Thursday, December 31, 2009

NEW YEAR GREETINGS

In the next few hours, we shall all bid farewell to 2009, and usher in 2010. Each and everyone of us will have some tales to tell of 2009; some pleasant and some not so pleasant. And with the coming of the new year, surely everyone and including me, would only wished that our lives, and that of our families, will be filled with goodness, and more importantly that of good health.

I know that through my writings, I may have offended some people and including friends as well. Let me assure them that I write without harbouring any malice whatsoever towards anyone. My intention is only to right what is wrong, that is so often been spoken about by people, both within and outside the corridors of Mindef.

I hope that through my writings, I have develop an awareness among everyone the importance of being truthful, honest and incorruptible; personal qualities that are highly desirable of members of the Armed Forces. What I hear today is far from desirable; hence my crusade against corruption will not cease.

Lastly, I wish to thank those who have send me their new year greetings, and to all others, my family and I wish you and your families a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

MY DESIRE OF AN INCORRUPTIBLE ARMED SERVICE

I received a number of interesting comments over an article that I wrote recently titled, 'Rifled or Smooth Bore Mortar'. Although some of the commentors may have deviated from the topic; but all the same, I am thoroughly pleased with the depth of information that I get from the comments.

I must say that commentors such as Askarsusu, Tamingsari, Capt's Longhouse, Maurice and the ever critical Kommando, have made some interesting revelation that I think requires a thorough investigation by the authorities, to confirm the veracity of what has been commented. Now the question is..........whose job it is to investigate? Since the comments raised pertains to issues of alleged improprieties affecting the workings within the armed service, I would have thought that the investigation should be done by the Military Police (MP). But I doubt very much the results of any investigation carried out by the MP will be meaningful; in particular if it affects some of the bosses. To investigate without fear or favour by the MPs may not be truly applicable in this instant. I maybe wrong here, and I stand to be corrected.

I would like to raise two issues brought out by Askarsusu; firstly, a comment he made that the Weststar vehicles purchased by army recently will only use a special brand of lubricant (I suppose, Askarsusu is referring to the engine oil) that I am told is only supplied by suppliers of the vehicles. If this statement is true, I would say that only fools would want to agree to such a purchase. Pardon me for saying this. And what is so special of the engine that it requires a special brand of lubricant? Is the engine of the Weststar vehicle something of an F/A 18 jet engine?

Another commentor did write to say that the manufacturer of the Weststar vehicle (a UK company) has ceased manufacturing the vehicles, and questioned the future supplies of spare parts. Will this be another fiasco, whereupon the failure to obtain a regular supply of spare parts in the next few years, will see the vehicles go into oblivion, and a strong justification for a new set of vehicles to be purchased?

Secondly, Askarsusu also commented on the removal of some officers at the Equipment Branch, Department of Army who are seen to be in deference of the bosses views (or is it demands) over some technical evaluation reports. Some officers are said to have even left the service, out of pride that they do not wish to be working in cohorts with the selfish and personal wishes of the bosses. This is a serious allegation, that demands an investigation, if the army is desirous in wanting to rid such improprieties by some unscrupulous bosses.

There was also a comment which says that many senior servicing officers do not favour my writings. To them, I have only this to say i.e. if my writing hurts, then there must be something in them that is awfully wrong. If is does not hurt, then my advice is for them to realised that what I do is to correct what is seriously wrong, in the hope that the armed services will remain truly a professional and incorruptible service.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

WITHER THE MAINTENANCE CULTURE

I wish to refer to an article I had posted on December 9, 2009 regarding the intended phasing out of the Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29N by the RMAF, and of a similar topic posted by Tun Dr. Mahathir in his weblog on December 28, 2009. I think, Tun Dr. Mahathir and I share a similar view concerning the phasing out of the aircraft, in that we are of the opinion that the aircrafts are still good for a number of more years.

I now wish to draw my readers to an article written by one Siva Govindasamy titled, 'Malaysia to phase out troublesome MiG-29 fighter' dated June 6, 2009, in which he wrote that 'Malaysia has announced plans to phase out its RSK MiG-29N fighter over the next few years, with the fleet having been plagued by problems since it bought the type in the early 1990s'. He went further to say that, 'Malaysia has encountered problems in obtaining spares for its 14 MiG-29s, and that maintenance has been a issue for a long while'.(http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/06/03/32)

Siva Govindasamy has made statements that need to be further substantiated with facts and figures; not bare statements that appears to have a 'business-like' overtone. If one is looking for an authority to speak on the subject, it can only come from the RMAF themselves. I do not believe any other person nor any authority is wise enough to make any judgment on the serviceability state of the MiG-29N aircraft, other than the RMAF.

I did suggest that we should look at how the Indian Air Force (IAF) with its huge fleet of MiG-29s, can maintain its fleet for a much longer period than does Malaysia. There must be something that we can learn for the IAF experience, if indeed the RMAF is plagued by problems in the acquisition of spares and maintenance. I suppose it would not be economically viable to begin manufacturing aircraft spares and components for the MiG-29s, but if the spares and components are difficult to procure from its Russian OEM, why not look at the possibility of purchasing them from India, who are licensed to manufacture the spares and components.

Changing of aircrafts is not like changing our clothes; like I used to do on 'change parades' during my days as an army cadet. Changing of aircrafts involves a multitude of issues ranging from the training of personnels (pilots, technicians etc) and logistics, and every bit of this costs money.

One may argue that with the change of aircraft, Malaysian air force pilots will have the advantage of engaging themselves with the latest in aircraft technologies. But that was similarly the case when we bought the F/A-18D Honets, BAe Hawk 208 and now the SU-30 MKM. But what technologies have we acquired, other than be experts at flying a variety of aircrafts.

I note a similar trend happening to the army. The buying and changing culture never ceases in the army, with the notion of a transfer of technology. Had the army been serious with this term that they so commonly refer to as the 'transfer of technology' in their procurement exercises, they would not have been discarding their capital equipments purchased at exorbitant prices too often. I think the fault lies in the unwillingness of the army, and likewise its sister services, to be serious in developing an expert maintenance capability that is comparable to the OEM. It is because of this failure that the costs of maintenance is high, and who tends to gain.................surely it is the OEM and its local agents.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Thursday, December 24, 2009

RIFLED OR SMOOTH BORE MORTAR?

I have been informed that the Malaysian Army have recently acquired the 120mm Rifled Mortars and plans to mount them on the Adnan AFV. This deployment suggest that the mortars will become assets of the Mechanised Infantry units, which I am told was initially to be the assets of the Parachute Battalions. I have no qualms about the army acquiring the mortars, but questioned the rational and justification behind the final choice of a rifled mortars, against the more popular smooth bore mortars.

If my memory hasn't failed me, I could still remember that back in mid 1990's or thereabout, a study was made by a team of army officers to identify and to proposed which of the two mortar systems i.e. rifled or smooth bore mortars is suitable for the army.

I remembered too that in 1995, an article on the 120 mm Mortar was published in Sorotan Darat and the writer of the article did indicate that the smooth bore mortar is better preferred over the rifled mortar. This confirms with the findings of the study team which also recommended the smooth bore mortars, as oppose to the rifled mortars.

I am not aware if there was a further study made regarding the mortars, subsequent to the first study. And if there was none, I can assume here that someone must have concocted the findings, or recommendations of the study team to favour the rifled mortars, and not the smooth bore mortars.

Rumblings are abuzz, both within and outside the army circles that the decision to favour the rifled mortars was made not based on a professional finding, but rather a decision based upon business imperatives with the likelihood of favourable monetary benefits to personalities involved in the decision making. I stand to be corrected on this, but if such a decision was true, this ought to be thoroughly investigated.

I am not interested in the total costs paid by the government for the procurement, as I know it is quite exorbitant, as there has to be the usual largess to be 'disbursed'. This is the most damning inclusion to our procurement system, that has now become somewhat of an SOP.

I hope my readers can throw some light to the issues that I have deliberated above, in our earnest desire to arrest this unethical practices among those involved (civilians and military alike) in the army's procurement system. There has been so much of talk that the decision to procure in the army today is decided by one man or the supremo, and not the all powerful and mandated Jawatankuasa Keperluan Operasi Tentera Darat (JKKOTD)


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

COME FRIDAY 25, 2009 WHICH IS JUST A DAY AWAY, CHRISTIANS ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL BE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS. WHILE CHRISTMAS IN THE WEST AND IN SOME PARTS OF THE USA IS ASSOCIATED WITH SNOW, HERE IN MALAYSIA IT IS WARM AND HUMID ALL YEAR ROUND. I SUPPOSE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN WINTER RESTRICTS PEOPLE FROM GOING OUTDOORS. BUT IN WARM MALAYSIA, THE OPEN HOUSE IS A SCENE THAT ALL MALAYSIANS AWAITS, REGARDLESS OF ONES RACE OR RELIGION. THAT'S THE SPIRIT THAT WE SHOULD BE LIVING ON, TO KEEP THE 1 MALAYSIA ALIVE

THROUGH THIS BLOG, MY WIFE AND I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MALAYSIANS OF THE CHRISTIANS FAITH A WARM AND MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

RM13,000 IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MILLIONS

I had on three occasions ( August 30, 2008, March 30, 2009 and May 23, 2009) posted articles relating to Tourism Malaysia's Director General Dato Mirza Muhammad Taiyab corruption charges, in which he was alleged to have accepted settlement for his dental treatment costing RM13,000, and of which the court's acquitted him of all charges.

I was somewhat surprised to hear that the Kuala Lumpur High Court had recently allowed MACC to appeal against Dato Mirza's acquittal, and is thereby likely to drag the latter once again through a prolong and treacherous trial.

