Many of my friends have received an email purportedly from me, the entire text of which is appended below:-
“I am in a hurry writing this mail to you. I am sorry for not informing you about my trip. I am in some terrible situation and I am really going to need your urgent help. I had traveled to United Kingdom yesterday to visit a new Researchers’ Complex in Manchester. Unfortunately for me, all my money, diaries and my return ticket was stolen at the hotel where I lodged. I am so confused right now, I do not know where to go. I didn’t bring my phone here and the hotel telephone lines was burnt during the robbery incident, so I have access to only emails. I am full of panic now. The police only asked me to write a statement about the incident and directed me to the embassy. I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively. Please, I want you to lend me a sum US2,800 today, just to clear my hotel bills and get the next plane home. I shall have your money reimbursed immediately on my return. I want you to send it via western union outlet so I can receive it with my passport.
Get back to me as soon as possible if you wish you can lend me the money so that I can forward you the details you will need to send me the money via western union transfer.
I will be looking forward to read from you.
Regards,
Arshad”
The above email is a scam, and I have no idea as to how the originator of this email had access to my password in order to open my email. I have been receiving many calls from those who had received this email, and I have assured them that the email was not originated by me. I now can no longer get into my email as the password has been changed.
For those who have received such an email purportedly from me, please ignore it.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
DO WE NEED A 38 YEAR OLD PERSON ON THE BOARD OF PETRONAS?
Can someone satisfy my conscience by justifying that a 38 year old gentleman by the name of Omar Mustapha Ong is professionally and technically qualified to be a director of the largest national conglomerate....Petronas. Yes, he may be a brilliant Petronas scholar who is a Oxford graduate, but can we be certain that he is equally brilliant in contributing effectively to the management of Petronas?
He can be brilliant as a special officer to the PM Najib, when the latter was the DPM. And if he is extremely brilliant, Omar Mustapha should be better employed to manage the financial woes affecting the nation today, and just leave Petronas to be managed by professional in the oil and gas industry. And Petronas, rightly so has its reservation with regards to the appointment of Omar Mustapha as a board member to the company.
By wanting to appoint Omar Mustapha, is PM Najib implying that the current board members of Petronas is not performing well, and requires the likes of Omar Mustapha to rejuvenate Petronas? Or is the current President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Hassan Merican showing signs of incompetency, and is on the verge of a 'downward trend, and Omar Mustapha's presence is to salvage Petronas from slipping?.
I am told that Petronas has not had a politician as a board member, and if Omar Mustapha does get a position in Petronas, he will create history, and I suppose the youngest to be named to the board. Former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamed who is currently the present advisor to Petronas opined that “a politician in Petronas may have other agenda which may or may not be in keeping with the national interest”.
PM Najib choice of Omar Mustapha, whom many say is a close associated of PM Najib, may raise many unwieldy perceptions of PM Najib among the general public, that will place him in bad light. Certainly, the first perception will be that Omar Mustapha is a sure crony of PM Najib, who will act as PM Najib's proxy in the oil and gas business, even if PM Najib does not have any business dealing with Petronas. The second perception would be that PM Najib wants to groom his crony for the exulted post of President and Chief Executive Officer of the conglomerate, and to eventually secure all his cronies to a top managerial position in the company. The list of perceptions are endless, and these are 'fodder' for the opposition to justify the unworthiness of the BN government and PM Najib, during the next general elections.
PM Najib has to seriously look at Indonesia's Pertamina, and to see what had caused it to be, what it is today..........the once super rich Indonesian industry that is now struggling to remain afloat. Strangely, UMNO is silent over the intended appointment of Omar Mustapha to the Petronas board.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
He can be brilliant as a special officer to the PM Najib, when the latter was the DPM. And if he is extremely brilliant, Omar Mustapha should be better employed to manage the financial woes affecting the nation today, and just leave Petronas to be managed by professional in the oil and gas industry. And Petronas, rightly so has its reservation with regards to the appointment of Omar Mustapha as a board member to the company.
By wanting to appoint Omar Mustapha, is PM Najib implying that the current board members of Petronas is not performing well, and requires the likes of Omar Mustapha to rejuvenate Petronas? Or is the current President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Hassan Merican showing signs of incompetency, and is on the verge of a 'downward trend, and Omar Mustapha's presence is to salvage Petronas from slipping?.
I am told that Petronas has not had a politician as a board member, and if Omar Mustapha does get a position in Petronas, he will create history, and I suppose the youngest to be named to the board. Former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamed who is currently the present advisor to Petronas opined that “a politician in Petronas may have other agenda which may or may not be in keeping with the national interest”.
PM Najib choice of Omar Mustapha, whom many say is a close associated of PM Najib, may raise many unwieldy perceptions of PM Najib among the general public, that will place him in bad light. Certainly, the first perception will be that Omar Mustapha is a sure crony of PM Najib, who will act as PM Najib's proxy in the oil and gas business, even if PM Najib does not have any business dealing with Petronas. The second perception would be that PM Najib wants to groom his crony for the exulted post of President and Chief Executive Officer of the conglomerate, and to eventually secure all his cronies to a top managerial position in the company. The list of perceptions are endless, and these are 'fodder' for the opposition to justify the unworthiness of the BN government and PM Najib, during the next general elections.
PM Najib has to seriously look at Indonesia's Pertamina, and to see what had caused it to be, what it is today..........the once super rich Indonesian industry that is now struggling to remain afloat. Strangely, UMNO is silent over the intended appointment of Omar Mustapha to the Petronas board.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Thursday, June 18, 2009
THE THIRD BRIDGE – A NO BY THE JOHORE SULTAN
The Sultan of Johore is reported to have said that he does not agree with the construction of a third bridge linking Johore with Singapore, that was proposed by PM Najib recently.The proposed bridge was to be build on the South-Eastern portion of Johore, linking North-Eastern part of Singapore island. The Sultan must have his valid reasons for voicing his disagreement, and whatever the reasons, it ought to be respected.
