I AM BACK

Well…….I am back, after six months sabbatical, and let me begin by wishing all my viewers a HAPPY AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. If 2010 wasn’t a good year for some, let’s hope 2011, and the years ahead will be more meaningful for you and your families. As for me, my only hope is to see that my four grandchildren grows up to be grateful citizens, respectful to their elders and leads a healthy life.

Seriously speaking, after being off the blogsphere, some thought that I had gone ‘six feet under’. But by the grace of Allah SWT, I am still very much alive, though not as fit and healthy as I want myself to be. What concerns me most at this age and time is whether I could maintain my mental prowess i.e. to be thinking, talking and writing sensibly. I must admit that there are times when I am at a lost for names of people that I meet; people who were my close associate. It can be embarrassing though. This certainly is a sign that a lapse in memory has occurred; just like an aged computer. But thankfully it is not too serious as to even forget the name of my wife.

Many have inspired me to continue writing and I am encouraged by this. And I must say that over the past six months of hibernation, there are many interesting issues and happenings in the country that could be written about. I have decided to come back this 1st day of January 2011 and to start sharing my thoughts over a myriad of issues that is affecting our country today.

As a start and being a Selangorean, I read with disgust the sad state of affairs in Selangor over the appointment of the new State Secretary. The Selangor state government is adamant that the post is to be filled by someone of their choice, who has the confidence of the state government. Loyalty to the state government (whoever forms the government of the day) is absolute and cannot be compromised. I am sad too that the Sultan is being dragged into this issue. And whatever the reason the Chief Secretary Tan Sri Sidek Hassan had to present the appointment of the new State Secretary to the Sultan first before making it known to the Selangor Menteri Besar, surely does not augur well for federal-state relations. Personally, I too do not agree with the action taken by the Chief Secretary to bypass the state government in the final appointment of the State Secretary, without an earlier reference and discussion with the state. Clearly, the Chief Secretary is being outright disrespectful, arrogant and ignorant. It would appear that the Chief Secretary does not understand that state governments are elected by the people, and it is only right that the state governments must have its top civil servant to be a person that is supportive of the state, and he acts on behalf of the people who have elected the state government through a democratic process.

I remembered that upon taking over the appointment of a Brigade Commander, the first thing that I demanded from my staffs is loyalty; that my staffs shall only earn my respect if they are loyal to me. I do not compromise over this issue, and I even told them that should they disagree with me, they have the option to leave. I think the same would apply to the prevailing situation in Selangor. And in this instant, if the appointed State Secretary cannot work with the state government, or the state government sees the State Secretary as hopeless, then the State Secretary has no other option but to leave.

Another interesting case that can affect the good name of the government is the alleged incident of rape by a senior minister of the federal government on an Indonesian maid. From what I read, the description given of the rapist is that he is a person who hails from Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan and a learned person though. I am not so certain of his age, but he could not be younger than me. I am thoroughly ashamed because my grandfather hails from the same village as this senior minister. I am quite sure the entire villagers in Petaling and Gagu are now glued to this story. My hope is that this allegation is unfounded for it will shame me for being a Minangkabau, if the allegation is found to be true.

And by sheer coincidence, I read too the report about the rape charges meted upon the 65 year old former Israeli President Moshe Katsav by the Tel Aviv District Court, which carries a 4 year minimum, and a 12 year maximum prison term if found guilty. Moshe Katsav is said to have raped and molested four lady staffs at various times in 2007. This period somewhat coincides with the rape allegation by the Malaysian senior minister…………. unbelievable isn’t it! And what would be the sentence if our senior minister is found guilty and charged? Will he be subjected to canning, over and above a prison term?

I know there will be many more ‘juicy stories’ and surprises to come this new year that will illuminate the political landscape of this country. And with a snap election anticipated the first quarter of the year, such ‘juicy stories’ will be the thrust of the opposition campaign.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

RMC – IS IT STILL RELEVANT?

I am sadden by the death of Mohamed Naim Mustaqim Mohamed Sobri, a 16 year old student of the Royal Military College (RMC) in Sg. Besi, Kuala Lumpur, reportedly from being bullied and physically abused by his seniors on Wednesday, 24th June. I could feel the ordeal that Mohamed Naim had to suffer that caused him his life, and the shock and disbelief that his parents have to endure at the loss of their beloved son.

Now, nothing can bring back Mohamed Naim, but this unfortunate incident brings to question the need to seriously review the relevancy of RMC as a secondary boarding institution established in the early 50’s whose charter is ‘to prepare young Malaysians to take their places as officers in the Armed Forces of the Federation, in the higher divisions of the Public Service and as leaders in the professional, commercial and industrial life of the country’

No doubt, the Boys Wing as it was previously known have produced a number of luminaries in all sectors of the Malaysian society, and it will continue to do so in keeping with the charter of RMC. But with the establishment of many other secondary boarding institution; both private and public, the stated charter for which RMC was established has somewhat been ‘diluted’. And to now say that only the cream of the country’s secondary students are taken into RMC may no longer be true.

The Boys Wing that we know of in the past has been a stiff competitor of academic excellence and sports to the likes of MCKK, STAR and probably VI. Today, with the rise of MRSM and other controlled public schools, there are now greater choices for secondary school students to be recruited into the best schools, besides other private institutions that offer similar academic and sporting facilities par excellence. In other words, RMC has now lost its competitiveness and attractiveness as one of the country’s best secondary boarding school, and is now made worse by the unfortunate death of Mohamed Naim.

Many questions will be asked into the causes of this unfortunate incident and hopefully nothing will be left unturned. For those involved, they will have to accept their fate but more importantly, RMC will have to device means and measures to avoid a similar incident from occurring, if RMC is desirous of remaining relevant and true to its charter.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM SINGAPORE

It has been a long time since I last traveled to Singapore, a place where I had onces served. Back in the 60's when Singapore was still part of Malaya and subsequently Malaysia, I think the army had a Brigade HQ located at Fort Canning, two SIR Infantry Battalions at Ulu Pandan, a RMR Battalion at Temasek Camp, Logistics Units at Bukit Timah, and an Independent Recce Squadron at Tanah Merah.


Sembawang Camp to which the 6th Battalion RMR was to be located as a non family station, was built around the mid 60's. The battalion was initially accommodated in tents, while a semi-permanent camp was being constructed. I remembered that besides the camp was a pig farm that emits an unbearable smell that caused a lot of discomfort to most of us. The smell becomes even more unbearable during the rainy season. Besides the smell, the rains would also cause a nuisance to all of us, as some of the tents would leak, and the walk ways flooded. Living under tents for more than 6 months was a misery to most of us, for we had to bear the blistering afternoon heat, dust and with no proper lighting, bathing and toilet facilities.


The Sembawang landscape has now changed tremendously, and one could no longer recognize the existence formerly of an old army camp in that vicinity. Traveling along Holland Road and the neighboring areas, I could still see some old double storey bungalows that I believe were built as quarters for senior British military officers. These bungalows resembled those built at Port Dickson military camps that still exist till this day.


What strikes me most about Singapore is the cleanliness of the city center and the disciplined society, especially of its bus and taxi drivers. Traveling around the city keeps me wondering as to how could the local authorities up-keep the maintenance of all the buildings (HDB Flats in particular) and structures in such a perfect state. I could not see a single dilapidated and unkempt building. All are well painted and most HDB Flats have huge numbers painted high up on its walls that can be viewed from afar by impending visitors.


I could not see cars being parked indiscriminately besides roads in the city center, and this makes traveling in the city center easy, despite the heavy traffic and with no policemen to monitor the traffic flow. I decided to hitch a taxi ride back to my place of residence, and I do not have to wait long at the taxi stand for a taxi. I was greeted by the driver even before I could get into the taxi, and the ride was in a comfortable and clean Korean built Hyundai blue colored taxi. This is in vast contrast to the taxis that we get in this country that are small, and the rude treatment that passengers sometimes get from its drivers. Now, with the introduction of the Proton Saga, our taxis are getting even smaller and less comfortable. Passengers comfort, seems the last in the minds of our taxi service providers.


There are many more things that I saw in Singapore city that could serve a useful lesson to our local authorities, especially to the local councils, as well as KL City Hall. I believe the difference lies in the attitude, training, professionalism and dedication of the people involved that is severely lacking in our people and if such attitude does not changed, we will soon see our cities being in league with some of the worse among the underdeveloped countries.


I believe, we have been sending a number of our officers from the local authorities and City Hall for study visits abroad. I am told too that even parliamentarians and state councilors are send abroad on study tours, but what happened upon their return is everyone guess. Was it really a meaningful study tour, or was it merely a leisure tour? But I suppose, having been a fully paid overseas tour at public expense, it does not really matter whether it was to be a study tour or a leisure tour. Both are one and the same thing.


And having seen the latest of Singapore, one does not need to go to Europe, USA, Japan or Korea to do a study tour. The thing that needs to be learned by our local authorities in the management of a city is just a few miles south of Johore Bahru.



CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

THE OLDER ONE GETS, HOPEFULLY THE WISER ONE BECOMES

I have been on a brief holiday in Singapore recently and have not been monitoring my blog. I did received calls regarding the responses to my last write-up, and the anger that I had caused among some of my readers.And while in Singapore, it was raining 'cats and dogs', but was fortunate not to be caught in the flash floods at Orchard Road.

Honestly, I am not hurt by what people say about me, because I believe that everyone is born different. I hold by what my late father had once said to me, “that if you are angry about something, just keep quiet. Venting your anger at someone will only expose you to your weaknesses”. And throughout the whole of my service, I have lost my temper only twice, and I regretted every moment of it.

For anyone not to believe in the reasons for the establishment of RAFOC, this should not cause a stir and a reason for venting personal grudges at the establishment and the people that are involved with it. If one does not believe in RAFOC, so be it. There is absolutely no compulsion in joining, and joining is only for those who believe that friendship does not end upon one leaving the service; rather it continues until the last day of our lives.

