Soundwaves...

ALBA'S BIKINI-ED BOTTOM SANK INTO THE BLUE

2005-10-20T17:05:00.000+08:00

Anyone who had watched the movie "Into the Blue" should have realised that its just an ordinary underwater flick with the exception of some great bums and abs here and there.

Saw this movie some two weeks ago and decided to do a short note on it. In short, all I can is that there is nothing to shout about as the storyline was lame.

Can't really get connected with the movie....as for the other audiences out there, I can't really say much though.

Perhaps those who enjoy watching all the frolicking in the sun and Jessica Alba's bikini-ed bottom in the blue sea would appreciate the movie.

As a matter of fact, I did not have much expectation in such a movie and it was true indeed as not only was the acting bad, the show was choppy and draggy. The only memorable thing apart from Ashely Scott's partial breast-baring scene was its spectacular underwater cinematography.

Anyway, since I got to watch it for free [courtesy of the Star], I shouldn't have any complaints.

Sadly to say, but no amount of breast baring and bum showing can save this movie from John Stockwell take this cue and does better in his next film.

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES

2005-10-20T09:29:00.000+08:00

Was told by a little bird that PAK LAH's wife, Endon Mahmood, has returned to Rahmatullah at 07:55hr this morning.

My sincere condolences to Pak Lah and his family.

Bernama has the story here.

AFRICAN MONEY LAUNDERING SCAM

2005-10-12T12:18:00.000+08:00

In case any of you are wandering or want to know further on how the African money laundering scam goes about, then read on the sample of the mail below which I just received from this person claimed as Dr Tanjumah Ahmed in my blog's email account, who wished to give me USD3.5 million:

Dr.Tanjumah Ahmed.
Accountant/Auditor
EcoBank BeninRue du Gouverneur Bayol,
01 BP 1280 - CotonouSwift: ECOCBJJ
Télex : 539 ECOBNK

Dear Sir/Madam.
RE: TRANSFER OF (USD 3.5 MILLION)

Your contact information has been extracted from the Benin Information Exchange (BAIE)by a helpful friend of the family. Trusting the efficiency of the Benin Information Exchange (BAIE)I deduce you are capable and reliable to handle this international transaction. Allow me to shed some light on my reason for writing you.

I am Dr. Tanjumah Ahmed the accountant/auditor in ECO BANK ,Benin and personal confidant to Dr. Ravindra F. Shah,unfortunately died together with his wife Dr.Mrs. Manjula Parikh-Shah in the tragic plane crash of Union Transport Africaines Flight Boeing 727 in Cotonou,Benin republic on the December 25, 2003. You will read more stories about thecrash on visiting the below website:

www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/26/benin.crash/.

I want to transfer to overseas ($3,500.000.00 USD) Three million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) from ECO Bank PLC, Benin. I have the courage to ask for your assistance to handle this important and confidential business to provide either an existing bank account or to set up a new Bank a/c immediately to receive this money, even an empty a/c can serve toreceive thisfunds quitely.

Mr. Ravindra F. Shah, is an American, a physician and industrialist, he died December 25, 2003 without having any beneficiary to his assets including his account here in BENIN which he opened in a Eco Bank-Benin in the year 2000 as his personal savings for the purpose of expansion and developement of his company before his untimely death in 2003.The amount involved is (USD 3,500.000.00 USD) Three million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars and no other person knows about this account.I am contacting you to enable transfer of this funds to your account as the beneficiary, I am only contacting you as a foreigner because this money cannot be approved to a local person here, without valid international foreign passport, but can only be approved to any foreigner with valid international passport or drivers license and foreign a/c.a/c.

However, I am revealing this to you with belief that you will never let me down in this business.You are the first and the only person that I am contacting for this business, so please reply urgently so that I will inform you the next step to take urgently. I need your full co-operation to make this work because the management of the Bank is ready to approve this payment to any foreigner who has correct information of this account, which I will give to you, upon yourpositive response and once I am convinced that you are capable and will meet upwith instruction of a key bank official who is deeply involved with me inthis business.

At the conclusion of this business, you will be given 40% of the total amount,60% will be for me. I look forward to your earliest reply through my Email:

Yours' faithfully,

Dr. Tanjumah Ahmed

****************************8

What a big joke indeed.....USD3.5 million!!!

I'd be rich if I can get my hands rvrn on fraction of that sum of money. But there is not such things as easy money as nothing comes free in this world. "One has to work for everything".

Feel free to copy and spread the sample of the email above and let all your friends and relatives know about it as not to get cheated by these lousy African scumbags.

REMINDER: Do give acknowledgement to the person who you got the original message from.

OUR VERY OWN DRAGON LADY

2005-10-06T17:12:00.000+08:00

Well, not only China has dragons you know...as a matter of fact, Malaysia too has a dragon in its backyard in the form of Rafidah Aziz, as according to a particular reader in a letter to a Malaysian alternative news agency.

Below is an excerpt written by Sri Arjuna Dewata to the Malaysiakini:

....lately seem to suggest that International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz is a fearsome dragon that has thus far defied and outsmarted her detractors and handlers alike.

For full details of letter, see here.

May God save Malaysia from the dragon's wrath, or should we call St George to help us slay the dragon?

RAFIDAH GRILLED OVER APs

2005-10-04T17:26:00.000+08:00

BREAKING NEWS. International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz finally made her long-awaited appearance in the Dewan Rakyat this morning only to be grilled to a Q&A session which lasted for 46 minutes.

Some other members of Parliament showed support by thumping the tables.

According to Malaysiakini today, she strongly defended her integrity, claiming she had no ties with any of the holders of Approved Permits (APs) and described all such allegations as defamatory.

[A Full story to follow soon]

Hmm...with all those thumping of tables accompanied by the usual shouting and screaming during Parliament sessions, one can only imagine what was going on this morning.

Any thoughts?

DISAPPOINTING ACA GETS A GOOD GRILLING

2005-10-04T17:17:00.000+08:00

The country's Anti-Corruption Agency [ACA] was finally asked to "talk less and listen more" besides acting quickly on complaints.

At a seminar in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, participants and one speaker grilled ACA Director-general Zulkipli Mat Noor on the extent of action taken to date, but were left to mull responses that were less than satisfactory, according to Malaysiakini.

Among those not impresssed with Zulkipli's presentation was - The Sun Executive Editor R Nadeswaran.

Nadeswaran said he was not happy with the way the agency had dealt with a complaint he had lodged via email, to which a reply was only sent six weeks later.

Whew!! Finally someone had taken heed in my advice to voice out their dissatisfaction in the open.

Wish there were more of such people out there in the public.

Salute to Citizen Nades and the gang for showing us the way!

IS AMERICA A TECHNICALLY BANKRUPT COUNTRY?

2005-10-03T17:05:00.000+08:00

Well, if according to former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the United States is technically a bankrupt country as its budget and trade are in deficit forms currently.

The former prime minister, however, said due to its superpower status, the United States was not declared a bankrupt.

BERNAMA on Sunday quoted him telling reporters at the World Islamic Economic Forum [WIEF]:

"If countries like Malaysia is put in the same situation, surely it will be declared bankrupt."

More!

I trust there are many more countries sufferring budget and trade deficit but so far have not heard any of those countries being categorised as a bankrupt nation.

Does that mean that we can now label a country as "bankrupt" just because its budget and trade are in deficit forms?

So, is it true that US is a bankrupt country as was claimed by Dr M?

ITS LACHAU, NOT "LANCHAU"

2005-09-30T17:04:00.000+08:00

While names sometimes can make or break a person, certain people sometimes goes to great length in ensuring their names or names of certain places sounded good.

And that was exactly the case when Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar suggested in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the name of a SMALL TOWN in Sarawak called LACHAU be changed.

This was because according to him, the name LACHAU sounded like the Chinese word for the male genitalia, which is known as "LANCHAU" or "LANCHIAU".

Perhaps he had not visited China or heard of the name of the capital city of northwest Gansu Province in China which is known as LANZHOU [in Mandarin] or LANCHOW [in Cantonese], which sounded even more similar to the calling of male genitalia in Chinese.

And yet the Chinese government maintained the usage of the name.

Afterall, as was reported by the Star today, the name LACHAU meant chameleon in the native language and that the town had many of them at one time.

What gives us the right to change our names or names of places if it don't sound good?

I've known people with far worst sounding names like Moh Nan Yoong [which means "useless"], See Hang ["toilet bowl"] and etc......yet those people stick by their names.

Well, what's in a name anyway?

40-YEAR OLD AND SITLL A VIRGIN

2005-09-29T16:50:00.000+08:00

NO, I'm not talking about the film "The 40-year old virgin" but instead have something interesting to share with you people on virginity [Well, only if you're interested of course].

I came across a very interesting piece of article on trying to remain a virgin at 40- years old while browsing through some magazines on movies at MPH yesterday.

If my memory serves me right, here are some of the tips [only for guys] from the magazine to remain a virgin at 40-years old. It goes something like this:

1. Instead of getting a car, get yourself a bike to avoid any attention from the girls. But its not just any bike, but rather a bicycle. And do wear a helmet for safety purposes.

2. Don't put on any deodorants, sprays or perfumes as it would enhance the chances of attracting the opposite sex.

3. Instead of going out partying at night where there's a high chances of getting to know women, get a SONY PLAYSTATION and play HALO instead.

VERDICT: You'll not only remain a virgin at 40 but also an expert assasin at killing video-games
creatures.

WELL, pretty good ideas to remain a virgin indeed, but only provided that you intend in becoming one.

As to whether it's workable or not, I can't really tell. But I've known some male friends of mine who are still a virgin at 40-years old. Err....rather 40++ by now as it's been quite some time now since we last meet up.

Anyway, that's a different story altogether. If you're interested in knowing further, then watch this space for "THE STORY OF A 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN..PT 2".

In the meantime, would you want to remain a virgin at 40?

TYPICAL MALAYSIAN

2005-09-29T16:47:00.000+08:00

Something typically Malaysia, picked up from Utusan's "Senyum Pagi" cartoon section, recently:

BITEMARK A POSSIBLE CLUE TO GRUESOME MURDER?

2005-09-28T17:04:00.000+08:00

- A bite mark on the left shoulder of the murder victim.

- Possibility bitten by a women.

