Perkasa boss Ibrahim Ali has once again opened his big mouth. He now speaks like he is the Minister of Internal Security, or does he think he is Prime Minister designate? And mind you, Ibrahim Ali is privileged to be seated besides, of all people the Home Minister Hishamuddin himself commenting issues related to internal security and in particular the ISA. Is Hishamuddin acknowledging that Ibrahim Ali is the expert on matters of national security; hence the former need the latter’s expert advice? I think Hishamuddin is wrong to have Ibrahim Ali as his ‘consultant’ for there is many more experience and expert Malaysians on matters of security.
Ibrahim Ali was reported to have said that he wants future detentions without trial to bypass the courts and instead rely on a committee with credible people. He went further to say that national security goes above human rights and freedom of expression. He argued that using the court system (to deal with ISA cases) will take a long time. His statement is in reference to PM Najib’s proposal that the ISA will be repealed and to be replaced by two new laws. Hishamuddin thinks that Ibrahim Ali’s comment is credible, but I say to the former that I seriously beg to defer.
Look here Ibrahim Ali, what you are suggesting mirrors what a communist regime of old would do to scuttle dissenting voices. Communism is long gone where even the two largest communist nations in the world i.e. Russia and China have opened themselves out to the globalised world. I am not denying that both the countries does not have ‘ISA like policies’, but what I am saying is that we a nation that was built on democratic principles should move out from any notion of fear of the country being run over by communist-like elements.
I say to Ibrahim Ali that any form of threat (be they communist inspired, racial or religious threats) cannot survive in this country. So do not get ‘over drive’, excited and paranoid the moment you hear someone say something that sound anti government. And doesn’t Ibrahim Ali know that when the people are deprived of their basic rights, poverty prevalent and abuses rampant, this situation becomes more dangerous that a communist threat? Look at what happened to the North African Muslim states of recent times. The people revolted and threw out their government, and do we not want to learn anything from it?
You and I know that the ISA is a colonial legacy meant to defeat the communist threat then. The British saw the need to legislate such punitive laws because there was real physical threat from the MCP and its sympathizers towards the security and safety of the country. With the end of the first Malayan Emergency and the resurgence of the insurgency, the ISA continued to be enforced, and rightly so. But the situation today is so different after the final surrender of the MCP in 1989. What we have today is merely a friction of the real threat faced by us throughout the Malayan Emergency and the period of the Insurgency. Now, even raising religious and racial issues is considered a threat to national security and this demands the ISA to be applied. Words seem to be more dangerous than weapons itself.
I think Ibrahim Ali’s comment and proposal is dangerous to the safety and security of the country, and if Hishamuddin does heed to the former’s ‘advice’, I would then ask Hishamuddin to resign and have Ibrahim Ali take over the Home Ministry.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
CLEANSING OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL – BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Sixty thousand odd voters have been struck from the electoral roll of the 12.3 million voters, says the Election Commission (EC), and this was done between July and September this year. Further to this, another fifty thousand voters’ record is being scrutinized, and that adds up to more than one hundred thousand who must have been voters during the 2008 GE. What an alarming figure, and it is only now that the EC realized the discrepancy that would otherwise be kept away from public notice.
Now, let me ask you this question. If it wasn’t for Bersih 2.0 and the public surge for electoral reform, do you think the EC would want to take all the trouble to do what they did and announced their ‘achievement’ and supposedly ‘hard work’ to the public? Have the EC ever announce such cleansing act to the public in the past? Never; they would rather keep it quiet away from public notice, and continue doing the ‘tricks’ that they have been doing all these years. They would even say the postal voting is the most secured voting system in the world, and I do not know which other country in the world conducts postal voting the way we do. I believe our postal voting is flawed and has been abused, and I will continue to say this if nothing drastic is done to change the system. I hate dishonesty, and I believe it is because we have been dishonest all the while that truth is slowly being revealed. I think many more ‘tricks’ will be revealed in the months to come.
