It really irks me when muslim converts adopts
a more holier than thou attitude than those born
muslims.We would expect muslim converts to have a
better view from both side of the divide to make a
more unprejudiced statement.Farah Abdullah @ SL Pang
presented her views purportedly on behalf of the
Muslim Professional forum.To say that non-muslims must
adhere to a dress code that reflects the teachings of
Islam is to cast aspersion on the dress code of
non-muslims.If the purpose of the dress code is to
encourage female students to dress modestly than there
should be no controversy.But to force non-muslim
students to don a tudung which is a religious attire
for female muslims is without doubt insensitive.
To make the point more obvious, let us say
UTAR, an instituition with a 90% chinese students
decide to make it compulsory that all students
irrespective of religion, race should have a
compulsory breakfast of bak ku teh every morning
before lecture commenced.Therefore if we were to
follow Pang's argument then all students 'must expect
and comply with rules that they may not be comfortable
with.'After all it is a chinese academic
instituition.Conversely this can also be argued that
this has nothing to do with fundamental human rights.
S.L pang has made her choice to be a muslim
convert. She should learn to respect the rights of
others who may feel uncomfortable donning a tudung.If
she is adamant that IIU should have the right to
impose a dress code for its students then I would like
to invite her for breakfast of bak ku teh at the
UTAR's Canteen.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Proton Cars In Malaysia Not fitted with air bags.
Our govt,principally our former Prime
Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir, must bear full
responsibilty for the many deaths caused and
contributed by the inferior Proton cars that are
virtually forced upon unsuspecting malaysian
buyers.Because of the National Automative Policy which
made the price of foreign made cars almost prohibitive
for the average malaysian buyers, the average
Malaysians are left with no choice but to buy the
cheaper version of the local produced Proton cars
which are devoid of safety features such as air bags
and ABS brakes.
It is an established fact that cars fitted with
air bags have statistically saved lives in the event
of accident and yet Proton assemblers for reason of
cost had deliberately not fitted such safety device in
Proton assembled cars in Malaysia.And yet one
significant irony remains .Malaysian cars exported to
U.K were all fitted with air bags.By this act our govt
have deemed fit to derogate the lives of Malaysian as
insignificant and valueless compared to foreign user
of Proton cars.
The grave yards in Malaysia are littered with
the lives of Malaysians whose lives could have been
saved had our govt abandoned its protectionist policy
and allowed Malaysians the opportunity to buy foreign
cars that are fitted with the latest safety devices.
As long as this policy continue the lives of
those lost driving Proton cars shall continue to be on
the conscience of our govt.
Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir, must bear full
responsibilty for the many deaths caused and
contributed by the inferior Proton cars that are
virtually forced upon unsuspecting malaysian
buyers.Because of the National Automative Policy which
made the price of foreign made cars almost prohibitive
for the average malaysian buyers, the average
Malaysians are left with no choice but to buy the
cheaper version of the local produced Proton cars
which are devoid of safety features such as air bags
and ABS brakes.
It is an established fact that cars fitted with
air bags have statistically saved lives in the event
of accident and yet Proton assemblers for reason of
cost had deliberately not fitted such safety device in
Proton assembled cars in Malaysia.And yet one
significant irony remains .Malaysian cars exported to
U.K were all fitted with air bags.By this act our govt
have deemed fit to derogate the lives of Malaysian as
insignificant and valueless compared to foreign user
of Proton cars.
The grave yards in Malaysia are littered with
the lives of Malaysians whose lives could have been
saved had our govt abandoned its protectionist policy
and allowed Malaysians the opportunity to buy foreign
cars that are fitted with the latest safety devices.
As long as this policy continue the lives of
those lost driving Proton cars shall continue to be on
the conscience of our govt.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
ACA must do Its Job without fear or Favour.
The ACA appears to be super efficient in
investigating the alleged misappropriation of the
$150,000 from the St John's school's fund but seems to
be dragging its feet in the DBKL tender of the Masjid
India hawkers lot.Why is it so difficult to ascertain
whether proper procedures were adopted in the tender
exercise for the hawkers lot.?And if it was done in a
transparent manner how could they explain why majority
of the lots ended in VIP hands. Maybe DBKL can
explain how several of these lots could possibly fall
into the IGP sons hands if the tender exercise were
transparent.
The speed with which ACA investigated the St
John misappropriation case and the reluctance it
proceeded with the Masjid India case confirms public
suspicion that ACA are slow to act where the felony
involves politicians.In the former case where only
school teachers are involve it is presumably safe to
investigate without fear or favour because of the
absence of any political backlash.In the case of the
DBKL, the ACA have to tip toe their way around the
political bigwits, fearing it might step on some
political bigshots.Hence very likely nothing will come
out of the DBKL investigation as a cover-up is most
likely.
investigating the alleged misappropriation of the
$150,000 from the St John's school's fund but seems to
be dragging its feet in the DBKL tender of the Masjid
India hawkers lot.Why is it so difficult to ascertain
whether proper procedures were adopted in the tender
exercise for the hawkers lot.?And if it was done in a
transparent manner how could they explain why majority
of the lots ended in VIP hands. Maybe DBKL can
explain how several of these lots could possibly fall
into the IGP sons hands if the tender exercise were
transparent.
The speed with which ACA investigated the St
John misappropriation case and the reluctance it
proceeded with the Masjid India case confirms public
suspicion that ACA are slow to act where the felony
involves politicians.In the former case where only
school teachers are involve it is presumably safe to
investigate without fear or favour because of the
absence of any political backlash.In the case of the
DBKL, the ACA have to tip toe their way around the
political bigwits, fearing it might step on some
political bigshots.Hence very likely nothing will come
out of the DBKL investigation as a cover-up is most
likely.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Indians Can Change Their Destiny.
I fail to agree with Samy Vellu's assertion
that the 3% equity for the Indians had been on the
national agenda for a long time and that nothing had
been planned and implemented for the community.The
failure to reach that equity level lies not with the
govt but with the MIC leader which Samy leads.
The dilemma facing the marginalised indian
community will continue as long as they are led by the
current MIC leaders.For 25 years the indian community
have been led by these leaders and in many ways the
trust bestowed to them have been repeatedly betrayed.
The pitiful and marginalised position the
Indian community are enduring would not have occurred
had their leaders placed community above self, service
and sacrifice above greed.
Partly to blame for this current dilemma are
the Indian community generally and the MIC members
specifically.Like the proverbial sheep been led to the
slaughter house, they had faithfully placed their
trust to these same leaders who had deemed fit to
plunder the wealth meant for the poor and destitute in
the Indian community.
During Dr. Mahathir's reign, a man not known
for his generosity, a few million Tenaga Nasional Bhd
newly Public listed shares were allocated to Maika,
the investment arm of MIC.The shares ostensibly for
Maika would indirectly benefit the many rural Indians
in estates and other low category jobs if equity in
the form of unit trust shares were taken up by the
community.MIC members went on a frantic campaign to
encourage the poor Indians from the rural areas to
Invest in Maika for a slice of the economic cake.It
was like manna from heaven and the poor uneducated
Indians got the bait together with the hook line and
sinker.They ploughed their hard earned savings meant
for their children's education in Maika shares with a
promise of a return many fold their original
investment.The TNB shares never reached
Maika.Somewhere along the way to Maika the TNB shares
were hijacked to another entity.
Subsequently ,Maika shares went into a tail-
spin and wiped off millions from its value.The
hard-earned savings of thousand of poor Indian
investors were left clinging to the valueless Maika
shares.The extent and untold hardship and misery this
episode had on the Indian community can never be
measured in monetary terms.In many poor Indian
households, the dreams and aspirations of young
ambitious children were destroyed forever.Today, we
see jobless, uneducated Indians whose only option is
to turn to a life of crime in order to survive.The
govt. has not opened its door in the civil service for
them and the private sector will continue to remain
elusive for the unqualified.