- Was stabbed at least 12 times, with at least one on the private part.

- Married to an accountant for two years.

- Found murdered on 16th floor of the Bukit OUG condominiums.

- No sign of a break-in, handbag missing, but some cash and jewelleries still intact.

- Jealousy or revenge is main murder motive.

**********************
Those were some of the clues given by the police, with the bitemark on murder victim, Wong Soke Ching,a 28-year-old chemist as a major breakthrough in their investigations.

The Malay Mail today reported that police have sought the help of an orthodontist from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to study the bite mark. It is also learnt the orthodontist is coming up with a dental imprint from the mark.

More!

Its definitely one of the most gruesome murder since the murder of Noritta Samsudin in December 2003.

Could it be possible for the police to trace the murderer depending only on a bitemark?

Let's not forget that the Noritta Samsudin murder trial had sperm traces evidence of the acquitted Hanif Basree and yet the court could still not find the actual killer.

Would the case of Wong Soke Ching end up as another one of those unresolved murder case along with Noritta's and the rest?

Will it remain like one of those conspiracy theories we see in the West?

I think there 80% possibility that Wong was murdered by someone close given that there's no sign of break-in, possibily her husband. As for the bitemark, it could be those of her husband's.

There a possibilty that by having a brain-storming session of the murder here, we could help determine who the killer is.

So What can you make up with the clues given above?

Can you tell Who is the real killer?

PALANIVEL CLEAN IN EVERY ASPECT, SAYS SAMY VELLU

2005-09-27T17:30:00.000+08:00

My friend Siva yesterday night told me that he overheard in the news that MIC President S. Samy Vellu had mentioned something very funny which tickled his funny bone.

He said that Samy Vellu had called G Palanivel: "a clean man and that he was clean in every aspect".

Well, seriously we both have a good laugh afterwards.

And I was looking forward for the piece of story this morning hoping to find that the papers would probably have quoted the particular phrase.

However to my dissapointment only UTUSAN had covered the story but the phrase wasn't in quoted format.

Here's how it was written:

Samy seterusnya berkata, selain itu antara beberapa sebab mengapa beliau memilih Palanivel sebagai penggantinya adalah kerana Naib Presidennya itu seorang yang bersih dalam pelbagai aspek selain bercakap benar dan berpegang kuat kepada agama.

How dissapointing indeed. Like I told Siva, it would have been a frontpage story if the papers were to quote that particular phrase.

So, is Palanivel as "clean" as claimed by Samy?

I wander what he meant by "clean from every aspect"?

4WD DRIVERS OBESE AND AGGRESSIVE - IS IT TRUE?

2005-09-27T16:55:00.000+08:00

A study by an Australian institute revealed that most Australian four-wheel-drive vehicle owners are often obese, aggressive, intolerant and aged in their 40s or 50s.

It also found 4WD owners are less community minded than other drivers, less charitable, more likely to be homophobic and have a low opinion of indigenous culture.

BERNAMA reported that the Australia Institute study has also found they are more likely to use force to get their way.

The study also found that 4WDS are also far more likely than conventional vehicles to kill or maim other road users, they are less fuel efficient and they are resented by other road users.

Two thirds of their drivers are overweight or obese.

For full story see here.

Can the same thing be said of Malaysian 4WD drivers too?

Do you think they more reckless than their Aussie counterparts or better?

What's your say?

LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS?

2005-09-26T16:21:00.000+08:00

In times of adversity, simply lending a sympathetic ear can do wonders, likewise mentioned by sunday Star Editor Soo Ewe Jin in his recent article which appeared on the Sunday's Fit for Life section.

He further said: "A sympathetic ear to the troubled can do wonders to their morale and spirit."

And how true it was indeed. But how many of us really do take time to listen?

Its not only about listening to other's pain and suffering but taking the time to listen to other's point of view, opinion and experiences in life. And with that we absorbed not only other people's knowledge but also what they could offer to make ourselves a better person.

Sadly, the truth is that many people nowadays couldn't care less about listening, what more about sharing and revel in one another's joy and suffering.

And such situation can be visibly seen with the naked eye.

People nowadays think that with the amount of knowledge they have acquired over the years made them superior over the others that they are no longer willing to listen.

Instead they prefer to talk more than listening. Therefore its not surprising seeing some people especially the politicians and other top honchos giving out speeches day in day out for wahtever reason it maybe even when the situation sometimes doesn't call for one to speak.

Is is really that necessary for one to speak? Would we be considered dumb if we don't open our mouths?

All talk and no work ain't gonna help things going. NO WANDER the world is going at the current rate its going, because everybody want to open their mouth to speak and not listening.

We are complaining of this and that, having fruitless chat by the coffee house, gossiping about others, poking fire, creating tension in the office, wrecking other people's privacy and all this happened simply because we speak too much.

For god's sake, We are not even listening to ourselves!!! Have we really ever sat down and listen whether is that really waht we want?

I am proud to say that I rarely open my mouth to speak. I only speak when it really requires me to do so.

Perhaps I am one of those who "listen more and talk less".

So, take time off to listen - listen to others, listen to the sound of the waves [yeah -SOUNDWAVES], the sound of nature, and not forgetting the sound of music.

Just remember the proverb - "Speech is silver, silence is golden".

2005-09-26T12:33:00.000+08:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

MALAYSIAN IDOL 2 - NITA OR DANIEL?

2005-09-22T17:16:00.000+08:00

Yes, its gonna be a battle of the sexes, there can be no doubt about it.

All I can say is that both truly Nita and Daniel deserved to be in the grand finale although I personally prefers Farah to go against Daniel.

Yes, Farah is cute, who could possibily deny that. But as much as she is cute, she can really sing and she perhaps has a better high pitch than Nita.

Well, I am definitely not going to miss the finals which is going to be held at Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands tommorrow nite at 9.30pm.

NITA or DANIEL?

So who will be the next Malaysian Idol? Who's your pick?

MALAYSIA SLIDES DOWN IN CORRUPTION INDEX

2005-09-22T17:09:00.000+08:00

Despite all the efforts by Pak Lah to fight corruption, Malaysia's corruption index has slipped down two places to 39th placing on a list of 146 countries in the Transparency International’s (TI) 2004 Corruption Perception Index.

Malaysiakini reported that Malaysia, whose ranking has been on a decline over the last few years, was placed 37th among 133 countries in 2003 and 34 among 102 countries the previous year, recording an average score of 5.

The 2004 Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Perception Index was topped by Finland which scored 9.7 out of the full 10 points, followed by New Zealand (9.6), Denmark (9.5) and Iceland (9.5). Neighbouring Singapore scored 9.3 to occupy the fifth spot.

SEE here for full report.

FANCY OWNING A MALAYSIAN-MADE HANDPHONE?

2005-09-22T16:42:00.000+08:00

Well, well, well.....it seems like Malaysia will soon have its own range of locally-made cellphones.

As much as I fancy having one, I'm rather doubtful of its quality like most other Malaysians do, who also are sceptical about local/ home-made products.

And when the product is launched in about three months time, it would be the first made-in -Malaysia handphone, as was reported in today's Star in-Tech.

It said that SOUTH Korea’s Hyundai Corp is working with a Malaysian company to produce a cellphone targeted to the low and mid-range for the international market.

More!

So, would you fancy owning a Malaysian-made handphone? What's your say?

OF MONEY AND BEGGARS

2005-09-21T15:42:00.000+08:00

Like an irratating bug, beggars tend to be a sore to the sight when one comes across one.

But many of us are tolerant due to the fact that some are children and disabled, SO we still put up with not only some of them but a huge quantity of them whether is on the street, 5-foot way, pasar malam, temples or even food courts.

SOURCE: LONDON TIMES CARTOON

To be able to put up with them is one thing while giving donations to them is another matter all together.

It is fine to give out a few coins for the sake of charity and doing some good, but since most Malaysians are a generous lot who can afford to donate from RM1 to even RM10 on occassion to these beggars, it will only encourage these beggars to come begging for more.

And of late, it has caused children and the disabled being exploited by syndicates to earn money for them, as was reported in today's Star Metro.

Not only that they are taking advantage of our sympathy, but also on the generous donations that we gave out.

ASK yourself this - What would children and the disabled need money for? All they need are care and attention.

By giving out cash, we are not helping them actually - as it will only encourage more beggars on the street and led them to be used by unscruplous syndicates.

Only by reporting it to the authorities can this issue be solved.

"Money sometimes can do more harm than good" - Kelvin Chew

[PLS NOTE THAT THE ABOVE PROVERB WAS CREATED BY ME, AND I'M NOT PUTTING MY NAME ON SOMEONE ELSE'S QUOTE, THEREFORE I HAVE THE RIGHT TO PUT MY NAME ON IT]

Like I've said earlier about giving donations, you can give out cash but make sure where it really goes to.

If you're sincere about making contributions, donate it to Buddhist temples or some other legitimate welfare organisations where you're sure your money will be properly used for the sake of the needy.

For my case, I would rather take them to a meal instead.

APs TO CONTINUE EXISTING BUT DR M SAYS OTHERWISE

2005-09-21T15:38:00.000+08:00

ACCORDING to the government, the issuance of the Approved Permits [APs] will remain and not be abolished.

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, said that the APs have not been abused but the scandal surrounding them was triggered by under-declaration of the value of imported cars, BERNAMA at 12:49 reported.

More!

However, former Prime Minister and Proton adviser Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the controversy surrounding APs to import cars is still unresolved as concerns still linger over the high number of permits issued and more so with only two persons getting a huge number of the APs.

"What is of concern is not the issue of APs, but the number of APs issued."

"If there are many imported cars coming in, locally made cars would not have brisk sales," Dr M told BERNAMA.

So, it seems like the bickering over the AP issue between Rafidah and Dr M is still on despite all the hugging during the Merdeka day celebration.

MALAYSIA DONATED US$1 million to KATRINA VICTIMS

2005-09-20T13:11:00.000+08:00

TO THOSE thinking that Malaysia didn't do anything or didn't contributed anything to the recent huriccane Katrina disaster, then you know what?

YOU'RE ALL WRONG!!!

MALAYSIA did indeed contributed US$1 million in relief efforts to aid the Katrina victims.

And among the ASEAN states [as a reminder here, it is ASEAN not Asian], Malaysia has given the largest donation.