I know that there are disappointment and discontentment while in the service, and because of this one develops a dislike for someone. I too had the same feeling, but said to myself that I cannot go on disliking people over some disagreements in the past. And the people that I have had some disagreement and had caused me some discomfort while in the service, are today my greatest friends. And believe me, even if we were to talk of the past and our disagreements, it is merely to strengthened and enlivened our relationship.

For me, age has made me a much wiser person in my relationship with people. And for those who still harbors ill feelings against someone because of the past, my sincere advice to them to think again whether to harbor such ill feelings will make them a better person.

And I have just been reminded by someone not to forget to attend the RAFOC AGM this Saturday, June 26th 2010 at AFSC Haigate beginning 1400 hrs. See you there.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT RAFOC

I sense that there is a tendency among retired military officers to harbor a misconception about the revival of the Retired Armed Forces Officers Club (RAFOC) that I had posted in my weblog on June 2nd 2010. The misconception appears to be centered on the argument as described by one of my readers, that the ‘legacy of class separation’ and the practice of ‘rigid social etiquettes’ is still obvious among some officers.

While I agree with some of the comments made by my readers in my earlier posting, I would say that if at all there was ‘class separation’ and ‘rigid social etiquettes’ at any function were senior military officers are involved, then I’d say that it wasn’t done deliberately by the organizers’; rather it was done as a show respect to the senior ones.

I certainly would not like to see, say a retired CDF being left on his own to find his own seat, or walk around aimlessly looking for a conversation. I think the onus lies in the junior who must willingly approach the retired CDF or seniors, and to show them their seat, or to begin a casual conversation with them. I don’t think this is too bothersome for anyone to do; rather it will only show true comradeship and an undiminished loyalty to someone our senior, despite all of us being retirees. And isn’t this being taught to us by our parents when we were small i.e. to respect those who are elder? It certainly doesn’t hurt to be respectful, even if that person is younger than you. It only shows your dignified and honorable upbringing.

As a 12 year old retiree, I do meet my seniors and juniors often at functions, and meeting them gives me a great feeling. It was only last night where I was seated besides my former boss who was a three star general at a wedding reception, and we talked like old friends. I did not feel like a subordinate, and he too did not show signs that he was still the boss. It was just a talk among old friends, and nothing more. And when I am being approached by a junior, it gives me the feeling that I am still being accepted as their friend. I supposed that same feeling will be felt by my seniors, if I were to approach them first.

While I understand that the primary objective of RAFOC is ‘to bring together retired officers by way of social and other activities so that the good fellowship, espirit-de-corps and spirit of caring in the military community does not extinguish’, I have also interjected a proposal in my posting that RAFOC can further its role as a ‘voice of reason’ in matters affecting defence and security of the nation, as well as those affecting the Armed Forces. I personally do not know how the members will response to this proposal, and most certainly RAFOC should remain apolitical.

To do the above, RAFOC must have the numbers, and by setting aside our little differences while in the service, and to look forward to the positive aspects of RAFOC, we certainly can be that ‘voice of reason’. Being retirees too, we are at a different level of our life, in which friends have a great influence in filling the gap in the remaining years of our life.

I am quite sure RAFOC can play that role in filling the gap in the remaining years of our life, and it is for this reason that I would like to appeal to all retirees of the Armed Forces (regardless of rank) to be with us at RAFOC. And for those who have not received any notice, please call the Honorary Secretary, Lt Kol Dato Nawawi bin Mat Desa (Retired) at 019-3139895 and hope to see all of you at our AGM on Saturday, 26th June 2010 at 1400 hrs at Dewan Hikmat, Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

LACK OF NON-BUMI PARTICIPATION IN THE ARMY

Last Thursday night, I attended a wedding reception of the daughter of a colleague held at Felda Perdana. The host being a retired senior navy officer, would naturally see his guest be predominantly Armed Forces retirees; most of whom I could easily recognized. Several former Chief of Defence Forces and Service Chiefs were at the reception, and I think the most senior of the lot is Admiral Thanabalasingam, the first Chief of Malaysian navy who now walks aided with a walking stick.

An occasion like this gives me the opportunity to meet some long lost friends and to discuss a myriad of issues. Of course, issues relating the Armed Forces, past and present are never lost.

I was stuck by a conversation centered on the lack of interest among non-Bumis today to join the Armed Forces, particularly the army. I recall having written something concerning this matter in a posting dated November 14th 2008 following a statement made by the then Deputy Defence Minister Abu Seman Yusop when he argued that “seeking flexibility in the job and not low wages” being the reason why non-Bumis shy away from joining the Armed Forces; a statement that I do not fully subscribe.

If one looks back to the period of the late 50’s and early 60’s, there clearly was an attraction by non-Bumis to join the Armed Forces. Some reasoned that it was the schooling system then, where there was greater interaction among the various races (especially in urban schools); hence non-Bumis joining the Armed Forces which were predominantly Malays then, wasn’t any problem.

The other reason was because there were no racial and religious issues dominating the political landscape then, and everyone held a common belief that Malaya, and subsequently Malaysia was their home and country. I personally felt this when I was in school then, and where the issue of race and religion was kept silent. In other words, there was greater realization of a 1 Malaysia before, than it is today.

To support the above argument, I would like to list some figures showing the number of non-Bumis that joined the army cadets, against their Bumi counterparts in the later part of the 50’s and the early 60’s.

For instance, the 1st Regular Intake (1957) of army cadets had a total 54 cadets and of which 22 were non-Bumis. The 2nd Regular Intake (1958) of army cadets had a total of 37 cadets and of which 19 were non-Bumis. And in the early 60’s, the 7th Regular Intake (1963) of army cadets had a total of 36 cadets and of which 18 were non-Bumis. On an average, almost 50% of the intake of army cadets during the aforesaid periods mentioned was non-Bumis.

I am not privy to the actual figures of army cadets recruited over the last decade, but I think the number of non-Bumi army cadets recruited has dwindled to less than 10%, or it could be even less. This to me is an unhealthy development in a racially diverse society, as this gives the perception that it is only the Bumis that have shown interest in joining the Armed Forces, whereas defence and security is the responsibility of all able bodied citizens of the country. The increase dominance of Bumis in the Armed Forces will further reduce the likelihood of the non-Bumis joining because of the racial polarization created, that undoubtedly has its roots in our present day schooling system.

I do not know what plans are there to increase the intake of non-Bumis to join the army. The nation cannot allow the imbalance in racial composition to continue unabated as this unhealthy trend can lead to greater racial polarization that can cause a serious impediment to the development of a harmonious and a tolerant Malaysian society.

My belief is that unless serious and proactive measures are taken to redress the imbalance in the racial composition of the army and the Armed Forces in general, suspicion and mistrust among the various Malaysian races will continue to dominate the Malaysian political landscape.

To the 30 odd non-Bumis of my intake, I think we all share a common belief in the reason why we joined the Armed Forces.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

TRUE MALAYS?

It is reported that PM Najib has announced the formation of a High Level Committee for Bumiputra Affairs, during the tabling of the 10th Malaysia Plan this morning (June 10th). This committee will be chaired by the PM himself whose purpose is to ‘plan, co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of the Bumiputra development agenda’.

I am of the view that this committee is redundant as it will duplicate UMNO’s role as the ‘custodian and protector of the Malay rights’ which the party have so vehemently defended. Or I am to believe that because the word Bumiputra is used, this then cannot be UMNO’s role; hence the establishment of the committee.

Whatever be the stated reason for the establishment of the committee, I do not see any usefulness of the committee. It is going to be another outfit like PERKASA, who is still unable to settle itself for what they precisely intend to do. There has been so much of talk that has not seen fruition to their demands. This committee will be the same, as PM Najib already has too many things in his hand, and by adding this one, I am afraid he will not have enough sleep, and will end up like the previous PM.

Now PERKASA’s boss Ibrahim Ali has suggested that the committee should comprised of TRUE MALAYS who understand Malay and Bumiputra issues. I cannot understand what and who are the TRUE MALAYS. Is this a new race that has just popped out from the sky? At least, what Ibrahim Ali can do to ease the confusion is to define what and who is a TRUE MALAY. And to let Ibrahim Ali know early, I certainly disqualify because I am the grandson of an immigrant from Padang, Sumatra. I am therefore a Minangkabau, not a TRUE MALAY. Certainly, this race called TRUE MALAY cannot be found in our constitution.

Now, let us not create more confusion over the issue of race and religion. Just stick to the word that we are Malaysian ……..1 Malaysia as PM Najib has propagated. And let us not hear that there is also TRUE CHINESE and TRUE INDIANS.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

DOES PARLIAMENT NEED A NEW BUILDING?

At a time when the nation is struggling with its ‘book-keeping’, talks of relocating the Parliament House to Putra Jaya is abuzz that will cost the government an estimated RM800 million. At least Khairy Jamaludin is sensible enough to break ranks, and to disagree with the proposal which he says the money can be used for more beneficial purposes; I suppose that to mean people oriented purposes.

It puzzles me to hear the millions to be used, with zeroes keeps adding at every new project. Where on earth do we get the money now, and from what I gather from friends working in the various ministries, their operating expenditure has been drastically curtailed? I was told by a school teacher recently that even duplicating papers are running short with some teachers having to buy papers from their own pocket. Schools with a filthy rich PIBG will have no problem of course, but is this the responsibility of PIBG?

The existing Parliament House is a historical landmark with its fine and well manicured garden that is prominently perched on a hill overlooking the city and with lots of greenery around it. It also proudly displays its deer stock that roams freely within an enclosed compound. What is wrong if the parliament building is renovated to accommodate a larger gallery to cater for an anticipated increase in the number of MPs? All these renovation works will not take up RM800 million. And my other concern is the fondness of the government to change something that is working well, and several millions have been used up for major renovations works over the last few years; of course not forgetting for the leaking episode. And does building a new Parliament House got anything to do with this country being a developed nation by 2020?

Rather than move Parliament House, why not think of moving Mindef to Putra Jaya instead, and the present complex be taken up entirely by the Armed Forces, thus giving some breathing space for the Armed Forces. At the present moment the complex is not Mindef per se, but it is also the HQ of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Joint Force HQ. And surely this will not take up RM800 million……….see you have some savings here.