Following the Bersih 2.0 rally, the government has proposed the setting up of an Electoral Reform Committee that will comprised of members from both the political divide. I hope members will also include those from Bersih; rightfully so because they were the ones that started the initiative for an electoral reform. This reform is not to meet the interest of any one political party or politicians, but it is to meet public and voters interest. I have read somewhere that the composition of members of the committee has been determined, but I am not aware of its terms of reference, or whether the committee has convened.
With so much yet to be done to resolve the issues plaguing the EC, I am quite certain GE 13 will not be held within the next 6 months or so. It was rumored that the elections will be held in November, and there was even a prediction made that the incumbent government will be reelected if the election is held in November. I would believe in the prediction if no electoral reform is carried out, but it would be a tough election if all of Bersih’s demands are met by the EC or by the Electoral Reform Committee.
I’ll be reaching 68 in a few months from now, and my only hope is to see the next election be the ‘cleanest’ and ‘abuse free’ GE. But what concerns me is that this upcoming election is the 13th GE, and that number can be worrisome for those who are superstitious. Can that number be a bad omen for the BN or PR? This, we will have to wait and see.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Now, let me ask you this question. If it wasn’t for Bersih 2.0 and the public surge for electoral reform, do you think the EC would want to take all the trouble to do what they did and announced their ‘achievement’ and supposedly ‘hard work’ to the public? Have the EC ever announce such cleansing act to the public in the past? Never; they would rather keep it quiet away from public notice, and continue doing the ‘tricks’ that they have been doing all these years. They would even say the postal voting is the most secured voting system in the world, and I do not know which other country in the world conducts postal voting the way we do. I believe our postal voting is flawed and has been abused, and I will continue to say this if nothing drastic is done to change the system. I hate dishonesty, and I believe it is because we have been dishonest all the while that truth is slowly being revealed. I think many more ‘tricks’ will be revealed in the months to come.
Following the Bersih 2.0 rally, the government has proposed the setting up of an Electoral Reform Committee that will comprised of members from both the political divide. I hope members will also include those from Bersih; rightfully so because they were the ones that started the initiative for an electoral reform. This reform is not to meet the interest of any one political party or politicians, but it is to meet public and voters interest. I have read somewhere that the composition of members of the committee has been determined, but I am not aware of its terms of reference, or whether the committee has convened.
With so much yet to be done to resolve the issues plaguing the EC, I am quite certain GE 13 will not be held within the next 6 months or so. It was rumored that the elections will be held in November, and there was even a prediction made that the incumbent government will be reelected if the election is held in November. I would believe in the prediction if no electoral reform is carried out, but it would be a tough election if all of Bersih’s demands are met by the EC or by the Electoral Reform Committee.
I’ll be reaching 68 in a few months from now, and my only hope is to see the next election be the ‘cleanest’ and ‘abuse free’ GE. But what concerns me is that this upcoming election is the 13th GE, and that number can be worrisome for those who are superstitious. Can that number be a bad omen for the BN or PR? This, we will have to wait and see.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
WHO ARE WE TO BLAME FOR MAS FAILURES?
The Malaysian Insider Tuesday 27, 2011 headline reads “Dr M says fed up with MAS, backs Air Asia swap deal”.
I just could not understand the involvement of Dr. M in the deal. Is he the owner or part owner of Air Asia that gave him the right to comment on the deal? I personally feel that the deal is lopsided with MAS ending up the biggest loser. It does not make sense to me to see our national carrier with a long track record of service being swallowed up by a ‘junior’ airline. I think MAS loyal staffs were right in expressing their protest over the deal and if this matter is not accorded a fair treatment, I think MAS/Air Asia is heading for disaster.
And even before the deal can be formalized, Air Asia has gone into a ‘shopping spree’ by acquiring English premier league football club Queen’s Park Ranger. I do not know the gains to be derived by this acquisition and whose decision was it for the airline to make the acquisition. From what I read, the name of Tony Fernandez is all over the media, and it would seem that he is the owner of the club. But one wonders where did he get the money to acquire the club? And acquiring an English football club is no small money.