Singapore is providing four helicopters and Thailand blankets and other supplies which are also badly needed.

BERNAMA on Sept 12 reported the United States Department of State expressed its deep appreciation for the US$1 million in aid that Malaysia offered for relief efforts in the hurricane Katrina devastated areas south of the country.

It further mentioned:

"We appreciate any help given by foreign countries and NGOs," a spokesman from department said.

The donation was offered through the Red Cross to help alleviate the suffering of the victims.

For full story see here.

*******************
Serious speaking, there's really no need for me to post this up as it was all in the news.

However, due to certain individuals who don't read the news or do have any idea of waht is going on, I trust this might be beneficial, perhaps to englighten them on what's on and what's not in the world of news and journalism.

It is up for you to judge whether or not some of the Katrina victims had or had not spend the relief funds on luxury items and at strip clubs.

All I can is that Malaysia did donated... and FEMA is like Malaysia's National Emergency Fund which gives out relief funds during times of disaster.

And how and where does all the money comes from?

Some might want to argue that its from the American tax-payers money and not donations and etc,,,,,but again, it is for you to judge.

******************
And lastly, I have a message going out to all who like to post uncalled for comments to be careful of waht they are posting.

Blogs represent one person's point of view on certain things and thus it should not be criticised or given any malicious or slanderous comments wahtsover...by doing so, you'll be subjected to the law and order that prevails in the multimedia act.

If you're thinking that its fine doing since its on the internet and you can go undetected - WELL, THINK AGAIN!!!

DONT SAY YOU'VE NOT BEEN WARNED!!!

KATRINA VICTIMS SPENT OUR MONEY IN STRIP CLUBS

2005-09-19T14:30:00.000+08:00

Well, this is what happened when millions of cash poured in. With so much money and nothing to do - what do you do then?

What more - Indulge in booze and sex of course!!!

And that was exactly what some of the victims of the recent Hurricane Katrina have been doing.

Instead of spending the relief money donated by milions worldwide to start a new life and provide for necessities, such as food, clothing and toiletries, they are spending it at local strip clubs and on luxury items.

According to WorldNetDaily.com [WND],Houston police discovered that Atlanta area Katrina victims were using $2,000 debit cards given by the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] and the Red Cross to purchase luxury items like Louis Vuitton handbags and at local strip clubs.

WND also said that FEMA reportedly issued about 10,500 cards in the pilot program, with a total value of $20.6 million.

More!

So, if you're thinking that your money have been put to good use, well, think again!

I was shocked when I heard about this. They might be needy people, but I guess this served as a lesson to all of us that not to simply donate our money or property.

Perhaps the government should learn a thing or two from the above story - that by simply donating money won't actually help solve or ease one's burden.

"Money can make or break a person" - KELVIN CHEW

Its anybody's guess where had all those billions of ringgits donated to the Katrina victims gone to.

So, remember the next time you crossed into a beggar or some poor fellow, instead of giving him the RM1 or few cents, why not take that person to a lunch/ dinner treat?

I'm sure they'll appreciate the good gesture.

INDIAN MUSLIMS becoming "MALAYS"?

2005-09-19T14:23:00.000+08:00

GUESS WHAT? It looks like when the next time you go for a cuppa tea in your nearby mamak stall or restaurant, you aren't gonna refer them by "mamak" or Indian Muslims anymore.

This is because The Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress [KIMMA] is seeking the government to grant them the status of "Malay" to those Indian Muslims born in the country.

KIMMA told BERNAMA that provisions in the Federal Constitution stated that a Muslim who could speak Bahasa Malaysia and practised the Malay culture was regarded a Malay.

Among others, it stated:

"The Indian Muslims adopt the three elements but still cannot get the Malay status. If there is a problem in doing so, at least give the Bumiputera status as is being done to the Portuguese".

The motion was handed to the Prime Minister's Political Secretary Datuk Othman Desa.

More!

********************
It may just be a motion but after hearing that, it sets my mind thinking:

1. What about other races like CHINESE and etc,..who are also Muslims and born in the country ? They too could speak BM and practised the Malay culture.

2. Shouldn't the government grant them Malay or Bumiputera status as well? Why only Indian-Muslims then? Afterall, it was written in the Federal Constitution. [Pls refer above story]

Would like to hear what the Malays have to say about this. Perhaps someone could shed some light on this matter?

As for me... Well, until the motion is passed by the government, I'll stick to the term "mamak instead "Malay".

OF APs, PROTON AND FUEL PRICE

2005-09-16T17:31:00.000+08:00

Approved Permits [APs], Proton cars and the National Automotive Policy will be among some of the burning issues to hog limelight at the Dewan Rakyat session which will start on Monday, Sept 19.

Issues on haze, rising fuel prices, success of the Eighth Malaysia Plan and implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan will also be discussed, as reported by BERNAMA, today.

But what I am keen to witness is the tabling of the 2006 Budget by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at 4pm on Sept 30.

As a concerned rakyat Malaysia, I am also interested to see what will Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk S. Sothinathan has to say when he return to his seat as a deputy minister in the august House.

And what on the Merdeka issue - Case settle? No debate?

Apologies perhaps? WELL, we'll have to wait and see.

DAP TO TAKE DOWN RONNIE'S ARTICLE

2005-09-16T12:35:00.000+08:00

SO, it will be done finally.

Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General in his statement dated Sept 15 said:

As Hishamuddin felt offended that Ronnie Liu’s article had

slighted his father and in response to his willingness to take the

offensive cartoon out of the UMNO Youth online website, I shall be

instructing that Ronnie Liu’s article be taken down from the DAP website.

*****************
But as I was blogging this, a check to DAP's official website into its September archives revealed that Ronnie's MERDEKA article is still in it.

Don't believe it...see it for yourselves before its too late.

Not forgetting, if you no longer sees it, they might have eventually taken it down.

I may not be very clear about the meaning of "bringing it down", but from the general understanding, shouldn't it be removed totally even in the archives?

WILL THE FAKE RM1 COIN SHOW UP?...(2)

2005-09-15T17:39:00.000+08:00

JUST one day after I blogged asking for the press to reveal to us how the fake RM1 coins looked like, BANK NEGARA [BNM] today said that reports on the RM1 coins were misleading.

It told BERNAMA that the recent news report alleging that a very large number of the RM1 coins in circulation are fake is both incorrect and misleading.

BNM further said the withdrawal of the RM1 coins was due to the low demand and increasingly unpopular usage of RM1 coins for purchases of goods and services in Malaysia, unlike those reported by a local daily yesterday, which claimed that about 50 percent of the 34 million RM1 coins in circulation are fake.

Well, nobody can really tell who is correct and who is incorrect here.

As far as I am concern, as long as the fake RM1 coins do not show up and revealed to the public, there will still be stories of fake coins in the news even after it cease to be a legal tender.

Like I had mentioned before this, reveal to us how those coins really look like so that we the consumers would not be cheated and once and for all put an end to his rut.

And again, may I request to anyone out there who have or knew people who have possession of those fake coins or seen how it look like, to email to me telling how it really like.

Those with pictures are most welcome to send it their materials.

I will be more than happy to air those pictures or comments as along as it will be helpful to the community.

You can email to me by clicking on the "email" button situated at the lower right of the site.

ANOTHER BOO-BOO

2005-09-15T17:32:00.000+08:00

He did not realised that the MyKad he was carrying all this while was stated as "female" only until recently when he was asked to stop for a police traffic check that he knew about it.

Utusan today reported that Wong Kooi Chin, 43 [see below] has kept his MyKad for three years without realising that his gender was "perempuan" instead of "lelaki".

Another sex identification blunder?

Better check your MyKad for any gender mix-up.

SORRY..., ITS A GIRL ACTUALLY

2005-09-14T17:02:00.000+08:00

The first case of baby sex blunder was on June 19, when a newborn was abducted from the children's ward.

And then on Aug 27, when the hospital wrongly recorded a newborn as a boy when it was actually a girl. It took a DNA test to confirm it.

And this time it's red faces again for the officials of the same Sungai Petani Hospital.

The Sun reported that a baby's gender was registered as "ambiguous", meanwhile Utusan reported the baby's gender as "ragu".

While the matter had caused the baby's parents to lose much sleep, I can't help but ponder on the fact whether the hospitals' nurses and doctors were properly trained to differentiate between a baby boy and a baby girl?

It is as though I'm watching the DANONE advertisement - "Now you see it, now you don't. Only this time its different, its "Now its a boy, now its a girl".

Is it such a hard thing to do that the hospital staffs need to repeat its mistakes three times over and over again?

If its a baby boy then it should be a baby boy..., the question of "meragukan" or otherwise shouldn't have arise in the first place.

Now, waht does it take to differentiate between a baby boy and a baby girl? Can anyone tell?

WILL THE FAKE RM1 COIN SHOW UP PLEASE?

2005-09-14T16:56:00.000+08:00

News on the RM1 coin has been making headlines in the papers since Bank Negara announced that the coins will cease to be legal tender on Dec 7.

The press not only bombarded us with news of people having difficulties changing those coins and trouble concerning it, news of fake RM1 coin have been appearing non-stop like the one highlighted in today's Utusan.

The paper reported that,,,

Hampir separuh daripada RM34 juta syiling RM1 yang kini berada di pasaran dipercayai wang palsu.

Sumber memberitahu Utusan Malaysia, aktiviti pemprosesan
wang syiling palsu semakin berleluasa dengan menjadikan premis-premis perniagaan terutama pusat hiburan dan perjudian sebagai sasaran.

Senario itu, kata sumber itu, mungkin antara sebab utama mendorong Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) mengambil langkah drastik menghentikan penggunaannya selepas 7 Disember ini.

Jika tidak dibendung, menurut sumber tersebut, ia boleh menjejaskan ekonomi negara.

For full story read here.

****************
If that is the case, as a consumer, may I propose that the press [printed and electtronic] reveal to us how the fake RM1 looks like.

It is pointless to just reveal news and stories about fake RM1 coins in the market and how its being used cheat consumer and etc,..... when we ourselves are not able to see for our eyes how the fake coins really look like, if there is really such fakes coins available.

Reveal to us how those coins really look like so that we the consumers would not be cheated and once and for all put an end to his rut.

What are its differences compared to the real ones?

