” he said.

Dr Teoh added that the announcement was fair, as Malaysians should not have to subsidise foreigners.



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

Friday, October 21, 2005

Another Pembohong DiRaja Malaysia lie...

Pigi dah!

Threats like this, Settle fines on time or risk paying double, traffic offenders told, and one fine day you have discounts for unpaid summons... !

As a muslim, I am very sad looking at other muslims talking bulls*it like this!

********************************************

The Star Online > North

Saturday October 22, 2005

Settle fines on time or risk paying double, traffic offenders told

By SYLVIA LOOI

PAY up or have your fine doubled. This warning comes from Ipoh police who said traffic offenders who did not settle their summonses by the given deadline could be slapped with another summons for ignoring the first one.

Ipoh traffic chief Asst Supt Razali Bakar said police were empowered to issue the second summons under the Road Transport Act 1987.

He said the fine for the second summons was the same for the first one.

He said a transport company was recently issued with 20 second summonses after it failed to settle earlier ones for offences committed by its drivers.

ASP Razali also said the management of some transport companies had been hauled to court when their drivers who were issued with traffic summonses did not pay up.

On another matter, he said there were 405 arrest warrants waiting to be served on traffic offenders under the ongoing Ops Warta IV.

“There are 20 police officers in five teams working round the clock to serve the summonses,” he said.

ASP Razali also said police anti-cipated traffic in Ipoh to increase during the Deeparaya celebrations next month.

As such, he urged motorists to drive with care and be patient on the road during the period.

He said a total of 140 people died in road accidents in Ipoh from Jan 1 to Oct 17 this year compared to 155 people for the whole of last year.


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

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Condolences to Malaysia's PM - Endon Dies After Long Battle With Cancer

It's a difficult time when a family member dies. As much as I have very little respect for the current prime minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri abdullah Badawi, as a muslim, I share his sorrow in the demise of her wife of 40-years, Endon , after long battle with cancer.

Al-fatihah.
**********************************************************


Datin Seri Endon Mahmood

Bernama.com
Malaysian National News Agency

Endon Dies After Long Battle With Cancer
General
October 20, 2005 09:23 AM
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood died at 7.55 am Thursday at Sri Perdana, the Prime Minister's official residence in Putrajaya after fighting a long battle with cancer.

News of her death was conveyed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Bernama chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini.

Endon, 64, breathed her last about 18 days after returning from undergoing a treatment for breast cancer in Los Angeles, United States.

She is survived by two children.

The Prime Minister's Office announced that members of the public can pay their last respects at Seri Perdana from 11 am through the main gate of the official residence.

Her remains will be brought to the Putrajaya Mosque for funeral prayers during Asar, before being laid to rest at the Muslim burial grounds at Precinct 20, Putrajaya.

Abdullah and her son Kamaluddin and his daughter Nori, daughter and son in laws, Azrene Abdullah and Khairy Jamaluddin respectively, the premier's four grandchildren who are Kamaluddin's children, were by Endon's side before she breathed her last.

Endon's mother Datin Mariam Abdullah was also present.

As a mark of respect, Several Cabinet Ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir cancelled all their official functions.

Among others, the official launch of the national jersey for the SEA Games, scheduled to be officiated by the deputy premier, had been called off.

News of Endon's sudden death at the break of dawn shocked the nation, with Malaysians from all walks of life mourning the loss of the premier's wife.

Reflecting the atmosphere of grief and sorrow, the weather in the Klang Valley also greeted the day with gloom.

Radio and television stations switched to low gear by playing songs which depict the sombre mood and verses from the holy Quran.

Muslim radio deejays also called on listeners to offer the Al-Fatihah verse to Endon.

News of Endon's death during the holy month of Ramadan, were immediately channelled through Bernama's Short Messaging Service (SMS).

VIPs and foreign dignitaries started to pay their last respects at Sri Perdana at 9.30 am. Among the earliest to arrive, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar was seen busy managing the situation.

Hundreds of people had also started to trickle in to pay their last respects to Endon.

Senior government officers including secretaries-general and directors-general based in Putrajaya also rushed to Seri Perdana to pay their last respects.

Members of the public started converging in Seri Perdana ahead of visiting hours at 11 am. Also present were Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Dr Mohd Shafie Salleh and former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Musa Hitam.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were seen arriving at Seri Perdana at about 10.30 am.

Shortly after, the Prime Minister, who appeared in blue Malay traditional dress, was seen receiving visitors who came to pay their last respects at the premier's official residence.

