Monday, December 29, 2008

CAN UMNO REINVENT ITSELF?

It saddens me to know that the former Petaling Jaya UMNO Divison Chief, Capt Zahar Hashim (Retired) has resigned from UMNO and joined PAS. He was the whistle blower in the Eurocopter issue that saw him being suspended from the party. Regardless of his reasons, Zahar Hashim actions has brought to light many little known governmental procurement procedures, which hitherto has been tightly kept to the confines of the Minister and top ministry officials. The infamous 'direct negotiations' seems to be the choice of top ministry officials in awarding contracts that costs millions. One need only to search the files of all ministries to see how many contracts have been awarded through direct negotiations, and the costs charged for each contract. The talk that there is absolute transparency in the award of contracts are mere rhetorics.

Zahar Hashim is not alone in resigning from UMNO, but had brought along with him almost the entire Petaling Jaya UMNO Branch Chiefs and the Division Committee members. With this mass resignation, the Petaling Jaya UMNO Division is now defunct, and the Division's Headquarters which belongs to Zahar Hashim is no longer available to UMNO. What then be the fate of Petaling Jaya UMNO, in light of this mass exodus of UMNO members to the opposition. And the closure of the division, must have caused a severe set back for UMNO Selangor.

Since losing power to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in the March 8 general elections, UMNO Selangor in particular has been in complete disarray and is unable to consolidate itself, caused by an apparent weakness in the leadership. The former Menteri Besar Dr. Khir Toyo, has been busy defending himself of his past actions, from critics leveled at him by the present state administration.

Khir Toyo's former state executive councilors are no longer to be seen nor heard, to render support for their former boss'. They all must have gone into hibernation, cooling their heads off; or are they on a long holiday with their families. This is UMNO's definition of loyalty i.e. abandonment of the boss when there is nothing left of the boss. And haven't Tun Dr. Mahathir suffered the same fate when he was no longer the PM? And I am quite sure, the same fate will befall Pak Lah when he steps down in March next year.

Several lessons can be drawn from Zahar Hashim's fate in UMNO, and such lessons should serve as a reminder to all UMNO members, if they wish to remain staunchly a member of UMNO. The lessons can be briefly described as follows:

1.While UMNO leaders talked about the practice of democracy in the party, they somehow cannot tolerate criticism, although such criticisms are well intended to better the party. It would be better not to criticise, and to keep your mouth shut.
2.Loyalty to the leader is only temporary and good while he is in power. Isolation immediately follows when he relinquish power. In other words, there is no absolute loyalty among political friends, and friends today can be your enemy tomorrow.
3.To survive in UMNO, one has to be, in the words of Tun Dr. Mahathir, a 'YES MAN'. One has to sustain this to survive, and this can be done by rushing to the airport to be seen by the boss each time he returns from overseas. Of course, kissing the hands of the boss (and also preferably the hands of his wife), should sealed an acknowledgement that you were there to receive the boss.
4.Since open criticism is not tolerated, members has no other option but to accept what is seen as wrong, to be correct. When wrong becomes too obvious, members only need to say, again in the words of Tun Dr. Mahathir 'SAYA SOKONG'.

What I have written above is not intended to batter UMNO, but to put across what I have observed and heard from ordinary people in the street, and from some UMNO members themselves. There is obvious disgruntlement among party members which is conveniently kept unknown from party top leaders, by those who wish not to hurt the leaders. And leaders would only want to listen to everything that is good, and apple polishers are many in UMNO to do the job of singing the good news.

Are not the many infightings during the recently held UMNO Division meetings an obvious indication of disgruntlement among party members? And are leaders blind to all this? And the scourge of money politics....this will continue unabated if UMNO leaders are themselves involved (not personally but through proxies), and without the will to fight money politics.

Many elder Malays (me included) had shyed away from UMNO because of the many 'ills' within the party. They will only return when UMNO is able to shed off the image of being corrupt, arrogant, boastful, and a party invested with 'show-off'.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.00am on Dec 29,2008

Sunday, December 28, 2008

PAK LAH'S STATE VISIT TO IRAN – WHAT REALLY HAS MALAYSIA BENEFITTED

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi recent state visit to Iran is lauded successful by the main stream media. Surprisingly, and to the observance of many, the Minister of International Trade Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin was conspicuously missing. Is this a tell tale of the 'boss' not wanting to have his Minister of International Trade to be in his entourage? And if this tell tale is true, then one can guess that the two are not in 'friendly terms'; yet the visit has an important trade agenda to discuss with the Iranians. If it was Rafidah Aziz, she surely would not have been left out in an all important state visit like this.

Could it be that the 'boss' is bitter with Muhyidin, and views him as a radical and a trouble maker, who was instrumental in getting the 'boss' to hand over the reign of government to Najib much earlier than the 'boss' had planned? Rumours were abound sometime ago, that Muhyidin would be ousted in a cabinet shake-up, but judging from the time left, this rumour may not materialised. I just wonder what would have happened to UMNO, if Muhyidin was ousted from the cabinet. I am quite certain that UMNO Johore, and Johoreans being parochial in nature, would surely have reacted to the detriment of the party.

Certainly, there are many things that Malaysia could learn and benefit from Iran, in particular at how Iran manages and operates its huge petroleum and natural gas resources. I am told by some Malaysian friends in the oil and gas industry, that Iran perceives Petronas as an 'unfriendly business partner'. Viewing Petronas investment in Iran, the aforesaid perception may have some truth. It was only recently that a Malaysian company (not Petronas) secured a USD14 billion gas deal with an Iranian company. I am further informed that Petronas investment in Iran is with Total, a French oil company, were its stake is relatively small by O&G standards. And if Petronas is extremely successful in Sudan, why not in Iran? Has this got anything to do with the US sanctions, that has direct influence over Petronas investments in Iran?

Another aspect worth looking at was Iran's defence industry, where Malaysia could learn from. One could remember that Iran under the Shah regime, was totally dependent upon the West, particularly the US, for its defence needs. Following the fall of the Shah, Iran began to build its indigenous defence industry, virtually from scratch, and over a period of two decades, is today self reliant in its defence needs; and this despite sanctions from the west and its allies.

Certainly nothing much can be said of Malaysia's defence industry, which is still very much in its infancy......no rockets and missiles to show off, and even if there is some effort towards the development of rockets and missiles, it is still to remote from production and manufacturing.

And for me, securing Proton's venture into Iran, and declaring it a major investment success for Malaysia is certainly not enough.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 3.00pm on Dec 28, 2008

Saturday, December 27, 2008

CAN UMNO RETAIN KUALA TRENGGANU PARLIAMENTARY SEAT?

While UMNO/BN has named its candidate for the Kuala Trengganu by-election scheduled January 17th 2009, PAS, the obvious party to challenge the UMNO candidate, has declared that its candidate will be named on January 1st 2009. This delay has raised many questions among party watchers, with some casting doubts that an agreement by the PAS party leadership could be reached by January 1st. To others, it is an element of surprise for the BN, as PAS now has the advantage to field a candidate that can best challenge the UMNO candidate.

Since naming Senator Wan Ahmad Farid, who is also the Kuala Trengganu UMNO Division chief as the candidate, he is now the most popular personality to appear in both the electronic and print media. There is also a sudden surge in news relating to Trengganu, featuring the development that has been undertaken by the BN state government, and this is quite expected in any elections.

UMNO's Deputy President Najib Tun Razak says that BN is confident of retaining the parliamentary seat, and believes that Wan Farid Ahmad is UMNO Trengganu best choice.

I watched the news aired on TV, when the announcement was made by Najib to name Wan Ahmad Farid as UMNO's candidate. I noticed that the Trengganu Menteri Besar, though seen standing on the stage when the announcement was made, was not in the fore front to lift the hands of Wan Ahmad Farid. It was Najib and UMNO's Secretary General Tengku Adnan who both lifted the hands of the candidate. I would have thought that the Menteri Besar being the executive head of the state, would play a prominent role; not Tengku Adnan.

This incident though seemed insignificant by many, had caused others to speculate that Wan Ahmad Farid may not be the choice of the state UMNO, and definitely not that of the Menteri Besar. Speculations are rife too that Wan Ahmad Farid, having been a personal staff to the Prime Minister, is also the choice of the PM's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ). Speculations like this may hurt the candidate, and it is being made even worse if KJ's name is mentioned. Haven't BN learn a lesson from the Permatang Pauh fiasco?

I believe, the reaction of UMNO Trengganu, and those fence sitters would have been different if it was the Menteri Besar who had made the announcement.

In the absence of a PAS candidate, it is still too premature to conclude which party wins the by-election. Up till now, PAS/PR has remained silent as to their chances of winning. Or are they finding it too difficult to choose a winning candidate?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 4.15pm on Dec 27, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

NOTE OF APPRECIATION

I had on December 14th posted an article titled ‘What ails the Armed Forces Veteran Affairs Department’, aimed at highlighting the plight of Janet Shaxson, wife of the late Brig Gen Victor Stevenson, who was deprived of her husband’s pension, on grounds that she was out of the country for a continuous period exceeding 180 days. Janet Shaxson who was suffering from cancer died in England in November 2008, without ever knowing the outcome of her pension.

As a retired serviceman, and like many others, I am deeply concern at what had happened to Janet Shaxson. I believe, the decision taken by the AF Veteran Affairs Department may not have been in the knowledge of the Department’s Director General, whom I know would not have taken such a decision.

I am pleased to know that this matter has now been given due attention by the various departments of the Armed Forces, and hopefully the plight of the late Janet Shaxson can be resolved amicably.

For this, I wish to personally extend my appreciation and thanks to the Armed Forces, and in particular the Chief of Defence Force, for giving this matter its utmost concern.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.00pm on Dec 23, 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

SELLING IJN TO SIME DARBY – A BIG NO!

I am late in presenting my views concerning the proposed ‘selling of IJN’ to Sime Darby, that had caused instantaneous public outcry to 'an already unpopular BN government'; a remark made by Tun Dr. Mahathir. And why has the government made the announcement of ‘selling IJN’ at a time when the Kuala Trengganu by-election is just around the corner? They should have sensed the opposition to the proposal, or was the government merely trying to test public opinion? If it was the latter, then the government had failed miserably, and voices of dissent against the proposal can still be heard till this day.

It makes me wonder how could this dumb proposal that affects the ordinary people be told to proceed initially?

