Is The Information Ministry Part Of The BN Election Apparatus?

Without batting an eye, Deputy Minister of Information Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shamelessly and obviously unafraid of the consequences, confirmed that his ministry is considered as nothing more than being Barisan Nasional's errand boy. He did this in the typical style of the intolerant Umno warlord by pronouncing on high that the Information Ministry will "counter all issues, including personal matters of national, state and local leaders, raised by the Opposition in the run-up to the Machap by-election."

No pretence or attempt to couch that statement in diplomatic language; just a straight-forward, "we will fight on behalf of the BN!" The arrogance of these politicians. The Information Ministry at least on paper is supposed to be neutral in political matters and in the Malaysian context is at best, a mouthpiece of the government, highlighting achievements of the kerajaan while downplaying opposition complaints and comments. But nowhere does it state that the ministry or its officials should support or defend BN party leaders.

According to Zahid, the ministry's responsibility is to explain the truth to the voters on issues highlighted so that they would not be swayed by the baseless allegations of the pembangkang. I have no doubt that Zahid's boss, Zainuddin Maidin shares his opinion when he says that "personal issues and allegations on certain leaders are disheartening. I advise Machap voters not to be taken in by DAP speakers harping on personal and private matters."

So in a nutshell the DAP is fighting the BN, the government and the full propaganda disinformation the executive can muster. How will the BN justify to the people of Machap the frittering away of the constitutional rights pertaining to religion of non-Muslims, the laissez-faire attitude to crime and corrupt acts by ruling party politicians and senior civil servants, the nonchalant manner in which the NEP is resurrected and kept alive apparently in perpetuity and a host of other misdeeds committed by those in power? One way is to unleash the masters of misinformation and spin currently sitting pretty at the information ministry. Another would be what the BN does in every election and that is (apart from spreading around a lot of 'gifts' ala Santa Claus) to totally censor the opposition campaign. Of course the other would be to find a way to shut down all political blogs or at least 'curtail' them as one dunce said in Parliament a few days ago. Oh that would be wonderful news for the BN big boys. With the pesky blogs which lie, spread false rumours and publish 'malicious' reports about the angelic BN leaders, being pushed out of the way, truly semuanya will then be OK!

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New Method Of Treating Cancers Gives Hope For Millions.

Using a patented laboratory device, Chinese scientists have for the first time grown cancer tumors outside the body which they say will lead to a new generation of cancer treatments.

Liu Hua, visiting professor with Zhongshan Hospital in Shanghai,says scientists have for years been able to grow cancer cells in lab but have never been able to reproduce a living cancer tumor.

Liu called the breakthrough a milestone in cancer research that will lead to the development of a new generation of cancer treatments using biological medicines that have virtually no side effects. Someday it may help scientists develop actual cancer vaccines.

Liu has been asked to deliver a paper to the American Association of Cancer Researchers in Los Angles in mid-April. "I expect the paper will generate a lot of positive and interesting reaction," said Liu.

The doctor of internal medicine says he has shown tumor he has grown to scientists in Beijing and Shanghai. "They are very excited about it. Some have worked 30 or 40 years and have never seen a tumor outside the body. They agree it's a milestone in cancer research."

Liu says drug companies and researchers often find the treatments they develop using a simple culture of cancer cells, don't work well on the tumor itself, which are awkward to test on patients or lab animals that have been cancer induced.

Now they will be able to work with a complete, three dimensional tumor and examine how it reacts, metastasize or grows when treated in different ways. "Compared with conventional breeding systems we can continuously observe the behavior of a tumor. It is difficult to observe metastasis in a patient," Liu said.

Liu says working with an actual cancer tumor will make it possible to design patient-specific treatment regimens that are far less toxic than conventional treatments such a chemotherapy. (Xinhua)

***** This is one breakthrough which will be greatly awaited by the medical community. It gives hope to those who have been ravaged by these deadly cancers. Of course there have been many miracle and wonder drugs in the past which have miserably failed. It is earnestly wished that this new generation of treatment works and aids in easing the pain as well as progress of the disease.
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No Takers For Proton?

With the March-end deadline for naming a strategic partner for national carmaker Proton a day away and the search obviously not about to yield anything positive, the statement attributed to the Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop by Bernama, that the government is still 'evaluating options' to find a strategic partner, needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Tan Sri Nor Mohamed made no reference to a newsreport that German carmaker Volkswagen (VW) has scrapped plans for a tie-up with Proton, although at least one blog states that the Volkswagen-Proton talks are still on. Peugeot Citroen PSA had earlier pulled out of a possible deal with the ailing Proton.

Among those said to be still interested for the stake, include General Motors, DRB-Hicom and the Naza Group.

The increasingly competitive and cutthroat domestic car market has taken a toll on Proton, which for years had thrived in a protected environment — high taxes on foreign cars that forced ordinary Malaysians to buy Proton cars despite their inferior quality.

But in recent years the taxes have been lowered in line with a regional trade agreement, and Malaysians have made a beeline for imported vehicles.

Malaysia is Southeast Asia's biggest new car market, with about half a million units sold each year.

At midday, Proton shares were down 3.8 percent at 6.40 ringgit, after falling as low as 6.20 ringgit, in reaction to The Straits Times report.

Since the beginning of this decade, Proton's share of the domestic market has almost halved to 32 percent, from nearly 60 percent. By the close of the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2006, sales had fallen 29 percent on year.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2006, Proton reported a net loss of 281.5 million ringgit (€US80 million; €61 million), from a net profit of 86.5 million ringgit a year earlier.

Given this scenario one should be forgiven for thinking that in fact there are no serious, viable takers for Proton. Will someone in the know please enlighten those of us who are not well-versed with the goings-on. (Source - Bernama, International Herald Tribune)
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Update 4/2/07: PM To Meet Volkswagen Chief On Tie-up With Proton

How Did This Dunce Make It To Parliament?

Another low IQ tin-pot dictator in the making spoke in Parliament yesterday and he wants the government to find ways to curtail bloggers from 'abusing' the Internet to spread lies and defame the leaders! Ismail Sabri Yaakob, a Barisan Nasional nitwit representing the parliamentary constituency of Bera further added, "we notice that a lot of bloggers have been sowing the seeds of discord among the races, religions... I believe there must be a limit."

Almost reflexly this apparently intellectually challenged Yang Berhormat gave the age old and primitive remedy for things he can't or doesn't want to understand (the when in doubt, cut it out mentality) by opining that there ought to be a law governing bloggers like those imposed on the print and broadcast media!

The one sane statement from him at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday was, "the people believe more in the bloggers than the newspapers." He did hazard a guess why this is so by saying, "I am aware that a newspaper was censured by the Internal Security Ministry for publishing a sensational story but the bloggers could continue churning out 'malicious' stories." In other words the mainstream media is muzzled therefore no one believes them and since the rakyat trusts the blogs, the government must, in true 80s and 90s style intolerance, shut them out. Great going Ismail Sabri! Zainuddin Maidin would be proud of you. Who knows, an appointment at the Information Ministry may be in the offing!

Ismail Sabri is not alone in being afflicted with this intolerance malady. So used are these people to the repressive era dating back to Dr Mahathir's premiership that they haven't come out of the sheltered tempurung to see that things have irreversibly changed. If the blogs feel that some leader is doing wrong, then his or her wrongdoing will be published. If reporting this is considered by Ismail Sabri and his ilk as 'malicious,' so be it.

Another BN MP Hasni Mohamed, a pontianak from Pontian felt that cable television network Astro should come under the purview of the Broadcasting Act 1998 under the ambit of the Information Ministry and not under the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry.

He said this was to ensure that Astro would adhere to local values, culture and needs. Looks like any successful private enterprise, especially non-Malay ones, which are not indirectly owned by these greed merchants should come under the purview of some law or other to 'preserve' or 'reflect' local values. First Air Asia and now Astro.

All I can say to these MPs is I don't know how you chaps got selected to the august House but as long as you keep your trap shut, no one will notice. Start making illogical speeches and you'll be shown the door in the next elections. In the meanwhile if you've committed some crime or broken a law be sure to look up the blogs now and then, for you wont know when your name might come up for 'malicious' discussion.
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A must read for all bloggers: Blogging Freedom of Speech: Can You Really Say Whatever You Want?

Malaysia Jealous Of Singapore? "That's A Shallow View," Says Foreign Ministry Official.

The claim by a Singapore member of parliament that Malaysia was jealous of Singapore's progress was a shallow view, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday.

Foreign Ministry parliamentary secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the claim was unwarranted as Malaysia held to the "Prosper Thy Neighbour" concept in fostering friendly ties with its neighbours.

In line with the concept, Malaysia believed the success and prosperity enjoyed by any neighbouring country was also good for the country, he said.

"As a sovereign nation in a region where the countries are inter-twined and dependent on each other, Malaysia wants its neighbours to succeed and prosper as their prosperity can be shared through spin-offs," he said when replying to Datuk Dr Abdul Rahaman Ismail (BN-Gombak) during question time.

Dr Abdul Rahman had asked the extent of truth to the claim by a Singapore member of parliament that Malaysia was jealous of Singapore and what action the government took to address the claim.

Ahmad Shabery said Malaysia-Singapore bilateral relations were still "haunted" by unsettled issues and historical ties.

Nonetheless, Malaysia still pursued good neighbourliness with its neighbours by maintaining close and friendly bilateral ties with them, he said.

Replying to a supplementary question from the same member, Ahmad Shabery said the negative perception of some Asean countries on their neighbours would not jeopardise efforts to establish an Asean Common Market by 2015.

"We can establish the common market if we are conscious of our respective roles. We believe the reservations of some Asean countries on Singapore will not be an obstacle for us to have friendly ties with any country," he added. (Bernama)

***** I don't know who the Hon. shit stirrer in the Singapore Parliament is, but we need this type of argument and controversy like we need the bird flu. Why don't those who have nothing better to do, spend their destructive free time visiting a monastery in Tibet or go on a fault-finding mission to somewhere far, where their dirty mouth cannot cause unnecessary trouble between nations?

The Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek should be congratulated for a very calm response. Hopefully no one will play up the Singapore idiot's claims.
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Interesting piece of news reported on April 12 2000 quoting one of our idiots!: Singapore jealous of Malaysia's progress, minister says.

Is Malaysia Covertly Supporting Insurgency In Southern Thailand?

The south of Thailand is burning and it looks like the government in Bangkok does not know how to douse the flames. There is also increasing suspicion that there are dalang outside the country who are clandestinely flaming the communal fire, causing it to rage without control or direction.

There are real fears that the bloody Islamic insurgency could erupt into total war between the major religious communities. The festering insurgency that has already taken more than 2,000 lives could become an all-out sectarian conflict between the Muslim and Buddhist communities.

Drive-by shootings and bombings occur almost daily in Thailand's three Muslim-majority provinces — Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani — and increasingly in the neighboring province of Songkhla. Violence in the south has increased since a military-installed government took power despite pledges from the prime minister to reverse the iron-fisted approach of his predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra, toppled by a coup in September.

Amid all this killing and maiming comes the news that suspected insurgents detained in a raid in the southern province of Narathiwat early Wednesday morning were found to be carrying Malaysian currency. A total of eleven suspects, eight men and three women were arrested and the security forces seized several weapons and components for making bombs. The finger of suspicion of course was pointing to Malaysia. While Malaysians and even the government may feel sympathy towards the plight of fellow Muslims in the restive South and may have given moral support, there is not a shred of evidence that the government has in any way promoted the insurgency raging there.

It is therefore natural and understandable that our Prime Minister rejected any notion of Malaysian involvement in the conflict there when he said that carrying Malaysian currency need not necessarily mean they are Malaysian citizens.

I personally don't think our government would risk damaging relations with fellow ASEAN member, Thailand and face the international consequences of encouraging insurgency. But who knows? Stranger things have happened in this unpredictable world of ours.
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An interesting read, HERE
Update 4/5/07 : Malaysia says no spillover from unrest in southern Thailand

Thus Spake George Bush.

Never ‘misunderestimate’ George W Bush when it comes to shooting his mouth. The US President in 2006 again made numerous faux pas now known as ‘Bushisms’.

Global Language Monitor, a US-based organisation that analyses language trends worldwide, has compiled a list of Top 10 Bushisms for 2006. "I'm the decider," Bush's rejection of seven former generals’ demand that US Defence Secretary Donald resign tops the list.

Internet users say they use Google or that they do Google search. Not Bush, when he uses the search engine he says "I use the Google".

Other Bushisms on the list include "It was not always certain that the US and America would have a close relationship" and "When the final history is written on Iraq, it will look just like a comma."

Top Bushisms of 2006:

* * "I'm the Decider." "I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense." (April 18. Some six months later, Rumsfeld was cited as one of the major reasons for the Republicans’ defeat in the US mid-term elections.)

** “I use the Google,” in reference to the Internet search engine. (October 24. Interview with Maria Bartiromo of CNBC.)

** “It was not always certain that the US and America would have a close relationship.” (June 29).

** “I’ve got an ek-a-lec-tic reading list.” (August 29. Interview with Brian Williams.)

** “The only way we can win is to leave before the job is done.” (November 24. Greely, Colorado)

** “Stay the course.” (On numerous occasions.)

** “When the final history is written on Iraq, it will look just like a comma.” (September 24. Interview with Wolf Blitzer of CNN.)

** “The Congress was right to renew the Terrorist Act.” (September 7. In reference to the Patriot Act. Washington, DC)

** “I want to be a war president; no president wants to be a war president.” (October 26)

** “The fiscal year that ended on February the 30th.” (The US government’s fiscal year ends on September 30!).

***** Compared to the likes of George Bush, we are blessed with a much more intelligent and less gaffe-prone leader, Pak Lah. Don't you think so?
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Ten National Service Trainees Down With Food Poisoning.

Continuing the spate of unfortunate incidents at our National Service camps, ten trainees fell ill due to suspected food poisoning at Rembau, Negeri Sembilan.

The good news is that none of them were seriously affected and were discharged after an overnight stay. But true to form there was an attempt to pass the buck to the family of the trainees as being responsible for the source of the food poisoning. Apparently only when hundreds are affected will the NS authorities own up that their caterers could be the culprits. But when ten are down, won't they take responsibility?

As usual the NS pegawai gave the standard assurance, "parents should not be unduly worried as the well-being and health of NS trainees were being given priority." Semuanya OK till the next mishap.

Details in this Bernama report HERE.
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More 'third world' mentality behaviour at NS camps: 'Too lazy to treat sick kids'

Still No Justice For Housewife Molested By Cop Two Years Ago.

(The above image is titled "No one is above the law.")

It is reports like this that makes you angry with a system that is accountable to no one. The police, politicians and the highly connected it seems can get away with murder and there is nothing the ordinary citizen can do to get some justice. This sorry episode where a housewife is molested in the office of a policeman to whom she had gone to secure help to get her husband released from detention is a case in point.

After having made police reports against the randy copper and given the runaround for two years now she has been told that there is no proof and the case is closed! I wonder how many other women this horny bastard has molested or raped in the interim period.

Details from TheStar is published below.

***** For two years, a housewife lived in hope that action would be taken against a lance-corporal who allegedly molested her.

Last month, she received a letter informing her that there was no evidence to charge the policeman, formerly attached to the Pengkalan Hulu narcotics branch.

The 33-year-old woman told a press conference on Monday that she wanted the authorities to re-open the case as she was not satisfied with the outcome. “I even moved with my family to Batu Gajah just to get away from that man,” she said. “I want justice, that’s all,” she said crying.

In her police report, the mother of two said she went to see the policeman in his office alone on March 15, 2005, to secure bail for her husband who had been detained for a drug offence. She claimed that after 15 minutes, the policeman held her hand and tried to open the buttons of her blouse. Despite her protests, he groped her, squeezed her breasts and kissed her several times.

The woman said the policeman later arranged bail for her husband but continued to harass her with obscene phone calls and invitations to have sex with him.

When contacted, Pengkalan Hulu OCPD Deputy Supt Anwar Omar confirmed that the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s office could not pursue the case due to lack of evidence.

“Because of the allegation the policeman concerned was transferred to Johor last year. He also advised the woman to approach the DPP’s office or the state CID chief if she wanted the case re-opened. *****

Frankly I don't know what else to write about this injustice. Should we just keep quiet and allow criminal acts by the police to go on and on? How can the system be improved to prevent such things from occuring again? Any ideas?
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Syariah Court And Non-Muslim Women: Sharizat's Views Clouded By Political Self-Serving.

Is Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister for all women or only Muslim women? Apparently she is very confused on this question. Either that or she is, in true Umno pemimpin style, playing politics just to gain a few extra brownie points at the expense of women who have been cruelly denied their rights by judges who cannot distinguish between their religious conviction and their sworn obligation to uphold justice without fear or favour.

According to her selfish logic, "it is not a problem that non-Muslims are made subject to the syariah court. The bigger concern is whether one can obtain justice in the court!" What kind of 'songsang'-minded conclusion is this? If Sharizat were a Hindu, I wonder if she would have had the same twisted opinion? It may not be a problem to her, but it is the biggest difficulty, headache and issue to every non-Muslim who is forced to go to a court they have no faith, belief or trust in. Put simply, non-Muslims have no confidence in Islamic Law and the syariah court system. Period.

Sharizat further refined her argument by saying, "it does not matter whether the cases go to the civil or syariah courts, the important thing for us in the ministry is that they get justice." When even Muslim women are screaming on a daily basis of gross injustice meted out by fossilized male brains passing off as syariah judges, what chance does a non-Muslim have?

It is easy for her to say that she would abide by the Court of Appeal's ruling as this was the system in place. Frankly what happened at the Court of Appeal, including the composition of the bench of judges, does not faithfully and honestly conform to the system as it was originally meant to be, and even if it is considered as complying with the requirements, it is a patently faulty one. It can be more accurately described as a rigged lottery. When Muslim judges are made to decide on cases that may have a profound effect on the practice of their religion versus the future well-being of non-Muslim litigants, without fail Muslim judges have let down the law and upheld their faith. Will the Federal Court and especially the Chief Justice have the courage to appoint a bench of non-Muslim judges to decide on these cases when they come up on appeal? Alas there won't be any answers to that. For such is the disgraceful state of race and religion in our country. Shameful.

Please read the entire report in TheSun, HERE.
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Malaysian Cabinet Minister Bernard Dompok's Opinion: Those who marry under non-Islamic laws should not submit to syariah court.

'One-Stop' Website To Access Government Services.

The following report is from TheStar which is being published here for the benefit of those who might have missed it. With the current messy situation when you want to connect to several ministries or government departments with an unnerving number of URLs to remember, the kerajaan has decided to have the equivalent of a 'one-stop' website. Read the article and bookmark the site for future use.

By V.P SUJATA

Do you know how many Internet sites you need to click on when dealing with the ministries and government agencies in the comfort of your home? Surprisingly, the answer is just one.

The only website you need to remember to access a host of government websites and obtain information ranging from payment to complaints, applications, search and services, among others to answer hundreds of your queries is www.gov.my.

It is no wonder that the website has recorded about 2.5million hits to date.

The website lists down 395 online services of ministries, departments and agencies and 3,300 Government forms can be downloaded for free.

The Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) is promoting the use of e-Government among the public. The services provided through the website is the Government's proactive way to help enhance the public delivery system.

Among the online services provided under the website include zakat, loan and quit rent payments, application to update mailing address with the Employees Provident Fund, application to the Museum Department to extend the archaeological search licence and to apply for foreign workers with the Immigration Department.

There are also “Quick Links” direct to the Government machinery, directory, tenders, job vacancies, public complaints and even to get information on the weather. Information pertaining to taxation, health, education, legal and family such as pregnancy, adoption and even marriage issues, are just a click of the mouse away.

Among the upcoming services MAMPU is working on currently are application of birth certificates with the National Registration Department and online registration of business with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

There are efforts underway to provide the public with the ability to send application forms downloaded from the website “directly” to the relevant authorities instead of having it printed and submitted via post.

Currently most of the forms could only be downloaded and filled manually but soon, it could be filled electronically and submitted the same way as well.

MAMPU will actively promote the use of e-Government and would continue to promote the website to increase take-up among the public. The target group here are the business community, government departments and agencies, as well as foreigners.

Developing the use of short messaging system (SMS) to facilitate the public's dealings with the government agencies are also in the pipeline.

So remember to add www.gov.my to your favourites.
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Brilliant Malaysian DVD Pirates.

Never have our homegrown pirates of VCDs and DVDs been put through so much stress. All because of two dogs! While bribing members of our 'efficient' enforcement services was a breeze and didn't require any effort at all, dealing with pesky canines blessed with super-sensitive olfactory nerves to detect even traces of the pirate's ware was too much for them. While men in uniform and security IDs could have their palms greased with extra cash, how the devil do you grease a damned dog's paw?

After having recently lost a massive amount of bootleg DVDs to the sniffing talents of the American bitchs,(?) the crooks reacted, albeit confusedly, in the only way they knew. They put out a contract on the troublesome duo! However our officials having been alerted to this danger, sent their four-legged allies into hiding. Not easily discouraged despite the severe loss and their inability to get near the US born and bred Lucky and Flo, our brilliant Malaysian pirates showed their genius. If they couldn't bump them off, no problem, they'll just throw the dogs off the scent using chemicals! Details HERE.
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Machap By-election: Barisan Windfall For Residents.

Oh how wonderful by-elections are! The goodies our caring BN government plies on the grateful citizens would bring a tear even to the most hard-hearted tough guy. You would probably not have met another group of such great people as our pemimpin, as they do their rounds, conscientiously inquiring into the needs of the fortunate rakyat who will vote in the by-election. Mind you this sudden concern has nothing to do with votes or any such trivial consideration. They are merely carrying out their sworn duty as leaders to keep the people happy and contented. If in the process the voters should plump for the BN it is just a coincidence. The government doesn't want unpatriotic forces and anti-national elements like the opposition to accuse them of electoral bribery. Far from the BN be any such intention. Altruism is their calling and raison d'etre.

It is precisely for this reason that the great MCA humanitarian, Ong Ka Ting visited Machap yesterday to look into the welfare and needs of voters, oops sorry, residents. Read a report on this from the mainstream newspaper, TheStar, one of the few approved by the government as carrying authentic news. (Please avoid reading blogs as they are unauthorized and don't have the approval of Zainuddin Maidin.)

***** Machap Umboo New Village villagers have always dreamt of having a multipurpose hall to hold big-scale functions. The wish of more than 3,000 villagers was answered when the late Machap assemblyman Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam brought the request up with the Housing and Local Government Ministry two years ago and had it approved. Yesterday, its Minister, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, visited the hall, which is under construction. It is expected to be ready this year.

After listening to the needs of the villagers, Ong said the ministry would allocate an extra RM200,000 for basic facilities and equipment for the RM800,000 hall. “MCA has been constant in serving the community. We will always do our work regardless of whether there is a by-election or not. We always listen to the needs and views of the villagers and continue to provide excellent service to the community. This is our party principle,” he told the Machap Umboo New Village residents here.

Ong, who is MCA president, said the ministry had earlier allocated RM150,000 and RM300,000 to the Machap Umboo and Machap Baru New Villages respectively. The allocations were used to upgrade the roads and drainage system of the new villages, he said.

It is Ong’s practice to allocate the required finances to upgrade the basic facilities and provide a better living environment for the people whenever he visited any villages. Ong went around meeting the villagers and urged them to support the Barisan Nasional candidate. *****

Now aren't you right glad to have such kind-hearted, generous and benevolent leaders like Ka Ting? However one thing that mystifies me is why should a political party like the MCA provide allocations to 'upgrade the roads and drainage system of the new villages' which should by right be done by the government. Isn't it odd that the MCA gives money amounting to RM450,000 to some committee in the area in order to get the job of 'upgrading' done, or do they? A funny system really! For all that wealth being spread around Machap, I suppose the government will get back its 'investment' in the form of more votes. Time will tell.
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Will Chinese Voters Support BN In Machap?

Our DPM Najib is so confident that Chinese voters will rally behind the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Machap by-election in Melaka scheduled for April 12. Using unscientific extrapolation he said that the result obtained in the Batu Talam by-election in Pahang in January had proved that the Chinese were solidly behind the BN although certain quarters were always turning it (Chinese support) into an issue. What 'certain quarters' is he refering to? The DAP? The Chinese educationists? Or the latest whipping boy on the block, the bloggers? Or perhaps all of the above.

As if to preempt talk of dwindling support not only of the Chinese but the others as well, he clairvoyantly pronounced "there are certain parties trying to portray that the BN no longer garners good support from Chinese voters. The fact is that they (Chinese voters) understand very well that their wellbeing lies with the BN." Could Najib's gripe be just guilty conscience pricking him that what Umno has done over the past few years might not have gone down well with the rakyat?

Najib was responding to questions by reporters as to whether the Machap by-election would indicate the measure of Chinese support for the BN, after the failure of the BN in Sarawak in getting the full support of the Chinese electorate in its state election last year.

"I am confident that although Machap is a mixed constituency (majority Chinese), the support for the BN can be maintained... Sarawak was a different story, this is the Peninsular," he said. (What difference pray tell is it going to make if Machap is in the peninsular or in East Malaysia? Disgruntled people are all the same wherever they are and will react almost similarly whether in the east, west, north or south. Even if the electorate doesn't outrightly support the opposition, this is a good opportunity to use as a wake-up call and also as payback time for all the acts of omission and commission by the government.)

The Election Commission (EC) has fixed April 3 as the nomination day. The by-election has been called following the death its state assemblyman Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam. Following the general election in 2004, the BN has won all the three by-elections called since then, in Kuala Berang, Pengkalan Pasir and Batu Talam.

Najib also said that the BN win in Batu Talam was an endorsement of the leadership of Prime Minister Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and that the opposition's ploy to boycott it (Batu Talam by-election) failed miserably when the people did not heed their call (to boycott).

Meanwhile that small fry CM of Melaka, Mohd Ali Rustam gave his one-and-a-half sen worth of advice to the electorate to "Choose BN Candidate For Continued Development In Machap." He hardly has a choice in the matter but I'm sure he'll pray extra hard during Friday prayers. You see, if Machap falls, Ali Rustam's goose is cooked and will be served as appetiser before the next party elections. (I wonder who former CM Rahim Tamby Chik really supports in this by-election? After all if Rustam gets the boot there is a small chance for Rahim to make a back door entry, a position I'm sure the horny former CM is not too 'unfamiliar' with.)

But the real circus is yet to start. That happens on nomination day when like the clowns' parade, the candidates are brought in to file their papers. After that BN will as usual unleash its potent weapon, bountiful largesse, with the likes of Samy Vellu busily repairing and tarring old roads, installing streetlights and promising new structures and facilities, while Ong Ka Ting and company will go around preaching the BN mantra- "Only we can bring development." KJ will of course give the chinamen the slip, knowing full well that he'll be a liability in these parts, and concentrate quietly in the Malay areas hoping his Oxford magic will make up for his lack of political acumen. All in all, an entertaining period awaits us soon.
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Should This Be Allowed To Happen In A Truly Democratic Country?

When the cops are afraid to register a complaint of assault lodged by a citizen of this country, just because the accused is a so-called prince, there is something seriously wrong with the way the police do their job and the manner in which the government expects our men in blue to perform their duties. The issue starts to become more ridiculous when a police officer involved in a love triangle along with the prince and the female complainant is abruptly transferred within 24 hours to Sarawak to carry out desk duties! Come off it! Are we still a medieval wasteland where we have to bow and kowtow to randy bastards who don't know when to sheathe and unsheathe their regal pricks? Read TheStar report below and be angry.

***** A member of a royal family is being investigated for allegedly assaulting a woman recently.

Initial investigations showed that the woman, in her 20s, was beaten up after she supposedly two-timed the prince.

The woman, who claimed that she had earlier tried to lodge a police report in the state, was forced to report the matter to the Federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman as no one in the state wanted to accept her report.

It has also been learnt that a married narcotics police officer, supposedly involved with the woman, was transferred within 24 hours to Sarawak to carry out desk duties.

The prince has also lodged a police report.

Police have begun investigations into the case and are said to be in the process of recording statements from witnesses. *****

Do you think that this disgrace of a prince will ever be brought to justice? I doubt it. Do you remember the other royal thug who caused a commotion at Langkawi sometime ago, when he gatecrashed a party, assaulted and abused the hosts and guests? Well he's still roaming around scot free and the peasantry is still daulat-ing him.

I wonder what the IGP has to say about this. Perhaps he should look into this case before asking for a better deal for the cops.
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Khairy Jamaluddin Theorizes On Opposition Tactics In Upcoming Machap By-election.

KJ, the nation's first son-in-law, probably keeping in mind that he is an Oxford grad, came out with his 'educated assessment' of the opposition strategy for the by-elections in Malacca which was reported faithfully and in full by Bernama.

"The DAP will try to blow up the Gerakan-PPP spat to garner support in the run-up to the April 12 Machap by-election," the wise pemuda said. The intelligent one further elucidated that "the DAP would try to hide its own weaknesses by shifting the focus to the internal problems in BN.

"We all know the DAP will contest in Machap but Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has announced it will pave the way for DAP to field a candidate in this by-election on condition the PKR is allowed to contest in Machap in the next general election. This showed there is no understanding and cooperation among opposition parties while we in the BN although there are some bickerings, they're resolved amicably." (Aah what astuteness! What superior deduction! DAP must be shivering and quaking with fear knowing that their secret plans had been so quickly analysed and unravelled by that master tactician KJ! )

On BN's preparation the enlightened leader said, "at BN Youth level, there's no problem. Umno Youth was geared up for the by-election and had even identified specific areas where the movement would focus its attention." The brilliant Umno Youth strategist further confidently added, "we will go all out in our campaign to ensure the Barisan retains the seat with a bigger majority."

The seat, previously known as Bukit Sedanan, fell vacant following the death of BN assemblyman Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam, 55, on March 15. In the 2004 general election, Poh, who was also Melaka MCA chairman, beat DAP's Liou Chen Kuang by a 4,562-vote majority. Nomination is on April 3.

Now all that remains for us lesser mortals is to await with bated breath the results of the by-election and to see if the political-cum-psephological treatise put forth by Malaysia's very own genius extraordinaire, KJ, comes to pass. Wil he be proven right?
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Najib Says Economy Great And Govt To Ensure The 'People' Gained Full Benefits Of 9MP Projects. Really?

Published below is the "don't worry be happy" feel good message by our DPM as reported by Bernama. You can take for granted that all that is written is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, because it is Bernama and not some unemployed bugger's blog which carries his message.

Malaysians need not have doubts about the state of the country's economy as the existing indicators point to positive and encouraging growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that this was proven by increased national trade volume, foreign direct investment (FDI), market capitalisation and an inflation rate that remained low.

"For this year, when projects outlined in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP)come onstream, it will bring about a greater momentum in terms of economic growth," he said in a special interview aired by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Friday night.

He said that the government's focus now was to ensure that the people gained the full benefits of these projects.

"It is very important for us to pay attention as to how we can maximise from this situation (a booming economic environment). Let's not be bystanders while others grab opportunities that arise," he said.

At the same time, Najib advised the public not to be taken in by negative reports about the economy which were being spread by irresponsible people with vested agendas.

"These are politically motivated and not of benefit to anyone," he said.

Asked about the lack of confidence by many regarding the implementation of the 9MP, he said: "This is a result of the information age whereby official data recognised by world authorities and those fabricated by individuals can easily reach a wide section of people at the same time."

He said that some parties used ICT (information and communications technology) facilities to pursue their narrow interests by attempting to confuse the people.

"We must accept the fact that the data provided by the government are the official figures. As world agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have confidence in our data, the is no reason why Malaysians should have doubts," he added.

***** So all you stupid people out there who are so easily 'confused' by those using ICT to spread irresponsible rumours regarding the economy, please don't give credence to these cyber liars and instead read or listen to only the mainstream media, i.e. NST, The Star, of course Bernama, the Malay dailies (with a little caution and half-a-pinch of salt), RTM and Zainuddin Maidin.

And please do have confidence in our economy as it is going where it should. Given that we have the best Umno people in charge, let there be no doubt as to where it is heading. It is only a matter of time before you realise what we have done and are still doing to our economy. Boy, will you be surprised then!

Our kerajaan is performing its sworn duties by the book and will not tolerate wrongdoing by anyone including ministers, deputy ministers and senior civil servants especially D-Gs. Don't read online accounts written by penembak2 curi about the government not being serious in controlling corruption or punishing the guilty ikan yu. Nothing could be further from the truth. All these bloggers either have an agenda, are irresponsible congenital liars, are jealous of our success, are oppostion party supporters, are anti-national elements or a combination of the above. So kindly do refrain from reading their blogs which publish only untruth upon untruth about our beloved government. Here is an example of a blog that you should never read.
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What Is Barisan Nasional Without The NEP? Zilch.

In its biggest and boldest move to attract more foreign investment, Malaysia is scrapping, in Johor's new economic zone at least, policies that have favoured bumiputeras — the ethnic Malay majority — since the 1970s.

While the details have yet to be spelt out, foreign investors in Johor's Iskandar Development Region (IDR) will not be encumbered with providing 30 per cent equity to a bumiputera partner. The move is aimed at creating a new engine of growth in Johor's southern part so that over the next five to 20 years, it will grow into a major regional financial and manufacturing hub, providing jobs for 800,000 workers. Separately, the Government is abolishing property gains tax in Malaysia to boost the flagging property market and lure foreign investment.

While lauded in the early years, the pro-bumiputera policies — which seek to raise the Malay share of the economic pie to 30 per cent — have since been criticised for having been abused. Hence, analysts say their abolition in the IDR is a crucial step forward towards attracting foreign investment.

Development of the vast 2,200 sq km IDR, more than three times the size of Singapore — and packed with infrastructure, homes, offices, theme parks, hotels, factories and hospitals — will require a massive injection of funds. Estimates are 50 billion ringgit ($20 billion) over the next five years, rising to $160 billion over 20 years. (Continue reading the rest of the report from Channel Newsasia HERE.)

***** Imagine how desperate the government must be that it is willing to exempt the IDR from the choking iron grip of the blatantly racist Never Ending Policy (NEP). Standing alone in the comity of civilized nations as the practitioner of unparalleled injustice and unfairness, it seems that the time has come for the Barisan Nasional to rein in populist policies which serve half the citizens while condemning the other half to continous misery and anger.

But I have great doubts if this 'rolling back' on apartheid-style policies will ever fully take place. The NEP is the life blood of the Umno politician, which keeps him alive and gives reason and cover for his existence in all his varied forms; selective benefactor, corrupt leader, manipulator of race and religion, wealth and power hungry greed merchant and benign-faced plunderer of and traitor to the nation.

But you don't have to believe me, for this is only a blog you see, and an anonymous one at that. The government has asked, nay ordered, that all should believe the mainstream media and cheer on the government in its noble 'struggle' to uplift the fortunes of everyone regardless of race in Malaysia. And while at it no harm screaming aloud "Malaysia Boleh!!"
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Technician Charged In Melissa Darlyne Chow CCTV Incident.

I'm sure you'll all still remember Melissa Darlyne Chow, the NST reporter whose thigh was the focus of a CCTV 'peeping-tom' incident last November. Well, the case finally came to court today and a horny 53 year-old has been charged.

Ramli Chin, a Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) technician was charged with insulting a reporter's modesty by focusing a closed-circuit television camera on her thighs during a full council meeting. He claimed trial in a magistrate's court to insulting the modesty of New Straits Times reporter Melissa Darlyne Chow, 24.

He was alleged to have committed the offence during the council meeting at the City Hall building, Jalan Padang Kota Lama at 12.30pm on Nov 10, last year. Ramli, of Sungai Tiram, Bayan Lepas, was unrepresented while ASP Jafri Md Zain appeared for the prosecution.

Ramli was charged with committing the offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail sentence of five years or a fine, or both, upon conviction. Magistrate Ooi Sheow Yean allowed Ramli bail of RM3,000 pending his trial on May 23. Ramli posted bail. (TheStar)
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Earlier related post: The Explanation Of A Libidinous Imbecile.

Chief Justice Must Show The Same Efficiency He Demands From Other Judges.

Why is the position of Chief Judge of Malaya still vacant? Asking this question is Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang.

He is quoted in the NST today as saying it had been 2½ months since the retirement of the former Chief Judge of Malaya, Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob, on Jan 5.

"The excuse that it will take some time to fill the position as it has to be forwarded to the prime minister, who will then advise the Conference of Rulers on the appointment, and that the Conference meets only once in every three months is unacceptable.

"It reflects poorly on the efficiency and professionalism of the Chief Justice that he could not ensure a smooth transition for high judicial appointments so that a new Chief Judge of Malaya could take over immediately after Siti Norma retired on Jan 5."

***** Currently Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim is the acting Chief Judge of Malaya. Kit Siang is absolutely justified in questioning the Chief Justice's intentions, motives and lame excuses for this inordinate and deplorable delay. It is as if he does not want another powerful figure apart from him to govern the judiciary and is intent on delaying the appointment of the Chief Judge for as long as he can.

A lot of suspicion was cast on Ahmad Fairuz, when after Tan Sri Siti Norma retired, he went on a judge transferring spree which by right should have been left to the next Chief Judge of Malaya. (You can read about that here: Why Is The Chief Justice In A Reckless Hurry To Transfer Judges?)

It is about time that Ahmad Fairuz realizes that people are increasingly suspicious of his true intentions and he had better dispel any doubts by personally seeing to it that the vacancy is filled immediately. Or is the candidate whom he prefers to be the Chief Judge not acceptable to the others? Anyone would like to hazard a guess?
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"ParkRidge 47," Creator Of YouTube Hillary Clinton Parody, Revealed.

A scathing parody of Sen. Hillary Clinton exploded across the Internet a few days ago, as more than 500,000 people viewed a re-edited Apple computer ad that casts the former first lady as an oppressive overlord.

The YouTube film, created by someone known only as "ParkRidge 47," splices a giant black and white Big Brother image of Clinton delivering campaign platitudes to brainwashed masses - until a blond female athlete chucks a sledgehammer at her droning image.

"On Jan. 14, the Democratic primary will begin. And you'll see why 2008 won't be like 1984," goes the tagline - before trumpeting BarackObama.com.

Today according to chinaview.cn, a political strategist resigned Wednesday from his job after acknowledging that it was he who had posted a controversial ad on the Internet against U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Philip de Vellis, who worked with Blue State Digital, an internet consulting firm that designed the website for Clinton's rival Barack Obama, said he had created the video ad himself outside work and neither his company nor the Obama campaign was aware of his role.

The Obama campaign Wednesday released a statement on the news, saying it had no knowledge and had nothing to do with the creation of the ad.

The 74-second ad showed Clinton addressing emotionless followers sitting in silence before a giant television screen, conveying a message favoring her rival Obama's nomination.

PM Unveils Measures To Boost Stock Market.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Thursday announced several measures to boost the equity market, property sector and the South Johor Iskandar Development Region.

In his keynote address at Invest Malaysia 2007 Conference here, Abdullah said competitiveness and efficiency of the Malaysian capital market was a top priority and a few measures had and would be taken to achieve the objectives.

Abdullah said new rules would be introduced by Bursa Malaysia to enable and regulate direct market access, which would improve trading efficiency and increase value added trading activities on the exchange.

To strengthen Malaysia's position as an international Islamic financial centre, he said, the Securities Commission (SC) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority would establish a mutual recognition regime to facilitate the cross border marketing of Islamic Fund between Malaysia and Dubai.

Abdullah said the government would continue with programmes to reduce its stake in government-linked companies that had high concentration of government linked ownership.
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The full report in Bernama HERE.

Early Morning Landslide At Putrajaya.

Residents from three blocks of a 15-storey apartment at Precint 9, Phase 11, in Putrajaya left their homes following a landslide behind their apartment at 4.30am this morning.

Twenty-three vehicles were buried under the landslide in which forced 1,000 residents to hurriedly evacuate their homes.

Putrajaya Police Chief ASP Razak Majid was quoted by Bernama as saying the landslide occurred at a hillock behind an apartment complex at Phase 11, Precinct 9. He added that there were no report of anyone being trapped under the landslide.

More details as it comes in.
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Lower picture from NST
Update from Bernama HERE.