I would like to suggest that given the tight financial constraint of the nation, let’s stop taking about grandeur projects for a moment. Think of creating smaller projects where more medium and small scale contractors can participate directly without having to take on sub contract works from the much larger contractors. More importantly, the project has a direct impact on the ordinary people.

I am told that the larger and costlier the project, the better it is for some because these super rich contractors being small in numbers, has a better chance of getting such contracts. It is the medium and small scale contractors who will be placed at the mercy of the super rich contractors.

And as I had mentioned earlier, it is the construction industry that is the most corrupt industry in this country. I just do not know how much of the RM800 million will go to grease the pockets of corrupt officials.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

REMEMBERING THE LATE BRIG GEN ‘JIMMY’ YUSOF ABU BAKAR

Someone has asked me why I have not changed the header of my blogweb. My straight answer to him is because I am an avid admirer of the person in the picture, and the picture reminds me of some fond memories of the man in the picture.

For those who do not know the man in the picture, he is Brig Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof Abu Bakar, the first Commander of HQ 6th Brigade based in Sg. Patani, Kedah. This picture was taken by Maj Gen Dato Paduka ‘Speedy’ Ghazali Ibrahim who was then G3 Operations of HQ 6th Brigade. I believe the picture was taken in 1970 during a Hari Raya gift distribution to troops operating in the Malaysia-Thai border areas. I cannot recall the unit the soldiers belong to, but I think it was a Police Field Force unit operating in the Kroh-Kelian Intan areas.

If one takes a closer look at the picture, one could see a feature of a lady in the background and that lady is the wife of the Commander, whom we refer to as Kak Comel, a pet name given by the husband himself. I never dared ask Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof how that name evolved, but I suppose it was because Kak Comel must have been a pretty lady during her youth, and she was still pretty and a graceful lady in the 70’s. The sad thing about Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof and Kak Comel are that they both are no longer with us, for Allah swt loves them more.

I certainly can write a lot about Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof and for one, he is an example of a Commander who loves all his officers and men. One striking trait of his leadership is that he does not show his temper when something goes wrong however bad, and the only thing that comes from him is the word ‘bisa’. And to all of us, we know that something is not right.

There was a time when I had to accompany Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof to his temporary rented bungalow at Harvard Estate, early during his time as the Commander. The HQ has yet to obtain an official approval for a government house for the Commander from the Kedah state government, through the District Office. During one of my duties as an accompanying officer, and having to stay with him is his rented bungalow, and in some private moments, Gen Jimmy Yusof would confide to me about his childhood life in Segamat, Johor, and the hardship he had to endure having to come from a relatively poor family. His father, I was told was just a ticket collector at one of the Cinema’s in Segamat.

He even told me that he feared losing Kak Comel during his courtship days because of his poor family background against the much wealthier family of Kak Comel, who hails from Muar, Johor. But fate has it that, that they were to be married happily and bore 5 beautiful daughters…………..just wonder where are they now. To remember Kak Comel by, I still have in my possession of a black kain songket that I bought from her at just the cost of RM50. That was the kain songket I used to wear with my black baju Melayu at official functions during my service days.

Certainly the days with Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof has a profound influence in my life, in the remaining years of my service with the army, and Kak Comel has been a wonderful Kakak to our families. Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof loves ‘briyani gam’, a Johor delicacy and my wife being from Johor had the pleasant opportunity to cook for Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof, his favourite food during a function at his official quarters.

Recently, I was told that the new army leadership has directed that all officers to go back to basic in their daily professional life as officers, and be more responsible to their men. I fully understand the reason why the COA has come out with such a directive, and I think such a directive could steer army back to its original form, purpose and priorities. Maybe in some postings later, I wish to share my thoughts on my understanding of the term ‘back to basics’ with samplings of my experiences with Gen ‘Jimmy’ Yusof

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

A RESOUNDING WELCOME AWAITS MALAYSIAN VOLUNTEERS

Since Monday 31st May incident of the Israeli commando raid on MV Mavi Mamara that was part of a 6 vessels Gaza bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for the Palestinians entrapped in Gaza, the local mainstream media, both electronic and print, has been abuzz reporting almost minute by minute, the development surrounding the incident that have left 9 dead and 60 injured.

On board the MV Mavi Mamara were 12 Malaysian volunteers who represented various NGOs, besides a number of other international volunteers. There were also 6 other Malaysian volunteers on board MV Racheal Corrie that was seized by Israel, and all have since been released. The government had also dispatched the Foreign Minister to Jordan to ensure the safety of all Malaysian volunteers, this despite having an Ambassador in that Kingdom.

What caught my attention is the reaction of some Malaysians (politicians included) that I term as overzealous, relegating local thriving issues to the back burner. The nation is now hotly debating serious economic and social drawbacks that are likely to impact the well being of the Malaysian population in the new future, but this issue somehow does not appeal to the mainstream media. Even the unsettling ‘prediction’ by Senator Idris Jala recently that this country will go bankrupt in less than a decade from today, is not well received by some from within the government itself. His prediction they say is off tangent to reality.

And setting aside the massive financial debacle by some large corporation like the PKFZ and more recently Sime Darby, the government finds it expedient to shove up the issue of the Israeli raiding incident as a prominent national issue that overrides the economic and social woes that Malaysian will be expecting. Even UMNO Youth leader Khairy who had completed a month stint with the army territorial is ready to fight to save Palestine from the marauding Israeli commandos. I just wonder if the one month army stint was enough for Khairy to shoot straight with his rifle.

I had just read that the returning Malaysian volunteers will be received by DPM Muhyidin Yassin at KLIA, and I am sure he will be accompanied by a motorcade of ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials, besides the car load of UMNO supporters (Puteri UMNO likely to be included) with welcoming banners to add colour to the fiesta. And the welcoming party does not end there. The volunteers will then be driven to meet the PM presumably for a cup of tea, but hopefully not to the garlanded and be officially accorded national heroes.

In my 34 years in the army, I am yet to see any returning component of the military that had successfully served with distinction on UN Peacekeeping missions all over the world, returning home to be received with such exuberance, pomp and splendor on a scale accorded to the returning Malaysian volunteers. When I returned from UN Peacekeeping mission in Cambodia on July 4th 1993, after 15 months duty, my returning troops was received by the 7th Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Abdullah Ghani only.

We were not at all disappointed. At least we had a Brigade Commander who cared.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

REMEMBERING 6TH BATTALION, ROYAL MALAY REGIMENT

45 years have passed since I first reported for duty to 6th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment (6 RMR) as a young officer, then based in Kluang, Johore. That was in February 1966, the year when Elvis Priestly, The Beatles, Cliff Richard and the unforgettable Matt Munro were my favourites at the time. But having joined the army, I had to leave stacks of records of my favourite singers at my mom’s home, and never to see the records again.

Arriving by train at Kluang railway station from Kuala Lumpur in the early chilly morning and stepping out off the train for the first time in Kluang, and not knowing what to expect on arrival at the battalion, made me a nervous wreck. I was all alone, and my course mate 2Lt Hanafi Hassan (opted for early retirement in the rank of Capt) was to arrive on a different train schedule.

The battalion had arranged a vehicle to pick me up, since I had written to the Adjutant about my date and time of arrival. The battalion was located 3 miles from Kluang town along the Kluang-Jamaluang road, and that’s how the camp derives its name i.e. Kem Batu 3, Kluang, Johor. Although it was just a 3 short mile drive to the camp, I felt that the drive took hours, and all the while my thoughts were on what awaits me upon arriving at the officers’ mess.

I think it was a Sunday morning when I arrived at the officers’ mess. It was still dark that morning, and there was no one to be seen. When I got into the officers’ mess, I was greeted by Pak Dollah, the mess waiter who was expecting my arrival. He then showed me my room which was a fairly large room for a new arrival like me. I was told that the officers’ mess was a British legacy, and looking at the entire building structure, it was certainly built for comfort. The main visitors hall and the adjacent dining hall were exceptionally large, well ventilated and with high ceilings. It also had a cloak room, unheard of in today’s modern officers’ mess. The officers’ mess also had a dedicated billiard room and a little cozy bar at its side. The corridors on either side of the main mess building were spacious, and serve as a place where officers could laze around for their evening tea after games.

My fear of being bullied by my seniors as a new entrant to the officers’ mess somewhat faded when I was welcomed by the other living-in young officers at breakfast. I wasn’t shouted at, nor was I ordered to perform some ‘extraordinary stunts’ to entertain my seniors. There was nothing of that sort, but it was a gentleman’s welcome that I was to receive.

The following day being a Monday, was my first day in the newly tailored green cotton uniform as a young army officer, adorning the rank of a 2Lt. I had to report to the Orderly Room that morning to be interviewed by the Adjutant, and subsequently the Commanding Officer (CO) whose office is at one extreme end of the Orderly Room. I was marched in by the RSM to be interviewed by the Adjutant, and subsequently the CO.

During the interviews, I was told that I was to report to B Company as the Platoon Commander of 8th Platoon; the first appointment assigned for a newly commissioned officer of the RMR. Upon reporting to B Company, I found out that my Officer Commanding (OC) was on a course and Lt Badaruddin Yassin, the Company Second-in-Command was officiating OC, and 2Lt Aziz Mansor was the Platoon Commander of 5th Platoon. Number 6th and 7th Platoon were without a Platoon Commander at the time, but was later assigned to 2Lt Zaini Hashim and 2Lt Syed Haider Syed Ahmad respectively. Battalions then were organized into three rifle companies of four platoons each.