I am also a long standing patient of IJN, and when I report for my medical check-up once every 4 months, I see hundreds of other patients lining up for treatment. I could see that most of them are ordinary people; not the rich and famous. I suppose the rich and famous would prefer to go to other posh private hospitals, and not to be lined up with others for treatment.

During my last visit to IJN in October, I was seated beside an Indian rubber tapper who came for treatment with his son. Could any one ever imagine this same rubber tapper going for medical treatment at a Sime Darby owned hospital? The answer is certainly not, and where else can this poor fellow go for his medication, other than to a government hospital.

Coincidently, I had posted a short article dated October 29 in this webblog, concerning my last visit to IJN. In that article, I had nothing but praises for the staffs of IJN. Certainly the staffs are a happy lot under the present management, and why is there a need to change then? Are we to believe that if Sime Darby is to take over the management, the services will be further improved?

Certainly, the regular treatment that I and many others had received thus far from the present IJN management, is sufficient to make us all happy. We certainly do not need the extra services that Sime Darby can offer, even if the charges remains the same.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 13.00 hrs on Dec 22, 2008

KUALA TRENGGANU BY-ELECTION – A TEST FOR BN

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has decided to lead Wanita UMNO in the up-coming by-election in Kuala Trengganu, apparently oblivious to her Deputy Dato Seri Shahrizat Jalil, who claimed not to have been consulted of her boss’s decision. Many outsiders and even those within UMNO would see Rafidah’s decision as something quite unusual, and for Shahrizat to openly claim that she does not know, raises speculations that something is not quite right between the two personalities.

As the incumbent Wanita’s chief, Rafidah certainly has her way at decision making. I suppose what is worrying Shahrizat is that her boss decision may steal the limelight from her, as both are contenders for the Wanita UMNO chief post in the party’s election in March 2009. I suppose, what concerns Rafidah is to ensure a win for the BN’s candidate, and if her presence is anything but to boost the winning chance of the BN candidate, Shahrizat should warmly welcome Rafidah’s ‘good gesture’.

Shahrizat has had her opportunity to lead Wanita UMNO’s charge during the Permatang Pauh by-election which saw the BN candidate lost poorly to PKR Anwar Ibrahim. This losing experience must have haunted Shahrizat, and a win for the BN this time around is surely to boost Rafidah’s image in the up-coming party election. Shahrizat’s fear of a diminished support is understandable should BN retains its seat, and should she then lose to Rafidah in the party elections, all is lost for Shahrizat’s political career. Rafidah may even end up retaining her post for another full term, and a ministerial post awaits her too. This is a fact that Najib, who is tipped to assume the post of PM cannot willfully ignore.

While BN has already announced Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid as its candidate for the Kuala Trengganu by-election, the opposition has been late in doing likewise. Wan Ahmad’s nomination by Pak Lah, is seen as wanting to legitimized the former to his ministerial post, or is it a way of rewarding Wan Ahmad for being Pak Lah’s loyal political secretary?

BN should heed the lessons of the March 2008 General Elections, and the by-elections of Permatang Pauh. It is no longer the ‘heavenly promises’, but a candidate that is strong spiritually, free of corrupt practices, and a simpleton who can garner the support of the ordinary village folks by being people friendly. ‘Show offs’ and ‘boastful talk’, are no longer what the simple Trengganu kampung folk desires of their elected representative.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 09.50 am on Dec 22, 2008

Sunday, December 21, 2008

FMC REUNION DINNER – AN EVENING TO CHERISH

FRIDAY 19, 2008 shall long be remembered by all that attended the 'Federation Military College (FMC) Regular & Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Intakes 1 to 10 Reunion Dinner' held at Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, as a day of joy and to reminisce their youthful days as Cadets of FMC (now renamed Royal Military College). The occasion also marked the 50th Anniversary of the first batch of military cadets to be trained and commissioned locally at the college facility at Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan on 2 January 1957. FMC moved to its new facility at Sg. Besi, Selangor in 1961, and was subsequently renamed RMC in December 1966.

The reunion dinner was attended by no less than 270 people of all races, comprising former FMC cadets and their spouses, including those from Brunei and Singapore. To the surprise of most, even former instructors of early FMC, such as Gen Tan Sri Yacob Mat Zain, Admiral Tan Sri Thanabalasingam and Gen Tan Sri Borhan Ahmad made their appearance. All three reached their pinnacle of their career as Service Chief and Chief of Defence Forces. Admiral Tan Sri Thanabalasingam became the first Chief of Malaysian Navy in his early 30's, probably the world's youngest Navy Chief at the time.

A special mention was made by the Master of Ceremony, Col Kamal Omar on the presence of an Englishman, Major Crafter who was an instructor in 1959, and subsequently became the Officer Commanding Cadet Wing. Upon completion of service at FMC in 1961, he decided to take a local wife and remained in the country ever since.Mentioned was also made of a cadet from Intake 1, Major Joe Lee who traveled all the way from Toronto, Canada to be united with members of his Intake.

The presence of HRH Raja Perlis and HRH Raja Puan Perlis made the evening even more momentous and gracious. HRH Raja Perlis who himself spend sometime as a cadet at FMC in the early 60's, before being send to continue his officer training at England's Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Upon graduation in 1965, he served the Reconnaissance Regiment, in what is known today as the Armoured Corp. His affiliation to the Armed Forces, and to the Armoured Corp in particular is a well known fact, and he seemed to be very much at ease in the presence of the officers and men of the Armed Forces.

I would also like to add the fact that when I was the Commanding Officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment based in Alor Setar, Kedah in 1980, I had the pleasant opportunity of having both their highnesses who were then the Raja Muda and Raja Puan Muda, to dinner at my official residence. Their presence to dinner at my residence is well documented in photographs that I treasure till this very day. Until the time that I retired from the military service in 1998, I never had the opportunity to meet their Royal Highnesses.

Several speeches were made that evening, and the speeches by Pengiran Inbu Basit (Regular Intake 5) from Brunei and Kasavan Soon (Regular Intake 4) from Singapore, where they said that how their training at FMC had later influence their meritorious service with the government, and in private life. The espirit de corps that had been nurtured with their peers during their FMC days, is still strong and deep rooted in them.

HRH Raja Perlis certainly stole the show that evening by his willingness to give a speech that is informal, and filled with humour. Someone remarked that had HRH been physically strong, he would have stood at the rostrum much longer, and shown to us the more humourous side of himself. As a cadet and being a member of the royal family, he withstood the challenges of soldiering, and the extra ordinary physical hardship that all cadets have to endure during training.A mention was made of Gen Tan Sri Borhan who was an instructor during the time, who made his cadets including HRH, to scale the hill at the shooting range. It was all done in good faith.

HRH Raja Perlis also mentioned in his speech of his desire that this Reunion Dinner will be a yearly affair, supposedly to maintain the espirit de corps among FMC's former cadets, and to relive the spirit of college.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Regimental Brass Band of the Royal Malaysian Ranjer Corps, and the motley band that named themselves the 'Los Cappuccinos'.

It was certainly an evening to cherish and to renew old acquaintances. As for me, I felt rejuvenated having to be reunited with friends and bosses that I have not met for more than 25 years or so. It is friendship that we so dearly look forward to at this very late age of ours.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 6.21pm on Dec 21, 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008

BUSH, THE ‘SHOE DODGER’

I was watching Aljazeera news last few days, and what I saw repeatedly was the shoe throwing incident at US President George Bush, by an Iraqi journalist during a press conference in Iraq. It was suppose to be a ‘farewell speech’ to the Iraqi media, but what Bush got was a pair of dirty Iraqi shoes being thrown at him. This shoe throwing is the first incident to have occurred to a US President, and to the Iraqis (I am told), it openly demonstrates defiance and utter hatred for Bush, who ordered the war on Saddam Hussein in 2003. We now know too that Bush is an ‘expert dodger’. Imagine, two shoes being thrown at him, and he managed to dodged both.

Now 5 years on, US troops are still in Iraq fighting an insurgency war without an end in sight. The total cost to Iraqi lives will probably not be known, and with the war still raging, more lives will be lost, both for the US troops and its allies, as well as innocent Iraqi lives. Bush should have realized by now that claiming ‘mission accomplished’ over the insurgents is never possible. In fact, it is the insurgents that is now bringing the war to the US troops, and as the result US troops have remained bunkered, out of fear for their lives. The ‘green zone’ that is supposedly the most secure area for US troops is no longer secure, and has been breached before. Even rockets have fallen into the zone.

Aljazeera news presented some startling facts and figures concerning US troops involvement in Iraq. The 5 years of war had cost the US government 3 Trillion, and the beneficiaries are the US defence equipment manufactures. 4,200 US troops have fallen, and the US government had to compensate the next of kin of each dead soldier a sum of 500,000 dollars. Thousands are maim and incapacitated for life, and I am quite sure more death is forthcoming, both of the US soldiers and innocent Iraqi civilians. Presently, there are 150,000 US troops still in Iraq, fighting for a cause only Bush knows best, and the burden now lies with Obama when he becomes President in January 2009.

Many now believe that the war that Bush ordered on Iraq in 2003, aimed at fighting terror by eliminating Saddam has brought more miseries than joy to the American people. The mighty Uncle Sam has been taught a bloody and bitter lesson, that might alone does not guarantee victory in war. Obviously, the war in Vietnam has not been learnt, and a similar fate now awaits the US soldier in the war in Iraq.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 4.15pm on Dec 18, 2008

Monday, December 15, 2008

DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE STATEMENT IS PROFESSIONALLY DANGEROUS

BERNAMA reports that Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusof has said that the RMAF Nuri helicopters “are still safe for use”; however with a caveat i.e. that “their utilisation was limited in terms of the hydraulic system and they were only being used in the day and in good weather”. The deputy minister made this statement to “refute the perception of certain groups that the Nuri helicopters were unsafe as they were considered to be old equipment”.

I am totally confused by the deputy minister's statement, which makes me to believe that the deputy minister does not understand the meaning of aircraft safety, that is utmost to the pilots and crew flying the aircraft. I know that our RMAF pilots does not compromise on safety, and they have to be absolutely certain that the aircraft is air worthy, before flying the aircraft. Only a foolish pilot would want to fly an aircraft that is only limited to sunshine flying, and in excellent weather condition.