The plight and fate of the Indian community
will continue to remain bleak and diminish if it
places its faith in the same MIC leaders which had
hoodwinked them for the last 20 years.They have no one
else to blame but themselves if they persists in
choosing the same faces in the MIC leadership which
have brought them nothing but despair and
despondency.Through the present MIC leadership, the
Indians are now a marginalised community. Only the
Indian community can make a change for the better,
failing which they will have to endure another 20
years of destitution.
that the 3% equity for the Indians had been on the
national agenda for a long time and that nothing had
been planned and implemented for the community.The
failure to reach that equity level lies not with the
govt but with the MIC leader which Samy leads.
The dilemma facing the marginalised indian
community will continue as long as they are led by the
current MIC leaders.For 25 years the indian community
have been led by these leaders and in many ways the
trust bestowed to them have been repeatedly betrayed.
The pitiful and marginalised position the
Indian community are enduring would not have occurred
had their leaders placed community above self, service
and sacrifice above greed.
Partly to blame for this current dilemma are
the Indian community generally and the MIC members
specifically.Like the proverbial sheep been led to the
slaughter house, they had faithfully placed their
trust to these same leaders who had deemed fit to
plunder the wealth meant for the poor and destitute in
the Indian community.
During Dr. Mahathir's reign, a man not known
for his generosity, a few million Tenaga Nasional Bhd
newly Public listed shares were allocated to Maika,
the investment arm of MIC.The shares ostensibly for
Maika would indirectly benefit the many rural Indians
in estates and other low category jobs if equity in
the form of unit trust shares were taken up by the
community.MIC members went on a frantic campaign to
encourage the poor Indians from the rural areas to
Invest in Maika for a slice of the economic cake.It
was like manna from heaven and the poor uneducated
Indians got the bait together with the hook line and
sinker.They ploughed their hard earned savings meant
for their children's education in Maika shares with a
promise of a return many fold their original
investment.The TNB shares never reached
Maika.Somewhere along the way to Maika the TNB shares
were hijacked to another entity.
Subsequently ,Maika shares went into a tail-
spin and wiped off millions from its value.The
hard-earned savings of thousand of poor Indian
investors were left clinging to the valueless Maika
shares.The extent and untold hardship and misery this
episode had on the Indian community can never be
measured in monetary terms.In many poor Indian
households, the dreams and aspirations of young
ambitious children were destroyed forever.Today, we
see jobless, uneducated Indians whose only option is
to turn to a life of crime in order to survive.The
govt. has not opened its door in the civil service for
them and the private sector will continue to remain
elusive for the unqualified.
The plight and fate of the Indian community
will continue to remain bleak and diminish if it
places its faith in the same MIC leaders which had
hoodwinked them for the last 20 years.They have no one
else to blame but themselves if they persists in
choosing the same faces in the MIC leadership which
have brought them nothing but despair and
despondency.Through the present MIC leadership, the
Indians are now a marginalised community. Only the
Indian community can make a change for the better,
failing which they will have to endure another 20
years of destitution.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Build-Then-sell not viable Option
Housing Developers were caught by surprise
recently when the Housing and Local government
Ministry through its Minister , Datuk Ong Ka Ting,
announced that it was finalising a proposal for the
build-and-sell (BTS) concept to be adopted by the
Housing Ministry.Such a concept if adopted would have
serious repercussions on the building industry.The
nonchalant manner in which the proposal was to be
hastily tabled for a cabinet decision does not augur
well for the housing industry.
I cannot recall any discussion or debate being
held by the Housing Ministry with the Housing
Developers on the build-and -sell concept.The speed
and haste for the implementation (if indeed it is
implemented) of such a concept will certaintly spell
the end for medium and lower housing developers
From the onset I would categorically say that
the build-and-sell concept based on the Australian
model of 10/90 would be a failure if not a disaster if
introduced in the Malaysian building industry.The
10/90 system based on the Australian model is
regulated under S9AA of the Sale of Land Act 1962 of
the State of Victoria.Such a model from its appearance
would favour the house buyers but not necesssary
providing any advantage in terms of the cost of the
house.From the perspective of the Developer this model
would only further compound its problem
nothwithstanding the fact that it still have to comply
with existing housing laws and state governments
policies on Bumiputra ownership, mandatory laws on low
cost housing and infrastuctural requirements enforced
by local councils.In short, such a concept would not
be a workable model in the context of the Malaysian
environment where procedural and government policies
differ extensively with the Australian model.
The 10/90 variant model as practice in Australia
is successful because of the absence of bureacracy and
the efficient mechanism in place for submission and
approval for building plans.The normal time required
for such approval is about 3-6 months in Australia as
compared to 2-3 years over here in malaysia.In
addition, conditions such as mandatory 30% low cost
and bumiputra allocation housing all play a
significant part in adding cost to the total
expenditure of the developer.It must be noted that all
these extraneous conditions are absent in the
Australian model and this ensure a smooth
implementation of the 10/90 model.
Let us examine the 10/90 concept in more
detail in order to expose the frailities of such a
model.Under the 10/90 model, purchasers pay a
downpayment of 10% of the contract price upon signing
of the sale and purchase agreement and the deposit is
placed in an escrow trust account(lawyers as
stakeholder).The remaining 90% of the purchase price
becomes payable only on delivery of vacant possession
of the completed house.Obviously the house buyer has
zero risk and the bulk if not the total risk factor
is borne by the developer.From the very beginning the
developer would have to use its own or borrowed funds
to finance the project.They do not even have the
luxury of using the buyer's 10% deposit since it is
escrowed in an account until the handover of the
houses.From the time of submission of the property for
approval until the completion of the houses, the
gestation period is almost 5 years.(assuming building
take 2 years).Is it practical and fair for the
developer to bear the risk for 5 years before seeing a
return on its initial investment?And what would happen
if during the interim period there is a downturn in
the property market and the buyer decides to cancel
its obligation to buy the house?The buyer may choose
to forfeit its 10% deposit but the developer would now
be left without the 90%purchase price.It is little
comfort that the legal remedy for specific performance
is available but how many developer can afford the
lengthy litigation to recover the money.?
In short the likely scenario would be abandon
projects and bankrupt housing developers who are left
in the lurch by house buyers in the event of a
property crash.
The Housing Ministry must first ask itself
the question whether it can dismantle the onerous
government and state policies of low cost housing and
mandatory bumiputra allocation. Whether it can promote
an efficient mechanism to reduce bureacracy in the
submission and approval of building plans.If the
answer is no, then the 10/90 model is not a workable
option for our building industry.If there is an
attempt to introduce the Australian 10/90 model it is
imperative that all other conditions must be in place
before we seek to introduce the model in toto.
recently when the Housing and Local government
Ministry through its Minister , Datuk Ong Ka Ting,
announced that it was finalising a proposal for the
build-and-sell (BTS) concept to be adopted by the
Housing Ministry.Such a concept if adopted would have
serious repercussions on the building industry.The
nonchalant manner in which the proposal was to be
hastily tabled for a cabinet decision does not augur
well for the housing industry.
I cannot recall any discussion or debate being
held by the Housing Ministry with the Housing
Developers on the build-and -sell concept.The speed
and haste for the implementation (if indeed it is
implemented) of such a concept will certaintly spell
the end for medium and lower housing developers
From the onset I would categorically say that
the build-and-sell concept based on the Australian
model of 10/90 would be a failure if not a disaster if
introduced in the Malaysian building industry.The
10/90 system based on the Australian model is
regulated under S9AA of the Sale of Land Act 1962 of
the State of Victoria.Such a model from its appearance
would favour the house buyers but not necesssary
providing any advantage in terms of the cost of the
house.From the perspective of the Developer this model
would only further compound its problem
nothwithstanding the fact that it still have to comply
with existing housing laws and state governments
policies on Bumiputra ownership, mandatory laws on low
cost housing and infrastuctural requirements enforced
by local councils.In short, such a concept would not
be a workable model in the context of the Malaysian
environment where procedural and government policies
differ extensively with the Australian model.