Now, going back to the statement made by Dr M, one needs to look at the failure and success of MAS since its inception. There were times when MAS was flying high with excellent in-flight service that equals the best in the world. I can still say that MAS has maintain such excellent in-flight service; unlike Air Asia where every bit of service is at a cost. I dread ordering the in-flight Air Asia catering service that is served at exorbitant rates.
I think, MAS as a national carrier ought not to be blamed for any delays in the finalization of the swap deal. Blame it on the top management. And who actually decides the appointment of the top management all these years? Is it not the government itself? If you were to appoint a ‘crook’ or a ‘thief’ to the top management, then don’t blame MAS for all the failures. And do we not see ‘crooks’ and ‘thieves’ heading MAS in the past? And who was the guy that caused MAS to lose billions, and yet no one is really interested in bringing him to the courts.
Had MAS been led by people of integrity and God fearing, it will today be one of the best managed airlines in the world. It is easy to blame, but difficult to accept responsibility. This is where we Malaysian have gone wrong.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I just could not understand the involvement of Dr. M in the deal. Is he the owner or part owner of Air Asia that gave him the right to comment on the deal? I personally feel that the deal is lopsided with MAS ending up the biggest loser. It does not make sense to me to see our national carrier with a long track record of service being swallowed up by a ‘junior’ airline. I think MAS loyal staffs were right in expressing their protest over the deal and if this matter is not accorded a fair treatment, I think MAS/Air Asia is heading for disaster.
And even before the deal can be formalized, Air Asia has gone into a ‘shopping spree’ by acquiring English premier league football club Queen’s Park Ranger. I do not know the gains to be derived by this acquisition and whose decision was it for the airline to make the acquisition. From what I read, the name of Tony Fernandez is all over the media, and it would seem that he is the owner of the club. But one wonders where did he get the money to acquire the club? And acquiring an English football club is no small money.
Now, going back to the statement made by Dr M, one needs to look at the failure and success of MAS since its inception. There were times when MAS was flying high with excellent in-flight service that equals the best in the world. I can still say that MAS has maintain such excellent in-flight service; unlike Air Asia where every bit of service is at a cost. I dread ordering the in-flight Air Asia catering service that is served at exorbitant rates.
I think, MAS as a national carrier ought not to be blamed for any delays in the finalization of the swap deal. Blame it on the top management. And who actually decides the appointment of the top management all these years? Is it not the government itself? If you were to appoint a ‘crook’ or a ‘thief’ to the top management, then don’t blame MAS for all the failures. And do we not see ‘crooks’ and ‘thieves’ heading MAS in the past? And who was the guy that caused MAS to lose billions, and yet no one is really interested in bringing him to the courts.
Had MAS been led by people of integrity and God fearing, it will today be one of the best managed airlines in the world. It is easy to blame, but difficult to accept responsibility. This is where we Malaysian have gone wrong.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
TIME FOR RETRIBUTION WILL COME
Now, the inquest’s verdict is out i.e. that Sarbaini’s death was a misadventure, which meant that he was not murdered nor did he commit suicide. He died having slipped off the MACC HQ’s building in KL. One wonders what he was doing on a narrow ledge of the building’s third floor pantry window. Was he trying to escape unnoticed by the MACC, thinking that he could jump onto the roof of the badminton court below? But why does he need to do this since it was reported that he came to the MACC HQ on his own free will. It would have been different if he was trying to escape after being arrested.
In the case of Teoh Beng Hock, the inquest ruled that Teoh committed suicide. In other words, he died on his own accord and that no one is responsible or can be accused for his death. But I think Teoh wasn’t a crazy guy to simply take his own life without a cause or reason. If he isn’t crazy, then there must be a strong cause and reason that had made him jump off the window of the fifth floor of the Selangor MACC HQ building. Even someone with real courage would not want to do what Teoh had done.