Here, I would like to pay a special tribute to some key officers of the battalion at the time of joining the battalion, and they are as under:

1. Lt Col (John) Mokhti Jabar (deceased) - CO
2. Maj Syed Hamzah - Battalion Second-in-Command
3. Maj Abu Hassan (deceased) - OC A Company
4. Maj Dahalan Sulaiman - OC B Company
5. Maj Musa Mohamed (deceased) - OC C Company
6. Maj Isa Mohamed (deceased) - OC HQ Company
7. Capt Jaafar Yusof - Adjutant

I could recall a total of 60 officers served the battalion over the period that I was in the battalion i.e. Feb 1966 till Nov 1969, and of which only one rose to became the Chief of Army i.e. General Dato Ismail Hassan who was the Mortar Commander at the time. Several others have risen to become Generals as follows:

1. Maj Dahalan Sulaiman - retired in the rank of Maj Gen
2. Maj Syed Hamzah - retired in the rank of Brig Gen
3. Capt Jaafar Yusof - retired in the rank of Brig Jen
4. Capt Raja Ibrahim - retired in the rank of Maj Gen
5. 2Lt Aziz Mansor - retired in the rank of Maj Gen
6. 2Lt Jusoh Daud - retired in the rank of Brig Gen
7. 2Lt Hashim Karim - retired in the rank of Brig Gen
8. Lt Hussein Suffian - retired in the rank of Brig Gen in the RMAF
9. Capt Jailani Asmawi (deceased) - retired in the rank of Maj Gen
10. Lt Kol Shah Mohd Amin - retired in the rank of Maj Gen
11. 2Lt Muslim Yusof - retired in the rank of Brig Gen
12. Capt Sulaiman Kudus - retired in the rank of Maj Gen

My tenure with the battalion ended in Nov 1969 when I was then posted to Sg. Patani, Kedah to help raise the newly established HQ 6th Infantry Brigade (read my posting dated May 23rd 2009). I was told about my posting while playing tennis by the Adjutant, and there was no option given to me, except to accept the posting.

I was then courting my present wife, a Kluang lass that I had known for about a year. And on hindsight, the posting help hastened my marriage, and by the time I packed my bags to leave Kluang for Sg. Patani, I had a young wife to take along, and this time I wasn’t alone reporting to a new unit.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

ARMY WAR GAME SIMULATION SYSTEM – ERRATUM OF FACTS

I had on June 3rd 2010 posted an article titled, ‘Army War Game Simulation System – A Retender Exercise’ in which I had named a local bidding company i.e. Softlabs Technology Sdn Bhd, (hereinafter referred to as ‘the company’), had been awarded the LOI after having been successful in their product presentation to the Tender Board and Penal of Evaluators, against all other competitors. For some unknown reason, the LOI offered to the aforesaid company had to be withdrawn reportedly, because of a protest made against the company, believe to be a competitor.

I was told that even the ACA (now MACC) was called in to carrying out an investigation on the company, supposedly for alleged corrupt practices in the tendering process, only to find that there is no substantive evidence to prosecute the company. Hence, one does sense the malicious intent of the protesting company. This incident occurred in 2008.

I have recently been approached by several people who are in the know about the on goings that resulted in the withdrawal of the LOI from the company, which urged me out of sheer curiously, to further investigate the truth behind the failure to award the company the contract. Having spoken to several people who are closely associated with the project, I now believe that there was an element of sabotage by someone who was not satisfied that the company had won the contract.

I am also convinced that the company has the capacity and know-how to develop an indigenous software and associated system to fully operate and optimize the War Game Simulation System. I fully acknowledge that software development for war game simulation system is a tedious process. However, we are left with no other option, but to develop in-house for reason of security, and I am informed that this is where the strength of the company lies.

I also wish to state that I have erroneously mentioned that the military officer appointed as a member to the recent Tender Board has links to the previous army leadership. I have inadvertently erred in this regards, since the appointment was made by the newly appointed leadership; thus the appointment has no barring whatsoever to the previous leadership.

My revelations above may be construed by some as having ‘dubious hindsight dealings’ with the company, which I vehemently deny. Truth is what I seek, and the truth shall prevail. A compulsive liar is not what I want to be known.

As I have said in some early postings, I claim full responsibility for what I write, but at the same time, I also wish to be corrected if I have erred in facts.

I am glad that many of my friends have come forward to correct the errors of my previous writings, and to those that have been hurt, I extend to them my most humble apology. And as the saying goes…..’to err is human; to forgive is divine’.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

NOTICE OF AGM – ROYAL MALAY REGIMENT OFFICERS’ CLUB

The Royal Malay Regiment Officers’ Club will hold its 17th AGM at the Royal Malay Regiment Officers Mess, Port Dickson on Saturday, July 17th 2010 starting at 10.30hrs.

Besides the AGM, the club has organized several other activities as follows:
1. 0900hrs – Visit to the RMR cemetery.
2. 1500hrs – a. Shooting practice
b. Visit to Army Museum
c. Golf
3. 2000hrs – Dinner at RMR Officers Mess

Club members who have yet to receive this official notice from the club, and wish to attend the AGM, please contact Brig Jen Dato Roslan Abdul Rashid (R) at 019-2395112 or Mej Nordin Hassan (R) at 019-3113404 for further details.

The club can also be reachable via email as under:
kelab@kpramd.org

CORRUPTION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE – A FRIGHTENING REALITY

“Two fifths of civil servants suspected of graft”, says CUEPECS President Omar Osman. In terms of numbers, this would be about 418,000 civil servants, or 41% of the 1.2 million that is alleged to be involved in graft. This number is indeed alarming, and if one is to calculate the amount of money involved, it will surely be a frightening figure. Yet, in measures to cut subsidies that are currently being hotly debated, little is said about dealing with this scourge. I would say that the major cause of this country likely to go bankrupt is undeniably because of CORRUPTION, and this scourge can be extremely cancerous if the attitude of the relevant authorities to fight it to the very core is lackluster.

High profile cases of abuse and corruption has been reported many times, but the end result is somewhat predictable i.e. insufficient evidence, hence the case cannot be pursued any further. These are multi million ringgit cases, not the few ringgit that is so commonly reported done by our policeman, or some lowly rated enforcement officials. These multi million ringgit cases involved people in high places carrying multiple honorific titles against their name, and until we see such people being locked up in the prison cells, corruption among the lower ranks of the civil service can never cease; on the contrary, it can get even bolder.

Every year we read the Auditor General’s report which cites numerous cases of abuse and corruption in the purchase of items, equipments etc. by various ministries and agencies of the government. These are glaringly acts of abuse and corruption, and what actions taken to punish the offenders are seldom revealed. For as long as there are no punitive actions taken, abuse and corruption will continue to linger.

I believe there are fears among many of the so-called bosses to act against their subordinates for offence of abuse and corruption. They fear that their action will cause them to lose popularity and the resultant hardship that the offender’s family is likely to suffer. Such a mentality is common among Malay bosses, and I think this is partly the reason why Malays form the largest number that is involved in corruption. Shame though we are, but this is the reality that no one can deny. And going by the exposure made by Omar Osman, it is not surprising that a large portion of corrupt civil servants are those of my race. The same can also be said of the Armed Forces.

The fear of the Almighty’s wrath in the hereafter seems so remote among the Malays, and this is alarming. To say that the Malays have not had any religious grounding during their formative years is not true. Like all Malay parents, an early exposure of their children to religion is a must. Even my grandson had his exposure to the Koran at a tender age of 5, and is still attending Koran reading and religious classes till now, and I am hopeful that his early religious groundings will safeguard him from the evils and vices of this modern society.

But what I have observed happening today is certainly not what I have desired the Malays to be. For those mired in corruption, I do not really know whether their regular 5 times a day prayers means anything to them. Or are they just making a show that they are the true followers of their religion? I am not going to preach the good moral values that Islam propagates, for I am not anything close to being a preacher, but merely to voice my concern of the moral decay that is so rampant among my race today.

The army had taught me extremely good values that have guided me through life; hence my deep concern for the military that is now being seen to be no better than any other profession. Hence, I started my weblog and my persistent critical writings about abuse and corruption in the military, and how much it has riddled the honorable military profession. I blame this occurrence on some of its leaders who are themselves dishonorable and lacking in integrity, and can be easily swayed by money by some unscrupulous businessman. They have all been overcome by greed, and greed knows no limit.

Integrity is one sacred quality that all military officers must possess; without it, he/she is nothing more than a scum. I have said this before, and I will never cease saying it again, and many time more. For any military officer to be involved in corruption as a uniformed servant of the King and country, is a betrayal of trust that has been entrusted upon them by King and country, and my only hope is that this is well understood by all serving officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

And a final word, never fall prey to the temptations of money offered by some unscrupulous businessman. Remain steadfast as an honourable gentleman of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

ARMY WARGAME SIMULATION SYSTEM – A RETENDER EXERCISE

I had in August 2009 posted an article concerning the intended purchase of the Army War Game Simulation System (AWGSS) for the Army War Game Training Center being built at Gemas Camp that drew lots of flak from readers. This purchase has been mooted since the 80’s, but till today army has yet to have a system. Even getting an army officer to develop a computerized war game system jointly with USM in 1988, and subsequently with UTM was to end in failure.

I was informed that in 2005, Army decided to purchase the AWGSS outright from a reliable OEM through an open tender bidding. A tender bid was called in 2006, and a local company i.e. Softlab Technology Sdn Bhd won the bidding and the company was later issued with an LOI. Soon after the issuance of the LOI, Army decided not to proceed with the purchase due to reports of alleged abuse and corruption in the award of tender. I am told that a case has been filed and pending in the courts against some officials involved in this particular tender exercise for alleged abuse and corruption.

Early this year, a retender exercise was called and the closing date for tender submission was April 19th 2010. From the tender bidding list displayed at Mindef’s Procurement Division on 28th May 2010, there were a total of 12 bidders, and the bidding price ranges from RM73 million to RM35 million; the former being the highest bidding price and the latter being the lowest.

Now, there is already a talk in the market that this latest tender exercise is riddled with suspicion, because the officer heading the tender evaluation is an alleged crony with links to the previous army leadership. If this allegation is true, then they say that the winning bidder will most likely be the same company that had won the bid in 2006. Allegation like this does not auger well for the new army leadership and as such, it should not be taken too lightly, if army is indeed serious in wanting to eradicate abuse and corruption. Previous records of army purchases are said to be mired in alleged abuses of cronyism, favoritism and corruption, and this has angered many local businessman.