The 10/90 variant model as practice in Australia
is successful because of the absence of bureacracy and
the efficient mechanism in place for submission and
approval for building plans.The normal time required
for such approval is about 3-6 months in Australia as
compared to 2-3 years over here in malaysia.In
addition, conditions such as mandatory 30% low cost
and bumiputra allocation housing all play a
significant part in adding cost to the total
expenditure of the developer.It must be noted that all
these extraneous conditions are absent in the
Australian model and this ensure a smooth
implementation of the 10/90 model.
Let us examine the 10/90 concept in more
detail in order to expose the frailities of such a
model.Under the 10/90 model, purchasers pay a
downpayment of 10% of the contract price upon signing
of the sale and purchase agreement and the deposit is
placed in an escrow trust account(lawyers as
stakeholder).The remaining 90% of the purchase price
becomes payable only on delivery of vacant possession
of the completed house.Obviously the house buyer has
zero risk and the bulk if not the total risk factor
is borne by the developer.From the very beginning the
developer would have to use its own or borrowed funds
to finance the project.They do not even have the
luxury of using the buyer's 10% deposit since it is
escrowed in an account until the handover of the
houses.From the time of submission of the property for
approval until the completion of the houses, the
gestation period is almost 5 years.(assuming building
take 2 years).Is it practical and fair for the
developer to bear the risk for 5 years before seeing a
return on its initial investment?And what would happen
if during the interim period there is a downturn in
the property market and the buyer decides to cancel
its obligation to buy the house?The buyer may choose
to forfeit its 10% deposit but the developer would now
be left without the 90%purchase price.It is little
comfort that the legal remedy for specific performance
is available but how many developer can afford the
lengthy litigation to recover the money.?
In short the likely scenario would be abandon
projects and bankrupt housing developers who are left
in the lurch by house buyers in the event of a
property crash.
The Housing Ministry must first ask itself
the question whether it can dismantle the onerous
government and state policies of low cost housing and
mandatory bumiputra allocation. Whether it can promote
an efficient mechanism to reduce bureacracy in the
submission and approval of building plans.If the
answer is no, then the 10/90 model is not a workable
option for our building industry.If there is an
attempt to introduce the Australian 10/90 model it is
imperative that all other conditions must be in place
before we seek to introduce the model in toto.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Anwar Lost his opportunity to lead.
I totally disagree with Ah Chong's article
that 'Anwar very much a leader after six years'.With
due respect to Anwar, he had his chance to show his
qualities of leadership to lead our multi-racial
country into the next millenium, but he failed
miserably.
Let us not forget that when he was Education
Minister, his race based and communal policies did not
endear him to the chinese community. Mara
matriculation schools did not even allocate the 10%
places for non-malays when it was first promised but
later through Dr.Mahathir's direction that the 10%was
grudgingly given.
Even when he was Deputy Prime Minister, he was
not a popular figure amongst the other communities
because of his frequent malay agenda.During his brief
tenure as Deputy P.M he did not display any qualities
of justice and fairness to the other races. Now that
he is no longer in the corridors of power why should
we believe that he would change.
There is a tendency for politicians to try and
garner support merely for political mileage and
expediency so that it will appeal to a wider
audience.But given the earlier opportunities, he had
failed to introduce any of those measures which he now
deemed superflous.Sad to say, he had his chances and
he blew it. I dont't think our future and destiny lies
with his leadership.The sea of faces in our political
spectrum also do not presently offer us with many
choices.The charismatic and strong leadership that we
yearn for is sadly lacking.There is no light at the
end of the tunnel.We just have to trudge into this
millenium aimlessly without any direction.
that 'Anwar very much a leader after six years'.With
due respect to Anwar, he had his chance to show his
qualities of leadership to lead our multi-racial
country into the next millenium, but he failed
miserably.
Let us not forget that when he was Education
Minister, his race based and communal policies did not
endear him to the chinese community. Mara
matriculation schools did not even allocate the 10%
places for non-malays when it was first promised but
later through Dr.Mahathir's direction that the 10%was
grudgingly given.
Even when he was Deputy Prime Minister, he was
not a popular figure amongst the other communities
because of his frequent malay agenda.During his brief
tenure as Deputy P.M he did not display any qualities
of justice and fairness to the other races. Now that
he is no longer in the corridors of power why should
we believe that he would change.
There is a tendency for politicians to try and
garner support merely for political mileage and
expediency so that it will appeal to a wider
audience.But given the earlier opportunities, he had
failed to introduce any of those measures which he now
deemed superflous.Sad to say, he had his chances and
he blew it. I dont't think our future and destiny lies
with his leadership.The sea of faces in our political
spectrum also do not presently offer us with many
choices.The charismatic and strong leadership that we
yearn for is sadly lacking.There is no light at the
end of the tunnel.We just have to trudge into this
millenium aimlessly without any direction.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Bumiputra Discount On Houses should Be abolished.
When policies formulated and implemented
many years ago becomes no longer relevant in today's
society, the govt should take steps to abolish or
adjust it to suit the current circumstances.When the
policy of mandatory requirement that developers should
give a 5% to 10% discount for bumiputra house buyers
was introduced it was intended to increase house
ownership of bumiputras.This was especially directed
at ownership of houses in the lower and medium
bracket.
However, today we see the policy extended to
cover and include high end, sophisticated
condominiums, apartments and bungalows.If bumiputras
can afford to buy such expensive properties what then
is the rationale for giving them a discount when
inevitably the cost would be borne by non-bumi buyers.
Instead, the govt should put a ceiling of
house prices which would qualify for a discount.For
example, all houses below $100,000 should be given a
5% or 10% discount for bumiputras.This way the benefit
of lower priced houses would be given to those who are
in need of help and not those who are rich and not
deserving.
On many occassion local authorities have been
guilty of delaying the release of bumiputra unsold
units when it was quite apparent that bumiputras were
not interested in the property.This has undoubtedly
caused alot of hardships to developers and has
contributed to alot of abandon projects.This is
especially true with DBKL where developers after
having satisfied the condition of advertising in the
papers for sale of Bumi units were further told to
hold road show at Mid-valley .The whole exercise was
really a futile one because most of the properties
were located in predominantly chinese areas and no
amount of publicity could persuade bumiputras to buy
the unsold units.
If the govt is so insistent on selling those
units to bumiputras then perhaps the option is to set
up an agency to purchase all units allocated to bumis
and gradually sell at a price they feel would be fair.
That way housing developers would not be caught with
the holding cost which undoubtedly would be pass on to
the consumers.
many years ago becomes no longer relevant in today's
society, the govt should take steps to abolish or
adjust it to suit the current circumstances.When the
policy of mandatory requirement that developers should
give a 5% to 10% discount for bumiputra house buyers
was introduced it was intended to increase house
ownership of bumiputras.This was especially directed
at ownership of houses in the lower and medium
bracket.
However, today we see the policy extended to
cover and include high end, sophisticated
condominiums, apartments and bungalows.If bumiputras
can afford to buy such expensive properties what then
is the rationale for giving them a discount when
inevitably the cost would be borne by non-bumi buyers.
Instead, the govt should put a ceiling of
house prices which would qualify for a discount.For
example, all houses below $100,000 should be given a
5% or 10% discount for bumiputras.This way the benefit
of lower priced houses would be given to those who are
in need of help and not those who are rich and not
deserving.