I just would like to ask any able and experience RMAF pilots, whether they are in agreement with the statement made by the deputy minister? I believe all will disagree, and what off the Chief of Air Force? Is he willing to accept full responsibility and be accountable for any fatal Nuri helicopter accidents? Why has the experienced helicopter pilots allowed the deputy minister to utter things that are absolutely absurd and unthinkable?

I have lost many good friends in previous Nuri helicopters crashes, and I dread to see another Nuri helicopter crash, that is the result of a unprofessional and ill-informed statement uttered by the Deputy Minister of Defence. There is no doubt that the Nuri helicopters are indeed 'old equipments'.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.26pm on Dec 15, 2008

WHAT AILS THE ARMED FORCES VETERAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT?

I wish to refer to an article by Adrian David titled ‘Denied her pension by the rule book’ published in NST (page 20) dated December 15, 2008.

Most retired military officers today would have known the late Brig Gen Victor Nelson Stevenson who joined the Army in 1952, and served the nation with unquestionable loyalty for almost 32 years. He saw the Malayan Emergency, Confrontation and the return of the Communist insurgency threat from 1969, until their eventual surrender in the late 80’s. To most who have known and served him, Gen Stevenson portrays a fatherly figure and a gentleman, and it is hard for anyone to dislike him.

Gen Stevenson is not alone serving the Army. He comes from a family where the uniform service is a preferred vocation, and this preferred vocation among the younger family members seems to continue till this day. I am indeed honoured to have known Gen Stevenson, and to have served together with his younger brother, Brig Gen Datuk Dr. William Stevenson at the Army Combat Training Centre, Ulu Tiram, Johore in the 80’s.

The article by Adrian David, brings to light the ‘misfortune’ that befalls the widow of Gen Stevenson, Janet Shaxson who not out of her own free will, was denied her late husband’s pension, for reasons that she had left the country for England, for a period exceeding 180 days, thus losing the eligibility to continue receiving the pension.

Janet Shaxson’s failure to return to Malaysia has its reason i.e. that she was bedridden with cancer and finally succumbed to her illness in November this year. Her case is well known to the office of the Malaysian High Commission in England, and with a medical report to prove.

For the Armed Forces Veteran’s Affairs Department (AFVAD) to disregard the truth, and to ignore the humanitarian aspects of the case, puts the department to absolute shame; something that ought not to be forgiven. There has to be some flexibility in the rules and procedures governing the Janet Shaxson’s case. Throwing the books and closing the case, is certainly not the answer.

If at all AFVAD sees no reason to respect Janet Shaxson’s entitlement to the pension, the least that AFVAD could do is to respect the services rendered by the late Gen Stevenson to his nation. And being an ex serviceman myself, I am extremely concern and fearful that a similar fate will befall my family and many others.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.30pm on Dec 15, 2008

Sunday, December 14, 2008

SANTA CLAUS COMES TO TRENGGANU

CHRISTMAS is just a few days away, and although Trengganu is predominantly a Muslim state, Santa Claus has found its way to the state. Surely there must be something that attracts Santa Claus to Trengganu, and what could that be?

Oh yes......it must be the by-election fever that have attracted politicians aka Santa Claus, to the Trengganu, dubbed as one of the poorest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Just like what we saw in previous by-elections......roads are being resurfaced right to the doorsteps of some homes, sawing machines and 'kain pelekat' be distributed readily to the village folks, cash handouts to the poor, and lots of promises that seemed good only prior to the by-elections, and a foregone case thereafter.

Just a few minutes ago, I watched the mid-day news on TV 1, and whom do I see. Of course the Minister for Rural Development and former Menteri Besar Selangor, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib giving hampers to an aged Malay lady in some isolated village in Kuala Trengganu. It was also reported that his visit was to ensure that the hard core poor in the state gets government aid and support, but why now? I am not rejecting the goodwill and intent of the minister, but such goodwill should not just be prior to a by-election.

You bet, there will be many more Santa Claus coming to Trengganu over the next few days, some by jet planes and helicopters, while others in their Mercedes Benz, Toyota Camry and Proton Perdana. Of course, the party supporters and workers will be loaded in buses, paid for by the party. Surely, the hotel owners in Trengganu will be making brisk business over the next few days; much more than what they make during the Monsoon Cup.

Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib has said that he is confident that BN/UMNO will secure a win in the upcoming by-elections in Kuala Trengganu. Didn't he said the same thing during the Permatang Pauh by-election, and in Kelantan during the March 8 General Elections? If I could recall, he said that he wants to 'merawat Kelantan' during the March 8 GE campaign, but what BN/UMNO got was the contrary. It would be better for BN/UMNO to learn the lessons of previous by-elections, rather than to be overly confident over the unknown. A win for BN/UMNO is assured if they take a more cautious approach, devoid of boastful talks and promises, and certainly one that will not anger the electorates.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.50 on Dec 14, 2008

Saturday, December 13, 2008

MAJLIS MAKAN MALAM SERI PAHLAWAN

Wednesday last, I attended the 'Majlis Makan Malam Seri Pahlawan' organised by the Ex Serviceman Association, held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The guest of honour was Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, who is also the Patron for this year's Warriors Day Campaign. No less than 30 corporate and business organisations contributed to the campaign that is aimed at generating funds for the Warriors Day Welfare Fund.

During the speech by the Association's President, Dato Hj. Muhammad bin Hj. Abdul Ghani, he did not specify the amount obtained from donors this year, and made no mention as to how the Welfare Fund had been spend the previous years. Neither did he indicate as to how this year's contributions will be disbursed to 'deserving members'. I would have thought, it would only be proper for the donors to know how their contributions in the past had been used, and the number of members that have benefited from the Warriors Day Welfare Fund.

I have been told by some association members that the Ex Serviceman Association, despite having businesses of its own, and soliciting donations by way of the Warriors Day Campaign every year, is severely cash strap. I do not wish to dwell on this any further, because I may be wrong in my judgment as to the Association's financial status.

Also in his speech, Dato Hj. Muhammad had categorically stated that the Association's primary objective is to serve its members and their families, in matters affecting their welfare and well being. I do hope his words are not merely rhethorics, for there has been in the past where members who had turned to the Association for assistance, were given the 'turn around'. It is so easy for Dato Hj. Muhammad to say things that pleases the audience that evening, but not knowing the truth about what is actually happening to the Association, is certainly not an excuse.

If indeed the Association is serious about wanting to help its members, then please read two articles that I had posted earlier concerning a disabled soldier (who is also a member of the Association), and who remains disgruntled for being neglected by both the Association and the Armed Forces. The articles that I am referring to are as under:

1.September 19, 2008 – titled 'Lcpl Maarof bin Ahmad need support and care'.
2.October 19, 2008 – titled 'Is the Armed Forces so ignorant'.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 1.08 pm on Dec 13, 2008

Thursday, December 11, 2008

BUKIT ANTARABANGSA DISASTER – THE BLAME GAME

The disaster that aggrieved residents of Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang several days ago, has once again struck a grim reminder to all that nature should not be trampled with. Hills,trees, rivers and the many beautiful and natural things that we see around us, are our creator's gift to mankind, and it is greed in man themselves that had caused the untold disasters affecting us today.

The Bukit Antarabangsa incidence of landslide that had caused the lost of four lives, and injured several others is indeed a tragedy, where similar tragedies in the past has been ignored deliberately. Those badly affected have not only lost their loved ones, but possibly lost every possession that they have acquired during their lifetime. In this time grieve, let us all show our humane side by pledging our support to all those affected residents.

We should also praised all those involved in the rescue effort i.e. the Armed Forces, Police, Fire and Rescue Units, NGO's, individuals and many others. It is time like this that we see Malaysians at its best; devoid of political affiliations and racial differences, getting together to save others in distress.

Sadly, some politicians who visited the scene of disaster has other motives in mind. It is about projecting the party first. One particular Yang Berhormat when interviewed by the local TV station, chose to thank his party members including the women wing, for being out to help in the rescue effort. Even free taxi service for affected residents is made in the name of the party.

I read that one Yang Berhormat chose to apportion blame on the housing developers and the affected residents. Blame is certainly not what the affected residents wants to hear, and worse still coming from an elected people's representative. Can't they be saying better things? Even the former Selangor Menteri Besar tried to absorb himself from blame, and this is disgusting.

My plea to politicians is to cease this blame game. HELP is what the affected residents desperately need, and surely this is not too difficult for our elected representatives to work on.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.40 pm on Dec 11, 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

PEMPENA – ANOTHER WASTEFUL BUSINESS VENTURE

PEMPENA Group of Companies under the Tourism Ministry has recently been under scrutiny by opposition parliamentarians over the multi million ringgit losses incurred by PEMPENA subsidiaries. Among the many findings by auditors is one that showed that out of the 24 subsidiary companies, only four have generated income. Another interesting finding is that there were one or two companies that do not exist. Isn't this findings amazing?

Tourism Minister, Azalina Othman is reported to have said that “It is so disgusting when nobody cares. How come you not care when it comes to people's money?” Don't tell me that she is going to blame everyone else except herself for this business fiasco, which is right under her care?

When talking about people's money, just a few days ago we read reports that some Barisan National MP's had in 2007 spent almost RM1 million each for 'entertainment' in their consituencies. Now, does anybody in the government really care about this exorbitant spendings by their MP's? Don't they know that there are thousands more deserving poor and hungry families that need to be cared for? And how much of that RM1 million was actually spent for 'entertainment', and how much went into the pockets of individuals and cronies? Let us not lie to ourselves, because such shady business dealings happened most of the time.

PEMPENA's dubious business dealings is just one of the many businesses run by a federal government ministry. State governments also operates businesses of their own, and not many are doing well either. The recent controversy over the business affairs of the Selangor Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) by the previous state government is one example. We also hear the same happening in Penang and Kedah. I just wonder how could state corporations not succeed in business when businesses are offered to them in a platter? Similarly, PEMPENA would have been offered government contracts but yet it failed, and how could this possibly be?

I believe the failure of PEMPENA obviously lies in those that manages the companies. We should not expect much when those appointed to managed the companies could well be cronies with vested interest, and with the 'nobody cares' attitude. The Tourism ministry should not be looking at others to blame, but will have to look at themselves for they were the ones that had appointed the people to managed the companies.

Azalina has vowed that punitive actions will be taken upon those responsible, and let us hope that this time around, it is not merely rhetorics that is so common among our honourable politicians. And please be warn too that the people, and not only the opposition parliamentarians, demands an answer.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.30 on Nov 25,2008

Sunday, November 23, 2008

WHAT'S IN THE NAMING OF ROADS?