As I have suggested in some previous postings, in order for the new army leadership to rid itself of the stigma of abuses and corruption said to have been caused by the previous leadership, then drastic changes has to be made to replace those officers that are known to be cronies that are still lingering in the corridors of power at Army Headquarters. These officers are known to many, but many are just too afraid to spill the beans for fear of retaliation against their career.

I trust the new army leadership is one that is determined to shake off the bad legacies and poor perception left behind by the previous leadership. Integrity among some officers is badly tarnished and this has to be rectified. I am also pleased to hear that the new Army Chief has given specific instructions to his commanders and staffs recently on some restrictions with regards to the game of golf, among others, one that disallows officers to be accompanied by businessman in their casual round of golf.

There are certainly many ways to curb abuse and corruption in the army. Maybe it time that army device a system of check and balance in its tender processes, and including some form of due diligence be conducted on officers selected to be members of the Tender Board, as well as the Tender Evaluation Team to ensure that they are officers of the highest integrity. Surely, such officers are not too difficult to find.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

RETIRED ARMED FORCES OFFICERS' CLUB

I believe many retired officers of the Armed Forces like me have received a letter from the Retired Armed Forces Officers' Club (RAFOC) informing them that the club have been revived, and have invited all retired military officers (regardless of their armed service) to join the club. I personally do not know the number of military officers that have now retired, but I think the number is phenomenal, and is continually growing.

RAFOC was formally registered as a club on 9th September 1987 whose objective among others is to enable retired military officers to hold and organise various activities that are of mutual interest, besides to be kept abreast of each other's well being, and to continually nature a relationship that has been built by the years of togetherness in the military service. Some years ago, the club became inactive due to some foreseeable reason, and on the insistence of some former members, the club activities was revived late last year.

On a personal note, I think the club's activities should not be restricted to the aforesaid social activities only. I think, RAFOC can act as an 'external voice' to represent the Armed Forces, besides having a say on matters relating to the nations' defence and security. I do know that some of our retired senior military officers, particularly those that have held the position of Service Chiefs (SC) or the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) do maintain a close rapport with their counterparts (particularly that of the ASEAN countries) who though have themselves retired, are still actively involved with the administration and government of their countries. I do not know if ever any of our retired senior officers have been invited to play a role in enhancing bi-lateral ties affecting the defence and security of our country, vis-a-vis that of our ASEAN neighbours. If the government have ignored our retired senior military officers, then I can only conclude by saying that the government has lost the professional service of some experts in defence and security issues.

I also believe that RAFOC can also act as a voice to counter any misrepresentation on the roles and responsibilities of the Armed Forces in national defence and security. It was only recently that a politician have cited that the army will be used, should another May 13 occur in this country. Such a statement should not have been uttered by the politician concern, as it is likened to a statement of threat to innocent citizens. The Armed Forces is neither a threat to the ordinary citizens, nor should it be seen as a political instrument that can be manipulated by politicians or anyone. The deployment of the Armed Forces can only be decided by the Armed Forces Chiefs Committee (Jawatankuasa Panglima Panglima). I would have liked that the Armed Forces comes forward to dispel the statement made by the politician, but such a statement however was not forthcoming. Neither has the Ex-Servicemen Association said anything to dispel the statement made by the politician.

I am also of the view that RAFOC should remain staunchly apolitical club, that does not serve the political interest of any political party or individual. But that does not mean that RAFOC should remain mute if there are transgressions made by anyone to disregard and be disrespectful to the avowed roles and responsibilities of the Armed Forces to King and the nation. If the present Armed Forces leadership or the Ex-Servicemen Association for reasons of their own, cannot check-mate any transgression made by anyone that is seen to be disrespectful of the Armed Forces, then I think RAFOC should rightfully be the entity to come forward to counter or dispel such transgressions.

I do not know whether RAFOC will willingly undertake the additional roles that I have argued above, or will such roles transgress the objectives of the club. It is merely a thought that I would like to offer to RAFOC, as I see that the club can still play an active role on issues relating to defence and security and the Armed Forces well being in general; because defence and security is a matter of concern to every single citizen (retired military officers included) of this country

Finally, I see the full benefit of RAFOC and the causes for which the club was formed. I would therefore like to appeal to all retired military officers who have received the letter from RAFOC to join the club and to attend the AGM scheduled on Saturday, 26th June 2010 at a place to be notified later. With numbers the club can be a force to be reckon with; never as force in politics, but a serious voice of reason.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

KTMB LAND DEAL – WHY THE HASTE?

The speed at which PM Najib concluded a deal with his Singapore counterpart over the proposed relocation of KTMB's train terminal at Tanjung Pagar to Woodlands is baffling. Once again, Malaysia have lost a historical landmark that has been ours since the colonial days, just by a stroke of a pen. Earlier it was the RMAF Sg. Besi airbase, and a few months ago, it was Pulau Batu Putih. What else is going for sale or lost, is any one's guess.

I do not know what all it takes for PM Najib to strike such a hasty deal with his Singapore counterpart. But as an ordinary citizen, I am terribly concern that this all important issue, i.e. the question of the nation's sovereignty is given a backseat. Nations go to war over their rights to retain land, and in the example of KTMB land deal, it seems a cup of tea was all it takes to conclude an agreement. Malaysians are totally ignorant as to how the deal was made, and by saying that Khazanah owns 60% of the deal in the future development of KTMB land is not enough to satisfy every right thinking Malaysians. The least PM Najib could have done was to raise this issue in Parliament.

Former PM Tun Dr. Mahathir had once remarked that it is not easy to negotiate and to strike a deal with the Singapore government, that is to our advantage. But in the case of PM Najib, it wasn't that difficult at all. What is so lacking in Tun Dr. Mahathir that he had so often failed in his dealings with his Singapore counterpart. And what is so obviously easy for PM Najib to appease his counterpart to accept an agreement, that has for years been kept in abeyance.

I know for sure that officials of the Singapore government are not dumb and stupid. They are the best crop of the nation, and it is not so easy to hoodwink them. They do not have people like Bung Mukhtar, or for that matter, the likes of Nazri Aziz as lawmakers. Each an everyone of them are scholars, and I think PM Najib knows this.

My only hope is that PM Najib does not get hoodwink by his Singapore counterpart in this KTMB land deal, and that the agreement reached is in the best interest for both Malaysia and Singapore.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

US ARMY RECALLS ADVANCE COMBAT HELMETS

It was reported that the US Army had recalled 44,000 Advance Combat Helmets (ACH) that was supplied to them by ArmorSource for some defects that does not meet US Army's technical specifications.

It was reported that US Army Program Executive Officer, Brig Gen Pete Fuller in rejecting the ACH remarked that, “Soldiers safety is our number one priority”.

Here we note the mark difference between the Malaysian Army and the US Army when dealing with equipments that are known to be defective, where the former would just close an eye if a defect is observed. I blame this solely on the lack of integrity on our officers who may have been on the 'pay roll' of the agents or suppliers of such defective equipments.

The US Army has shown us what integrity is all about, and that soldiers safety is paramount. Will the Malaysian Army be bold enough to do likewise, in rejecting some known defective combat helmets that was supplied to the army recently?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

FOOTBALL BETTING – IS IT HALAL OR HARAM?

The answer to the question posed in the title of this posting is best answered by the religious gurus within the government. I would personally like to hear from the Minister in the PM Department in charge of Islamic affairs, his personal opinion with regards to this issue. As of now, there is absolute silence from all of the government’s religious gurus, including the Malay champion PERKASA. Why the silence…….I don’t know. To say that they do not have eyes to see and ears to hear may not be true.

I don’t blame PM Najib for approving the Football Betting activity because he may be ignorant of the religious ruling on this matter, but certainly I do not forgive his religious advisers. Or are the religious advisers too afraid to say to PM Najib that Football Betting is haram? Where are the Muftis then? And why are they silent too? Mind boggling indeed!

The government claims that Islam is the official religion of this country, but what they do contradicts the official Islamic status of this country. Is the government thinking of collecting taxes from this gambling activity, and don’t they know that money derived from all forms of gambling activities is haram? It was only about two months ago at a mosque in Bukit Antarabangsa during a Friday prayer that the sermon by the Imam that day was all about ‘duit haram’, where the congregation were told that anything that you do with ‘duit haram’ is haram. Even a primary school boy will understand what the Imam had said, but strangely, our government’s religious gurus seem oblivious that Football Gambling is haram, and money derived from such an activity is haram.

I do not want to claim to be a religious guru, but I certainly know that Football Gambling is haram. So let us not try and defend what PM Najib has done, and to reason that he had approved it for the non-Muslim only.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

NAZRI AZIZ – PLEASE BE MORE RESPONSIBLE IN WHAT YOU SAY OF OTHERS

It was reported that the Coroner’s Court has rejected a motion to cite Minister in PM’s Department Nazri Aziz for contempt for allegedly calling Dr. Pronthip a liar after the latter had failed to attend the resumption of the inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

In rejecting the motion, Coroner Azmil Mustapa Abas cites that, “Nazri was merely expressing a personal view”. He further cites that, “To say that Dr. Pronthip lied is not acceptable, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion”.

I must thank Coroner Azmil for his professional judgment in rejecting the motion to cite Nazri Aziz for contempt. I can now call anybody a liar as I please, and then say that I am expressing a personal view, and am entitled to my own opinion. I can also now call the Coroner and Nazri Aziz a lair as well…………could I?

Personally, I think this judgment does not make any sense at all. How could Nazri Aziz utter such a statement, just because Dr. Pronthip does not want to present her findings personally to the court. Dr. Pronthip has her reason not to attend the court in person, and one has to respect her decision. By citing such a motion, the coroner has now created precedence for anyone to call a witness a liar if he/she fails to appear in court to defend his/her findings, or to be cross examined.

