PM's NEM Speech Laudable. Now Arrest Ibrahim Ali And Whip Civil Service Into Action

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the New Economic Model just now. On paper it is a courageous move. “We can’t afford to duck the issues any longer. If we are to truly tackle inequality and become a beacon of progress in the region, we must create a sense of urgency to reform,” Najib had said sounding like a true statesman.

However Reuters reported that 'Najib barely touched on the raft of economic and social privileges intended for the majority Malay residents that critics say has engendered graft. The prime minister is reliant on the 55 per cent Malay population for votes'. And THAT is the crux of the whole bloody problem. Espousing lofty principles and 'unveiling' plans for radical reforms is one thing but to get it implemented is a totally different kettle of ikan bilis.

Assuming if Najib truly believes in what he is preaching (and that's a big IF) and that he has the balls to demand its implementation, there are some real obstacles in taking that path. First we have that most opportunistic, racist bastard by the name of Ibrahim Ali and his fellow low life in Perkasa who represent the ideal amalgamation of the worst qualities in Malaysian politics coupled with a deeply rooted inferiority complex. Cheering them on are the biggest dangers to national and inter-ethnic unity - Tun Dr Mahathir and DPM Muhyiddin Yassin. The latter two are above the law in Umno's Malaysia and therefore untouchable. However if there is even an iota of genuineness in Najib's reform plans he should throw the book at Ibrahim Ali and incarcerate the bastard. This should not too difficult for Najib since he has some experience in such matters. At least it would have a calming effect on non-Malay businessmen and foreign investors. Screaming racist invectives is not going to help attract FDIs.

Another big hurdle the PM would face is the equally racist and notoriously moribund civil service. Getting these indolent louts to do his bidding might prove very, very difficult for there are many Ibrahim Alis who are comfortably perched in strategic positions who will not budge unless prodded like cattle.

Then there are the rent addicted umnoputeras who will make life hell for Najib. Free largesse is more potent than drugs and the PM can expect the mother of all withdrawal symptoms to afflict a large portion of Umno's membership. Outrage, violence and cardiac arrests may ensue.

In conclusion, Najib is going to have a terrible time in the near future if he is really determined to reform the nation's outdated and racist policies. But I have grave doubts if he will even get to first base before retreating with his tail between his legs. It takes a great leader to dare bring profound changes in the face of very strong opposition even from his own supporters. The current U.S. president is one such person. And believe you me, Najib is no Barack Obama.

KL Mayor 'Disappointed' By Poor Response To Merdeka Celebration. I'm Not Surprised, Are You?

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan is disappointed with the attitude of city folks, especially business owners who have yet to display the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) or put up decorative lights on their buildings even though the 51st year of independence (Merdeka) will be celebrated on Sunday.

If there was a flag, it was too small and not strategically placed, he told a news conference at his office Wednesday.

Ab Hakim said the owners of these premises seemed half-hearted in their efforts to celebrate and their attitude disappointed him although they had been given reminders.

"Look at the buildings here. Only a few put up the Jalur Gemilang and decorative lights. It's not wrong for me to say that no festive atmosphere can be felt for Merdeka. Don't wait for a minister to come down and ask them (premises owners) to put up the Jalur Gemilang and decorative lights," he said.

Ab Hakim said the public could buy the national flag at cost price from City Hall's treasury department in Jalan Raja Laut or its eight branch offices. "DBKL (City Hall) will also give out the Jalur Gemilang for free to those who pay taxes at the counters," he said. (Bernama)

***** Either this datuk bandar guy has been living in cuckoo land for the past few years or he's so out of touch with reality that he actually feels disappointed at the tepid public response! Just take a look at the cars on any road in any city or town and you'll notice that an overwhelming majority of them are not flying the flag.

Over the past decade the government has made the flying of the Jalur Gemilang synonymous with loyalty, gratitude and appreciation of the rakyat for our kerajaan. Now that the people are pissed off with these government chaps, especially those from Umno, they see no reason why the public should help boost the egos of these corrupt politicians by listening to and obeying their exhortations.

Therefore the KL mayor and all his superior officers can cry with disappointment and scream for flags to be flown till the lembus come home, but no way brudder. No way are we going to give you the pleasure of pushing us around and forcing the flag down our throat.

PM Says ACA 'Efficient'. Who Is He Trying To Kid?

From The Star

The Anti-Corruption Agency’s latest arrest of six people, including two Perak state exco members, is proof of the agency’s increased efficiency due to improvements to its enforcement capacity, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi brushed off comments by some PKR people who questioned the timing of the arrest coming during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign, and said it was a mere coincidence.

Abdullah said the ACA investigations and arrests had nothing to do with the Government.

“That is the ACA’s intelligence. Surely they cannot just watch someone committing a crime and do nothing. Because they know a crime has been committed, they act,” he said after chairing the 4th National Water Resource Council in Parliament yesterday.

He added that the ACA did not inform him prior to the arrest.

“There is no need to inform me. This is their job and I heard it from the news,” he said.

***** The whole report is littered with misleading statements and half-truths by Pak Lah.

Example 1: The timing of the arrest coming during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign is a mere coincidence. (Does he really expect us to believe that crap?)

Example 2: The ACA investigations and arrests had nothing to do with the Government. (Oh really!?!)