May I request to anyone out there having possession of those fake coins or seen how it look like, email to me telling how it really like. Those with pictures are most welcome to send it their stuffs.

So if the press wouldn't want to publish those pictures, send it SOUNDWAVES and I'll have it posted up in this site here.

ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY

2005-09-13T17:27:00.000+08:00

I trust the proverb "Once bitten, twice shy" is among one of the well-known proverbs around.

Guess that one should have no trouble understanding its meaning. If not, please refer it the encyclopedia or other books of proverbs.

But it wasn't the case for a certain individual or rather party in the local political arena here. No prize for guessing it right though.

It may be that DAP is running on empty, but like I've said earlier, no matter what you do, do not leave any loopholes for people to exploit.

For once DAP and Ronnie Liu should have known better not to go to such extremes, what more thinking about airing views on CPM and sorts.

Afterall DAP's Lim Guan Eng was once a victim of the vicious Seditions Act, in which he was subsequently imprisoned for expressing his political views.

Read the trials of Lim Guan Eng here.

Perhaps DAP didn't learn from that one mistake or they haven't heard of the proverb "Once bitten, twice shy".

That is not the right way to fight in a war.

"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat." - Sun Tzu.

I WANT MY SPAM!!!

2005-09-13T17:20:00.000+08:00

While our Singaporean neighbours who are victims of spam or unsolicited bulk electronic messages, including those sent to mobile phones, may get to sue for damages under a proposed legislation, it left me wandering whether the same will be implemented here in Malaysia.

Under the proposed Spam Control Bill for Singapore, the victims can initiate civil suits against non-compliant spammers or persons responsible for sending spam.

If such persons are proven guilty, according to BERNAMA, the court can order them to stop their spamming-related activities and made to pay damages of up to S$25 per spam message subject to a maximum cap of S$1 million.

I was thinking like "wow"...this is SIMPLY fantastic.

Imagine how much one could earn from all those tonnes of spams and unsolited bulk electronic messages in one's email or even cell phones.

This is one law which Malaysia should implement.

Seeing now that our standard of living have increased with all the hike in prices of food, petrol and etc.....it is PAYBACK TIME. The amount of money can at least help compensate for the loss in money spending and anxiety suffered.

Those companies or individuals responsible for sending spams should pay for their crimes.

So, if you don't mind.....I WANT MY SPAM!!!! ......[err...only when there are such rules in Malaysia, for the time being, I guess I have to resort to deleting those spams without getting paid].

RONNIE LIU IN DEEP SHIT

2005-09-12T17:40:00.000+08:00

Malaysian News Agency, BERNAMA on Saturday reported that DAP's Ronnie Liu might be investigated under 1948 Seditions Act for his racial statement on the MERDEKA issue.

See the full story below:

Polis akan menyiasat Setiausaha Biro Antarabangsa DAP Ronnie Liu mengikut Akta Hasutan 1948 kerana membuat kenyataan yang bersifat perkauman dan boleh mengelirukan orang ramai apabila beliau mendakwa pemimpin UMNO terdahulu bukan pejuang kemerdekaan sebenar negara.

Timbalan Menteri Keselamatan Dalam Negeri Datuk Noh Omar berkata siasatan akan dijalankan serta-merta serta terperinci dan pihak berkuasa tidak akan teragak-agak untuk mengambil tindakan jika siasatan mendapati Ronnie mempunyai niat jahat dengan mengeluarkan kenyataan tersebut.

"Kita percaya pihak polis akan mengambil tindakan tegas dalam menangani hal ini supaya perkara sebegini tidak diikut oleh pemimpin parti pembangkang lain yang sengaja mahu memecahbelahkan perpaduan negara," katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis gotong-royong Guntong Luar anjuran UMNO Bahagian Setiu di sini hari Sabtu.

Noh berkata jika perkara tersebut dibiarkan berlarutan, ia boleh menimbulkan kekeliruan sedangkan semua pihak termasuk di peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa sudahpun mengiktiraf bekas Perdana Menteri Tunku Abdul Rahman sebagai pejuang kemerdekaan negara.

Katanya walaupun negara ini mengamalkan sistem demokrasi tetapi rakyat perlu berhati-hati ketika mengeluarkan sebarang kenyataan terutama yang membabitkan isu-isu yang menyentuh perkauman kerana ia akan menjurus kepada perpecahan di kalangan masyarakat berbilang bangsa di negara ini.

Malah, ketika dalam persidangan Parlimen sekalipun wakil rakyat dilarang daripada mengeluarkan sebarang kenyataan yang berbau perkauman," kata Noh.

****************************************************
What deep shit has Ronnie landed upon himself?

Seeing that DAP is now in hot soup, PAS too disagrees with DAP's action of acknowledging CPM as the country's freedom fighter, as was reported by today's Utusan.

More!

Hmmm...now with PAS also gone to the other side of the fence, it looks like DAP will be facing an uphill battle all by itself like it always used to.

Will they succeed? Only time can tell.

THE RETURN OF THE HAZE???

2005-09-12T17:13:00.000+08:00

A Little bird from the environment department said there's a possibiltiy of the haze returning as forest and ground fires in Indonesia has once again spread to parts of Malaysia.

The air pollution index in Kuala Selangor measured at 104 on Sunday, and was deemed unhealthy.

It also said satellite images provided by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre on Saturday showed there were 78 "hot spots" in north Sumatra and 391 hot spots in Indonesia's Kalimantan on Borneo.

Currently hot spots have been detected over peninsula Malaysia as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.

No wander the weather in early in the morning today looked somewhat different than usual...no clouds were visible as only a thin shroud of white mist enveloped over the horizon.

Guess what, the haze has return.

STOP THE PRICE INCREASE!!!

2005-09-09T17:52:00.000+08:00

It was a very welcoming news indeed when Pak Lah decided to cut down road tax, not to increase toll rates from now until 2006 and fuel price until the end of the year, recently.

As an average wage earner, it was good news and unexpected to some extent.

Who would have thought that the Pak Lah administration which had increased fuel prices twice recently until causing severe increase in price of goods and other services to come up with such move?

No one expected such move - all we hoped for was for no further increase in fuel price as it could only increase the people's burden.

But all the tax reduction would not serve its purpose if the price of food and other services continue to rise - it would make no difference in the end.

Now that we know road tax has been slashed not only for private vehicle owners but also for school buses, it would only be proper to see to it that the price of transportation service do not increase further.

As for the price of food and other groceries which have been on the rise, it would only be proper for it to be reduced since the price of diesel for fishermen had gone down to RM1 per litre.

Traders, hawkers, food sellers and eateries should reduced the price of what they are selling now that all the taxes has been reduced.

Currently, a glass of teh-tarik in a mamak stall costs RM1.50 per glass. It used to be around RM.0.80 to RM1 before the prices of fuel increased.

A plate of normal chicken rice in KL now is selling at nearly RM4 where it used to be only at RM3 to RM3.50 earlier.

There is no justification at all for such extorbitant increase while the fuel prices had only increased for a mere 10 cents for petrol and 20 cents for diesel.

While the food sellers are enjoying an additional profit since they have passed the cost over to the consumers, it is the consumers who are suffering.

And it would not be long before we see another hike since the increase of fuel prices in the future is unavoidable.

What would the government do then? No taxes at all or reduced all the taxes?

Such measures are only temporary and having said that, may I suggest that Pak Lah look into having a standard pricing not only for all the items sold in the market but food sold outside as well.

I believe there should be a standard price for everything, just like our salary. AND this include the price of food sold in the market.

Tighten the enforcement and punish those errant food sellers and put a stop to all the unneccessary increase.

"If there's a will there's a way."

I do hope those at the relevant agencies in the government read this. If not, please compile and send this to them.

I QUIT, SAYS APPRENTICE WINNER RANCIC

2005-09-08T17:50:00.000+08:00

First season winner of the hit reality series, "The Apprentice" Bill Rancic apparently has call its quits on his current employer who is also the reality TV show's creator, Donald Trump.

AP today, reported that Rancic will stop working for him next year and start his own business.

And where better to spill the beans if not here but Malaysia of course.

Maybe he thinks that by telling it here in the jungles of Malaysia [like all Caucasians do], news of his departure will not reach home in the States.

"That will probably be it for me," Rancic said late Wednesday during a global leadership forum in Malaysia.

"I'm going to go out and start another business of my own," said the former Internet entrepreneur. "That's in my blood."

Wander what will the old man say when hears about it?

"You're fired", perhaps......afterall that is his famous quote.

"Fire the person before he fires you" - Just like what the famous Cantonese proverb said when it comes to firing people.

And how come the Malaysian press did not picked up the story?

DAP RUNNING ON EMPTY?

2005-09-08T16:25:00.000+08:00

Is it true that the opposition parties in the country are running out of ammunitions?

Former Deputy Prime Minister Musa Hitam suggested that the recent action by DAP with their attack towards Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Merdeka issue is a proof that the party indeed is running out of ammunitions in their struggle.

Musa Hitam told Utusan that:

"Sekarang ini Pak Lah (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) masih baru jadi Perdana Menteri, maka mereka pun tidak nampak banyak yang boleh dieksploitasi bagi dijadikan modal.

"Jadi untuk terus hidup, mereka akhirnya gunakan politik kebencian dengan menimbulkan perkara yang seperti itu bagi menimbulkan kemarahan," katanya.

It was also reported that DAP's action could only lead to the reoccurence of the MAY 13 incident, which started due to racial sentiment.

Read more here.

Why should such sensitive issues be brought up in the first place?, especially when it involved the already banned Communist Party.

What good would it be? If Ronnie Liu is planning to make Malaysia a better place, as was mentioned in the party's agenda, he shouldn't have penned the article in the first place.

Even if he insists on writing and publishing it, at least leave no loopholes in the story so that it would not be exploited by the others, especially when there are always people waiting to take advantage of every situation.

Well, if what was claimed by Musa Hitam is true, then DAP has truly run out of ammos.

What are your views on the matter? Share it Soundwaves here. If you're not comfortable in posting your thoughts here, you can email me at my email address in the site. All mails will be treated discreetly.

LOOK WHO's FIRING TOO

2005-09-07T16:14:00.000+08:00

While the politicians in the country are busy firing away their ammos at each other on the Merdeka issue and demanding apology from one another, it seems like the country's youngsters too are having their fair share of firing not far away in the NS camps.