I think Dato Mirza has suffered enough through his previous trial, that saw the admittance of the owner of the dental clinic that Dato Mirza had no knowledge as to who actually paid for his dental treatment.

I do not understand the basis of MACC's appeal, but I believe there is a 'hidden hand' behind this case that wants Dato Mirza silence, and that he be found guilty as charged. I also cannot understand MACC's persistence over a case involving a mere RM13,000, whereas there are other bigger cases that requires serious attention that costs millions. I am just curious to know if the MACC have started serious investigations into the Khir Toyo's palatial RM24 million home (or thereabout). And what about the RM12 million former PM's home that is currently being constructed, and the money laundering acts of a state Menteri Besar and some 'big shots'. Are these not serious cases that requires urgent treatment, rather than going after a small fry like Dato Mirza?

I have every reason to believe that Dato Mirza is a victim rather than an accuse. I do not believe that he had done something wrong as accused. I sense that someone his superior is not too please with him for not towing the line. I believe some senor politicians are involved, and this is where the MACC should start doing some serious investigation. I am not implying that a former Minister is involved, but the least the MACC could do is to investigate, and to give Dato Mirza a fair trial.

There is nothing worse than to see Dato Mirza be found guilty through a miscarriage of justice. And as a Muslim, 'fitnah' is a grievous crime in the eyes of Allah, and the wrath of Allah is severe and extreme for those who are guilty of 'fitnah' against a fellow human being. MACC had better watch this.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

THEFT OF RMAF JET ENGINES - PUBLIC PERCEPTION ERODED

The last few days, the new media is having a gala time reporting on the missing RMAF jet fighter engine, and instead of just one engine, now the number has increased to two. Just don't believe in that number as yet. It may be many more, because the bottom of the ice-berg can be 100 times larger than the tip. Isn't this the indication given by the Chief of Defence Force himself?

Now, I not going to blame anyone nor ask anyone to be jailed for the fiasco. But the many people that I met does not seem to be too happy at the way the government handles the issue, that is viewed as an act of treason by those involved in the theft of the engines. The punishment meted to those involved as reported, does not reflect the severity of the case. We are not taking about a motor car engine, but a jet fighter engine, and surely the original equipment manufacturer will be deeply concern as to which country gets possession the engine.

It was indicated in the main stream media of the likelihood that the engines had been shipped to a middle eastern country. My guess is a country under sanction by the US, and it was only upon the US having sensed that the engines could possibly be in the hands of a country under sanction, that our government decided to expose the theft. Hence, the two year long silence.

Another view as to why the government decided to keep the news under wraps at the time was because the country was nearing the 2008 General Elections, and exposing such an issues that impinge upon national security, would be disastrous for the ruling government. And to bring out the issue soon after the elections was not the right time either, because this will jeopardize the momentum that has been building up by pro Najib supporters, to ensure that Najib becomes the next Prime Minister, following BN's disastrous 2008 General Elections.

On hindsight, I believe that the government was wrong in keeping silence from public knowledge, this security related issue that has serious national and international repercussions. The government will now have to bear the brunt of public odium, and also possibly the loss of pubic confidence in the government's future handling of serious security related issues. Whatever reasons and justifications that the government has given now has little impact on building and reassuring public confidence, and this does not augur well for Najib's leadership.

Had the government acted promptly upon the theft being known in 2007, I believe public confidence would not have been badly eroded.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

MISSING RMAF JET ENGINE – ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

I wish to share with my readers an email that I received from a friend regarding the stolen RMAF jet fighter engine; the contents of which seems to show the better side of the RMAF and the former Chief of Air Force (presently the Chief of Defence Force). The originator of the email writes:

“I am writing to share the little knowledge and experience I have, doing Air Force business. My company specializes in Aviation/Aerial Refueling. I have been supporting the RMAF for a good number of years. My objective in responding this thread is to give a fair perspective of the state of affairs in the RMAF and rebut numerous accusations and innuendos that we have seen in this tread.

Once upon a time the RMAF procurement and logistics had this reputation of being rotten. Yes, once upon a time. When Gen Tan Sri Azizan (the present Chief of Defence Force) took office as the Chief of Air Force in 2006, the cleaning up process started. The discovery of the loss of engine was discovered during his watch in 2007. As part of the cleaning exercise, more than 15 officers were asked to leave or terminated with disgrace from the Air Force, or sent to the freezer. The highest ranking was a Brig Gen with a Dato title. There were companies banned and blacklisted from the panel of suppliers for MINDEF.

Credit must be given to Tan Sri Azizan for the resolve to arrest the rot. Credit must also be given to the then Minister of Defence without whose support the initiative to get the culprits, some of whom were UMNO businessman, would not have reached the present day level and exposure.

I must stress that from my personal experience and observation in the last 3 years, the efforts have been genuine and not whitewashing.

I guess, as a recognition of his effort, Tan Sri Azizan was promoted to be the Chief of Defence Forces recently. Again, without the endorsement of the PM, that would not be possible. The succession plan that has been put in place seem to have been done to ensure the continued effort on this front.

The cleaning process is ongoing. Let us give the process its due course. I support the initiative as I stand to benefit. Only the good companies will survive the challenges of doing the aviation business in a clean and fair environment.

I hope that clarifies. Let us be fair and just as God loves those who are fair and just”.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Monday, December 21, 2009

TRENGGANU – FAILED CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

With four failed construction projects up the sleeves of the Trengganu government, now a fifth failed construction project only confirms the utter failure of the state government to closely monitor all projects carried out by the state government's assigned contractors and monitoring agencies.

If one has forgotten what these failed construction projects were, let me list them out in no order of significance:

1.The collapse of the roof of Sultan Mizan stadium.
2.The collapse of the roof of Sekolah Menengah Ajil.
3.The collapse of the roof of Kampung Puteh mosque.
4.The leakage of the Batu Buruk swimming pool that was constructed for SUKMA.

The latest (as reported on TV 3 news last night) is the collapse of the roof of the ongoing construction of a bus stop at Kuala Berang.

What does all these construction failures indicate? If one were to say that corruption is the root cause of all the failures, many I believe would echo the same. And if others were to say that the award of contracts were given to cronies of politicians, then I believe that many others too would echo the same.

Obviously, the failure I believe is also attributed to inexperienced contractors who are only out to make as much profits as possible. And in order to achieve this, they begin to 'cut corners' and in all probability, had used sub-standard construction materials. I am quite sure too that the monitoring agencies were not to be seen at the work sites.

The Trengganu state government obviously has not learned their lessons, and I personally view these failures as a curse that befalls on states whose government and leaders are irresponsible and corrupt. I do not think the leaders of the state have ever felt any shame or guilt for having seen failures upon failures while under their charge.

My only hope is that the crystal mosque that the Trengganu government has built as a mere showpiece for tourist, does not sink into the sea.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Saturday, December 19, 2009

RMAF JET ENGINE GONE MISSING!

I was awakened by a call from a friend this morning who had asked me if I knew anything about the news of a stolen RM50 million jet engine from the RMAF base at Sg. Besi, Kuala Lumpur. I replied that I knew nothing about the stolen jet engine, and he then asked me to quickly get the NST papers for the news.

Sure enough, the news was splashed in NST bottom front page and the story continued on page 9. I just could not believe in what I read; a whole jet engine i.e. a General Electric J8-21A afterburner turbojet engine for the F-5E Tiger 11 and RF-5E Tigereye, and including the service and maintenance record as well. I do not know whether to laugh or cry; a whole jet engine gone missing reportedly since late last year. This is a kind of story that makes a good movie, and I believe many producers from Bollywood would want to capitalised on such a story.

The news report says that a joint RMAF/PDRM investigation have revealed the involvement of four people i.e. three civilians and one RMAF personnel. It is believed that the engine is no longer in the country, and its whereabouts was not disclosed.

Obviously, there is a serious lapse in security at the RMAF base i.e. a facility that is guarded by armed RMAF personnel on a 24 hours basis, with no alternative route out, other then the one main entrance/exit route.

The concern now is what else are likely to be stolen. If a jet engine could pass the main gates, probably on a 3 ton lorry, I see no reason for smaller items to get pass as well. Could that small item be weapons, and weapons can be dismantled in smaller pieces, and hidden in the most inconspicuous places. As reported, the former Chief of Air Force who is currently the Chief of Defence Force has said that, “the stolen engine might just be the tip of the iceberg”, implying that there might be other equipments gone missing “as far back as 2007”. Or is he in the full knowledge that there are indeed other equipments missing, but kept under wraps.

Such a statement by a former Chief of Air Force does not bode well for the RMAF. And indeed, he has to accept a portion of blame and responsibility for the loss, that I would dubbed the 'mother of all losses'.

I suppose this loss is no big deal when compared to the PKFZ fiasco, or the costs overran for the double tracking electric train project. And when I called a friend to ask him for his views regarding this unusual loss, his reply was simply, “Malaysia Boleh”. And I suppose, if it was a whole aircraft gone missing, the reply would be the same.

I am curious to know what will be the action taken by the RMAF and the government over this incredible incident. Will there be heads rolling, and if there are, whose heads will fall first. Your guess is as good as mine.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

MSM VS BLOGGERS – WHICH IS THE MORE TRUTHFUL

Why are we such busy bodies? And the mainstream media (MSM) over the last few days, finds it highly sensational and news worthy to report on the rumour concerning the marriage of Kinabatangan parliamentarian Bung Moktar Radin with actress Zizie Ezette. As a muslim, Bung Moktar is permitted to take on a second wife, or even a third and fourth wife, provided he meets the 'terms and conditions' required by Islam for a muslim to have more than one wife. I suppose, Bung Moktar has the necessary 'credentials' to take Zizie as his second wife, and to the MSM, this news will be a hit.