Example 3: The ACA cannot just watch someone committing a crime and do nothing. (Isn't that what these buggers have been doing all these years? Sleeping on the job and leaping into action and barking loudly when the government gives the green light)

Example 4: The ACA didn't inform me. I heard it from the news!!!. (Come on man! Even the politically naive rural bumpkin will have a tough time digesting this piece of ridiculous bullshit)

DPM Najib says: No political agenda in arrest

Penang Umno To Go All Out To Bring Development To Penang! Have They Been Sleeping In The Past?

Penang Umno will strengthen and streamline further the state's Bumiputera Participation Steering Committee to enhance development in Penang.

Penang Umno liaision committee deputy chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah said they would also rope in the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) and other bumiputera organisations in the effort.

He told this to reporters after some 650 Umno leaders from Penang held a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also Penang Umno president and Penang Umno chief, at the Putra World Trade Centre here Saturday.

It was the first of a series of meetings Abdullah plans to have with leaders of Umno divisions and branches from throughout the country.

Also present at today's meeting, were Information Miniser Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor and Umno information chief, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.

Touching on the meeting, Abdul Rashid it was done in an open and frank manner with Abdullah responding positively to the feedback given following the poor performance by Umno and the Barisan Nasional in the March 8 election.

All the leaders also voiced their undivided support for the leadership of Abdullah and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (Deputy Prime Minister and Umno deputy president), he said. (Bernama)

***** Now that these crooks have lost the state to Pakatan Rakyat, suddenly they have developed the desire to 'develop' Penang! However I'm sure that the average Penangite would say "thanks, but no thanks, we're in good hands now."

No one except the umnoputeras themselves will believe this Penang Umno bullshit.

More Election Bluff By Samy Vellu

Samy Vellu Hails Abdullah's Pledges
MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu says the pledges made by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the betterment of the Indian community showed the Barisan Nasional (BN) government looked after the interests of all races in the country.

Expressing MIC's appreciation to the Prime Minister, Samy Vellu said the pledges would also create more equitable opportunities for Indians.

" These are not mere promises but decisions that will be implemented with MIC's co-operation. We will ensure these decisions are carried our according to the Prime Minister's instructions in the next five years and thereafter," he said in a statement.

Abdullah made the pledges in advertisements placed by BN in Tamil newspapers today.

Among others, the Prime Minister promised that places of worship would be respected and protected, a pledge Samy Vellu said had given an "added assurance" to the Indian community.

The Works Minister said the party also welcomed Abdullah's pledge to take in more Indians into the civil service.

Other pledges include meeting educational needs of Indian children, further upgrading learning and teaching facilities in Tamil schools, increasing assistance for low-income and urban poor families and enhancing business opportunities for Indians.

" The Prime Minister's pledges have reinforced what the BN has been doing for the people for the past 50 years," added Samy Vellu who is defending his trade mark Sungai Siput parliamentary seat for the ninth term in Saturday's general election. (Bernama)

***** What Semi Value is trying to say is that NOTHING has been done thus far but Pak Lah has ASSURED that it will be done in the FUTURE! Period.

Assisting low-income citizens, meeting educational needs of Indian children, providing help for mostly dilapidated and totally ignored Tamil schools, enhancing business opportunities for the marginalised poor, ensuring equal opportunities in civil service intakes and promotions and the safeguarding of temples should have been done as a matter of course in the past years.

But after decades of criminal neglect, the MIC being branded as a useless, self-serving party and Umno becoming synonymous with neo-apartheid practices, to claim that this or that will be done after the elections is nothing but a bogus attempt at duping the public. No one will believe this Semi Value fairy tale.
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Malaysia Run According To 'Islamic Principles', Says Najib. Far Cry From The Earlier Islamic State Claim Isn't It?

The leadership and administration of the country in the last 51 years has been in accordance with 'Islamic principles', said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"Islam carries a wide meaning. For instance, welfare work is one aspect that is enjoined by the religion, so is the provision of job opportunities," he told reporters after attending a meet-the-people session at Sekolah Menengah Kubang Kerian II, here Sunday. Also present was Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.

Najib added that the country's achievements had also gained recognition from well-known Islamic scholars including Egypt's Al-Azhar University's Grand Sheik Mohammed Sayyid Al-Tantawi, who was in Malaysia recently for the university's world alumni conference.

***** This is the most pathetic and laughingly wishy-washy back door declaration of an Islamic state I have ever heard. Being the true blue opportunist that politicians are, Najib has very cleverly avoided the term Islamic state for fear of putting off non-Muslims. But nevertheless in order to appeal to the Muslim electorate in Kelantan he has to be seen to say something linking Islam and the government. So you have this ridiculous description about Islamic principles.

If welfare work and provision of job opportunities is Najib's idea of governing in accordance with 'Islamic principles', then many western nations are more 'Islamic' than we are. The things these politicians will say to fish for votes!
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Do You Believe This Najib Claim? - "Promises Not Just To Win Votes!"

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stressed Friday that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is not one that promises to do everything for the people just to win the general election on March 8.

"We can make all sorts of promises to win but we are a responsible government and only promise things that we can implement," the deputy prime minister said.

In the field of education, for example, the government had done what was best and every promise in efforts to enhance the status and commitment of teachers had been fulfilled, he said when opening a state-level seminar on school leadership here.