I had in an article titled, 'The third link - From a defence view point' posted on May 24, 2009 argued that a defence consideration ought to be given a serious thought before deciding on the bridge construction. I personally felt that the third bridge is of no necessity, and my argument is primarily that from a defence perspective.
I believe the government, and whoever was the person to have mooted the idea of a third bridge, has made a serious mis-calculation, by assuming that the proposal was good for the state. When the announcement was made by PM Najib, we did not hear a murmur of disapproval from any UMNO politicians in the state, and I suppose it must be the usual 'saya sokong' that gave PM Najib the nod to make the announcement.
I do not know what will be the reaction of the Johore state government, and the federal government to the statement made by the Sultan of Johore. Will the state government, especially the Menteri Besar dare make a declaration to contradict the Sultan's statement? Or will PM Najib dare to meet the Sultan for an eye-to-eye meeting to explain his thoughts over the proposed third bridge?
The Sultan of Johore has made a stand on the proposal, and let us wait and see what will be the stand of both the state and federal governments. My believe is that this entire episode could have been avoided if there was prior consultation between the Sultan and the government, and my assumption is that there wasn't any such prior consultation.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I had in an article titled, 'The third link - From a defence view point' posted on May 24, 2009 argued that a defence consideration ought to be given a serious thought before deciding on the bridge construction. I personally felt that the third bridge is of no necessity, and my argument is primarily that from a defence perspective.
I believe the government, and whoever was the person to have mooted the idea of a third bridge, has made a serious mis-calculation, by assuming that the proposal was good for the state. When the announcement was made by PM Najib, we did not hear a murmur of disapproval from any UMNO politicians in the state, and I suppose it must be the usual 'saya sokong' that gave PM Najib the nod to make the announcement.
I do not know what will be the reaction of the Johore state government, and the federal government to the statement made by the Sultan of Johore. Will the state government, especially the Menteri Besar dare make a declaration to contradict the Sultan's statement? Or will PM Najib dare to meet the Sultan for an eye-to-eye meeting to explain his thoughts over the proposed third bridge?
The Sultan of Johore has made a stand on the proposal, and let us wait and see what will be the stand of both the state and federal governments. My believe is that this entire episode could have been avoided if there was prior consultation between the Sultan and the government, and my assumption is that there wasn't any such prior consultation.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
THE SILENT GRIEVENCE OF LOCAL DEFENCE PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS
There are deep concerns among the defence industry fraternity of the apparent reluctance by local end users to purchase defence related products developed and manufactured locally, for reasons best known to the users themselves. But the strange fact is that some of these products that has somehow been found unacceptable by local clients, have been found acceptable by international clients.
There are already a couple of defence related product manufacturers that has been successful in marketing their products internationally, but are faced with a myriad of issues with locals who seemed not to be too happy to deal with local manufacturers. If this is the attitude of our locals, then we have little hope of seeing the growth of the nation’s defence industries, and the blame would inadvertently fall on the government itself. The government will be seen as not having the political will to exert its policy of buy ‘Made in Malaysia Products First’, thus leaving the product manufacturers in acute difficulties of ever recovering their investments in developing the products.
I know for one that most of the local manufacturers of defence related products have invested substantially towards receiving new technologies, and to undertake research and development, and some have even acquired government R&D grants for the aforesaid purpose. But by remaining unreasonably skeptical of local products, despite the products having met the necessary approval and standards, local buyers rational for rejecting local manufactured products does not stand to valid reasons. This will only raise doubts and suspicion that there may be the element of corruption on the part of the approving authorities and by the end users, to award a preference to the purchase of imported products, rather than locally manufactured ones.
The above facts are known to many people involved in the industry, including those in the seat of power, but the comments normally heard is that ‘this country practices an open and competitive market, and it is the best product (though not necessarily cheap) that wins the contract’. It is not uncommon to hear too that some bidders of contracts will use all available ‘strings’ to get their imported products approved, against a locally manufactured product, knowing full well that they will lose out in terms of pricing.
And now there is already a loose talk among some local manufacturers that the lowest bidder may not necessarily win the bid, for they claim that the higher the price quoted, the greater the chances of winning the bid. This is indeed a strange ‘bidding policy’ (if ever there was one), and I thought that such a ‘policy’ is only apparent in some under developed countries where corruption is rampant. Certainly, the attitude and examples portrayed by some of our government officers involved in the awarding of contracts need to be closely monitored.
Finally, I would like to restate the statement that ‘our country’s defence industry is unlikely to make any substantial improvement, if our local users continue to ignore or remain skeptical of our very own locally manufactured defence products, and to continually view foreign products as the much superior product’. The possession of such mindset by locals is extremely dangerous and irrelevant, and must be totally eradicated, if we are serious in wanting to move forward in our quest to be a developed nation by 2020. The government, and in particular the Defence Ministry must also look at provisions in its policies that calls for preference to be given to locally manufactured products first, over foreign products.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
There are already a couple of defence related product manufacturers that has been successful in marketing their products internationally, but are faced with a myriad of issues with locals who seemed not to be too happy to deal with local manufacturers. If this is the attitude of our locals, then we have little hope of seeing the growth of the nation’s defence industries, and the blame would inadvertently fall on the government itself. The government will be seen as not having the political will to exert its policy of buy ‘Made in Malaysia Products First’, thus leaving the product manufacturers in acute difficulties of ever recovering their investments in developing the products.
I know for one that most of the local manufacturers of defence related products have invested substantially towards receiving new technologies, and to undertake research and development, and some have even acquired government R&D grants for the aforesaid purpose. But by remaining unreasonably skeptical of local products, despite the products having met the necessary approval and standards, local buyers rational for rejecting local manufactured products does not stand to valid reasons. This will only raise doubts and suspicion that there may be the element of corruption on the part of the approving authorities and by the end users, to award a preference to the purchase of imported products, rather than locally manufactured ones.