The only difference is that the NS trainees are doing their firing with real M16 assault rifles as was front-paged in The Sun, today.

As the only paper that carried the story, it reported that NS trainees in six camps are firing M16 assault rifles as part of their three-month stint despite opposition from some quarters when it was first broached.

For full story, see here and here.

UMNO No. 1 English mouthpiece, NST was at it usual self with stories that revolved around Pak Lah and Najib and this time around with its Business Times editor Zainul Ariffin coming up with a piece on Chin Peng to debunk the CPM myth.

The Star meanwhile decided to take on the KING COBRA to charm the thousands in its page 3. It however turned out to be a very poorly written story for the standard of Frederick Fernandez.

Haven't heard of Khaw Chia Hui before, but my guess is that he or she is perhaps an intern with the newspaper. And a check in the internet proves that my guess was right afterall, that Khaw is a UPM undergraduate in the communication faculty.

No wander the story looked lame - it simply lacked "color" [a term common only to journalists]. More description and backgrounder would be appreciated.

On the other hand, Utusan decided to go international by highlighting the Katrina hurricane while Berita Harian decide to follow in its elder sister's foosteps, NST- see above.

As for our youngsters toying away with real M16 rifles, my instinct tells me whether it would be of any good?

Wander what parents have to say when the read about the news.

"SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD"

2005-09-06T12:58:00.000+08:00

Its the battle of the apologise again,...first it was on the AP issue between Dr Mahathir and Rafidah Aziz.

But now it looks like the battle had gone on to the other side of the field, this time involving Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang and Khairy Jamaluddin on the freedom fighter issue.

Earlier, the deputy Umno Youth chief challenged Kit Siang to a debate in Parliament on the statement by DAP international secretary Ronnie Liu whether Tunku Abdul Rahman is Bapa Merdeka and repeat in Parliament that Umno leaders were not the real fighters for independence, so that action can be taken against DAP.

But after being humbled by the more senior and experienced Kit Siang in his statement, KJ turned his attention back to DAP and this time, targeted an easier looking prey in the form of Liu asking him to apologise and urged DAP to take action against Liu, as was reported by Utusan, today:

"Saya tidak akan berhenti daripada menyatakan bahawa DAP adalah pengkhianat apabila
pemimpin mereka berkata bahawa pemimpin-pemimpin UMNO terdahulu bukan pejuang
sebenar kemerdekaan,'' tegas Naib Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Khairy Jamaluddin.

Sehubungan itu, beliau mahu DAP mengambil tindakan disiplin ke atas Setiausaha Biro
Antarabangsanya, Ronnie Liu kerana membuat dakwaan itu melalui artikel yang disiarkan
melalui laman web rasmi parti pembangkang berkenaan.

"DAP mesti menarik balik artikel itu dan memohon maaf,'' tegasnya kepada Utusan Malaysia hari ini.

For full story see here.

There seems to be no end to this game of apologise and saying sorry to each other. I am wandering when can it really stop.

Sorry to saylah but that the word "sorry" doesn't seems to exist particularly in the Malaysian political scene.

The word "sorry" will remain like the song by Elton John - "Sorry seems to be the hardest word".

BLOGGER FACES LAWSUIT

2005-09-05T15:36:00.000+08:00

Blogger faces lawsuit over comments posted by readers
BY DAVID KESMODEL
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ONLINE
Saturday, September 03, 2005

In a legal case being watched closely by bloggers, an Internet company has sued the owner of a Web log for comments posted to his site by readers.

Traffic-Power.com1 sued Aaron Wall, who maintains a blog on search engine optimization - tactics companies use to get themselves to appear higher in searches at Google, Yahoo and elsewhere - alleging defamation and publication of trade secrets. The suit, filed in a Nevada state court earlier this month, also listed as defendants several unnamed users of the blog.

At issue are statements posted in the comments section of Mr. Wall's blog, SEOBook.com2. Many blogs allow readers to post comments, often anonymously, and Mr. Wall's blog included several reader submissions that blasted tools sold by Traffic-Power.com.

Traffic-Power.com said in the suit that confidential information about the company has been published on the blog, and it accused Mr. Wall of publishing "false and defamatory information," but it didn't identify any of the material in question.

Legal analysts said the case falls into somewhat murky legal territory, but that Mr. Wall may have some protection from liability under federal law. Courts generally have held that the operators of computer message boards and mailing lists cannot be held liable for statements posted by other people. Blogs might be viewed in a similar light, they said.

Posting Complaints
Mr. Wall, 25 years old, who runs an Internet marketing business from his home, said the suit "is so vague in nature that it's hard to know what I'm being sued for." He has posted the text3 of the lawsuit on his blog and speculated about which reader comments may have prompted it. Some visitors to Mr. Wall's blog had posted comments complaining about what they said were unprofessional business practices by Traffic-Power.com, while others said they didn't think the tools sold by Traffic-Power.com were effective in boosting search-engine rankings. Mr. Wall, of State College, Pa., had also criticized Traffic-Power.com on the blog before the lawsuit was filed.

Other Web sites have criticized Las Vegas-based Traffic-Power.com's business, saying the company has coerced prospective clients into signing up for its service through aggressive telemarketing. Dave Baardsen of Absecon, N.J., who owns TrafficPowerSucks.com4, said he also was sued this month by Traffic-Power.com in Nevada. He said he couldn't comment on the lawsuit because he had not yet hired a lawyer.

Steve Pellegrino, a spokesman for Traffic-Power.com, said the company had asked Messrs. Wall and Baardsen to remove some material from their Web sites before filing the suits, and sued them after they refused. "We have let this go on a year and a half," Mr. Pellegrino said.

Watching and Waiting
Bloggers have been buzzing about the lawsuit, swapping links to Mr. Wall's latest dispatches on the case and worrying about their own liability. Legal analysts said the suit could be a test case for determining what protections bloggers have or don't have for allegedly defamatory material posted by others. At issue would be the court's application of the federal Communications Decency Act, a 1996 law that, broadly, protects providers of computer services from being held liable for content posted by others.

In a key decision in 2003, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that the operator of a Web site can post material from others without liability for the content. "I think there's a strong case to be made that [the Decency Act] applies to bloggers," said Marc S. Martin, a lawyer with Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP in Washington, D.C., who specializes in technology law. It "was written very broadly, and the Ninth Circuit interpreted it broadly."

But Mr. Martin and other legal analysts said it was less clear how a court would view the accusation of misappropriation of trade secrets. The Decency Act doesn't provide protection when intellectual property is posted, and a court may rule that trade secrets fall under the definition of intellectual property. State law, rather than federal law, generally applies to trade secrets.

"If the trade-secrets claim is genuine," Mr. Wall may not have protection, said Michael J. Madison, an associate professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh. "But it's an open question."

Daniel Perry, an Orlando, Fla., lawyer who has closely followed Mr. Wall's case online, said Mr. Wall may have taken on liability by posting negative comments about Traffic-Power.com himself. Another problem, he said: Mr. Wall could be viewed as a commercial competitor to Traffic-Power.com. Mr. Wall's blog is so named because he wrote a guide called SEO Book, about search engine marketing, and he promotes the book on his site.

"To be candid, he sort of moved into this moving propeller," said Mr. Perry, a former Orange County judge. He said courts would likely focus on how Mr. Wall responded to requests to remove material from his site, and Mr. Wall's criticism of Traffic-Power.com. "The Internet is not your personal stump to beat up people."

There have been few lawsuits involving blogs so far, but lawyers have said the area is fertile ground for legal actions because blogging is both increasingly popular and rife with opinions about companies and individuals. Earlier this year, Apple Computer Inc. sued a Harvard student in a California court, accusing him of publishing trade secrets on his blog, ThinkSecret.com, in violation of state law. That case is pending in Superior Court in Santa Clara, Calif.

MERDEKA SIDESHOW.....(2)

2005-09-03T12:47:00.000+08:00

Well, it looks like the famous "hug" in the MERDEKA SIDESHOW on Aug 31 that involved former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad and International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz has caught not only the attention of the public and media but the opposition leaders as well.

Opposition leaders are urging Rafidah Aziz as not to ‘hug’ the AP issue away as they told Malaysiakini.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat [PKR} Federal Territory Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin when contacted by Malaysiakini, said:

“This move (hugging Mahathir), as I see it, was to ask for pardon and to ask for the AP story to be closed.

If it was indeed an apology, she said Rafidah should be apologising to Malaysians and not the former premier.

But aren't Muslims not allowed to hug and kiss the member of the opposite sex in public as it was against the religion?

Didn't our beloved Deputy PM Najib Razak had just reminded us recently that kissing and hugging is not part of malaysian culture?

Well, I had my answer but do you have yours?

Do share it with me here and let me know what you think.

PROTON.....CAN WE RETURN OUR CARS?

2005-09-02T17:46:00.000+08:00

Despite all the big hoohah about PROTON and on the recent incident in which Dr M return all his Proton cars to the company, nobody would have thought of returning back all the Proton cars that we own to Proton for a refund.

Seems like I was wrong, there was indeed someone out there who has enough guts to voiced it out in a letter to Malaysiakini asking Proton for a refund for coming out with a lousy piece of junk-yard quality cars.

Read the full letter below:

I now envy one luxury that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has – returning your Proton car to the company! Maybe Mahathir finally realised the frustration of owning these low-quality and high- maintenance Proton cars.

Maybe he’s experienced for himself the disappointment of having to change the fuel tank of the Proton cars within the first two weeks of delivery. Maybe he’s also had to face, within the first three months after delivery, failed power windows, wacko reverse sensors, malfunctioning air-cond and unreliable ECUs.

Maybe he’s also had the privilege of suffering the annoying rattling and squeaking sounds coming from the low-quality struts, which need to be changed within five months of delivery. Or maybe Mahathir is also ticked off that the remote alarm system failed him when he was trying to quickly get into his Proton during a shower.

There are thousands of frustrated Proton owners. We should have the same right to return our junk-quality Proton cars to the company and get our money back.

We Proton owners also have strained relations with Proton!

Disappointed Junk Owner

So, WHEN THE NEXT TIME YOU TAKE YOUR PROTON CAR FOR SERVICE, don't forget to ask if we're entitled for a refund.......afterall if Dr M can do it, why not us?