"In Malaysia, new teachers who have just started work, for example, can already buy cars and take housing loans. Teachers who serve in the interior are given allowances of between RM500 and RM1,000," he said.

As such, he wanted teachers in the country to give their full commitment to the government's efforts to produce a truly educated new generation capable of contributing to the dignity of the race.

Najib also wanted the school principals and headmasters to foster relations with the local communities to ensure full cooperation from all parties, including parents, in the students' learning process.

"If the principal or headmaster is dynamic and visionary, a team leader who knows how to get along with the local community, a transformational leader, then we can make a mega leap or multiple leap in the country's education," he said, ending his speech with a poem.

Jika Kita Bersatu Hati; Negara Makmur, Rakyat Cemerlang;

Lapan Haribulan, Hari Mengundi;

Membentuk Kerajaan Gemilang Terbilang. (Bernama)

***** What do we call the shameless propaganda in Bernama and the mainstream media if not devious attempts to win votes? What about dishing out goodies while strongly implying that a vote for BN is a vote for better things to come, while a nod for the opposition is the beginning of the end?

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No Feat Too Minor For Malaysia's Record Breakers

The tallest pencil. The fastest pizza eater. The longest nonstop escalator walk.

When it comes to breaking records, it's hard to beat Malaysia. Almost no feat is too minor or outlandish for the Malaysian Book of Records, a biannual compendium of more than 2,000 national achievements that is a riposte of sorts to the gate-keepers of Guinness World Records. Barely a week goes by without another record-breaking attempt on local TV.

For a nation of 27 million people keen to punch above its weight, this frenzy of firsts and bests is a source of pride, even if urban sophisticates groan at its mention. Government ministers oversee record-breaking bids, lending an official seal of approval, though none made it through the longest underwater checkers marathon (70 games played over 24 hours).

Malaysians trace their zeal for records to the go-getting 1990s when former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad coined the slogan "Malaysia Boleh!" (Malaysia Can!) to hustle the country forward. He ramped up economic growth, erected the world's tallest building – the 1,482-foot Petronas twin towers – and predicted that Malaysia would be a first-world country by 2020 if it kept reaching for the sky.

The Asian financial crisis in 1998 clipped Malaysia's wings, though, and Taiwan's Taipei 101 has since sneaked past Kuala Lumpur on the skyscraper charts. Mr. Mahathir retired in 2003, and the breakneck growth of the 1990s has proved hard to emulate as China thunders past Malaysia and its Southeast Asian neighbors.

Can-do spirit

But that hasn't dampened the can-do spirit of Danny Ooi, the local entrepreneur who published the first Malaysian Book of Records (MBR) in 1998. He says the idea isn't to outshine Guinness World Records and its more famous book. Rather, he wants to inspire his countrymen to dizzying feats, and then to bask in the admiration of the world.

"We're not competing with world record books. We're doing our own. People come to Malaysia and they will know what we have and our highest achievements," he says.

The next edition of the book, due in April, will have 30 percent more entries, but fewer that are as hazardous as the most days spent inside a box of scorpions, for example. "Safety is important," says Mr. Ooi. The book retails for 98 ringgit ($30) in Malaysia, and is supported by dozens of pages of advertisements.

Eventually Ooi plans to build a Hall of Fame with displays of memorabilia and an arena for record-breaking attempts. A tireless publicist who wears monogrammed sky-blue flak jackets with "MBR Official" on the back, Ooi oversees a skeleton staff of 10 in charge of certifying national records. Some attend record-breaking events, others monitor public submissions, send guidelines to events organizers, and judge which merit inclusion. A website offers another way to send entries (www.malaysiarecords.com.my).

Many records are surprisingly humdrum: longest jetty, largest kitchen sink producer, biggest inflatable mascot.

As national record keepers, MBR spreads the awards between different areas of the country, making sure nobody feels left out.

The state of Sarawak, for instance, boasts the nation's first, and only, cat museum. Left unsaid is the global singularity of its feline theme.

The book doubles as a civics class, listing elected leaders since independence in 1957 and profiling deceased national heroes.

Ooi says his all-time favorite was a successful team attempt in 2003 to drape a Malaysian flag along the Great Wall of China. Twenty-three university students took 4 hours and 17 minutes to unfurl their 3.2-kilometer (2 mile) flag, beating the record set in 2000 by another Malaysian team who brought a 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) flag. "It's not easy to put a flag on one of the seven wonders of the world," says Ooi reverently.

Such record-breaking zeal is amply documented in MBR, but largely absent from the Guinness World Records, which has been compiling records since 1955. A spokeswoman says Malaysia represents a very low percentage of entries in its database of over 40,000 records (the US leads the pack, followed by Britain).

Guinness's loss is Malaysia's gain

On average, Guinness rejects 80 percent of submissions, whether for incompleteness, irrelevance, or sheer idiocy. That kind of cold shoulder was a crucial spur for Malaysia's go-it-alone book, says Ricky Yap, an editorial assistant at MBR. "Guinness didn't give enough recognition to Malaysia. We wanted to have our own book," he says.

Not everyone in Malaysia is wowed by the book and its circus sideshow superlatives. Some roll their eyes at its triviality. "Breaking the world record for the 100 meters, now that's something. Not eating the most sausages in one go. I mean, who cares?" says Shazli, a banker.