Abdullah who appeared composed at first, could not hold back his tears when several visitors expressed their heartfelt condolences by lending their shoulders to the bereaved premier. He was later seen having some moments with Najib and Syed Hamid.

According to one of his aides, Abdullah who was by his wife's side, appeared calm when Endon breathed her last. Immediately, the premier began making preparations for her burial.

At the Parliament building, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib announced Endon's death at the start of Thursday's sitting at 10 am before adjourning the meeting to Monday.

-- BERNAMA



Copyright © 2005 BERNAMA. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form except with the prior written permission of BERNAMA. Disclaimer


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Other coverages:-
Reuters' Malaysia in mourning after PM's wife dies
The Associated Press' Malaysian Prime Minister's Wife Dies
Agence France Presse's Malaysia mourns death of PM Abdullah's wife
BBC News' Malaysia PM's wife dies of cancer
************************************************************************************

Malaysia in mourning after PM's wife dies

By Jalil HamidThu Oct 20, 1:08 AM ET

Malaysia went into mourning on Thursday for Endon Mahmood, well-liked wife of the prime minister, who died after a long battle with breast cancer.

Endon, as she was warmly known, was a well of inspiration for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but family friends sought to dispel any notion that he might now begin to lose his appetite for power.

"I think that this will throw him more into the job now," said a close friend, who described Abdullah as calm in the first hours after her death, just after dawn at their home on Thursday.

"It's a huge loss to Pak Lah," said Abdullah Ahmad, a former newspaper editor and diplomat, using Abdullah's affectionate nickname. Abdullah Ahmad was among thousands of people at the prime minister's official residence to offer his condolences.

"She was everything to Pak Lah. She was a friend and a confidante." But Abdullah Ahmad also doubted that the premier, 65, would lose his drive for politics now that she was gone.

Parliament was adjourned until Monday as a mark of respect, and the government canceled all Thursday's official functions, local media said. All local TV stations broadcast prayers.

Leaders from neighbor Singapore, including the prime minister, were also making their way to Malaysia to pay their respects, Malaysian officials said, in a clear sign of warmer bilateral ties since prime minister Abdullah took power in 2003.

An official spokeswoman said Endon, 64, died at 7:15 a.m. (2315 GMT) at the premier's sprawling hilltop official residence in the leafy new administrative capital of Putrajaya.

The whole family was gathered at Endon's bedside when the end came. The prime minister, a deeply religious man, was serene and comforted his children as they wept, the close friend said.

The son, Kamaluddin Abdullah, told Reuters she had spoken no parting words. "She was in semi-conscious state already," said a tired-looking Kamaluddin, wearing a white linen shirt as he stood at the main door of the residence to receive the condolences of visitors, among them women in the black headscarves of mourning.

"She died peacefully," said her son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin. Endon's mother was also beside her at the time.

Thousands of people, including civil servants from offices nearby, queued in rain outside the turquoise-domed residence, waiting to enter and file past Endon's body, wrapped in white linen. Later on Thursday, her body is to be taken to a mosque for prayers before being buried in a public cemetery in Putrajaya.

The death came in the holy month of Ramadan, during which devout Muslims believe the departed receive special blessings.

The soft-spoken Endon was diagnosed with cancer soon after her twin sister Noraini discovered she had the disease in 2002.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was among the first visitors to arrive. He went in and read verses from the holy Koran, officials said. Abdullah took power late in 2003, as the chosen successor of Mahathir.

Since 2002, Endon had made regular trips to the United States for treatment. She returned home on October 1 from weeks of treatment in Los Angeles, but immediately went into hospital to guard against secondary infections, on doctors' advice.

(Additional reporting by Mark Bendeich, Clarence Fernandez and Barani Krishnan)

Copyright © 2005 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Copyright © 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
***************************************************************
Malaysian Prime Minister's Wife Dies

By SEAN YOONG, Associated Press WriterWed Oct 19, 9:58 PM ET

Endon Mahmood, the wife of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, died Thursday after a four-year battle with breast cancer. She was 64.

Endon Mahmood's death came less than two months after the couple marked their 40th wedding anniversary. The Malaysian leader took office in October 2003 following the retirement of his predecessor, longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad.

Endon, who recently underwent months of intensive chemotherapy in Los Angeles, died at the family's official residence Thursday morning in Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital, after being released from a Malaysian hospital Monday, said Abdullah's spokeswoman, Esuriyanti Ahmad.

"The family members were at her side, everybody was there," Esuriyanti said.

Parliament proceedings and several other government functions were canceled Thursday. Thousands of people were expected to gather at Abdullah's home to pay their final respects to Endon before she was buried in a traditional Muslim funeral later Thursday.