On many occassion local authorities have been
guilty of delaying the release of bumiputra unsold
units when it was quite apparent that bumiputras were
not interested in the property.This has undoubtedly
caused alot of hardships to developers and has
contributed to alot of abandon projects.This is
especially true with DBKL where developers after
having satisfied the condition of advertising in the
papers for sale of Bumi units were further told to
hold road show at Mid-valley .The whole exercise was
really a futile one because most of the properties
were located in predominantly chinese areas and no
amount of publicity could persuade bumiputras to buy
the unsold units.
If the govt is so insistent on selling those
units to bumiputras then perhaps the option is to set
up an agency to purchase all units allocated to bumis
and gradually sell at a price they feel would be fair.
That way housing developers would not be caught with
the holding cost which undoubtedly would be pass on to
the consumers.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Gerakan Election Is Rigged.
The Gerakan presidential election tomorrow
is a foregone conclusion.Dr. Lim keng Yaik will win
and will win handsomely.He will win not because he
deserves it or he commands the support of the Gerakan
members but because the election is rigged.I know it
for a fact because only recently I found out I was a
Gerakan member for the last 10 years in Kelantan.
Some 10 years ago I was invited to
participate in a Gerakan organised Golf tournament and
in order to qualify to play I was told that every
player had to sign a Gerakan membership form.I was
under the impression that the membership was
specifically for that occassion.Ten years down the
road I discovered recently that I was still a member
despite the fact that I had not attended any of its
meeting and had not paid for my annual membership
fees.
Somewhere, someone in Kelantan has been paying for my
annual subscription fees and have been using my name
to cast all Gerakan held election.I was not the only
person who was roped in to be Gerakan member. At least
more than a 100 of unsuspecting golfers were enlisted
to be Gerakan members and to this day I believe their
names like mine still remain in the Gerakan electoral
roll.
My name and 100's of phantom Gerakan members
would be used for tomorrow's election to decide the
fate of the presidential candidate.Kerk Choo Ting does
not stand a chance to win tomorrow's election and I am
quite certain his staunch supporter, Dr Tan Kee Kwong will also meet the same fate.
is a foregone conclusion.Dr. Lim keng Yaik will win
and will win handsomely.He will win not because he
deserves it or he commands the support of the Gerakan
members but because the election is rigged.I know it
for a fact because only recently I found out I was a
Gerakan member for the last 10 years in Kelantan.
Some 10 years ago I was invited to
participate in a Gerakan organised Golf tournament and
in order to qualify to play I was told that every
player had to sign a Gerakan membership form.I was
under the impression that the membership was
specifically for that occassion.Ten years down the
road I discovered recently that I was still a member
despite the fact that I had not attended any of its
meeting and had not paid for my annual membership
fees.
Somewhere, someone in Kelantan has been paying for my
annual subscription fees and have been using my name
to cast all Gerakan held election.I was not the only
person who was roped in to be Gerakan member. At least
more than a 100 of unsuspecting golfers were enlisted
to be Gerakan members and to this day I believe their
names like mine still remain in the Gerakan electoral
roll.
My name and 100's of phantom Gerakan members
would be used for tomorrow's election to decide the
fate of the presidential candidate.Kerk Choo Ting does
not stand a chance to win tomorrow's election and I am
quite certain his staunch supporter, Dr Tan Kee Kwong will also meet the same fate.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
M.D should shoulder MAS loss
What justification can the C.E.O of MAS
have when the national carrier for which he was the
head suffer such excruciating 1st quarter loss of $280
million?To blame the loss on high fuel cost is at best
a feeble excuse when other airlines merely suffer a
dip in profits.In contrast, S.I.A (Singapore Airlines)
merely posted a 7.9% decline in profit for the 1st
quarter while Cathay Pacific Airways reported a drop
in profit of 5.7% for the six months.(nst 23rd August,
2005).What is even more interesting and glaring of
mismanagement at MAS is the performance of budget
airline AirAsia Bhd which is a fifth the size of MAS
but is slated to post a quarterly net profit of $30
million.
When I perused the resume of the outgoing M.D I
was shocked to discover that he is an Anthropology
graduate of U.M.Now what business has an anthropology
graduate has managing a multi-million enterprise
company like MAS?It doesn't matter that he was exposed
for some time in the aircraft industry. The bottom
line is he is just not qualified acadametically for
such a post.
Next we learn that the front runner to be the
next C.E.O is a young Cambridge graduate who is the
present Chief Executive of MAS' parent company,
Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd.I am impress with his
academic qualification but what experience has a young
man of 34 has of running a multi- million company like
MAS?Frankly, those people enthrusted to appoint a
suitable person to manage the national carrier has
fail miserably.Time and time again their decision has
not been based on pure ability and qualification but
more on political connection and cronyism.This
practice is prevalent in all govt Linked companies
and as a result most of them have underperformed and
consequently suffer unprecedented losses.
Its time those who are enthrusted with the
responsibilty to appoint personnel in govt-linked
companies are held accountable for their
selections.They should not be allowed to squander tax
payer's money by making appointments to suit their
preference rather than appointments to suit the
company.
have when the national carrier for which he was the
head suffer such excruciating 1st quarter loss of $280
million?To blame the loss on high fuel cost is at best
a feeble excuse when other airlines merely suffer a
dip in profits.In contrast, S.I.A (Singapore Airlines)
merely posted a 7.9% decline in profit for the 1st
quarter while Cathay Pacific Airways reported a drop
in profit of 5.7% for the six months.(nst 23rd August,
2005).What is even more interesting and glaring of
mismanagement at MAS is the performance of budget
airline AirAsia Bhd which is a fifth the size of MAS
but is slated to post a quarterly net profit of $30
million.
When I perused the resume of the outgoing M.D I
was shocked to discover that he is an Anthropology
graduate of U.M.Now what business has an anthropology
graduate has managing a multi-million enterprise
company like MAS?It doesn't matter that he was exposed
for some time in the aircraft industry. The bottom
line is he is just not qualified acadametically for
such a post.
Next we learn that the front runner to be the
next C.E.O is a young Cambridge graduate who is the
present Chief Executive of MAS' parent company,
Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd.I am impress with his
academic qualification but what experience has a young
man of 34 has of running a multi- million company like
MAS?Frankly, those people enthrusted to appoint a
suitable person to manage the national carrier has
fail miserably.Time and time again their decision has
not been based on pure ability and qualification but
more on political connection and cronyism.This
practice is prevalent in all govt Linked companies
and as a result most of them have underperformed and
consequently suffer unprecedented losses.
Its time those who are enthrusted with the
responsibilty to appoint personnel in govt-linked
companies are held accountable for their
selections.They should not be allowed to squander tax
payer's money by making appointments to suit their
preference rather than appointments to suit the
company.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Why Should we honour Abdul Taib Mahmud and Rafidah Aziz.
First we celeberate mediocrity, then we
reject meritocracy, now we honour corrupt
politicians.Our country is really in a mess.A few
weeks ago, the Chief Minister of Sarawak was given an
honorific Datoship from Penang and on the 10th August,
Rafidah Aziz was honoured by the Chief Minister from
Sarawak despite her current predicament in the current
controversial A.P issue.
What begs to be answered is that is our
country so short of deserving candidates who have made
meaningful contribution to society that we have to
keep on honouring the same corrupt politicians?Now
what has the chief minister of Sarawak done for Penang
and what has Rafidah done for Sarawak short of giving
some A.Ps to some of her favourite people?
Frankly, until we review our criteria for
bestowing honorific titles to deserving people the
present method is making a mockery of the whole
system.
reject meritocracy, now we honour corrupt
politicians.Our country is really in a mess.A few
weeks ago, the Chief Minister of Sarawak was given an
honorific Datoship from Penang and on the 10th August,
Rafidah Aziz was honoured by the Chief Minister from
Sarawak despite her current predicament in the current
controversial A.P issue.