The above facts are known to many people involved in the industry, including those in the seat of power, but the comments normally heard is that ‘this country practices an open and competitive market, and it is the best product (though not necessarily cheap) that wins the contract’. It is not uncommon to hear too that some bidders of contracts will use all available ‘strings’ to get their imported products approved, against a locally manufactured product, knowing full well that they will lose out in terms of pricing.
And now there is already a loose talk among some local manufacturers that the lowest bidder may not necessarily win the bid, for they claim that the higher the price quoted, the greater the chances of winning the bid. This is indeed a strange ‘bidding policy’ (if ever there was one), and I thought that such a ‘policy’ is only apparent in some under developed countries where corruption is rampant. Certainly, the attitude and examples portrayed by some of our government officers involved in the awarding of contracts need to be closely monitored.
Finally, I would like to restate the statement that ‘our country’s defence industry is unlikely to make any substantial improvement, if our local users continue to ignore or remain skeptical of our very own locally manufactured defence products, and to continually view foreign products as the much superior product’. The possession of such mindset by locals is extremely dangerous and irrelevant, and must be totally eradicated, if we are serious in wanting to move forward in our quest to be a developed nation by 2020. The government, and in particular the Defence Ministry must also look at provisions in its policies that calls for preference to be given to locally manufactured products first, over foreign products.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, June 14, 2009
ALLEGED CORRUPTION BY POLITICIANS OVER MRR 2
Star Online Sunday, June 14th 2009 reports of the alleged corruption of three UMNO politicians including a Senator (who could they be?), that are being investigated over the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), for structural cracks that appeared to the pillars of the elevated highway in 2004. Repairs to the pillars had cost the government an additional RM70 million. Costs for the construction of the 1.7 km stretch was RM 239 million.
I have been told that the construction industry in the country is the most corrupt industry, and it is no surprise that many projects have failed due to the high incidence of corruption that permeates right down, to the filing clerks and even dispatch boys. And if people as low as filing clerks and dispatch boys are involved, it is not unusual to find that politicians are the biggest culprits, and their unsavoury deals are in the millions. This seems to be the norm; hence I am told that contractors are forced to add on to the cost of the project, simply to cater for these dastardly scheming politicians, clerks and dispatch boys who lined themselves up for a cut in the deal.
Contractors in their greed to maximise profits will then have to 'cut corners' by providing sub standard construction materials, shoddy plastering works and cheap fixtures. I did voice a similar concern regarding the newly constructed Armed Forces Transit Camp, in an article titled 'Delays in construction projects for Armed Forces' posted on 28 May, 2009, where I noted that the buildings appears to have several defects, and the plastering works and shoddy finishings are much to be desired. Only a blind fool would not have noticed such obvious discrepancies in the construction, paid out of tax payers money.
The much debated Port Klang Free Zone is to date the worst construction and financial mismanagement the country have ever experience, and no announcement has been made yet by the government, as to who should shoulder the blame. We will all have to wait and watch when the PKFZ issue is sure to come under intense debate in Parliament tomorrow, after a two-and-a- half months parliamentary recess.This debate will be a test for our newly branded PM Datuk Seri Najib and his newly appointed Cabinet in facing a much stronger and determined opposition.
We also need to watch the outcome of the investigation on the RM 270 million brand new Trengganu stadium that collapse, and will there be politicians involved in this outrageous construction fiasco. This issue has somewhat simmered down, giving the impression that the lost of RM 270 is not a big deal to the cash rich Trengganu state government. Or is the MACC in a fix to complete the investigations speedily?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I have been told that the construction industry in the country is the most corrupt industry, and it is no surprise that many projects have failed due to the high incidence of corruption that permeates right down, to the filing clerks and even dispatch boys. And if people as low as filing clerks and dispatch boys are involved, it is not unusual to find that politicians are the biggest culprits, and their unsavoury deals are in the millions. This seems to be the norm; hence I am told that contractors are forced to add on to the cost of the project, simply to cater for these dastardly scheming politicians, clerks and dispatch boys who lined themselves up for a cut in the deal.
Contractors in their greed to maximise profits will then have to 'cut corners' by providing sub standard construction materials, shoddy plastering works and cheap fixtures. I did voice a similar concern regarding the newly constructed Armed Forces Transit Camp, in an article titled 'Delays in construction projects for Armed Forces' posted on 28 May, 2009, where I noted that the buildings appears to have several defects, and the plastering works and shoddy finishings are much to be desired. Only a blind fool would not have noticed such obvious discrepancies in the construction, paid out of tax payers money.
The much debated Port Klang Free Zone is to date the worst construction and financial mismanagement the country have ever experience, and no announcement has been made yet by the government, as to who should shoulder the blame. We will all have to wait and watch when the PKFZ issue is sure to come under intense debate in Parliament tomorrow, after a two-and-a- half months parliamentary recess.This debate will be a test for our newly branded PM Datuk Seri Najib and his newly appointed Cabinet in facing a much stronger and determined opposition.
We also need to watch the outcome of the investigation on the RM 270 million brand new Trengganu stadium that collapse, and will there be politicians involved in this outrageous construction fiasco. This issue has somewhat simmered down, giving the impression that the lost of RM 270 is not a big deal to the cash rich Trengganu state government. Or is the MACC in a fix to complete the investigations speedily?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A TRIBUTE TO LANCE CORPORAL AMIN CHE ROS
I share the sorrow and grief of the family of the late Lance Corporal Amin Che Ros, an army commando who plunged to his death after his parachute failed to activate, during a training exercise in Kulim, Kedah on Thursday, June 11, 2009. He leaves behind a wife, Puan Rosnita Othman and two young children ages 5 and 3. I pay tribute to this brave and loyal soldier, and that his passing away is not in vain.
As soldiers, especially those serving with the elite forces, they are constantly faced with the threat of certain death or injuries that could maimed them for life, while on training. These soldiers are a very special breed of men who are trained to take challenges, however dangerous it may be, in defence of the nation. It is sad though, that men of our elite forces have had little publicity; hence little is known about them. And in the eyes of the public, they seemed not to understand what the Army is composed off, and the roles they play in war and peace. Likewise, little is known of its sister service i.e. the Air Force and the Navy.