And in the case of Bung Moktar and Zizie, both of them need not go around denying that the rumour is untrue. Getting a second wife is no big deal. Many law makers in the past have had more than one wife, and some even goes around fondling the bottom of waitresses; the latter to me is more immoral and downright idiotic than officially taking a second wife.

And have we not forgotten of a case some years ago, where a Menteri Besar took a second wife, and had his marriage solemnized in a neighbouring country. This act by a Menteri Besar is worse than what Bung Moktar and Zizie has done...........at least the wedding rituals (if at all they so decide to marry) will be done in Malaysia.

I am reminded that even former PM Tun Abdullah Badawi went through the ordeal of having his hidden affair with Jean Danker reported in the MSM, and the former's denial soon after. But the realty is that he did have an affair, and is now happily married. There nothing sinister about this, and the marriage was solemnized in the most respectable manner.

Come on MSM, there are many other happenings in the country today that has better news value and more serious, than bothering the two love birds.

Why don't the MSM probe into the report of the 'money laundering' activities of the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, only to find that the money changer's license was withdrawn by Bank Negara, and the Menteri Besar is still where he is. I am told that it was more than RM10 million that was transacted through the money changer, and I wonder if MACC, PDRM and the Income Tax department has acted against the Menteri Besar.

Now PM Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor is also reported to have received RM 600,000 while she was in Dubai in August this year, purportedly through a money changer. Is this another act to demonised Najib and Rosmah? And even if she did receive the money from someone in Malaysia, that amount is no big deal. It is only the stupidity of the person to have send the money through a money changer, and not through the legal means i.e. through the banking system. Rosmah will certainly say that the money is hers legally, and she did not ask the person to send it via the money changer. Once again, Rosmah get a pass.

Internal Security Minister Hishamuddin Hussein has recently come out in defence of the MSM for truthful and sincere reporting, and accused the alternative media (bloggers) for false and inaccurate reporting. That is what Hishamuddin seems to think, but bloggers too have the right to think, and they think that the MSM is untruthful in their reporting. There will be no end to such an argument, and personally, I am of the view that both i.e. MSM and bloggers have the right to write and report what they think.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

As usual, the month of November and December are months where most weddings are held. I have accumulated no less than 50 wedding invitations, and I must apologies to some for not being able to accept their kind invitation. I will always try wherever possible, to attend every invitation, but this year around, I missed quite a number; the reason being that I have moved to our new home in Ampang, Selangor.

The new occupant of our former home called me to say that he is in possession of my letters, and upon collecting them, I realised that most of it were wedding invitations; some of the invitation dates have long passed.

Here, I wish to sincerely apologise to those friends of mine who had send me a wedding invitation, and for my failure to respond to the invitation.

For the benefit of those who reads this blog, I wish to tender my new home address as under:

No. 49, Jalan SU 2A, Sering Ukay, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Please note that although I am now closer to Kuala Lumpur where most of my family members lives, I have not abandoned Selangor, the state where I was born.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, December 18, 2009

PRINCELY GIFT FOR THE WRONG REASON

A house is reportedly being built by the government as a 'gift' for former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi at the cost of RM12 million, at a time when Prime Minister Najib had announced that his government will undertake measures to cut excessive spending, and in the knowledge that petroleum revenue that is the nation's lifeline is fast depleting, and where issues relating to the eradication of the nation's hardcore poor still persist.

The issue was raised by an opposition member in parliament recently, and was it not a surprise that even the Deputy Finance Minister was not fully aware as to where the budget for the construction of the house is derived from. RM12 million for a 'gift house' is not cheap, and many would wonder (and certainly I do), what is so deserving that Tun Abdullah should be presented with such a costly house. Is he so poor that he cannot even built a house that is reasonably suitable for him? Does being a former Prime Minister entitles him to such a house at tax payers expenses? And what about the previous Prime Ministers? Were they given such a palatial house upon their retirement? Or will this be a precedence for future retired Prime Ministers? I am puzzled too that the MSM has been eerily silence over this issue, as if RM12 million is only a pittance, and is therefore of no news value.

I do not know if the RM12 million 'gift house is a reflection of the slogan, 'Rakyat didahulukan, Pencapaian diutamakan', or the 'One Malaysia' that is being so widely spoken off these days. I would believe in the slogan if the RM12 million is spent to built homes for the poor, or anything to alleviate the plight of the hardcore poor that is a common sight, even in the city of Kuala Lumpur.

If one were to ask me which of our Prime Ministers deserve a princely gift like a RM12 million home, I would say it is only our first Prime Minister Tengku Abdul Rahman. I do not wish to argue my reasons out here, but to me it is pretty obvious.

Spending huge sums of tax payers money to benefit an individual is to my opinion immoral, and ought to be criticized. I simply cannot understand the moral behind the gift, and why has the decision by the government (or was it the decision of an individual) made in the quite. A decision made in such a manner will only arouse public perception that is bad and hurtful for the government.

Over the last few months, there has been too many negative issues affecting the government, created by individuals/officials linked with the government, that has made the government to be seen in bad light. The 'PKFZ mother of all scandals', 'money laundering' acts by senior state politicians and spouses of reputable personalities, corrupt officers linked to senior politicians, and with one acting like 'little napoleon'.

I think, I am old enough to criticized many in government today, and this also includes politicians. Let me be blunt with all unscrupulous and corrupt individuals/officials of the Malay race who claim themselves to be leaders, that you are answerable for your acts (bad or otherwise) to the people that you lead on earth, and to the Almighty upon death. It will be easy to lie and deny your wrong doing on earth, but there is no escape in the hereafter. Have you all not been told about this, or are you all just plain dumb and ignorant? To you all, the wrath of the Almighty is severe and extreme, and worse still, the Attorney General will not be there to help you. God bless you all.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Saturday, December 12, 2009

FREE MEDICAL SERVICE FOR AGED PARENTS OF GOVT PENSIONERS

I wish to share with my readers an email that I received rebutting a letter titled, 'Retirees can't keep on turning to the govt' written by Marisa Demori of Ipoh that was published in The Star, on Friday 11 December 2009. The reason I decided to post the content of the email in its entirety, is to see how other pensioners like me will response to Marisa's letter. Contents of email is appended below:


I refer to Marisa Demori from Ipoh article on 'Retirees can't keep on turning to the govt'. I believe Marisa is talking out of point on what the subject is all about pensioners. Please speak for yourself Marisa, and understand the subject before you write on subjects which you do not have any idea about. You are just making a fool of yourself. And just keep your opinion to yourself..........PERIOD!

You might have come from a rich family, and is lucky you can afford to send your parents to any hospital if need be. But not so with the many poor govt pensioners.

We are not asking the govt for free alms. We are asking for the dues which our parents so deserve through their contributions and sacrifices, to have us served in the govt for so many years. For those parents who were in the govt service, they are well taken of. Get it Marisa!

What you are enjoying today does not fall out from the sky. They are there through the blood and sweat of the older generation. Even today, we still do help to build the country one way or other. Don't you ever say we or our parents' contribution to society is zero. Maybe you are, and I think you are plain stupid.

The govt still holds back more than 50% of our money. That is why we are pensioners and not EPF contributors. OK!

The pension paid to pensioners 10 or 15 years ago is small, and thereby the pension they are receiving now is barely enough in today's cost of living. Today, the earning power has increased by three or more folds. Some have still to look after their children needs, as well as their aged parents.

Medical fees are not cheap nowadays. I do not think any pensioner can afford to go to a private hospital, let alone to pay for their parents medical fees. That is totally out of the question.

This is bad PR for those hoping to join the govt service. I hope as a caring govt, the govt should return to status quo and continue to provide free medical service to pensioners' parents, as when they were in the govt service.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

UTUSAN MALAYSIA – CEASE THIS NAME CALLING!

I am appalled at a recent writing in Utusan Malaysia over their use of the word 'keling' in reference to the Malaysian Indians, and truly appreciates a note of rebuke to the use of such a word by my colleague Lt Col Mohd Idris Hassan (Retired) published in Malaysiakini dated December 11, 2009. Like my colleague, I too take serious offence at Utusan Malaysia for using the word 'keling' in reference to Indians, who like we Malays would be offended if we were called 'belacans'.

It is quite apparent that Utusan Malaysia is nothing more than trying to stroke the Malay sentiment against other non Malay Malaysians, and this is trading in dangerous waters. I believe the writer of the article is suffering from some serious deficiency syndrome of the brain; hence he cannot think nor write logically and sensibly. He need to immerse his head in mud so that he can have a better understanding of the Malaysian society, and if he still fails to understand, he ought to be thrown to the lions.

While PM Najib is trying hard to propagate to Malaysians the '1 Malaysia' concept, this UMNO owned paper tries to undo what all PM Najib is trying to do. It is now clear to my mind that Utusan Malaysia writers are simply ignorant, insensitive and have a muddled understanding of what a Malaysian society is all about. It is people like them who are the instigators and trouble makers, and it will also be them who will flee out of this country first, when there is disquiet in this country.

As a retired soldier and similarly that of my colleague Lt Col Mohd Idris, we have had many Indian soldiers who were willing to sacrifice their lives for the country. Have you heard of Capt Chandran who was posthumously awarded the nation's second highest gallantry award for his exploits during the Malaysian Insurgency. I have had many Malaysian Indian officers and soldiers serving me in Cambodia during the troubled period in 1992/93, and they never once showed signs of being disloyal to me. Besides the Indian soldiers, I had many other Malaysians of different ethnicity (Ibans, Kadazans, Muruts, Kelabits, Dusuns), but I can tell you all Utusan Malaysia writers that we were one.........Malaysians. There were no name calling. We ate, lived, worked and played together like one big family. We soldiers can show you that we practiced 1 Malaysia long before PM Najib ever thought of it.