Squabbling over road names!.......Don't people have better things to do? That was the controversy in Penang and Perak recently. Or is it because this two states are opposition controlled states that the main stream media finds it worthy to have the controversies flashed in the news?

Some names of roads in this country have been in existence since pre-independence, and in most instance, roads are named after important personalities or places through which the road travesed.

In Kuala Lumpur for example, we have road names like Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (formally Batu Road), named after the country's first King, and Jalan Tun Sambanthan (formally Brickfields Road), named after MIC's first President and a national leader. We also have Jalan Cheras and Jalan Klang Lama named after places.

Prior to independence, Kuala Lumpur had many roads named after British government officials e.g. Maxwell Road, Kenny Road, Hicks Road, Perry Road and others. The same goes to major towns like Penang, Malacca and Ipoh. Who exactly were they that the British authorities found it deserving to have roads named after them? They must be officials of great importance. However, these road names had over various periods of time being changed to Malaysian names, thus erasing a piece of our country's history, though many may say that it is of little significance.

Recently in Perak, there was a proposal by the local authorities to change the road name 'Jalan Silibin' to 'Jalan P. Patto'. As usual, this proposal became hugely controversial, supposedly because the late P. Patto was associated with the DAP. I just wonder, what will be the public reaction if the road were to be named Jalan Megat Jonid? I would appear that even naming or renaming of roads in the blessed country must have a political leaning.

In Penang, it was for a different reason. The Penang local authorities wanted to include other languages as well to the road name, but retaining the original road name. Again, there was public outcry.

Since naming of roads can be contentious among sensitive Malaysian, I would therefore like to proposed that future naming of roads be dedicated to the heroes of the country; those who had sacrificed their lives in defence of the country during the period of the World Wars, Malayan/Malaysian Emergencies and Confrontation. Here, I would refer specifically to our worriers from the security forces; but definitely not the kind of hero that one Penang UMNO Division had named recently or one that had won a medal at the Olympics.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 5.33pm on Nov 23,2008

Saturday, November 22, 2008

SHAHRIZAT VS RAFIDAH – WHAT WILL BE THE POLITICAL FALLOUT?

It is now confirmed that Mak Cik Shahrizat will challenge Tok Wan Rafidah for the Wanita UMNO President's post the up coming party election scheduled March 2009. Although Shahrizat is way down in the number of nominations that she had secured for the top post as compared to Rafidah; the increasing voices of support for Shahrizat must have emboldened her to pick up the challenge. With that challenge, Shahrizat had renaged the 'gentlewomen' agreement agreed between her and Rafidah, that the top post ought not to be challenged, in return for a smooth transfer of power for the top post in June 2009.

Although many may argue that Shahrizat has every right to contest, and winning through a popular vote will further heightened her legitimacy to the post; on the contrary, losing the challenge will surely spell disaster for her future political career. Shahrizat may even be rejected from her current post in the Prime Minister's department, which many claimed that she rightly does not deserve.

For one, Rafidah is no pushover when it comes to a serious challenge. She is known for her ferociosity and steadfastness in ensuring things get done her way. I am told that even during a friendly game of golf, losing the game is not something she cherishes, and her opponents knows this only too well. I am told by a retired diplomat who had on several occasions accompanied her for conferences overseas, that when she debates, all ears are on her. In this sense, she had projected Malaysia well at international forums.

The million dollar question being asked by many now is 'why is Rafidah so adament in wanting to relinquish the Wanita UMNO President's post in June 2009?' When Pak Lah has willingly conceded stepping down in March 2009, and without wanting to contest for the UMNO President's post, why is it so different in the case of Rafidah? To say that she wants to have a final test of her popularity before fading out, is certainly incorrect. And to also claim that she wants to ensure that there is no political infighting for the top post, to allow a smooth transition of power in June, may appear dubious.

Rafidah recent statement upon receiving the challenge from Shahrizat 'that she (Rafidah) will stay on for another term if she retains her post' send shivers not only to Shahrizat and her supporters, but an imposing dilemma for Najib who will assume the premiership in March 2009.

Najib most certainly cannot ignore Rafidah if she retains her post, for Rafidah now has the legitimate right to assume a post in Najib's administration. Ignoring Rafidah will have disastrous circumstances to the party, which Najib can ill afford at this critical time in UMNO's fledging history.

Clearly, in the battle for the Wanita UMNO Presidency, it is Shahrizat who will suffer most by picking a challenge against Rafidah, if she (Shahrizat) loses. On the contrary, Rafidah will be even more stronger if she wins. And losing, I believe does not really matter for her at this late age of her political career.

As for PM designate, Najib has Rosmah to confide to, to resolve all possible issues emanating from the Wanita UMNO political tussle.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 1.07am aon Nov 22, 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008

MONEY POLITICS IN UMNO- TUN MAHATHIR COMES TO THE FORE

Tun Mahathir has finally decided to submit reports of money politics in UMNO to the party's Disciplinary Committee, as well as to the ACA. He cites that should nothing come out of his reports, he will reveal the names of those involved together with his report in his blog.

I want to congratulate Tun for his daring move to expose the wrongdoings of UMNO members that has brought shame to the party, and in particular to the Malay race. What is the meaning of UMNO screaming about Ketuanan Melayu, when it leaders are corrupt and shows total disregards for the very thing that is against Islam. Don't they know that corruption in Islam is a grievous sin, and to feed their family with money that is obtained through corrupt practice is sinful as well?

I was in Segamat, Johor recently and met up with some UMNO youth members. The moment we started talking, the issue of money politics in their recently concluded divisional meeting became hot topic. Everyone that I spoke to, without any inhibition declared that money politics was rampant during the meeting. They say that the money was provided by the Wakil Rakyat themselves, who wanted to make sure that those elected will support the Wakil Rakyat. If this is the game played by the Wakil Rakyat, one can imagine the character of the Wakil Rakyat who himself must be a highly corrupt person. Is this what UMNO wants of it's leaders?

I am also privy to talks among UMNO circles which says that the UMNO Disciplinary Committee is powerless and is merely a show. There are more powerful hands that decides which cases are to be dealt with, and which are to be thrown out. If this is true, it makes a mockery of those who sits high in the Disciplinary Committee. Little wonder, Tun Mahathir's report of money politics that had deprived him of being a delegate to the last general assembly was thrown out without Tun being called to testify. What strange UMNO people!

From what is happening in UMNO today, I have little hope for UMNO being a winning party in the next general elections. And certainly, I am one who have doubts in casting my vote for UMNO in the next elections, unless there is a drastic change in its choice of leaders.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

LCPL MAAROF BIN AHMAD – WHY HAS HIS PLIGHT BEING IGNORED?

I had on two occasions written an article in this blog, concerning to the plight of LCpl Maarof bin Ahmad, a retired and disabled soldier who seeks care and attention from the Armed Forces; in particular the Army. The articles are as follows:

1.September 19, 2008 titled 'Is the Armed Forces so ignorant?'

2.October 7, 2008 titled 'LCpl Maarof bin Ahmad need support and care'

It saddens me to know that despite me writing to the Chief of Army concerning the soldier in my letter dated October 6, 2008, nobody from the Army has called nor visited the soldier to really understand the sufferings that the soldier is going through.

On November 18, 2008 (Tuesday), I received a call from the soldier requesting that he meets me at my office. I obliged, saying that he is most welcomed, and I asked him how is he coming since he is disabled. He replied that he is coming with a friend who will aid him move on the wheel chair.

The meeting at my office was long, and as he relates his problems to me, I could see the sadness portrayed on his face. I noted down some of the things he said, which I now want to share it with my readers.

1.He received a cheque for the sum of RM212.26 from Veteran Affairs Department on July 4, 2008, being his disability pension for the month of March till May 2008. However, he returned the cheque citing his displeasure at the sum awarded to him which amounts to RM99.71 per month. He is yet to receive any money for the subsequent months of June till present.

2.He also informed me that since the change of the Selangor government to Pakatan Rakyat in March this year, the ADUN Teratai, YB Jenice Lee Ying Ha has visited him on four occasions. Prior to this, no BN Yang Berhormat nor any UMNO politicians have cared to visit him. This certainly reflects poorly on BN and UMNO.

I am also reminded of a recent statement by the Deputy Defence Minister when he said that ' the Armed Forces will not neglect the welfare of ex-servicemen' and this statement was reported in one of the Malay dailies the third week of last month. I also recall the same being said by the President of the Ex-Servicemen Association some months earlier, and I believe too that he is aware of the plight of this soldier. I hope these statements made by politicians are not merely rhetorics?

As an ex-servicemen myself, I can only report to the relevant authorities; in this case the Army, of what I know of the soldier. I am in no position to force anyone to help the soldier, but at least please give the soldier some hope that someone from the service still cares for this retired and disabled soldier.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.35pm on Nov 19,2008

WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT SPENDING TAXPAYERS MONEY?

“Ten BN members of parliament spent almost RM1 million each for various festive celebration including open houses in their constituencies in 2007” says Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Johari Baharum in parliament Tuesday, 18 Nov 2008. I salute them for being spendthrift, and be able to show off to their constituents that they care, regardless of where the money is coming from.

RM1 million for just 10 BN MP’s, and if we include the remaining BN MP’s, guess how much will it cost, at the expense of taxpayers money? This extravagance among BN MP’s maybe just the tip of the iceberg. We do not know how much they spent, if they go on a foreign trip, travelling in style and with their spouses included. Some may even decide to bring along one or two ‘coffee boys’ along, all at the expense of taxpayers money.

I suppose, they all must be blind to the plight of thousands of hungry Malaysians. One need not go far……just visit the squatter settlements littered around the city of Kuala Lumpur, or visit the low cost flats that resembles prison cells. Just imagine, a family with 4 grown up children living in a two bedroom low cost flat? Why don’t these lavish spending MP’s stay just a night with these families and to be deprived of the luxuries of their ‘palaces?

It was only yesterday, that my wife who had just returned from the market walked into the house grumbling, saying that she had spend RM100 for just a few food staff. “Everything is so expensive and nothing seem to be coming down” she said.

I doubt very much if BN MP’s have had to go to market to understand the peoples plight. I believe they don’t, and certainly most do not have much problem with money. I can say this because I am yet to hear their spouses grumble because of rising costs, just like what my wife and many others had done.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.00am on Nov 19,2008

PROJEK TANAMAN CENDAWAN KAMPUNG PETA, ENDAU ROMPIN, JOHOR

1. PENDAHULUAN
1.1 Cendawan di definisikan sebagai organ pensporaan kulat yang boleh dimakan. Ia mengandungi banyak protein, vitamin dan zat-zat galian seperti Kalium dan Posforus yang penting untuk kesihatan badan. la juga mempunyai rasa yang sedap. Selain daripada tumbuh semulajadi, ada beberapa jenis cendawan yang boleh ditanam dan dibiakan.
1.2 Cendawan hidup dengan menumpang pada perumah seperti sisa tumbuhan atau bahagian tumbuhan yang telah reput dan menyerap zat-zat makanan daripadanya. Bentuk cendawan adalah pelbagai, tapi kebiasaanya ia mempunyai batang atau tangkai dan tudung yang berbentuk seperti payung.

2. PENGENALAN
2.1 Projek tanaman cendawan ini telah didapati berpotensi untuk diusahakan dan menguntungkan. la boleh diusahakan secara sambilan atau komersil memandangkan ianya mudah dijalankan kerana tidak memerlukan tenaga kerja yang banyak. Ianya tidak memerlukan modal yang banyak dan sesuai untuk penduduk Kampung.

3. OBJEKTIF
3.1 Projek ini bertujuan untuk menjana dan menambah pendapatan sampingan di kalangan masyarakat Orang Asli Kampung Peta, Endau Rompin Johor.
3.2 la juga bertujuan untuk mengujudkan minat mereka untuk menceburi bidang pertanian dan ternakan ini sebagai satu bidang pekerjaan sampingan.
3.3 Mempromosikan Kampung Peta, Endau Rompin,Johor sebagai pusat pelancongan dan pertandingan.
3.4 Memperkenalkan dan memperluaskan projek tanamam cendawan kepada masyarakat pribumi di seluruh negara.

4. STRATEGI
4.1 Pihak Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 akan memberi bimbingan dan bantuan dari segi kewangan, pengawasan dan teknikal.
4.2 Di samping itu Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 sebagai pembekal blok cendawan projek ini.
4.3 Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 menyediakan pasaran dan khidmat nasihat kepada peserta projek.
4.4 Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 akan menentukan dan mengenal pasti pasaran dan pemasaran hasil projek.

5. KONSEP PROJEK
5.1 Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 akan mengeluarkan modal untuk perbelanjaan permulaan seperti blok asas cendawan dan benih.
5.2 Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 akan memberi pendedahan kepada masyarakat Orang Asli Kampung Peta melalui bengkel yang disediakan.
5.3 Keuntungan projek akan dibahagi kepada 50% untuk masyarakat Orang Asli dan 50% untuk ahli Kelab Buaya Puchong yang melabur sahaja. Pembahagian keuntungan ini adalah berpandu kepada keuntungan bersih projek.
5.4 Pihak Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 akan membeli cendawan daripada projek dengan harga pasaran yang ditetapkan sebelum dipasarkan.
5.5 Penglibatan Orang Asli hanya menyediakan pondok cendawan dan penjagaan daripada perosak.

6. PENGURUSAN PROJEK
6.1 Saiz Projek
Setiap isi rumah akan diberi bantuan 100 blok cendawan secara percuma untuk diusahakan pada peringkat permulaan untuk satu pusingan modal. Walau bagaimanapun penambahan blok bagi pusingan modal seterusnya hanya bergantung pada rekod prestasi keuntungan hasil projek keluarga masing-masing.
6.2 Reban/pondok
Peserta dikehendaki membina reban/ pondok untuk menampung jumlah 1000 blok cendawan tersebut.
6.3 Pasaran
Setiap peserta akan menjual hasil mereka kepada Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4, sebelum dipasarkan pada pasaran.
6.4 Perakaunan
Semua urusan perakaunan/kewangan akan dikendalikan oleh Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4.
6.5Jenis-jenis cendawan
Tiram Kelabu

7. PASARAN PRODUK
Pasaran produk adalah di dalam dan di luar Negara, mengikut harga pasaran semasa.

8. SYARAT-SYARAT PROJEK
8.1 Penyertaan projek ini berdasarkan minat dan semangat kesukarelawan masyarakat kampung yang terlibat serta ahli Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4.
8.2 Kemajuan dan peningkatan projek ini adalah bergantung pada rekod hasil projek dalam satu pusingan modal.
8.3 Modal keseluruhan projek adalah 100% daripada Ahli Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4.
8.4 Hanya kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 sahaja yang membekal blok cendawan kepada projek. Mana-mana sumber lain selain daripada Kelab Buaya Puchong maka isi rumah tersebut akan diberi amaran sebanyak tiga kali sebelum penyertaan dalam projek ini dibatalkan serta-merta.
8.5 Penduduk kampung tidak dibenarkan mengambil hasil atau menjual hasil projek tanpa kebenaran Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4. Jika didapati melanggar arahan ini maka isi rumah tersebut akan dikehendaki membahagi keuntungan kasar hasil penjualan tersebut (bergantung pada kiraan satu blok cendawan) kepada kelab sebanyak 50%. Serta isi rumah tersebut akan diberi amaran sebanyak tiga kali sebelum penyertaan dalam projek ini dibatalkan serta-merta.
8.6 Hanya Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 sahaja yang menentukan pemasaran dan penjualan hasil projek ini.
8.7 Setiap isi rumah yang bersetuju dalam dengan projek ini hendaklah bertanggungjawab memastikan setiap blok cendawan mengeluarkan hasil pendapatan.

9. LATIHAN/ KURSUS
9.1 Di peringkat awal, beberapa ahli Kelab Buaya Puchong 4x4 dihantar kursus penanaman cendawan sebelum dihantar ke Kampung Peta untuk member! tunjuk ajar kepada penduduk tempatan.

10. KESIMPULAN
Projek penanaman cendawan seumpama ini secara langsung dapat menambah sumber pendapatan dan memperbaiki taraf ekonomi masyarakat Orang Asli di Malaysia. Di samping boleh meningkatkan minat penduduk agar menceburi bidang pertanian.

Disediakan oleh:
JAWATANKUASA
TANAMAN CENDAWAN KAMPUNG PETA KELAB BUAYA PUCHONG4X4

Friday, November 14, 2008

WHY HAS NON-BUMIPUTRA SHY AWAY FROM JOINING THE ARMED FORCES?

Deputy Defence Minister, Abu Seman Yusop is reported to have said that “seeking flexibility in the job and not low wages was the reason for the non-bumiputra to shy away from joining the Armed Forces”. I do not fully subscribe to the comment made by the minister, and if this is a similar view of the Armed Forces as well, I think it better be supported by facts and figures.

I would like to give my readers the example of my 1965 intake of cadets officers to the Federation Military College (now named Royal Military College). We then had an intake of 78 cadet officers (excluding Singapore cadets) and out of that number, 31 were non-bumiputra cadets; almost 50% of the total. This may surprise many, but that was the reality than. It is worthy to note that we all spoke English to one another, and it was also the language used in classes as well. Even the Malay non-commissioned officers (NCO) instructors spoke English to us, and of course the 'dreaded' Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) who was a Englishman himself, gave the drill orders in Bahasa Melayu.

There was no talk of 'Ketuanan Melayu' among us Malayan cadets. We eat, slept, play and studied together with no racial barriers, and till today we all honour dearly our friendship. And the moment we meet to reminisce about our days as cadets, they will be instant jokes and laughter at the things that we did together.

I believe there is more to what the minister had said with regards to the 'shying away' of non-bumiputra to join the Armed Forces. For one, there is the innate fear and suspicion among the non-bumiputra that the Malays will dominate them in their career development. This is certainly not the case, and from records, the Armed Forces has had several non-bumiputra officers rose to the rank generals. If one could recall, the first Chief of Malaysian Navy was a Malayan of Indian origin. And there were several others who rose to become Divisional and Brigade commanders. I am told that even today, the Army has a Malaysian Indian as the Brigade Commander based in Sarawak.

There are certainly many non-bumiputra that aspires to join the Armed Forces, but remained nonchalant because of the feeling of insecurity working in a majority Malay environment. This feeling did not prevail in the 50's and possibly the early 60's, because all government schools were racially integrated. And the political environment than was one that was sincere in wanting to develop a truly integrated Malayan society. Unlike today, it is politics that had placed a wedge at our social make-up, where Malays are different from the Chinese and Indians. And likewise, Chinese are looked differently from Malays and Indians

If indeed the Armed Forces is serious in wanting to recruit more non-bumiputra into their fold, then the Armed Forces should undertake a serious and comprehensive study as to why non-bumiputra shy away from joining the Armed Forces. Merely taking the words of the minister and claiming it to be the truth is certainly incorrect.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 2.55pm on Nov 14, 2008

PROUD TO BE MALAYSIAN AND THE SCOURGE OF CORRUPTION

I read RPK's latest article in Malaysia Today titled 'Roberpierre On Freedom Of The Press', and I fully subscribe to most of what he writes. As a Malay, I am not ashamed to be called a second generation migrant from Sumatra. On the contrary, I am extremely proud to be called one. I am proud because my parents have fully accepted Malaysia as their only home, and they being former government employees undeniably have made useful contributions to this country. And as for me, having served the Armed Forces for 33 years beginning 1965, I can proudly say that I have also made some useful contribution to the defence and security of my country.

I recall once of my late father being invited by his Sumatran relatives to visit the village of his parents at Bukit Tinggi, Sumatra, but he refused saying that Malaysia is now his home, and he voluntarily forfeits whatever property left by his parents in the village, to be inherited by his other relatives in the village. In fact, there is still in existence an ancestral home called 'Rumah Gadang' in the name of my grandfather, which I am told is being cared for by the remaining family members of my late grandfather. And as a second generation Sumatran migrant, I am proud of my ancestral beginnings as well as to be born a Malaysian; and Malaysia a blessed country, shall remain my only home.

RPK in his article had also raised another relevant issue; one that affects the daily lives of ordinary Malaysians. He had brought out the plight of ordinary wage earner, in this instant the wardens at Kemunting Detention Centre. He discussed the wage earned by the wardens and compared it to the general cost of living today. He summed up that there is a severe imbalance and disparity between wages and cost of living; the end result being the hardship and sufferings that these lowly paid wardens have to endure in silence. RPK is merely bringing out a fact of life, that is being kept unknown to the 'rich and famous'. This fact should rightly be a serious topic of discussion by politicians and so called leaders of the country.