At an awards ceremony for the National Zoo, which holds a record for breeding birds in captivity, Ooi is too busy extolling the benefits of record-breaking to pay much heed to his critics. Why not focus on the positive and allow people their 15 minutes of fame? "It's inspirational," he says. "Seeing people strive can inspire the nation to excellence."

Malaysia's Records:Bigger, Better, Faster, More

TREE PLANTING: 110,461 trees planted in one minute. The event took place on Oct. 5, 2000, to celebrate World Habitat Day 2000.

LONGEST HULA HOOPING: Nine-year old Ashwita Ramesh Nair surpassed her previous record for the longest hula hooping for a total of two hours, 12 minutes and 17.4 seconds nonstop. The feat was achieved on Oct. 15, 2005.

PLANE PULLING: On Sept. 30, 1990, R. Letchemanah became the first Malaysian to use his hair to pull an aircraft. This Herculean task involved dragging a 32.5-ton (71,650 lbs.) Boeing 737 over a distance of 55.3 feet at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang.

TALLEST PENCIL: A.W. Faber-Castell (M) Sdn Bhd took four months to complete a 66.4-foot tall pencil made of kiln-dried Jelutong sawn timber. The pencil is now housed at the company's premises in USJ, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

LARGEST BEAN ART: A total of 250 students from the Central Academy of Art and 250 volunteers took two days and two hours to complete a 104-foot long, 87.9-foot wide, Buddhism Auspicious Design collage made entirely from 12 tons of beans.

MOST EGGS CRUSHED WITH THE WRIST: Sivasamy s/o Balakrishnan of Panaikkulam Village, Perak, crushed 25 eggs in 30 seconds. He placed the egg on the back of his wrist and bent his fingers backward to break the eggs. The feat was achieved on Sept. 20, 2005 at his work place, the Restaurant Naina Mohammed in Ipoh, Perak.

LONGEST ABBREVIATION: The longest know abbreviation is S.K.O.M.K.H.P.K.J.C.D.P.W.B., the acronym for Syarikat Kerjasama Orang-Orang Melayu Kerajaan Hilir Perak Kerana Jimat Cermat Dan Pinjam-Meminjam Wang Berhad. The shorter version of this abbreviation reads S.K.O.M.K.

SMALLEST SHREW: The smallest adult specimen of the pentailed shrew (Ptilocercus lowii) of Malaysia has a length of 3 inches. It has a head and body length of 4 inches, its tail is 5 inches, and it weighs as little as 1.2 ounces.

MOST FREQUENT BEST MAN: As of March 2006, Ting Ming Siong of Sibu, Sarawak, is still the most frequent best man with 1,395 times from 1975 to present day.

Source: The Malaysia Book of Records, 2007. (By Simon Montlake | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor)

***** My, aren't we just proud of our marvelous achievements? Malaysia Boleh!!
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Indians Can Judge MIC Through Its Track Record - Samy Vellu. They Have And You've Failed Miserably

The gathering of 15,000 MIC members at a meeting with the prime minister in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow evening is not a show of strength by the party but a demonstration of support for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the government, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said today.

Organised by the Federal Territory MIC and dubbed "An Evening with the Prime Minister", the event at the Cheras Badminton Stadium will gather the largest ever number of MIC members at one location in recent times.

"The gathering will pledge support for the Barisan Nasional (BN) and the prime minister. This is the start of a series of such gatherings throughout the country aimed at bolstering the party's strength and support for the BN ahead of the next general election," the MIC chief told Bernama, when contacted.

Carrying the theme "Unity and Solidarity with the BN", the event would set the stage for a more cohesive and coordinated effort to unite the Malaysian Indian community.

Samy Vellu is expected to use the gathering to speak on the need for the country's 1.8 million Indians to continue to lend their support to the ruling BN government and why they should be wary of tactics employed by the opposition parties to hoodwink Malaysian Indians at large.

"Indians can judge the MIC and BN through our track records. They know we are here to help and assist them in uplifting their standing. We have done that all along and we would not abandon our aim," said Samy Vellu, who is also Works Minister.

***** Does MIC require a police permit to 'show support' for the BN and do the police have the guts to refuse them one? Why does Sam want to waste precious funds on a totally pointless gesture? Who is he trying to impress? Wouldn't it be better to spend that money on some badly needed repair work for the many dilapidated structures passing off as Tamil schools?

Sam is also attempting to show that he too can muster a huge crowd like what Hindraf did. But the difference is that Hindraf fought for Indian rights while Semi Value is feverishly fighting for his own political survival. And the best way to ensure that is a little sandiwara here and a huge public relations gathering there, but all absolutely devoid of anything meaningful for the average rock-bottom scraping Indian. Sam has lost the battle and he is terrified that he'll lose the war as well. We can expect more of such meaningless stunts from him in the future.

You can read the rest of Sam's bullshit HERE.
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UK Advertising Watchdog: Malaysian Palm Oil Ads Misleading. Friends of the Earth Term The Ads 'A Complete Lie'

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) censured Wednesday commercials for Malaysian palm oil, saying they break the rules and are misleading.

Two television advertisements for the Malaysia Palm Oil Council, which promotes the market expansion of Malaysian palm oil, wrongly imply the product is good for the environment, the authority said.

The ASA said the commercials breached rules on misleading advertising, evidence and environmental claims.