The couple have a son, a daughter and four grandchildren.

Abdullah has often publicly called Endon his "No. 1 supporter." When his mother died of natural causes in February 2004, Abdullah telephoned Endon in the United States, where she was undergoing treatment. She later told reporters that he said: "I've lost my mother and I don't want to lose you too."

Endon met Abdullah while both were working at the Public Services Department in the 1960s. After retiring in 1976, she has mainly been involved in charity work for women and children, and has spearheaded efforts to assist children in North Korea, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

Since 2002, Endon had been deeply involved in awareness programs for breast cancer, the main cause of illness-related fatalities for Malaysian women.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright © 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
***************************************************************
Malaysia mourns death of PM Abdullah's wife

Thu Oct 20, 3:22 AM ET

Malaysia is grieving with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi following the death of his wife Endon Mahmood, whose long and loving marriage to their premier captivated the nation.

After a long battle with breast cancer, the much-loved First Lady passed away in the morning at the prime minister's residence in Putrajaya, the nation's administrative centre, the state Bernama news agency said.

Diplomats, political figures and thousands of Malaysians flocked to the residence to pay their respects ahead of a funeral ceremony and burial scheduled for Thursday afternoon in accordance with Muslim rituals.

Abdullah, dressed in blue Malay traditional dress, remained composed but was at times moved to tears as he received condolences from well-wishers who filed past the body, laid on a white bed and covered with a white cloth.

The nation's parliament was suspended until Monday as a mark of respect and official functions were cancelled. Most television and radio stations broadcast Koran recitals or played sombre songs as mourning enveloped the nation.

"She was such a loving wife to Abdullah, she brought so much joy for him, we will all miss her greatly," said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

"Abdullah is a tower of strength for the cabinet. Despite this difficult moment, he is very composed and very calm. It is amazing how he is holding himself, since Endon was very dear to him," he said.

Endon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, the same year her twin sister Noraini died of the same disease. She recently returned from the United States where she had spent more than three months undergoing chemotherapy.

The couple broke with the traditional silence that surrounds illnesses of high-ranking figures here and spoke openly about Endon's condition, keeping Malaysians informed about her battle with the disease.

Abdullah Ahmad, a former editor of the New Straits Times and a long-time family friend, said Endon's death was a "huge loss" for the prime minister.

"She was everything to Pak Lah. She was a friend, wife and confidante," he said, using Malaysians' affectionate nickname for Abdullah, which means "father".

Endon's death has triggered an outpouring of support and sympathy for Abdullah, whose love for his wife inspired many Malaysians. Their 40-year marriage was widely considered a model relationship.

"He will always give me a peck on the cheek before leaving home or at least call from downstairs that he is leaving. He will always phone when he is away and we always tell each other we love each other," Endon said last year.

Endon was born to a Japanese mother and a Malaysian father in 1940. She worked in the civil service until her retirement in 1976. She married in 1965 and had two children, Kamaludin and Nori, and four grandchildren.

She always declined to comment on her husband's long career, but offered her steadfast support during his political highs and lows.

"It can be very difficult and stressful so I think a politician must really love his job to want to go through all this," she said in the 2004 interview.

"I believe he was fated to become the country's leader and as his wife I must give him all the support," she said.

The softly-spoken Endon devoted her time to social, community and charity work and was also a strong supporter of Malaysian arts and crafts. She also used her own illness to promote cancer awareness.

Condolences began to flow in from around the region, including from Thailand despite current tensions between the neighbours centred on separatist conflict in Thailand's Muslim-majority south.

Thai deputy prime minister Surakiart Sathirathai will attend the burial, while Singapore will be represented by a high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President S.R. Nathan.

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo and foreign secretary Alberto Romulo will also attend the ceremony.

Copyright © 2005 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AFP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Agence France Presse.
Copyright © 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
***************************************************************
Malaysia PM's wife dies of cancer
Malaysia is mourning the death of Endon Mahmood, the popular wife of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, from breast cancer.

Her funeral, held soon after her death on Wednesday, was nationally televised.

Parliament adjourned and local television and radio stations broadcast prayers and sombre music as a mark of respect for Endon Mahmood, who was 64.

The prime minister and his wife had been married for 40 years, and had what was seen as a model partnership.

Mr Abdullah was reported to be at times tearful but calm as he received mourners, including high level representatives from Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

When asked by reporters if he was coping well, Mr Abdullah smiled weakly and said: "We'll see," the Associated Press reported.

Endon Mahmood was respected by the Malaysian public for her gentle unassuming personality, and was popularly referred to as "Kak Endon," or "Elder Sister Endon."

She told The Star newspaper in 2003: "I must be supportive and understanding of [my husband's] duties.

"I always compliment him. He will always phone when he is away, and we always tell each other we love each other."

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said he thought the prime minister was bearing up well under the strain.

"She was such a loving wife to Abdullah, she brought so much joy for him, we will all miss her greatly," he said.

"Abdullah is a tower of strength for the Cabinet. Despite this difficult moment, he is very composed and very calm. It is amazing how he is holding himself, since Endon was very dear to him."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/4360118.stm

Published: 2005/10/20 11:27:13 GMT

© BBC MMV
***************************************************************

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Any feedback from Malaysian engineers? - Right tyre boosts fuel saving

Right tyre boosts fuel saving or just simple boast?

Any feedback, malaysian engineers?

***************************************************************

The Star Online > Central



Right tyre boosts fuel saving

JOHN TAYLOR holds the world record for driving 2,348.3km using less than a full tank of fuel.

He said this could be achieved by using the right fuel and tyre.

Taylor has been shattering record for 27 years.
The 54-year-old father of three children aged between 18 and 23 years old achieved the feat with his wife Helen when they drove from Melbourne to Rockhampton in Australia between Dec 31, 2001 and Jan 2, the next year.

“Apart from practising the correct driving habits on the road, vehicle owners’ can save between 20% and 25% on fuel consumption by adopting the fuel and tyre formula that I have been applying in my record-breaking bid,” said Taylor, who was the guest speaker at the Michelin Energy campaign media brief held in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Also present were Michelin general manager Ronald Sutardja and marketing manager Neo Chee Cheong.

“Increase in fuel price is inevitable. However, owners have the option of running their vehicles efficiently,” said Sutardja.

”Our role is to educate the public that tyres play a role in a vehicle's fuel consumption.

“The Green X Technology on the Energy range tyres reduces rolling resistance with an improved silicon compound.”

The Energy range offers Energy MXV8 for luxury sedans, and Energy XM1 for mass market and mini vans.

“Although MXV8 and XM1 were launched in 2002 and 2004 respectively, we are reiterating the tyres fuel saving capability in view of the recent increase in fuel price.

“The reduction in rolling resistance on the tyres will lead to lower fuel consumption as the vehicle is using less energy to move forward without compromising on grip. It is also more environmental friendly with the decrease in the vehicle’s CO2 emission,” said Neo, who briefed the members of media on the benefits of Energy tyres.

(From left) Taylor, Sutardja and Neo introducing the Energy MXV8 (left) and Energy XM1 to the media.
In October last year, Taylor accompanied by an inexperienced woman test-driver travelled a distance of 1,053km (Singapore-Penang-Kuala Lumpur) with 17.5 litres of fuel left after driving 19 hours.

Taylor stretched the distance to 1,176km (Singapore-Penang-Kuala Lumpur-Malacca) with 17 litres left after driving 16 hours, May this year.

Taylor, who is the Record Breakers Singapore operations director, has been shattering record for 27 years.

His debut in raising funds for charity in 1977 by walking around Europe ignited a passion for breaking records.

Currently, he holds 80 world records, which include 34 in fuel saving and 46 speed records.

In addition, he has 45 national records in running, walking and cycling under his belt.

(From left) Sutardja, Taylor and Neo demonstrating the reduction in rolling resistance with the improved silicon compound (green roller) compared with ordinary black compound (black roller).
“I am a competitive person by nature. I am very determined in outdoing others in whatever I do,” said Taylor, who had cancer.

“I managed to overcome cancer with a strong fighting spirit.”

“ Asians are talented. But, they need to believe in their abilities. Everyone has the potential in achieving extraordinary results,” said the Australian who resides in Singapore.

“To me, it is a joy witnessing ordinary people breaking records.”

In addition, Taylor also runs the Taylor Made Soccer Academy in Singapore.

”My passion for football and driving helps me to stay focus while working towards my goals,” he added.

For more details on the Energy tyres, call toll free number 1-800-388-368 or e-mail enquiries@my.michelin.com.



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

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Muslims 'Monks' needs not leaves monastery to marry!!!

This poor Monk leaves (a) monastery to marry widow, yet, the followers of this religion still stick to it!

What religion actually calls for it's followers to refrain from doing what is normally performed by human?

It's your call mates.....
**********************************

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 13, 2005

Monk leaves monastery to marry widow

A 60-YEAR-OLD monk left a monastery to marry a 50-year-old widow, reported China Press.