I am indeed disgusted at what Utusan Malaysia has written, and to prove my anger at them, I have ceased buying Utusan since I retired from the Armed Forces in 1998.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, December 11, 2009

WILL WE SEE AN END TO CORRUPT PRACTICES?

Can anyone believe the claim made by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamed Hassan, that he was unaware that to transfer RM10 million to the UK through a money changer was wrong? It is unbelievable for a lawmaker that he is, to be so ignorant of the law relating to money transfer. Is this guy playing stupid, just like former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhammed Taib when he claimed not to have understood simple English when caught at an airport in Australia with large amount of cash. Mind you Muhammed Taib was schooled at a time when English was widely used as a medium of instruction. Who are these guys trying to fool, and for playing stupid, they have made themselves even more dumb and stupid.

It was reported that several more people with titles to their name have engaged in 'illegal money transfers'. Clearly, if it isn't ill-gotten wealth that they were trying to hide away, why then have they to do money transfers via the illegal way. And going by the amount being transferred by Mohamed Hassan, calls for a thorough explanation as to the source of the money. Don't tell us that it was a bank loan that he took; just like Khir Toyo when he built his palatial home. At least Khir Toyo had better justification for his source of money i.e. his earnings from his dental clinic......that was what he claimed.

It is examples like these that have made the public angry, where there is a total disregard for integrity and honesty; traits that are vital to be upheld by leaders. A so-called leader like Mohamed Hassan by his act, simply does not qualify being a leader. He has set a poor example, and public perception of him now is one of a dishonest politician mired in corrupt practices. If a similar act is to happen to a Japanese or a Korean politician where personal honour is upheld to the extreme, the politician will have to committed suicide. But here in this blessed country, corrupt politicians takes a different course of action by adopting the infamous denial stance. They will deny everything, and the case will slowly fade into oblivion.

Sadly too, vital traits expected of leaders today has little meaning, let alone being practiced. Back in the 60's, corruption among public servants is virtually unheard off. My late father used to speak to me about his bosses and praised them for their honesty, integrity and hard work. He says that his bosses deserved respect, and for him to do something untoward that will shame his bosses is something unthinkable.

Today, besides politicians, top public servants have somewhat got the taste for being corrupt. I have been told that some who are nearing retirement have cleverly devised arrangements and plans to 'reap the harvest' immediately upon retirement. They do this by offering lucrative contracts to their cronies while they are in the position of power, and be paid the 'dividends' after retirement. Some are also known to have taken up positions as Chairman in such companies where they were working in cohort upon retirement.

Senior military officers in position of power today have also learned skills to accumulate wealth while in service; unlike their civilian counterparts who prefers to wait a while, until they retire. I have been told that the way these senior military officers work is to position a member of their family in the company that they are working in cohort, and to cleverly direct contracts to the company. Being in the position of power, they are fully aware of the tenders to be awarded, and will stamp their authority to ensure the tenders are awarded to companies having an established link with them.

I have always said to people that the only way to root out this corrupt practice among members of the military is to get the guilty ones into jail, regardless of their status and position. To shame them is the only thing they know and deserve, in order the save the noble military profession from being led by a bunch of corrupt officers, void of integrity and honesty.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Thursday, December 10, 2009

'FATHER OF ALL RACISM'

Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz has called Tun Dr. Mahathir the 'father of all racism'. Now, if Tun Dr. Mahathir is the father of all racism, then Nazri must be the 'spoil son of all racism'.

This spoil son of all racism can also be described as a 'loose cannon' who speaks without much substance, and assumes that all others are as dumb and stupid like he is. Remember the challenge he offered to Karpal Singh to act to prosecute Datuk V. K. Lingam of the 'korek korek korek' fame, since the government has found no substantial reason to prosecute Lingam. I am still waiting for a follow-up of the offer made by Nazri, for I know there will be none. It was just hollow talk for which this spoil son of all racism is famous for.

I also remembered during one of the parliamentary sittings prior to the 2008 General Elections where he proudly said that the opposition would be trounced during the elections, but the elections results proved otherwise. The BN lost four states to the opposition, and they now have a much stronger representation in parliament. He is fortunate to remain minister.

I do not know what was in the mind of Nazri when he decided to lash out at Tun Dr. Mahathir over the BTN issue. Both had opposing views which I suppose is rather personal. Nazri, despite him being a government minister had made a statement concerning the BTN issue that is quite contrary to that of DPM Muhyiddin. But why had Nazri decided not to label Muhyiddin, the way that he had labeled Tun Dr. Mahathir? If Nazri is lost for a label, I do not mind suggesting one for him.

The spat between Nazri and Tun Dr. Mahathir is not new, but Nazri being a Malay and to have once served under Tun Dr. Mahathir, I can only describe Nazri's act as being uncouth and 'kurang ajar'. I personally do not know how Nazri was raised by his parents, but certainly photos of what is reportedly to be his son in the most compromising pose with women that is widely posted in the Internet, poorly reflects the sort of father Nazri is to his son.

The only advice that I can offer to Nazri is for him to take a good look at himself, and to quickly realise that what he did is awfully wrong and is a poor example of a Malay.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

RMAF AIRCRAFT CHANGE

Met a friend who had just returned from visiting LIMA 2009 last night, and the discussion soon revolves around the intended replacement of the MiG 29 jet fighter aircrafts that has been in service with the RMAF for almost 15 years, and is said to be at the end of its operational life. I questioned this friend of mine as to who decides the operational life of the aircraft? Is it the maker of the aircraft, or is it the experts in the RMAF? Or are there the 'external influences' that compels the RMAF to decide upon the replacement, even though the aircraft seemed to be in good flying condition?

To answer my question, my friend drew an analogy between a Malaysian made Proton Saga car and a gleaming Ferrari sports car. He says that in the case of our country, a proclaimed developing nation finds it far too expensive to maintain the Proton Saga car; whereas in the case of the underdevelop nation like Myanmar, finds it fairly cheap to maintain the Ferrari sports car.

I was kept wondering what the analogy meant, but I soon realised that my friend was simply saying that while some 'poor nations' like Myanmar and Sudan could continue maintaining their MiG 29's, Malaysia on the other hand finds it convenient to dump the jet fighter aircraft on grounds that it is too old and, probably also far too expensive to maintain. Myanmar is believed to have acquired another 15 more MiG 29, reportedly this year.

I quickly searched the internet on articles relating to the MiG 29, only to find that there are no less than 20 countries in the world that deploys the aircraft. I note too that outside the former Eastern block countries, India has the largest fleet of MiG 29; a total of 81 aircrafts in all. Next is Algeria with 51 MiG 29 aircrafts that came into service in 2008.

The MiG 29 and along with the SU 27 jet fighter aircraft was developed by the Soviet Union to counter the American F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Development of the MiG 29 began in 1970 and the the aircraft entered service with the Soviet Air Force thirteen years later. At the point when Malaysia acquired the MiG 29, the RMAF was said to be 'masters of the air' of sorts, and with the induction of the Sukhoi soon, I do not know if the RMAF can continue to claim themselves to be the 'masters of the air'.

Going back to the analogy that my friend drew, I can now presume that the intended replacement is not one of age. Rather, I believe it has all to do with the exorbitant charges that the RMAF has to bare, to keep the aircraft flying. I see no logical reason for the cost to be high, since 'poor nations' who have similar aircrafts are able to maintain the aircrafts (some reportedly much older than ours). I sense that whichever agency that has been contracted to maintain the aircrafts has obviously kept the charges high, and the way to correct this 'anormaly' is probably to look at how the Indian Air Force maintain its fleet of MiG 29 and at what costs. I am quite sure there is a substantial disparity in costing that does not favour the RMAF and the government.

At a time when the nation is digging deep into its reserve, companies that are given long term maintenance contracts from the government seemed to be getting the best, at a time when the government is at its worse. Changing new aircrafts will certainly not be the best option at a time when the country is at its worse economically and financially. But what need to be looked at in future probably, is a maintenance costs structure that is comparable with other countries that has a similar aircraft. I have always believe that maintenance contracting companies in this country have been overtaxing the government in every single maintenance contracts.

As some friends of mine would say about winning a contact with the government; 'the higher the cost proposed, the better it is'.



CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Monday, December 7, 2009

'SAPUISM'

'SAPUISM' is defined as 'the act to acquire personal wealth through dubious and unscrupulous means, and at the shortest time possible'. Sapuism is derived from the Malay word 'sapu', meaning to sweep.

I have coined the above definition to aptly described the act by a Political Secretary to a Senior government Minister who is reported to have amass huge amount of ill-gotten wealth that is beyond his means, within a short period of time that he is with the Senior Minister.

Many have asked that if this person could amass so much of wealth, then what of the others in the circle of the Senior Minister's office? Would it not be strange that the Senior Minister is oblivious to the 'thievery acts' of his own personal staff, or was the act carried out with the connivance of the Senior Minister himself? If anyone were to say to me that the Political Secretary was acting alone, I most certainly would not want to believe it. He must have acted with some conniving parties; whoever it maybe.

I believe too that 'sapuism' is not a strange act among those who claim to be in the inner circle of the minister's office, and I suppose for that matter in all other government ministers offices. The talk around town these days are that those working in the ministers offices are an 'elite lot', driving around in flashy cars, spotting expensive homes and dinning in posh hotels. I believe there are honest ones too, but they too have been perceived to be dishonest merely on grounds that they are associated with those deemed to be corrupt.

Now, this takes me to the latest article posted by Tun Dr. Mahathir in his blog titled 'UMNO' in which he wrote about a statement uttered by a retired senior UMNO leader who said that “UMNO is rotten to the core”. It is a damning article by Tun Dr. Mahathir of his own political party, and I suppose he fears that if this poor perception of UMNO is not address properly, what the country will get in the end is a totally corrupt government.