The first commercial shows a palm oil plantation while a voice-over says: 'Its trees give life and help our planet breathe, and give home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.' This is likely to mislead viewers about the environmental benefits of oil palm plantations in comparison with native rainforest, the ASA said. The claim about flora and fauna is also likely to mislead, it said.

The second ad's voice-over says: 'Its trees give life and help our planet breathe. Its fruit provides vitamins for our bodies and energy for our daily lives.' The authority upheld two complaints about the second commercial lodged by the environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth.

'Because there was not a consensus that there was a net benefit to the environment from Malaysia's palm oil plantations, we concluded the ads were misleading,' the ASA said.

The Malaysia Palm Oil Council said plantations do not typically replace native rainforest, that they are customarily sustainable and that they support biodiversity.

Friends of the Earth biofuels campaigner Hannah Griffiths said: 'It is a complete lie to advertise palm oil as sustainably produced. It has devastating impacts on the environment and on local communities.' (CNNMoney.com)

***** Did our ads tell it as it is and are the UK folks just 'jealous' of our products? Or are we guilty of 'twisting the truth'? The latter seems quite plausible, considering that even our government has shown in the past that it is very capable of bending facts, spinning untruths and making outrageous claims.
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Three Fawning BN Toadies And One Umno Musang Blatantly Lie In Their New Year Message

First in the roll call of the boot licking specialists of Barisan Nasional is none other than that fast-turning-into-a relic leader of diminishing value, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu aka Semi Value @ Sam who without a pang of conscience or batting an eye said, "my new year resolution is to continue improving the standard of living among the Malaysian society, especially the Indian community. The task is not complete as long as the poor are still in our midst."

Note how he says that he will CONTINUE 'improving the standard of living' which clearly shows that he is still deluded and actually thinks he has done a helluva lot of good for the people. Moreover by saying that the 'task is NOT complete' he has indirectly confirmed that he will not be vacating his post any time soon.

And to insure that the big guns of Umno don't shoot him down he cleverly adds, "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak are friends and protectors of the Indian community!! They can defend and improve the standard of living of the community." One can always pose the question why these two powerful 'friends and protectors' have thus far done precious little for the betterment of even the hardcore Indian poor if they genuinely had the desire?

Being the typical mercantile Chinaman that MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting is, he smartly sidestepped ethnic issues and concentrated on bluffing about the economy when he said that the "MCA would continue to work hard to ensure that the country's economic policy would create more opportunities and wealth for the people besides drawing foreign investment. Which 'people' he of course did not elaborate on. And trying very hard to sound like a great leader who has transcended petty ethnic considerations he said that the "MCA would not only champion the rights and welfare of the Chinese but also those of the other communities as well"!

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon should stop acting and tell things as they are. Instead he stuck to hypothetical advice and small talk by saying that "Malaysians should continue to forge the spirit of unity through moderation and consultation, and not to allow anyone to invoke animosity through extremism and confrontation." As usual this spineless gentleman did not enlighten us on the crucial point, WHO those unnamed people who 'invoke animosity through extremism and confrontation' are.

"Let us also be humble enough to learn from our problems and shortcomings," added this paragon of humility and servility. Since he has not given details it will be not wrong to assume that in his view the 'shortcomings and problems' refers to troublemakers like S. Paranjothy as well as the Bersih and Hindraf rally supporters.

People's Progressive Party PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas at least made sense when he asked the people irrespective of race and religion to come together as a Malaysian race towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the country as this would help address disparities among the races and counter threats to the country's stability.

The Umno musang, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman as always lied through his teeth when he in typical umnoputera fashion claimed that religious and cultural freedom 'enjoyed by the people' should not be taken for granted. What freedom, which culture and whose religion was conveniently left blank. Someone should ask the musang if the Hindraf ISA detainees too should be included in the category of people who are 'enjoying' this freedom.
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To all readers of this blog - A Very Happy And Prosperous NEW Year.

"Power-Sharing, Tolerance Basis For Nation's Success." How Accurate Is This Najib Statement?

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says power-sharing and the exercise of tolerance in a multiracial society, practised by the government, are the basis for political stability and the nation's success.

The deputy prime minister said all component parties of the Barisan Nasional (BN) had the responsibility to safeguard the existing cooperation and collaboration among them to ensure that the country achieved greater excellence in the future.

"Surely, we cannot develop the country if we cannot maintain political stability," he said in his message in the souvenir programme published in conjunction with the 12th annual general assembly of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) which he is scheduled to open tomorrow.

Najib said solidarity and political stability had enabled the BN government to bring about development and enhance the quality of life of the people, including those in the rural areas.

"The government will continue to step up efforts to assist the rural people, particularly in Sabah," he said. (Bernama)

***** How so very nice Najib's speech sounds! But alas, there are a few crucial points that our revered DPM conveniently omitted. For one, he did not tell us that in our country the much hyped word tolerance has different 'functions' for different people. In the umnoputera lexicon, there are two types of 'tolerance'; one for the Malays and the other is the tolerance expected and often demanded of the non-Malays.

For the non-Malays it means that they are required to unquestioningly accept the Never Ending Policy (NEP) and all the injustice and discrimination which comes along with it. They have to acquiesce and passively support any and all plans or programmes of the government even if there is nothing in it for them or it places them at a distinct disadvantage. They have to smile, cheer on the Umno pemimpin and vote for the BN at every election.