While the police force has dedicated TV programmes depicting them as crime busters and law enforcers, the Armed Forces has none. And this is where the Public Relations office of the Ministry of Defence has failed miserably in projecting the image of the Armed Forces to the public. One has to understand that the Armed Forces is built on public funds, and it is only proper that the tax payers knows how such funds has been utilised to serve the betterment of the Armed Forces. The public must be afforded the confidence that the Armed Forces is credible enough to ensure their safety, as well as the security of the nation; not just displaying to the public how gorgeous the soldiers looks on parade.
Turning back to the late Lance Corporal Amin Che Ros, it is heartening to note the statement made by the Defence Minister Dato Dr. Ahmad Zahid, that the family of the decease will be looked after by the service, and especially the two children, who will grow up not really knowing how their father had died. I sincerely hope the statement by the Defence Minister will be honoured, and that the Veteran Affairs department will closely monitor the welfare and well being of Puan Rosnita Othman and her two children, and all other families that had lost their loved ones in the course of duty.
Never will the Armed Forces allow the wives and children of our soldiers who have died honourably, to suffer a life of neglect and despair.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
As soldiers, especially those serving with the elite forces, they are constantly faced with the threat of certain death or injuries that could maimed them for life, while on training. These soldiers are a very special breed of men who are trained to take challenges, however dangerous it may be, in defence of the nation. It is sad though, that men of our elite forces have had little publicity; hence little is known about them. And in the eyes of the public, they seemed not to understand what the Army is composed off, and the roles they play in war and peace. Likewise, little is known of its sister service i.e. the Air Force and the Navy.
While the police force has dedicated TV programmes depicting them as crime busters and law enforcers, the Armed Forces has none. And this is where the Public Relations office of the Ministry of Defence has failed miserably in projecting the image of the Armed Forces to the public. One has to understand that the Armed Forces is built on public funds, and it is only proper that the tax payers knows how such funds has been utilised to serve the betterment of the Armed Forces. The public must be afforded the confidence that the Armed Forces is credible enough to ensure their safety, as well as the security of the nation; not just displaying to the public how gorgeous the soldiers looks on parade.
Turning back to the late Lance Corporal Amin Che Ros, it is heartening to note the statement made by the Defence Minister Dato Dr. Ahmad Zahid, that the family of the decease will be looked after by the service, and especially the two children, who will grow up not really knowing how their father had died. I sincerely hope the statement by the Defence Minister will be honoured, and that the Veteran Affairs department will closely monitor the welfare and well being of Puan Rosnita Othman and her two children, and all other families that had lost their loved ones in the course of duty.
Never will the Armed Forces allow the wives and children of our soldiers who have died honourably, to suffer a life of neglect and despair.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
ANOTHER INDONESIAN MAID BRUTALISED
I just could not bear looking at the photo of the Indonesian maid Siti Hajar who had been brutalised by her employer since she arrived in 2006, and has not even been paid her salary for the last 34 months. Siti Hajar's employer, a 43 year old lady is said to be living in a posh condominium in Mount Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, but her act is not one of a human being, but that of a ragging animal. Even animals has some sense of love towards its own kind.
What has Siti Hajar done to deserve such severe punishment from her employer? This is not the first incident where an Indonesian maid has been brutalised by their employers, but there has been several others. It is strange that the beatings have gone unnoticed by the neighbourhood.
If indeed Siti Hajar is incompetent in her work, she should have been send back home, or returned to her agent. Manhandling a fellow human being who is here to earn an honest living, without any sense of pity is committing a most heinous crime. And worse still, to have asked the maid who is a Muslim to consume pork, is unforgivable.
I do hope that the 43 year old lady employer will be punished severely; and not merely a fine or a jail term, but a whipping that will leave a scar for the rest of her life; just like that of her maid.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
What has Siti Hajar done to deserve such severe punishment from her employer? This is not the first incident where an Indonesian maid has been brutalised by their employers, but there has been several others. It is strange that the beatings have gone unnoticed by the neighbourhood.
If indeed Siti Hajar is incompetent in her work, she should have been send back home, or returned to her agent. Manhandling a fellow human being who is here to earn an honest living, without any sense of pity is committing a most heinous crime. And worse still, to have asked the maid who is a Muslim to consume pork, is unforgivable.
I do hope that the 43 year old lady employer will be punished severely; and not merely a fine or a jail term, but a whipping that will leave a scar for the rest of her life; just like that of her maid.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
CHANGE OF HEADER IMAGE
I have just changed the header image for a photo taken in 1971, showing the first Commander 6 Malaysia Infantry Brigade, the late Brig Gen Yusoff bin Abu Bakar, popularly known as Gen Jimmy Yusoff, shaking hands with soldiers on operations in Keroh, Perak.
The Commander was on a visit to distribute Hari Raya goodies to troops operating along the Thai-Malaysia border areas. You will notice a figure of a lady at the back right of the Commander, and that is the wife of the Commander whom we all address her as Kak Comel.
To all those who have known Kak Comel, she is such a sweet soft spoken lady who died in 1995, at the time when I was Commanding 4 Brigade in Temerloh.
I still have in my possession, a piece of black kain songket that I bought from Kak Comel at a cost of RM 50/-. Despite the kain songket being almost 38 years from the day that I had purchased it, the kain songket is still is excellent form.
I can recall that this trip to distribute Hari Raya goodies to troops was accompanied by several wives, including that of my young wife, and the wife of Capt Ghazali (Speedy) Ibrahim.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
The Commander was on a visit to distribute Hari Raya goodies to troops operating along the Thai-Malaysia border areas. You will notice a figure of a lady at the back right of the Commander, and that is the wife of the Commander whom we all address her as Kak Comel.
To all those who have known Kak Comel, she is such a sweet soft spoken lady who died in 1995, at the time when I was Commanding 4 Brigade in Temerloh.
I still have in my possession, a piece of black kain songket that I bought from Kak Comel at a cost of RM 50/-. Despite the kain songket being almost 38 years from the day that I had purchased it, the kain songket is still is excellent form.