Wu De Yuan and Xu Mei Lan were scheduled to register their marriage in Raub, Pahang, last Tuesday, but the application was rejected as Xu had lost her birth certificate.

They will tie the knot later, after Xu has obtained a copy of it.

Wu said what other people thought about his decision was irrelevant.

“We will take it as it is,” said Xu.

“We are destined to be together,” he told China Press.

Wu, who has three children aged 26 to 29, joined the monastery after his wife died in an accident in 1999.

He said he sympathised with Xu, a polio victim he met two years ago, as she had to care for her three children, aged between eight and 20, after her husband died.

“Early this year, I started to fall in love with this woman and proposed to her,” Wu said, adding that he promised to take care of Xu and her children.

Sin Chew Daily reported that only 1% of Chinese nationals have been denied entry into Malaysia for various reasons.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho said Malaysia only barred foreigners who did not have sufficient travel documents or who had ulterior motives.


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

Charge all you want, and yet, people will still pay!!

Funny noting that a minister lamenting the expensive meal for breaking of 'fasting' in this article, RM100 for buffet is too much, says Toyad, yet, there are still numbers of them flocking to them 'expensive' meals!

Malaysian who have the monies seems to throw it all away with no regards what-so-ever, yeah, 'money earned easily, would be easily lost as well'. There's a nother day to start doing something to reap what you lost yesterday!

What about those who can't even afford to spend RM100 in a week?

Malaysia, malaysian...... I shed my tears daily for you and your ills!
*********************************
The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 13, 2005

RM100 for buffet is too much, says Toyad

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad says hotels are overcharging for the breaking of fast buffet during Ramadan.

Although the ministry has no power to control buffet prices, he said hoteliers should be reasonable as charging RM100 or more was too much.

“I think consumers will have their opinion. Consumers have the right to make a choice. But again, I will say RM100 is too high,” he told reporters after opening the 10th anniversary of Optimax Eye Specialist Centre here yesterday.

He was commenting on a statement by the Malaysian Hoteliers Association that hotels would stick to their decision to charge RM100 or more for the breaking of fast buffet.

Dr Toyad said his ministry and the Health Ministry were working to ensure the success of the health tourism promotion campaign.

He said a Cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had been set up to co-ordinate and monitor the campaign.

The health tourism industry shows promise because Malaysia has a high standard of medical expertise at competitive prices, he added.


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

Monday, October 10, 2005

Dulu lain, sekarang lain?

Quoted from a very senile-oldman, “This is especially (important) as we now believe in transparency,”. Does it mean that we never bothered with it before or that we, in the context of the quote only refers to him and the few friends who only recently started to believe in the newly-found word, transparency?

Whether MITI is the guilty party approving NAZA as a national car status or not, Mahathir is also responsible. Why? He was the ruling prime minister then, dude!

He could always veto it, couldn't he?

You know one thing about this senile old man? Poooooooooooora chit!


Mahathir raises issue of national car status for Naza vehicles
*********************************************
The Star Online > Nation

Monday October 10, 2005

Mahathir raises issue of national car status for Naza vehicles

News Updated By SIM LEOI LEOI of The Star

PUTRAJAYA: There must be no cover-up over who initially approved the proposal for the Naza cars to be accorded the national car status, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

Speaking to reporters after launching the Perdana Global Peace Forum here on Monday, Dr Mahathir said it was the International Trade and Industry Ministry, which approved it, and not him (who was then the Prime Minister).

“On the approval of Naza cars as national cars, I think MITI knows very well that it was MITI that approved it and you know, the cover-up is wrong.

“The Government must not cover up and lie to the public, it’s wrong. The Government know that it was MITI that approved it, not me,” he said, adding that any such attempt to “cover-up is very bad.”

“This is especially (important) as we now believe in transparency,” he said.

Dr Mahathir, who was asked whether he was satisfied with the replies given by the International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz to the Parliament over the issuance of the Approved Permits (APs) for cars in Parliament last week, he said:

“Most of the questions were not answered while the MPs too did not ask the right questions.”


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

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Congrats for the good work, PDRM - but, then again, I can act fast with an MR2 too!

Congratulations to the PDRM! Reading Cops foil robbery at cigarette hoarder’s house interests me the most by their fast action, but what really strikes me is the MR2 driven by one of the cops!

Wow, MR-2! How many MR2 or any similar costly vehicles are on PDRM's account? ;p

***********************************************

The Star Online > Nation



Cops foil robbery at cigarette hoarder’s house

DESPERATE ACTION: The sleek silvery Toyota MR2 driven by a police officer was rammed by fleeing robbers at Taman Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
KUALA LUMPUR: A wholesaler, who wanted to cash in on the increase in excise duties announced in last week's budget, thought he could make a handsome profit by stocking up on cigarettes at his house.