I do not know how the present UMNO leaders feels about what Tun Dr. Mahathir has written, but there is nothing in Tun's article denying what has been said to him by the retired senior UMNO leader. It is therefore quite obvious that Tun is also in subtle agreement with the statement made by the retired senior UMNO leader. I am surprise that no UMNO leader has come forward to strongly condemn Tun on his article, or have they been silenced by the truth, as revealed by Tun Dr. Mahathir. Tun certainly has done something abnormal by saying things that are bad for the party, and a bitter pill to swallow by current UMNO's leadership.

The ball is now at the feet of Najib and his party leaders. To deny is to challenge Tun, and to accept is to face the wrath of the Malays, and a sure loss of face for the party. The question asked is, what's next for UMNO in its efforts to counter such negative perception and to remain relevant?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Monday, November 30, 2009

PROMOTION AND POSTING OF SENIOR ARMY OFFICERS

Many have wondered why I have been 'off the air' for quite some time now. Some even thought that I have absconded; but believe you me, I am still around wondering what next to write.

Actually, since moving to our new home at Sering Ukay, Ampang, I accounted some difficulties in getting good internet connection with my Jaring wireless internet. My neighbours says that they get better internet connection using Streamyx, and I am yet to have that installed.

Army recently saw the promotion two officers whom I believe have the necessary prerequisite to be given higher command positions.

Firstly, Mej Jen Dato Ahmad Hasbullah Nawawi who is promoted to the rank of Lt Jen and assumes the position of the Army Field Commander. Hasbullah is only in his late 40's and with many more years to serve. Those who have served him would say that he has the potential to lead the Army in the years to come. I view the choice of Hasbullah as the Army Field Commander as apt, and a step closer to the exulted post of the Deputy Army Chief.

Secondly, Brig Jen Dato Razali Hj. Ahmad who is promoted to the rank of Mej Jen and holds the position of the 3rd Division Army Commander. I was told that Razali was initially earmarked to serve as the Malaysian Defence Attache to Indonesia. I really do not know what was the reason for Razali to be earmarked for that posting, knowing full well that the post has always been held by an officer of the rank of Colonel. It has been rumoured that Razali's initial posting to Indonesia was an attempt by Army to keep him off the promotion line in favour of some other officers. If this rumour is true, it is indeed a mischievous attempt by the powers that be to ignore Razali's seniority and service, and sets a dangerous precedence on future promotions that is based on favourites and cronies. I applaud the decision of the Armed Forces Council to disregard the practice of favourites and cronies in the selection and promotion of officers to higher command positions.

It was also rumoured that the incumbent Deputy Army Chief was to assume the post of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces Headquarters (previously held by an Air Force officer), and to be replaced by the Army Field Commander. Had this posting been implemented, it is deemed to be in contravention to the norms in the succession of command, whereupon it is the Deputy Army Chief who will assume the post of Army Chief when the latter retires, believe to be in the next few months. Having to replace the Deputy Army Chief at this late juncture conjures undesirable perceptions of 'favourites and cronies' that does not augur well for the future of the army.

'Favourites and cronies' is a sad phenomenon that has taken shape in the army today, and I believe it is a direct result of officers who have lost their true sense of military professionalism, and are now driven by uncontrollable greed.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Saturday, November 21, 2009

THE COW – WILL IT RAISE A FUROR?

Interestingly, I read Star Online today showing a photo of PM Najib Tun Razak viewing a lorry load of cows that are to be slaughtered during Adiladha, and to be distributed to mosques and madrasahs throughout the Pekan parliamentary constituency, of which the Najib is its elected representative.

The news report also says that a total of 427 head of cows and 3 camels will be slaughtered, and that surely cost a lot of money. By merely looking at the photo of Najib stroking the head of a cow in the lorry, it give me the impression that maybe the entire lot, or could it be just that particular cow, be borne at his personal expense.

This reminds me of the case last year where Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim was alleged to have used public money, other than his own, to purchase a number of cows to be slaughtered during Adiladha. I remembered the furor created by this incident and the media frenzy that was to last several weeks.

This time around, and with Najib’s photo stroking the head of a cow, are we likely to witness another furor and media frenzy alleging Najib of using public money to buy the load of cows for Adiladha? Certainly, Khalid had learnt his lessons and is most unlikely to be captured on photo stroking the head of a cow, or be even near a cow.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

BRITISH MP SHOWS US THE WAY

NST Saturday, November 21, 2009 (World page 33) reports, ‘MP quits over expenses scam’.

The above report refers to a British Conservative party lawmaker David Curry who quit his post as head of the House of Commons committee charged with policing lawmakers’ expenses, after the media raised allegations concerning his own expenses. Curry is alleged to have ‘claimed almost 30,000 British pounds (RM 170,000) of public fund to maintain a second home that he was barred from using’.

Can we not see the difference here i.e. a British MP quits his post in the House of Commons merely upon a media allegation, while in the Malaysian scenario, a state legislative member will vehemently deny any wrong doing, even if he is unable to justify his excessive lifestyle (outrageously spending money that does not belong to him), and the ownership of some palatial home (the Khir Toyo case).

Here lies the difference between some of our lawmakers and this particular British MP. By quitting merely based on a media report, the latter has proven himself to be gracious and upright in facing public allegations, and that the righteous recourse to take is to resign. What he did is unselfish and honourable, rather than be shamed by his constituents who will now view him in abject disapproval. And there isn’t a single MP from his party who would want to side him, or to raise a protest against the media allegation.

Can we not see the maturity in the way the British lawmakers react to a case of abuse, in comparison to our lawmakers? If this was to happened to our MP or state legislative member, I am quite sure a ‘mini rampage’ would have started by their party supporters. And have we not seen such ‘mini rampage’ happening, and of all places, in the august house of Parliament (like what happened to Karpal Singh) or State Legislative Assembly itself (the fracas in the Perak State Assembly)?

We have seen too much of denials of abuses by our MPs and state assemblymen from both the political divide, and I am yet to see one, just one that has proven himself/herself to be righteous, upright, honest and sincere to be called the Yang Berhormat (Honourable); probably with the exception of the Menteri Besar Kelantan Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz, and maybe a few others.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Thursday, November 19, 2009

NAZRI AND HIS ANTICS

Can someone tell me whether Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz is a court jester or is he saying things for real, when he offered Karpal Singh to prosecute lawyer Datuk V. K. Lingam (correct, correct fame) for brokering judicial appointments as shown in the infamous Lingam Tape? History will be created if the offer does gets through, where Karpal Singh is supposedly to act on behalf of the government, setting a precedence for future cases.

I am not a lawyer, but any right thinking person would say that this Nazri fella must have had a bad tummy or suffered sporadic migraine to say such a thing. Or was he thinking that Karpal Singh is the newly appointed Attorney General?

Despite the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) comprising of five eminent Malaysians who are former judges, lawyers and including a renowned historian, that there are enough evidence to investigate the people implicated in the case; yet Nazri who is himself a lawyer by training, thinks otherwise. He acts like the most supreme Judge, that is well above all other Judges in this country.

Whatever comments/remarks that Nazri has made with regards to dropping the case from being further investigated is mind boggling. It would appear to me that the RCI is nothing but a show, and this would make any future RCI's worthless.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

THE POST OF CHIEF OF ARMY – WHY THE DOMINANCE OF THE INFANTRY?

Sometime ago, a reader to my weblog has suggested that the post of the Chief of Army (COA) that has traditionally been held by an infantry officer from the Royal Malay Regiment (RMR), be open to officers from other corps of the army. On hindsight, I personally think that this suggestion need to be considered.

Presently I believe, it is more of a practice rather than the rule that the post of the COA be held by a RMR officer. This practice however has been broken once in the early 80's, where the post of COA was held by an officer from the Reconnaissance Regiment (now referred to as the Armoured Corps). And at about the same period, the post of the Deputy COA was also held by an officer from the same regiment. The appointment of these two officers to the exulted army post had broken the long held practice, that the post be held by officers from the RMR Since then, the post has been continuously held by an officer from the RMR.

If one studies at the armies of the Commonwealth countries or for that matter, armies throughout the world, the post of the COA is not a 'privilege' to be held by officers from the infantry corps; rather it can be held by officers from the armoured, artillery, as well as from the engineer corps. These three corps are termed as the combat and combat support arms with sufficient experience of command of troops in the battlefield, as well as having been operational staff officers at field headquarters; ie. Brigades, Divisions and Field Command. In fact, the infantry, armour, artillery and the engineers forms the core of the fighting force that will face the brunt of battle. This being so, their officers are so trained (besides their specialised roles) to have the capability and experience of command in the field, which I suppose is an essential prerequsite to being the COA.

In the Malaysian scenario however, there is a preponderance of the infantry (including mechanised infantry, airborne and special forces units), over the other three combat and combat support arm units. The fighting formations i.e. Infantry Brigades and Infantry Divisions being structured and designated as such, are presently infantry bias. And because of this, the formations are usually commanded by infantry officers.

There has been cases in the past where Infantry Brigades and Infantry Divisions are commanded by officers, other than from the infantry, but this has become uncommon today. I do not believe that the non infantry officers are incapable of commanding Brigades and Divisions; rather I believe the sense of dominance among the infantry officers seems to be the reason why non infantry officers do not get to command fighting formations. This sense of false believe is no longer applicable today.

The lack of opportunity for combat and combat support arms officers to become COA can be overcome if the army fully implement the Combine Arms organisational structure; meaning that each Combine Arms Brigade or Division is augmented by a force that is balanced. This means that every fighting component within the formation has a definite role and task, and collectively they form a cohesive and formidable fighting entity. In other words, no single fighting component is capable of fighting on its own. If such a fighting structure can be fully implemented, this could justify a non infantry officer from assuming the command of the fighting formation, and subsequently qualifies him to the exulted post of COA or Deputy COA.