Knock, knock...........PROTON, CAN WE RETURN OUR CARS?

MERDEKA SIDESHOW

2005-09-01T18:05:00.000+08:00

Instead of being treated to a dazzling show of patiotism in the 48th Merdeka Day celebration in Putrajaya yesterday, it was rather taken in by a side-show of its own.

And it was none other than those involving former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz.

Click here for combo picutures of those two in action.

Today's Star reported that yesterday’s public hug took place in front of the VVIP tent at the Boulevard after the 48th National Day parade here.

The King, Queen, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had just left in their cars.

Rafidah first approached Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as she was walking towards her car and embraced her.

According to witnesses, the two women engaged in a very animated conversation for several minutes before Rafidah rushed up to Dr Mahathir, who was walking in front of them.

One minister who saw the incident said Rafidah first reached for Dr Mahathir’s hand and moved closer to him before suddenly hugging him tightly, to his surprise. She then burst into tears.

Wasn't that crying drama a familiar scene all of us have witnessed sometime not so long ago during the AP issue?

Looks like someone else had once again managed to steal the limelight out of a huge public event.

Sigh!!!

APA....LAGU NEGARAKU?

2005-08-31T23:40:00.000+08:00

Just when we thought that only our national flag - the Jalur Gemilang was copied from America, I thought like well... that was the only thing that we might have copied from others.

But after the Petronas Twin Tower was designed and built by Americans and that our currency
was pegged to the US dollar, I'm beginning to wander what else might we have copied from our
American counterparts?

I was dumbfounded when I found that not only did we copied all those above from America, our
national anthem - Negaraku too was copied from an American folk song.

Or rather from Hawaii to be exact.

I was totally lost of words when I read the article from The Star on Aug 30 saying that our national anthem was adapted from the song, Mamula Moon by Felix Mendelssohn and His Hawaiian Serenaders, which had a slower and more romantic beat.

Read the full story here.

Still don't believe it? Alternatively, you can listen to the song, Mamula Moon (#14):

http://www.sternsmusic.com/disk_info/HQCD162

Well, it seems like not only the national flag was copied from America but the national song as well.

It is true that in history one culture's is copied or owed to one or another. But I just don't get it why do we have to copy so much from America? Even if we have to copy it should be from Britain, afterall they are our colonial masters and we owe our independence to them.

I am now wandering what else did we owe or had copied from America?

Are we not proud enough of our own culture and of our Asian origin?

Perhaps you guys can share a thought or two on the above topic. All comments/suggestions are welcome.

I'M BACK - BIGGER, BETTER AND BOLDER

2005-08-31T00:50:00.000+08:00

GREETINGS,

Dear all, welcome back to my blogsite - "SOUNDWAVES".

I'm proud to announce to ALL OF YOU that I'm back with a new and better and bolder layout for my blogsite.

And if you notice, my blogsite is no longer hosted by BLOGDRIVE as it used to be. This is because I'm currently using BLOGGER to host my current blogsite - http://kelvinchew.blogspot.com

To all of you guys and those who had visited my site and supported me prior to this, I hope that you guys will continue to do so in my new site here.

I notice that since I started blogging not so long ago in June this year, my previous blogsite [of the same name] had received the very much needed traffic which I initially thought impossible to receive due to my nature of my blog.

I was indeed surprised with the results as my blog traffic kept increasing over the weeks from literally zero to more than 500 visits overtime. And I know that I owe it all to you guys out there who had been supporting me and my million thanks to all of you.

To my good friend, Mona from the French Embassy, I hope you would still continue visiting and supporting my site here.

To my friends - Siva, Ah Fook, Seow Yin, Ling Ying, Taijing, Jacinta and others who had read and been continuously visiting my site, I hope you guys would continue to do so.

I would appreciate if you guys could recommend or introduce my site to your other fellow frends who are interested to know about the latest and interesting issues happenings in and out of the country.

And not forgetting my fellow blogger mate- Kyels, you have been a great help and friend ever since I got to know you. I could not expressed in words as to how great of help and supportive you had been. And as to even now, you still kept on encouraging me with your ideas and suggestions and help and I sincerely don't know how to thank you.

I guess all I could do is to post more interesting topics and current issues in the future as not to dissapoint you guys who had been so supportive to me over the months.

I believe now with BLOGGER, I would be able to do just that.

Lastly, a million thanks to all of you. Pls feel free to drop your comments and suggestions/ ideas if you have any.

CHINESE CAR ANYONE?

2005-08-22T18:55:00.000+08:00

Saw the Chery A160 car from China on display in a building nearby my working place near KLCC some time last week.

Imported by Alado Automobile Sdn Bhd, the 1.6 manual-transmision car on-the-road price is at RM56,493[basic] and RM61,623,10[comfort] respectively.

If you're thinking of getting an automatic version, you will need to wait a little longer as only manual is available now.

Nothing really impressive about the car though it was very much anticipated among the local car enthusiasts.

Was told that its using a regular Austrian-made engine and that it have been used in some German-made cars.

[mind you, its Austria not Australia. so be careful as not to get cheated]

Why regular? Because I was told that its just a basic engine with no added technology or whatsoever.

So is it a low-tech engine? Nolah,.....that's the reply I got from the salesperson.

Anyway, the engine compartment looked very awful to me. Apart from the old-looking engine, the other parts inside have a pretty weird arrangement and there's a huge gap somewhere in the middle.

Any car experts out there able to explain why?

Its exterior meanwhile is very much similar to that of the PROTON WAJA and KIA OPTIMA in terms of shape and design while the interior is pretty neat and tidy. Nothing outstanding.

In other words, its a simple and decent car overall if you don't mind made in China products and looking at the prospect of driving a boring car.

So, what about a made-in-china car for a change?

SENIOR LING INTERFERING IN MCA POLLS?

2005-08-22T18:45:00.000+08:00

Did former MCA President Dr Ling Liong Sik had a hand in the recently concluded MCA polls?

The answer is up to your judgement if it were to go by the words of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad words.

Dr M was quoted as saying in Bernama: “He is the former president and still an MCA member and he has the right. It is up to him.”

He was commenting on the claim that former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik was interfering in the polls.

Read the full story below from Malaysiakini:

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is confident that MCA leaders will be able to close ranks and overcome any problems after the party elections.

He said it is the norm for candidates to make all sorts of statements that could cause uneasiness in the party.

“I am confident they will be able to handle the problem. It is common that during elections there will be different factions who make statements to shore up support,” he was quoted as saying in Bernama.

The former premier was asked to comment on the heated contests for this year’s MCA polls where all the top posts are being challenged, except the Wanita chief.

Today, party delegates are voting for the president, deputy president, four vice-presidents and central committee members.

In 2002, Mahathir had brokered a ‘peace plan’ for MCA, which was then witnessing a heightened internal strife.

The party had split into two camps - Team A and Team B - following its controversial take over of two Chinese dailies a year before.

Under the ‘peace plan’ there were no contest in the previous annual general meeting, instead a compromised was reached on which leaders will helm the party.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said he is sure that things will return to normalcy when the elections draw to end.

On the claim that former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik was interfering in the polls, he said: “He is the former president and still an MCA member and he has the right. It is up to him.”

And this was Ling's reply to Malaysiakini on two of his sons being voted into the new party line-up:

“It happens all over the world, for example the Gandhi political dynasty in India.”

Ling's eldest son Hee Leong was elected as the new MCA Youth deputy chief while his brother Hee Keat won a seat on the wing’s central committee.

He also denied that his lingering influence in the party had a poignant role to play in his sons winning their respective posts.

I don't know if you ever heard of this - "A father plays an important role in a shaping the path of a son's career".

So did or did not Senior Ling meddle in the recent MCA polls?, if the above proverb were anything to go by in Ling and his two sons case.

LIFE GOES ON FOR JIMMY CHUA

2005-08-22T01:27:00.000+08:00

I anticipate the fight between Jimmy Chua and Ong Ka Ting for the post of MCA President to be among the most seriously contested one in the history of MCA election.

But as it turned out, it was not even close.

Jimmy lost to Ong by a whopping 696 votes as he garnered only 819 votes to Ong's 1515 votes.

And unlike the contest for the Deputy President post between Chan Kong Choy with Uncle Ting where at one stage was reported to be at neck-to-neck by The Star, that was not the case with Jimmy-Ong's fight.

Whether or not Ong has resorted to any sort of desperate measures, a Jimmy Chua win was never really in the cards when the Bakri MP decided to go for the broke.

Its ok for him to lose between 50 - 100 votes - but I never expected him to lose by such a huge margin.

Only if the anticipated Jimmy-Ong debate did take place, then it would at least do Jimmy some justice or maybe even give him a serious shot at the presidency.

Anyway, like was said by Jimmy himself - "Life goes on. There are many thing in life to be done".

Life goes on for Jimmy and as well as MCA till we see another MCA election.

Now with Jimmy and Ting out of the picture, WILL we see the rise of another like Jimmy in the ranks of MCA or those similar to Ong and the likes of Ling Hee Liong and etc in the future?

AS OF NOW, we can only hope that the ONG-CHAN coalition will bring better future to us Chinese living in MALAYSIA.

As for Jimmy, I wish you the best of luck.

ONG KA TING GETTING DESPERATE?

2005-08-19T19:09:00.000+08:00

"His method has broken the tradition in MCA as well as the democratic ways practiced all this while and it should not had happened," said MCA vice-president Jimmy Chua Jui Meng as he expressed his disappointment to UTUSAN MALAYSIA.

That's literally the translation for what Jimmy had to say about MCA President Ong Ka Ting's action in requesting all members in the party to pledge their support openly to him.

Jimmy classified Ong's act as over the limit because such action is not in accordance with the democratic practice of the party.

He told UTUSAN that there was never in the history of party from the central right down to the state leadership that have ever requested the delegates to swear support towards a certain leader.

"If it is truly for the sake of the party, we can wait for the decision in the ballot box later," he
stressed.

Read the untranslated original story here.

Is Ong getting somewhat desperate there?

I guess the proverb - "Desperate times calls for desperate measures" fit the situation.

CHALLENGE ME IF YOU DARE, SAYS SAMY

2005-08-19T19:00:00.000+08:00

MIC President S Samy Vellu on AUG 18 issued a challenge to those who wish to contest against him in the coming MIC election next year.