What begs to be answered is that is our
country so short of deserving candidates who have made
meaningful contribution to society that we have to
keep on honouring the same corrupt politicians?Now
what has the chief minister of Sarawak done for Penang
and what has Rafidah done for Sarawak short of giving
some A.Ps to some of her favourite people?
Frankly, until we review our criteria for
bestowing honorific titles to deserving people the
present method is making a mockery of the whole
system.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Our Nation is on the verge of Bankruptcy
According to Bank negara Malaysia's annual
report as at the end of 2004, the government's
external debt totalled Rm$34.7 billion while its
domestic debt is estimated atRm$181.9 billion.(nst. 28
July,2005.)If these figures are accurate and I have no
reason to doubt the authencity of Bank Negara's own
data base,then we can safely say that our nation is on
the verge of bankruptcy.A nation that is Rm$220
billion in debt cannot be viewed as solvent.
Malaysians must now ask our leaders how a
nation with so much natural resources end up being so
indebted?Were there lack of good governance, lack of
transparency and accountability that contributed to
this state of affairs?The crucial question is whether
our country was all along being financially
mismanaged?
In order to ascertain lack of good governance
we must first examine some policy decisions.Why was
lucrative highway contracts farmed out to private
enterprise with guaranteed future profitabilty?If
future profit is guaranteed why didnt the Govt. do it
themselves and divert the profits to the country's
coffers instead of benefitting private companies with
political connections?
Why was govt. contracts privately negotiated
and given at inflated price to contractors when a
public tender would save the govt.huge sums?Why did
the govt incur huge foreign and domestic debt to build
infrastuctural projects when it didnt had any funds of
its own?Why did the govt. forgoe revenue from excise and
custom duties by giving away A.Ps that benefitted a
few individuals that are politically connected to the
govt.
All these above questions remain unanswered and
must now be addressed.In view of our country' present
indebtedness, a comprehensive review should be
undertaken to introduce good governance,
transparency,accountabilty and good ethical
leadership.
Any attempt to introduce the N.E.P without addressing
the above weaknesses would be futile.
report as at the end of 2004, the government's
external debt totalled Rm$34.7 billion while its
domestic debt is estimated atRm$181.9 billion.(nst. 28
July,2005.)If these figures are accurate and I have no
reason to doubt the authencity of Bank Negara's own
data base,then we can safely say that our nation is on
the verge of bankruptcy.A nation that is Rm$220
billion in debt cannot be viewed as solvent.
Malaysians must now ask our leaders how a
nation with so much natural resources end up being so
indebted?Were there lack of good governance, lack of
transparency and accountability that contributed to
this state of affairs?The crucial question is whether
our country was all along being financially
mismanaged?
In order to ascertain lack of good governance
we must first examine some policy decisions.Why was
lucrative highway contracts farmed out to private
enterprise with guaranteed future profitabilty?If
future profit is guaranteed why didnt the Govt. do it
themselves and divert the profits to the country's
coffers instead of benefitting private companies with
political connections?
Why was govt. contracts privately negotiated
and given at inflated price to contractors when a
public tender would save the govt.huge sums?Why did
the govt incur huge foreign and domestic debt to build
infrastuctural projects when it didnt had any funds of
its own?Why did the govt. forgoe revenue from excise and
custom duties by giving away A.Ps that benefitted a
few individuals that are politically connected to the
govt.
All these above questions remain unanswered and
must now be addressed.In view of our country' present
indebtedness, a comprehensive review should be
undertaken to introduce good governance,
transparency,accountabilty and good ethical
leadership.
Any attempt to introduce the N.E.P without addressing
the above weaknesses would be futile.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
A.Ps Given To Niece.
The Minister of Internatonal Trade and
Industry, Rafidah Aziz adamantly claimed that she was
wronged and that she had not done any thing irregular
with respect to the issuance of A.Ps.She lied as
implied by Dr. Mahatir's statement because she mislead
not only the UMNO assembly but also the cabinet.The
obvious flaw in her statement of innocence is the
contradiction as reveal in the A.P list of 2004 where
it was shown that her niece, Annie, received 850 A.Ps
in 2004 and 199 A.Ps in 2005.
One wonders how she could swear her innocence
in front of the Holy Koran that she was cleaned when
in effect her hands were tainted with
corruption.Unless of course we are led to believe that
it is perfectly legitimate for a Minister to dispense
A.Ps to their relatives.Surely it would be a mockery
of our system if a Minister can escape with such a
brazen act of deception and still remain in public
office.But then maybe this is something acceptable in
'Bolehland.'
Industry, Rafidah Aziz adamantly claimed that she was
wronged and that she had not done any thing irregular
with respect to the issuance of A.Ps.She lied as
implied by Dr. Mahatir's statement because she mislead
not only the UMNO assembly but also the cabinet.The
obvious flaw in her statement of innocence is the
contradiction as reveal in the A.P list of 2004 where
it was shown that her niece, Annie, received 850 A.Ps
in 2004 and 199 A.Ps in 2005.
One wonders how she could swear her innocence
in front of the Holy Koran that she was cleaned when
in effect her hands were tainted with
corruption.Unless of course we are led to believe that
it is perfectly legitimate for a Minister to dispense
A.Ps to their relatives.Surely it would be a mockery
of our system if a Minister can escape with such a
brazen act of deception and still remain in public
office.But then maybe this is something acceptable in
'Bolehland.'
Sunday, July 24, 2005
The Govt. Should Abolish A.Ps.
The revelation of the A.P. list merely
confirmed what the Tun had said all along that too
many A.P's were given to only a few individuals.But
what is most shocking is Rafidah's defending the
policy of giving out so many A.P's to so few
bumiputras.No one can deny that A.P's are licence to
print money because the permits are marketable and
easily converted to cash.The open A.P's are especially
in demand and can easily fetch $50,000 per permit.The
demand for such an A.P can be seen by this example. A
Ferrari from Europe will cost about $500,000.If you
buy an A.P at $50,000 your cost will be
$550,000.Without an A.P after paying excise and custom
duties the cost of the car will be in the vicinity of
$1.5 million. (custom and excise duties at 150%)
Rafidah seems to make a big deal that
Nassimuddin was able to get five or six franchises
from different companies from all over the world.But
the fact of the matter is that when you have A,Ps the
foreign principal companies come looking for you and
not vice versa.You dont even have to lift a finger
because the foreign principals know that if you can
import cars at a cost of $11,000 without paying excise
and custom duties, it is a virtual certainty that
their imported cars will sell like hot cakes.With the
franchise A.Ps you don't even have to have any
expertise in the automative industry to make a
handsome profit.All you have to do is add a margin
that is not below proton cars price and presto you are
printing 40k to 50 k for each A.P.
What is most sickening is Rafidah's statement
that it is a workable scheme that she will continue to
practice.Surely a scheme that only enrich a few
already rich bumiputras cannot be deemed to be
equitable.If such a scheme is allowed to continue, the
N.E.P will certainly not be able to be achieved in a
100 years.The wealth will remain in the hands of a few
wealthy malays while the rural heartland of the malays
will continue to remain impoverish.
The govt should abolish this skewed method of
wealth distribution and devise a more equitable system
that will ensure the poor rural malays will benefit
from its N.EP policy.