Another interesting issue is a report by the ACA Director General which states that during the first 10 months of the year, a sum of RM45 million had changed hands due to corrupt practises. This I believe is merely the tip of the iceberg. It is certainly many time more, and it is not too difficult to trace the source of corrupt practises.

I am told that the construction industry is the most corrupt industry in this country, and why not ACA take a peep at this industry, rather then wait for a report to be made? Or search through the files at the Ministry of Finance of all government projects that were awarded through direct negotiation, and one can certainly find a trace of corrupt practise in the award of contract.

I applaud the ACA for their plan to recruit 5000 more staffs. Hopefully with additional staffs, the ACA can help curb the growing menace of corrupt practise, particularly among politicians and top civil servants.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.31 on Nov 14,2008

Thursday, November 13, 2008

WHY CRITICISE TUN MAHATHIR ONLY?

Nazri Aziz has come down hard on Tun Mahathir for the latter’s comments on money politics cum corruption by candidates for UMNO’s party election scheduled March 2009. The issue of money politics is not new in UMNO and Nazri Aziz knows this. And besides Tun Mahathir, Malaysian from all walks of life have also been making similar comments. Even within UMNO itself, veterans such as Tengku Razleigh Hamzah and Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen have openly said that money politics is rampant in UMNO and the amount runs into millions of ringgit.

I just wonder why Nazri Aziz has chosen Tun Mahathir for his strong remarks, and sought to remain silent over the comments made by the two UMNO veterans? Why didn’t Nazri Aziz asked Muhyiddin Yasin or Mukhriz Mahathir to shut up too? And isn’t he not surprised at the sudden surge in nomination for the two other candidates (with the exception of Muhyiddin Yasin) for the Deputy President post? I sense something is not right here.

My advise to Nazri Aziz is to begin looking into UMNO itself and try to solve the many problems faced by the party today. He has to admit that UMNO is no longer the party that many elder Malays like me would want to be associated with. It is now a party where the only thought among its members is to make quick money, and is no longer the party that cares for the Malays, especially the rural folks.

UMNO has to admit this, and to correct the wrongs within UMNO today will take a lot of courage by its leaders to make drastic changes to the mentality and mindset of all its members. Will Nazri Aziz have the courage to make the changes? I doubt it very much.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 15.02pm on Nov 12,2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

WHERE LIES OUR PRIORITIES?

“Telekom Malaysia (TM) had pleaded with the government to have the broadband project awarded to the company as they had wanted to be a part of this important project” says Second Deputy Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yacob, when questioned by the opposition in parliament as to why the RM 11.3 billion project was awarded to TM.

I just could not believe the answer given by the the Deputy Minister. It sounds stupid to me. How could a RM 11.3 billion project be awarded just because of pleading by the company i.e. TM. I just wonder whether 'pleading' is part of a tender requirement by the Finance Ministry. How simple it is to be awarded a multi billion ringgit project by the Malaysian government......just by pleading. I certainly like to do just that in my bid for a government contract in future, and not only will I plead, I will shed tears as well.

At a time when the government says that they do not have money, this multi billion ringgit project being awarded to TM through direct negotiation, shows otherwise. Had not the opposition raised this in parliament, the project would have proceeded, and god only knows who profits from it.

And can someone make a simple calculation, and tell me how many Eurocopters can we purchased for the amount spend on the broadband project? I think it is certainly more than 50 Eurocopters; more than the 12 required by the RMAF. And what about the planned replacement of Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Army (AIFV) that had to be shelved to 10th Malaysia Plan? With RM 11.3 billion, we can get more than three regiments of AIFV; I suppose more than what is needed by the Army. And which is more important to the country.......broadband or equipping the Armed Forces? I would like to leave the answers to my readers.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.03 on Nov 11,2008

Monday, November 10, 2008

ASPIRANTS FOR UMNO NUMBER 2 POST

Mohd Ali Rustam and Muhammad Muhd Taib has succeeded in securing enough nominations to contest for the post of UMNO’s Deputy President. It will now be a three cornered fight with Muhyiddin Yassin as the third candidate. Whether the nominations will translate into votes for the candidates, will be left to the delegates attending the party’s election in March next year to decide.

With three candidates vying for the post of the party’s Deputy President, the concern will be the extend of politicking by supporters of the candidates from now until the election date.

With money politics and corruption being reportedly rampant during the party’s recent divisional meetings, the fear that the same will prevail in the run up to the party’s election.

Some party insiders cites that the amount of money likely to be transacted to delegates is certainly not small. If one were to note the recent statement made by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah with regards to money politics, the amount of cash being ‘thrown’ around to buy votes runs into the millions. A similar concern is also been voiced by Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen.

Although Muhyiddin Yassin has repeatedly said that he will not indulge in money politics, there will be his supporters and the ‘unknown hands’ that does the dirty tricks. Supporters being what they are, will not want to see their candidates lose the election, and losing will deprive them of the benefits that they are likely to get by being loyal to their favoured candidate.

As for Mohd Ali Rustam and Muhammad Muhd Taib, I see no logic in them contesting for the post. Assuming either one wins the contest, it is unlikely that they will automatically assume the post of Deputy Prime Minister.

Now, how could it be possible, say for Mohd Ali Rustam to be made the Deputy Prime Minister when he is not a federal parliamentarian. And in the case of Muhammad Muhd Taib, he is neither an elected federal parliamentarian nor a state legislative assembly member. I just wonder whether by appointing him a senator, he is eligible to become the Deputy Prime Minister.

But in Malaysian politics everything is possible, and one should not be surprised if Muhammad Muhd Taib finds his way up to be our next Deputy Prime Minister.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 15.30pm on Nov 10,2008

Sunday, November 9, 2008

CONDOS AND SIBMAS – WHY A COMPROMISE?

The Malaysian Chief of Army was reported to have said that the planned replacement of the Army's Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) and the Armoured Fire Support Vehicles (AFSV) that has been in service for more than two decades, have to be deferred to RMK 10. The replacement was planned for RMK 9, and he cites insufficient financial allocation being the reason for the deferment. However, he did not state the amount of allocation required for the replacement.

Presently, the Army has in service the Belgium made Sibmas and the German made Condos. For some unknown reason, the Malaysian Army is the only country in the world to have purchased the Sibmas 6x6 wheeled AIFV and AFSV.

For the Army to retain both the Sibmas and Condos in service for more than 20 years, and with a possible extension of service life for another 5 years, will surely cost the Army heavily on maintenance, to ensure that the vehicles are combat worthy. And the longer the vehicles are used past their effective service life, the more we will see the serviceable state of the vehicles dwindled. And when this happens, the combat readiness of the Army will be badly affected.

To defer the planned purchase is certainly an unwise decision to make. I do not believe that the entire fleet of Sibmas and Condos can be fully maintained to effective service life for the next 5 years. Neither do I not believe, that the Army should compromise the planned purchase just because there is insufficient allocation.

The question that need to be asked now is whether the Army is ready to compromise its combat readiness for the sake of saving the government its money? Isn't there any other option that the Army can adopt, without compromising the fighting capability of the Army? Is the Army prepared to see troops being trained without the right compliment of armoured vehicles, and to accept playing 'notional' as an alternative?.

Let this not be another 'failed' purchase of the Eurocopter, and defence of the country is not something that the Armed Forces would want to compromise. It will be the Armed Forces that will bare the brunt if war is to break out......not our politicians.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.25pm on Nov 9,2008

Saturday, November 8, 2008

TWO DOWN AND HOW MANY MORE TO GO?

The release of blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) from ISA detention, and the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court ruling that favoured Anwar Ibrahim to be tried in the same Sessions Court, are two reports that will be headline news for many more days to come, and maybe not for the mainstream media.

In the case of RPK, his freedom from ISA detention is unprecedented, and I believe marks the beginning of more releases for the remaining ISA detainees, some of whom have been incarcerated at the infamous Kamunting Detention Centre for more than 7 years. The Shah Alam High Court ruled that 'RPK's detention was unconstitutional' and that the Home Minister, Syed Hamid Albar 'had not followed proper procedure under Section 8 of the ISA to issue the detention order against RPK'.

There is now a clarion call by many for the Home Minister to resign, but I think a voluntary resignation by the honourable Minister is very unlikely. Neither will the Minister admit that his decision to sign RPK's detention order was wrong, despite him being a lawyer himself. I hope he does go around blaming others, for the wrong that he had done.

In the case of Anwar Ibrahim, he has PM Abdullah Badawi to thank. We know that both have their political differences, and are seen not to like each other. But the statement made by Abdullah Badawi that the AG Abdul Gani Patail will have no part to play in the sodomy trial of Anwar Ibrahim, had saved the latter's trial from being transferred to the High Court.

Like Syed Hamid, will we also hear calls for Abdul Gani Patail to resign? And if that call is made, will Abdul Gani Patail voluntarily resign? I think not, for if he does resign, he will be exposing himself to those who have a score to settle with him.

And what about the investigation on Abdul Gani Patail and IGP Musa Hassan, whom Anwar Ibrahim accused of tempering with evidence in the latter's trial in 1998? Will the outcome of the investigations be in favour of Anwar Ibrahim, or in favour of the two 'accused persons'. One can only hazard a guess, and in so doing, one need to look seriously at the recent outcome of the murder trial of Altuntuya, where I am now even more puzzled as to who actually ordered the murder.

While UMNO is too busy with the up coming party elections that is being made worse by the many reports of money politics and corruption by its party members; the Courts on the other hand are now being seen by many, for making judgments that are favourable to both RPK and Anwar Ibrahim on one single day. This is unbelievable.

Is this the beginning of 'proper and fair justice' by the Malaysian courts that Abdullah Badawi had pledged, to remedy the poor image of the country's judiciary system brought about notably by the Lingham case and the sacking of several Judges some years ago? I sense that there is now greater freedom by the courts to make judgment, free of any sort of political interference, perceived or otherwise.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.04 am on Nov8,2008

Thursday, November 6, 2008

DID THE PM MEANT WHAT HE SAID?

“Anyone can be PM. It is up to the people to decide, just as the Americans had done through the democratic process”, say Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi in answer to a question by a reporter who had asked him whether a person from a minority race can become the PM of this country.

Now, if that were the words from an opposition leader, what do you think will be the reaction from UMNO?

My guess is that the entire UMNO leaders will be calling for press statement condemning the opposition leader. Some will even suggest that the ISA be applied on the opposition leader, and if the opposition leader was a Malay, he will be accused of being a traitor fit for the gallows. Some may want the Malay opposition leader to disassociate himself from being a Malay. That was exactly what UMNO leaders had asked Zaid Ibrahim to do for raising the issue of "Ketuanan Melayu"

Strangely, there wasn't a whimper from a single UMNO leader to what Abdullah Badawi has uttered, and I assume they are all in agreement with their leader.

I believe Abdullah Badawi wasn't alert when he uttered those words. He must have thought that he was replying to an all American audience.

If indeed Abdullah Badawi meant what he said, UMNO should no longer be taking about “Ketuanan Melayu”. Instead, UMNO should start to propogate “Ketuantan Malaysians”.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.41 pm on Nov 6,2008

Monday, November 3, 2008

KETUANAN MELAYU – WHY THE FUSS?

I do not know whether to laugh of cry, when I read the Bernama report in NST online dated Nov 2,2008, where Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim is reported to have asked Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to get out of the “rumpun Melayu” (Malay grouping) over the latter's remarks on “ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy) which the former deemed as extreme. Datuk Zaid Ibrahim had said that the “ketuanan Melayu” concept “was a failure and a detriment to the Malay race”.

I just wonder what is so extreme in Datuk Zaid Ibrahim remarks? Personally, I am not the least offended by what Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has said. Allow him his rights to free expression and for those who do not agree with him, they just have to ignore him. Why is Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim making a big fuss?

And for Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to suggest that Datuk Zaid Ibrahim gets out of the Malay grouping for the latter's 'extreme remarks' is indeed comical, nonsensical and only reflects the hollow mentality of the former. I am not quite sure whether Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim had said that in jest, or whether he really meant what he said. And if he really meant what he said, how on earth is Datuk Zaid Ibrahim going to get out of his Malay roots. Will changing his name or changing the colour of his skin satisfy Datuk Seri Sahaidan Kassim?

My brotherly advice to Datuk Seri Sahaidan Kassim is for him to search his soul, and to ask whether he has done enough for the Malays in Perlis when he was the Menteri Besar. Had he been the true champion of the Malays in Perlis, surely he will still be the Menteri Besar today. There must be something seriously wrong with him to incur the wrath of the Malays in Perlis and worse still,the wrath of HRH Raja of Perlis to reject him as the Menteri Besar.

And pardon me for saying this...I will only believe in "ketuanan Melayu" if the Malay leaders are fair to all Melayu....not the Malayu from just one political party only. Ask any kampung folk if they know what "ketuanan Melayu" means to them. The answer is "we do not know, and we only want to make sure that our families get enough food to eat everyday".


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.52 pm on Nov 3,2008

Sunday, November 2, 2008

BIRTHDAYS AND GRANDCHILDREN

This morning, I received many more sms and emails from friends wishing me my 65 birthday. I thank them for their thoughts and greetings, and my reply to them was that I am now surviving on bonus time. Looking back, I never thought that I could reached this ripe age of 65, but when I look at my mother who turned 89 years a few months ago, I begin to have hopes of surviving a few more years at least.

My father who died in 1991 of a heart failure was 73 years. He was well known to the boys living around Kuala Lumpur throughout the period of the 50's and 60's, for he was an expert at circumcision. I remembered having to tolerate the teasing from people that I met, the moment they knew that I am the son of Pak Raji, especially those boys living in Kampung Baru. Even till today, for those of my age will still remember my late father who performed the circumcision on them.

If one was to read the book 'The Old Man Remembers' written by Tan Sr Dr. Majid Ismail, the country's first orthophedic surgeon, he did mentioned Pak Raji by name in his book. He attributed Pak Raji to having guided him during his period of 'housemanship'. I was elated to have been given a copy of the book by Tan Sri Dr. Majid Ismail himself, when I met him at Royal Selangor Club a few years ago.

Having reached 65 today is of lesser meaning to me, then having to be blessed with a fourth grandchild. I received an sms at noon on Friday 31 Oct from my son in Singapore stating that his wife had delivered a boy. They named him Ilyas Ghazi; Ilyas being the name of a prophet of Islam, and Ghazi meaning a 'warrior'.

An like all grandparents, my only wish is to see that my grandchildren grows up to be good Muslims, grateful to their parents and be useful citizens.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.06pm on Nov 2,2008

Saturday, November 1, 2008

RMAF CHIEF NEED TO BE BOLD

I was struck by a report that I read in BBC News website dated Oct 31,2008, on the resignation of a British SAS Commander in Afghanistan, in protest over what he calls 'chronic underinvestment' in troops equipment. The equipment referred to by him is the British Army's Snatch Land Rover vehicle used extensively by British troops in Afghanistan, that are not designed to withstand roadside bombs.

He accused the ministers (presumably the Minister of Defence) for not heeding to his warnings about the safety of the vehicles which had caused the death from roadside bombs of four soldiers, including one female soldier recently.

I was struck because this report may have some relevance to the decision of the government to defer the purchase of new helicopters to replace the aging Nuri helicopters. Neither has anyone, be they ministers or military commanders that have spoken out to assume full responsibility, should anything untoward happens to the Nuri helicopters. I am not at all surprise that nobody would dare assume such responsibility, not even the pilots and crew that flies the Nuri helicopters. Of course, it will be too late for the pilots and crew to assume responsibility after something untoward has happened.

I am somewhat disappointed that the professionals i.e. in this instant the Chief of Air Force should have
been bold enough to demand that the government must do something now to replace the aging Nuri helicopters, within the financial affordability of the government. Keeping mute over this vital issue is not what the Armed Forces aspects of a commander, particularly one that affect the lives of troops.

The example shown by the British SAS Commander is to be learned by all commanders. And I am not implying here that the Chief of Air Force resigns over this issue, but for him to judge and think of the alternatives available to him.

It may not necessarily be 12 new Eurocopter helicopters, but maybe less of another model. And within the financial affordability of the government, the Air Force may want to change the specifications of the helicopter; maybe giving priority to search and rescue roles first and with option for modification to other roles at a later stage.

If the Air Force sees a dying need to change the Nuri helicopters (which I think is in urgent need), why not just do it, rather than wait.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.30am on Nov 1,2008

Friday, October 31, 2008

MORE QUESTIONS NEEDED IN THE ALTANTUYA CASE

So the verdict is out......Abd Razak Baginda is acquitted of abetting the murder of Altuntuya Shaariibuu in 2006 by the Shah Alam High Court today (Oct 31,2008).

And what about the other two UTK officers i.e. Azilah and Sirul? Their fate remains uncertain, and the court has directed them to enter their defence to the charge of murder. Should they be found guilty, their fate is sealed and only death by hanging awaits them.

But to the man on the street, there still remains many unanswered questions.

1.Who was the person that ordered the two UTK officers to murder Altuntuya? Many believe that the two would not have performed the murder without specific orders from someone. And who could that someone be? Why was there the need to murder Altuntuya if her presence here was merely to ask for her commission, purportedly promised by Abd Razak Baginda. To execute a murder would mean that there is something much 'larger' than just the commission. And obviously, the UTK officers would not just simply blow up Altuntuya for free. There must be big money involved in this job, and who is the paymaster? Even a butcher is paid a fee.
2.Who was the person that authorised the C4 explosives used to blow up Altuntuya? I do not believe the UTK officers could just walk into the store and pick up the C4. There must be someone responsible for it, and surely the explosives must have been kept in a safe at a protected place. Most probably in an ammunition dump, and getting out explosives from the ammunition dump will require authorisation, unless the UTK officers had the keys to the ammunition dump.

It was reported that the prosecution will recall several witnesses and including the Private Investigator Bala. And again, his disappearance after retracting his Statutory Declaration is a mystery. I could not believe that he can be let off without any surveillance from the authorities. And yet he is an important witness in the murder case. This does not sound right.

Let us not question the judgment made by the High Court, although some may argue that the judgment is flawed.

And as for Abd Razak Baginda, I wish him all the best. And my brotherly advice to him is not to look back to the agonising years in prison but to look forward, for there are still many wonderful days ahead for you to savour.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.07pm on Oct 31,2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

BAD EXAMPLE BY TOP CIVIL SERVANT

I just could not believe that the Finance Ministry Secretary General has the audacity to absent himself from attending the Public Account Committee (PAC) hearing on the purchase of the Eurocopter helicopter for the RMAF, and instead dispatched a subordinate officer to attend on his behalf. Because of this, the PAC had to defer the hearing to an alternative date.

Is the example shown by the Secretary General worthy of emulation? And can the PAC accept whatever excuse that the Secretary General has given without question?

Clearly, this is an example of a top civil servant of a government ministry who obviously does not understand his priorities. I believe he has been forewarn to attend the hearing that is of extreme public importance. And for him to ignore the call to attend the hearing is outrageous and smacks of arrogance.

Chairman of PAC, Azmi Khalid is partly to be blame as well. What had stopped him from summoning the Secretary General himself upon realising that the latter is absent? I am quite sure the Secretary General can be reached easily by his hand phone? And what is so important that the Secretary General cannot make himself available for the hearing?

I was in the military before, and I cannot imagine absenting myself from and important meeting where my presence is personally required. I can only be excused if I am sick, and with a medical report to proof.

Certainly, the Finance Ministry Secretary General has a lot to answer, and the example that he has set is certainly one that ought not to be followed.

INSTITUT JANTUNG NEGARA - CONGRATULATIONS

I was at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) this morning to undergo a blood test, and I observed that there are some positive changes that IJN is going through. I believe this has something to do with the on going expansion works to the IJN, that I suppose will see improved services and an increase in IJN’s capacity to handle the ever growing number of patients.

But what strikes me most the moment I arrived at the steps of IJN is the reception that I get from the reception staffs dressed in blue. They all gave me a broad welcoming smile, wished me and asked if I needed any assistance. This I thought is something unusual, for over the last ten years of being a regular visitor to the IJN, I have yet to received such a warm and generous welcome from the reception staffs.

The warm reception that I get did not end at the steps of the IJN. As I walked into the hospital, I was received by many more smiling faces by those dressed in blue. They offered me a seat, gave me free newspapers to read, and I know that I am not the only person to receive such warm treatment. Even the staffs manning the counters were all smiles.

For the warm treatment that I and many others received at the IJN by those dressed in blue this morning, I wish to congratulate the management of IJN for having trained the reception staffs so well, and hopefully the standards set by your reception staffs will serve as an example to other hospitals to emulate.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 2.20pm on Oct 30,2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

WILL UMNO SURVIVE THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS?

How often does one get to receive a birthday greeting message via email? As for me, having to receive one on Monday from a very old friend, is for the very first time. How on earth did he know my birth date and what makes him do it? I hardly meet him, not even once a year, but the thought of him sending me a birthday greeting message must have been for a very special reason, which I am yet to ask him.

Normally, my birthday is being remembered by my daughter who would then remind my wife to cook something special for dinner. Personally, I don't really care much about birthdays, because as a child, there was never an occasion where I got to celebrate my birthday.

However, the children today are more fortunate. Most parents, especially those living in urban areas would normally want to share their children's birthday with friends, neighbours and including the child's classmates. This is already becoming a trend nowadays, that I thought this is good for the development of our children's social upbringing.

My 11 year old grandson don't need to be reminded of his birth date. Instead, he will remind us of his birthday well ahead, for the simple reason that he wants to be sure that his birthday is properly organised and is well attended by his classmates and neighbours. He makes his own invitation cards, and that saves the mother some money from buying cards and stamps.

I watched the prime news on TV3 last night, and the PM's announcement to defer the purchase of the most controversial Eurocopter helicopters for the RMAF. This must have shocked some interested parties. And I am quite sure the RMAF will be disappointed too, as they will now have to continue to fly the aged Nuri helicopters, which has now been referred to as the 'flying coffin'. I doubt very much if any of our politicians would want to fly in it now, given its past 'reputation'. Let us hope nothing untoward will happen to the remaining helicopters until it is replaced....when....only the PM knows.

I was surprised that the PM had also mentioned the actual price for the purchase of the Eurocopter helicopters which was RM 1.4 billion and not RM 2.3 billion as widely reported. By stating this new figure, it gives rise to lots of speculation and varying perception by people who knows very little about the actual business transaction between the government and the agent of Eurocopter. It can be reasonably assumed that a price difference of almost RM 1 billion can conjure up lots of negative speculation and perception by the public. The government has to be blamed for this, as the deal itself is not transparent to the taxpayers. Had this issue not been raised in the media, I am quite sure the deal would have gone through, and there will be many smiling faces marching to the banks.

The talk of money politics in the ongoing UMNO divisional election and the nomination for top party post for the the up coming general assembly, has not withered; rather it has gotten worse. This sentiment is being voiced by the likes of Tengku Ahmad Rithueedeen and Dato Shahrir Samad, who are both senior UMNO members. Earlier, the same sentiment is also being mentioned by Musa Hitam and Tun Mahathir in his blog.

As at this morning, I have heard of a complaint by one UMNO division in the Federal Territory that there was indeed money politics in the election of its divisional chief. Members were said to have been paid some amount of money to vote for a certain candidate, and at the final count, the incumbent divisional chief who had every chance of retaining his post, eventually lost to his challenger. If this complaint is true, we can now expect to see larger amount of money being circulated by candidates during the up coming UMNO elections scheduled March 2009.

If there is no will by UMNO leaders to stop the scourge of money politics during the March UMNO elections, it will surely spell the demise of the party in the 13th General Elections scheduled in 2012.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.07pm on Oct 29,2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

OVERSEAS SPENDING – WHO REALLY CARES!

Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur, Abdul Hakim Borhan is reported to have spend RM 1.3 million of public fund for 11 overseas trips that he made since 2006. Can some one tell me how many hungry families can we feed with the amount spend by Abdul Hakim? And I just wonder whether Bandaraya benefits anything at all from the visit.

I personally view this spending as a blatant ignorance and refusal by a top civil servant to appreciate that the amount can be used for more beneficial purposes, and he certainly would not care less where the money is coming from.

I am quite sure Abdul Hakim did not make the trip overseas alone. Like all top government servants, an overseas trip will normally be accompanied by a junior officer or an assistant, and this adds to the overall costs. Sometimes the accompanying officer merely acts as an ADC to the boss, and to make sure that all the luggages are well packed before boarding the aircraft.

A few months ago, I was asked by a friend to accompany him to KLIA to receive a VVIP returning home from an overseas trip. Upon getting into the VIP arrival lounge, I could see that the room was already getting crowded, and at once I knew that the VVIP is a politician. Some who knew me was pleasantly surprised to see me in the crowd, but I had to tell them that I have nothing to do with the VVIP, but had come to accompany a friend.

When the VVIP appeared at the arrival lounge, I could see that he was accompanied by no less than half a dozen people, including a number of stern looking bodyguards that walked besides the VVIP. Suddenly, a group of people rushed towards to the VVIP, and the customary hand kissing started. I am quite sure the VVIP himself does not know all those that had kissed his hand that day, but I am told that a person need to kiss the hand of the VVIP more often, before he is finally known to the VVIP.What a strange thing to do for some desperate people, who wished only to be known to the VVIP.

And if Abdul Hakim had spend RM 1.3 million for the many trips he made since 2006, I just wonder how much was spend for this one trip that the VVIP made, including his entourage. Actually, if we were to ask anyone of them as to the amount they spend for the trip, the obvious answer will be 'I do not know', and this is simply because the money spend is not theirs.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 1.52 pm on Oct 27,2008

KHAIRY DEBATES MUKHRIZ?

It was reported that Khairy Jamaluddin has thrown a challenge to Mukhriz Mahathir to a public debate, with the former saying that ' the debate could be used as a platform for them to explain their vision, stand and plans that would be implemented if they were to win the post (UMNO Youth Chief)'. Mukhriz Mahathir however does not want to be drawn into a public debate with Khairy and other candidates vying for the UMNO chief post saying that 'this (UMNO elections) is like a family contest; therefore it is not necessary to draw external attention'.

I remembered that during the March 8 General Election, PKR's Badrul Hisham Shaharin who was Khairy's challenger for the Rembau parliamentary seat had also thrown a challenge to Khairy for a public debate, which the latter had conveniently refused. No reason was given, but I assumed Khairy had cold feet and must have read well the consequences, if he was judged to have lost the debate.

This time around, Khairy has developed enough courage to call Mukhriz for a debate, but for the wrong reason.

What is Khairy trying to achieve by calling for the debate? Is he already feeling the heat that his chances of winning through a popular vote is slipping? If it was him that had secured more nominations than Mukhriz, would he want to call for the debate? I sense that Khairy is not too comfortable with the nominations that he has received, which he thought could have been more. I am told that he has tremendous amount of resources and a well greased 'election machinery' that goes around the country to muster support for him. Obviously, the results of the nominations so far indicates the contrary.

And with the third candidate i.e. Khir Toyo joining the fry, this will further complicate the winning chances of Khairy, and he knows this. Khairy will need to draw new winning strategies, and a lost would certainly spell disaster to his political career, which he can ill afford.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.04pm on Oct 27,2008

Friday, October 24, 2008

AN EVENTFUL WOULD BE GATHERING OF RETIRED MILITARY OFFICERS

Yesterday Oct 23,2008, I was invited to a meeting held at the Old Putra Association, Subang, that was attended by several retired officers of the Armed Forces who had undergone military cadet training at the Federation Military College (FMC) over various period from 1957 to 1966.

FMC which was established on 17th December 1953 at Port Dickson by the British administration, serves as an institution to train and prepare young Malayans regardless of race as commissioned officers of the Armed Forces, which was than predominantly Army. Besides being a source of recruitment for officers of the Armed Forces, FMC also serves to prepare young Malayans for entrance into higher institution of learning, to later become leaders in either the Public or Corporate Service. Hence, FMC's motto 'Serve to Lead' which holds good till this present day, is still relevant and highly appropriate.

Post independent Malaya saw the rapid growth of the Armed Forces to confront the challenges posed by the resurging communist menace that threatened the very core of the Malayan society. A new officers training complex had to be build, and it was in 1961 that finally witnessed the occupation of FMC to its new complex in Sg. Besi, Selangor. The renaming of FMC to Royal Military College (RMC) only occurred in December 1966.

The meeting that was called to session on Thursday 23, 2008, was aimed at organising, to bring together all those who were trained as cadet officers at FMC from 1957 to 1966 to a social gathering; not only to reminisce the past, but more importantly to 'rejuvenate' the espirit de corps that had kept the officers tightly together while in service. Someone remarked at the meeting 'that as we get older, we should endeavour to get even closer'. That remark sums up very well the spirit of the proposed gathering.

The meeting was chaired by Maj Gen Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (Retired) former Chief of Army Logistics, and those present include notables like Gen Tan Sri Abd Rahman Hamid (Retired), the first FMC graduate to attain the coveted post of Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen Datuk Abd Kadir Nordin (Retired) a recipient of the gallantry award PGB, Laksda Dato Yaacob Daud (Retired) former Deputy Chief Royal Malaysian Navy, Maj Gen Datuk Baharudin Kadir (Retired) former Armed Forces Chief of Personnel Staff, Brig Gen Dato Mustafa Khalil (Retired) former Assistant Chief of Army Personnel, and several others.

The meeting had decided that the main event i.e.dinner be held at Raintree Club, Jalan Ampang on 19th December 2008 (Friday), to be preceded by golf a day before. It was also proposed that a Majlis Tahlil be held at Masjid Bukit Damansara on the evening of 18th December 2008 (Thursday).

The guest of honour dinner and golf will be DYMM Raja of Perlis who was a cadet officer at FMC in 1963, before proceeding to complete his officer training at RMC Sandhurst, UK. Attendance to the event will include spouses and it is expected that more than 300 guests will attend. The more the merrier I suppose..

The meeting had also called for the setting up of various organising sub committees to set into motion the preparation of the entire event.

Organising an event of this nature is certainly no easy mean, since the organising members are all retirees. It would have been different if all were still in service, where the resources to help organise such an event are plenty. But with the spirit shown by those attending the meeting, I do believe this up-coming event of Armed Forces retirees will be a successful one.

I wish not to forget to mentioned a special recognition to Lt Col Dato Nawawi Mat Desa (Retired) the Secretary, who in his unselfish ways has shown willingness and grit to get this event organised to the best of his ability. I have known him well enough to understand his penchant for work, which is indeed remarkable.


CURSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.46am Oct 24,2008