But little did he know that there were others watching his move.

At 11.50am yesterday, nine robbers stormed into his house in Taman Seputeh here to cart away the cigarettes, worth some RM150,000.

But the robbery was foiled by police, who acting on a tip-off, arrived a little later and arrested all of them.

Two of the robbers were injured in the shootout that ensued.

City CID chief Senior Asst Comm II Abdul Aziz Bulat said one of the robbers told the wholesaler's 45-year-old maid that he had a parcel to deliver.

The maid opened the gates to the house but before she could react the other robbers rushed in.

She and the wholesaler's son were blindfolded and their hands and legs bound with masking tape.

SAC Abdul Aziz said a 10-man police team from the city police headquarters arrived and surprised the robbers.

“One of them even rammed his Proton Waja into a Toyota MR2 driven by a police officer, forcing us to fire several shots,” he said, adding one of the robbers was shot in the right cheek and another in his right hand.

SAC Abdul Aziz said three parangs were recovered from the robbers, aged between 23 and 30.

Five of them had previous records for break-ins and vehicle theft.

He said police also seized three cars used by the robbers as well as a lorry, already loaded with seven boxes of cigarettes.

SAC Abdul Aziz said police believe the suspects could help solve a spate of break-ins, robberies and hijack cases in the city.

He added that the two injured suspects had been sent to the KL Hospital for treatment.



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

Hattan, sue Datuk Mohamed Aziz! ( Rais: Hattan’s rendition not disrespectful)

By Rais saying that Hattan’s rendition not disrespectful, it showed that Mohamed Aziz has been too off-his-brain!

Sue him Hattan!
*********************************************
The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 6, 2005

Rais: Hattan’s rendition not disrespectful

PETALING JAYA: Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim did not find anything offensive about Hattan’s rendition of Negaraku at the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday.

“I have seen the footage. There is nothing degrading in the manner he rendered the Negaraku,” Rais said yesterday.

“The last modulation went a bit high, that was about it. There is no jazzing up whatsoever and neither did he ridicule the national anthem,” said Rais.

From the video, however, Rais did find some of the spectators disrespectful of the national anthem. “It could be clearly seen,” he said.

Sri Gading MP Datuk Mohamed Aziz had slammed Hattan in Parliament on Monday for “jazzing up” the Negaraku.

Under the National Anthem Act 1968, those who show disrespect to the national anthem can be fined RM100 or jailed a month.

When contacted, Hattan was relieved to hear that Rais did not find his version of the anthem offensive.

“It’s unbelievable. How could anyone suggest that I did such a thing?” he asked.


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

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Malaysian engineers 'BOLEH' STEAL!!

What would the IEM or BEM say about theseTwo Malaysian engineers being) held in China over theft?

How about their registration?

Are they really an 'engineer' in the REAL sense!
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The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 6, 2005

Two Malaysian engineers held in China over theft

PENANG: Two Malaysian engineers have been arrested in China over the theft of RM14mil worth of Certificates of Authenticity (CoA) labels from a multinational company.

The men, aged 31 and 33, were nabbed on Sept 22 in Guiyang, Guizhou, by the Chinese Interpol who tracked them down after months of investigations.

A Bukit Aman Interpol team would leave for China soon to bring back the two who used to work in a factory that assembles computers.

Investigations showed that they took more than 38,000 CoA labels out of the factory premises by tampering with the company’s requisition forms more than two years back. Each label is worth US$94 (RM354.52).

The duo had sold the labels – meant to certify as genuine the software in the laptops assembled at the factory – to a middleman.

Pirated software only costs a few ringgit while a genuine product could cost thousands.

When a CoA label is pasted on a computer with pirated software, it could be passed off as genuine and sold at a higher price.


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

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Enforcers are not doing their part to ensure this irresponsible, but well paid act is stopped, forever!

Boleh blah, malaysian enforcing agencies! You are stooges to the ruling government! That's what you are!

Irresponsible act, but well paid to do it

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This is one 'happy' woman? Really? Sod off!

This is something that I really cannot stomach. This is one happy woman tries to picture that it is okay for everyone to change their sex, if they are not comfortable with their current sex.

Is this allowed in Christianity? Anyone?
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The Star Online > Nation

Wednesday October 5, 2005

This is one happy woman

BY LOONG MENG YEE

SHAH ALAM: Jessie Chung is a femme fatale. She has a sexy figure and is attractive.

But, the most striking quality about her is that she was man enough to be a woman. And she is getting married in November.

Chung was born Jeffrey more than 30 years ago into a wealthy family in Kuching.

Growing up a tormented man, Chung once even contemplated suicide.

“At that point, I heard a voice telling me not to kill myself. Two weeks later, I was in a mall and was approached by a missionary group telling me life was precious.”

Armed with renewed strength, she began to sing for charity and immersed herself in church work. To date, she has raised about RM500,000 for orphanages, single mothers and other worthy organisations.

Two years ago, she decided to complete the “transformation.” She underwent three major operations to become a woman.

“It was scary and I recall asking myself if this was really what I wanted,” said Chung.

Too afraid to tell her parents face to face that they would be losing a son but gaining a daughter, Chung chose to break the news by phone.

“My father, strangely, was calm about it. My parents are amazing. I truly appreciate them for their understanding. Life is beautiful at the moment,” said Chung.

But not everyone is so supportive. At her engagement party in September last year, a former classmate said that what she had done was against nature and sinful.

“I am sorry if she finds me offensive, but I am not sorry for being honest with myself. I cannot live a life which is a lie. I did not ask to be born this way.

“All I want is, to do good in life and find some happiness,” said Chung.


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

Monday, October 03, 2005

Electricity worth RM3b a year going to waste, so, what's ur suggestions?

Reading about the fact that electricity worth RM3b a year going to waste do not surprised me at all. I don't need an academician, especially from aUSM's school of Housing, Building and Planning, to tell me about this fact. It's a foregone conclusion, seeing all the western design adopted at most Malaysian buildings! In the tropics, flat roofs of buildings do not really work well against rain, the glass facade induces green-house effects in most buildings, and too tall buildings needs lifts which requires more energy to maintain!

What I really need from people like Dr Mohd Zin Kandar, is a proposed alternative design for Malaysian buildings and homes, to ensure that there will be no more of the present status-quo. A design that should be able to harness the lighting from the sun in a tropical nation like ours with enough ventilation and proper climate control system to ensure comfort for occupants should have been proposed and adopted instead. Come on, where is the God-d*mned design?
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The Star Online > Nation



Electricity worth RM3b a year going to waste

KUALA LUMPUR: Poor design and management of commercial buildings results in 60% more electricity being used, at a cost of more than RM3bil.

Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer Dr Mohd Zin Kandar from the School of Housing, Building and Planning said that most buildings had glass facades.

“Because of the high heat transfer into the building through the external walls, a more powerful air-conditioning system is required to provide a comfortable internal working environment,” he said.

“As a result, this causes electricity consumption to be about 60% more,” said Dr Mohd Zin who studies energy efficiency.

Tenaga Nasional recorded sale of electricity to commercial premises of RM5.763bil in 2004, and 60% of the figure works out to RM3.458bil.

“The building energy index for most office buildings is around 275kW per hour for every square meter in a year compared with the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry’s Low Energy Office (LEO) building in Putrajaya which has an index of only 100kWh,” he told The Star yesterday.

Dr Mohd Zin, a task manager of the government-funded Centre for Education and Training in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (Cetree), said energy could be saved if the building design maximised the use of sunlight through windows for illumination.

He said efficient indoor lighting and office equipment management, such as switching off electronic equipment and air-conditioning systems during breaks, could help bring down energy costs.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stressed on energy efficiency in his Budget 2006 speech last Friday and called for conservation of energy as the price of fuel continued to increase worldwide.



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

Malaysia Boleh mati with dengue, forever!

This fact that there has been 13 people from four homes down with dengue at this single location did not surprise me at all!

Local governance is lacking in ensuring a hygiene locality, poor regards to personal hygiene by most people living in Malaysia, and bad habits will ensure this situation persists.

A developing nation of ours could do better without this kind of niggling problems. Local authorities should be more responsible in ensuring that all areas under their juridiction is clean, hygiene and free from all diseases. People should work to maintain a clean and healthy living environment, and we'll be able to put our efforts into more productive works instead!
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The Star Online > Nation



13 people from four homes down with dengue

PENANG: Persiaran Mayang Pasir in Bayan Baru here has the unenviable record of being Malaysia’s hottest dengue spot with 13 confirmed cases, including one death.

Within four units in one row of terrace houses, eight occupants were down with dengue, including 44-year-old chicken trader Mohd Shariff Seramal Baris who died yesterday.

Five more confirmed cases have been reported in a nearby block of flats along the same road.

The state recorded six dengue deaths since a 13-year-old boy died on March 2.

The second death was reported on Aug 27, and since Sept 17 there was one death every week.

Related Stories:
The high number of cases worry residents
Trader succumbs to dengue
Act fast, Causeway users told



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

Long live gangsterism!

Nobody respects anyone anymore. Sorry to note that this poor individaul was Killed after taking his son away from in-law’s house!

Imagine the scenario? 3 hoodlums under direction of an angry woman killing a man whose crime was just to have some time with his own son?

Malaysia and gangsterism, well, it will keep on the same way as it is now, for as long as we have this bad government ruling the nation.

Vote for change, vote for respect to the law, vote for a stronger opposition, vote for no-more BN-governance of ruin!
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The Star Online > Nation



Killed after taking his son away from in-law’s house

Murugiah: Had been living with a female companion.
JOHOR BARU: An ex-convict's desire to see his son appears to have cost him his life.

R. Murugiah, 29, had not seen his wife and children for about one-and-a-half years as he was in prison for a drug offence.

When he was released early last month, he moved into another house with a female companion and started work as a factory operator.

However, he missed his children. On Saturday, he went to his mother-in-law's home and took his eldest son, eight, back with him.

When his wife found out the next day, she marched to his house in Taman Mutiara, Ulu Tiram, argued with him and took her son back.

Just minutes after she left, three men rushed into the terrace house, sources said.

Murugiah and his companion locked themselves in the bathroom but the men broke down the door and allegedly beat him to death about 9pm on Sunday, they said.

Police have since arrested four people, including Murugiah's 25-year-old wife to assist in investigations.

They also seized an array of weapons including a stick, iron rod and helmet.

Johor Baru (South) OCPD Asst Comm Roslan Ahmad confirmed the arrests and said investigations were under way.

All four suspects, aged between 23 and 58, have been remanded for eight days.



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

Sunday, October 02, 2005

A case of not-needed 'Malaysia boleh' accomplishment : Bali suspects on most-wanted list

Reading this BBC NEWS's on Bali suspects on most-wanted list, suddenly brings Malaysia to the forefront again, a cruel advertisment the developing nation of ours could not afford to keep on paying!

Anyways, why do we have people wanting to bomb other innocent people, that is the most chilling question to be answered in the first place!













'In-famous' malaysian (suspected bombers)!
Azahari Husin (left, photo: AFP) and Noordin Mohamed Top (photo: AP)


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Bali suspects on most-wanted list
Two Malaysians being sought over the latest Bali bombings have been on the run for several years on suspicion of playing a role in some of Indonesia's worst attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings.

Azahari Bin Husin and Noordin Mohamed Top have been named by Indonesia's counter-terrorism chief, Maj Gen Ansyaad Mbai, as the suspected masterminds of Saturday's suicide attacks.

Both are believed to be top leaders of Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the shadowy group said to have links with al-Qaeda.

Gen Mbai said the new bombings bore the hallmarks of JI, blamed for the blasts which killed 202 people in Bali's popular Kuta beach tourist area in October 2002.

Azahari Husin was named in court as a bomb-maker in those attacks by one of those eventually tried and convicted for them, while Noordin Top is thought to have helped finance them. Newspapers have dubbed the two men the "Demolition Man" and the "Money Man".

Both men have been named as suspects in two other attacks - one in 2003 on Jakarta's JW Marriott hotel which killed 12, and one on the Australian embassy in 2004 which killed 11.

'Bomb classes'

Azahari Husin, a trained engineer, once worked as a university lecturer in Malaysia and in 1990 he gained a doctorate in property valuation from the UK's University of Reading.

A married father-of-two in his late forties, he is said by some to be a fanatic, ready to die for his cause.

He is believed to have given bomb-making classes to JI militants, and to have issued precise instructions on how the massive car bomb used at the Sari club in Bali was to be manufactured.

He is also alleged to have been a key figure at the JI planning meeting which selected Bali as a target.

Both he and Noordin Top went to Indonesia after fleeing Malaysia when it cracked down on Islamists following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US.

On the run

According to Australian terrorism expert Clive Williams, Noordin Top is believed to be JI's top recruiter.

A former accountant, in his late thirties, he got married in Indonesia using an assumed name, Abdurrachman Aufi.

His wife, Munfiatun, was jailed in June for concealing information about his whereabouts.

Indonesian police think they have come within minutes of catching Noordin Top and Azahari Husin on different occasions.

In October 2003, they mounted a major search operation in the city of Bandung after failing to catch them in a swoop on a house where bombs were discovered.

Both men escaped during the swoop as the authorities feared they would detonate explosives they were reportedly wearing.