I can recall that this trip to distribute Hari Raya goodies to troops was accompanied by several wives, including that of my young wife, and the wife of Capt Ghazali (Speedy) Ibrahim.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, June 8, 2009
CONTINUED POLICE VIOLENCE WILL EFFECT PUBLIC CONFIDENCE FOR THE GOVERNMENTThe IGP is said turportedly sh
The IGP is said to be furious at the video posted by RPK that purportedly showed a group of policemen beating up an alleged criminal. He claimed that the video is intended to defame the police force, and suggested that RPK, who is presently on the run from the police, “should take a good look at himself first before accusing the police”.
I do not see any reason why the IGP should be furious, but rather he should be thankful that a dastardly act has occurred, and those involved (regardless of who they are) must be fully investigated. It is not too difficult to identify the culprits, if indeed the IGP wants to be serious at finding out the truth to this entire nasty episode. And by shutting off the video from Malaysia Today, it will only cause the public to believe that the police have indeed something hide from public knowledge.
There has been so much of public hatred for the police force in recent times, and it is not getting better by the day. The many mysterious death that has occurred while in police custody has never been properly answered. And if Anwar Ibrahim had himself been brutalised while in police custody by the then IGP himself, what more if it is an ordinary person. The police has to do some extreme cleansing, to redeem themselves of their poor reputation and image in the eyes of the ordinary citizen.
And even before the 'video issue' could simmer down, a student Koh Chon Weng was alleged to have been brutalised by the police at Bandar Sunway recently. Viewing pictures of the swollen face of the student, the injuries to the face cannot possibly be self inflicted, as claimed by the police. It conjures all that Anwar Ibrahim had gone through.
It is time for the police to realise that their actions towards the public is not only causing public anger, but more importantly, affecting public confidence on the government. My honest reading of public perception towards the government in the urban areas today, is one that will not pleased the government. And if the police are not able to restrain their 'acts of violence' against the public, the results will be one that will adversely affect public support for the government, come the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I do not see any reason why the IGP should be furious, but rather he should be thankful that a dastardly act has occurred, and those involved (regardless of who they are) must be fully investigated. It is not too difficult to identify the culprits, if indeed the IGP wants to be serious at finding out the truth to this entire nasty episode. And by shutting off the video from Malaysia Today, it will only cause the public to believe that the police have indeed something hide from public knowledge.
There has been so much of public hatred for the police force in recent times, and it is not getting better by the day. The many mysterious death that has occurred while in police custody has never been properly answered. And if Anwar Ibrahim had himself been brutalised while in police custody by the then IGP himself, what more if it is an ordinary person. The police has to do some extreme cleansing, to redeem themselves of their poor reputation and image in the eyes of the ordinary citizen.
And even before the 'video issue' could simmer down, a student Koh Chon Weng was alleged to have been brutalised by the police at Bandar Sunway recently. Viewing pictures of the swollen face of the student, the injuries to the face cannot possibly be self inflicted, as claimed by the police. It conjures all that Anwar Ibrahim had gone through.
It is time for the police to realise that their actions towards the public is not only causing public anger, but more importantly, affecting public confidence on the government. My honest reading of public perception towards the government in the urban areas today, is one that will not pleased the government. And if the police are not able to restrain their 'acts of violence' against the public, the results will be one that will adversely affect public support for the government, come the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
AMBALAT - A CONTENTIOUS BILATERAL ISSUE
I have been called to comment on the contentious issue of Ambalat, a maritime area located off the east Kalimantan coast which both Malaysia and Indonesia has laid claims. The Ambalat maritime area is believed to be a rich in oil and gas resources that has remained untapped.
The dispute over the Ambalat stretch of the Celebes sea began with the publication of a map by Malaysia in 1979, that showed Malaysia's territorial waters and continental shelf included Ambalat. Since then, the Indonesian government have repeatedly said that Ambalat will not be compromised, and shall rightfully belong to Indonesia. The claims and counter claims has not been contested officially by either Malaysia or Indonesia at the International Court of Justice; like that of Sipadan and Ligitan. Indonesia further claims that Ambalat waters has been breached by the Malaysian navy for no less than 13 time this year.
The recent skirmish between the navies of both Indonesia and Malaysia in the Ambalat waters that could have ignited into a 'duel' between the two navies, is a matter of grave concern to both the countries. The comments made by senior military officers of the Indonesian Armed Forces over the recent skirmish, is one that does not seek to compromise, but rather one that is provocative in nature. They even said that they have sufficient forces to counter any threats in defence of Ambalat, in snide reference to Malaysia's claims of the maritime area.
Even Indonesian President Susilo Bambang is reported to have said quite categorically that he will not compromise on the issue of Ambalat with Malaysia, and is persistent that Ambalat belongs rightfully to Indonesia. He however recognises that a conflict option over this issue is to avoided, as it will only cause hardship to the Indonesian people. And likewise, he believes the same will be felt by the Malaysian people.
Malaysian leaders have somewhat been making subdued statements over the Ambalat issue, with DPM Muhyiddin Yasin appealing recently “to all parties in Indonesia and Malaysia to avoid provocative moves over the disputed Ambalat waters”. There is now a proposal to cease naval patrolling within the Ambalat maritime area. But will Indonesia heed to such a proposal?
Indonesian bloggers are having a field day at commenting on the issue of Ambalat, with some even suggesting that Indonesia should 'ganyang Malaysia', a famous phrase used by President Sukarno during his confrontation with Malaysia in the early 60's. And will we be able to stand up to such a call?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
The dispute over the Ambalat stretch of the Celebes sea began with the publication of a map by Malaysia in 1979, that showed Malaysia's territorial waters and continental shelf included Ambalat. Since then, the Indonesian government have repeatedly said that Ambalat will not be compromised, and shall rightfully belong to Indonesia. The claims and counter claims has not been contested officially by either Malaysia or Indonesia at the International Court of Justice; like that of Sipadan and Ligitan. Indonesia further claims that Ambalat waters has been breached by the Malaysian navy for no less than 13 time this year.
The recent skirmish between the navies of both Indonesia and Malaysia in the Ambalat waters that could have ignited into a 'duel' between the two navies, is a matter of grave concern to both the countries. The comments made by senior military officers of the Indonesian Armed Forces over the recent skirmish, is one that does not seek to compromise, but rather one that is provocative in nature. They even said that they have sufficient forces to counter any threats in defence of Ambalat, in snide reference to Malaysia's claims of the maritime area.
Even Indonesian President Susilo Bambang is reported to have said quite categorically that he will not compromise on the issue of Ambalat with Malaysia, and is persistent that Ambalat belongs rightfully to Indonesia. He however recognises that a conflict option over this issue is to avoided, as it will only cause hardship to the Indonesian people. And likewise, he believes the same will be felt by the Malaysian people.
Malaysian leaders have somewhat been making subdued statements over the Ambalat issue, with DPM Muhyiddin Yasin appealing recently “to all parties in Indonesia and Malaysia to avoid provocative moves over the disputed Ambalat waters”. There is now a proposal to cease naval patrolling within the Ambalat maritime area. But will Indonesia heed to such a proposal?
Indonesian bloggers are having a field day at commenting on the issue of Ambalat, with some even suggesting that Indonesia should 'ganyang Malaysia', a famous phrase used by President Sukarno during his confrontation with Malaysia in the early 60's. And will we be able to stand up to such a call?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, June 7, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS, AND ARE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT A DESERVING LOT?
I wish to take this opportunity to convey my heartiest congratulations to the following retired army officers who have been conferred with awards by the SPB Yang DiPertuan Agong, on the occasion of his birthday on June 6th 2009.
Former Chief of Army, Jen Dato Seri Mohd Shahrom bin Dato Hj. Nordin (Retired) conferred the Panglima Setia Makhota (PSM) which carries the honorific title of Tan Sri.
Former Commandant Armed Forces Defence College, Mej Jen Lai Chung Wah (Retired) conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) which carries the honorific title of Datuk.
Former Chief of Army Logistics, Mej Jen Abdul Rahman bin Khamis, PGB (Retired) conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) which carries the honorific title of Datuk.
There are still several other high ranking officers of the Armed Forces who have retired, and are not conferred with either a state or federal award. I note that there are even some high ranking officers who have been chief of their respective service (Army, Navy and Air Force) have not been conferred the PSM that carries the honorific title of Tan Sri, which they rightly deserve as head of the service.
I would also like to recall the rather late conferement of the Seri Setia Makhota (SSM) upon Jen Ibrahim Ismail which carries the honorific title of Tun, only after 33 years of his retirement as Chief of Defence Forces; the highest rank attained in the Armed Forces. He was conferred the SSM in 2002.
To members of the Armed Forces and to the entire nation, Jen Tun Ibrahim Ismail is the only living military officer to have served the country during second World War, the first Malayan Emergency, Indo-Malaysia Confrontation, and served part of the 'Second Malaysian Emergency”
He was the Chief of Defence Force during the 1969 racial riots, and was also the National Operations Council, Chief Executive Officer appointed by then Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak. For his undivided loyalty and service to the nation, Jen Tun Ibrahim Ismail should have been conferred the SSM even while he was in service, and many among the military circle are dumb founded as to the reasons why Jen Tun Ibrahim Ismail was only conferred the SSM at a frail age of 78, and after 33 years of retired life.
I wish to make no comparison with other senior government officers who were conferred the SSM or PSM while they were still in service, but certainly I wish to say that the senior officers of the Armed Forces does seemed to have somewhat been neglected in this regards.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Former Chief of Army, Jen Dato Seri Mohd Shahrom bin Dato Hj. Nordin (Retired) conferred the Panglima Setia Makhota (PSM) which carries the honorific title of Tan Sri.
Former Commandant Armed Forces Defence College, Mej Jen Lai Chung Wah (Retired) conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) which carries the honorific title of Datuk.
Former Chief of Army Logistics, Mej Jen Abdul Rahman bin Khamis, PGB (Retired) conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) which carries the honorific title of Datuk.
There are still several other high ranking officers of the Armed Forces who have retired, and are not conferred with either a state or federal award. I note that there are even some high ranking officers who have been chief of their respective service (Army, Navy and Air Force) have not been conferred the PSM that carries the honorific title of Tan Sri, which they rightly deserve as head of the service.
I would also like to recall the rather late conferement of the Seri Setia Makhota (SSM) upon Jen Ibrahim Ismail which carries the honorific title of Tun, only after 33 years of his retirement as Chief of Defence Forces; the highest rank attained in the Armed Forces. He was conferred the SSM in 2002.
To members of the Armed Forces and to the entire nation, Jen Tun Ibrahim Ismail is the only living military officer to have served the country during second World War, the first Malayan Emergency, Indo-Malaysia Confrontation, and served part of the 'Second Malaysian Emergency”
He was the Chief of Defence Force during the 1969 racial riots, and was also the National Operations Council, Chief Executive Officer appointed by then Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak. For his undivided loyalty and service to the nation, Jen Tun Ibrahim Ismail should have been conferred the SSM even while he was in service, and many among the military circle are dumb founded as to the reasons why Jen Tun Ibrahim Ismail was only conferred the SSM at a frail age of 78, and after 33 years of retired life.
I wish to make no comparison with other senior government officers who were conferred the SSM or PSM while they were still in service, but certainly I wish to say that the senior officers of the Armed Forces does seemed to have somewhat been neglected in this regards.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
ACTS OF POLICE BRUTALITY RECORDED ON VIDEO
I watched in horror a video posted along in an article by RPK's Malaysia Today dated Saturday, 06th June 2009 titled “Modern interrogation methods of the Malaysia police”, that purportedly shows a group of policemen beating up helplessly an alleged criminal in their custody. How on earth did RPK obtain the video remains a mystery, and one can only assume that it must be from the police themselves. Who else could have taken the video in a police station. Certainly, it cannot be the likes of you or me.