In return for this laudable display of patriotism, 'tolerance (non-Malay)' and gratitude, the government on behalf of the Malays (or so they claim) will exercise the second type of tolerance. This 'tolerance (Malay)' is an implied one and which surfaces at every Umno general assembly and its direct meaning is the refraining from actively sponsoring/inciting/participating in bloodbaths and May 13 style pogrom.

The same 'democratic' principles apply for the other much hyped claim, namely 'power-sharing'. As long as Umno gets a disproportionate, lion's share of parliamentary and state seats, government posts and every single ministerial portfolio of consequence/importance and provided that the rest of the BN 'family' wholeheartedly agree to and merrily applaud every major decision and appointment made in the name of bangsa, agama dan negara, the country will continue to be stable, successful and populated by happy citizens who display true 'solidarity'.

So you see our 'formula' for political stability and the nation's success is pretty straightforward. All it requires is remarkably thick non-Malay skin coupled with a commendable degree of humble servitude towards Umno, of which there is a surfeit in the BN 'family'.

If in the occasional event you get a maverick like Gerakan's S. Paranjothy who complained of race discrimination, he will be branded a traitor making 'baseless' allegations, be hounded out of the party and made such an example of, that other 'mischief-makers' would be convincingly discouraged from telling 'malicious lies' about the benevolent Umno leadership.

And finally, when Najib continues to make such nice muhibah speeches all over the country, the step-siblings of the BN 'family' would be expected to nod vigorously in grateful agreement and shout joyfully in unison, "Malaysia Boleh!"
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"Government Does Not Favour Any One Community," Says PM. Is This Fact Or Fiction?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said tonight the power-sharing formula adopted by the Barisan Nasional (BN) would keep the coalition in power in the country.

He said the BN government gave priority to cooperation and consensus among the coalition partners and did not favour any one community.

"We cannot give importance to any one community because everyone has their rights in this country," he said.

The prime minister said the consensus practised in the BN has enabled the government to implement various development projects for the people.

Abdullah said the power-sharing formula should be safeguarded, adding that the country could not be administered by any one community.

He said the government did not dismiss any view or proposal put forward by the leaders of the various communities.

"We appreciate their views. Any decision made is in the best interests of the people," he said.

Abdullah said that in developing the country, the BN government focused on providing basic facilities such as communications, transport, healthcare and education.

It also ensured peace and stability and established a conducive atmosphere for employment, he added. (Bernama)

***** Pak Lah seems to be convinced and sincere in what he says. But are we really living in a country where everyone is treated the same, there is no overt/covert discrimination and no marginalisation at all? Do we truly live in the Utopia the BN spin is suggesting? Or are we citizens of a nation where racism and chauvinism rule relentlessly?
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Link:
1) MCA's Umno-trained puppies bark on cue.
2) Malaysia urged to protect temples.

"Malaysia's Education System Proved To Be Among World's Best," Says Najib. Is This Really True?

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein's election to Unesco's executive board with the highest number of votes proves that Malaysia's education system is among the world's best. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this to Malaysian journalists at the end of his four-day visit to France before leaving for home via London.

He said Hishammuddin was the right candidate for the seat and his election lifted the country's image. It would also enable Malaysia to give greater contributions to the development of education system elsewhere, he said.

"I am very proud with this achievement. It proves that we have good products that have been recognised at the Unesco-level and the world," he said.

Malaysia was elected to Unesco's executive board after receiving 147 votes in the Asia-Pacific group at the organisation's 34th general conference here yesterday. Five other countries in the group elected were South Korea (139 votes), the Philippines (137), Sri Lanka (130), Mongolia (130) and Pakistan (106), out of nine contesting countries.

Hishammuddin was an early favourite among Unesco member countries now numbering 193.

Najib said that through Malaysia's election, the country would be able export the "winning formula" of its education system to other countries. He also expressed confidence in Hishammuddin and said that the education minister would be able to cooperate with his Unesco colleagues and uplift the country's image further throughout his 2008-2011 term.

Asked on urgent issues that need to be dealt with by Unesco, Najib said: "Ensuring education for all". "I see this as the most crucial because there are countries where only 30 per cent of their children go to school. If that is the case, the countries will face a bleak future and many serious problems," he said.

Najib said the successful Unesco bid capped a series of sterling achievements by Malaysia in a matter of days.

It started with the return of the country's first spaceman, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, from the International Space Station to earth on Sunday followed by the launch of Malaysia's first submarine in Cherbourg, France, on Tuesday.

"Praise be to God, Malaysia achieved three big feats in a short period of time," he said. (Bernama)

***** Oh boy! That's a whole load of hype with a capital 'H'. What has Hishammuddin's election success got to do with our education system? At best it shows that we have very 'generous' lobbying skills. And Najib wants to export the "winning formula" of our education system to other countries! Does this mean that the minorities of some foreign lands are going to get the short end of the stick as is happening here?

Perhaps in the excitement of seeing his cousin winning the Unesco bid, the DPM got overwhelmed and spoke without thinking? No country should condemn half their citizens to fight for morsels while the other half enjoy the fruits of everyone's hard work. No other nation should impose such unfair and unjust rules which allow the undeserving to leisurely walk into their varsities while the straight-A achievers watch from the sidelines empty-handed.