Be that as it may, certainly there is nothing to stop or to disqualify a non infantry officer from assuming the post of COA or Deputy COA in the present scenario. If it has worked well in other armies, it can certainly work well with the Malaysian army. I deemed the present non infantry officers are no less superior than the infantry officers. And can this also be a way to end the corruption that is so mired among the top echelon of the army today?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

FROM HUNDREDS TO MILLIONS TO BILLIONS – CORRUPTION, THE MALAYSIAN WAY

Are we not ashamed to see Malaysia's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2009 dropped nine places; from position 47 in 2008 to position 56 this year? What tickles me is that despite this appalling performance, Transparency International Malaysia (T-IM) has the audacity to 'acknowledge Malaysia's efforts to deal with corruption', despite the results proves otherwise. It is just like telling your son that his class performance this year is outstanding despite having dropped to 20th placing, compared to being top of the class last year. I am one who would not be easily fooled by what T-IM says, or are the people in T-IM fools themselves?

Ashamed I am, when our neighbour Singapore is tied with Sweden for a third placing, after Denmark. How is that Singapore is able to achieve such high ranking in its CPI, while we continue to drop? Sure, they are highly paid for their job, but they deserve so because they are a hard working people. This is unlike us, being reasonably well paid but at the same time, most act like thieves. Singapore has anti-corruption laws like us, but just look at how they enforce the laws; without fear or favour. Can this be the same with us?

And I have little hope that we can perform any better with the prevailing state of affairs that is inflicting our society, and the much hyped 'practice of good governance' that is so often heard, but never in practice. The Auditor General's yearly report tells it all, but nothing drastic has been done to bring the culprits to justice. Or has our justice system failed too?

Talking about corruption, I remembered back in 1984 when I was a student at the Indian Defence Services Staff College, where I had to hire a car for the year that I was there. To be able to drive, I have to obtain an Indian driving license, despite having a Malaysian license. I sought the advice of the car owner on how I could obtain an Indian driving license. His answer was simple i.e. get two bottles of good Indian whiskey, wrapped it in paper and hand it over to the person in charge of approving the license. And sure enough it worked, and I got my license approved at the wink of an eye.

Now, with all the corruption that we hear happening in this country today, and the magnitude getting into the billions, we certainly have outclassed the little experience that I had in India with just two bottles of good Indian whiskey.

Some years ago, I was told of some enforcement officers from the Road Transport Department could get their car tyres changed for free by just sending their cars to some selected tyre shops. Even this free car tyres are certainly much more expensive than the two bottles of good Indian whiskey. This proves that Malaysians have a much more 'expensive taste' than the Indians, and true enough; what we hear of a few hundred ringgit in corruption some years ago, has now ballooned to billions this present day.

And if we are not careful, the billions will just ballooned to trillions at the wink of an eye. God save us all.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

SUBMARINE RESCUE SERVICES – WHY THE DELAY?

I had on March 8, 2009 posted and article titled 'Direct negotiation being blatantly practiced by Defence Ministry despite public resentment', in that I questioned the manner in which the Defence Ministry had proceeded to negotiate directly the award of the Submarine Rescue Services to a construction company (CC) that had in the past been awarded several multi million construction projects with the ministry; reportedly through direct negotiations.

There has been a delay in finalising the award of contract for the submarine rescue services, and I am told that the reason being that there is another bidder that has quoted a much lower contract price than the CC. This alternate bidder is said to be directly involved in the business of submarine rescue operations, unlike the CC that is just an agent for the services.

I am told too that the RMN is not too pleased with the offer made by the CC because the company does not have the experience in offering such services. And being agents, they do not have total control over the services to be rendered by the principal company and furthermore, who in the CC is an expert and an authority in submarine rescue operations. We know that submarine rescue service is a highly specialised and life threatening job and should anything go wrong, I am quite sure the CC will not take on the blame, but will point the finger to the company providing the services. Ask any RMN sub-mariner what all it takes to perform a submarine rescue operations, and beside the RMN, it will only be the company that performs the services, that can provide the answer; not the Directors of the CC.

Being agents, the contract costs will naturally be high i.e. enough to cover the cost paid to the service provider, profits to be earned by the CC and including the silent disbursement of commission to a line of people. And I am quite sure someone in the ministry is also in that line of commission takers. I am told that it is for this very reason that the alternate bidding company is able to offer a contract price that is almost half of what the CC is offering, because they were able to shortened the 'line of commission takers' and the profits may not be so exorbitant.

I am also told that in the award of such 'high profile contracts', it would normally be the civilians in the ministry that calls the shot; not the services. Now, this contract involves lives, and certainly it is beyond the civilians in the ministry to understand what submarine rescue operations is all about. Why not just leave it the professionals i.e. the RMN to decide, and I am quite sure they are capable enough to make a professional decision.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Monday, November 16, 2009

CORRUPTION – IT GETS BOLDER BY THE DAY

If the PKFZ scandal is dubbed the ‘mother of all scandals’, what then would the electrified double tracking rail track from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh be referred to. Can it be called the ‘daughter of all scandals’? And with such massive scandals involving billions of ringgit of public fund, the reported RM500 million commission paid for the purchase of the two French made submarines, is a mere pittance.

And now there is also a memorandum submitted by UMNO Youth Kelantan requesting for the MACC to investigate Kelantan’s Menteri Besar, Ustaz Nik Aziz and his son-in-law over a report that they were offered a sponsorship worth RM65,000 each to perform the Haj this year.

Now what is RM65,000 compared to the RM24 million that Khir Toyo supposedly paid to build his palace, and the millions he spend to ‘tour the world’ with his family and including his maid………..what a lucky maid. And between Ustaz Nik Aziz and Khir Toyo, which one of the two ought to have a higher preference to be investigated first? My read is that Ustaz Nik Aziz surely must have a higher preference over Khir Toyo simply because of Malaysia Boleh.

This Malaysia Boleh slogan seem to be creating wonders, and there can be no denying that Malaysia’s lowly placed international rating for corruption is all but true. Just look at the recently released Auditor General’s report. Where on earth can a laptop computer be bought for RM24,000 a piece, except in Malaysia. I suppose the laptop has gold trimmings and the screen must be made of crystal.

Now the MACC is reported to have said that they have opened up more than 40 investigation papers based on the Auditor General 2008 report. How many of these papers will be closed, and how many will find its way to the courts is what concerns the general public. Citing numbers of investigation papers alone is not enough to satisfy the public. Mind you, this is public money; not private funding from some billionaires. And what of the Auditor General 2007 report?

Talking about Malaysia Boleh, this slogan has infected some in Mindef as well. I am not just referring to the uniform staffs alone, but the civilian staffs as well. They have to be working in tandem to get things going.

Just look at the comments that I get from my recent write-up on the army’s purchase of the 120mm Rifled mortars. There is no hiding the fact that the Evaluation Team recommendation was for the 120mm Smooth Bore mortars; not the Rifled Mortars. Someone must have arbitrarily changed the recommendation of the Evaluation Team to satisfy someone’s greed. I would like to suggest that MACC gets down to the bottom of this by looking at the Evaluation Team report, and to also look at the company that was offered the contract and the costs. The market is rife with talks that it was corruption being the primary reason for the change.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Sunday, November 15, 2009

RETIRED ARMED FORCES OFFICERS REUNION DINNER

On November 11, 2009, the retired Armed Forces Officers held its inaugural reunion dinner that was attended by no less than 700 retired officers and their spouses. The guest of honour was their Royal Highnesses the Raja of Perlis and his consort. His Highness the Raja of Perlis was himself a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, United Kingdom and upon his return in 1965, served the Recce Regiment (now known as the Armoured Regiment).

One notable invitee needs mentioning is Gen Tun Ibrahim Ismail, the only surviving army officer to have served the Second World War, the first Malayan Emergency, Malaysian-Indonesian Confrontation and the Malaysian Insurgency. I am told that upon being informed of the dinner, he despite his failing health felt no qualms about attending the function, and came bound to his wheel chair. This is the man that every member of the Armed Forces and the nation should remember for his outstanding military leadership during the darkest period of our nation’s history i.e. the May 13, 1969 racial riots. He, true to his sworn allegiance to serve King and country, withstood the temptation of taking over the reigns of government from his civilian counterpart, during that horrendous period.

Present too were the Defence Minister, Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Defence Minister, Dato Dr. Latif, former Chief of Defence Forces and Service Chiefs. The presence of the Defence Minister had made the organizers richer, when it was announced that the minister had kindly contributed RM50,000 to the dinner.

In an impromptu speech delivered by HH Raja of Perlis that evening, there were two things he mentioned that caught my attention. Firstly, he would like that the proposed establishment of the Retired Armed Forces Officers Club (RAFOC) to play some meaningful role in looking after the well being of retired armed forces officers. I believe, such a role is to further augment the role played by the Veteran Affairs Department. I, however do not believe that the Ex Servicemen Association is capable of looking after the well being of retired officers, as the association have never been known to have done so in the past.

Secondly, HH Raja of Perlis expressed ‘dissatisfaction’ at the change in the design of the epaulette adorn by retired senior armed forces officers on the official ceremonial jacket. I am told that it was during his tenure as King that he gave his consent to the design of the epaulette. I was told that the change was made by the previous CDF, and it is quite obvious that HH Raja of Perlis was not consulted of the change. I do not know too if the change was properly administered for it to be recognized as the official design to be worn on the official ceremonial jacket.

The dinner was a success in many ways. It has not merely brought together friends and long lost colleagues, but more importantly, it reignites the espirit de corps that had once bounded the officers together in their service to the nation.