The A.P scheme is certainly not a suitable
vehicle for wealth distribution.The billions of
dollars that would have been collected from the excise
and custom duties should rightly go to the country's
coffers.From the revenue collected, a scheme that is
more equitable in wealth distribution should be
implemented so that the 30% equity in the economic pie
can be attained by all the malays.
confirmed what the Tun had said all along that too
many A.P's were given to only a few individuals.But
what is most shocking is Rafidah's defending the
policy of giving out so many A.P's to so few
bumiputras.No one can deny that A.P's are licence to
print money because the permits are marketable and
easily converted to cash.The open A.P's are especially
in demand and can easily fetch $50,000 per permit.The
demand for such an A.P can be seen by this example. A
Ferrari from Europe will cost about $500,000.If you
buy an A.P at $50,000 your cost will be
$550,000.Without an A.P after paying excise and custom
duties the cost of the car will be in the vicinity of
$1.5 million. (custom and excise duties at 150%)
Rafidah seems to make a big deal that
Nassimuddin was able to get five or six franchises
from different companies from all over the world.But
the fact of the matter is that when you have A,Ps the
foreign principal companies come looking for you and
not vice versa.You dont even have to lift a finger
because the foreign principals know that if you can
import cars at a cost of $11,000 without paying excise
and custom duties, it is a virtual certainty that
their imported cars will sell like hot cakes.With the
franchise A.Ps you don't even have to have any
expertise in the automative industry to make a
handsome profit.All you have to do is add a margin
that is not below proton cars price and presto you are
printing 40k to 50 k for each A.P.
What is most sickening is Rafidah's statement
that it is a workable scheme that she will continue to
practice.Surely a scheme that only enrich a few
already rich bumiputras cannot be deemed to be
equitable.If such a scheme is allowed to continue, the
N.E.P will certainly not be able to be achieved in a
100 years.The wealth will remain in the hands of a few
wealthy malays while the rural heartland of the malays
will continue to remain impoverish.
The govt should abolish this skewed method of
wealth distribution and devise a more equitable system
that will ensure the poor rural malays will benefit
from its N.EP policy.
The A.P scheme is certainly not a suitable
vehicle for wealth distribution.The billions of
dollars that would have been collected from the excise
and custom duties should rightly go to the country's
coffers.From the revenue collected, a scheme that is
more equitable in wealth distribution should be
implemented so that the 30% equity in the economic pie
can be attained by all the malays.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Justice should be Tampered with Mercy.
I wish to refer to the article nst. dated 16th
july 'man gets Jail, rotan for sex with minor.'I
followed the case in 2003 when session court judge
Suraya Othman in her wisdom released Mohd Khairil
Anuar Osman on a $5000 three year bond for good
behaviour.At that time I was most impressed with the
demeanor of this Judge because she took the trouble to
inquire from the prosecutor whether the sexual act
between the two teenagers was consensual and on
finding that it was she proceeded to give a non
custodial sentence to the young man.At that time I
fully concurred with the Judge sentence because a
custodial sentence would not only ruin his future but
cast him among hardened criminals in prison.An act of
passion between two young people cannot be construed
as a criminal offence under section 376 of the penal
code.
Judge Suraya Othman had said at that time "that
it would not serve public interest to put him in jail
for a technical crime and that five years jail for
statutory rape was too heavy a sentence."This Judge
should be complimented.While other Judge would simply
gloss over the case , she would take the trouble to
inquire to see whether there were any mitigating
circumstances.She embodies the principle that justice
should be tampered with mercy.I salute this woman.
Imagine my shock when I read your paper that the
prosecutor had succeeded in his appeal when Judge
Datuk Muhamad Ideres Muhamad Rapee had struck out the
order of Judge Suraya.What is justice if justice means
sentencing a young man to 10 years in prison for an
offence that can be translated to be a moment of
passion which resulted in consensual sex between two
teenagers.If it was a case of an older man with the
minor I would understand the gravity of the
offence,but this was a young man barely out of his
teen.While we are safely in the comfort of our home
spare a thought for this frighten young man
languishing in prison for a crime he probably doesn't
even know.The law should show some compassion and
bring him home from prison. He simply don't deserve
the 10 years and five stroke of the rotan.Anybody who
can help this young man please do so.I am convince that
this young man got a poor deal.
july 'man gets Jail, rotan for sex with minor.'I
followed the case in 2003 when session court judge
Suraya Othman in her wisdom released Mohd Khairil
Anuar Osman on a $5000 three year bond for good
behaviour.At that time I was most impressed with the
demeanor of this Judge because she took the trouble to
inquire from the prosecutor whether the sexual act
between the two teenagers was consensual and on
finding that it was she proceeded to give a non
custodial sentence to the young man.At that time I
fully concurred with the Judge sentence because a
custodial sentence would not only ruin his future but
cast him among hardened criminals in prison.An act of
passion between two young people cannot be construed
as a criminal offence under section 376 of the penal
code.
Judge Suraya Othman had said at that time "that
it would not serve public interest to put him in jail
for a technical crime and that five years jail for
statutory rape was too heavy a sentence."This Judge
should be complimented.While other Judge would simply
gloss over the case , she would take the trouble to
inquire to see whether there were any mitigating
circumstances.She embodies the principle that justice
should be tampered with mercy.I salute this woman.
Imagine my shock when I read your paper that the
prosecutor had succeeded in his appeal when Judge
Datuk Muhamad Ideres Muhamad Rapee had struck out the
order of Judge Suraya.What is justice if justice means
sentencing a young man to 10 years in prison for an
offence that can be translated to be a moment of
passion which resulted in consensual sex between two
teenagers.If it was a case of an older man with the
minor I would understand the gravity of the
offence,but this was a young man barely out of his
teen.While we are safely in the comfort of our home
spare a thought for this frighten young man
languishing in prison for a crime he probably doesn't
even know.The law should show some compassion and
bring him home from prison. He simply don't deserve
the 10 years and five stroke of the rotan.Anybody who
can help this young man please do so.I am convince that
this young man got a poor deal.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Wake Up A.C.A and Do your Job.
It has become a habit for our Menteri Besars
when in or out of office to display great wealth.Not
long ago if memory serves me correct we had an M.B
caught in Australia with a couple of millions in loose
change trying to exit from an Australian city.Needless
to say he was caught and charged in court and from
there the sordid details of his extravant purchase of
landed property was revealed.The revealation of his
astounding wealth seems to pose some questions as to
how the wealth was accumulated when his monthly salary
was only about $20,000.Considering that he had only
served one term as M.B (but was still in office) the
question still remain unanswered till today was 'where
did he obtained his millions?'
Next, we had an M.B who contested for an UMNO
vice-President post who spent nearly a million to
secure his win by bribing the delegates.The million he
spent for the election was just only loose change
because his two palatial homes in Port Dickson and
Nilai must have cost a few million too.
The most scandalous of the lot must be the
ex-M.B of Sabah losing $158 million to a casino in
U.K.What is most perplexing in this case was how did
he accumulate such fabulous wealth in so short span of
time?
Frankly, its not difficult to trace where their
wealth is derived from.The State ExCo. consisting of
elected state assemblyman that are selected in the
exco committee holds regular monthly meeting to decide
on matters from application of state land to approval
of licences for forest concessions..If you require
approval for any application dont expect to get it as
a matter of course.Without going through the proper
channel and some agreed financial arrangement it is
most likely your application will be rejected without
any reasons given.
Despite all these public display of wealth by our
politicians the most glaring dereliction of duty must
be the A.C.A.They seem oblivious to all that is
happening.Maybe they are waiting for the culprit to
make a public confession before they will take any
action.By now the citizens of this country must be
immune to all this blatant acts of corruption.Each new
leader come to office with the promise of eradicating
this scourge but each time we are left
disappointed.Sadly we must admit we just don't have
the leader to exert the political will and
determination to wipe out this menace.
when in or out of office to display great wealth.Not
long ago if memory serves me correct we had an M.B
caught in Australia with a couple of millions in loose
change trying to exit from an Australian city.Needless
to say he was caught and charged in court and from
there the sordid details of his extravant purchase of
landed property was revealed.The revealation of his
astounding wealth seems to pose some questions as to
how the wealth was accumulated when his monthly salary
was only about $20,000.Considering that he had only
served one term as M.B (but was still in office) the
question still remain unanswered till today was 'where
did he obtained his millions?'
Next, we had an M.B who contested for an UMNO
vice-President post who spent nearly a million to
secure his win by bribing the delegates.The million he
spent for the election was just only loose change
because his two palatial homes in Port Dickson and
Nilai must have cost a few million too.