To Unesco members, go ahead and elect our education ministers for life terms at Unesco if you wish, but please don't ever import or copy our system of educational apartheid. Your citizens deserve better.
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Our Angkasawans To Be Recognized As Cosmonauts By Russian Government

National spaceman Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, 35, and second choice Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed will receive recognition to be named as “cosmonauts” from the Russian government in a graduation-like ceremony to be held in Moscow soon.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said the ceremony would be held after Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor returns to the country.

Dr Jamaluddin hoped that the recognition would stop the debate on the Malaysian space mission.

“We also plan to send Dr Faiz to be trained in Nasa for the next mission,” Dr Jamaluddin told reporters.

He said he would be leaving for the US at end of November to meet Nasa officials to discuss the plan to send Dr Faiz for training for at least a year or six months, depending on the situation.

Dr Jamaluddin said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is scheduled to return to the earth on Sunday and undergo “quarantine” for at least a week to 'neutralise'(?) himself with the gravity on earth. (The Star)

***** Why does Jarjis feel that any 'debate' on the angkasawan be 'stopped' just because of the upcoming Russian government recognition? What has the recognition to do with the speculation about deals, counter-deals and under-the-counter payments in the purchase of MIG jets?

I'm also surprised that a lowly errand boy of the Federal government, i.e. Jarjis who can't tell the difference between a fish ball and Spaceball wants to go to the U.S. and hold discussions with NASA! What 'incentive' is he going to provide them and how much will it cost the taxpayer? Will he speak English there or will he like the former Selangor MB, Muhammad s/o Muhammad claim that he no 'speaky Inglis'?
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First Malaysian In Space A Cosmonaut, Says Jarjis

Malaysia's first "angkasawan" (space traveller) will be recognised as a cosmonaut by the Russian space authorities, said Science, Techology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis.

He said that an official recognition ceremony for the angkasawan as a cosmonaut would be held in Moscow on Nov 11 following his return from space on Oct 21.

"Some countries might question this, but to me, it is not important. What matters is that the candidate was selected and trained by Russia and the country recognises him as a true cosmonaut," he told reporters after breaking fast with members of the media here tonight.

He was commenting on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) referring to Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, one of two Malaysians eligible to make an expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Russian Soyuz rocket on Oct 10, as "space flight participant" on its website.

The term given by NASA to the Malaysian angkasawan had made many Malaysians unhappy as Malaysia had put in a lot of effort to send its first man into space. "The Russians themselves had told our man (angkasawan) that he is a cosmonaut, and that's the end of the story," he said.

Jamaludin said it was the Russians who had selected and will be sending the Malaysian angkasawan to space and therefore it is appropriate for them to give the recognition and not the United States.

He also said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will witness the launch of the space expedition in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 10 at 9.30pm.

There will also be teleconferencing between the leaders with the Malaysian angkasawan while he is stationed aboard the ISS.

Jamaludin said the spacecraft carrying the Malaysian angkasawan and two other astronauts accompanying him will land in Siberia not far from the launch pad in Baikonour, Kazakhstan on Oct 21 at 6.30pm Malaysian time. A helicopter will pick them up and take them to an airport where they will be flown to Moscow, he said.

Najib is scheduled to receive the Malaysian Angkasawan there. Jamaludin said the angkasawan would have to undergo health observation for a week before being allowed to return home and that a grand welcome would be organised for him.

He added that he had written to all State Islamic departments and menteris besar and chief minister to hold special prayers on Friday for the angkasawan.
He hoped all Malaysians would join in and pray for the angkasawan's safe expedition. (Bernama)

***** In the past, spacemen of different countries, including India and Vietnam, trained in Russia and launched in Russian craft were always referred to as cosmonauts. Our man is no different and deserves the same recognition and respect accorded to others.

There is no reason to doubt his credentials or his ability. The route through which he got into the space programme may be controversial, i.e. the defence purchase trade-off and the rumoured kickbacks to well connected and influential politicians and their cronies. But that has nothing to do with our man in space and he should not be blamed or belittled because of this. There seems to be a tendency among commenters in this and other blogs to be insulting and scornful of the angkasawan. This more than anything else seems to be a case of sour grapes. So much so one gets the impression that if the cosmonaut had been a Chinese or an Indian there would not have been so many negative observations.

The one thing which puts me off though, is the hype by the Umno leadership. Najib will try to get into the space limelight hoping that it will deflect attention from the irregularities of the defence purchase, while Jarjis will squeeze every bit of publicity for himself and the other umnoputeras. Already Jarjis is using the agama angle by asking State Islamic departments to conduct prayers! As the launch date nears you can be sure that the bangsa, agama dan negara refrain will be heard loudly ad nauseam, while the Umno warlords go to town with the perjuangan parti crap and the optimistic "tak kan Melayu hilang di dunia" slogan. What an effective way to amass some pre-election pahala!
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Bootlicking Sycophancy At Its Worst - Khairy Selected To Hoist Malayan Flag In Re-Enactment!

From today's TheStar:
Umno deputy youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is used to having thousands of eyes watch his every move and thinks nothing of it. However, what he has been asked to do tonight has got him feeling like a bundle of nerves.

He has been given the important task of hoisting the Malayan flag during the re-enactment of the countdown to independence, which occurred at Dataran Merdeka in 1957, when an Umno Youth member hoisted the flag.

Tomorrow night, he will carry the Declaration of Independence to be handed over to the VIPs at the mammoth Merdeka celebration at Merdeka Stadium.

“I am scared, really. I have been practising and wanting to get it perfectly right. This is huge and makes the Merdeka more meaningful to me personally,” said Khairy when met during a rehearsal at Merdeka Stadium last night.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim were also present at the rehearsal.

Khairy said he received a call from Umno Youth leader Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein a few weeks ago who informed him of the “duties.”

“I was overwhelmed then, and I still am,” he added.

***** Are we so short of eligible, deserving and talented young Malay men that we have to depend on a political opportunist to hoist the flag? His only qualification is that of being a notoriously high profile son-in-law of the Prime Minister.

The bootlickers in Umno of whom there are literally thousands, merely to ingratiate themselves to the party president have selected, despite I'm sure their very private reservations, this totally undeserving character to do the honours. Those servile and obsequious 'pemimpin' who go crawling on all fours to the 'hallowed' offices at level 4 Putrajaya, should be ashamed of themselves at this blatant display of pure, unadulterated sycophancy.

And this Khairy character proudly claims to 'struggle' for maruah bangsa when those that surround him and his father-in-law do not have even the slightest idea of what it means to have maruah! Maruahless baruahs.
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Desperate Zahid Hamidi Urges Vehicle Owners To Fly The "Jalur Gemilang"

Private and commercial vehicle owners were urged to help liven up the country's 50th Merdeka celebration by flying the national flag on their vehicles.

Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the response from the public to fly the "Jalur Gemilang" on their vehicles, homes as well as at government buildings and schools had been lukewarm so far.

"This is Malaysia's 50th Merdeka celebration where the people should show their love for the country," he told reporters after a dinner for the Malaysia Gemilang convoy at Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, near here last night.

He said there was no reason for private and commercial vehicle owners not to fly the "Jalur Gemilang" on their vehicles as they could very well afford to buy the flag.

"During the convoy's journey from Sungai Rambai to Jasin and Melaka, we saw many village houses, government buildings and schools flying the Jalur Gemilang but only one or two out of every 100 private and commercial vehicles on the road doing likewise," he added.

The Malaysia Gemilang convoy, comprising 350 high-powered motorcycles and 50 other vehicles, led by Zahid is into the second day of its 10-day tour of the peninsula today. Its next stop is Port Dickson. (Bernama)

***** Our man Zahid should convey his observation to the Cabinet, that only one to two percent of vehicle owners see it fit to fly the national bendera. He should in fact be urging his fellow flag fetishists in the government to ponder on the reasons for this near unanimous reluctance and the refusal of the average citizen to play ball and be a willing participant in a BN choreographed and stage-managed 50th Merdeka big bash.

An honest assessment on this sorry situation will I'm sure be revealing. But then again, is there place for honesty nowadays?
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Government's Merdeka Hype To Reach Outer Space!

The "Jalur Gemilang", the symbol of Malaysia's independence and sovereignty, is already flying at Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, and the North and South Poles. Now the outer space beckons.

Come October, the Malaysian flag will fly off to outer space with the country's first astronaut.

The "Jalur Gemilang" was designed by Mohamad Hamzah, an architect at a government department in Johor. His design, which portrayed 11 blue and white stripes with a yellow crescent and star on the left side, was chosen from among three in a public poll carried out by the Malay Mail in 1949.

A few changes were made to Mohamad's design and the final version of the flag was approved by the Conference of Rulers in February 1950. On April 19 the same year, the Federal Legal Council endorsed it.

The flag, with standard size of six feet by three feet, has 11 horizontal stripes, alternately in red and white with the uppermost stripe being red, and a blue quarter with a crescent and an 11-pointed star in yellow.

The flag was approved by Britain's King George VI on May 19 1950 and flown for the first time at a flag-hoisting ceremony organised by the British High Commissioner a week later at the palace grounds of the Sultan of Selangor. The function was attended by all the Malay Rulers and officials of the British government.

Known as the flag of the Federation of Malaya, it was amended with the amalgamation of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, which gave birth to a new nation, Malaysia, in 1963. The number of stripes and points of the star was changed to 11 to represent the 14 states.

The Malaysian flag was flown officially for the first time throughout the country to signify the birth of the new nation on Sept 16, 1963.

Although Singapore seceded from Malaysia on Aug 9, 1965, the number of stripes and points of the stars was maintained to symbolise the 13 states in the federation and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

On the eve of Aug 31, 1997 in conjunction with Malaysia's 40th Independence Day, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the Jalur Gemilang as the official name of the Malaysian flag.

The colour red signifies strength, bravery and courage in facing challenges, white for honesty and integrity while the dark blue canton represents unity and harmony of the people of Malaysia.

The 14-pointed star symbolises unity of the 13 states with the Federal Government. The yellow colour of the crescent and star is the royal colour of the rulers and the crescent represents Islam as the dominant religion. (Bernama)

***** Strength, bravery and courage; honesty and integrity; unity and harmony - sounds nice on paper but after 50 years where, I wonder have these ideals disappeared to?

As for sending our flag to space, no harm actually. But it does underscore the lengths to which some people will go to extract a bit of positive publicity.
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