"I want to give an opportunity to those who don't like me to contest against me to finish me off."

"Then there will be no more trouble, they can take over the party, they can run it in whatever way they want," he said.

He was quoted by BERNAMA when commenting on media reports that MIC vice president Datuk G. Palanivel would challenge incumbent Datuk S. Subramaniam for the party's number two post in the party election scheduled in March next year.

Samy said MIC was a democratic party and anyone could contest for any post including the presidency.

Asked whether he would endorse any candidates in the election, he said he would as he needed to make sure that the leader who "sits next to me" was the right person.

For stories details, check out BERNAMA.

VERY STRONG WORDS indeed, Samy. Well, let's see whether he'll stay true to his words in MIC's coming election next year.

DEMOCRATIC or not, only time will tell.

HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL

2005-08-18T18:59:00.000+08:00

YES, its that time of year again where hungry ghosts are to roam the human world.

Though the HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL begins from Aug 5 and ends on Sept 3, the actual day of celebration actually starts TODAY.

Today is the day when the famous festival is celebrated by every CHINESE around the world - on the 15TH OF THE SEVENTH LUNAR MONTH.

Food and prayers are offered to the ancestors and at the same time it is also held to appease the wandering spirits.

Incense, hell money and paper effigy are also offered as offerings to aimless souls and departed ancestors.

It is believed that the gates of Hell are opened during the month to allow the hungry ghosts to roam the human world.

To know more, read here and here.

While the routine rituals of prayers and food are offered, Chinese opera shows are also held in conjunction with Hungry Ghost Festival in the afternoon and in the evening to commemorate the event.

Though I have not formally seen one yet, it really touches me to see the people behind the opera costumes belting out performance after performance for the crowd.

For more behind the scenes, THE STAR has a story here.

And as the Hungry Ghost Festival is also a celebration reminding one of filial piety, it is also time for us to reflect on our mistakes and past deeds and seek forgiveness and blessings from our ancestors.

Share your wonderful experiences of the event here with me. All comments are welcome!

TIME FOR INDONESIA TO GROW UP

2005-08-17T18:12:00.000+08:00

The Indonesians today are celebrating the 60th anniversary of its country's independence since gaining freedom from the DUTCH on 17 August 1945.

READ more of the story here and the translation of the item in my earlier post, below.

While we here in Malaysia are happy for the Indonesians, it is hope that those back there running the country would take some of the blame especially those concerning the recent haze.

Yet after helping them in the tsunami and assisting them in whatever troubles they faced and now helping them to fight their own peat fire, not even a word of "thank you" was conveyed to us.

INSTEAD, they are blaming us for causing the fire in the first place. The Indons are acting way out of hand and the Malaysians have been very tolerant about it.

Yes, there is no doubt that we are indeed friendly and helpful people but don't treat us as a bunch of idiots.

We would appreciate if the Indonesians could shoulder some responsibility.

Just like the proverb goes - "Give a man a fish & you'll feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and he'll eat forever."

Indonesia is grown-up now at 60 years of age. As an mature adult, it should solve its own problems and not wait for others to help all the time like a kid.

"We can help you but it will not last long. If you learn to be independent, you'll remain strong forever".

PEACE AT LAST IN ACEH

2005-08-17T17:59:00.000+08:00

Here is a summary cum translation I made from an article in the UTUSAN on Aceh's hope for peace:

Today is the 60th anniversary of independence for the Republic of Indonesia. It is meaningful not only to the Indonesians but also to the people in the Malay Archipelago because the independence declaration by Sukarno on 17 August 1945 also gave inspiration to the rise of nationalism in Malaya back then.

And Aceh was among the region that contributed the most to the cause of the independence but Sukarno failed to form a peaceful, successful and just nation.

And this caused Aceh to declare its own independence in 1953 and that marks the beginning of the conflict between the region and the Indonesian central government.

But all attempts by the previous Indonesian leaders to put an end to the Free Aceh Movement [GAM] had ended in failure.

However, what Sukarno, Suharto, B.J. Habibie, Abdurrahman Wahid [Gus Dur] and Megawati Sukarnoputri failed to do was achieved by the administration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – the first Indonesia President thoroughly chosen by the people including voters from Aceh.

In January 2005, GAM and Indonesia had their first discussion in Helsinki, Finland. On July 17, both sides agreed to sign agreement to end the conflict. And on August 9, the Indonesian parliament pledged its full support to the peace agreement.

Both sides then agreed to formally end the conflict and today [Aug 17] is a historical day because in is for the first time in the history of Indonesian independence, Aceh feels secure to be a part of Indonesia.

In the agreement, Indonesia will withdraw all its troops and non-local police force from Aceh by the end of the year. GAM meanwhile is due to put down their arms and end its struggle.

The agreement also requires Jakarta to help form liberated political parties in Aceh within the year. It is also possible for GAM to form its own political party.

And according to the new agreement, Aceh will adopt a new set of laws that will be introduced by 31 March 2006. Syariah law and other Islamic elements will also be part of the newly-set laws.

Aside from that, the agreement mentioned about giving 70 percent of the income from natural resources to Aceh, which was among the reason for the dissatisfaction of the Acehnese in the past as its oil income is monopolise by the central government.

A human rights court and a Peace and Truth-Finding Commission will also be established in Aceh to give justice to the Acehnese. To ensure the success of all the details in the agreement, an Aceh Monitoring Mission will be form by the European Union [EU] and five ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] countries.

The agreement has given a big hope to the Achenese who had long suffered under the civil-war. Aceh is a region in Indonesia, but it does not mean that Jakarta can treat it unfairly.

What that happened in Aceh all this while was not a question of separation, nationalism, race or even religion. It is a question of justice.

If Sukarno and Suharto were to have carried out a fair policy towards them, surely the decades of bloodshed would be avoided. And if Indonesia carried out a federal government system and not a union that was recommended in the early days of its independence, it would have been a different situation.

Therefore, 60 years after gaining independence from the Dutch, only today can the special region belonging to the world of the Malays and Islam starts life afresh under the peaceful Indonesian republic.

JALAN V.DAVID to replace OLD KLANG ROAD?

2005-08-16T18:03:00.000+08:00

JALAN V.DAVID?

Yes, according to The Star, that will be new name of the road replacing the famous Jalan Klang Lama in Kuala Lumpur.

For those not familiar with Jalan Klang Lama or have not heard of it, perhaps OLD KLANG ROAD rings a better tune?

But of course, the name of the road won't be changed until the proposal is accepted by the KL City Hall.

Malaysian Tamil Christian Writers Association patron J. P. Samuel Raj made the proposal at a three-hour tribute to the late David at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

“In recognition of his contributions to the country and to workers, we would like to
propose that the Government name a road after him,” he said.

To me, Jalan V.David just doesn't ring a rhyme to the heart and soul of KL.

He may have contributed something or come from the area, but his deeds are very much unheard off to all of us to command a place in the name of our roads.

There are far more greater heroes and those who had done a lot for KL which deserved more than a just place in name of roads in KL than V.David, yet they are ignored.

Look through history books and you can get many deserving names.

Anyway, that are just my thoughts on the matter.

What's your take on the subject?

WHERE IS THE LOVE?

2005-08-15T13:34:00.000+08:00

Why is it so hard to find that special someone you really love to be with?

Yeah, love hurts as the proverb goes. But love also heals, it cures and it also put an end to our suffering. What would our lives be without love?

All that I ever want is to be with that someone special - doing the common everyday things in life like sharing a meal together, going for a stroll in the park holding hands together, watching a movie together, or even chatting over the phone showering love and concern towards each other.

Is it really that hard to do or am I asking too much? Or is it that I am destined to live my life alone forever?

Or is it because money has taken over as the main priority in the life of nowadays people that love is no longer the main concern?

ACTUALLY I don't think that the fault lies within myself - love simply doesn't exist anymore in this world. EVERYONE IS TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH MAKING MONEY THAT LOVE SIMPLY DOESN'T EXIST ANYMORE UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.

It hurts me sometime ago when someone close to me had disagreed with me saying that life is only meant for self enrichment trying to gain as much money as possible and climbing up the corporate ladder.

The guys think that they can get and impress the girls they like with their big luxury car and houses or by showering them with jewelleries and other materialistic stuffs.

The girls meanwhile think that it is better for them to date rich and wealthy guys because they can get happiness through the gifts and money that they will be receiving.

Is life all about making money and wealth? That the purpose humans were created is simply to earn money?

Where have all the love gone to? Is love really that hard to give?

Or do I need to get a MERCEDES or BMW or a 24KARAT DIAMOND RING to get the love of the person I like?

ARE money, wealth and status THE ONLY THINGS people really care nowadays?

THAT love, kindness, compassion, and the other values in life are only secondary?

If that's there case then all I can give is my love and nothing but else but my true and sincerest love, for that is all I have.

"True love comes from the heart can it can't be measured with all the money and luxuries in the world."

And with that I would like to dedicate this lyrics entitled "WORDS" from BEE GEES and made popular by BOYZONE to the person who had captivated my heart yet I HAVE NO CHANCE TO TELL HER THAT I LOVE HER.

LING YING, if you're reading this - this song is specially for you:[pls note the changes i made to the lyrics from "words" to "love"]

smile an ever lasting smile
a smile can bring you near to me
don't ever let me find you gone
'cause that would bring a tear to me

this world has lost its glory
let's start a brand new story
now my love
you think that I don't even mean
a single word I say

it's only love
and love are all I have
to take your heart away

talk in ever lasting words
and dedicate them all to me
and I will give you all my life
i'm here if you should call to me
you think that I don't even mean
a single word I say

it's only love
and love are all I have
to take your heart away

it's only love
and love are all I have
to take your heart away

BE CONSIDERATE TO THOSE WEARING MASKS

2005-08-12T00:12:00.000+08:00

As you might already knew, the haze situation in the Klang Valley had been declared to be at hazardous level which is more than 500 API.

Emergency meanwhile was declared in the KL Federal Territory late in the evening just now.

Those who are staying indoor or drive to work probably would not feel much of the hase effect but the condition was definitely more than "chocking" to those that need to go outdoor and take the public transport.

And I myself was not left out, as I needed to take the LRT home. With that, I put on my mask.

I was expecting to see the crowd putting on their masks but to my amazement many still do not bother putting any form of protection from the haze. I got no idea how those people can put up with the horrendous acrid smell of the haze.

BUT PLEASE, to those not wearing any form of mask or haze protetion, PLEASE DO NOT give that weird gaze or look to those wearing face masks.

This was because I received strange looks from a certain number of people and some even worst to a certain extent who look at me like I was some kind of alien or something.

[I was wearing a large padded conical mask for extra protection at that time.].

I know that I may not wearing the more fashionable surgical mask but please do not give that kind of stare to the people wearing masks.

Its fine if you yourself do not want to wear any mask. YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DO WHAT YOU LIKE.

BUT TRY to be a little more considerate TO THOSE WEARING MASK as they already have their fair share of problems and would not wish to see some look from strangers that would only add more to their suffering.

RAIN, RAIN, WHERE ARE YOU?

2005-08-07T18:08:00.000+08:00

LOCATION: KUALA LUMPUR, [somewhere in the vicinity on FRIM, Kepong to be exact]

TIME: 3PM

WEATHER: EXTREMELY HAZY

rain, rain, where are you?

where is the rain when we so seriouly need it?
the weather was clear and sunny not long ago in this SUNDAY morning b4 it turn out for the worst.

the usually picturesque view of the nearby hills not very far from my house were totally out of sight as it was blanketed with thick, white smelly haze.

i could not see anything beyond the hills except for rooftops of houses some 200 metres away. visibility was virtually zero.

the extreme smell of the haze made it even worse. and it happened all of a sudden.

the haze had never been this bad since 1996/97. i wonder if it is a sign of things to come after the the recent increase in consumer goods that god is punishing certain people or it is the result of mothernature itself?

don't forget that the RECENT haze started in PUTRAJAYA. it is afterall the place where the seat of the government is situated.

so, let's hope and pray hard for the rain to come before the haze chocked us all to death.

LESS BITE FOR THE RINGGIT

2005-08-04T18:35:00.000+08:00

A MALAY MAIL columnist recently said: “now that the Government has decided to put some muscle back into the ringgit by depegging it from the US dollar”, there’ll be more bite for the ringgit.

“The ringgit lost much buying power on the international front when Malaysia pegged it
to the dollar in September 1998, at the height of Asia’s financial crisis. The move did pay
off. But you and I haven’t been able to buy much with our ringgit. Now, the Government
hopes that by revaluing our currency, Malaysians will be able to buy more things.”

Though I do agree with you to a certain extent that the unpegging of the ringgit will result in a generally stronger ringgit as was mentioned:

“a stronger ringgit will keep labour costs low, spur business, and keep factories working as
there will be demand for goods when things are cheap at shopping centres.”

However, I beg to differ - how can there be more bite for the ringgit when:

1 – THE INFLATION LEVEL HAS RISEN TO A SIX-YEAR HIGH at 3.2 percent

2 – THE PRICE OF FUEL HAS INCREASED TO A NEW HIGH OF RM1.62 [petrol] AND
RM1.28 [diesel] per litre

3 – THE PRICE OF NORMAL CHICKEN RICE IN KL HAS INCREASED FROM RM3.50 TO
RM3.80 [some places even more]

4 – THE PRICE OF OTHER CONSUMER PRODUCTS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE
FURTHER

With all the above, there can only mean one thing – “Less bite for the ringgit”.

While no. 1 and no.2 are conclusive, there’s more to no.3, as not only the price of chicken rice had gone up, the price of other consumer goods are also expected to increase further as in no.4.

And this was confirmed by a local economic analyst recently in UTUSAN, and below is the translated version of what was said:

“The price increase of consumer goods cannot be control due to increase in cost.”

He further added:

“If the inflation level remains at that point, Malaysians will face the possibility of achieving
a negative income growth for this year”.

So, Kongster, perhaps you did not see the big picture or the increase of oil prices was not announced yet, the time you wrote the article.

Even if there was no increase in fuel price, how can you say that there’ll be more bite for the ringgit?

You yourself noted: “Ahem, right now, with things costing more and more, I am sad to say that my salary is not enough to pay bills, groceries and all.”

And what makes you think the latest Harry Potter book would much cheaper when the ringgit was not even unpeg yet?

[Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was released on July 16, while the ringgit not was unpegged until July 21]

A simple check at the nearest bookstore in town would reveal that the “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” is priced at RM99.90. An exorbitant sum for a simple children book and not cheap at all!

The price of the book might go down if it was released after the unpegging of the ringgit but unfortunately that was not the case. Bro, did you do your get your facts right before you start writing the article?

Read his article here.

You even mentioned “maybe you can even afford to buy an original Hollywood blockbuster VCD, and not a pirated copy.”

Please don’t bother to talk about buying original or pirated VCDs when you can’t get your facts right.

The price for both original and pirated VCDs can only escalate higher [and not lower], now that the price of fuel had increased.

Bro, I know that you are no John Maynard Keynes or armchair economist, but please do not mislead the readers with your unscrupulous writing.

Likewise was said by you “We shop with caution – stretching the ringgit, hoping there will be enough left to pay for the house, the car, credit cards and so on.”

I meanwhile shall read with caution the next time I come across your article.

A TOUCHING REAL STORY OF 2 SONS

2005-07-26T16:53:00.000+08:00

Just thought of posting this story again since it coincide with the recent happenings within Proton, although i had earlier email it to some of my friends.

For more information on Proton latest happenings, see here.

Below is the touching story on our beloved carmaker - Proton:

Once, there was a family known as Malaysia. In 1985, they wereblessed with their first born, Proton. The family loved Proton allthey can. They gave Proton everything. They protected Proton from thebigger boys in Kindergarden. They told Proton, "You're young, youneed protection from them. It's okay to make mistakes because you'reyoung. Even if you don't learn from mistakes... it's okay... you areyoung."Proton became spoilt.

He always depended on parents and used up allhis allowance on useless things. When he had to do his chores, hepaid people to do it and the work is lousy, causing the parents having to call repairmen to fix all the mess that he made.

Anyway, when Proton was 10 (but he still acted like he is 1 or 2years old), he had a younger brother, Perodua. At first, everyonethought this younger brother will be like Proton. Anyway, this newbaby was more handsome and looks smarter than Proton. Malaysia knewthere is a possibilty Perodua could be smarter than Proton. Sincethey love Proton so much, they decided that Perodua can only learn afew things. Cannot learn the same thing as Proton. This is so thatPerodua wouldn't beat Proton at what Proton is doing.

Although Perodua was also protected by Malaysia, he learn to beindependent very fast. He made good friends with Daihatsu, who had anelder brother Toyota. The two of them helped Perodua in everything.Perodua, being independent and smart, learnt a lot and in a shortwhile, was becoming as good as, if not better, than Proton.

Malaysia realized that Perodua was becoming better than his brother. Although proud of Perodua, they still love Proton best. They paidLotus (which is older and well known worldwide) to be friends withProton. Using this advantage, Proton mentioned Lotus everytime hewanted to tell people about himself. On his own, he was still thesame.

Moreover, Proton is always not updated. When doing his work, he stilluses the typewriter and refuses to use the computer. Perodua, so much younger, used the computer, with broadband for his work. Perodua wasimproving so much that Toyota has assigned him with his work,codename Avanza.

2005. Proton is 20 years old, Perodua only 10. It was obvious thatPerodua was the more successful of the two siblings. What is worse,Proton said he still need his parents to help him for another 10years. He still need to protection from the big boys. In May 2005,Perodua was about the show Malaysia his best work so far... codenameMyvi. Proton, being jealous, quickly came up with an unprofessionalremark about Perodua's work and show his work at the same time as Perodua on purpose.

The future of Malaysia and her two kids are still unknown. But itwould be obvious that Perodua will shine, leaving Proton crying. It would be a wonder if in 2015, Proton will ask Malaysia for another 10years of help and protection... maybe this time... protection fromPerodua as well.

..........THE END

Dog-bone water and excreta-infused capsules

2005-07-26T16:32:00.000+08:00

waht on earth are those stuffs?

well, believe it or not, but those stuffs can actually make someone become loyal.

supposedly strange, but that's not the case for Ayah Pin otherwise also known as Ariffin Muhammad of the Sky Kingdom cult.

ayah pin believed that by giving out the dog bone-infused water and capsules that believed to contain his own personal excreta can enable his followers to become more loyal to him.

read more here.

seriously, what on earth is this guy thinking? is he sick or waht? dog-bone water and excreta-infused capsules - only a mentally deranged person would do and think of such things.

and to those that have drank or eaten those stuffs, just consider yourself lucky for not being drawn into even worse practice like devil-worshipping or other unimaginable stuffs that you can think of.

in other words, who can blame the 65-year old man for his somewhat weird behaviour, afterall he is an illiterate person.

PUDU JAIL ANYONE?

2005-07-22T14:11:00.000+08:00

Fancy spending a night at the 100-year old PUDU PRISON?

According to a certain local malay daily recently, Deputy Tourism Minister Zahid Hamidi is keen on promoting the prison as a tourist attraction to the country.

Proposals have been submitted and is currently undergoing discussion. But of all the places in town, why was PUDU JAIL chosen?

If given the choice, I would rather turn it to a haunted tourist spot where people go to haunted places to look for ghost.

Anyway, the idea sounds interesting, but just don't let me sleep in the cell where the notorious gangster BOTAK CHIN was hanged.

So, would you still fancy putting up a night in PUDU JAIL?

Khairy Jamaluddin........Bakal PM?

2005-07-16T23:36:00.000+08:00

Recently heard of this book - Khairy Jamaluddin........Bakal PM? from the Malaysia Today website and was asked to get it for my boss.

But it seems that the book was banned not too long ago and I don't have a clue where to get hold of one.

Anyone of you knows of any bookstores / stalls anywhere in KL / PJ still selling the book. I need to get hold of the book pretty urgent.

Thanks.

LOVE AS IN THE BIBLE

2005-06-24T22:00:00.000+08:00

LOVE AS IN THE BIBLE:

LOVE HAS NEVER BEEN SO WELL DESCRIBE, not until I recently found a verse from the Bible, coutresy from the movie "A Walk to Remember" starring Mandy Moore.

SEE BELOW:

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end... And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)

How i hope that my wish for true love will come true.