Most who were at the dinner have aged, but the spirit that evening was one of joy; doing away with protocol, status and position.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Saturday, November 14, 2009

EXTRAVAGANCE AND ILL CONCEIVE DECISION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME

Residents of Kuala Lumpur should congratulate former Housing and Local Government Ministry, Secretary General and present City Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail for his bold and courage’s decision to terminate a three year contact for the supply of flowers to City Hall worth RM 32.4 million, which he says is “a total waste of funds to throw money on such extravagances, especially during current lean times”.

Datuk Ahmad Fuad assumed the post of City Mayor from incumbent Datuk Abd. Hakim Borhan in December 2008, after a less than satisfactory performance by the latter, brought about by numerous complaints from city dwellers, and following the victory by the opposition in the Federal Territory parliamentary constituencies during the March 8, 2008 General Elections.

Sometime ago, a business friend of mine remarked that City Hall is likened to a gold mine; a remark that has some similarity with Mindef. But to strike a business deal is not that easy too. It requires political patronage and knowing some ‘big shot’ in the City Hall’s administration and management. The contract to supply flowers to City Hall as mentioned above, to little known Bright Spark Sdn Bhd is one obvious example. I suppose there will be many more ‘unscrupulous contracts’ being awarded at exorbitant rates by the previous City Hall administration, if one really care to find out.

Talking about extravagances and questionable decisions, I am told recently that Army has proceeded to purchase another MLRS regiment to augment the present two regiments. They have also proceeded to purchase the 120mm Rifled Mortars supposedly to be mounted onto the Adnan AFV.

The question ask is why need a third MLRS regiment of ‘antiquated’ weapon system? Why not consider augmenting the artillery with more medium field guns, or with Self Propelled guns, where there has been so much of development on the ammunition itself. The whole world knows that the MLRS is a dumb weapon system, but our army leaders chose to think otherwise.

And secondly, why opt for a Rifled Mortar and not a Smooth Bore Mortar? I know for one that there was an earlier study being made on the preferred choice of the 120mm mortars, and the recommendation was for a Smooth Bore mortar; not a Rifled Mortar. Is army playing ignorant of not knowing that even the US Army has done away with the Rifled Mortars? And having to think of mounting the mortar on the Adnan AFV is another serious blunder in the making.

Or are the purchases made to enrich someone, without due regard that the weapons will be made obsolescence in a few years from now? Please do not make a similar mistake when army decided to purchase the Colt M4 Carbine, only to know now that the weapon will be done away with by the US Army in 2012.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

ALLOWANCES INCREASED TO CURB GRAFT SAYS MACC

The MACC is said to be making a recommendation to the government for an increase in the allowances of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and assemblymen as a means to curb the prevalence of graft supposedly from among some of them. If this is to be the recommendation, then public perception that Ministers, Deputy Ministers and assemblymen have for so long been involved in graft stands to be true.

I do not know what the Ministers, Deputy Ministers and assemblymen would have to say of such a recommendation that smack of belittling them. And if at all there is a need to raise their allowances, surely there are better excuses than the one recommended by the MACC. To me the recommendation is rather childish and one that makes little sense. Just ask anyone, and I bet their answer are more cynical than mine.

The recommendation also took into consideration the allowances received by MPs in neighboring Singapore. Why consider only Singapore that is having a population that is five times smaller than Malaysia, and whose GDP per capita is approximately four times larger than Malaysia. Why not look at Cambodia, Laos or Thailand? Singapore should not be taken as a basis for comparison for they are far ahead of us in almost ever aspect.

And why not also consider the quality of their MPs in comparison to our MPs and state assemblymen? I am not belittling our MPs and state assemblymen, but this is the reality that cannot be denied. The antics of some of our MPs and state assemblymen alone leaves much to be desired. A good example are the three PKR Perak state representatives that had ‘jumped boat’ and subsequently caused a furor to the PKR state government. In all honesty, can we claim that the examples shown by the three are good examples of an elected representatives? My honest and sincere answer to this is a big NO.

I think the MACC should wake up from their slumber, and quickly adorn their thinking caps, and to start saying things that are more sensible.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Monday, November 9, 2009

I would like to post a comment that I received from a reader regarding my last posting for the general consumption of all readers. I strongly believe that there is much to be done to eradicate corruption, and the ‘rot must stop at the head’. As of now, I see little hope that this could be done.

1. Corruption is a practice as old and as difficult to stamp as prostitution.

2. MACC must be seen to be serious in taking drastic measures to eliminate or at least minimize acts of corruption. To do this MACC must tackle the big fishes. Their targets should be those politicians and civil servants including those in the police and armed forces who appear to live beyond their means. They must be thoroughly investigated and if they cannot explain their sources of income and new found wealth they must be brought to book, charged in the court of law and if they were found guilty, then they should be punished in accordance to the existing law and their properties confiscated.

3. Next is for MACC to investigate those givers of bribes, especially those in the business sector. They too should be brought to book and be meted with the same punishment.

4. I am sure, after several such cases, the news will become a deterrence to such future acts. To achieve this the top leaders of the political parties and the civil service in the government must have the political will and the moral courage to stamp this social menace and curse from our society !

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

LESSONS ON CORRUPTION

'Anti-graft lessons for elected reps' reads the title of a report on The Sun tabloid dated November 9th 2009.

The report states that the 'MACC will hold special sessions to educate MPs and state assemblymen on practices and offences that amounted to corruption to deter corruption among politicians'. Doesn't this sound stupid? I am just a retired military officer and I don't need to be taught what constitutes the practice of corruption. For any ordinary person who have at bit of education and conscience will know what is corruption and what is not.

And do you honestly think the MACC sessions be of any meaning to those MPs and assemblymen whom the public knows are deeply mired in corruption? Just look at one particular former MB who within a span of two terms in office can afford to built a house worth millions? And I am now told that even some senior military officers can also afford to built a house that costs more than a million immediately upon his retirement. I suppose they have been taught some useful lessons from politicians on how to make in rich while in power. I just wonder if they have any conscience at all to be living in such luxury, knowing full well that the wealth that they have acquired is through some dubious acts.

If indeed the MACC wants to conduct the sessions to MPs and assemblymen, I would suggest that the sessions be extended to the senior members of the Armed Forces and including all senior government servants as well. A session simply for the MPs and assemblymen is not good enough because for corruption to work, it has to have a network of people to partake in the act. Corruption will not work without the connivance of others.

There has been far too many people in high places that are involved in corruption, but we are yet to see some big names being charged. Now that the PKFZ 'mother of all scandal' report is out, it will be interesting to see if the allegation does 'stick' on those involved. And what about the infamous 'Palace of Khir Toyo'? Will the authorities be serious enough in getting down to the very bottom of this issue? Unless these issues are resolved, I will have little faith in the investigating authorities; be it the police, the MACC or any other investigating bodies formed by the government.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, October 30, 2009

CORRUPTION BY ANY MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES IS A BETRAYAL OF TRUST

I am encouraged at the comments received on any articles that I write concerning corruption in the Armed Forces. This simply means that the people who reads the articles are concern at what is happening to the Armed Forces, and are disgusted at the few still in uniform who have by their own stupidity and greed, shamed and tarnished the good name of the Armed Forces. The talks of corruption in the Armed Forces is not new, but I believe it has been occurring in the past. But it is only in recent times that dissenting voices against the scourge has been heard aloud, both from within and outside the Armed Forces. I suppose, the magnitude of the problem is beyond respite, and is believed to involved some that are high up in the heirachy of command.

I have received emails, letters, phone calls and even met several people who have expressed anger, disdain and disappointment at such blatant act that have brought disgrace and tarnish the noble profession of the Armed Forces. Some have given me names of person(s) involved, and I do not intend to name them here for fear that it might be wrong. But the fact remains that I now have a poor impression of the person(s) concern, although they have yet to be proven to be involved in any wrong doing. I suppose, many would have a similar impression, if the same is told to them.

I am also aware that there are some people, in their silent ways have express concern at what I have been writing in my blogweb. But let me assure them that my intention is not to smear or bad mouth anybody. I am merely trying to create an awareness among those that are corrupt and of what others perceive them to be, in the hope that they will cease immediately to be involve in such dastardly acts. But if what I write hurts, it will only be felt by those who are involved; but not those who are free of such wrong doing. It is to those people who feel hurt, that I ought to cautioned them.

Regardless of ones faith, corruption is indeed an undesirable act done by those without any sense of guilt and morality. And being a member of the Armed Forces, demands integrity, honestly, loyalty and of high moral.Those who are corrupt certainly have no place in the military society, for it is only for those who are noble. And if the corrupt have become wealthy through their misdeeds, please do not think for once that they are leading a happy life. It will be the feeling of guilt as well as the derogatory name that they carry, that will eventually 'kill' them.

I sincerely thank some of my loyal friends who have reminded me to be genial in my writings concerning corruption in the Armed Forces, for they fear that it is also damaging to the organisation, more than those involved. I am appreciative of their concern, but I could not bare watch the acts of these few thoughtless people who have brought disgrace to the Armed Forces, of which I was part off a decade ago. Some would say that I am being foolish, but it is better to be foolish than to witness the decadence of the once respectable and honourable institution, because of a few corrupt and thoughtless zealots.

Similarly, I have also being reminded by some who have ask me to continue writing until some are being dragged to prison. This can only happen if those who have access to their wrong doings makes a bold attempt to come forward to expose all that they know. And this can only come from within.

Finally, to those who love dearly the Armed Forces, fear not the truth, for truth is the only way to save the good name of the Armed Forces. One ought to remember that any misdeed that one does will invariably affect the position of the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, His Royal Highness the King to which all members of the Armed Forces have pledge to serve with unquestioned loyalty. To me, any act that brings shame to the Armed Forces is a betrayal of trust to the pledges that one has declared to His Royal Highness, and corruption is indeed a betrayal of trust.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

WHO TO CHECKMATE WHO?