The most scandalous of the lot must be the
ex-M.B of Sabah losing $158 million to a casino in
U.K.What is most perplexing in this case was how did
he accumulate such fabulous wealth in so short span of
time?
Frankly, its not difficult to trace where their
wealth is derived from.The State ExCo. consisting of
elected state assemblyman that are selected in the
exco committee holds regular monthly meeting to decide
on matters from application of state land to approval
of licences for forest concessions..If you require
approval for any application dont expect to get it as
a matter of course.Without going through the proper
channel and some agreed financial arrangement it is
most likely your application will be rejected without
any reasons given.
Despite all these public display of wealth by our
politicians the most glaring dereliction of duty must
be the A.C.A.They seem oblivious to all that is
happening.Maybe they are waiting for the culprit to
make a public confession before they will take any
action.By now the citizens of this country must be
immune to all this blatant acts of corruption.Each new
leader come to office with the promise of eradicating
this scourge but each time we are left
disappointed.Sadly we must admit we just don't have
the leader to exert the political will and
determination to wipe out this menace.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Democracy is Dead in Malaysia
The term democracy no longer connotes any
significance if the freedom to say the truth is
rewarded with a punishment.A government that demands
absolute loyalty from its cabinet members irrespective
whether it is right or wrong cannot fundamentally
pretend to espouse democracy.At best it can only
pretend to be one.Western style democracy especially
the Westminister type demands that ministers in the
cabinet or parliamentarians are expected to speak on
issues that they feel is in contradiction or is
contrary to their expectations.
It is therefore not uncommon for members of the
same party to break ranks in order to voice their
opposition to certain govt. policy as in the case of
Labour Ministers and parliamentarians speaking out
against the U.k govt's involvement in the Iraq war.
So when Deputy Minister Sothinathan was
suspended for breaking rank and speaking against the
govt. on an issue that affected the interest of a
section of the malaysian public, the suspension marks a
sad day for our fledgeling democracy.If a member of
the govt whether he be a minister or backbencher
cannot speak out on issues that he feels is against
the interest of its citizens then democracy is dead.
significance if the freedom to say the truth is
rewarded with a punishment.A government that demands
absolute loyalty from its cabinet members irrespective
whether it is right or wrong cannot fundamentally
pretend to espouse democracy.At best it can only
pretend to be one.Western style democracy especially
the Westminister type demands that ministers in the
cabinet or parliamentarians are expected to speak on
issues that they feel is in contradiction or is
contrary to their expectations.
It is therefore not uncommon for members of the
same party to break ranks in order to voice their
opposition to certain govt. policy as in the case of
Labour Ministers and parliamentarians speaking out
against the U.k govt's involvement in the Iraq war.
So when Deputy Minister Sothinathan was
suspended for breaking rank and speaking against the
govt. on an issue that affected the interest of a
section of the malaysian public, the suspension marks a
sad day for our fledgeling democracy.If a member of
the govt whether he be a minister or backbencher
cannot speak out on issues that he feels is against
the interest of its citizens then democracy is dead.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Who are The London Terrorists?
After sept. 11, foreigners of muslim
origins coming to the united kingdom are stringently
screened and it is not uncommom for the immigration to
turn away dubious muslim travellers if they are
suspicious of their intended purpose of travel.
In view of the very strict entry
surveillance, it is most likely that the terrorist who
planted the bombs were muslims of British origin.There
were previous instances where British citizens of
muslim origin going to Pakistan, Afganistan and even
Iraq to join the legions of foreign fighters.If there
are British citizens of muslim origin who are prepared
to go to foreign land then it is conceivable that
there are fanatic muslim terrorists of British origin
on British soil.
As long as Britain host a sizeable
population of muslim citizens it is highly probable
and most likely in the forseeable future that such
bombings will be repeated.To prevent such future
bombings in the future the govt. must institute more
stringent immigration policy prohibiting muslim
migration into the United Kingdom.At the same time it
should monitor closely the movements and activities of
radical muslim groups in the united Kingdom.
In the aftermath of the London bombing many
muslims in London no doubt criticised the bombing but
what was most disturbing was their denounciation was
qualified with a justification that it was in return
for United Kingdom's invovlement in Afganistan and
Iraq where innocent civilians were bombed and
killed.If such perception is common among the muslim
populace in U.K then it is very possible that there
will be muslims who are prepared to extract revenge on
British soil.
The chorus of Protest against such
terrorists bombings should be unanimous and vocal.To
kill and slaughter innocent civilians in the course of
furthering the muslim religion do not serve justice to
the very religion they are trying to defend.
origins coming to the united kingdom are stringently
screened and it is not uncommom for the immigration to
turn away dubious muslim travellers if they are
suspicious of their intended purpose of travel.
In view of the very strict entry
surveillance, it is most likely that the terrorist who
planted the bombs were muslims of British origin.There
were previous instances where British citizens of
muslim origin going to Pakistan, Afganistan and even
Iraq to join the legions of foreign fighters.If there
are British citizens of muslim origin who are prepared
to go to foreign land then it is conceivable that
there are fanatic muslim terrorists of British origin
on British soil.
As long as Britain host a sizeable
population of muslim citizens it is highly probable
and most likely in the forseeable future that such
bombings will be repeated.To prevent such future
bombings in the future the govt. must institute more
stringent immigration policy prohibiting muslim
migration into the United Kingdom.At the same time it
should monitor closely the movements and activities of
radical muslim groups in the united Kingdom.
In the aftermath of the London bombing many
muslims in London no doubt criticised the bombing but
what was most disturbing was their denounciation was
qualified with a justification that it was in return
for United Kingdom's invovlement in Afganistan and
Iraq where innocent civilians were bombed and
killed.If such perception is common among the muslim
populace in U.K then it is very possible that there
will be muslims who are prepared to extract revenge on
British soil.
The chorus of Protest against such
terrorists bombings should be unanimous and vocal.To
kill and slaughter innocent civilians in the course of
furthering the muslim religion do not serve justice to
the very religion they are trying to defend.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Suhakam should consider its call to punish those who visit prostitutes.
The human rights commission,Suhakam,should
preoccupy itself with more important issues rather
than making a call to punish those who frequent
prostitutes.Studies have shown that people who
frequent prostitutes have an underlying sexual problem
or the need to vent their sexual frustration vis-a vis
prostitutes.
The oldest profession in the world
invariably has a role to play in every age and in
every society.There are people in our society who have
difficulty in forging meaningful relationship with the
opposite sex and the availabilty of prostitutes
provide an avenue for these psycologically handicap
people to have the service of prostitutes.In the
absence of prostitute these people would have no
alternative but to target innocent woman who could be
your sister, wife or even your mother.
In the context of our malaysian society we
have over a million of foreign workers in our work
force.Most of these foreign workers left their wives
and family to seek work here. These foreign workers
are also human beings who have sexual urges like every
normal human beings.Over a duration of two to three
years while they are here where do you expect them to
release their pent-up sexual frustration?Would we
prefer a situation where these foreigners resort to
raping your sister, wife or love ones?There are
certainly many such cases already in our midst and the
surest way to aggravate the situation is to take away
the outlet for them to visit prostitutes.
In fact many western countries have now even
seen the merit of legalising prostitution and
strangely enough statistic have shown that sexual
crimes are virtually non-existent in such countries.
Our southern neighbour, Singapore have also joined the
chorus of countries legalising prostitution.So before
hastily calling for punishment against those visiting
prostitutes and the extreme measure of eradicating
prostitution, I suggest Suhakam make an in depth study
before embarking on such a course.
preoccupy itself with more important issues rather
than making a call to punish those who frequent
prostitutes.Studies have shown that people who
frequent prostitutes have an underlying sexual problem
or the need to vent their sexual frustration vis-a vis
prostitutes.
The oldest profession in the world
invariably has a role to play in every age and in
every society.There are people in our society who have
difficulty in forging meaningful relationship with the
opposite sex and the availabilty of prostitutes
provide an avenue for these psycologically handicap
people to have the service of prostitutes.In the
absence of prostitute these people would have no
alternative but to target innocent woman who could be
your sister, wife or even your mother.
In the context of our malaysian society we
have over a million of foreign workers in our work
force.Most of these foreign workers left their wives
and family to seek work here. These foreign workers
are also human beings who have sexual urges like every
normal human beings.Over a duration of two to three
years while they are here where do you expect them to
release their pent-up sexual frustration?Would we
prefer a situation where these foreigners resort to
raping your sister, wife or love ones?There are
certainly many such cases already in our midst and the
surest way to aggravate the situation is to take away
the outlet for them to visit prostitutes.
In fact many western countries have now even
seen the merit of legalising prostitution and
strangely enough statistic have shown that sexual
crimes are virtually non-existent in such countries.
Our southern neighbour, Singapore have also joined the
chorus of countries legalising prostitution.So before
hastily calling for punishment against those visiting
prostitutes and the extreme measure of eradicating
prostitution, I suggest Suhakam make an in depth study
before embarking on such a course.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Five Days Week A mistake.
Dear Editor,
At the moment Malaysia cannot afford a
five days week.As it is , many of the govt.
departments are struggling to clear the backlog of
their current workload and the newly going to-be
implemented five days week is going to increase that
workload.The land office is one typical department
that has a pile up of land transfer applications and
even with computerisation the waiting period for such
transfer to be completed can be 3 to 6 months.In
addition to this, sub-division of land now takes a
minumum of 1 to 2 years and with the five days week
the period is going to be longer.
Another area that will suffer with the five
days week would be the judiciary.As it is, the backlog
of court cases have already reached an unprecedented
delay time.Some civil cases have a waiting period of
up to 5 years and even without the new five days week
the outstanding cases have not been resolved. The old
adage that justice delayed is justice denied is going
to be more pronounced.
All these backlogs in workload could have been
averted if the govt. introduce a five day week but at
the same time open all govt departments for seven days
week.This effectively means we have a win-win situation
where civil servants enjoy a five days week but at the
same time keeping all govt. dept open for seven days
week.This can easily be accomplished by rotating off
days for staff. Some staff may take week days off and
some may work during week-ends.All these would merely
involve some administrative juggling and should not
pose any problems in the organisational structure.One
added advantage of a seven days week would be the
creation of more employment opportunities and this
should offer employment avenues for our unemployed
graduates.The increased revenue obtained from the
seven days week should easily offset the cost of
additional staff.
While it is commendable for the govt. to give
more time for civil servants to spend with the family,
it is also important that the govt should ensure the
quality of service rendered to its citizens should not
be compromised.While a seven days week has not been
tested any where in the world, I suggest the govt
seriously consider its implemetation because I feel it
is a viable proposition.
,
At the moment Malaysia cannot afford a
five days week.As it is , many of the govt.
departments are struggling to clear the backlog of
their current workload and the newly going to-be
implemented five days week is going to increase that
workload.The land office is one typical department
that has a pile up of land transfer applications and
even with computerisation the waiting period for such
transfer to be completed can be 3 to 6 months.In
addition to this, sub-division of land now takes a
minumum of 1 to 2 years and with the five days week
the period is going to be longer.
Another area that will suffer with the five
days week would be the judiciary.As it is, the backlog
of court cases have already reached an unprecedented
delay time.Some civil cases have a waiting period of
up to 5 years and even without the new five days week
the outstanding cases have not been resolved. The old
adage that justice delayed is justice denied is going
to be more pronounced.
All these backlogs in workload could have been
averted if the govt. introduce a five day week but at
the same time open all govt departments for seven days
week.This effectively means we have a win-win situation
where civil servants enjoy a five days week but at the
same time keeping all govt. dept open for seven days
week.This can easily be accomplished by rotating off
days for staff. Some staff may take week days off and
some may work during week-ends.All these would merely
involve some administrative juggling and should not
pose any problems in the organisational structure.One
added advantage of a seven days week would be the
creation of more employment opportunities and this
should offer employment avenues for our unemployed
graduates.The increased revenue obtained from the
seven days week should easily offset the cost of
additional staff.
While it is commendable for the govt. to give
more time for civil servants to spend with the family,
it is also important that the govt should ensure the
quality of service rendered to its citizens should not
be compromised.While a seven days week has not been
tested any where in the world, I suggest the govt
seriously consider its implemetation because I feel it
is a viable proposition.
,
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Dr. Shafie Mohd Salleh should Resign.
The Higher Education Minister, Dr. Shafie mohd
Salleh, is a product of the system.In terms of
experience as a minister he has done nothing
outstanding and his role in the Gomez saga exemplifies
his mediocrity.But his recent statement denying that
there was no tampering of exam results and favouritism
in promotion at U.M. reflects on his abilty as a
minister.
The pertinent question that needs to be
answered is how did Shafie arrived at the decision
that there was no tampering of students results and
that there was no favouritism in promotion?To say
publicly via the media he must be very confident with
his statement.But how did he come to that
conclusion?.One can only assume that the
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Hashim Yaacob would have
communicated this to Shafie.
Does Dr. Shafie realise that his statement is in
direct contradiction with the staff Union association
of U.M allegations that the Vice -chancellor was aware
of exam tampering and favouitism in
promotions.?Further, Gomez also publicly accused U.M
authorities of the same demeanour.So who is telling a
lie now?
How could a Minister be so slip-shod in his work
is beyond me.To do justice to this allegations and to
determine the veracicty of such a serious allegation,
the proper thing to do is to conduct a transparent,
unbiase investigation into the truth of the matter.An
allegation of such importance which could in effect
tarnish the reputation and integrity of the
institution should not be treated with such
friviolty.A mere public statement of denial by the
Minister that such allegations was a figment of
somebody's imagination is the height of stupidity.The
proper and appropriate thing for the Minister to do is
to conduct an impartial investigation into this
allegation before coming to any conclusion .The
failure of Dr. Shafie Mohd Salleh to do this is
tantamount to dereliction of his duty and for that he
should resign.
Salleh, is a product of the system.In terms of
experience as a minister he has done nothing
outstanding and his role in the Gomez saga exemplifies
his mediocrity.But his recent statement denying that
there was no tampering of exam results and favouritism
in promotion at U.M. reflects on his abilty as a
minister.
The pertinent question that needs to be
answered is how did Shafie arrived at the decision
that there was no tampering of students results and
that there was no favouritism in promotion?To say
publicly via the media he must be very confident with
his statement.But how did he come to that
conclusion?.One can only assume that the
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Hashim Yaacob would have
communicated this to Shafie.
Does Dr. Shafie realise that his statement is in
direct contradiction with the staff Union association
of U.M allegations that the Vice -chancellor was aware
of exam tampering and favouitism in
promotions.?Further, Gomez also publicly accused U.M
authorities of the same demeanour.So who is telling a
lie now?
How could a Minister be so slip-shod in his work
is beyond me.To do justice to this allegations and to
determine the veracicty of such a serious allegation,
the proper thing to do is to conduct a transparent,
unbiase investigation into the truth of the matter.An
allegation of such importance which could in effect
tarnish the reputation and integrity of the
institution should not be treated with such
friviolty.A mere public statement of denial by the
Minister that such allegations was a figment of
somebody's imagination is the height of stupidity.The
proper and appropriate thing for the Minister to do is
to conduct an impartial investigation into this
allegation before coming to any conclusion .The
failure of Dr. Shafie Mohd Salleh to do this is
tantamount to dereliction of his duty and for that he
should resign.
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