The scene is a shocking reminder to what the entire world saw in pictures and videos of the brutality perpetrated by US soldiers upon Iraqi prisoners in Abu Gharib prison, that caused an international outrage. Malaysians, and in particular former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamed has been in the forefront against the Abu Gharib prison brutalities, and a strong critic against the US and its western allies for the carnage that they had caused in their illegal war in Iraq.
The beatings and the brutal act of the group of policemen against the alleged criminal, will only strengthened the believe that our policemen are indeed the cause of so many death while in police custody. No civil society can accept such brutal acts by a supposedly civilised police force against an alleged criminal; even if the crime is for murder. One may recall the mysterious death of Kugan in police custody recently, and the perpetrators have yet to be formally charged in the courts. One wonders if justice will ever be served against the alleged Kugan's murderer(s).
I do not know what will be the reactions of the IGP and the legal fraternity, if the video is indeed a true recording of an alleged police brutality. At a time when Malaysians are already fed-up with what they claim as outrages curtailment of civil rights, and an obvious signs of impartiality by the police for the slightest opposition raised by the public, this video is certain to damage the credibility of our police force, as the true custodian and the protector of the law. No law abiding citizen would now want to believe that their lives will be safe while in police custody.
I only hope that Tun Mahathir would have watched the video, and to listen to what he has to comment on it.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
The scene is a shocking reminder to what the entire world saw in pictures and videos of the brutality perpetrated by US soldiers upon Iraqi prisoners in Abu Gharib prison, that caused an international outrage. Malaysians, and in particular former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamed has been in the forefront against the Abu Gharib prison brutalities, and a strong critic against the US and its western allies for the carnage that they had caused in their illegal war in Iraq.
The beatings and the brutal act of the group of policemen against the alleged criminal, will only strengthened the believe that our policemen are indeed the cause of so many death while in police custody. No civil society can accept such brutal acts by a supposedly civilised police force against an alleged criminal; even if the crime is for murder. One may recall the mysterious death of Kugan in police custody recently, and the perpetrators have yet to be formally charged in the courts. One wonders if justice will ever be served against the alleged Kugan's murderer(s).
I do not know what will be the reactions of the IGP and the legal fraternity, if the video is indeed a true recording of an alleged police brutality. At a time when Malaysians are already fed-up with what they claim as outrages curtailment of civil rights, and an obvious signs of impartiality by the police for the slightest opposition raised by the public, this video is certain to damage the credibility of our police force, as the true custodian and the protector of the law. No law abiding citizen would now want to believe that their lives will be safe while in police custody.
I only hope that Tun Mahathir would have watched the video, and to listen to what he has to comment on it.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Saturday, June 6, 2009
STATUS OF THE BOYS WING AT SG. BESI CAMP
I had on May 27th 2009 posted an article titled 'The Boys Wing of the Royal Military College a target for obliteration'. I am pleased to note that the article had generated a lot of discussions that were generally against the 'eviction' of the Boys Wing from its present location at Sg. Besi Camp. I knew this article will touch upon the sentiments of all those who were former students of the Boys Wing, as the move will obliterate the history of the institution.
I am equally pleased that the Executive Secretary of The Old Putra Association, Lt Kol Azuddin Fuad has come forward to explain the latest position with regards to the Boys Wing, and to quell all doubts and concern regarding the purported move of the Boys Wing out of Sg. Besi Camp.
According to Lt Kol Azuddin Fuad, there is already a plan that is in its final stages, to built a new Boys Wing just behind the existing site valued at approximately RM100 million. This would mean that the Boys Wing will remain in Sg. Besi Camp, and what is to become of the present Boys Wing is yet unknown.
The move to construct a new Boys Wing is apt, considering that the present structures are getting old and does not reflect an institution that is in keeping with modernity.
With the above explanation, I hope all those who were students of the Boys Wing, will now be relieved of their concern for their Alma Mater. For those who wants further information regarding the the Boys Wing may please contact Lt Kol Azuddin Fuad at 012-3993125
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I am equally pleased that the Executive Secretary of The Old Putra Association, Lt Kol Azuddin Fuad has come forward to explain the latest position with regards to the Boys Wing, and to quell all doubts and concern regarding the purported move of the Boys Wing out of Sg. Besi Camp.
According to Lt Kol Azuddin Fuad, there is already a plan that is in its final stages, to built a new Boys Wing just behind the existing site valued at approximately RM100 million. This would mean that the Boys Wing will remain in Sg. Besi Camp, and what is to become of the present Boys Wing is yet unknown.
The move to construct a new Boys Wing is apt, considering that the present structures are getting old and does not reflect an institution that is in keeping with modernity.
With the above explanation, I hope all those who were students of the Boys Wing, will now be relieved of their concern for their Alma Mater. For those who wants further information regarding the the Boys Wing may please contact Lt Kol Azuddin Fuad at 012-3993125
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Friday, June 5, 2009
WHO AM I
My grandparents came to colonial Malaya in the early 1900 from Bukit Tinggi, Sumatra and settled in Petaling, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan. My father was born in 1912 in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, and he is therefore a first generation Malayan born from a Sumatran immigrant. My grandparents together with his first family later moved from Jelebu crossing the main range into Ulu Langat, Selangor, at a time when my father was still a child, leaving his second family in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan.
I was born in Ulu Langat, Selangor in 1943 and that makes me a second generation Malayan from a Sumatran immigrant grandparents, and from a first generation Malayan parents. In short, I am therefore a descendant of a Sumatran immigrant, and I believe that goes for all others who claimed themselves to be Malays, Chinese, Indians and Ceylonese etc.
I therefore have no qualms about people calling me a descendant of an immigrant, for that is what I am really. I cannot claim that my forefathers have settled in this country for the last 1000 years. And even if my forefathers had been here for that period of time, they too must have been immigrant from somewhere.
Since having been born in Malaya and now Malaysia, I would therefore liked myself to be called a Malaysian; not a Sumatran, Indonesian or any other name, although I am still proud to have been the grandson of a Sumatran immigrant. Had my grandparents not settled in Malaya, I would not have been a Malaysian; rather I would have been a Sumatran.
So why this fuss about we the grandchildren, great grandchildren or great great grandchildren of immigrants want ourselves to be called Bumiputras, Straits Chinese, Anglo Indians, Ceylonese, Eurasians etc., etc. Why not just call us MALAYSIANS……….FULL-STOP.
PM Najib has now propagated the 1 Malaysia concept which most Malaysians are confused, simply because we still want to relate ourselves with our racial identity. And for as long as we refer ourselves to our racial identities, we can never attain a 1 Malaysia.
And one only need to heed the remarks made by MB Kelantan Ustaz Nik Abd Aziz when he said that in the eyes of Allah swt, there is no racial divisions, and he (Allah swt) created the human race to be one. And are Muslims (regardless of race) ignorant of this?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I was born in Ulu Langat, Selangor in 1943 and that makes me a second generation Malayan from a Sumatran immigrant grandparents, and from a first generation Malayan parents. In short, I am therefore a descendant of a Sumatran immigrant, and I believe that goes for all others who claimed themselves to be Malays, Chinese, Indians and Ceylonese etc.
I therefore have no qualms about people calling me a descendant of an immigrant, for that is what I am really. I cannot claim that my forefathers have settled in this country for the last 1000 years. And even if my forefathers had been here for that period of time, they too must have been immigrant from somewhere.
Since having been born in Malaya and now Malaysia, I would therefore liked myself to be called a Malaysian; not a Sumatran, Indonesian or any other name, although I am still proud to have been the grandson of a Sumatran immigrant. Had my grandparents not settled in Malaya, I would not have been a Malaysian; rather I would have been a Sumatran.
So why this fuss about we the grandchildren, great grandchildren or great great grandchildren of immigrants want ourselves to be called Bumiputras, Straits Chinese, Anglo Indians, Ceylonese, Eurasians etc., etc. Why not just call us MALAYSIANS……….FULL-STOP.
PM Najib has now propagated the 1 Malaysia concept which most Malaysians are confused, simply because we still want to relate ourselves with our racial identity. And for as long as we refer ourselves to our racial identities, we can never attain a 1 Malaysia.
And one only need to heed the remarks made by MB Kelantan Ustaz Nik Abd Aziz when he said that in the eyes of Allah swt, there is no racial divisions, and he (Allah swt) created the human race to be one. And are Muslims (regardless of race) ignorant of this?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
RM270 MILLION STADIUM ROOF COLLAPSES – AN ACT OF GOD?
Can one imagine what would have happened if the Kuala Trengganu newly built stadium roof collapses at a time when there were thousands of people watching a football match, and worse still, if the Sultan of the state was there amongst the crown? What explanation can the Trengganu government (or was it the Idris Jusoh government) now give, to absorb themselves of any blame? Or will they now look around to find who should shoulder all the blame? Will it be Ahmad Said, Patrick Lim or Idris Jusoh? Someone has to shoulder the blame, and who could that be?
I am quite sure the blame game has started, and it will be interesting to see how the state government will react, and what will the verdict be. RM 270 million was all is takes to built the stadium that was officially opened by the Sultan of Trengganu on May 10 last year, and it will take another RM270 million of public fund to reconstruct the damaged stadium, or will the entire stadium be raise to the ground? Who really cares about spending public fund and the wastage of funds. After all the Trengganu state is cash rich with petroleum royalty paid into its coffer by Petronas, so they say.
Have we not seen how the state has been spending its new found wealth over the last few years under the previous government. Such lavishness and extravagance in building monuments like the Crystal Mosque, organizing the Monsoon Cup with lush parties to entertain the participants and the rich and famous, while the poor people of Trengganu are left out of these festivities that does not bring any benefit to the Trengganu people.
Now we hear of an attempt by the pro-Idris Jusoh group assemblymen to vote out MB Ahmad Said. There must be something seriously wrong with Ahmad Said that warrants such an attempt. Is it because the pro-Idris Jusoh are been left out dry because they no longer have access to the once lavishness and extravagance of the pervious government. I believe it is all about money and power; not about wanting to serve the down trodden Trengganu people.
Now back to the collapse stadium. Deputy PM Muhyiddin Yasin has said that it is now left to the state government to act, thus absorbing any blame on the Federal Government. And certainly Muhyiddin does not want the state government to conclude in their investigations by saying that the incident is purely an act of God.
CRUSADE AGAINSDT CORRUPTION
I am quite sure the blame game has started, and it will be interesting to see how the state government will react, and what will the verdict be. RM 270 million was all is takes to built the stadium that was officially opened by the Sultan of Trengganu on May 10 last year, and it will take another RM270 million of public fund to reconstruct the damaged stadium, or will the entire stadium be raise to the ground? Who really cares about spending public fund and the wastage of funds. After all the Trengganu state is cash rich with petroleum royalty paid into its coffer by Petronas, so they say.
Have we not seen how the state has been spending its new found wealth over the last few years under the previous government. Such lavishness and extravagance in building monuments like the Crystal Mosque, organizing the Monsoon Cup with lush parties to entertain the participants and the rich and famous, while the poor people of Trengganu are left out of these festivities that does not bring any benefit to the Trengganu people.
Now we hear of an attempt by the pro-Idris Jusoh group assemblymen to vote out MB Ahmad Said. There must be something seriously wrong with Ahmad Said that warrants such an attempt. Is it because the pro-Idris Jusoh are been left out dry because they no longer have access to the once lavishness and extravagance of the pervious government. I believe it is all about money and power; not about wanting to serve the down trodden Trengganu people.
Now back to the collapse stadium. Deputy PM Muhyiddin Yasin has said that it is now left to the state government to act, thus absorbing any blame on the Federal Government. And certainly Muhyiddin does not want the state government to conclude in their investigations by saying that the incident is purely an act of God.
CRUSADE AGAINSDT CORRUPTION
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