'MACC arrests former top civil servant for graft' reports The Malaysian Insider, Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Is the top civil servant a former KSU of a ministry? And who could that person be? The answer will only be known in the next few hours from now, when he will be brought before the Shah Alam High Court to face the charges..

Will this be the beginning of a massive clean up of all government ministries, especially following the findings of irregularities and misappropriation of public funds that was revealed in the recent Auditor General's report? Would one believe that a laptop computer was purchased at RM40,000 a piece? This is just one example revealed in the report that does not make any sense.

But more importantly, will the authorities be willing to take punitive action on those responsible, or will it be another NFA? From what was observed on all previous Auditor General's reports, it will most probably be another NFA, because there will be too many people involved if the matter is being fully investigated. It is not surprising that the investigation may even lead right up the top echelon of government.

The Defence Ministry certainly is no exception, as huge amount of public funds are being utlised every year. In all probability, it is not the Armed Forces personnel alone that is mired in corruption, but they have to be working together with their civilian cohorts. I am told that officers of the Procurement Division (Bahagian Perolehan), need to be monitored closely, as they are the ones most likely to succumb to corrupt practice. Companies who are victims of corrupt officers would not normally want to launch a report, because they fear that they will be victimised for subsequent submission of tenders.

I have been told of a tailoring company that has a 'contract in perpetuity' with the Defence Ministry to provide the Armed Forces with tailoring services. The company has now ventured into other businesses as well, one of which is the bidding for bullet resistance vest for the army, while there is already a local company involved in the manufacture of the said equipment. With strong and firm 'cables' within the ministry, I am quite sure other likely competitors will be eliminated easily. And mind you, this tailoring company does not even have the facility to manufacture locally the equipment. One need also ask who else works for the company, where businesses from the ministry can just flow in easily. Officers of the Armed Forces knows this too well, but are just to afraid to speak out.

I am quite sure by now, the Minister, Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is able to judge for himself the ongoings that is awfully wrong within the ministry. I trust the minister is bold enough to put a check to this, and if need be to 'throw the books' on those found guilty of any wrong doing........however trivial.

Seriously, I no longer have any faith left in the present leaders of the Armed Forces to do the checking, for they are themselves to be checked. And with the 'Whistle Blowers Act' to be proposed by the government, will this be a sure means of checking corruption in government? The answer is yet to be known.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Monday, October 26, 2009

WHO NEXT?

There has been a lot of speculation along the corridors of Mindef as to who would be the likely candidate to succeed the Army Chief, Gen Tan Sri Ismail Jamaluddin when he retires next year. Gen Tan Sri Ismail has been the Army Chief since 2006 and was at one point rumoured to succeed Gen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal as the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). This however did not materialised as the post was eventually taken up by the Chief of Air Force, Gen Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin who succeeded Gen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz on September 1st 2009.

In an open letter that I wrote to Gen Tan Sri Ismail posted on October 2009, I did imply that he should accept full responsibility with regards to the army’s involvement in politics during the Bagan Pinang by-elections held recently. The once apolitical status of the army has been ‘hijacked’ by the blatant involvement of the army under his charge during the campaigning, that has now placed the army in the firing line of the opposition for ridicule and unfavorable criticism. This will be the legacy that Gen Tan Sri Ismail will leave behind when he finally retires from the army.

It is the norm in the military service that upon the retirement of the Chief, it will be the Deputy who will continue the succession. However, there has been several instances in the past where the norm has been breached, in an obvious reflection of the internal strife and politicking that occurs among those who makes the ultimate decision. This act of abnormality give rise to various speculation and perception among members of the Armed Forces that conjures negativity, favouritism and poor planning on the part of the leadership.

As an illustration, during the last promotion exercise for the post of the Air Chief, the Deputy Air Chief was replaced, and another officer named to succeed the outgoing Air Chief. Another officer who was the Chief of Staff at Armed Forces HQ and possess the right credentials to be the Air Chief, was instead made the Deputy Air Chief.

In the case of the army some years back, a Deputy Army Chief had been bypassed for the post of Army Chief on three occasions, till he finally retired upon attaining the age of 55. This was an unusual case, and rumours has it that the Deputy Army Chief was a person who did not tow the line of the political masters and was ‘punished’ without any chance of a promotion. But in-so-far as the officers and soldiers were concerned, he was popularly known as the ‘Soldiers General’, and I suppose he paid dearly for being popular among the officers and soldiers.

Now, rumours has it that the incumbent Deputy Army Chief is likely to share a similar fate with that of his predecessor mentioned above. His is likely to be replaced by an officer who is favoured by the Army Chief, and who is poised to become the Army Chief when the incumbent retires. Rumours are abound that this plot is to safe guard the business interest of the Army Chief when he retires, and also that of his business friends and family members. If this is true, it is only proper that an investigation be carried out to determine the verity of the rumour. It is a rumour like this that puts the army in bad light, loss of public trust and confidence and most of all, it creates discontent among the serving members.

Here is where the Defence Minister being the Chairman of the Armed Forces Council (AFC) can play a decisive role to deliver a decision that may not be popular to the Chiefs, but one that is acceptable to the service. He should not show prejudice, and in making a decision, he has to be firm where the interest of the service is utmost, and to sack those who are known to have abused their position for their own personal benefit.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, October 23, 2009

JUDGMENT ON TIAN CHUA – A BAD PRECEDENCE

It is easy to get a jail sentence and a fine in this country.........just bite a policeman. And it is easy too for a policeman to bash up someone, and not face the law at all. Call this justice the Malaysian way, and our policemen are somehow immune to the law.

Did we not see how they bashed up Kugan to death, only to get another lone Indian policeman to blame. Are we to believe this script, that it takes only one Indian policeman to kill one tough Indian in the police cell. Come on.......Malaysians are not that stupid as you may think, to believe in such a well scripted lie. I am sorry for repeatedly quoting the Kugan case, because I believe the police have been blatant in the act of abuse and torture.

That was what Batu MP Tian Chua got for biting a policeman; a fine of RM3,000 and a six months jail sentence that is just enough to strip him of his post as an elected parliamentary representative. Isn't this another well scripted judgment? Surely, I am not alone in saying this. Call for an opinion poll if you care.

I did not expect that sentence to be that severe, as the bite was done in retaliation to being punch by the policeman. I would have reacted in the same manner if I was punch first, and isn't that a natural reaction for someone who is being abused?

I find it hilarious and unacceptable that the magistrate had based his judgment merely on the statement by the policeman that he (policeman) was bitten, whereas the magistrate himself asserted that, “the video recording did not show the biting”.....read The Sun dated October 23, 2009. To me, such a judgment is bad precedence, unthinkable in any decent courts elsewhere in this world; maybe with the exception of Zimbabwe.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Thursday, October 22, 2009

WHAT NOW MACC?

It is difficult to hide a lie, when justice and truth is being sought. And in order to cover up a lie, the liar concoct another piece of lie and this will go on and on until the truth is finally revealed. Even if a liar get away with his lie, it will be his conscience that finally get the better of him. This is what we see happening at the on-going inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

I had from the beginning found it difficult to believe that Teoh had committed suicide; a finding made by some that makes little sense to me. How could he want to take away his own life when he is all geared to be married and knowing that his wife-to-be is bearing his child. And how bankrupt is the prosecution to have revealed Teoh’s poor bank credit balance as a likely reason for Teoh to indulge in corruption.

All previous autopsies carried out by our local so-called experts did not conclude the possibility that Teoh was murdered. But now, a renowned forensic expert from Thailand, Dr Pronthip Pojanasunand who had performed more than 10,000 autopsies and heads the Thai Ministry of Justice’s Central Institute of Forensic Science has given a 80% possibility that Teoh was unconscious when he fell to his death. And no unconscious person is capable of walking to the window and to jump out. In other words, what Dr. Pronthip implied was that Teoh was simply murdered.

For Dr. Pronthip to come out with such a possibility and in very definitive terms, shows only her true self as a highly professional forensic expert. The findings of our so-called experts have now been put to severe test and challenge by Dr. Pronthip’s declaration.

Now, what if a second autopsy is performed by Dr. Pronthip and her professional finding is proven to be true? Will our experts dare to challenge those findings? And should the findings goes unchallenged, what will Malaysians say of our experts? Or will we then say that Dr. Pronthip’s findings has no professional forensic standing in this country; hence in cannot be taken to be conclusive. Such a thing can be said, just like what was initially declared of the Kugan’s death.

This is an exciting case to watch, and my only hope and that of all like-minded Malaysians is to see that justice prevail, and those found guilty of the offence be given the appropriate punishment. If it is murder, then the only punishment is death.

What now MACC……..the heat is on you!


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

PEMPENA – A GRIEF STRICKENED BUSINESS VENTURE

I had in November 25, 2008 posted a brief article on Pempena, a business subsidiary of Tourism Malaysia that had ventured into a number of businesses locally as well as abroad, that are all mired in controversy. When the business failures were raised last year, the then Minister of Tourism, Azalina Othman vowed that punitive action will be taken against those responsible. At the time when she left the ministry, nothing was done to address the irregularities identified in the business ventures. I suppose her exist from the ministry was too abrupt for her to do anything.

Based on the Auditor General’s 2008 report released recently, a total of nine business ventures have reported losses that runs into millions of ringgit, through bad management practices and questionable dealings.

Pempena has filed reports with MACC as well as with the Police Commercial Crimes Division for investigations.

The unanswered question remains; who should be made accountable and responsible for this business fiasco that seemed to have failed even before it started doing business. Will the former Tourism Minister be called to question? Or will the investigations end with the famous NFA?

The taxpayers awaits the outcome of the investigations.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION