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
Tuesday, November 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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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