As for me, calling someone a liar is not a pleasant thing to do unless I am extremely sure that he/her has lied. Taking Dr. Pronthip’s case, no one except those with a professional knowledge similar to that of Dr. Pronthip can make any observation/comments on Dr. Pronthip’s findings. Now, who is Nazri to make a comment and to call Dr. Pronthip a liar? Is he a member of the prosecution team? If he wants to be in the prosecution team, then he should resign his minister’s post? And being a minister, does he think he has the right to make comments on any cases that goes before the courts?

I just wonder, sometimes learned people can be so uncouth and a bothersome. And Nazri Aziz is one minister who has the capacity to say things that are uncouth and lacks finesse. I can simply sum up by saying that it is the upbringing of Nazri Aziz that has made him what he is today.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

PM NAJIB MUST ADMIT THAT HIS CAMPAIGNING METHOD WAS FLAWED

PM Najib has made the biggest blunder of his life; something that I and most people would not want to believe nor hear what he has said during his recent by-election campaign in Sibu. I wouldn’t want to watch the video of him campaigning again, because I believe that what he did was all wrong. I am surprised that he had the audacity to utter ‘child like promises’ to the people of Sibu. Isn’t the manner the promises were made a form of corruption? If it was not, then what do you call it? It is just like saying, “I give you this million ringgit contract, and you give back 500 thousand in kickback”.

We have had five PMs before Najib, and as far as I can recall, none had campaigned the way that Najib did. I think, the honorable Tun Abdul Razak would the first person to criticized Najib, and I do not know what the others would say. Tun Dr. Mahathir and Tun Abdullah has so far refrained themselves from commenting, and could it be that they are in agreement with what Najib had done? Silence does indicate agreement.

I want to be honest that I once admired Najib, for I like his simplicity, caring, approachable and mild mannered nature. I first met him when he was the Menteri Besar of Pahang, when I was then the Chief of Staff of HQ 4 Brigade back in the early 80’s. Having to attend several state meetings in which he presided, and despite his youth, I still appreciated his maturity at the way he conducts the meeting. He was then in his late 20’s, and I was nearing 40 then.

The last time I met Najib was when he flew in to visit the Malaysian troops serving in Cambodia in 1992. I attended dinner with him in Cambodiana Hotel that night, and in attendance was PERNAMA Chairman, retired Gen Tan Sri Hashim Ali. We talked among others, the quantum of UN allowances that each soldier was to receive, and Gen Tan Sri Hashim Ali supported my view that the UN allowances must be paid in full to each soldier, without any deduction. Gen Tan Sri Hashim Ali was making reference to the deduction made by the government upon the UN allowances paid to our soldiers serving in the Congo then. Najib must have heeded the argument made by Gen Tan Sri Hashim Ali and upon his return to Kuala Lumpur; he announced that soldiers serving with the UN in Cambodia shall receive their UN allowances in full. That announcement fulfilled the promise that I made to my soldiers at a parade in Majidee Camp, Johore Baru, prior to our departure to Cambodia when I said that, “ if I were to receive 1 ringgit, you all too will receive 1 ringgit”.

Now that Najib is the PM, he has changed somewhat in his tone and language. The language that he had used in Sibu, appears like he is so desperate in wanting to win, and is willing to disregard decency and good campaigning ethics. He was at his best trying to dangle a carrot to his audience that eventually was thrown back at him. I would say that the BN could have won if Najib had used his own personal strength i.e. his good-natured character. He did not employ such demeaning tactics during the 12th GE. Najib has now to swallow his pride and accept a portion of blame for BN’s lost, and not just simply say that the Sarawak BN campaign machinery was not up to the mark. He should have been more direct by saying that the Sarawak Chief Minister, who has been at the helm of the state government for more than two decades, should assume full responsibility for the loss, and not to remain mute and oblivious to the issues affecting Sibu.

Losing Sibu, a former stronghold of the BN is a bitter lesson for Najib’s administration. If the lost of Sibu is to serve as a wake-up call for the up-coming Sarawak state election and the 13th GE, then the BN had better watch out. Losing Sarawak would mean losing the political grip of the Federal government and with that ends BN’s political dominance over the whole nation.

Dangling the carrot is no longer an assured method used to appease the voters, especially the Chinese in Sarawak. It may still be applicable here in the peninsular because the Chinese in Sarawak and the Chinese in the peninsular are two different people. The BN could use such campaigning methods successfully with the Ibans, just like the way the BN did with the Malays and Indians voters during the Hulu Selangor by-election.

My appeal to Najib is please change your campaigning methods to something more honorable and decent. Stop this carrot dangling method as it is nothing more than corruption. What you have done is to encourage more corruption, and it does not surprise me now that this country will one day end up like Zimbabwe. Besides, you have also given sufficient ammunition to the opposition to ridicule you in the next GE.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

MORE ARMED FORCES CAMPS FOR SALE – TRUE OR FALSE?

I have just received a note in my post box this morning that I want to share with all my readers, the contents of which is appended below. I do not know whether the note is written in jest, or is it the truth. I will leave it for all to judge.

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ARMED FORCES CAMPS FOR SALE

Following the recent sale of the RMAF base in Sg. Besi, Kuala Lumpur, the government has now offered for bidding several other Armed Forces camps as under:
1. RMAF base Subang, Selangor
2. RMN base Lumut, Perak
3. Army base Camp Mahkota, Kluang, Johor
4. Mindef complex, Jalan Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur
5. Army camp, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
6. Army camp Terendak, Melaka
7. Army Camp Kuantan, Pahang
8. RMAF base Kuantan, Pahang
9. Army base Kuching, Sarawak
The above camps are not conclusive, and more Armed Forces camps will be offered for bidding in the next 6 months. There is no price tag offered, and the winning bidder is one that offers the highest price quote. Bidders are advised to submit along a full detail of what they proposed to do with the camps. End.
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Since no mention is made with regards to the evicted units and occupants of the above camps, I therefore assume that the units will be disbanded to save cost that is likely to be incurred by the government.

Can someone please confirm whether the above note is true or otherwise?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

THE ORDER OF THE DAY - SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW CHIEF OF ARMY

Come Monday, May 24th 2010 the newly minted Chief of Army (COA) Jen Dato Zulkifly Zain will make his maiden speech in what is known as ‘The Order of the Day’ speech at Sg. Besi Army Camp in a grand army parade. The speech sets in motion the COA desire on the shape and form of what he expects the Army to be. Normally, it is from this speech that policies/instructions emanate and to be disseminated down to the various commands for implementation. It is quite normal too that a text of the speech is prominently displayed at various places within the formation and units, to be mustered by officers and soldiers.

I do not know what is in the mind of the new COA, and how he intends to structure his speech. I hope the contents of the speech is not going to be one that is too ambitious and high sounding, but a speech whose ideas and thoughts are achievable, practical, desirable and most of all benefiting the army. I hope too that the speech is void of any intended acquisition of more sophisticated military hardware and grandeur projects. I would rather like to hear how the new COA intends to consolidate the forces (equipment and men) presently at his disposal, and to build them into a formidable force capable of meeting the challenges and demands of a modern army.

To meet the challenges and demands of a modern army, the developmental aspect of the human capital is of primary importance. Hence, I hope to hear the measures that the COA would take to fulfill the aforesaid requirement that not only emphasizes the development of the officer corps, but including the other ranks as well. Related to this, I hope he allude to the developmental aspect of the various army training institutions, to be coupled with the introduction of new teaching and training methods that is based on technologies that can generate excitement and realism in training.

I would also like to hear how he foresees the army reserve force (ARF) be develop into a force that can truly augment the regulars in time of need. There should be greater emphasis on ‘cross training’ and affiliation with the regulars so that a common bond and understanding is achieved. ARF must never be treated as a ‘second class army’, rather they be treated as equals with the regulars, if not better.

In so far as the technical units are concern, the thrust would be to develop knowledge and skills that can lead officers and soldiers alike to become experts in a specialized field. They should also be encouraged to go into research and development that can contribute to the development of the local defence industry. I have no doubt that our officers and soldiers have the prerequisite knowledge and skill to indulge in research and development; an area that has not been given focus in the past. The knowledge and skill that they have acquired is no loss to the army when they retire; on the contrary it will be a gain to the private sector and the nation upon them leaving the army.

I also hope that the speech does allude to the importance that the army is apolitical organization and should not be dragged into any political squabble by any one political party. Politicians must be told to avoid inferring the use of the army in any foreseeable civil disturbance. The decision to use the military or otherwise is a military one, and is not to be dictated by politicians. The public has to be reminded of the army’s primary role and it’s pledged loyalty to King and country. A word should also be made as to the army’s continued role in support of national development, particularly of the rural areas.

An emphasis must also be made with regards to developing a joint force operational capabilities with the other two armed services, because future wars will be joint in nature. Every effort must be made to include the participation of the other two armed services in all major army exercises, and such exercises must be well scheduled and regulated. The idea is to think 'joint', and not single service anymore.

Finally, make it clear that the army does not tolerate corrupt officers and soldiers, as the profession is a noble and honorable one. Establish a clear policy to refrain officers from having any dealings with businessman, or be seen to favour a particular businessman that has business interest with the army. If officers and soldiers are found to be corrupt, the punishment must be severe as a deterrent to others.

I wish the new COA the best of luck, and I have every confident and hope that he will lead the army to new heights.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

WHERE HAVE THE MILLIONS GONE?

Each time I take the route along MMR2 overlooking the newly built army housing complex at Sg. Besi camp, I say to myself that this was the place that I last served prior to my retirement. And seeing the new housing complex, I thought it will be the final solution to the housing problems of soldiers who had to go on rentals, since there were an acute shortage of public housing for the soldiers during my time.

The construction took a long period of time to complete; almost a decade; and it was only last night that I was told that the developer i.e. Syarikat Perumahan Negara (SPN) had done a shoddy job. If one were to view the housing complex from the exterior, it will look good, but getting into the houses speaks a different kind of story. I inquired further, only to be told that the military authorities in Sg. Besi have refused to take over most of the houses because of the numerous defects found to the houses. Now where do we go from here, and whom do you blame.

Millions have been spend, and millions more will be spend on infrastructure development for the Armed Forces, and each time a contract is awarded to someone, the result is full of uncertainty.Why has this to be so, if it is not because of the massive corruption that is all too familiar in the construction industry. Someone did say to me that the construction industry in this country is the most corrupt industry, and there is little doubt now that SPN has proven it to be so.

These are some of the real issues that the Armed Forces should be serious about i.e. proper housing for soldiers, and not be too enthusiastic about the procurement of military hardwares that costs billions. What good are these billion ringgit military hardwares if your soldiers are living in dilapidated houses, and where the maintenance money is never enough?

I did make a comment regarding the dilapidated and famous Army Combat Training Center (PULADA) in Ulu Tiram, Johore in some earlier postings. I say famous because even the former Ugandan President Addi Amin was trained in that center when it was occupied by the British Forces in the 50's. I did ask someone to make a visit to the center and to witness for themselves the terrible state of affairs at the center. I say, just throw one billion ringgit from the eight billion ringgit allocated for the 8x8 IFV project, and I can assure you that with that money, you can get three ultra-modern PULADAs that will benefit hundreds of officers and soldiers. At least with an ultra-modern PULADA, we will no longer be ashame to receive visitors from overseas and to show them that the Malaysia Army's training facility is comparable, if not better than that of other modern armies. I served PULADA twice, and I was terribly ashame to take my foreign visitors on a tour around the center.

Once again, I say where have we gone wrong? I think the answer lies in the leadership.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

MUSHAARAF – BLATANTLY WRONG IN FACTS

Come the month of June, I will be a 2 year old blogger. Actually, I started blogging after having known that a friend of mine i.e. retired Mej Dr. Rafick Khan Abd Rahman who owns a blog ‘rights2write’, has been writing to express his personal views over a myriad of issues, which he could not otherwise have done without his articles being edited, if he were to send his articles to the mainstream media.

I too have been writing and sending articles under the ‘Letters column’ of the New Straits Times, and my short letters too would be scrutinized by the editor. I also noted that if I were to send letters that are critical to the government, then my letters would end up in the waste paper basket. This was when I started to follow the foot-steps of retired Mej Dr. Rafick Khan, and to try my luck at blogging.

What I like most about blogging are the comments following the articles that I write. I read every piece of comment, and it is from these comments that I get to learn more about what I have written. I am not particularly concern about the language used by some commenter, but from the language they used, I can also make out the sort of person the commenter is, and understanding people’s character is one thing that I enjoy doing.

Here, I wish to draw the attention of my readers to an article that I posted on Friday, June 13th 2008 titled’ “The Madina Market Incident – A propaganda in its distasteful form”. I wrote the article rebutting what the former Pakistan’s President Pervez Mushaaraf wrote in his book, ‘In the Line of Fire’, in which he praised his troops for their daring exploits to save some Americans soldiers from being slaughtered by Somali fighters. Mushaaraf also commented that Pakistani troops were also involved in the ‘Black Hawk Down’ rescue efforts, but the Americans had failed to depict Pakistani troops heroic efforts in the movie.

I wrote an email to the Chief of Defence Force then i.e. Gen Tan Sri Aziz Zainal about this fake propaganda by Mushaaraf, where I told him that it was the Malaysian troops that were instrumental in the rescue of the trapped American soldiers; not the Pakistani troops as depicted by Mushaaraf in his book, and to put right the imperfections of Mushaaraf writings. I did not get any response; neither do I know whether my comments have been acted upon. If my comments have not been acted upon, then Mushaaraf has succeeded in telling a blatant lie to the world that the Pakistani troops were the heroes that had served the American soldiers from being slaughtered. From the story related to me by a Malaysian army officer involved in the rescue, the Pakistani troops were actually cowards and were never at the scene. (Please read my posting of June 13, 2008 for better understanding of the issue)

I would like to appeal to the present Armed Forces leadership to once again look into this matter, and to correct what I deem as a blatant lie by Mushaaraf, and worse still, dishonoring and denying the bravery of our Malaysian soldiers in Somalia, in the Madina Market incident. I would like to see a statement be made in the media, both print and electronic, to rebut Mushaaraf’s writings. Mushaaraf was wrong in facts, and it is our duty to correct it.

For the information of my readers too, my emails to the office of the President of Pakistan and the office of the Pakistan Chief of General Staff remained unanswered.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

RODZALI………… WHY DO YOU WANT TO GIVE UP SG. BESI EASILY?

RMAF Chief Dato Seri Rodzali Daud is reported to have said that the RMAF is ready to vacate the base in Sg. Besi to an alternative site, should a request be made by the government. However, the Defence Minister has denied any such move. Now, who are we to believe?

In the first instant, I think Rodzali does not appreciate history and lacks any knowledge that the RMAF’s birth place is the base in Sg. Besi. He is too young to know this, and hence such foolish thoughts. Just ask his predecessors; the likes of Sulaiman Sujak, Mat Ngah, Ghani Aziz (all are still alive and well), and I am quite sure they will fume in anger. These were the people who virtually grew up in Sg. Besi, and I know they all have a story to tell about the base. And here we have this young Chief who thinks moving out is the better option without appreciating the young history of the RMAF.

Each time I past the base on my route South, I recall the many Herald flights that I use to take to Sabah and Sarawak. I also remembered having to return from Labuan in the 60’s in a RAAF C 130 Hercules flight with my mother awaiting my return. I also remembered seeing the RMAF Chief then, Mat Ngah riding his BMW big bike around the base, and I admired him for his long and curly hair. These are thoughts that come to my mind when I see familiar things, and Sg. Besi air base is one place that I am extremely familiar with. Surely, we do not want Sg. Besi air base to be another Mid Valley, and the congestion that it will create around the area.

I would like to appeal to Rodzali to discard the idea of moving out the Sg. Besi air base to a new location. Moving out will only enriched others, but the RMAF will lose a significant part of its history. And I being a lover of history vehemently despise such a move.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

THE OPPOSITION PARTY’S PREDICAMENT

In the situation where PKR is at now, I think it requires a miracle to get the party out of its predicament. There seems to be a trail of issues and problems besetting the party mainly caused by defections, dissensions, and speculations of further defection of more party members that may costs PR state controlled government to weaken. Anuar Ibrahim seems a spent force, and his on-going sodomy trial is seriously tapping into his resources, which I think is affecting his physical well being. The ‘gang-ho’ that he was, is eroding.

Though one may blame that there are the hidden hands of UMNO/BN behind all the problems besetting the PKR today, I would rather attribute the failure of the PKR leadership itself to scrutinize its own members, who by and large were formally UMNO/BN members. Some carry along with them the egoistic and arrogance posture that is a trademark among some UMNO elitist. I would also think that the bottom line is personal and materialistic gains, and the void of any sincere and steadfast loyalty to party. This has been the bane in UMNO/BN in the past, which has now manifested itself in PKR…….an eerie manifestation.

I somehow do not see a similar trend infecting PAS or DAP. Generally, their members have been staunchly loyal to the party, and it is because of this that the party has remained intact, and is quite free of self serving individuals. It is evident that there is greater sense of loyalty among its members towards its leaders, and the squabble among members for party positions is not too obvious. Internal squabbling is kept low keyed. And of course, one has not heard nor come across accusation that its members are involved in money politics, a creation of UMNO and a redefining in the meaning of corruption. Securing a party position means nothing really to them, because it does not come with the largesse, contracts or whatsoever.

The formal coalition of PKR, PAS and DAP into a unified Pakatan Rakyat (PR) for the up-coming General Election scheduled in the next two years will be a daunting one for whoever is to assume the leadership of the coalition. A loosely knitted PR is certainly not the way to challenge a well machined BN that has the ‘sky as its limit’. And by remaining in separate political entities does not portray unity; rather it show a serious division that is shrouded in mistrust and uncertainty.

The formal coalition (if ever it is to be realized), need to be strong and a leadership that is buttress in absolute loyalty, corruption free and its policies focused towards people oriented policies. Promises of grandeur projects that is suppose to benefit the people, like that of the many ‘corridors’ introduced during the time of Tun Abdullah Badawi’s administration, I think will no longer draw the peoples support. Who are the beneficiaries of such grandeur projects, if it is not the elitist and the powers that be? The rural folks remained sidelined, or are merely spectators to the dislodgement of their once tranquil and serene environment.

PR has to be realistic in their promises to the people, which must be easily understood and implementable. The promises of millions here, millions there is all hallow talk, and it does not appeal to the people any longer. Anyway, where is the money to throw when PR is not the ruling government? PR therefore cannot take on UMNO/BN based of the promises for grandeur projects. PR can certainly take on UMNO/BN over the ‘bread and butter’ issues, and these are the core issues that are at the heart of the people, and the lists are aplenty. Relook and capitalised on the winning strategies that was adopted in the 12th GE. If it was successful once, it may be successful the second time.

Two years more from the 13th General Elections is not too far away. And if PR thinks that the party can create another ‘tsunami’ that can take them along the road to Putrajaya, then the groundwork has to begin now. This means that there should no longer be any petty squabble from within and among the parties. PR has to solidify its members and they must be willing to entrenched themselves in all nook and corners of the country. The idea is to be visible and to create a ‘third column’ like strategy that was successfully adopted by the Japanese in Malaya in the run up to World War 2. Knowing the needs of the people is the key to winning the election. And similarly in war, and as the saying goes, knowing the enemy wins the war.

Now the million dollar question is who among the leaders of PR today that can lead the charge during GE13. Will it be a leader from PKR? Will it be someone from PAS, or will it be from DAP? The obvious answer is that the person has to be Malay, and my bet is that he is somebody from PAS. Will my prediction be right this time? We will have to wait and see.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

IBRAHIM ALI – PLEASE GIVE 1 MALAYSIA A CHANCE

“I don’t need to apologies to anybody. Even if the guy puts a gun to my head, I would not do so” say Ibrahim Ali, the Malay hero. Would you want me to believe in what he had said? Well, I hope somebody does put gun to his head and I bet you he will plea for mercy. No right minded and sane person wouldn’t panic at being pointed a gun. Only an insane person does react to fear, and if we are to believe in what Ibrahim Ali has said, then I say he is clearly insane.

What has angered this Malay hero? Was it over the failed attempt by some Malay NGOs to gather in Trengganu to commemorate May 13? Why throw tantrums at others? Wasn’t it not PM Najib who disallowed the gathering to be held, and if it was so, then throw your anger at PM Najib. Would Ibrahim Ali dare to do this? I don’t think so because he has all to loose, and his political career will be in jeopardy. After all, he only has another 2 more years in parliament and after that time, he will be left in a limbo. UMNO wouldn’t lift a finger to lend support for him in the next GE, and he knows that. Hence, he has to make a name for himself now as a Malay hero (without troops) in the hope of securing Malay rural support in the next GE.

Ibrahim Ali, don’t you be so confident that just because you were able to successfully gather the Malays for the PERKASA gathering a few ago months ago, you think you can be voted again in the next GE? It wasn’t you that drew the Malay crowd. It was the presence of Tun Dr. Mahathir. Take away Tun Dr. Mahathir, and you will be left alone howling at an empty PWTC hall.

What you are doing now does not auger well for this country. You must recognize that ours is a multi-racial country, and we have lived together respectfully as a nation for many years. To say that the Malays have dominated the country’s political, economic and social life is totally incorrect. The other two races have made significant contributions too and we ought to be thankful for that. We will not be what we are today without them. We have no choice but to live together for the good of our children and our generation to come, as this is the only country and home that they know. The Malays will gain respect if we respect others, and this was what I saw during my formative years. Maybe, you have not lived side by side with other races; hence your parochial outlook.

PM Najib, I think is trying to put right the racial divisions that are prevalent in our society today, with the 1 Malaysia slogans. I personally think he is doing the right thing, but Ibrahim Ali’s actions are a diversion to PM Najib’s aspirations. So Ibrahim Ali, please give 1 Malaysia a chance.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

LET’S STOP BUYING FRENCH

Big things are happening in the French courts. French investigators are digging up a trail of corruption and kickbacks alleged to have been paid by French defence manufacturers Thales (formerly known as Thomson-CSF) and DCN (the manufacturer of the Scorpene submarines) to officials and agents in Taiwan, Pakistan, India and Malaysia for the purchase of French made submarines. Just imagine that these two companies are government–owned and that being so, French government officials are therefore deemed to be corrupt as well. It was reported that in the past, the extent of corruption goes right into the palace of the French President.

Recently, Mr. Joseph Breham, a French investigator was in Malaysia to carry out enquiries supposedly relating to the purchase of the two Scorpene class submarines by the Malaysian government, which was built by Armaris (a subsidiary of DCN). The French investigator has made some revealing statements that identified Perimekar, the Malaysian agent for the Scorpene deal, was merely commission earner without any prior experience in naval procurement. Perimekar’s incorporation as a registered Malaysian company for the multi billion ringgit deal was done only a few months before the signing of the contract. Mr. Joseph Breham further reveals that DCN is famous for paying kickbacks and commissions, as was noted in the Taiwan and Pakistan cases. The Malaysian government has said that it does not want to have anything to do with the French investigator, and this only strengthens public belief and perception that there were indeed some dubious dealings i.e. a hefty kickback.

A kickback reportedly of 140 million Euro was paid to the Malaysian agent, but what is of concern to the investigator is whether any portion of the kickback was funneled back to French officials. The poor Mongolian beauty never got her share of the commission for being a ‘partner’ in the deal. She got blown to smitten instead. And similarly, I do not really know if Razak Baginda actually got his portion of the commission, since the money trail was not detected anyway in banks in this country. Had the money been here, BNM would surely have detected it. However, the revelation by the French investigator does confirm that there was a commission paid, and where do you think is the money deposited?

It is unfortunate that dealings with French defence manufacturers has resulted in a trail of death that is believed to have been caused by failed promises of cash payouts, blackmailing, greed etc. Pakistan and Malaysia are cases in point. Mysterious cases of death like these makes excellent James Bond movie and I hope some movie producers at some point in time will consider making one. And to dispose off a dead body with the use of the C4, I am sure is an act that has never been filmed before.

Malaysia has had a bad experience over the submarine deal that leaves an indelible black mark in our country’s defence dealings with France. Now, we hear of the probable purchase of the Eurocopter for the RMAF, which has a French label attached. The Army too has recently gone for the French manufactured 120mm Rifled Mortars manufactured by Thales. And I suppose the ammunition for the mortars is also French manufactured. Unfortunately, the mortars are not to be mounted on French made mortar carriers, but most probably on the Adnan Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV); a Turkish brand. I am just wondering if the Adnan IFV is sufficiently built to take on a 120mm Mortar mounted role. If Adnan IFV is not suitable, then there will always be the French to the rescue.

The Eryx anti-tank missile that is in the army’s inventory is also French manufactured. And it was only a few days ago that a friend send me an email showing a video of a French soldier deploying the Eryx, whose missile dropped only a few meters in front of the soldier when fired.

So the French connection with Malaysia is strong, and it will get stronger if French defence manufacturers remain willing to offer hefty commissions and kickbacks to Malaysian agents. That’s how Malaysian agents operate anyway. Someone did pass a remark to me recently when he said to the effects that, “if you want to be an instant millionaire, go for French”. Not French fries please, but the Euros.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

PROMISES, PROMISES EVERY WHERE AND NOT A DROP IS FULFILLED

I just do not know whether to laugh or cry when I read that PM Najib during his visit to some long houses along the Rejang river has said that the “BN is committed to improving the living standard of the rural folk in Sarawak and Sabah”. Since he was touring the longhouses along Rejang River, I presume he was making reference to the folks living in dilapidated housing conditions in that area.

Mind you, I have been to Sarawak recently and visited a longhouse in Kg. Prangkan Mawang, not very far away from Serian town(read my posting dated May 9, 2010), and to my horror, the longhouse is still without pipe water and electricity. We are already in the 20th century, and the BN has ruled this country since independence. But what I saw in Kg. Prangkan Mawang appears that Sarawak is still living in the 40’s. Fortunately, the men no longer wear the ‘cawat’, and the women folks are all dressed up. But it was a different scene altogether in Kuching town, where the home of the ministers, their families, and top government officials live in palace-like homes with exceedingly large compounds. These lots of people certainly live well ahead of the 20th century.

If PM Najib was touring the Rejang valley, let me tell you that I was there in the 70’s travelling upstream along the Rejang river from Sibu to Kapit. I lived for a year in Song, a small town just downstream from Kapit. There were several longhouses in Song that I use to frequent, and there was no pipe water and electricity then. Even in the town of Song, the power was from the generator with intermittent supply. I honestly do not know whether the longhouses in Song today have pipe water and electricity, but from my observation of Kg. Prangkan Mawang, I guess the situation in Song has not changed.

So what is PM Naib saying about improving the living standard of the rural folk in Sarawak and Sabah? Isn’t 50 years long enough for the Sarawak and Sabah governments to raise the living standards of the rural folk? Or do they need another 50 more years to realize the dreams of the children and grandchildren of the rural folks of the two states to access pipe water and electricity?

The promises and talks about improving the living standards of the rural folks and the eradication of hardcore poverty among rural Malaysians have been played over and over again, and it gets louder especially during the elections. But really, nothing substantive will occur after the elections. So what do you term such failed promises and talks? My understanding is that if you have made a promise and you do not fulfill the promise, then you are called a liar. I do not know what other better or worse superlatives to use.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

WHAT IS IN THE WORD……..SORRY?

Why is it so difficult to say sorry? The IGP says that the police will not apologies to the parents of school boy Aminulrasyid Amzah who was shot dead by the police late last month in Shah Alam. The parents of Aminulrasyid has demanded an apology from the police for alleging that Aminulrasyid was a suspected criminal, and that the IGP has refused to apologies citing that it could have legal implication, since the case is now with the courts.

Please forgive my ignorance and not being a lawyer, I do not understand what does the IGP means that by apologizing, they are legal implication. Is the IGP implying that by saying sorry, the police are deemed to have admitted to the murder? Or by saying sorry, it gives the parents of Aminulrasyid an advantage in court to prosecute the police for alleged murder? Or by saying sorry, the IGP has shamed the entire police force by giving in to the demands of an aggrieved mother?

My understanding of the word SORRY, I think differs from that of the IGP. As a child, my parents (and I believe that of the parents of the IGP) taught me to say sorry for every mistake that I make, regardless of whether the mistake was made deliberately or otherwise. I am told that saying sorry is to show humbleness, and an act of showing remorse. It does not really matter the magnitude of the mistake made, and how slighted the person can be. But by saying sorry upon realizing that a mistake has been made to someone, any normal person would have opened their hearts and willingly accept the apology.

I think the IGP is just too stubborn and has little remorse for the inadvertent failure of his own people. He seems not having the feeling of guilt that his men has committed a grievous mistake (rightfully or wrongfully), and that the mother of the dead victim has lost a dear son. Mind you, some mothers would go berserk upon losing someone dear, what more if being shot by the police.

The IGP opted to defend his men (rightfully or wrongfully) for an act that most would consider it too excessive. The gun is certainly not a toy. It kills and the user must know this. Letting loose a shot, or several shots deliberately aim at someone is an act intended to cause hurt or at worse death to someone. The question that I would like to pose is whether shooting is the only option to the policeman, when he suspects a criminal. Even if a crime has occurred, is shooting the criminal dead the correct cause of action? What if the crime is just stealing food from a food stall? Is death the only sentence befitting the crime of stealing food? I really do not know, but I think the policeman need to be more conscious and cautious of his action, and that what he does is not deemed too excessive. I think, this is where most policeman have failed, and that failure I presume lies in their training i.e. to be thoroughly trained to recognise how and what to act within the bounds of their powers.

By not willing to apologies, I hope the IGP has not set a bad precedence to the younger generation of police officers and ranks where the word sorry has little meaning and value. I hope too that our children and grandchildren do not take the example of the IGP where saying SORRY, seems no longer a word of humility.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION