Seluang Yang Menduga Arus

Interview With Tan Sri Aini Arope About The process of Awarding The IPP by TNB

2011-06-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

Interview Antara Ani Arope dengan suratkhabar The Star mengenai paksaan ke atas TNB untuk membuat perjanjian berat sebelah dengan IPP:

WHEN the Government decided to approve the request from Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) to raise electricity tariffs, the plight of the national utility took centre-stage. Naturally, the knee-jerk reaction among consumers was not favourable. The 12% rise in tariffs appears to have re-ignited the debate on how good the going is for independent power producers (IPPs) at the cost of the national utility’s cashflow. The imbalance between the generation side of the business and that of transmission and distribution has put a strain on TNB. To understand the privatisation of the power generation sector, one needs to take a look back in history to understand that the country’s IPPs came about as a result of the Government’s effort to address the issue of stable power supply after the landmark 1992 blackout. Lending a historical perspective to the issue of IPPs is former TNB executive chairman Tan Sri Ani Arope, who headed the national utility from 1990 to 1996. It was during his tenure that the first generation IPPs were created. StarBiz deputy news editor JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU has the story.

STARBIZ: What happened after the first major blackout in 1992?

Ani: TNB had plans in place to pump out more energy by building plants in Pasir Gudang and Paka. Financing was no problem and our credit standing was very high. We had the land acquired and were ready to move in and plant up.
But we were told by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) that it had its own plans. We cautioned EPU that if those plants, which would take two years to complete, were not built, Malaysia would get another major blackout. When you have a place with 250 engineers, it does not make sense to say (the blackout) is because of poor planning. But the EPU said it had its own plans and we were told to surrender the land.
Then it surfaced that it wanted to privatise the power plants. I am not anti-IPPs per se. It is good to have other players but it has to be done fairly. It has to be fair to the consumers, not just TNB, which is a conduit. TNB, because of the electricity hike, has been treated as the whipping boy. The focus should be on the consumers.
When the generous terms were given to the IPPs, all my other peers around the world asked what was happening. They said they would like to have a share in the IPPs. They said (the contracts to IPPs) were “too darn generous.” (The terms) were grossly one sided.

How was the Malaysian model of IPPs created?

Ask our previous Prime Minister.

How was the process of negotiations with IPPs conducted?

There was no negotiation. Absolutely none. Instead of talking directly with the IPPs, TNB was sitting down with the EPU. And we were harassed, humiliated and talked down every time we went there. After that, my team was disappointed. The EPU just gave us the terms and asked us to agree. I said no way I would.

What about the pricing and terms of the contracts?

It was all fixed up. (They said) this is the price, this is the capacity charge and this is the number of years. They said you just take it and I refused to sign the contracts. And then, I was put out to pasture.

Why did you disagree with the terms?

It was grossly unfair. At 16 sen per unit (kWh) and with the take or pay situation, actually it was 23 sen per unit. With 23 sen, plus transmission and distribution costs, TNB would have had to charge the consumer no less than 30 sen per unit. If mixed with TNB’s cost, the cost would come down but that was at our expense because we were producing electricity at 8 sen a unit. We can deliver electricity at 17 sen per unit.
And then there is a capacity charge. Nobody produces excess electricity like Malaysia and it goes to waste because there are no batteries to store that power. TNB only needs a reserve of 15% to 20%.

TNB was producing electricity at 8 sen a unit. What should have been the right price for IPPs to sell to TNB?

Twelve sen. They could not beat our price as we had already amortised our assets. But for the new guys or even ourselves to come in then and (having) to meet interest charges and to make a small profit, it would cost 12 sen a unit.
This was what we told one IPP. The IPP agreed to it but the EPU said that unless the IPP raised its price, the contract would not be given to the IPP. So he got it for 14 sen per unit.
And then, there is the cost pass-through. If the price of fuel went up, the extra cost is passed through to us. And in other words, it is passed on to the consumer.

Under what terms would you have agreed to the IPPs being set up?

Have an independent buyer for the electricity and in one way, let TNB come in and bid for the plants. Get other people to come in. Get a commission to see (to) our needs and TNB can be one of the producers.
It is argued that the IPPs’ contracts are too lucrative but there are IPPs in other countries in Africa or Asia that have better terms.
There are IPPs charging 50 to 60 US cents per unit but they use diesel. Take our own situation and compare oranges with oranges. Then it is fair. Do whatever is fair.

How were you affected by the process of awarding the IPP contracts?

I felt sick. It was morally wrong and not fair. If it is legal and not fair, I will not do it. If it is fair and illegal, I still won’t do it. It has to be legal and fair.
We work for the consumers, workers and shareholders. TNB is morally obligated to these three, but the consumers come first, otherwise we won’t be around. It is then the workers and the shareholders.
When I said that, they said ‘Dia ingat bapak dia-punya’ (He thinks this is his father’s company). This job is an amanah (trust). You are entrusted with this responsibility and you carry it out to the best of your ability. I do not want somebody to come and urinate on my grave. In the Malay culture, that is about the worst insult they can do to a man.
Do you think you did the right thing by not signing the agreements?
Absolutely.

How should a contract with the IPPs work?

In Australia, they call the IPPs and ask “what is your price”. They will pay the IPP that offers the best price. What they could have done is to throw the net wider and ask everybody (if they) are good, it would be awarded to them. But in our case, the contracts were ready-made and we were asked to sign.

What is your view on the impending renegotiation with the IPPs?

It has to be legal and fair. If we were to negotiate unfairly and illegally, the whole world will be looking at us and they will say “don’t sign anything with Malaysia because if things go against the country, the Government will void the agreement”.
We have to look at this very carefully.
But what we can do now is to say, can we bring down the capacity charge. Anything above the 15% reserve margin, we will call for bids.
The second thing is that the IPPs would have by now paid up their whole capital investments in their plants and it is all gravy (or profit) from now. Could we not bring this down a bit? Instead of paying a small amount to (a special fund), why not increase the (payment) for future planting up? In that manner, we can control the price of electricity. Otherwise, it’s going to escalate.

Who in your opinion should get involved in the negotiations?

The consumers should be there. For me, you should get a very independent body. Then, you can bring in TNB, the IPPs, the consumers and Energy Commission. But these bodies and consumers should not make a judgment.

Don't Drinking Too Much Water?

2011-01-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

Di dunia ini... segala apa yang kita buat hendaklah secara sederhana. Kalau makan hendaklah secara sederhana..begitu juga apabila kita hendak meminum air. Maka cara hidup Nabi Muhammad SAW adalah sebaik-baik ikutan...

Terkenang Semasa Dulu

2011-01-08T04:42:00.000-08:00

Apabila membaca berita suratkhabar Penyebar Fikiran S&&%an mengenai konflik lantikan SS di sebuah negeri....menyebabkan aku terkenang semasa dulu....

Sesungguhnya bumi ini berputar...dan tetap akan berputar sehingga hari kiamat. Dulu semasa berlaku krisis perlembagaan di antara kerajaan dan raja....aku dengan sahabatku di UTM KL setiap malam minggu akan ke Taman Melewar untuk mendengar ceramah-ceramah terkini. Menaiki motor bersama Firdaus menyusuri lorong-lorong Kg Sungai Balang untuk mengelakan jammed. Susahnya nak mencari tempat parking dan tempat duduk sebab tempat duduk dalam dewan terhad.

Sekarang ni... apabila dah bekerja.. payah sungguh nak pergi dengar ceramah... Disebabkan isu SS ni... pada 9 Januari 2011 ini akan diadakan Ceramah Perdana di Shah Alam. Zaman berubah... ceramah akan diadakan di Stadium. Ada penghawa dingin lagi. Jom ke sana untuk mengembalikan nostalgia lama. Tapi Firdaus di Qatar..tengok youtube aje la...Masa berubah..zaman berubah. Terkenang semasa dulu...

How To Travel To Tokyo On Budget

2011-01-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

TOKYO, JAPAN. It may be one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, but that doesn't mean visiting it has to be. The words 'frugal' and Tokyo are hardly ever uttered in the same phrase. While it is true that most things in Japan's capital can be pricey, it doesn't mean that those on a slimmer budget should be denied a visit. The key to doing Tokyo on a budget is to a little ingenuity and finding bargains hidden in the smaller nooks around the city.

Places to Visit:

1. Imperial Palace

Home of the rarely seen Imperial Family of Japan, the 400 year old castle is a magnificent site. After surviving WWII, it was rebuilt in the exact same design. Must see at the Palace are the Nijubashi, two bridges that form the entrance to the inner palace grounds. Also not to be missed is the beautifully manicured Imperial Palace East Gardens, which are open throughout the year (except Mondays, Fridays and special occasions).

Cost: Free

Nearest station: Otemachi Station

2. Akihabara

Also known to locals as Akiba, this section of Tokyo is where you'll find all things electronic, both new and used, at an absolute steal. It is also where you'll find anime and Japanese collectibles (known as 'otaku'). Try Chuodori for new items and the back streets of Soto Kanda 3-chome for used items. Micro-sized cameras and similar gadgets can be found near Soto Kanda 1-chome. Most visitors like to peruse the stuff at Laox, but the best bargains and bigger varieties are found slightly further down the same stretch. Nearest station: JR Akihabara Station and Subway Akihabara Station

3. Daiso

If it's a bargain you're after, there's no place like Daiso. One of the most popular chain stores in the county, its biggest outlet is in Harajuku and it sells everything from tubes of wasabi to candy, kitchen utensils and quaint household necessities.

Cost: Between 80 ¥ and 1000¥ (about RM3 and RM36)Nearest station: Harakuju Station, Takeshita exit

4. Yoshinoya

Though also available in Malaysia, there is nothing like the original. Established since 1899, this chain of Japanese cuisine fast food chain is a simple, cost efficient way to enjoy local delicacy and is a favourite even among locals. Most popular here are the Japanese curry dishes.

Cost: Between 280¥ and 500¥ (about RM10 and RM18) per meal

5. Ueno Park

On the beautiful premises of Ueno Park are museums, art galleries, shopping stalls and street markets selling traditional Japanese souvenirs. But what this park is most renowned for, and for which everyone local and visiting, flock to the area for, is the cherry blossom festival. When the more than 1000 blossom trees are in full bloom (usually around April), joyous picnickers flock to the park to enjoy the magnificent sight.

Cost: FreeNearest station: Keisei Ueno Station and Ueno Station on JR and SubwayGinza Line

6. Tokyo Tower

Taking its inspiration from the Paris' Eiffel Tower, this Japanese version stands at more than 1000 feet tall. Located at Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo, it has two vantage points - at 150 feet and 250 feet above ground, offering two spectacular views of the city.

Cost: 600¥ (about RM22) for the 250 feet level, 800¥ (about RM30) for the 150 feet levelNearest station: Akabanebashi Station, Akabanebashi Gate

For more infomation, please read www.mastraveller.com

Safety Alert - Letupan Habuk Aluminium

2010-12-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Letupan Habuk Mudah Terbakar Di Kilang Membuat Rim Motorsikal

Satu kejadian letupan habuk aluminium yang berlaku di sebuah kilang membuat rim motorsikal pada awal bulan November 2010 yang lalu. Lapan(8) orang pekerja telah tercedera akibat daripada letupan habuk tersebut dan 2 orang daripadanya mendapat kecederaan parah. Letupan habuk ini juga menyebabkan kerosakan pada bangunan dan loji pembuatan kilang tersebut, kemusnahan sistem dust collector dan juga memecahkan cermin kilang-kilang berhampiran.

Pembakaran Dan Letupan Habuk
Sepertimana juga untuk semua teori pembakaran, pembakaran habuk terjadi bila bahan api (iaitu habuk mudah terbakar) terdedah kepada haba ( seperti sumber penyalaan) dengan kehadiran oksigen. Tetapi, untuk menyebabkan penghasilan satu letupan habuk mudah terbakar pula, ianya memerlukan kehadiran secara serentak(simultaneous) 2 elemen yang lain pulak iaitu habuk terampai dan keadaan ruang yang terhad(confinement) seperti mana yang ditunjukkan di Pentagon Letupan Habuk.
Gambarajah: Pentagon Letupan Habuk

Habuk-habuk yang mudah terampai akan terbakar dengan sangat cepat dan ruang yang terhad(confinement) akan menyebabkan penghasilan satu tekanan yang amat tinggi dalam tempoh masa yang tersingkat. Jika ketiadaan elemen samaada habuk-habuk yang terampai atau ruang yang terhad (confinement), ianya akan mengelakkan berlakunya letupan TETAPI kebakaran masih tetap boleh berlaku.

Langkah-Langkah Kawalan Untuk Mengelakkan Berlakunya Letupan Habuk

Untuk mengelakkan berlakunya habuk letupan, langkah kawalan berikut hendaklah dilakukan iaitu:
· Kawalan terhadap habuk – kekemasan tempat kerja dan loji hendaklah diselenggara dengan baik dan pemasangan sistem gantian udara{LEV} yang sesuai dan menepati kepada standard kejuruteraan antarabangsa.
· Kawalan terhadap sumber penyalaan - sumber-sumber penyalaan ialah seperti pembebasan arus elektrostatik, geseran, tindak balas kimia, permukaan panas dan juga kerja-kerja panas(hot work) di tempat kerja hendaklah dikenal pasti dan dielakkan daripada wujud di kawasan tempat kerja yang terlibat dengan habuk yang mudah terbakar.
· Kawalan kerosakan akibat berlakunya letupan (damage control) – seperti memasang “explosion relief openings’ pada mesin dan LEV.

Maklumat-Maklumat Lain Dan Panduan-Panduan Yang boleh Dirujuk:
1. Dust Explosions in Factories, Precautions Required With Combustible Dusts, Department Of Labour, 1985, New Zealand.
2. A Comprehensive Guideline to Industrial Explosion Protection Including Scientific Basics, Case Studies about Incidents, Prevention Methods and Constructive Protection Measures, REMBE’s Booklet Of safety And Security (BOSS)
3. U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, Combustible Dust Hazard Study.

Neuschwanstein Castle

2010-03-30T04:16:00.000-07:00

Was King Ludwig II a madman or a genius? Think about it for a second. On one hand, the King spent all his fortune and then some to build fairy-tale castles for his personal pleasure. On the other hand, Bavaria is now the top tourist destination in Germany, thanks, in large part to...well, you know, the same guy.
Now, more than 130 years after the foundation of Neuschwanstein had been laid, it has become one of the most photographed, most famous, and most talked about castles in the world.

This is the photo from the Tegelberg mountain--about 20 minutes hike from the castleMany people are familiar with Neuschwanstein without even knowing it. What do you think the sleeping beauty castle in Disneyland was modeled after?
Neuschwanstein ("New swan's stone") was created by King Ludwig II with the help of a theatrical designer. Despite its medieval looks, the castle is about as old as the Coney Island Cyclone. The construction started in 1869 and was never fully completed. The King died in 1886 under very mysterious circumstances. He was found dead in the lake. Prior to his death, Ludwig II was declared insane by a medical commission. The validity of the diagnosis is still disputed today.
Neuschwanstein is an easy day trip from Munich. Many guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet, which I used, recommend getting to the castle as early as possible "to avoid the massive crowds." In reality, I think, getting to the castle in the afternoon is not a big deal, unless you want to visit more than one castle in the region in the same day.
I visited Neuschwanstein on June 26th, 2000. I took an 8:51 train from Munich and arrived in Fussen at 10:57 (German rail system is perhaps only second to Swiss when it comes to on-time departures/arrivals). From Fussen train station one has two choices: a) walk 5 kilometers, b) take a bus for a few DM (Actually the third option is taxi, but come on, we're all on the budget here). I took the bus, and in about 5 minutes I arrived in Shwangau-a tiny village at the bottom of the hill from where I could see the castle in the distance.

Another photo from the Tegelberg mountain. This hike is worth it!All I could say was, "Wow. How the hell did they build this in the 19th century?" The view was magnificent. And it was about to get only better.
From the bus stop it's about 25 or 40-minute walk up the hill to the castle, depending on which road you take--longer less inclined road or shorter but steeper road. It's a pretty decent hike, so if you know you have physical problems walking uphill I suggest you take a horse carriage for about $8.
When I got to the castle it was almost 1pm (I lingered in Shwangau a little). I went to the ticket booth, paid 12 DM (old college ID still does the trick, otherwise it's 15DM), and bought a 15:10 English tour of the castle (You cannot tour the castle on your own).

Hohenschwangau castle--about 20 minutes walk from Neuschwanstein. King Ludwig's childhood home.
I had about 2 hours before the start of my tour, but it wasn't like, "Oh God, now what? I have to wait here for two hours. I wish I had gotten here earlier." On the contrary, these two hours provided me with the opportunity to walk in the woods surrounding the castle and take great pictures of Neuschwanstein from different angles.
There is a great view of Neuschwanstein from Marie Bridge, which is built at a height of 91 meters over the waterfall. Many tourists take pictures from here. The views are awesome, no questions, but what many people don't realize is that one can take an even better photo shot if you walk to the other side of the bridge and climb up the Tegelberg mountain. The trail gets pretty rocky and steep, but if you are in average physical shape you should have no problem. About 10 minutes into the climb, you will notice a cross. Apparently, this is a monument to someone who jumped down to his death from there.

Hohenschwangau castle--up close and personal.From the cross, you'll notice a loose trail going up. A thin wire blocks this trail. I just stepped over it, and continued to climb. The higher I climbed, the better the views of the castle became. I took a few pictures from there and then just sat on the grass enjoying the magnificent view of the castle without the crowds of people. I probably sat there for ½ hour. It truly was a million dollar view.
The castle tour lasted only 35 minutes, and it wasn't anything special. Ludwig II was a big fan of Richard Wagner and he surrounded himself with paintings of characters and events from Wagner's operas. One room I found really impressive; between the living room and the study room, the King built an artificial cave! What a wild imagination!
King Ludwig II intended Neuschwanstein to be "one of the most beautiful [places] ever to be found." With all the modern publicity and fame, I had high expectations. And you know what, Neuschwanstein lived up to the hype.

My Trip To Banda Aceh, Indonesia after Tsunami

2010-02-02T03:45:00.000-08:00

‘Dr Death’ surprised by call from Malaysia'

2009-08-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ramadan Al-Mubarak

2009-08-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Selamat Menyambut Ramadhan Al Mubarak.

Isu Royalti Petroleum Kelantan

2009-07-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

Masalah royalti petroleum Kelantan boleh di baca di sini . Good article by national express.

How Kashmir Belongs To India

2009-05-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

copy cat dari kosong blog,

How Kashmir Belongs To India

Apparently, at the United Nations Assembly:

A representative from India began:'Before beginning my talk, I want to tell you something about Rishi Kashyap of Kashmir, after whom Kashmir is named.

When he struck a rock and it brought forth water, he thought, "What a good opportunity to have a bath."

He removed his clothes, put them aside on the rock and entered the water. When he got out and wanted to dress, his clothes had vanished.

A Pakistani had stolen them.The Pakistani representative jumped up furiously and shouted, "What are you talking about?

The Pakistanis weren't there then.

"The Indian representative smiled and said, "And now that we have made that clear, I will begin my speech."And they say Kasmir belongs to them...

When Grandma Goes To Court

2009-04-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

Barisan Kabinet Baru Datuk Seri Najib?

2009-04-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Barisan kabinet baru Datuk Seri najib dikatakan ada kejutan..... Mungkin kah berlaku

How A Bills Becomes Law

2009-04-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

LAWS are said to be made to maintain a well-regulated society and a reflection of social mores and thinking.

As such, laws will change over time and must change to keep with changes. While Malaysian laws are generally made or amended based on local issues or problems, these days, changes to existing laws or pressure to make new law can be dictated by foreigners or because of what happens elsewhere.

The initiative for a new piece of legislation or amendment to an old law here can come from the Cabinet, the relevant Ministries, special interest groups, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the United Nations and foreign trade partners.

Some special interest groups that have been successful in getting new legislation passed, after years of research and lobbying, have been the trade unions (Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994), women’s groups (Domestic Violence Act 1994) and the arbitration community (Arbitration Act 2005).

Sometimes, numerous groups have worked in tandem or independently to bring about new law, such as women and human rights groups, Suhakam, Bar Council, AG’s Chambers, the United Nations and the US Government in bringing about the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act 2007 here.

Once the Cabinet approves the Bill, it is presented to the Cabinet and sent to Parliament for debate in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara where it has to be passed by a voice vote unless a member challenges the result and call for a division, whereby the votes are taken individually. In the case of a Constitution (Amendment) Bill, voting has to be by division and can only be passed if a two-third majority votes “Aye”.

MPs can also try to table a motion for a Private Members Bill but this has yet to happen here. The rules and conditions for such a bill are set out in the Parliament’s Standing Orders. The time taken to pass a Bill – from its tabling for first reading to the debate after its third reading – can take from a few days to several months. ....from Malaysiabar

Bila Anak Tak Mampu Sara Ayah Dan Ibu Lagi....

2009-01-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

Benarlah kata pepatah orang tua " Ibu bapa boleh menjaga ramai anak tetapi anak-anak tidak boleh menjaga ibu bapa mereka". Di dunia akhir zaman ini banyak cerita pelik berlaku. Kisah ibu bapa menyaman anak jika ada berlaku mungkin di dunia barat, tetapi sekarang sudah merebak di Malaysia. Kisah lanjut di sini.

Hitler dan Yahudi

2009-01-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

Bila kita mendengar kisah Hitler, kita mesti terkenang mengenai kisah cerita Combat. Askar Nazi German yang jahat melawan tentera Amerika . Hitler memang kejam, kekejamannya terhadap Yahudi menyebabkan British memberikan tanah Palestine kepada orang Yahudi untuk menjadi negara Israel. Kisah selanjutnya mengenai Hitler boleh dibaca di " Hitler Itu ada Benarnya" tulisan Dr. MAZA.

Airport Di Malaysia?

2009-01-13T23:32:00.000-08:00

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed today added to concerns over the proposed low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Labu, Negeri Sembilan, insisting that the capacity at existing airports is sufficient.

"We have three airports in and around the capital city Kuala Lumpur, one in Sungai Besi, one in Subang and one in Sepang. Sepang was designed for 125 million passengers a year," he said referring to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Writing in his blog, Dr Mahathir alluded to the idea that news of a new LCCT less than two years after the one at KLIA was opened, was sheer madness by referring to "voices" he had been hearing.

"Right now the voices tell me we are handling only 25 million passengers. So we have capacity for another 100 million passengers more. But the voices said we will be building a new airport at Labu," he stated.

"After thinking up about raising buffalos in Langkawi, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must be congratulated for yet another great idea," he added to mock his successor.

He was referring to Buffalo Park Langkawi, said to be the current prime minister's brainchild.

The government yesterday gave government-linked company (GLC) Sime Darby the go ahead to develop the LCCT.

Sime Darby and local budget airline AirAsia Bhd had proposed to jointly develop and operate the RM1.6 billion LCCT which will be known as KLIA-East@Labu although this estimate does not include the 3,000-acre tract of land where it would be constructed.

Dr Mahathir sarcastically remarked that "the building of the airport should stimulate the economy. Somebody can make quite a bit selling land.

A GLC will get the job and contract it out to some lucky bloke. There will be a whole lot of other contracts to look forward to. It could even help with the coming recession."

Malaysia's fourth prime minister, whose 22 year administration saw vast development in the country, also made jibes at the location of the project.

Referring to the constant "free flights" promotion by AirAsia and the cost of getting to the airport, he said that "the distance to Kuala Lumpur would be longer but of course it would be nearer than Seremban and other parts in Negri Sembilan. But that's all right as you don't pay any fare for the flights, only for the fares to the airport."

"Maybe the Government can enlighten us why Sepang or even Subang is not suitable. Has the Sepang Formula One circuit taken up all the land so we cannot build any more facility in Sepang?" he said.( Malaysia Insider)

Manakala, di blog MP Wangsa Maju, 18 SOALAN MP PERLU DIJAWAP OLEH KERAJAAN:

1. Why the hurry to rush through the approval to build KLIA East @ Labu? Has it got anything to do with Abdullah Badawi’s term as the prime minister coming to an end in March 2009?

2. Is the construction of KLIA East @ Labu a purported attempt to shore up and safeguard the political future of a young and ambitious politician?

3. Why build KLIA East @ Labu when KLIA is still grossly under-utilised until today? (KLIA was originally designed to handle 125 million passengers a year but is now only handling about 25 million.)

4. Why build KLIA East @ Labu when the government has already built LCCT in Sepang and spent a total of almost RM244 million for the seeming exclusive use of AirAsia? (The sum includes the RM123.9 million used for its extension and upgrade as recently as 2008 last year.)

5. Why build KLIA East @ Labu when it will be a threat to public safety when its location is dangerously close to busy KLIA and LCCT in Sepang with a straight-line distance of only 10 km between them when ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) strictly recommends that the minimum distance between two airports should be at least 40 km?

6. Why build KLIA East @ Labu when it will be at a much further distance away from the Klang valley where far more passengers will hail from?

7. Why build KLIA East @ Labu at such great cost for the exclusive use of one airline - AirAsia?

8. After the construction of KLIA East @ Labu is completed, will LCCT in Sepang be abandoned?

9. What is the synergy between the businesses of Sime Darby (a GLC) and AirAsia (a private company) that makes good sense for both companies to consider coming together to build KLIA East @ Labu and hope to make a success of it?

10. Sime Darby does not own enough land in Negeri Sembilan for building KLIA East @ Labu which will require about 3,000 acres. So from whom will Sime Darby be buying land? Who are the owners of this land? Are they cronies, family members and/or people who are friendly and personally connected with Sime Darby and AirAsia?

11. If KLIA East @ Labu is apparently a joint-venture between Sime Darby and AirAsia, does AirAsia have the fund for this massive RM1.6 billion project when the company has suffered heavy losses for hedging aero fuel price and has to take delivery of 150 Airbus planes at an average of 1 plane per month?

12. Is it too far-fetched to consider that KLIA East @ Labu is perhaps built to help accommodate the parking need of AirAsia’s Airbus planes as they are delivered?

13. AirAsia sells air tickets in advance as far ahead as 1 to 2 years which is equivalent to deposit-taking. What will happen to this money which belongs to the public in the event AirAsia goes under because of its heavy commitment and undertaking in the construction of KLIA East @ Labu?

14. If AirAsia is purportedly doing well and has the fund to build KLIA East @ Labu, what are the reasons then behind all the foreign investors selling off their shares in AirAsia?

15. What is the reason for EPF to be the biggest investor of AirAsia, a JV partner in the construction of KLIA East @ Labu with Sime Darby, and why does EPF continue to buy shares in AirAsia when its share price continues to dip south?

16. Does Sime Darby and AirAsia have the fund to sustain the maintenance of KLIA East @ Labu when it will cost, on average, about RM40 million a year to maintain an airport?

17. Is the reason for EPF to be a major shareholder in AirAsia, which has entered into a JV with Sime Darby to build KLIA East @ Labu at great cost, so that when this massive project needs to be bailed out EPF will be there to do so with the rakyat’s money?

18. Even though the construction of KLIA East @ Labu is claimed to be a Privately Funded Investment venture, should the authority throw caution to the wind and compromise on public safety by giving its approval?

Despite the seemingly beneficial economic development it brings to Negeri Sembilan at first glance, should the authority in all honesty in the name of public safety, public convenience and public interest be conscionable to give its blessing and approval for the building of KLIA East @ Labu for some - if not all - of the questions asked above?

Inilah negaraku...

Calon PAS Mendahului di PRK Kuala Terengganu

2009-01-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

Tidak pernah terjadi dalam mana-mana website online akhbar-akhbar arus perdana dinegara ini ada menyediakan poll online untuk pilihanraya. Begitu juga poll atau undi sms tidak disediakan di TV arus perdana di negara ini. Yang ada undi seperti " Adakah anda bersetuju Harga minyak dinaikan" ataupun poll yang semua orang sudah boleh memikirkan keputusannya.

Tidak seperti di negara jiran kita, Indonesia, poll online atau poll sms di TV sudah menjadi budaya di sana sejak tahun 2004 lagi. Semasa saya menonton TV di Padang, Sumatera Barat pada PRU 2004, poll sms di TV menunjukkan Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) mendahului undian sms di TV tetapi apabila keputusan PRU dikeluarkan mojoriti kerusi dimenangi oleh Partai Golongan Karyawan (GOLKAR).

Bila ditanya pada orang disana, jawapan mereka adalah undian sms hanya untuk orang yang kaya iaitu mereka yang ada TV dan handphone untuk mengundi sedangan majoriti pengundi duduk di kampung-kampung.

Bagaimana nasib calon PAS... Ikuti tinjauan m-Star disini

Interview with Hamas chief Khaled Meshal

2009-01-03T02:40:00.000-08:00

Interview with Khaled Meshal, head of Hamas' Politboro, from Jan. 27 print version of Italy's La Repubblica:

by Alix Van Buren
"The Super-Most Wanted" Meshal

DAMASCUS—The day of Hamas' triumph, the supreme leader, Khaled Meshal, keeps his euphoria in check and weighs his words: "This is a first step. Yet, other steps are needed before the goal: the liberation from the occupation".

It's not easy to succeed in meeting Meshal (Abu'l Walid, for his followers). Being a moving target of Israel, he continually changes his headquarters. In Amman, the Mossad injected poison behind his ear with an air-compressed syringe. After being discovered and captured, the Israeli agents were released in exchange for the antidote. The fact raised an international crisis.

Now we're being brought by an armoured, smoke-windowed Mercedes 200 to meet him. Off with the mobile phones, that have been disassembled and put in a metallic box, off with the bags, off with the shoes.

Mr. Khaled Meshal, what does victory taste like?

"You should ask that to the Americans and Israelis, judging by their dismay before the outcome of the elections. Washington invokes democracy. Well, the constituency expressed their vote. Maybe our democracy has a not much welcomed face to the westerners: however, this is a great day for our nation".

Is it also for peace? Israel considers your victory as a catastrophe, the end of peace process.

"That depends on Israel, not on us. If it is willing to acknowledge the rights of the Palestinians, to live freely on their own lands, then peace is at hand. We're ready. But are they?"

Mr. Meshal, are you willing to negotiate?

"Since Madrid and Oslo, accords have lead nowhere. The peace process is at a deadlock, the Palestinian life quality has worsened, the fence is moving forward and engulfing further lands. As to the Road Map, it is unacceptable. It imposes upon us detailed conditions: the disarmament and the arrest of mujaheddins, the giving up of resistance. Yet it's vague as regards Israel's duties: it doesn't say a word about Jerusalem, the refugees' fate, the extension of territories to give back".

Nor does Hamas make clear about which part of Palestine it means to free. Please, say it yourself: do you mean to recover historic Palestine that comprises Israel or only the territories occupied in 1967?

"I'll answer you with another question: why does the world ask the Palestinians to define the borders of its own homeland while it doesn't ask the Italians to do the same thing with Italy? I know very well what is the map of my country."

So Hamas won't acknowledge Israel, will it?

"No, we won't do it. Israel was born from an aggression, an occupation of another's lands."

Your statute calls for the destruction of Israel. It was said that, in view of the elections, you would delete that paragraph written in 1988.

"You westerners are wrong: the statute doesn't invoke Israel's destruction at all. In Arab it is written, " to put an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine". We don't want to get rid of the other, we only wish to attain our rights. So, that paragraph will remain."

Would you accept negotiations through a third party involved, such as Israel has done in Lebanon with Hezbollah?

"We still haven't decided. We already are dealing with the Israelis, as regards municipalities, for practical reasons. Hamas doesn't reject talks. It's Israel's philosophy that impedes us from negotiating. So, there's nothing left for us but resistance".

America, Europe and Israel ask you to put down your arms. Will you agree?

"Obviously not, as long as most of the territory is under occupation. Only force has produced some result, the Israeli withdraw from Gaza."

Yet, you have negotiated a truce.

"It's true, and we have respected it whereas Israel has not. Now, since 1 January it expired. This doesn't mean that Hamas won't take into account the reality: it will depend on the conditions of the people and on the land."

How does Hamas think about entering into the political process?

"Hamas has been dealing with politics for a long time. Our political platform also provides for a second way, besides the resistance: to build the political life on a democratic and solid foundation, to fight against corruption and introduce a principle of freedom and justice."

Marwan Barghouti, from prison, is proposing to you a coalition government together with Fatah.

"It's too early. We have to evaluate the international situation, which is very delicate, to consider America's pressures upon the Palestinian Authority, whether Abu Mazen will ask us to accept the Oslo Accords and recognise Israel, something that we won't do. At any rate, we'll partake in each decision-making process."

Sharon has struck and liquidated your leadership. What have the results of this been, Mr. Meshal?

To this question, Mr. Meshal jumps to his feet. "Look," he says pointing to a board on the wall: a huge diamond-shape board filled with photos of smiling faces, of the "martyred" Hamas leaders. On the right, glowing within a sun there's Sheik Yassin. On the left, Dr. Rantissi "The results are under everyone's eyes. That, notwithstanding all these dead men, America, Europe and Israel will have to deal with us from now on."
*********************************************

"Let them govern, but without us"
An interview with Saeb Erekat by Fabio Scuto

RAMALLAH—Saeb Erekat, former minister and person in charge of negotiations with Israel on PNA's behalf, is sitting in his office in Ramallah that, at the first evening lights, is surrounded by green flags waved by some thousand Hamas' supporters celebrating the electoral victory in the streets. Car horns sound and slogans can be clearly heard even through closed windows.

Dr. Erekat, this rejoicing we're hearing in the streets might have been yours. While instead…

"They have won, they've the right to celebrate. And they're greatly rejoicing because what has happened is a political tsunami."

You have won and been elected in your own town, Jericho; though, it has been a total defeat for Al Fatah; how do you feel?

"I have no problems acknowledging it, frankly, I'm shocked."

And now what will happen?

"President Abu Mazen, after having accepted the Prime Minister Abu Ala's resignation, will have to charge Hamas to form the new government, and we of Fatah don't expect to take part in it. If they are thinking of involving us within a coalition to get us to do the task they don't mean to or don't know how to do, in which they'll be taking merits while we'll be concerned with the most awkward and, sometimes, difficult matters, they are totally wrong."

In your opinion, is there any chance for an agreement with Hamas?

"We have our own agenda, founded on negotiations, on accords with Israel. If they accept this program, we might talk about it."

What mistakes have you made during the electoral campaign? Why haven't people voted for you?

"There have been a number of errors. We have been punished because we didn't manage to reach a definitive peace in these past years, because the corruption we've had has been overly emphasized, because the negotiation with Israel has stopped and the occupation has been going on while in general life conditions certainly haven't improved. Moreover, Israel decided to carry out the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza as well, without any accord with us, thus letting Hamas ascribe the merit of it to its armed resistance and to the no-agreement line."

Behind the defeat there is also the lack of renovation of your party.

"Absolutely yes, unfortunately it's not come about. We must start again from this defeat and go towards a deep reform inside the Fatah. We must change the leaders, the party's structures, and, mainly, we must work to win back our people's trust. I hope that we can have a congress by next July."

Many are sure that a Hamas led government won't be going too far. And that in one year you will have to call new elections.

"It was a vote to punish us, but those who voted for Hamas couldn't imagine or didn't want such a defeat. In fact, I'm sure that many of those who yesterday voted for Hamas, today are regretting and they would gladly change their vote."

Pray For Our Brothers in Gaza, Palestine

2009-01-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

Have your say....

Letter From GAZA

2008-12-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

President Ahmadinejad Blog

2008-12-24T19:32:00.000-08:00

If you want to read.. please read here .

To read or to write, that is the question!‎
In the Name of Almighty God-the All-Knowing, the Most Lovingly ‎Compassionate Since my last post on the blog, a few months have passed. But this doesn't ‎mean that I have not been keeping my promise of spending fifteen minutes per week ‎on it. As a matter of fact, I have spent more than the allocated time on the blog. The ‎magnitude of the reception and acclamation from the viewers was beyond ‎expectations. So I had to decide how to spend the limited time that I have allocated ‎for the blog; should I write new notes or respect those viewers who kindly and ‎generously have shared their thoughts and opinions with me and sent messages and read ‎their numerous received messages. ‎ ‎*‎ As you know, the purpose of running this blog is to have a direct and mutual ‎contact and communication with the viewers and even though I have received many ‎messages from the viewers to update the blog and write new notes, I preferred to write ‎less and spend more time on reading the viewers' messages – and not let this ‎communication tool become just a one-way medium.‎ ‎‎ I personally have read those messages that are considered to be short. I even ‎have read those messages that have started with a sentence like "I know that the ‎president is not going to read this message, but…." ‎ Also some of my trusted students have shortened the long messages for me ‎and have prepared a statistical report regarding all of the messages which I have read ‎and studied those too. God willing, a portion of the overall analysis of the messages ‎and its interesting results will be posted on the blog in the future.‎ ‎**‎ I am apologetic to those who have been waiting for my new posts, but ‎fortunately overall, the analysis of the messages has got to a point that I can start ‎writing here again. ‎ I would like to use this opportunity and ask those of you who intend to send ‎me messages through blog, to make it as brief as you can. Thank you. Written by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at 23:24

PAS challenges DAP to give its reasons

2008-12-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS, in its push to have hudud laws introduced if the opposition coalition takes power, has upped the ante on its partners by challenging the DAP to give its reasons for its objections.The call for DAP to explain why it objected to hudud laws was made by its spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

“If they (DAP) refuse to accept the laws, they must state their reasons why they cannot accept it.

“This message is for all coalition members to state strong arguments why they cannot accept hudud laws,” Nik Aziz told reporters at his office here yesterday.

Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan Mentri Besar, was asked to comment on the recent statement by party vice-president Datuk Husam Musa during a debate with deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin recently.

Husam said that Pakatan Rakyat would have implemented hudud laws had they been successful in taking over the Federal Govern- ment on Sept 16.
However, Khairy disagreed with the hudud implementation suggestion and said that the present status quo should stay.

Nik Aziz said there would not be any problem for PAS to implement hudud laws if Pakatan became the Government because the only obstacle was the lack of understanding of the laws by those within the coalition.
He said he could not see why people were reluctant to accept the punishment of 100 lashings for illicit sex, amputation of limbs for theft or death for murder when the current punishment for murder and drug trafficking was also death by hanging.

“I cannot see why they cannot accept hudud laws which are no different from the colonial laws of the West,” he said.

In a separate press conference, Husam said non-Muslim voters in Kuala Terengganu should not be unduly worried over his statements on hudud laws.

Speaking to reporters at the PAS headquarters here yesterday, Husam said the Barisan Nasional was using scare tactics to frighten voters.

The Star dated 23/12/2008

Dialog Di Antara Duta EU, Marc Barety dan Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat

2008-12-18T03:34:00.000-08:00

Marc Barety: Memulakan persoalan, Tuan Guru diminta supaya menjelaskan apa-apa pencapaian yang mungkin dapat dikongsikan sepanjang 18 tahun mentadbir kerajaan negeri.

Tuan Guru Nik Aziz: Terima kasih kembali kepada tuan-tuan yang sudi mengunjungi sebuah negeri yang memilih untuk berbeza dari parti yang memerintah Malaysia di peringkat Pusat. Sebenarnya, saya bukan sengaja memilih untuk berbeza semata-mata kerana ingin atau gemar untuk berbeza. Kami membuat pilihan ini untuk "mendidik atau lebih tepat mengajar" kepada seluruh rakyat bahawa Islam itu begini. Demokrasi itu begini.

Seawal-awalnya kita perlu faham bahawa bumi ini kepunyaan Allah. Dialah Tuhan kita dan Dialah Yang Maha Pencipta. Dia yang membuat semua ini. Jika manusia kata manusia tercipta lebih dahulu, lalu manusia mencipta alam, maka di mana pula manusia awal itu tinggal. Jika dia berada di atas tanah, siapa yang mencipta tanah? Jika dia kata dia berada di udara, maka siapa pula yang mencipta udara? Siapa yang mencipta oksigen untuk manusia itu bernafas?

Mustahil alam dan bumi ini terjadi dengan sendiri. Ini kerja Allah. Dari-Nya jua segala planet dan alam ini berasal. Oleh kerana itu, maka Allah sahajalah yang berhak menurunkan perintah dan larangan dalam sebuah sistem hukum, undang-undang dan peraturan.

Ia dimuatkan ke dalam al-Quran. Untuk melengkapkan ia menjadi sebuah manual bertindak sebagai pengatur yang bersifat how to use maka Allah turunkan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.. Nabi inilah yang menterjemahkan segala peraturan yang disebut sunah - untuk diikuti dan dicontohi akhlaknya atau bagaimana untuk hidup sebagai seorang hamba yang menumpang muka bumi yang dimiliki oleh Allah ini.

Ertinya, saya atau kami seluruh rakyat Kelantan memilih Islam demi untuk membetulkan landasan hidup. Saya mentadbir negeri ini dari sejak 1990 atas nama Islam untuk mengembalikan perjalanan hidup manusia dari landasan yang salah yakni mengabdikan diri sesama makhluk melalui pelbagai isme ciptaan kepada mengabdikan diri kepada Allah Yang Maha Pencipta semata-mata. Disamping itu, kami datang untuk membetulkan dan memulihkan demokrasi yang telah dengan teruknya dikhianati.

Dengan agenda sebesar itu, kami mula bergerak perlahan-lahan. Mula-mula saya perintahkan semua simpanan wang kerajaan dipindahkan ke dalam Bank Islam. Ini dilakukan untuk mengelakkan kerajaan berlanggan dengan sistem ekonomi yang menindas yang dilandasi riba. Riba ini sebenarnya penghisap darah. Sejurus selepas itu, saya didatangi oleh satu rombongan pengurus-pengurus bank yang merayu saya tidak berbuat demikian. Saya menjawab bahawa tidak ada apa yang salah mengenai saya tetapi yang salahnya ialah tuan-tuan dan dasar kapitalis yang menindas hasil amalan bank tuan-tuan. Mereka senyap.

Dari sinilah bermulanya era pengislaman bank-bank di Malaysia. Semakin banyak bank-bank yang mula membuka dua kaunter. Kini, sudah semakin banyak bank-bank yang beroperasi menggunakan instrumen kewangan Islam sepenuhnya. Lebih kurang dua bulan yang lepas misalnya, saya dijemput untuk merasmikan pembukaan Hong Leong Islamic Bank. Menjawab persoalan tuan; maka ini semua berupa pencapaian.

Satu lagi perkara ialah kita tidak berminat untuk membesar-besarkan faktor bangsa. Apa yang saya perbesarkan ialah perihal bersamanya kita semua ini kerana kita datang dari keturunan yang satu yakni Adam dan Hawa. Kita berada dalam sebuah keluarga yang besar, yang bertolak dari benih dan keturunan Adam yang sama. Dengan ini, saya menyemai perasaan kasih sayang, perasaan kebersamaan dan adik beradik. Tidak timbullah dasar dan amalan menindas dan berkembangnya perasaan curiga, dengki mendengki yang menekan dan mendiskriminasi. Di sini, kita telah berjaya meruntuhkan tembok tebal yang memisahkan kita sesama kita sekian lama. Sebaliknya, kita semai perasaan hormat menghormati, saling bantu-membantu, hidup tolong menolong dan berbantu simpati.

Inilah latarbelakang kepada timbulnya program-program seperti kifaalah, skim bantuan armalah, ladang rakyat dan pelbagai lagi program 'mesra rakyat' demi membantu kumpulan sasar yang terdiri dari golongan bawahan dan fakir miskin. Ambillah contoh kifaalah sebagai misal. Bagi setiap kematian yang melibatkan rakyat kami yang berusia 60 tahun ke atas, bantuan sejumlah RM2,500 secara automatik diberikan. Istimewanya program ini ialah ia disumbangkan tanpa mengira perbezaan agama, bangsa, bahasa dan keturunan. Inilah contoh dan bukti dasar-dasar non-diskriminasi yang kami maksudkan.

Dalam masa yang sama, saya selalu membuat kenyataan bahawa untuk menjadi Menteri Besar Kelantan, �orang itu� bagi saya tidak perlu seorang Melayu. Dia boleh jadi seorang berketurunan Cina atau India asalkan dia seorang yang warak, bertakwa dan alim. Semua faktor ini menjadi punca kepada cenderungnya pengundi bukan Islam memberi undi kepada calon Islam dari parti PAS dalam pilihan raya yang lalu.

Boleh Tuan Guru memberi satu liputan mengenai projek-projek pembangunan dalam sektor perumahan, perbandaran dan perhotelan dalam konteks industri pelancongan?

Kerajaan negeri tidak akan menghalang mana-mana negara luar yang ingin melabur dalam sektor perhotelan dan industri asalkan ianya tidak melanggar peraturan teras dari negeri ini. Umpamanya dalam bidang perhotelan, mereka mestilah tidak menyediakan kemudahan berjudi, minuman beralkohol dan pelbagai kegiatan maksiat. Untuk kegiatan judi pula, kami haramkan seratus peratus kerana ia aktiviti yang cukup tidak sihat. Orang bodohpun boleh menang manakala orang intelek pula boleh menjadi kalah dan papa kedana. Ia permainan yang tidak menggunakan akal dan membunuh ikhtiar. Bagi minumam arak dan alkohol, ini kita kawal. Kita kawal pemberian lesen premis kerana menghormati budaya hidup non-Islam.

Bagi projek perumahan, kita kenakan syarat minimum untuk pemaju membina rumah tiga bilik sekurang-kurangnya. Ini untuk mengasingkan tempat tidur ahli keluarga berasaskan perbezaan jantina antara ketua keluarga, anak-anak lelaki dan anak-anak perempuan selaras dengan anjuran Nabi Muhammad s.a.w..

Besok akan berlangsung sebuah mesyuarat penting antara ketua-ketua negara EU untuk mencari langkah-langkah sesuai dalam menangani isu kemelesetan ekonomi dunia. Dalam konteks Kelantan, apakah ada terdapat sebarang langkah untuk menghadapi ancaman dari masalah ekonomi ini?

Pada saya, ekonomi tidak bermasalah tetapi manusia yang bermasalah dan sedang dengan sengaja menimbulkan masalah. Jika dikaji punca sebenar, ia boleh bermula dari pertemuan yang teramat sulit yang pernah diatur oleh enam orang banker di Jekyll�s Island. Dipengerusikan oleh Senator Aldrich dan dihadiri oleh tokoh-tokoh bank yang mewakili Rockefeller, Morgan�s, Warburg�s dan Rothchild�s; mereka memutuskan untuk menubuhkan Federal Reserve System. Inilah punca awal kepada wujudnya wang Fiat yang dicetak tanpa diasaskan kepada sandaran emas.

Wang Fiat dicipta dan dicetak dari kegiatan memberi hutang (money is created from debt). Kemunculan sistem ekonomi kapitalis yang membawa elemen riba dan bunga ini adalah satu bentuk penindasan sebenarnya. Dengan pelbagai instrumen kewangan, ia menindas massa. Umpama lintah darat, riba memeras dan menghisap darah. Yang kaya melakukan monopoli untuk terus kaya dan semakin kaya manakala yang miskin pula akan terus dimiskinkan.

Dia akan terus menerus ditindas untuk akhirnya menjadi papa kedana. Sebenarnya, jika tidaklah kerana ketamakan dan kerakusan, segala kesenangan yang disediakan oleh Allah SWT ini memang mencukupi. Ia cukup untuk kegunaan semua. Masalah yang ada adalah penyakit tamak. Kapitalis yang mengaut, membolot dan membuli. Krisis kewangan dunia ini berpunca dari sini.

Sedangkan dalam agama Islam, Allah melarang duit membuat duit. Mana boleh kita duduk diam-diam, tiba-tiba duit datang berterusan. Itu namanya riba. Sebab itulah Kelantan dari awal lagi bila nak bagi pinjaman pada kakitangan untuk pembelian rumah, kenderaan dan komputer, mereka tidak dikenakan riba dan ini amat menyenangkan hati rakyat negeri ini. Ini satu contoh kecil bagaimana kami boleh menjawab soalan tuan tadi.

Dalam Islam, ayat al-Quran yang paling panjang ialah ayat-ayat yang menghuraikan isu ekonomi. Ini membuktikan bahawa agama Islam ini lengkap. Ia satu sistem yang mampu diamalkan. Bahkan ia adalah formula mutlak yang terbaik; penyelesaian dan jawapan kepada segala perkara.

Saya mahu tanya satu soalan politik tempatan. Saya perhatikan PAS, DAP dan KeADILan mempunyai perbezaan dasar parti yang cukup ketara. Tidakkah ini sebuah kesukaran untuk berlakunya persefahaman yang kordial?

Menyentuh tentang masalah hubungan dengan DAP misalnya. Saya lihat, itu mungkin dulu. Kini, saya tidak fikir demikian. Tidak lagi. Dulu misalnya, mereka agak cenderung melihat kami ini ada membawa pengaruh Taliban. Kini saya lihat sudah ada perubahan sikap. Mereka lebih banyak cuba memahami.

Dalam banyak contoh yang ditunjukkan, saya dapat lihat mereka semakin terbuka hasil dari bertambahnya kefahaman. KeADILan pun sama. Paksi perjuangan mereka adalah keadilan. Ini cukup selaras dengan perjuangan Islam yang menjadi teras perjuangan PAS. Tiada erti Islam itu jika tiada keadilan. Jadi sekali lagi, kita menjangkakan kita tiada masalah.

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI RAYA KORBAN

2008-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

One of my friends yang selalu pergi sama-sama ke Siam, ada kata apalah raya haji atau raya korban tanpa kita mengadakan ibadat korban. Ini samalah kita nak sambut hari raya puasa tanpa kita menjalankan ibadat puasa. Dia kata orang Melayu ni boleh pulak menghabiskan beribu-ribu duit untuk mengadakan kenduri jika di dalam bulan Maulud atau bulan kenduri kata orang Melayu tetapi amat payah nak keluarkan duit jika nak menjalankan ibadat korban setiap tahun sedangkan ibadat korban adalah ibadat yang sangat dituntut.
Bila dikaji kata-katanya itu.. ada benarnya pulak.... Di kampung dalam satu hari tada iga kenduri sekali... lepas asar sekali..lepas maghrib sekali... lepas zohor sekali... Tak Termakan.
Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya Haji ....

Bulan Pun "Tersenyum"

2008-12-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Keajaiban bulan 'senyum':

Luar biasa. Kelihatan bulan sabit dan planet Musytari serta Zuhrah menyerupai muka orang tersenyum atau bulan 'senyum' yang boleh kelihatan bermula kira-kira jam 8 malam tadi (December 01, 2008). Kejadian luar biasa astronomi itu berlaku lima tahun sekali melihatkan kekuasaan ilahi.

SELAMAT DATANG....... KE PULAU PANGKOR

2008-11-21T23:01:00.000-08:00

Pulau Pangkor......he..he..

Selamat Datang ke Pulau Pangkor, destinasi percutian yang menjadi tumpuan pelancong dalam dan luar negara kerana keunikan dan keistimewaannya yang tersendiri.

Destinasi percutian yang amat popular ini masih mengekalkan keaslian semulajadinya dan amat sesuai untuk anda yang ingin bercuti bersama keluarga dan lari sebentar dari kesibukan kota atau beriadah sambil menenangkan fikiran di hujung minggu.

Dari Kuala Lumpur anda boleh memandu melalui lebuhraya PLUS ke Ipoh dan seterusnya ke Lumut. Perjalanan dari KL-Lumut mengambil masa 3-4 jam kira-kira 250km, manakala Ipoh ke Lumut sejauh kira-kira 84 kilometer.

Sebaik sahaja tiba di Lumut, anda harus menaiki feri untuk tiba di Pulau Pangkor. Perjalanan menaiki feri dari Terminal Jeti Lumut ke Terminal Jeti Pangkor mengambil masa kira-kira 30-40 minit. Sebaik sahaja tiba di jeti Pangkor, anda boleh menggunakan perkhidmatan teksi jenis van atau menyewa kenderaan seperti kereta dan motosikal.

BILA BERITA TOL MAHU TURUN

2008-11-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

Bandar Trang yang 40 peratus rakyatnya beragama Islam

Highway di Selatan Thailand yang menuju ke Trang.

Hari ini semua rakan pejabat bising tol akan turun di Malaysia esok. Semua asyik buka internet untuk dapat berita terbaharu. Pelik bin ajaib dengarnya. Yang aku dengar berita, harga minyak petrol yang akan turun lagi sebab harga minyak di pasaran dunia sudah turun sehingga USD 56 sahaja satu barrel. Negara lain semua sudah turun minyak sehinggakan sahabat aku yang suka masuk Thailand pun sudah ajak round Thailand hingga ke Phuket sebab katanya minyak di Siam sudah turun hingga 23 bath katanya. Dia kata jimat kita pergi naik kereta sebab jalanraya di Siam tak kena tol. Teringat pulak masa trip ke Ko Lanta dan Pulau Phuket dan jumpa orang laut di sana yang boleh bercakap Melayu tapi tidak beragama Islam.

Rupa-rupanya yang turun bermula esok iaitu hari Selasa (18 Nov. 2008) ialah harga petrol iaitu sebanyak RM0.15 sen. Sila baca disini

Honda City In Malaysia -Mid December 2009

2008-11-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

The All-New Honda City - 3rd-generation model is now complete with stylish design, class-leading performance & Practicality

Petaling Jaya, 11th November, 2008 –

Honda Malaysia brings good news to those who are seeking more than practical values in a small to medium size sedan! The All-New City goes out of its categorical boundaries to change the definition of practicality; and is now complete with an all-new dynamic stylish design and class-leading performance. In terms of stretching its practicality offerings, the All-New City has added a long list of sensible and useful features, including its enhanced fuel efficiency and power output, made possible by Honda’s i-VTEC technology; class-leading interior spaciousness while maintaining an easy-to-manoeuvre size; and utility beyond the expectations of a small to medium size sedan.

The All-New City runs on the newly developed i-VTEC engine, which adopts a more advanced technology as compared to the first two generations of City. As a result, both fuel efficiency and power output have been improved and balanced, without compromising one or the other, to achieve environmental-friendly performance. Fuel efficiency has been pursued from various angles, from improving oil retention, friction reduction, reducing fuel consumption in the high-speed and high-load ranges to reducing the overall weight of the car, thereby contributing to even greater fuel efficiency. Producing 120PS at 6,000 rpm, and 145Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, the third-generation City is currently one of the most powerful in its segment. Noteworthy of a mention in the All-New City is a new and multi-format compatible entertainment feature. The revolutionary ‘Advanced Audio’ digital media system was developed to be compatible with iPod, MP3 players and other sources of digital audio sound for the convenience of the driver and passengers. In addition, all major operations, such as song selection and volume adjustment, are controlled using four push buttons and a rotary selector similar to the Jog Dial function on an iPod.

The display panel features a large liquid crystal display (LCD) for improved visibility even from the rear seats. Interior spaciousness and comfort are greatly boosted in the third-generation City with an extended wheelbase, a key to good styling and efficient space usage. To increase seating comfort, special attention has been paid to the shape of the side bolsters and the hardness of the seat cushion padding. The springs and cushion padding were also tuned so that the passenger’s lower back sinks into the seat cushion and is held in place. The rear seat has been designed to be more hospitable and adjustable as well. In addition to the armrest, Honda has formulated a one-step 60/40 folding and reclining back seats. This allows the trunk space to be extended for loading of long or tall items by folding two-thirds of the back seats. The rear headrests have also been integrated into the backseats for better rearward visibility.

Other than greater seat comfort, the All-New City also has a more adjustable and variable driving position and as such, providing better driving comfort, especially during long-distance drives. It comes equipped with a tilt and telescopic steering column and driver seat height adjuster. The tilt and telescopic adjustment ranges are 40 mm for each direction, and the driver’s ratchet height can be altered within a 50 mm range. A footrest has been added by shifting the accelerator and brake pedals 15 mm to the right. The All-New City is absolutely pleasing in terms of utility features. Developed for the best balance between maximum capacity and practical usage, the vehicle’s trunk capacity is at an astonishing 506-liter, providing a lofty carriage space in cars of its segment. Such a spacious trunk is most useful for carrying luggage and bigger household items. Meeting the demands of practical and convenient multi-purpose storage spaces, the third generation City features unique spaces such as the open-type tray beneath the rear seat. This allows passengers to store their umbrellas and an extra pair of shoes for rainy days. The glove box and coin pocket are now larger, which allows passengers to store more things.

Globally, the practical All-New City has been launched in three countries; namely Thailand, India and Singapore. Over 8,000 units of the All-New City have been booked in Thailand within the first month of its launch in early September. The sales figure for the All-New City broke Honda’s all-time record held by the Civic which received more than 6,000 bookings within one month of its debut in the Thai market in 2005. With its world-class features, All-New City is now complete with stylish design and class-leading performance, making it worth the wait for its arrival in Malaysia this mid-December!

For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to

www.excitementinthecity.com.my (from 15th November 2008 onwards) and stand a chance to win the latest iPod Nano or the invitation to the All-New City launch!

Judgement : Pendakwa Raya v Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim 2008 [KL Sessions Court]

2008-11-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

MALAYSIA
DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI KUALA LUMPUR
KES TANGKAP NO: 62-407-2008

PENDAKWA RAYA
DAN
DATO SERI ANWAR BIN IBAHIM

GROUNDS OF JUDGMENT

PRELIMINARY

1. On 7th August 2008; Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim (the accused) was charged for the offence of committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature under section 377B of the Penal Code.

2. On the next mention date, on 10th September the prosecution tendered a certificate under section 418(A) Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) dated 9th September 2008 requiring this court to transfer the case to the Kuala Lumpur High Court. This certificate was personally signed by the Attorney General (AG), Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patil.

3. The defence protested to the involvement of the AG in the this case for issuing the impunged certificate contrary to the public representation and promise given by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the AG would not be involved at all in this case.

3. The prosecution contended that it was the AG's prerogative under section 418A CPC to issue the impunged certificate and that it was incumbent on the court to ipso factor transfer the case to the High Court.

4. On 7th Oct 2008, I had ruled that the validity of the certificate was a matter that had to be decided by this court before it could act on it and transfer the case to the High Court. The sole issue for this court's determination is whether the certificate issued by the AG dated 9th September 2008 under section 4.113.A CPC is valid or otherwise.

THE EVIDENCE

5. The issue was determined on a contest of affidavits and written submission was received. For the defence, the Accused swore two affidavits dated 22nd September 2008 and 29th October 2008, respectively, whilst his wife Datuk Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail swore an affidavit dated 29th October 2008. The prosecution filed only one affidavit and this was sworn by the Honourable Solicitor General, Datuk Idrus Harun. It was affirmed on 8th October 2008.

6. The Accused has asserted in his affidavits that he had on 1st July 2008, lodged a police report against the AG for fabricating evidence against him to cover-up the assault on him in 1998 by the then IGP that led to the now infamous black eye. In the normal course of events, the report would have been the subject of police investigation but because of police complicity in the allegation, the investigation is instead being conducted by the Anti Corruption Agency, at the Prime Minister's behest. The investigation by the ACA on this report is currently ongoing.

7. When the highly publicised and dramatised investigation of the Accused in respect of the present sodomy charge was ongoing, the Accused had complained that he would not be investigated and treated impartially by the AG given the grave and serious nature of the allegations by the Accused against the AG.

8. In response to this perception by the Accused, the Prime Minister had on 19th July 2008, at a press conference given his assurance and representation that the AG will have no role in this case. This assurance was reported in several newspapers and has not been revoked or contradicted.

9. The assertion of the Accused as regards the promise given by the Prime Minister was corroborated by his wife, who stated that she and her daughter had personally seen the Prime Minister on 1st July 2008 at his office and that the latter had assured them that the 1998 incident would not be repeated and promised a fair and impartial investigation and prosecution. In paragraphs 8, 9 and 10 of her affidavit, she went on to state as follows:

(8) selanjutnya, semasa pertemuan dengan Perdana Menteri, beliau juga telah memberi jaminan bahawa tertuduh tidak akan dicederakan atau dipukul sepertimana yang berlaku pada insiden 1998. Berikutan dengan itu saya juga berfahaman bahawa memandangkan Gani dan Musa adalah terlibat dalam dakwaan permalsuan keterangan terhadap tertuduh berhubung dengan insiden mata lebam, maka Gani dan Musa sama sekali tidak harus dan .tidak akan terlibat, campurtangan dan mengambil apa jua peranan dalam penyiasatan dan pendakwaan terhadap tertuduh berkaitan laporan terbaru ke atas tertuduh.

(9) Saya menyatakan bahawa jaminan-jaminan yang telah diberikan oleh Perdana Menteri kepada saya semasa pertemuan tersebut telah memberikan saya "legitimate expectation" bahawa apa yang telah dimaklumkan kepada saya adalah benar dan akan dituruti oleh pihak pendakwaan.

(10) Saya kemudiannya telah memaklumkan kepada tertuduh pada 2.7.2008 berhubung dengan jaminan-jaminan yang telah diberikan oleh Perdana Menteri (sepertimana yang dinyatakan di perenggan-perenggan atas) kepada saya bersarna Nurul Izzah.

FAILURE TO CHALLENGE ASSERTIONS IN AFFIDAVIT

10. The assertions of the Accused and his wife in their affidavits were not controverted, denied or disputed by the prosecution.

11. It is trite that in a contest of affidavits, an affidavit must reply specifically to allegations, and if it does not, than those allegations not replied to must be taken to have been accepted. See Ng Hee Thong & Another v Public Bank Berhad (1995) 1 CLJ 609.

12. There is no explanation proffered here as to why the facts asserted by the Accused in his affidavit were not refuted.

13. In the premises, applying the rule of evidence in Ng Hee Thong's case, all the averments of the Accused and his wife in their three affidavits must be accepted.

GROUNDS IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION

14. The defence relies on 2 grounds, viz legitimate expectation arising from the promise give by the Prime Minister and secondly, the rule against bias to support the submission that the certificate signed by the AG is invalid.

LEGITIMATE EXPECTATION

15. The Court of Appeal in the case of Syarikat Bekerjasama-sama Serbaguna Sungai Gelugor v Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (1996) CLJ 335, cited with approval the following passage from the judgment of Simon Brown LJ expounding the doctrine of legitimate expectation in the English case of R v Devon C.C. ex parte Baker (1995) 1 AER:

The final category of legitimate expectation encompasses those cases in which it is held that a particular procedure, not otherwise required by law in the protection of an interest, must be followed consequent upon some specific promise or practice. Fairness requires that the public authority be held to it. The authority is bound by its assurance, whether expressly given by way of promise or implied by way of established practice.

16. On appeal, the Federal Court, approved the observations of the Court of Appeal on the doctrine of legitimate expectation. This judgment is reported in (1999) 3 MLJ 1.

16A. In the South Africa case of Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma v National Director of Public Prosecutions Case No 8652/08, the prosecuting authority had made certain representations at a press conference and the court found that the representations were binding on the authority. The court explained the principle of 1egitimate expectation as follows:

... ‘[L]egitimate expectations… are capable of including expectations which go beyond enforceable legal rights, provided they have some reasonable basis ... [E]ven where a person claiming some benefit or privilege has no legal right to it, as a matter of private law, he may have a legitimate expectation of receiving the benefit or privilege, and if so, the Courts will protect his expectation by judicial review as a matter of public law ... Legitimate, or reasonable, expectation may arise either from an express promise given on behalf of a public authority or from the existence of a regular practice which the claimant can reasonable expect to continue...

17. It is clear from the authorities that the question the court has to consider whether the representation or promise by the Prime Minister gave the Accused the legitimate expectation that the AG would not be involved in this case.

18. It is not in dispute that the Prime Minister made this representation but the prosecution contends that the Prime Minister is not legally competent to give this promise in view of Articles 145(3) and 145(3A) of the Federal Constitution. These two provisions expressly provide that the discretion to institute prosecution and all other powers incidental to it, is vested with the AG. The prosecution glibly added that the Prime Minister being also a politician could have given the promise to please the people he was addressing and the same was not binding on the AG. It was stressed that it was the AG who had the power under the Federal Constitution to make such a promise.

19. I must at once say that the solemn words of the head of the executive of this country on specific and serious matters such as those complained of in this case, cannot be trifled with. On the contrary, the Prime Minister must have given the matter due consideration and must have had the overriding interest of justice and due process of law in giving his word that the AG would play no part in this case.

20. This court does not accept the suggestion the Prime Minister was usurping the power given to the AG under the Federal Constitution when he gave the promise. It must be remembered that at the material time, the AG, as the principal legal officer of the Government, was the subject of a criminal investigation in relation to the police report by the Accused and that former had threatened the latter with civil action. The Prime Minister as the head of the executive rejected the opposition's demand to suspend the AG and gave the public assurance that the latter would not be involved in the case against the Accused. I therefore find that the Prime Minister was not playing fast and loose but gave his word and intended it to be taken seriously. That the office of the AG also took the assurance seriously is evident from the fact that when the Accused was first charged in this court, the Honourable So1icitor General led the prosecution team.

21. That assurance, in my view, created a legitimate and reasonable expectation in the Accused and the public that the Tan Sri Gani Patil will not be personally involved in this case.

22. The prosecution contends in the alternative that even if the Prime Minister had the authority to make this representation, the disqualification on the AG is limited to not making the decision whether or not to prosecute the Accused and does extend to the exercise of the statutory power conferred under section 418 CPC.

23. I find this proposition untenable. If the AG is disqualified by reason of the reasonable perception that there is a likelihood of bias on his part, then this disqualification, if it is to be meaningful, must extend to each and every aspect of the case from inception to final conclusion at the highest level.

24. I also find that that legitimate expectation of the Accused that the AG would not be involved in this case is further bolstered by the "Clients Charter" of the Prosecution Division of the AG Chambers which reads:

We are committed to conduct criminal prosecutions in a fair and just manner and to render legal advice in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the laws of the country with public and national interest as the foremost considerations.

25. The representation by the prosecution to the public i.e. "Client" that they are committed to conduct prosecutions in a fair and just manner is nothing more than a promise to observe the rules of natural justice. This representation gives rise to a legitimate expectation in the Accused that there shall be no bias on the part of the prosecution.

26. Going hand in hand with the Clients Charter are the United Nations "Guidelines On The Role of Prosecutions" which was adopted by Malaysia in 1990. Those guideline require the prosecution to perform their functions impartially and fairly to ensure due process and the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system. (See Clause 12 and 13 of the Guidelines).

26A. As the certificate in this case is personally signed by the AG, this amounts to a breach of the legal expectation of the Accused that the AG would not be involved in this case.

RULE AGAINST BIAS

27. The second ground on which the defence contends that the certificate is invalid is grounded on a rule of natural justice, to wit, the rule against bias.

28. As mentioned earlier, in the absence of any refutation of the assertions of the Accused, it must be accepted that there is no love lost between the Accused and the AG. The defence contends that this has put the AG in a position of conflict (or perceived conflict) of interest, and he is thereby totally disqualified from this case including in making the decision to transfer the case.

29. The prosecution does not dispute that the relationship puts the AG in a position of conflict, but contends that the rule against bias would only apply in the present case if the AG was exercising a judicial or quasi judicial function in respect of the issuance of the certificate. It is said that that the AG was not exercising a judicial function but an administrative function when he issued the transfer certificate.

30. The answer to the question as to whether the AG was exercising a judicial or administrative function in respect of the transfer is to be found in the decision of the Federal Court in PP v Dato’ Yap Peng (1978) 2 MLJ 311. In that case, Abdoolcader SCJ said as follows:

I have in my judgment in the Bank Rakyat case (at page 119-120) dealt with the powers of the Attorney General under article 145(3) and the connotation of his power to ‘institute' and 'conduct' criminal proceedings. My discourse in this regard was approved and adopted by the Federal Court in Public Prosecutor v Lim Shui Wang & Others (at page 67). I said there, and I repeat, that the power of the Attorney General under article 145(3) cannot and does not connote or extend to the regulation of criminal procedure or of the jurisdiction of the courts or the power or discretion to do so. The power to transfer a case is judicial power exclusively exercisable by a court in the manner provided for in sections 138, 177 and 417 of the Code. The power to transfer is similarly designated as a judicial power and provided for in section 25 and paragraph 12 of the Schedule to the Courts of Judicature Act, 1964.

(emphasis added)

31. It is clear from the passage as reproduced above that the AG was in fact exercising a quasi-judicial power when he signed the transfer certificate. Accordingly, the rule against bias would disqualify him from issuing the certificate.

DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY

32. The prosecution submits in the alternative that even if the AG is held to be exercising a quasi-judicial function in issuing the section 418A certificate, he is still not subjected to the rule of bias in view of the mandatory nature of section 418(A) (2)CPC. It is pointed out the powers under section 418A are exclusive to the AG and cannot be delegated.

33. The cases of Franklin and Ors v Minister of Town and Country Planning (1948) AC 87 and Mohd Zainal Abidin Bin abdul Mutalib v Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamed, Minister of Home Affairs (1989) 3 MLJ 170 were cited in support of this proposition.

34. I am unable to accept this submission. The doctrine of necessity cannot be invoked in this case as prosecution can resort to other provisions in the CPC such as sections 417 and 177 CPC to transfer the case to the High Court.

DECISION IN PP V DATO’ YAP PENG

35. In this case, Abdoolcarder SCJ at p318 observed as follows:

“No one can question the decision of the Public Prosecutor when he issues a certificate under section 418A. His decision is final and the Subordinate Court must remove the case to the High Court upon receiving the certificate."

36. And, at the same added as follows:

“Section 418A(l) empowers the Public Prosecutor, who is the Attorney General, by the issue of a certificate to require a subordinate court to remove to the High Court any particular case triable by and pending before it. It confers on him untrammeled and uncontrolled power in very wide terms to effect this requirement."

37. The prosecution relies heavily on the aforesaid dicta to contend that this court has no power to refuse the transfer.

38. The facts in Dato' Yap's case are clearly distinguishable from the facts in the present case. In that case, the head of the executive did not give any promise. Hence, the certificate issued by the Public Prosecutor in Yap's case was a prima-facie valid certificate. That is not the case here.

REASONS FOR TRANSFER

39. It is to be noted that in paragraph 5 of the Honourable Solicitor General's affidavit, the reasons for the transfer of the case to the High Court are explained.

40. The defence contends that these reasons are without merit and there is nothing in the aforesaid affidavit to show that the AG had applied his mind on the issue of transfer.

41. It is clear from the decision in Dato' Yap's case (supra) that a subordinate court cannot go into the validity of the reasons for the transfer. In my view, this cannot be a ground to challenge the validity of the transfer certificate.

CONCLUSION

42. For the reasons I have stated, I find the certificate to be invalid.

43. This court would like to make it clear that the decision here does not in any way detract or impinge on the absolute authority the AG enjoys under the Federal Constitution in the institution and conduct of criminal prosecutions. However, this case raises a unique situation where it is evident that any involvement by the AG in this case would seriously undermine public confidence in the administration of criminal justice. That is the compelling and overriding factor that warranted the Prime Minister's promise which this court is prepared to uphold.

Bertarikh: 7hb. November 2008.

SGD.
(SM. KOMATHY SUPPIAH)
Hakim
Mahkamah Sesyen Jenayah 1
Kuala Lumpur.

Surat Presiden Republik Islam Iran kepada Obama

2008-11-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Presiden Iran memulakan suratnya dengan kalimah mulia iaitu “Dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah lagi maha Mengasihani”.

Untuk membaca surat beliau seterusnya disini

Surat balasan Obama..... tunggu dai angkat sumpah dulu...

USA President Elect Barack Obama's Victory Speech

2008-11-08T05:21:00.000-08:00

USA President Elect, Sen. Barack Obama spoke at a rally in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, after winning the race for the White House Tuesday night. The following is an exact transcript of his speech.

Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead. I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them. And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
This is your victory.
And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity. Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright:

Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope. That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin. And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression
across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Ali Rustam Layak Betanding Timbalan Presiden UMNO.

2008-11-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali Rustam telah melayakkan diri untuk bertanding pada pemilihan parti Mac depan. Sehingga pukul 5.15 petang ini, beliau telah menerima 39 pencalonan masing-masing daripada bahagian Tumpat, Pasir Salak, Ketereh, Pendang, Sandakan, Sungai Petani dan Pasir Puteh - Utusan.

Ulasan:

Biodata Moh d Ali Rustam di google search.... Result: Tak ada pun.... macam mana ni...??

Biodata pemimpin negara Jiran:

Yaacob Ibrahim (born 3 October 1955, Singapore) is the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in Singapore.

Yaacob graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree (honours) in Civil Engineering in 1980. He later obtained a PhD from Stanford University in 1989 and was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Cornell University.

He returned to Singapore in 1990 and joined the National University of Singapore, becoming a faculty member in 1991. He received the department's teaching excellence award for the academic year of 1994 to 1995.

MALAYSIA NEGARAKU....

Evidence And Chain Of Evidence

2008-11-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

ON the way to Forensic Laboratory, Malaysia Royal Police Force in Cheras, I make a call to my friend and ask him about his case in Session Court KL who are getting the result from the judge today. I hope I can hear a good answer but unfortunately he lost his case. The judge said his case so many weaknesses and need so many to be improved. If we need her full judgement, the judge asked our officer to appeal within fourteen days.

My friend mentioned to me that’s our weight of admissibility for our evidence is very low and chain of custody for our physical evidence is questionable. The picture of the incident cannot be tendered in court because our investigation is not the originated of the photo taken.

What is evidence? What is a chain of Evidence?

Evidence is required to confirm, supplement or disprove reasonable lines of enquiry. If enforcement action or legal proceedings are subsequently taken, it may be required in order to prove that an offence has been committed.
Facts may be proved in court not just by oral evidence on oath, but also by ‘documentary’ and ‘real’ evidence (i.e. "physical evidence"). There is an overlap between these two types of evidence but, in general:

a. 'documentary evidence' is a document in which information of any description is recorded. As well as information recorded on paper, a ‘document’ will include photographs, sound and video recordings and computer data;
b. 'real evidence' is a material object, the nature, condition or value of which is either in issue or relevant to the offence you are seeking to prove.

Continuity and integrity of exhibits - Chain Of Custody

1. You must ensure that all exhibits are kept safely and that there is a clear, identifiable audit trail from the moment that exhibits are seized to the moment they are presented in evidence. This is because the prosecution may have to prove that the exhibit before the court is the same exhibit that was referred to by the witness in his or her statement, or that the exhibit has not been tampered with illicitly while being retained for court proceedings.

2. In establishing this chain of evidence, each person handling an exhibit must write a brief statement identifying the exhibit and its whereabouts, stating when they received it and who they received it from, and saying to whom they passed it and when.

3. So, for example, in respect of a sample which is seized and taken to a laboratory for testing, you need to obtain statements covering all the stages from the taking of the sample or the taking into possession of an article, through submission to the laboratory, testing etc, and to its production in court. You should obtain a statement from the officer carrying out the analysis to be able to say how the sealed sample came into the possession of that officer and how it was identified.

.

RETREAT DI CAMAR LAUT, LKIM, BAGAN LALANG, SELANGOR.

2008-11-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

Foto 1: Seronok sakan belasah ketam sambil retreat. Sakit doktor ada...

Foto 2; Terima kasih pada urusetia retreat yang choose good food.

Foto 3: Ketam betina ke ketam jantan ni......

Foto 4: Berapa harganya ni....

Foto 5: Terima Kasih Daun Keladi... Lain kali boleh makan lagi....

Retreat di Camar Laut, di tepi Selat Melaka dari 3 - 6 November 2008. Hasilnya ......

Funny Story From Jai Boro

2008-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

I want to share this story..... I get this story from http://jaiboro.blogspot.com/

Ada seorang pak cik yang bernama Pak DI yang sangat kaya. Setiap hari beliau akan menyimpan RM1000 di bank. Setiap hari tepat pukul 9 pagi Pak Di dah pun bersiap sedia terpacak di kuanter bank untuk menympan RM1000nya.

Setelah lebih kurang setahun berlalu, kehadirannya setiap hari disedari oleh Manager Bank. Menager Bank itu pun memanggilnya ke office dan bertanya.

Manager : Setiap hari saya lihat pak cik akan menyimpan RM1000 dibank.Apa kerja pak cik?

Pak DI : Saya ni sebenarnya takde kerja encik. Cuma saya suka bertaruh. Setiap hari saya akan bertaruh dan saya tak pernah kalah.

Manager : Ooo... ini sudah cukup bagus. Tapi pak cik mungkin belum bertemu dengan orang yang teror macam saya ni. Kalau pak cik bertaruh dengan saya jangan haraplah nak menang.

Pak DI : Iye ke? Kalau macam tu jom kita bertaruh.

Manager : Okay. Sebutkan apa saja pak cik nak bertaruh dengan saya.

Pak DI: Macam ni... dalam tempoh 7 hari dari sekarang encik akan kehilangan telur encik. Kalau betul encik akan hilang RM1000, kalau tak saya akan bayar encik RM1000.

Manager : Hahaha.. tak logiklah pak cik. Tapi tak pe... saya setuju.

Setelah kedua-duanya setuju mereka pun beredar. Besoknya bila bangun pagi Manager tu pun meraba telurnya.. ooh masih ada. Begitulah seterusnya hinggalah sampai ke hari yang ketujuh dia dapati telurnya masih lagi ada.......Dengan suka hatinya Manager tersebut pun pergilah berjumpadengan Pak DI.

Manager : Pak cik sorrylah ye.. telur saya masih lagi ada..

Pak DI : Betul ke? Aku tak percaya... Mari sini aku pegang...Lalu dipegangnya anu Manager tu.

Sambil tersenyum Pak DI pun berkata..Okaylah.. Betul kata kau. Nah ambil RM1000 ni.Pak DI pun menghulurkannya.

Manager : Hari ni baru pak cik tahu siapa yang teror... Sorrylah pakcik.Hari ni pak cik tak dapat pergi bank lagi laaaa keh.. keh.. keh... Tiba-tiba Pak Di mengeluarkan RM4000 dan pergi ke kuanter bank.

Manager tersebut rasa hairan lalu bertanya pada Pak DI.....

Manager: mana pak cik dapat duit sebanyak tu?

Pak DI : Pak cik bertaruh dengan kawan pak cik Guard kat luar tu tadi RM5000.

Manager : Bertaruh apa?

Pak DI : Bertaruh yang pak cik dapat pegang telur Manager Bank.....

Manager : Tak guna punya orang tua.. Terkena aku...

Fuel Consumption Calculation

2008-10-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I shared on my car fuel consumption performance. I have device a new method of computing the fuel consumption. What I do now is to pump a fix value each time, in this case, I always pump 26.04 liter. This value is based on RM50 @ RM1.92/Liter. For each of the fueling instances on the x-axis, I pump 26.04 liter and drive the car till it’s empty, which is till the light comes up and the indicator go to the lowest, most of the time hitting E and below. Then I pump 26.04 liter again. I find that by doing this, the fuel consumption are pretty stable at the average of 14.5km/liter and a Standard Deviation of 0.59. My stock tires which are Goodyear RCT are going bald and I will be changing them soon. Currently I am eyeing on Continental Contact 2 or Michelin Preceda 2. The Tires manufacturer always claim that their tires safe fuel, etc.. well, I will be putting them to the test. I will compare the fuel consumption before and after the tire change. Since I will be changing all 4 tires at one go, it would be a good estimate to see if what the manufacturers claim are valid. Oh, by the way, instance 2 and 3 was Caltex Techron and the rest were Shell Super.

Other way to calculate fuel consumption:-

I used a different way to calculate though.

1) Pump full.
2) Use as much as I want while making sure I keep track of the kilometres.
3) Pump full again. The amount of money used divided with the kilometres covered.
My Corolla in city-driving mode cost me close to 17 sen per km, while in highway mode cost me about 14.75 sen per km.

NEW HONDA CITY

2008-10-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Fifth generation (new version Honda City) Honda City found in Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Features of Thailand's Honda City 2008

The following are the features of Thailand's Honda City 2008.
Thailand's Honda City 2008 would come in three variants - S model, V Model and SV model. Honda might launch the new City in the Philippines and Malaysia by 2009. It is scheduled to arrive in Singapore by the end of September 2009.

Ninety-Nine Names Of God ( Asma al Husna)

2008-10-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

The names of God (Asma ua husna) are written in the style of Arabic known as sini (Chinese), practised by Chinese Calligraphers .

FAQ On Islam

2008-10-22T04:17:00.000-07:00

FAQ on Islam by Dr. Zakir Naik
In conveying the message of Islam to a non-Muslim, it is usually not sufficient to highlight only the positive nature of Islam. Most non-Muslims are not convinced about the truth of Islam because there are a few questions about Islam at the back of their minds that remain unanswered.

They may agree with your contentions about the positive nature of Islam. But, in the same breath, they will say - "Ah! But you are the same Muslims who marry more than one woman. You are the same people who subjugate women by keeping them behind the veil. You are fundamentalists, etc."

I personally prefer asking the non-Muslim upfront, what he feels is wrong in Islam. I prefer asking directly, what they feel is wrong in Islam with their limited knowledge, whether right or wrong and from whichever source it may be. I encourage them to be very frank and open and convince them that I can take criticism about Islam.

In the past few years of my Da’wah experience, I have realized that there are barely twenty most common questions that a common non-Muslim has regarding Islam. Whenever you ask a non-Muslim, "what do you feel is wrong with Islam?", he poses five or six questions, and these questions invariably fall among the twenty most common questions.

Logical replies can convince the majority

The twenty most common questions about Islam can be answered with reason and logic. A majority of non-Muslims can be convinced with these answers. If a Muslim memorizes or simply remembers these answers, Inshallah he will be successful, if not in convincing non-Muslims about the complete truth of Islam, then at least in removing misconceptions about Islam and neutralizing the negative thinking about Islam and Muslims that the non-Muslims have. A very few non-Muslims may have counter arguments to these replies, for which further information may be required.

Twenty most common questions about Islam???
Free to visit http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/index.htm

MELAKA added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List

2008-09-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Jonker Street in Melaka ( Jalan Hang Jebat)

Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia) have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century.

The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

BALIK KAMPUNG- SUNGAI RAMBAI< MELAKA

2008-09-25T00:28:00.001-07:00

Sempena Nak Menyambut Hari Raya Idulfitri ni ramai yang nak balik kampung. Kampungku di Sungai Rambai, Melaka. Where is Sungai Rambai?

Sungai Rambai is a small town in Melaka state Malaysia. It is situated about 32 kilometers south of Melaka Historical City along the federal route to Muar. It is the last town in Melaka before crossing Kesang River into Johore stateship. Initially if you travel to south via Federal Road 5, you will pass through the town. However when the 4-lane Lebuh AMJ highway was opened in June 2007, the town is bypassed. However, you can still notice and follow the signboards put on the highway going to the town. If you need gasoline for your car, or refreshment for your journey, do visit the town. The Petronas fuel station can be reached by turning to old federal road leading to Melaka, a few hundred meters from the traffic light of Parit Putat road junction. The food stalls are available at both side of the Kesang river which separate Melaka and Johore stateship.

CHINA's MILK SCANDAL

2008-09-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

For your information, the following items have been recalled due to China's milk scandal:
1. M&M
2. Snickers
3. Mento's Yoghurt Bottle
4. Dove Chocolate
5. Oreo Wafer Sticks
6. Dutchlady Sterilised Milk
7. Wall's all natural mango
8. Mini Poppers Ice Cream
9. Magnum Ice Cream
10. Moo Sandwich Ice Cream
11. Mini Cornetto
12. Youcan Ice Cream

Krisis Ekonomi Global

2008-09-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

Quote from my friend(e-muzaffar) ;

Kemajuan dunia terutamanya benua eropah sekarang datang dari Islam terutama dari Spain. Hampir 800 ratus tahun Islam maju kat Spain sampai former CEO Hewlett Packard, Carly Fiorina pun dlm satu speech dia menyatakan computer hari ni hasil dari algebra dan algorithms yg dicipta org Islam. Kau bayangkan kalau org islam tak reka no 1 dan 0 , kira pakai nombor roman berapa punya panjang bila nak kira juta-juta.

No arab kalau kau tengok betul betul terlalu banyak persamaan dgn nombor sekarang.Cuba kau tonggang terbalikkan no arab tu...bandingkan dgn no sekarang...sebijik !!!

Rasanya akan ada recycle kegemilangan Islam......yg paling ketara sekarang Islamic financial system. Pakai sistem konvensional yahudi , kenakan interest last-last bungkus, jadi le macam Lehman Bros, Merrill Lynch, AIG, Fredddie Mac,Fannie Mae...coming soon maybe Washington Mutual.....

Why wake up for Fajr Solah??

2008-09-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr Prayer at the masjid. He got dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid. On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes, made his ablution, and was, again, on his way to the masjid. On his way to the masjid, he fell again and at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied I saw you fall twice on your way to the masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way.' The first man thanked him profusively and the two where on their way to the masjid. Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same. The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray.

The man replied, 'I am Satan (devil/evil)' The man was shocked at this reply. Satan went on to explain, 'I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the masjid. Because of that, Allah forgave all the sins of the people of your household .

I was AFRAID if i made you fall one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your village , so I made sure that you reached the masjid safely!' So do not let Satan benefit from his actions. Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

Work Pressure???

2008-09-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

There is more in life than just work….. U work to have a better life…. If work can destroy your life… It is better to stay jobless…. act sensibly… It is the friends and the good wishes you earn which will make you live a complete life…. No matter how you perform … good or bad… you will be forgotten…. So work only until you enjoy it… When it reaches threshold…. You have just one choice… Just chill…. and take it easy…..

Bonus sebulan gaji untuk kakitangan awam

2008-08-29T02:45:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR 29 Ogos _ Kakitangan kerajaan akan menerima bonus sebulan gaji atau minimum RM1,000 yang akan dibayar dua kali.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, bonus itu akan dibayar pada September dan Disember.

``Kerajaan menghargai peningkatan produktiviti dan sumbangan kakitangan sektor awam kepada pembangunan negara,’’ katanya.

Dr M: Anwar won't get 30 MPs

2008-08-27T02:11:00.000-07:00

..................Dr Mahathir predicted that with Anwar back in Parliament, he would be making "life very difficult" for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"I don't think Abdullah is a match for Anwar. This man (Anwar) can convince even the devil to follow him. He is going to raise all kinds of issues and questions and will demand and pressure the Prime Minister for answers. It is going to be a tough time for Barisan," he said...

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may have won the Permatang Pauh seat and claimed his stake in Parliament, but he would not be able to get 30 MPs to switch to the Opposition to form the government, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

The former prime minister said the Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser might think he could "buy" MPs to jump to his camp but it would be impossible for him to "outbid the other bidders who have more money."

"The Permatang Pauh by-election results is a clear message for Barisan Nasional, Umno and its leaders. Within five months after the March 8 polls, Barisan lost the seat again, with a bigger majority than the last time.

"This is not only because the by-election was held in Permatang Pauh and one of the candidates was Anwar Ibrahim. I believe this will be the trend at other places as well and those who came out to vote on Tuesday had voted for the Opposition," he said when met at his office on Wednesday.

Anwar won the Permatang Pauh seat with a thumping majority of 15,671. His victory marks a return to Parliament for the PKR adviser after an enforced absence of 10 years.

With the victory, Anwar will take over as the parliamentary Opposition leader. The PKR de facto leader last won the Permatang Pauh seat in 1995 with a majority of 23,515 votes.

Dr Mahathir predicted that with Anwar back in Parliament, he would be making "life very difficult" for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Dr Mahathir said Abdullah, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and other leaders should not close their "ears and eyes" to the people's message and neither should they blame the Permatang Pauh defeat on sabotage or other elements.

"The people sent a message at the March 8 polls and again in the Permatang Pauh by-election. Leaders should sit up and take stock of this. They want changes and they want it quick. Not in June 2010.

"If changes are made two years from now, then Umno will face an uphill task to gain strength and the people's confidence. If they fail to do so, then Barisan can expect defeat in the 13th general election," he said, adding he was willing to come back to the party's fold and work towards reviving it if Abdullah step down before the 2010 deadline.

He said Umno should be concerned that it was losing in popularity and appeal, claiming that even DAP had become more appealing to Malays, referring to former Transparency International Malaysia chairman Tunku Aziz Tunku Ibrahim becoming the DAP's latest recruit.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN ENTERING SINGAPORE

2008-08-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

It is best to read here on what you need to know about Singapore.http://www.visitorsingapore.com/

Where To Stay:

BUDGET HOTEL & BACKPACKERS

Astro Hotel http://www.astrohotel.com.sg/

Ni pun kat geylang.. betul2 sebelah Joo Chiat Complex. Berdepan pulak ngan Hajah Maimunah restaurant.. mmg sedap.

Hotel One66 http://web.singnet.com.sg/~one66/

ni location betul2 kat kawasan perumahan HDB & is actually situated in the HDB flat itself. You can stay here and feel camna kehidupan di perumahan S'pore. harga pun gerek... tempat pun gerek.. and best of all. 5 minit to the MRT and kuar jer dari hotel ni terus dah jumpa tempat makan...

Sleepy Sam B & B http://www.sleepysams.com/

located betul2 dekat ngan masjid sultan. kuar jer.. leh nampak masjid sultan dah.. nak cari makan pun senang kerana byk cafe & restaurant around this place. Famous Singapore Murtabak Restaurant pun jalan kaki 5 minit dah leh sampai. MRT station located less than 5 minutes walk. Kalau nak gi Suntec City laks.. tak perlu jalan jauh less than 10 minute leh sampai.. naik bas pun boleh.

Hotel Aspinal http://www.aspinals.com.sg/accommodations.php

Yang suka bershopping di Mustafa, this is the best hotel to be at... betul2 dkt ngan Mustafa.

Ambassador Hotel http://www.ambassador.com.sg/

Highly recommendated by one of Cari Forummer (Morango) yg pernah tinggal di sana, dkt ngan Mustafa gak....

Llyod Inn http://www.lloydinn.com/Located at the back of Orchard Road.. abt 10 minutes walk. nearest MRT is Douby Ghout Station

HOTEL81 CHAIN http://hotel81.com.sg/hotels.shtml

byk location all over singapore to suit where u want to be, hotel81 yg I tau harga dia sgt berpatutan(from S$69 per night onwards), basic amenities covered, clean and convenient. .

Hotel81TriStar Inn .Located betul2 kat Geylang, menghadap ngan Darul Arqam dan Perkampungan melayu. 7 -8 minutes walk to MRT station. Ramai warga malaysia suka tinggal kat sini kerana located dkt ngan geylang serai.. senang nak bershopping kat Joo Chiat ComplexE..

Hotel81 RochorThis is an old local hotel yg dorang take over and refurbished. Very convinently located near Bugis, Arab Street, Little India & Sim Lim Tower.

THE INN-CROWD http://www.the-inncrowd.com <http://www.the-inncrowd.com/> Located in Little India area, dkt ngan MRT Little India.

The Summer Tavern Hostel http://www.summertavern.com/Located dkt ngan Clark Quay & near to MRT Station

One Florence Close http://www.oneflorenceclose.com/rates.html < located in Kovan area (near Hougang) tapi convenient as the MRT line dekat jer. 15 mins jer nak naik MRT ke Orchard Road Area.

The Betel Box Backpacker Hostel http://www.betelbox.com/index.htm <http://www.betelbox.com/index.htm>

3 STAR HOTELS

Hotel Supreme - betul2 at orchard road (belakang Le Meridien Hotel)(very basic room)Good Location, easy access to shopping area, near MRT and right in middle of Orchard Road.

RELC International Hotel http://www.relcih.com.sg/servicedApartments.htm <

A bit off from Orchard Road, worth your money. Family Room & Service Aprt available.

Hotel Royal http://www.hotelroyal.com.sg/main.htm

appx 8 mins (by bus) from Orchard area. Near Newtown food center. Near MRT station and near Novena shopping area. Family Room Available.

Orchard Parade Hotel http://www.orchardparade.com.sg/

At end of Orchard Road. Good location and next to Hard Rock Cafe. Family Room available.

Albert Court Hotel http://www.albertcourt.com.sg/

Arab Street, Serangoon & Orchard all within minutes away. Family Room available.

Parkroyal on Beach Road http://beach.singapore.parkroyalhotels.com/

Located near Bugis, Bussuroh Street, Beach Road, Suntec City & Esplanade. Lot's of shopping area around. MRT station is appx 7 mins walks.

Quality Hotel http://www.qualityhotel.com.sg/index.html#top

This is newly build .. dekat ngan Novena MRT appx 10 mins away.Nothing much I can say just that.. hotel dia cantik and spacious! hehehehee. Location kira ok laaa... nak gi mana2 pun senang gak.. kedai makan pun ada merata2.

GETTING AROUND IN SINGAPORE

Singapore Public Transport is convenient and very good. You can choose to move around taking the MRT, Busses or Taxi (though Taxi rates are a bit pricey).I f you're going to be in Singapore for a few days and will be moving around a lot, then I suggest for you to buy the Tourist Pass or the normal EZ-link card. These card gives you good discount when taking the MRT or Busses.

More information on the ez-link card can be found here.

http://www.thesingaporetouristpass.com/

Siapa beli Tourist Pass pun ada special promotion comes with it!)

http://www.ezlink.com.sg/index.html <http://www.ezlink.com.sg/index.html>

Public Buses available in Singapore:

http://www.smrtbuses.com.sg/ebusguide/busguide.asp http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/

WHERE TO EAT

Singapore di kenali for the good food available. These are the must have dishes in Singapore:

SOUP TULANG MERAH - BEACH ROAD.

The Signature dish in Beach Road... Once you try it, you'll want more!Oh ya.. make sure juga you try air tebu lemon or air tebu asamboi... sedappp oooooooooo

ZAM ZAM & VICTORY MURTABAK

The ever legendary Murtabak of Singapore.... my personal favourite is Victory... you gotta try their daging murtabak..

HAJAH MAIMUNAH RESTAURANT & NASI PADANG PARIAMAN.

Restaurant yg menghidangkan makanan kampong / nasi padang yg sedap pada harga yg berpatutan...pasti buat anda meleleh airliuq! hehehehee

S'poreans spend big in Malaysian mega sale

2008-08-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: MasterCard holders from Singapore were the top spenders among foreign tourists, forking out as much as US$1.11 million (S$1.53 million) over three days during the Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival on the July 5 weekend.

Singaporeans accounted for 10,524 transactions, according to a MasterCard report. Indonesian tourists spent US$625,695, Australians US$535,338, British US$378,836 and Americans US$329,519.

During the first weekend of the sale, MasterCard cardholders spent a total of US$55.4 million, up 24 per cent from US$44.6 million last year. The number of transactions also increased 5 per cent from 780,911 to 819,440.

Kisah Orang Tua Yang Marah

2008-07-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

A Kadir Jasin

DENGAN izin dan permohonan maaf, saya ingin menulis sesuatu yang peribadi kali ini iaitu mengenai ayah saya.

Saya pernah sekali sekala dan sepintas lalu menyebut mengenai beliau dalam tulisan-tulisan saya sebagai lulusan darjah empat sekolah Melayu dan lebai pondok yang berfikiran terbuka.

Saya terfikir dan berasa perlu menyebut mengenai beliau kerana pada usia 84 dia tiba-tiba melalui satu lagi transformasi – dia menjadi “seorang tua yang berang” – an angry old man.

“Kita orang kampung ni nak beli ikan temenung pun fikir dua kali. Semua harga dah naik. Ni pemimpin Umno dok berebut beli kereta mahal,” katanya dua hari lalu.

(Dia bercakap loghat Kedah yang saya bakukan untuk mudah difahami. Kereta mewah yang dimaksudkan itu adalah pembelian kereta Mercedes E200 oleh kerajaan Barisan Nasional Terengganu yang dibangkang oleh kerajaaan BN pusat. Ikan temenung adalah ikan kembung dalam loghat Utara.)

Kebetulan ketika dia sedang membaca berita itu dari akhbar Utusan Malaysia, adik lelakinya datang berkunjung ditemani isteri dan menantunya. Tambah rancaklah ayah saya berhujah kerana adiknya itu adalah “musuh politiknya” sejak berdekad.

Sehingga beberapa tahun lalu, Umno adalah perjuangan hidup mati ayah saya. Bagi adiknya, Pak Su Salleh, pula Pas adalah darah dagingnya.

Tetapi dek kerana mereka adalah dua orang daripada 16 orang anak Penghulu Tahir, Tobiar yang “paling tinggi” pendidikan, maka mereka tidak bergaduh, pulau-memulau atau menuduh sesiapa kafir kerana ideologi pilitik.

“Aku tegah depa bayar yuran. Aku tak mahu jadi ahli Umno lagi. Biar m----s pi,” katanya merujuk kepada yuran tahunan keahlian Umno.

Pak Su Salleh yang juga lebai pondok yang berguru hingga ke Kelantan adalah pemimpin tempatan Pas dan kawan akrab Allahyarham Fadzil Noor, bekas Presiden Pas dan Ahli Parlimen Pendang.

“Aku pun dah serah balik senapang aku,” katanya dalam nada sedih campur marah.

Senapang patah yang sudah tua itu adalah simbol patriotisme dan perjuangan ayah saya. Ia diperoleh pada tahun 1948 ketika dia menjadi anggota Home Guard kampung Tanah Merah, Pendang.

Home Guard ditubuhkan oleh British sebagai barisan pertahanan akar umbi dalam usaha memerangi gerakan bersenjata Partai Komunis Malaya (PKM) ketika darurat 1948-1960.

Penyerahan kembali senapang patah itu adalah simbol protes beliau terhadap apa yang dilihatnya sebagai ketidakpedulian pemerintah terhadap rakyat jelata dan penyimpangan perjuangan Umno.

Perjuangannya, kata ayah, sudah tidak bererti lagi apabila para pembesar hanya mementingkan diri, kaum keluarga, sahabat handai dan kroni. (Istilah kroni itu dipelajarinya daripada media massa arus perdana yang menjadi sumber maklumatnya.)

Begitu marah dia dengan pembesar Umno sehingga dia tidak pun berasa hampa apabila Umno kalah teruk dalam pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lalu dan Kedah jatuh ke tangan Pas.

“Tak pa, Pas pun Paslah,” katanya kepada saya kali pertama saya pulang menemuinya selepas pilihan raya lalu.

Tak pa (tidak mengapa), katanya, kerana orang Pas tak sombong macam dulu lagi dan Ustaz Azizan Abdul Razak (Menteri Besar) pun bagus.

Pada pilihan raya itu, buat kali pertama, dia tidak “mewajibkan” anak menantunya keluar mengundi. Sebelum itu, balik kampung, keluar mengundi dan memangkah BN adalah kemestian bagi anak menantu Haji Jasin bin Tahir.

Dia berkata kepada adiknya: "Allah Taala hantar Jepun mai ke Malaya untuk naikkan semangat orang Melayu. Orang Melayu berjuang mati-matian tuntut merdeka. Hari ini depa hancurkan bangsa. Allah Taala turunkan bala."

Dia membuat kesimpulan berikut:-

1. Pemimpin Umno lama yang berpendidikan dan dari latar belakang keluarga yang berada adalah lebih komited kepada perjuangan dan tidak terlalu bermata duitan; dan

2. Pemimpin generasi baru dari latar belakang yang miskin atau sederhana kurang semangat perjuangan dan mudah terpedaya oleh wang ringgit.

Orang tua Umno yang marah ini pernah menjadi ahli jawatankuasa bahagian pada tahun 1960an dan 1970an, dan berkali-kali memikul gulungan tikar dan bantal untuk menghadiri perhimpunan agung Umno di Kuala Lumpur.

Salah satu punca orang tua Umno ini terus marah adalah kerana dia terus membaca akhbar pilihannya, Utusan Malaysia. Setiap pagi selepas membaca akhbar itu, kemarahannya berulang semula.

Untuk berita TV dia menonton TV9 dan mengisi lebihan masanya dengan mendengar bacaan al-Quran oleh imam-iman Masjid Makkah dan Madinah dari cakera padat.

Minta maaf kalau cerita ayah saya ini tidak relevan buat saudara dan saudari dan membosankan. Tetapi saya berasa terhutang budi untuk menceritakan keluh kesah seorang tua yang sepanjang usianya komited kepada perjuangan.

Nota kaki: Hanya orang yang dangkal (dan tamak) sahaja akan membandingkan prestasi Mercedes E200 dengan Proton Perdana dan kemelut Mercedes lwn Proton ini adalah satu lagi petanda (symptom) kerajaan yang hilang kawalan dan tidak boleh dikawal. Suatu lagi kejadian yang menghina rakyat jelata yang dilanda inflasi dan kenaikan harga.

FUND FOR EDUCATION

2008-07-23T00:47:00.001-07:00

MARA medicine/ surgery scholarship

MAJLIS Amanah Rakyat (MARA) sponsorship is now available to Bumiputera students seeking to study Monash University’s Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at its Sunway campus in Petaling Jaya.

The sponsorship is under MARA’s Open Application Scheme. Selection of students will be based on their pre-university results, performance in the semi-structured interview as well as the results of an aptitude test.

To meet the requirements, students must first score three principals in the STPM or A-Levels with an “A” in chemistry.

Apart from that, those who score excellent results in other pre-university programmes such as Australian Matriculation, Australian Year 12, Monash University Foundation Year, Canadian Matriculation, Canadian International Matriculation Programme and International Baccalaureate will also be eligible for a sponsorship. Pre-requisite subjects include English or English as a Second Language (ESL) and chemistry.

Students whose pre-university qualifications do not include English or ESL must demonstrate their English language proficiency through the A-level or TOEFL English tests.

Apart from offering sponsorship for medicine, MARA also offers sponsorships for other Monash degree courses including engineering, information technology, business and science.

The sponsorships provided by MARA are interest-free and the repayment amount may be reduced if students achieve excellent results.

Call 03-5514-6000 or visit www.monash.edu.my

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Shell Malaysia Scholarship

The Shell Scholarship(Overseas &
Local) is now open for application. The closing date is
31st March 2008.

To be eligible for a scholarship, you must:

* Successfully completed your SPM, STPM, O-Levels, A-Levels & Diploma

* Excellent academic achievement with emphasis in English

* Demonstration of leadership skills through active participation in
extra-curricular activities. e.g. societies and clubs, sports, etc.

* Strong academic record and realistic expectation of a high CGPA or its
equivalent

Preferred disciplines for scholarships include:

* Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical)

* Sciences (Geosciences, Chemistry and Physics)

* Business Administration / Economics

* Finance & Accounting

* IT (includes Business/ Management IT)

How to apply

Applications may be submitted provisionally based on latest semester results
(for Matriculation students) or Trial Examination results (for STPM students).
This may be done through schools or individually.

Shell Malaysia reserves the right for verification of the above.

Please indicate on the upper left side of the envelope whether your
application is for Overseas or Local scholarship. Duly completed Application
Form giving full personal and academic particulars, substantiated with certified
copy of actual examination results, parents’ salary slip/ Income Tax statement
and other relevant documents should reach the following address. The closing
date is 31st March 2008.

For students from Sabah & Sarawak only, please mail your application to:

The Scholarship Coordinator

Sarawak Shell Berhad

Locked Bag No.1

98009, Miri, Sarawak

Application forms are also available from Shell offices and Education offices
in both Sabah and Sarawak.

If you are from Sabah and Sarawak, for further details please contact:

Name Phone E-mail

Ms. Siti Rahanah 085-454477 siti-rahanah.ad@shell.com

Ms. Henrietta Anita Jinggut 085-454027 henrietta.jinggut@shell.com

If you are from West Malaysia, for further details please contact:

Shell Malaysia Scholarship,Recruitment,

Shell People Services Asia

Sdn Bhd,

2nd Floor, Bangunan Shell Malaysia, Off Changkat Semantan,

Damansara Heights, 50490 KL.

Email: scholarships@shell.com

* Interview is compulsory.

* Only shorlisted candidates will be notified.

* Incomplete Application Form and late submission will be rejected.

SCHOLARSHIP FORM
Here

Tawaran Biasiswa Perguruan Persekutuan Program Ijazah Pertama Di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam

Tawaran Biasiswa Perguruan Persekutuan Program Ijazah Pertama Di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam is now open for application.
Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) mempelawa calon - calon Ijazah Pertama di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam ambilan November/Disember 2006 dan ambilan Julai 2007 untuk mendapatkan tawaran Biasiswa Perguruan Pesekutuan di bawah KPM.

Syarat - Syarat Permohonan

Calon mestilah Warganegara Malaysia.
Umur calon tidak melebihi 22 tahun pada 1 Julai 2008.
Pegawai Perkhidmatan Pendidikan tidak layak memohon.
Pengajian SEPENUH MASA ambilan November/Disember 2006 dan ambilan Julai 2007 Program Ijazah Pertama di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam.
Tawaran biasiswa ini dibuka kepada pelajar Fakulti Pendidikan dan pelajar Fakulti Sains yang menawarkan bidang Kimia, Fizik, Biologi dan Matematik. Pelajar Fakulti Sains perlu mengikuti Pengajian Diploma Pendidikan setelah tamat Ijazah Pertama.
Calon perlu mendapat sekurang - kurangnya PNGK 2.75 bagi keputusan peperiksaan untuk memohon.
Calon yang berkelayakan sahaja akan dipanggil untuk menduduki Ujian Inventori Sahsiah Keguruan (INSAK). Calon yang lulus INSAK akan dipanggil untuk ditemuduga.
Calon yang berjaya ditawarkan biasiswa KPM perlu melepaskan tajaan sedia ada.

Tarikh tutup : 31/01/2008

http://apps.emoe.gov.my/ijazah1

Sunday, January 27, 2008

NST-MAPCU Scholarship Fund 2007-2008

Students who have recently completed their A-Levels, STPM or SPM examinations and who intend to pursue tertiary courses at Malaysian Association of Private Colleges & Universities (MAPCU) member institutions are invited to apply for the NST-MAPCU Scholarship Fund.

Please apply directly to the member institution of your choice. There is no official closing date. The scholarship will be available until it has been offered.

Details of Scholarship
Scholarship Features

* The value of each scholarship shall be RM7,000 or more by way of waiver of tuition fee.
* All courses must be undertaken and completed in Malaysia.
* The scholarships are for different types of courses in terms of disciplines and levels.
* Scholarships available are for the following levels of study :
o Degree courses
o Diploma and Higher Diploma courses
* The duration of courses range from 1 to 4 years
* Students are allowed to apply to more than one institution but only one scholarship offer will be made.
* The scholarship programme will be for intakes in 2007, subjected to availability
* Applicants may apply to participating institutions based on their forecast result. However the award of scholarship shall only be made on receipt of the detail results.

Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship programme, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

* Applicants must be Malaysian citizens.
* Applicants must possess good academic results in SPM/‘O’ Level, UEC and/or STPM/‘A’ Level examinations or equivalent.
* Applicants must qualify to gain admission to the participating institution for the relevant course.
* Applicants must be active in sports and/or co-curricular activities.
* Applicants must possess leadership qualities and be self motivated.
* Applicants must be financially deserving.
* Applicants must not already be in receipt of any scholarships, financial aid or award from other educational institutions or organizations.
* Applicants must abide by the terms and conditions of the NST-MAPCU Scholarship Programme.
* Applicants must abide by all other terms and conditions of the awarding institution, including any bond required.

How To Apply?

To obtain an application form, submit a stamped (40 cents) self-addressed envelope (25cm x 30cm) to:

NST-MAPCU Scholarship Secretariat
c/o Monash University Malaysia
No. 2 Jalan Kolej
Bandar Sunway
46150 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia.

ATTN:
Mr. Phang Koon Tuck / Ms. Loke Bee Khum
Tel: +6 03 5636 0600
Fax: +6 03 5631 2580

MIED Education Loan

Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED) offers RM43 million in loans with an average disbursement of RM6 million to RM7 million annually. The loans are open to all Malaysians.

Eligibility criteria
You must have at least five credits in the SPM examination. Priority is given to Malaysian students pursuing studies at Malaysian institutions.

Loan coverage
The loan covers up to 100% of tuition fees.

How to apply

You can obtain the application form from MIED. Please contact MIED to find out the date for applications.

Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED)
8th Floor, Menara Manikavasagam
No. 1, Jalan Rahmat
50350 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 - 4042 2885
Fax: N/A

Website: www.mied.com.my

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2008

Applications are now open to Malaysians for scholarship awards offered by the following educational institutions.

Eligibility

• be Malaysian citizens of not more than 25 years of age as at 1st January 2008.

• have excelled in extra-curricular activities and active in sports.

• not be bonded to or in any receipt of any financial aid or awards from other educational institutions or organizations.

• for Foundation/Diploma courses, applicants must possess reasonably good results in the SPM/UEC or equivalent.

• for Higher and Advanced Diploma/Degree courses, applicants must possess reasonably good results in the STPM/A-Level/ UEC or equivalent

Application Procedure

To obtain an application form,

• please click HERE for a printable version, OR

• submit a stamped (40 sen) self-addresses envelope (25cm x 30cm) to:

Manager
The Star Education Fundc/o Star Publications (M) Bhd
Menara Star
15, Jalan 16/11 Section 16
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Completed application forms with the required certified supporting documents listed in the application forms must be received by (2) two weeks after the release of SPM / STPM results. Late applications will not be accepted. Only short-listed applicants will be notified.

CIMB Education Loan Assurance

Pursue your studies without worries

Education Loan Assurance is essentially an insurance coverage for education loans. In the event of death or permanent disablement, your total outstanding of the education loan will be fully paid.

Coverage

- Two types of coverage namely single (student) and joint (student and the payor).
- Protection for the borrower in the event of death due to any causes, or total and permanent disablement (TPD).
- Coverage period - Maximum 10 years.

Features

- In the event of early settlement of loan, the policyholder can surrender for cash surrender value or can be assigned to cover other loans or converted to a personal reducing term assurance.
- 100% refund in the event of loan cancellation (1st year only).
- Repayment period - Minimum 5 years.
- Deferment period - Minimum 0 years and maximum 5 years.
- 24-hour worldwide protection.

Eligibility

- Student - Minimum age is 16 years old
- Payor - Minimum age is 25 years old and maximum age is 60 years old. Act now!

Call Centre at 1 300 885 055.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Pinjaman Pelajaran MARA

PENDAHULUAN

Bantuan kewangan dalam bentuk pinjaman pelajaran merupakan salah satu daripada aktiviti utama MARA di bawah Sektor Pendidikan. Bantuan ini ditawarkan kepada pelajar bumiputera yang berkelayakan dan berpotensi melanjutkan pengajian di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi. Bahagian yang bertanggungjawab melaksanakan aktiviti ini ialah Bahagian Penganjuran Pelajaran MARA.

OBJEKTIF

Menambah gunatenaga terlatih bumiputera dalam bidang profesional, teknikal dan pengurusan melalui penyediaan kemudahan pembiayaan untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat tinggi di dalam dan di luar negara.

DASAR TAJAAN
1.Matlamat tajaan adalah untuk membantu pelajar bumiputera yang berpotensi dan berkelayakan terutama yang memerlukan bantuan kewangan untuk mengikuti pengajian di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi dalam bidang-bidang Sains, Teknologi, Profesional, Kepakaran dan Pengurusan Perniagaan serta bidang-bidang lain yang dikenalpasti oleh MARA dari masa ke semasa.

2.Kadar bantuan pinjaman pelajaran MARA ditentukan berasaskan kepada syarat-syarat yang ditetapkan oleh Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) tetapi tertakluk kepada keadaan peruntukan kewangan MARA.

3.Tajaan pelajaran MARA adalah khusus untuk calon-calon bumiputera sahaja selaras dengan Akta Majlis Amanah Rakyat 1966.

SYARAT AM BANTUAN PINJAMAN PELAJARAN MARA

Calon mestilah Melayu / bumiputera warganegara Malaysia

1.Tidak pernah ditamatkan bantuan atau ditarik balik bantuan oleh mana-mana penaja atas sebab tindakan disiplin.

2.Tidak pernah dianjur oleh mana-mana penaja lain di peringkat yang sama kecuali untuk kursus-kursus kritikal dan profesional atas keperluan semasa .

3.Mendapat pelepasan kontrak / penangguhan bayaran balik jika pernah ditaja oleh badan lain untuk pengajian sebelumnya.

4.Mesti mendapat cuti belajar tanpa gaji / pelepasan jawatan / kebenaran bertulis daripada majikan bagi mereka yang sedang berkhidmat.

5.Diperakui sihat dan normal oleh doktor yang bertauliah.

6.Pengajian sepenuh masa dalam dan luar negara.

7.Umur yang ditetapkan bagi setiap program yang dipohon :

Dalam Negara

• Diploma-tidak melebihi 35 tahun
• Ijazah-tidak melebihi 40 tahun
• Sarjana-tidak melebihi 45 tahun
• PhD-tidak melebihi 45 tahun

Luar Negara

• Diploma-tidak ditawarkan
• Ijazah-tidak melebihi 30 tahun
• Sarjana-tidak melebihi 35 tahun
• PhD-tidak melebihi 40 tahun

8.Memenuhi syarat Status Sosio Ekonomi Keluarga seperti yang ditetapkan.

PROGRAM-PROGRAM YANG DITAJA

1. SKIM PELAJAR CEMERLANG (SPC)

A. PROGRAM LEPASAN SPM
Program ini disediakan khusus untuk pelajar-pelajar yang mencapai keputusan cemerlang dalam peperiksaan SPM.

a.Program Persediaan Universiti Luar Negara (Pengajian ke Luar Negara)

Program ini dijalankan sepenuhnya di dalam negara. Pelajar-pelajar yang menamatkan program ini dengan cemerlang dan memenuhi syarat yang ditetapkan akan meneruskan pengajian peringkat ijazah pertama di universiti terkemuka di luar negara.

* Program ini hanya diiklankan dalam akhbar-akhbar tempatan biasanya sebulan sebelum keputusan SPM diumumkan (tertakluk kepada pindaan).

Program-program yang disediakan adalah seperti berikut (tertakluk kepada pindaan) :

PROGRAM (TEMPOH PENGAJIAN)

American Degree Foundation Programme (14 bulan)
A – Level (1.5 – 2.0 tahun)
A-Level German (2.5 tahun)
Diploma International Baccalaurete (IB)(2.0 tahun)
Perubatan Russia (3 – 6 bulan)
Perubatan Indonesia (1.0 tahun)
Kejuruteraan Peranchis (1.5 tahun)
Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)(1.5 tahun)

b.Program Persediaan Universiti Luar Negara (Pengajian Dalam Negara)

Pelajar-pelajar yang menamatkan program ini dengan cemerlang dan memenuhi syarat yang ditetapkan akan meneruskan pengajian sepenuhnya di institusi yang dikenalpasti di Malaysia.

*Program ini hanya diiklankan dalam akhbar-akhbar tempatan biasanya sebulan sebelum keputusan SPM diumumkan (tertakluk kepada pindaan).

B. PROGRAM PENGAJIAN DI INSTITUSI PENGAJIAN TINGGI TERKEMUKA LUAR NEGARA.

i.Program Ijazah Pertama bagi calon lepasan Matrikulasi / Diploma
ii.Program Profesional bagi calon lepasan Diploma / Ijazah Pertama
iii.Program Sarjana bagi calon lepasan Ijazah Pertama
iv. Program Ijazah Doktor Falsafah bagi calon lepasan Sarjana

* Program ini hanya diiklankan dalam akhbar-akhbar tempatan pada setiap hujung tahun bagi kemasukan sesi tahun hadapannya (tertakluk kepada pindaan). Walaubagaimanapun, pertimbangan tajaan adalah tertakluk kepada peruntukan semasa dan dasar terkini MARA.

2. SKIM PEMBIAYAAN TERBUKA (SPT)

A. PROGRAM PERSEDIAAN UNIKL

B. PROGRAM DIPLOMA

i.Diploma Teknikal/ICT di IPMa seperti German Malaysian Institute (GMI),UniKL (BMI, MFI, MIAT, MIMET, MICET, MSI, IIM) dan Kolej Poly Tech MARA (KPTM).

ii.Diploma Usahasama IPTA di KPTM dan IPTS yang berdaftar dengan MARA.

iii.Diploma di IPTS lain yang berdaftar dengan MARA dan program yang mendapat Sijil Akreditasi Penuh LAN.

C. PROGRAM IJAZAH PERTAMA

i.Ijazah Pertama di IPMa

ii.Program Kerjasama / Francais IPTA di IPMa dan IPTS yang berdaftar dengan MARA.

iii.Program Berkembar Universiti Luar Negara 3 + 0 di IPTS yang berdaftar dengan MARA.

D. PROGRAM PROFESIONAL

i.Perakaunan – CA / ACCA / CIMA / ICAEW dan lain-lain
ii.Institute Of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators (ICSA)
iii.Chartered Institute Of Transport (CIT)
iv.Chartered Institute Of Insurance (CII)
v.Chartered Institute Of Logistics
vi.Certified Financial Planner
vii.Senibina Bahagian II
viii.Bidang-bidang lain yang diiktiraf oleh Badan-badan Profesional

E. PROGRAM IJAZAH SARJANA/TERTINGGI

Tajaan bagi program ini adalah tertakluk kepada bidang/kursus yang diutamakan serta memenuhi syarat dan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan oleh MARA, serta mendapat tawaran masuk ke Universiti berkaitan.

Walaubagaimanapun, pertimbangan tajaan adalah tertakluk kepada peruntukan semasa dan dasar terkini
MARA.

F. PROGRAM KEPAKARAN PERUBATAN/PERGIGIAN DAN LAIN-LAIN.

Tajaan bagi program ini adalah tertakluk kepada bidang-bidang kepakaran yang diutamakan serta memenuhi syarat dan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan oleh MARA, serta mendapat tawaran masuk ke Universiti berkaitan.

Walaubagaimanapun, pertimbangan tajaan adalah tertakluk kepada peruntukan semasa dan dasar terkini MARA.

Still very heavy!!

What an excellent start to 2008! The first picture says it all… it was the same exciting thought on every parent’s mind, ``Wow! We don’t have to buy textbooks this year!’’
Yes, and that made all the kids happy too.

There was no need to stay up the night and pack all the brand new text books into a brand new school bag.

So, the first schooling day of 2008 saw parents sending off their kids with very light bags.
The kids were overjoyed. They didn’t have to bend over lugging heavy school bags with all the text books they had bought.

Some just slung the bag over their shoulder of off they went!!
But, the scenario was totally different went they came returned back from school. It was the same picture of 2007!! Little kids with bulging bags, trudging home.

So, what do we do? The solution is simple of course. Just take some time off in the night to pack the school bag according to the timetable given by your teachers.

Then, you won’t complain about heavy bags anymore. And, you won’t have to worry that you might forget to bring any book because your teacher will follow the timetable given to you.
So, parents and kids, be happy.

It is a wonderful start to the year 2008 with free books and less fees to pay. All you got to do is pay attention and enjoy your year at school.

Time is precious. Enjoy every minute of it.

Assunta Hospital Scholarship

This scholarship only made available for those pursuing Diploma in Nursing (3-Year Course)
The scholarship includes monthly allowance, tuition fee, uniform, accomodation and also medical coverage.

If interested, contact :

Assistant Director of Nursing II (Education)
Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing
Assunta Hospital, Jalan Templer,
46990 PJ, Selangor
Tel: 03-7780 6199
Fax: 7783 6454
E-mail: ttcl@po.jaring.my

Pertandingan MySkills 2008

Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia akan menganjurkan Pertandingan MySkills 2008.

Objektif pertandingan ini adalah untuk memberi pengiktirafan dan meningkatkan kekompetenan tenaga pengajar di pusat latihan kemahiran di Malaysia disamping membangunkan tenaga pengajar yang kompetitf dan efisyen yang setaraf di peringkat antarabangsa (world- class trainer).

Pengiktirafan dan ganjaran akan diberi kepada pengajar yang berjaya ke peringkat akhir Pertandingan MySkills. Hadiah bagi pemenang adalah seperti yang berikut :-

Pemenang
Hadiah Platinum
RM 10,000.00 dan sijil

Emas
RM 7,000.00 dan sijil

Perak
RM 5,000.00 dan sijil

Gangsa
RM 3,000.00 dan sijil

Saguhati
RM 500.00 dan sijil

Sebanyak 30 bidang kemahiran yang akan dipertandingkan dalam tahun 2008 termasuk 2 bidang demo seperti jadual di bawah :-

1 Polymechanics/Automation
2 Mechatronics
3 Mech.Eng.CADD
4 CNC Turning
5 CNC Miling
6 IT/Software Applications
7 Welding
8 Wall & Floor Tiling
9 Plumbing
10 Industrial Electronics
11 Web Design
12 Electrical Installations
13 Bricklaying
14 Cabinet Making
15 Carpentry
16 Floristry
17 Ladies/Mens Hairdressing
18 Ladies Dressmaking
19 Confectioner/Pastry Cook
20 Automobile Technology
21 Cooking
22 Restaurant Service
23 Landscape Gardening
24 Refrigerator
25 IT PC / Network Support
26 Graphic Design Technology
27 Batik
28 Beautician
29 Mould
30 Joinery

Syarat Penyertaan

(a) Warganegara Malaysia dan berumur 21 tahun ke atas; dan
(b) Mempunyai pengalaman mengajar dalam bidang yang dipertandingkan tidak kurang dari 2 tahun;
(c) Terbuka kepada semua pengajar kemahiran kecuali urusetia dan panel hakim yang terlibat di dalam pertandingan;
(d) Peserta yang telah memenangi pingat Platinum di dalam Pertandingan MySkills tidak dibenarkan untuk menyertai Pertandingan MySkills seterusnya;
(e) Telah mendapat kebenaran dan sokongan daripada majikan untuk menyertai pertandingan;
(f) Permohonan bagi setiap peserta perlu melalui agensi masing-masing (agensi kerajaan sahaja)

Bayaran Penyertaan
Bayaran sebanyak RM 100.00 dikenakan kepada setiap peserta melalui local order / kiriman wang / bank draft sahaja.

Tarikh Tutup
Tarikh tutup permohonan adalah pada 11/02/2008.

Tarikh Pertandingan
i. Pra-Kelayakan Pertandingan MySkills : 3 - 5 Mac 2008
ii. Peringkat AKhir Pertandingan MySkills : 7 - 11 April 2008

Muat turun Dokumen
Borang penyertaan
Buku Panduan Perlaksanaan Pertandingan MySkills
Senarai Urusetia Mengikut Bidang Yang Dipertandingkan

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) awards are made to citizens of Commonwealth countries and are primarily for postgraduate programmes, although funding for undergraduate degree courses may be possible if there are no suitable equivalents in your home country.

Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship for details.

British Chevening Scholarships

What are the aims of the scholarships?
These scholarships enable future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers from around the world to become familiar with the UK, to gain new skills or update current professional skills. The ultimate objective is that Chevening scholars benefit their countries on their return.

Why apply for a scholarship?
Chevening scholarships offer an ideal opportunity for young professionals to study their chosen subject, and to meet and network with their peers in the UK’s unique learning atmosphere. The British Prime Minister Tony Blair said "the UK offers a first class ticket to educational excellence".

Where does the scheme operate?
Chevening scholarships are available in more than 150 countries, including Malaysia.

Why are they called Chevening?
They are named after Chevening House in Kent, the official country residence of the Foreign Secretary.

Chevening Scholarships in Malaysia
Over 1000 Malaysian scholars have studied in the UK since the programme started in 1984. Most now hold positions of responsibility in public administration and government, international organisations, journalism, commerce, science and education. The scholarships are used to fund short-term tailor-made professional courses and long-term academic programmes in UK higher education institutions. Companies and academic institutions also support the Chevening Malaysia programme through the co-funding of a Partnership Award.

Are the Chevening scholarships course or institution specific?
No. You can search for information on admission to universities and courses from this website.

Am I eligible to apply?
If you would like to be considered for a Chevening Scholarship, you should have an upper second class degree or higher. You should also be able to demonstrate drive, determination, ambition and have a strong personality.
In addition, you would be expected to show you have some working experience, with an excellent track record illustrating your achievements, and evidence that you will become a leader in your chosen field. Most successful candidates are aged between 25 and 35.
The scholarship is not for you if you wish to pursue undergraduate studies, professional courses, part-time and distance learning UK postgraduate programmes.

What does the scholarship fund?
Scholarships are awarded for studies of up to one year and will cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, a modest allowance to help with settling in the UK and to cover books and warm clothing, a return airfare to the UK and a gratis student visa. However, for business school programmes the tuition fees' element of the scholarship is capped at £12,000.

How do I apply?
Applicants should apply through the Foreign & Commonwealth Office electronic online application system (e-Chevening).

When can I apply?
Applications for the British Chevening Scholarships Malaysia Programme for the academic year 2008/09 are now closed.The next recruitment round in August and September of 2008 will be for the academic year 2009/10.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA SCHOLARSHIP 2008

The Australian National University and The ANU Alumni Association Malaysia will offer scholarship to outstanding Malaysians for study in Australia at The Australian National University in 2008.

1. THE ANU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, MALAYSIA- ONE (1) UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship covers tuition fees and an annual stipend of A$10,000 for any Bachelor’s degree (including Honours and combined degree). You should have completed upper secondary schooling in 2007.

2. THE ANU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, MALAYSIA- ONE (1) DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship covers tuition fees, stipend and allowances for three years. You should hold at least a First Class Honours degree or a Master degree from a recognised University.

The Australian National University
IDP Education Australia,
6th Floor, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging,
142-C Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2162 3755
Fax: 03-2162 2078
Email: anu.alumniassociationmalaysia@gmail.com

SSPN account needed for loan

All parents must now open a National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) account in order to qualify for a government study loan.
Under a new ruling that comes into force this year, parents with a monthly household income of less than RM2,000 must have deposited at least RM500 in their account to qualify for a loan under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

Parents who earn more than RM2,000 monthly must have saved up at least RM3,000.
PTPTN private higher education loan division manager Abdul Ghaffar Yusop said that only orphans are exempted from this new ruling.
“Parents can deposit as little as RM20 a month. The main advantage of the SSPN is that the Government provides a matching grant of up to RM10,000 for parents who earn less than RM2,000 monthly,” he said.

Abdul Ghaffar was one of the three speakers at the Funding Higher Education talk, held in conjunction with Star Education Fair 2008 which ended yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Other benefits of the SSPN, which is administered by PTPTN, include yearly dividends that are tax-exempt.
In his talk, Abdul Ghaffar advised students to check whether the institution of higher learning they intend to study in is registered with the Higher Education Ministry.
“Make sure that the course you want to do is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency too. This is important as only courses and colleges that are recognised by these two bodies are eligible for PTPTN loans,” he said.

Star Education Fund manager Richard Foo reminded students to put effort into their scholarship application forms.
“Don’t do it at the last minute. Your application form will determine whether you are called for the scholarship interview,” Foo said, adding that this year the fund will be giving out scholarships worth RM10.3mil from 42 educational institutions to 341 students.

Doreen John, an education adviser with the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange, advised students interested in the United States as a study destination to look for institutions that offer tuition fee waivers.

“More than 300 colleges and universities in the US give tuition fee waivers,” John said.
Another tip was to consider studying in south and central US states, where the cost of living is lower, and at community colleges, where tuition fees are more affordable.

Firm offers four scholarship awards

LOH Boon Siew Benevolence Sdn Bhd is offering four scholarship awards worth RM18,000 for students to enrol in full-time undergraduate degree courses for 2008.

Malaysians enrolling in degree courses at recognised colleges or universities are encouraged to apply for the scholarship, which is worth RM4,500 per scholarship per an-num.
The awards will subjected to an annual review of the applicants’ academic performances and will be valid for the approved minimum period required by the applicants to complete their courses.
Selection of the awards will be based on applicants’ academic performances and all-round excellence.

Application forms can be obtained either in person or by mail request from Boon Siew Scholarship committee office at 25-B Lebuh Farquhar, Penang.
Applications sent in by mail must be enclosed with a self-addressed envelope (22.86cm by 10.16cm) affixed with a 50 sen stamp.

Application forms must be sealed in an envelope with ‘Boon Siew Scholarship’ written on the top left hand corner and must reach the scholarship committee by April 1.

Successful applicants will be notified by post. For details, call Lily Ooi at 04-261 7748.

More ties with Beijing varsity

THE Education Ministry will work more closely with the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in the areas of student exchange and teacher training.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this after BFSU president Prof Hao Ping and senior officers from the Embassy of China in Malaysia paid him a courtesy call at his office on Jan 15.

This was a follow-up visit after the minister's trip to China in May last year.
Hishammuddin also discussed the establishment of an international school in Penang with Prof Hao, which he said would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
“The school will be a joint effort between BFSU and the private sector in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.

Savings Towards Higher Education

Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional is proud to introduce a savings scheme which puts emphasis on ‘Savings Towards Higher Education’.

Besides ensuring annual dividend returns, the SSPN also provides special financial incentives in the form of Matching Grants especially for low income depositors. In addition, insurance coverage and payment of death compensation is provided free of charge to all eligible depositors.

PARTICIPATION TERMS
This scheme is open to all Malaysians.

Contact Us:
Tel No: 03 - 2092 7788
Fax No: 03 - 2098 6589
E-mail: simpanan@ptptn.gov.my

PTPTN Education Loan Scheme

The PTPTN Education Loan Scheme was set up with the aim of providing education loans to students pursuing their studies in local institutions of higher learning (IPT). This loan will enable students to fully or partially pay their fees and their subsistence for the duration of their study in the IPT. Thus, this scheme provides greater opportunities to students to continue their tertiary education.
The scope of the PTPTN education loan facility is limited to students pursuing studies at the diploma and first degree levels in IPTs established under the following acts:

Universities and Universities Colleges Act 1971
Institut Teknologi MARA Act 1976
Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996
Education Act 1996

Star Education Fund

With a diploma or degree increasingly becoming the minimum requirement in the job market, students not only have to study hard to get the required grades but also think about how to finance their studies.
With 341 awards worth RM10.3mil, the Star Education Fund is one of the larger bodies offering scholarships in cooperation with various private institutions of higher learning.
Star Education Fund manager Richard Foo will be speaking more on the scholarships available under the fund during the Funding Higher Education talk at Star Education Fair 2008.
The talk will be held in Ballroom 1 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre at 12.45pm on Sunday.
Foo said he would inform the audience about what was available in the 2008 Fund, and also how students could apply for the scholarships.
“I will also be touching on what students should consider in order to choose the right course, as well as tips on how to prepare for scholarship interviews,” he added.
Foo will be joined by a representative from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange educational adviser Doreen John.
The PTPTN representative will be speaking on loans available from companies, while those interested in studying in the United States can learn how to obtain funding from American universities from John.

NILAI PAS

2008-07-22T18:52:00.001-07:00

Menurut entri Pendedahan Dalang2 Yang Hendak Membawa PAS Masuk Barisan Nasional, Kemuncak dari usaha ini adalah perjumpaan antara Najib Tun Razak bersama Timbalan Presiden PAS, Ustaz Nasaruddin Mat Isa dan Cikgu Mustafa Ali di London.
Najib Tun Razak telah menyatakan tawaran mereka kepada PAS.
Tawaran tersebut adalah:
a. Jawatan Menteri Besar kepada PAS di Selangor, Perak, Kedah dan Kelantan.
b. Jawatan exco kepada PAS di Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis dan Johor.
c. PAS akan mendapat kesemua kerusi yang dimenangi oleh PKR dan DAP untuk ditandingi dalam PRU ke 12 kelak.
d. PAS akan mendapat jawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri ke 2
e. PAS akan diberikan 5 jawatan Menteri Kabinet penuh
f. Sejumlah jawatan Timbalan Menteri, Setiausaha Parlimen. Sejumlah jawatan Senator dan Ahli Majlis dalam GLC

Explosive Materials in Expert Witness.

2008-06-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Techniques and Instrumentation.
Innovations in Explosives Investigation:
Modelling and Numerical Methods.
Other Innovations in Explosives Investigations.
Methods and Techniques (Methodology) for Sample Collection at Explosion Scene.
The Chain of Custody in the Investigation of the Deflagration.
Virtual Methods for Explosives Investigation.

Support TURKEY For EURO 2008

2008-06-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Turkey telah membuat upset dengan layak ke separuh akhir dengan mengalahkan pasukan Croatia. I don't believe it... kata-kata pengulas sukan untuk game tersebut. Gol pada saat-sat terakhir itu menunjukkan semangat juang pasukan Turkey. Turkey akan melawan Jerman pada peringkat separuh akhir nanti. Marilah kita menyokong satu-satunya pasukan dari negara yang mempunyai majoriti penduduk Islam akan berpeluang menakluki Eropah. Jom kita support Turkey....

SUZUKI SX4

2008-06-13T02:43:00.001-07:00

The cross-over concept is a fairly recent one, having appeared during this decade. It’s essentially an ‘evolution’ of the SUV bodystyle, merging the best features of the SUV with the MPV and stationwagon – while offering a comfortable ride and sedan-like handling. The emergence of this new genre of bodystyles was probably in response to changing lifestyles where outdoor activities are more common and therefore there has been a need for a versatile vehicle. The traditional bodystyles like the stationwagon and MPV are, well, traditional and to appeal to the new generation of consumers, a ‘cross-over’ has been created.

The Suzuki SX4 is such a vehicle and takes the best of Suzuki’s DNA from its compact cars like the Swift and mixes it with the small SUV heritage that the company is also known for. An Italian studio was brought in to collaborate on the styling which was important since the SX4 is a major model for Suzuki in Europe to the extent that they are even building it there (in Hungary).

For the SX4, a new platform was developed and this is an evolution of the one used for the Swift. The suspension – comprising MacPherson struts in front and a rear torsion beam – was thoroughly tested in Europe to give the SX4 handling dynamics that European drivers would like. Thus it is said to offer crisp and responsive handling without compromising comfort. Incidentally, the SX4 is the model which Suzuki will use to compete in the World Rally Championship starting with the 2008 season.

As can be seen, the SX4 sits up high 175 mm off the ground, allowing it to travel over rough terrain without scraping its underside. Large 16-inch wheels contribute to the generous ground clearance and the tracks are also wide for stability, important as the vehicle is on the tall side.

The SX4 is available with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains but for now, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) is importing only the 2WD variant from Japan in CBU form. According to SMA CEO Bastamam Hamzah, demand for the SX4 is great and Suzuki Japan is not ready to offer the 4WD variant in Malaysia. “It is being looked at and when the time is right and more importantly, production can be allocated for Malaysia, then we will of course add it to the line-up,” he said.

The front wheels get 102 bhp/140 Nm from the 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine via a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine, which is a milder version of that used in the Swift Sport, is a long-stroker so torque should be stronger and with variable valve timing on the intake side, there is no compromise on either end of the rev range.

The cabin of the SX4 bears the hallmarks of Suzuki cars and there is a certain familiarity in the layout and touchpoints of the dashboard. Clean and functional would best describe the dashboard which includes a tripcomputer (to tell the fuel consumption) tucked into a recess in the centre section. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has control switches to operate the audio system which is MP3/WMA compatible.

The 2500 mm wheelbase and 1755 mm wide body promises spacious and comfortable accommodation for five. Depending on what has to be carried, the rear backrests which are divided in a 60:40 ratio can be folded down, extending the cargo floor area and increase cargo volume. According to the German VDA method of measurement, the cargo volume can go up to 1045 litres, 3.8 times the volume available when both backrests are up.

As for safety, Suzuki has made sure it’s as safe as possible and apart from the strong, rigid body, there is also ABS + EBD and Brake Assist. Two airbags are standard for the front and needless to say, all five occupants have seatbelts.

For a CBU import from Japan, the asking price of RM89,973 (RM94,377 with glass tinting and leather upholstery) is attractive and should draw some people away from recent new models in the same price range. However, SMA is not aiming for big numbers yet and expects to sell 50 units a month.

Encik Bastamam said that local assembly is also being studied and SMA’s parent company, DRB-HICOM is certainly keen to see more models assembled at its Pekan, Pahang, plant which has advanced manufacturing equipment and is so far only doing the Swift. However, it is possible that the 5-door SX4 might not be the one assembled as there is also a 4-door sedan variant and Malaysia being a sedan market, it would make more sense to assemble that variant

Delegates From South Africa

2008-06-13T02:23:00.001-07:00

Delegates from South Africa who attend the seminar. From left, Mr Andile Ngandela, Mr Pierre Terblance and Australia (right).

Seminar For Cranes Updates On safety and Regulatory Isues

2008-06-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

A half day seminar was held on 12 June 2008 at 1300hr. Department Of Occupational Safety And Health malaysia (DOSH) had present one paper regarding Cranes Updates On Regulatory Issues. Other speakers is Mr. Jack Wray from UK, Mr Hannu Rantalla from KoneCranes, Finland, Mr Raymond Allen, Wire Rope Expert from UK, Mr Dennis Escktine from USA and from Bahagian Kejuruteraan Forensik DOSH , represent DOSH Malaysia.

Reduce Oil Subsidy... Where the money gone?

2008-06-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Click here :

http://www.malaysia -today.net/ 2008/content/ view/8718/ 84/

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written by ez24get, June 12, 2008 | 14:10:05

Looking at the list below, it looks like the BN government are more determined to help themselves rather than the citizens.

And this list below is not even barely exhaustive as these are the ones uncovered – the tip of the ice-berg, if you might want to put it! What lies beneath could be much larger:-

1. The Bank Bumiputra twin scandals in the early 1980s saw US$1 billion (RM3.2 billion in 2008 ringgit)

2. The Maminco attempt to corner the world tin market in the 1980s is believed to have cost some US$500 million. (RM1.6 billion)

3. Betting in foreign exchange futures cost Bank Negara Malaysia RM30 billion in the 1990s.

4. Perwaja Steel resulted in losses of US$800 million (RM2.56 billion). Eric Chia, was charged with corruption for allegedly steering US$20 million (RM64 million) to a Hong Kong-based company

5. Use of RM10 billion public funds in the Valuecap Sdn. Bhd. operation to shore up the stock market

6. Banking scandal of RM700 million losses in Bank Islam

7. The sale of M.V. Agusta by Proton for one Euro making a loss of €75.99 million (RM 348 million)

8. Wang Ehsan from oil royalty on Terengganu RM7.4 billion from 2004 – 2007

9. For the past 10 years since Philharmonic Orchestra was established, this orchestra has swallowed a total of RM500 million

10. In Advisors Fees, Mahathir was paid RM180,000, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (women and social development affairs) RM404,726 and Abdul Hamid Othman (religious) RM549,675 per annum

11. The government has spent a total of RM3.2 billion in teaching Maths and Science in English over the past five years. Out of the amount, the government paid a whopping RM2.21 billion for the purchase of information and computer technology (ICT) equipments which it is unable to give a breakdown.

12. The commission paid for purchase of jets and submarines to two private companies Perimeker Sdn Bhd and IMT Defence Sdn Bhd amounted to RM910 million.

13. RM300 million to compensate Gerbang Perdana for the RM1.1 billion “Crooked Scenic Half-Bridge”

14. RM1.3 billion have been wasted building the white elephant Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities on cancellation of the Malaysia-Singapore scenic bridge

15. RM 100 million on renovation of Parliament building and leaks

16. National Astronaut Programme - RM 40 million

17. National Service Training Programme - yearly an estimate of RM 500 million

18. Eye on Malaysia - RM 30 million and another RM5.7 million of free ticket

19. RM 4.63 billion, ’soft-loan’ to PKFZ

20. RM 2.4 million on indelible ink

21. Samy announced in September 2006 that the government paid compensation amounting to RM 38.5 billion to 20 highway companies. RM 380 million windfalls for 9 toll concessionaires earned solely from the toll hike in 2008 alone.

22. RM32 million timber export kickbacks involving companies connected to Sarawak Chief Minister and his family

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Bailouts -
23. Two bailouts of Malaysia Airline System RM7.9 billion. At a time when MAS incurring losses every year, RM1.55 million used to buy three paintings to decorate its chairman's (Munir) office.
24. Putra transport system bailout which cost RM4.486 billion
25. STAR-LRT bailout costing RM3.256 billion
26. National Sewerage System bailout costing RM192.54 million
27. Seremban-Port Dickson Highway bailout costing RM142 million
28. Kuching Prison bailout costing RM135 million
29. Kajian Makanan dan Gunaan Orang Islam bailout costing RM8.3 million
30. Le Tour de Langkawi bailout costing RM 3.5 Million

31. Wholesale distribution of tens of millions of shares in Bursa Malaysia under guise of NEP to cronies, children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth billions of ringgits.

32. APs scandal had been going on year-after-year going back for more than three decades, involving a total mind-boggling sum of tens of billions of ringgits

33. Alienation of tens of thousands of hectares of commercial lands and forestry concessions to children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth tens of billions of ringgits

34. Travel around Malaysia and see for yourself how many white elephants like majestic arches, roads paved with fanciful bricks, designer lamp posts, clock towers, Municipal Council buildings that looks more like Istanas, extravagant places of worship, refurbishment of residences of VIPs, abandoned or under-utilised government sports complexes and buildings, etc! Combined they could easily amount to the hundreds of billions of ringgits!

35. Since 1997, Petronas has handed out a staggering 30 billion ringgit in
natural gas subsidies to IPPs who were making huge profits. In addition, there were much wastages and forward trading of Petronas oil in the 1990s based on the low price of oil then. Since the accounts of Petronas are for the eyes of Prime Minister only, we have absolutely no idea of the amount. Whatever amount, you bet it is COLLOSSAL!

In Time Asia magazine issue on March 15 2004, South East Asian economist at Morgan Stanley in Singapore Daniel Lian, figures “that the country may have lost as much as U$$100 billion (RM320 billion) since the early 1980s to corruption.” Mind you, this is only corruption and it does not include wastages and mismanagements which could be higher!

If the above list (which represent moneys saved) is added to the nation’s coffer and together with Petronas profits, palm oil profits and profits from rubber, tin, agriculture produce, aquaculture produce, electronic and hardware exports, etc, for the past 5 decades, we can all agree on one thing - our country could be wealthier than Venezuela who has little resources except for oil.

The petrol in Venezuela is RM0.16 per litre!

OIL PRICES by Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohammad

2008-06-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Oil Price
(VERSI BAHASA MALAYSIA AKAN MENYUSUL)The price of crude oil has increased by 400 percent in the last three years. It follows that the price of products must increase, sooner or later. In other countries petrol prices had already increased. In the United Kingdom one litre of petrol sells for more than one pound sterling or RM7. In the United States it is about RM5.That the price in neighbouring countries has gone up is shown by the rush to fill up by Thai and to a lesser extent Singapore vehicles.The Government has now announced an increase in petrol price by 78 sen to RM2.70 per litre, an increase of more than 40 per cent. I may be mistaken but there seems to be less vehicles on the road today. But obviously that is not all that will happen. All other consumer goods, services and luxury goods would increase in price.The cost of living must go up. Put another way there will be inflation and the standard of living will go down.Obviously our increase in petrol price is far less than in the United Kingdom or the United States. But our per capita income is about one-third of theirs. In purchasing power terms our increase is more than in the UK or the US.The increase hurts but the pain is greater not just because of the increase percentage-wise is higher than in developed countries but because of the manner the increase is made.A few days ago the Government decided to ban sale of petrol to foreign cars. It flipped. Now foreign cars can buy again. Flopped.Knowing that in a few days it was going to raise the price and foreigners would be allowed to buy, why cannot the Government just wait instead of banning and unbanning.But be that as it may what could the Government have done to lessen the burden on the people that results from the increase in petrol price.In the first place the Government should not have floated the Ringgit. A floating rate creates uncertainties and we cannot gain anything from the strengthened Ringgit. Certainly the people have not exprienced any increase in their purchasing power because of the appreciation in the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Ringgit.Actually the Ringgit has increased by about 80 sen (from RM3.80 to RM3.08 to 1 US Dollar) per US Dollar, i.e. by more than 20 per cent. Had the Government retained the fixed rate system and increased the value of the Ringgit, say 10 per cent at a time, the cost of imports, in Ringgit terms can be monitored and reduced by 10 per cent. At 20 per cent appreciation the cost of imports should decrease by 20 per cent. But we know the prices of imported goods or services have not decreased at all. This means we are paying 20 per cent higher for our imports including the raw material and components for our industries.Since oil prices are fixed in US Dollar, the increase in US Dollar prices of oil should also be mitigated by 20 per cent in Malaysian Ringgit.But the Government wants to please the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and decided to float the Ringgit. As a result the strengthening of the Ringgit merely increased our cost of exports without giving our people the benefit of lower cost of imports.This is not wisdom after the event. I had actually told a Government Minister not to float the Ringgit three years ago. But of course I am not an expert, certainly I know little about the international financial regimes.I believe the people expect the increase of petrol price. But what they are angry about is the quantum and the suddenness. The Prime Minister was hinting at August but suddenly it came two months earlier, just after the ban on sale of petrol to foreigners.If the increase had been more gradual, the people would not feel it so much. But of course this means that the Government would have to subsidise, though to a decreasing extent.Can the Government subsidise? I am the “adviser” to Petronas but I know very little about it beyond what is published in its accounts. What I do know may not be very accurate but should be sufficient for me to draw certain conclusions.Roughly Malaysia produces 650,000 barrels of crude per day. We consume 400,000 barrels leaving 250,000 barrels to be exported.Three years ago the selling price of crude was about USD30 per barrel. Today it is USD130 – an increase of USD100. There is hardly any increase in the production cost so that the extra USD100 can be considered as pure profit.Our 250,000 barrels of export should earn us 250,000 x 100 x 365 x 3 = RM27,375,000,000 (twenty seven billion Ringgit).But Petronas made a profit of well over RM70 billion, all of which belong to the Government.By all accounts the Government is flushed with money.But besides petrol the prices of palm oil, rubber and tin have also increased by about 400 per cent. Plantation companies and banks now earn as much as RM3 billion in profits each. Taxes paid by them must have also increased greatly.I feel sure that maintaining the subsidy and gradually decreasing it would not hurt the Government finances.In the medium term ways and means must be found to reduce wasteful consumption and increase income. We may not be able to fix the minimum wage at a high level but certainly we can improve the minimum wage.Actually our wages are high compared to some of our neighbours. The investors who come here are attracted not by cheap labour but by other factors, among which is the attitude of the Government towards the business community and the investors in particular.From what I hear business friendliness is wanting in the present Government – so much so that even Malaysians are investing in other countries. There are rumblings about political affiliations influencing decisions. Generally Government politicians are said to be arrogant.Malaysia is short of manpower. The labour intensive industries are not benefiting Malaysians. Foreign workers are remitting huge sums of money home.The industrial policy must change so that high tech is promoted in order to give Malaysians higher wages to cope with rising costs of living.The world is facing economic turmoil due to the depreciation of the US Dollar, the sub-prime loan crisis, rising oil and raw material prices, food shortages and the continued activities of the greedy hedge funds. The possibility of a US recession is real. In a way the US is already in recession. The world economy will be dragged down by it.Malaysia will be affected by all these problems. I wonder whether the Government is prepared for this.We cannot avoid all the negative effects but there must be ways to mitigate against them and to lessen the burden that must be borne by all Malaysians. I am sure the Government will not just pass all these problems to the people as the review of oil prices every month seem to suggest.

Petrol will be RM2.70 a litre at midnight tonight

2008-06-04T03:13:00.000-07:00

The new price of premium leaded petrol (ULG 97) is RM2.70 per litre beginning midnight tonight, it was announced a moment ago. The price for ULG 92 petrol per litre went up by 74 sen to RM2.62. Diesel will go up by RM1 per litre to RM2.58. The 78 sen hike or 40 per cent increase for the ULG 97 petrol is still below the antiticpated RM4 per litre price projected earlier and among the cheapest in Asia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at a news conference

Malaysia to let fuel prices rise

2008-06-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Malaysia is to remove controls on fuel prices from August, allowing petrol and diesel prices to rise.
A new price structure will mean that the price at the pump "will depend on global market prices", said cabinet minister Shahrir Abdul Samad.
Malaysia currently has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices, but the subsidies are expected to cost it about $14bn (£7bn) this year.
There will be different measures to subsidise those on lower incomes.
Cash handouts and fuel quotas are among the measures being considered.
Full details of the new system will be released on Wednesday.
End speculation
Petrol currently costs 1.92 ringgit (59 US cents; 30 pence) per litre, which is less than half the price in neighbouring Singapore.
Malaysia is a net exporter of oil and so has been gaining from rising fuel prices, but the subsidy on pump prices has still been a big drain on its treasury.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called for drastic measures to ensure food and fuel security, including banning oil speculation.
"The international community must be prepared to consider bold and unprecedented measures," he said.
He suggested one option might be to suspend trading of oil on futures markets.
Story from BBC NEWS:

Perfect place to continue your education in UK's university.

2008-06-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

Why is Salford the perfect place to continue your education?

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Find out more about what it is really like to be a student at the University of Salford
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There are mentoring schemes for first years and all of our students are assigned a personal tutor. What's more, the Students' Union, Student Assistance Office and the Research & Graduate College are there to make life easier
To boost your skills in English we offer English for Academic Purposes programmes from which you can choose from a menu of modules.
I hope that this information helps in your decision to select The University of Salford as your first choice to study in the UK. If there is anything else you would like to know, please do not hesitate to contact me.

China Earthquake

2008-06-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

June 04, 2008 : China A Chinese Daoist nun walks in front of a pagoda damaged by the 12 May 2008 earthquake at the Yang Ping Daoist Temple in Xinxin town, rural Penzhou, Sichuan province, China, 02 June 2008. The death toll of China's worst earthquake in three decades has nearly reached 70,000 people. Authorities are scrambling to provide enough food, water and shelter to millions of refugees. Mudslides and flooding continue to pose a serious threat as summer rains approach

Harga Petrol Akan Naik

2008-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Malaysia bercadang untuk menghapuskan subsidi harga petrol. Berapakah harga petrol yang baru? Kita masih menunggu.... Jikalau Negara Brunei telah menghadkan pembelian minyak untuk warganegara asing setakat BS10.00 untuk perol dan BS6.00 sahaja untuk disesel dan pembelian hanya boleh dijalankan di stesen petrol terpilih sahaja, bagaimana pula dengan kaedah negara kita untuk membendung pembelian minyak petrol oleh warganegara asing?

MCA Dedah Siapa Di Belakang Projek babi

2008-04-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

MCA dedahkan Melayu, Umno terlibat dibelakang projek babi

Oleh Malaysiakini
Isnin, 14 April 2008
SYARIKAT bumiputera terlibat dalam projek penternakan babi yang menimbulkan kontroversi minggu lepas dan seorang wakil rakyat Umno "di belakangnya", kata MCA.

"Sementara ketua kampung itu turut menyertai bantahan projek tersebut di depan bangunan kerajaan negeri Selangor di Shah Alam. Dr Lee berkata beliau mengetahui segala-galanya tentang projek tersebut "seperti tapak tangannya sendiri" kerana terlibat sendiri dengan semua mesyuarat berhubung perkara tersebut"
Syarikat tersebut, yang terlibat dalam satu usahasama, bercadang menggunakan wang - dilaporkan menelan belanja RM100 juta - daripada sumber-sumber dana program alam sekitar Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu (PBB).
Mendedahkan perkara itu kepada satu sidang media hujung minggu lalu, ketua biro pertanian tradisi MCA Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng berkata syarikat bumiputera itu berhasrat membawa masuk teknologi Jerman untuk projek tersebut.
Akhbar The Sun hari ini yang mengutip laporan The Oriental Daily kelmarin menyebut, wakil rakyat BN-Umno bagi kerusi Tajung Sepat, Datuk Karim Mansor, bersama seorang ketua kampung di situ turut bersama dalam rombongan ke luar negara untuk melihat teknologi tersebut.
Karim antara pemimpin Umno yang lantang menyuarakan isu itu di akhbar-akhbar berbahasa Melayu minggu lepas.
Sementara ketua kampung itu turut menyertai bantahan projek tersebut di depan bangunan kerajaan negeri Selangor di Shah Alam.
Dr Lee berkata beliau mengetahui segala-galanya tentang projek tersebut "seperti tapak tangannya sendiri" kerana terlibat sendiri dengan semua mesyuarat berhubung perkara tersebut.

Isu Babi - PAS akan temui Rakyat

2008-04-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

PAS akan mengadakan perbincangan dengan penduduk negeri Selangor bagi mendapat maklum balas mengenai projek ternakan babi bersepadu yang akan dilaksanakan secara moden di negeri itu dalam masa terdekat. Ketua Pemuda PAS Pusat Salahuddin Ayub berkata perbincangan itu diadakan untuk mencapai penyelesaian terbaik mengenai isu yang berbangkit antara kedua-dua pihak. "Dewan Pemuda yang mengadakan mesyuarat hari ini mencadangkan tiga opsyen kepada penduduk negeri Selangor untuk membuat pilihan dan menyuarakan pandangan mereka," katanya dalam satu sidang akhbar hari ini. Menurut laporan Bernama, opsyen pertama mencadangkan penternakan babi yang dimiliki oleh 300 pengusaha babi kecil-kecilan itu, dibiarkan dengan berlaku pencemaran alam sekitar tanpa melibatkan apa-apa tindakan. Opsyen kedua pula tidak membenarkan ladang babi diwujudkan dalam negara seperti negara Singapura manakala opsyen ketiga dengan mewujudkan satu pusat penternakan babi secara teknologi moden yang paling canggih seperti New Zealand dan Jerman.Salahuddin berkata penternakan secara teknologi canggih itu akan meningkatkan pendapatan pengusaha kecil yang akan menjamin kebersihan dan hak orang bukan Islam mendapat bekalan babi dipenuhi. "PAS akan bekerjasama dengan kerajaan negeri Selangor untuk mendapatkan pandangan rakyat dan berkempen untuk buat rakyat faham. "Saya yakin penduduk Selangor tidak akan menolak pelaksanaan ini dan dengan adanya siri penerangan secara baik untuk mendapat jawapan yang baik, rakyat harus buat satu pilihan," katanya. Kerajaan negeri Selangor akan melaksanakan projek itu kerana penternakan sedia ada yang mengikut kaedah lama di kawasan itu mengakibatkan bau busuk, dan boleh mendatangkan bahaya kepada kesihatan orang ramai seperti ancaman virus JE. Salahuddin yang juga ahli Parlimen Kubang Kerian turut menyambut baik keputusan cadangan memansuhkan Jabatan Pembangunan Persekutuan Sabah (JPPS) dan pembubaran itu juga perlu dilakukan di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat termasuk di Kelantan.

SELAMAT MENGUNDI

2008-03-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

Selamat Mengundi pada 8 Mac 2008.

Negara BerKebajikan....

2008-03-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Negara Berkebajikan: Lemahnya pimpinan BN berfikir
Oleh: Professor Universiti Tempatan

Pelancaran secara rasmi manifesto PAS bertajuk Negara Berkebajikan pada hari Khamis 21 Februari lalu merupakan acara yang sangat penting dalam kalendar PAS. Isu yang dibentang juga adalah sangat menarik untuk dibincang dan dianalisa terutamanya oleh para pengkaji ekonomi konvensional. Tentunya pandangan-pandangan yang diberikan oleh 'pakar-pakar' dan ahli politik BN sebelum pelancaran rasmi manifesto pula adalah bersifat spekulatif dan serkap jarang yang rambang dan tidak berpaksikan kepada kenyataan sebenar. Akibatnya, hal ini menyerlahkan kebobrokan dan kepincangan pemikiran pimpinan tertinggi BN dan seterusnya dikongsi secara pukal oleh mereka yang bergelar pakar-pakar ekonomi yang akan saya nyatakan petikannya. Supaya kita dapat memahami isu sebenar, maka reaksi yang diberikan oleh beberapa individu di dalam media massa seperti akhbar arus perdana dapatlah diringkaskan seperti berikut :

Penasihat Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pelaksanaan Negara (NITF), Dato' Zainal Aznam Yusoff berkata, tindakan mewujudkan 'negara kebajikan' akan menjadikan rakyat semakin malas dan tidak berani menghadapi risiko.

Beliau seterusnya mempersoalkan: "Adakah ini bermaksud PAS akan membiayai perbelanjaan rakyat seumur hidup sehingga mereka tidak perlu mengeluarkan wang satu sen pun?"

Pakar ekonomi dan perbankan Islam, Dato' Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani pula berkata, hasrat Pas menubuhkan 'negara kebajikan' dikhuatiri melumpuhkan daya saing negara. Beliau berpendapat, rakyat akan disogok dengan pelbagai bentuk elaun dan subsidi sehingga menyebabkan mereka hilang motivasi diri serta semangat keusahawanan.

Menurutnya, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w sendiri seorang tokoh perniagaan yang giat mengembangkan ekonomi umat Islam, bukan bersandarkan kepada kebajikan semata-mata. Soal beliau: "Jangan sampai dikongkong oleh pemerintah sehingga daya saing kita semakin lumpuh"

Manakala antara komen yang diberikan oleh pimpinan BN pula adalah :

Timbalan Presiden Umno merangkap Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak memberi amaran bahawa Malaysia boleh bankrap jika konsep 'negara kebajikan' yang ditawarkan PAS diterima dan dipraktikkan di negara ini.

Seterunya beliau berhujah bahawa konsep negara berkebajikan PAS adalah: "seseorang yang tidak bekerja juga akan mendapat bayaran bulanan daripada kerajaan".

Naib Presiden Umno, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin berkata, manifesto seperti itu datangnya daripada pihak yang tidak memahami mengenai pentadbiran dan kerajaan. Seterusnya beliau menyebut: "Sekiranya PAS sanggup mewujudkan sebuah negara kebajikan dengan menanggung 100 peratus kebajikan rakyat di negara ini, saya yakin (jika PAS menang) sepenggal sahaja mereka menjadi kerajaan, nauzubillah negara ini akan menjadi bankrap".

Bukan tujuan saya menulis artikel ringkas ini untuk mematahkan empat pandangan dungu di atas satu persatu kerana penjelasan semasa pelancaran manifesto pada 21 Februari lalu adalah begitu jelas. Bak kata pepatah "sudah terang lagi bersuluh" dan hanya orang yang gelap pemikirannya sahaja gagal memahaminya.

Sementelah pula sudah ramai penulis yang menghujahkan intipati Negara Berkebajikan. Saya akan hanya mengkhususkan dalam membicarakan keadaan minda (state of mind) para pimpinan BN dan para ahli cerdik pandai yang berlegar di kaki para pimpinan BN.

Perkara pertama yang terlintas difikiran saya ialah, betapa hujah haru-biru sedemikian tidak sepatutnya keluar dari mulut orang yang diberi tugas untuk memacu negara ke persada 'glokal' setelah Malaysia mencapai kemerdekaan 50 tahun yang lalu.

Kalau orang yang mempunyai nama besar seperti Dato' Seri Najib dan Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin berfikiran cetek sedemikian, mana mungkin para kerabat pimpinan BN yang lain mempunyai pandangan yang lebih baik?

Sekiranya kita berlegar pada premis ini, maka saranan Dato' Husam Musa supaya diadakan debat terbuka yang disiarkan secara langsung di dalam TV nampaknya akan berat sebelah kerana pimpinan BN nampaknya tidak akan mampu menongkah soalan-soalan yang bakal dikemukakan.

Teringat pula pengalaman saya belajar di Amerika dan United Kingdom (ya, dengan biasiswa kerajaan, tapi duitnya dari cukai rakyat juga) saya dapat melihat dan mendengar perbincangan yang serius, perdebatan, soal jawab - semuanya di antara pimpinan tertinggi parti dengan pelbagai pihak seperti rakyat awam dan wartawan.

Para pimpinan yang ingin bertanding akan memastikan mereka faham isu yang dipersoalkan, dan dari situlah akan melahirkan pimpinan yang lebih serius dan tidak hanya melelapkan mata dan memekakkan telinga apabila sesuatu isu itu dibincangkan.

Hujah keramat pimpinan BN ialah - bahawa rakyat belum bersedia untuk mendengar perbahasan seperti itu. Sekali lagi pimpinan BN memperbudakkan rakyat jelata. Saya rasa pimpinan BN akan lebih dihormati sekiranya mereka berterus terang bahawa mereka tidak bersedia berhujah secara terbuka untuk disaksikan oleh rakyat kerana sememangnya tidak mampu dan tohor daya berfikir.

Saya dapat membayangkan para pimpinan BN akan terkedu bisu dan seterusnya akan menuturkan frasa keramat mereka bahawa – "rakyat belum bersedia", "BN jaga ketenteraman rakyat umum", "pembangkang bankrap idea" dan sebagainya.

Betullah pandangan orang bijak orang bahawa seorang yang lemah akalnya akan terserlahlah kelemahannya apabila ia mula bercakap. Oleh itu, jalan terbaik bagi pimpinan BN ialah berdiam diri, macam yang selalu ditunjukkan oleh Abdullah!

Pada saya, kecelaruan cara berfikir kaum bangsawan BN ini tidak ada kena mengena dengan kurikulum pengajian mereka di peringkat universiti, atau sama ada pengajian mereka mendapat akreditasi atau tidak, atau di universiti manakah mereka berada sebelum ini sama ada dalam negara atau luar negara. Ianya juga tidak ada kena mengena dengan ranking berapakah universiti mereka semasa belajar dahulu.

Saya berpendapat, keserabutan cara berfikir cerdik pandai BN ini adalah bermula dari kemurungan jiwa akibat tiadanya pengisian rohani yang kukuh, ditambah lagi oleh tamak halobanya mereka kepada kuasa dan wang berjuta menyebabkan kebenaran dilihat sebagai satu hakikat yang amat perit.

Hasilnya, maka lahirlah pandangan karut-marut bahawa hanya BN sahaja yang boleh dan tahu memerintah!. Banyak ketikanya pandangan yang celaru dari pimpinan BN ini jauh lemah intipatinya dari pandangan seorang rakyat jelata yang tidak bersekolah tinggi tetapi mempunyai jiwa yang celik dan mampu berfikir secara kritis.

Akhirnya pimpinan BN ini menyebarkan dongengan kepada rakyat jelata bahawa hanya BN yang boleh memerintah negara, hinggakan Biro Tata Negara pun menjadikan dongengan ini sebagai modul ceramah serta perbincangan dalam kursus Biro Tatanegara.

Sebagai contohnya, cuba kita ambil satu sahaja dari beratus dongengan 'kepandaian menguruskan wang negara'. Apabila dilihat dalam Laporan Ketua Audit Negara - Penyata Kewangan Kerajaan Negeri Terengganu 2006 - Jadual 5 yang memperincikan bahawa Terimaan dari Dana Khas untuk tahun 2005 ialah RM 1.015 billion dan 2006 berjumlah RM 1.334 billion.

Laporan Audit Negara menyebut bahawa terimaan dalam tahun 2006 adalah merangkumi 85.3% daripada hasil keseluruhan kerajaan negeri Terengganu. Kemana perginya 85.3% hasil kerajaan negeri ini?. Seterusnya laporan itu memperincikan bahawa dana berkenaan adalah untuk Akaun Amanah Dana Khas, Akaun Progam Penganjuran Monsoon Cup, Akaun Projek Pembangunan Pulau Duyung dan Akaun Projek Pembangunan Pulau Wan Man.

Bayangkan, kerajaan yang 'pandai' menguruskan wang negeri ini membelanjakan 85.3% sumber kewangan negeri untuk projek kosmetik, yang satu pun tidak ada hasil kepada rakyat jelata tetapi menjadi lombong emas kepada taukeh besar dari Kuala Lumpur.

Hasilnya, rakyat tempatan hanya menjadi pelayan (waiter) dan pekerja am rendah untuk Malam Gala Monsoon Cup, melayan pembesar dan taukeh dari Kuala Lumpur. Akhirnya, rakyat tempatan hanya melukut di tepi gantang, sedangkan gantang dipunyai oleh orang lain. Itulah 'kepandaian kerajaan BN! Cetak