So, escaping and jumping off the window of an MACC building has now become a trend if one wants to escape the hell of MACC. Only fools would want to do that, and I think both Teoh and Sarbaini are certainly not fools. There is no reason to escape through the window when there are enough doors to get through. One would believe if Teoh and Sarbaini were ‘graduates’ of the Tanjung Rambutan Mental Hospital, but on the contrary both were sound and decent human being enjoying a good life i.e. one with a family and the other was about to be married. What are the factors and reason that had led them to escape through the window and fall to their death would seem unimportant.
With that verdict, both the cases are deemed to have ended. No one at MACC is faulted upon, and all can now proceed to do what they were good at doing i.e. investigating cases of corruption, abuses and what not. ‘Guilt’ is never a word that is of concern to the MACC officers, and should there be another incident of death while in their custody, then one can guess what the verdict would be.
The same can also be said of death while in police custody, where no one has yet to be brought to justice. I think, justice can only be served if the dead can be brought back to life, and that can only happen in the hereafter. As of now, those that were a party to the death while in MACC and police custody can continue to enjoy the worldly pleasures without the fear of retribution. But pray and pray hard that the time for your retribution will certainly come.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
In the case of Teoh Beng Hock, the inquest ruled that Teoh committed suicide. In other words, he died on his own accord and that no one is responsible or can be accused for his death. But I think Teoh wasn’t a crazy guy to simply take his own life without a cause or reason. If he isn’t crazy, then there must be a strong cause and reason that had made him jump off the window of the fifth floor of the Selangor MACC HQ building. Even someone with real courage would not want to do what Teoh had done.
So, escaping and jumping off the window of an MACC building has now become a trend if one wants to escape the hell of MACC. Only fools would want to do that, and I think both Teoh and Sarbaini are certainly not fools. There is no reason to escape through the window when there are enough doors to get through. One would believe if Teoh and Sarbaini were ‘graduates’ of the Tanjung Rambutan Mental Hospital, but on the contrary both were sound and decent human being enjoying a good life i.e. one with a family and the other was about to be married. What are the factors and reason that had led them to escape through the window and fall to their death would seem unimportant.
With that verdict, both the cases are deemed to have ended. No one at MACC is faulted upon, and all can now proceed to do what they were good at doing i.e. investigating cases of corruption, abuses and what not. ‘Guilt’ is never a word that is of concern to the MACC officers, and should there be another incident of death while in their custody, then one can guess what the verdict would be.
The same can also be said of death while in police custody, where no one has yet to be brought to justice. I think, justice can only be served if the dead can be brought back to life, and that can only happen in the hereafter. As of now, those that were a party to the death while in MACC and police custody can continue to enjoy the worldly pleasures without the fear of retribution. But pray and pray hard that the time for your retribution will certainly come.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, September 26, 2011
MACC LOSS OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
NST Monday, September 26, 2011 reported that the three MACC officers involved in the extortion-cum-robbery at KLIA on September 15 has been transferred to a ‘desk job’ and that the MACC is conducting an internal investigation into the case.
I just simply cannot understand what a ‘desk job’ means, and why should the MACC be allowed to conduct an internal investigation when the case is clearly criminal in nature. Isn’t this not going to be a police case or are the police waiting for the MACC to file a report first before they (police) take on the case? Or is it because the MACC officers are government salaried; hence they have the luxury of time and the case is at the pleasure of the MACC.
What if it was done by someone else or that it was done by me? I am quite sure I will be placed in a police cell without haste and denied off my worldly benefits; with the exception of the air around me. I know too that I will be abused to solicit a confession and the case speedily presented to the court, tried and incarcerated in Sg. Buloh prison. That is the privilege one gets being a no body.
Base on what I know being a retired government servant, a case like this that is criminal in nature should have been handed over to the police with an accompanying police report. I think the MACC are experts at making a police report, but in this particular case involving their own officers, they are somewhat hesitant in filing a police report. Why do they need to do an internal investigation is mind boggling. This should rightfully be a police responsibility and not theirs. You and I know that an internal investigation is usually flawed and lopsided, and any incriminating evidence that goes against the department is usually shielded off. I have heard this done too often.
Now, taking the three ‘thieves’ off their appointment and placing them to a ‘desk job’ is also something I cannot understand. If I was the MACC Director, I would have suspended the three ‘thieves’ and imposed a loss of earnings and benefits until such time the case is resolved by the court. I do not know what are the regulations and procedures to be taken on government officers involved in criminal activities, but certainly I don’t believe the action taken by MACC is correct.
I am told that the stolen cash of about RM1 million is still not found, and the remaining two honourable ‘thieves’ are still missing. Or are they now enjoying their loot in Casablanca, Paris or Les Vegas?
MACC certainly has a long way to go to redeem their lost pride and public confidence. I most certainly have lost confidence in the MACC, and don’t blame me and the rest. And just ask the Singapore money changer if they can trust the MACC.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I just simply cannot understand what a ‘desk job’ means, and why should the MACC be allowed to conduct an internal investigation when the case is clearly criminal in nature. Isn’t this not going to be a police case or are the police waiting for the MACC to file a report first before they (police) take on the case? Or is it because the MACC officers are government salaried; hence they have the luxury of time and the case is at the pleasure of the MACC.
What if it was done by someone else or that it was done by me? I am quite sure I will be placed in a police cell without haste and denied off my worldly benefits; with the exception of the air around me. I know too that I will be abused to solicit a confession and the case speedily presented to the court, tried and incarcerated in Sg. Buloh prison. That is the privilege one gets being a no body.
Base on what I know being a retired government servant, a case like this that is criminal in nature should have been handed over to the police with an accompanying police report. I think the MACC are experts at making a police report, but in this particular case involving their own officers, they are somewhat hesitant in filing a police report. Why do they need to do an internal investigation is mind boggling. This should rightfully be a police responsibility and not theirs. You and I know that an internal investigation is usually flawed and lopsided, and any incriminating evidence that goes against the department is usually shielded off. I have heard this done too often.
Now, taking the three ‘thieves’ off their appointment and placing them to a ‘desk job’ is also something I cannot understand. If I was the MACC Director, I would have suspended the three ‘thieves’ and imposed a loss of earnings and benefits until such time the case is resolved by the court. I do not know what are the regulations and procedures to be taken on government officers involved in criminal activities, but certainly I don’t believe the action taken by MACC is correct.
I am told that the stolen cash of about RM1 million is still not found, and the remaining two honourable ‘thieves’ are still missing. Or are they now enjoying their loot in Casablanca, Paris or Les Vegas?
MACC certainly has a long way to go to redeem their lost pride and public confidence. I most certainly have lost confidence in the MACC, and don’t blame me and the rest. And just ask the Singapore money changer if they can trust the MACC.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, September 25, 2011
PROUD TO BE A SELANGOREAN
Am I not proud to be a Selangorean? Of course I am proud after having being told that the Selangor state government has managed to increase its cash reserve by about RM200 million in the first 6 months of this year. With that, the total cash reserve now stands at RM1.1 billion i.e. the highest ever achieved by Selangor over the past 28 years. And I believe too that no other states in the federation can equal such achievement (probably with the exception of Penang). Certainly, Sabah and Sarawak cannot match Selangor even though Sabah/Sarawak is blessed with the abundance in natural resources.
Having said the above, I am quite sure someone will jump to the conclusion that I must be pro PR government (I have heard this being said to me many time before) and that I am insensitive to the previous government that has declared Selangor a develop state first ahead of the rest. I must say at the onset that I am neither pro PR or anti BN government. I am just merely stating a published fact that is deliberately shielded off the mainstream media for whatever reason……..God knows. And I am also not insinuating that Khir Toyo has done nothing good for the state. Certainly he has done something good, but he could have done better to even outclass Khalid Ibrahim’s three years reign over the state government. With Khalid Ibrahim’s achievement, many will ask how and where has Khir Toyo failed, and how and where has Khalid Ibrahim succeeded.
I have listened to Khalid Ibrahim speak in public, and my impression of him is that he does not have the oratory skills of the likes of Anuar Ibrahim or even that of Khir Toyo. Setting that aside, Khalid Ibrahim’s strength is his corporate and managerial skill in heightening revenue for the state, and that really matters when one is appointed the head of government. In a way, Khalid Ibrahim has fulfilled his responsibility to better improve the well being of the rakyat.
I was at my kampong a few days ago and the talk around the village is how pleased the senior citizens are to be given a onetime cash voucher of RM100 (I am yet to collect mine) by the state government to buy food staffs at authorized hyper markets. This is beside the other ‘goodies’ (regardless of race/religion or creed) offered by the Selangor state government, such as free water of 20 meter cubicles for every household, financial grants to students who gain university entry, elderly and disability scheme, heritage fund scheme and the rural micro credit poverty scheme. These are facts that everyone should learn from, rather than haul negativities over trivial issues at the state government.
The achievement of the Selangor state government certainly has it positive effects on the federal government too particularly that the excess revenue earned by the state is paid to the federal coffer in terms of taxes. PM Najib being the Finance Minister should be happy about this, and rather than be in the same chorus to criticize all the PR government is trying to do, PM Najib had better work with Khaild Ibrahim to see how the federal government could help to further prosper the state. I am sure the people of Selangor will appreciate this.
And now looking back to the years the previous government has been in power in Selangor, the state not only is the richest state in the federation, but the billions accumulated in the past could have been used to prosper the citizens of the state; like giving out cheap homes to the poor and the deprived. Even school fees can be done away with in the state and some cash subsistence be provided to the poor. In fact, the citizens of Selangor should be living in reasonable comfort; but certainly not like those state officials living in palace like homes paid for from……………God knows how and where. Do we not see this happening in Selangor and even in some other states? I hope Khalid Ibrahim will not be that stupid to do what Khir Toyo did……….to build a Bali like home in his village among the coconut trees.
Talking about palace-like home, I am drawn to a photo posted in some blogs of a house reportedly owned by a Minister in the PM Department who was appointment a Minister just two years ago. Now people are beginning to question his ability to own such a house, which he says is built from his saving and earnings. Well, he can say what he wants, but why has he to build the house now, while being a minister? Does he not know that being a minister (a first term minister at that) he comes under constant public scrutiny and this is unavoidable? And when people see something unusual, especially like building a palace-like home that is assessed to be no less than RM5 million, this will surely raise the ‘alarm’ and public awareness. Don’t blame the public to this; blame yourself for not thinking deep enough and of your ignorance.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Having said the above, I am quite sure someone will jump to the conclusion that I must be pro PR government (I have heard this being said to me many time before) and that I am insensitive to the previous government that has declared Selangor a develop state first ahead of the rest. I must say at the onset that I am neither pro PR or anti BN government. I am just merely stating a published fact that is deliberately shielded off the mainstream media for whatever reason……..God knows. And I am also not insinuating that Khir Toyo has done nothing good for the state. Certainly he has done something good, but he could have done better to even outclass Khalid Ibrahim’s three years reign over the state government. With Khalid Ibrahim’s achievement, many will ask how and where has Khir Toyo failed, and how and where has Khalid Ibrahim succeeded.
I have listened to Khalid Ibrahim speak in public, and my impression of him is that he does not have the oratory skills of the likes of Anuar Ibrahim or even that of Khir Toyo. Setting that aside, Khalid Ibrahim’s strength is his corporate and managerial skill in heightening revenue for the state, and that really matters when one is appointed the head of government. In a way, Khalid Ibrahim has fulfilled his responsibility to better improve the well being of the rakyat.
I was at my kampong a few days ago and the talk around the village is how pleased the senior citizens are to be given a onetime cash voucher of RM100 (I am yet to collect mine) by the state government to buy food staffs at authorized hyper markets. This is beside the other ‘goodies’ (regardless of race/religion or creed) offered by the Selangor state government, such as free water of 20 meter cubicles for every household, financial grants to students who gain university entry, elderly and disability scheme, heritage fund scheme and the rural micro credit poverty scheme. These are facts that everyone should learn from, rather than haul negativities over trivial issues at the state government.
The achievement of the Selangor state government certainly has it positive effects on the federal government too particularly that the excess revenue earned by the state is paid to the federal coffer in terms of taxes. PM Najib being the Finance Minister should be happy about this, and rather than be in the same chorus to criticize all the PR government is trying to do, PM Najib had better work with Khaild Ibrahim to see how the federal government could help to further prosper the state. I am sure the people of Selangor will appreciate this.
And now looking back to the years the previous government has been in power in Selangor, the state not only is the richest state in the federation, but the billions accumulated in the past could have been used to prosper the citizens of the state; like giving out cheap homes to the poor and the deprived. Even school fees can be done away with in the state and some cash subsistence be provided to the poor. In fact, the citizens of Selangor should be living in reasonable comfort; but certainly not like those state officials living in palace like homes paid for from……………God knows how and where. Do we not see this happening in Selangor and even in some other states? I hope Khalid Ibrahim will not be that stupid to do what Khir Toyo did……….to build a Bali like home in his village among the coconut trees.
Talking about palace-like home, I am drawn to a photo posted in some blogs of a house reportedly owned by a Minister in the PM Department who was appointment a Minister just two years ago. Now people are beginning to question his ability to own such a house, which he says is built from his saving and earnings. Well, he can say what he wants, but why has he to build the house now, while being a minister? Does he not know that being a minister (a first term minister at that) he comes under constant public scrutiny and this is unavoidable? And when people see something unusual, especially like building a palace-like home that is assessed to be no less than RM5 million, this will surely raise the ‘alarm’ and public awareness. Don’t blame the public to this; blame yourself for not thinking deep enough and of your ignorance.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Thursday, September 22, 2011
RAFOC HARI RAYA GATHERING AT FELDA VILLA
On Wednesday 21st September, RAFOC successfully held its first Hari Raya gathering at Felda Villa attended by no less than 300 retired Armed Forces officers including their spouses. This gathering wasn’t exclusive to RAFOC’s members only, but the occasion was meant to gather as many Armed Forces retirees, regardless of them being members or otherwise. The attractiveness of this inaugural gathering is in the casualness, dispensing formalities and protocols that the attendees were so accustomed to when in the service.
I was personally greeted by some of my ‘seniors’ with humbleness and courtesy. There was an atmosphere of excitement and fondness to be among long lost friends, and it was obvious to me too that the spirit of camaraderie among everyone, regardless of race is not lost, despite having long discarded the uniform. I would go further to say that everyone including the spouses have much to talk about and to reflect their memorable past. There are also the usual jokes to poke at someone, all said in jest.
For me, attending such a gathering is a reunion of sort. I was extremely pleased to have met some members of my intake, and am even more pleased to meet some who served with me in my first unit i.e. 6 Battalion Royal Malay Regiment, upon being commissioned into the army. And meeting them reminds me of the wonderful time together as young officers gallivanting off the evenings at Kluang and on several occasions at Batu Pahat.
The venue chosen i.e. Felda Villa was an ideal setting for the gathering. There was sufficient space to move around, and wasn’t restricted in an enclosed building like that of a hotel. This was good for smokers too and those who do not want to glued to their seat.
To all those that were involved in organizing the Hari Raya gathering, they all deserve to be commended for a job well done.
I have also been informed of RAFOC’s upcoming event i.e. the 2011 Annual Dinner slated for November. I believe most Armed Forces retirees will look forward to this upcoming event and to enjoy another eventful get together.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I was personally greeted by some of my ‘seniors’ with humbleness and courtesy. There was an atmosphere of excitement and fondness to be among long lost friends, and it was obvious to me too that the spirit of camaraderie among everyone, regardless of race is not lost, despite having long discarded the uniform. I would go further to say that everyone including the spouses have much to talk about and to reflect their memorable past. There are also the usual jokes to poke at someone, all said in jest.
For me, attending such a gathering is a reunion of sort. I was extremely pleased to have met some members of my intake, and am even more pleased to meet some who served with me in my first unit i.e. 6 Battalion Royal Malay Regiment, upon being commissioned into the army. And meeting them reminds me of the wonderful time together as young officers gallivanting off the evenings at Kluang and on several occasions at Batu Pahat.
The venue chosen i.e. Felda Villa was an ideal setting for the gathering. There was sufficient space to move around, and wasn’t restricted in an enclosed building like that of a hotel. This was good for smokers too and those who do not want to glued to their seat.
To all those that were involved in organizing the Hari Raya gathering, they all deserve to be commended for a job well done.
I have also been informed of RAFOC’s upcoming event i.e. the 2011 Annual Dinner slated for November. I believe most Armed Forces retirees will look forward to this upcoming event and to enjoy another eventful get together.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
MACC OFFICERS – A PACK OF THIEVES
Now, see what has become of our MACC officers when the department they serve is corrupt, sadistic and abusive. It is this very department that has been entrusted to investigate cases of corruption and abuse, but unfortunately, it is them that are the main perpetrators of such dastardly act. Not having had enough of it, the MACC officers have now turn to become a pack of honorable government salaried thieves.
Just read Free Malaysia Today dated Sept 21, 20011 to get the full story of extortion-cum-robbery involving five MACC officers (some senior ones included) and of whom three have been arrested by the police for alleged extortion-cum-robbery. The incident reportedly took place at KLIA where USD300 thousand was said to have been robbed in broad daylight by MACC officers; the victims being three Singaporean money changers on their fight home to Singapore. And having robbed the Singaporean money changers, they (MACC officers) had the courtesy to tell the victims not to report the incident. See how damn stupid these MACC thieves are?
I just wonder how such an incident involving government officers entrusted with the responsibility to stop the scourge of corruption have lowered themselves to become thieves and shamelessly corrupt. I can only reason that all the five MACC officers must have been involved in some form of corruption and abuse in the past. And I dare say too that there are still many others in the department that are equally corrupt. Although no names were mentioned, I can say for certain that most of them (if not all) are Malay MACC officers, and where do you expect me to hide my face when my friends of the other races talks about it? And it is for this very reason that I am dead against Perkasa’s Ketuanan Melayu that as of now has remain eerily silent.
I have said it many times in the past, and I will not stop saying that I am disgusted with my race that are by and large the biggest perpetrators of corruption and abuse in this country. I sympathies with those who are honest, clean and God fearing, but it is the corrupt and dishonorable few that has brought shame and disrepute to their race and to the organization they serve. I also believe that the rot starts at the top, and I do not mince my word if I say that the bosses must be equally corrupt; politicians and government officials alike.
I think we have seen enough of politicians (including government officials) mired in corrupt practices, and I say that I can no longer trust them for their honesty and integrity, for such exemplary personal qualities has now become a ‘rare commodity’ among them. Examples are many and as of today, some are awaiting trial for corruption, and my only desire is to see them incarcerated in prison cells. That is the only ‘reward’ they deserve for their dirty act.
To the three MACC officers, please do not seek pity from anyone, for you all deserve to be arrested and punished. The most you’ll get is a few years in prison and loss of privileges, but what you will get in the hereafter cannot be less than your earthly prison term. Let’s hope that your dastardly act serves as a lesson to others, that being thieves does not pay. My utmost sympathy goes to the families of these MACC officers.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Just read Free Malaysia Today dated Sept 21, 20011 to get the full story of extortion-cum-robbery involving five MACC officers (some senior ones included) and of whom three have been arrested by the police for alleged extortion-cum-robbery. The incident reportedly took place at KLIA where USD300 thousand was said to have been robbed in broad daylight by MACC officers; the victims being three Singaporean money changers on their fight home to Singapore. And having robbed the Singaporean money changers, they (MACC officers) had the courtesy to tell the victims not to report the incident. See how damn stupid these MACC thieves are?
I just wonder how such an incident involving government officers entrusted with the responsibility to stop the scourge of corruption have lowered themselves to become thieves and shamelessly corrupt. I can only reason that all the five MACC officers must have been involved in some form of corruption and abuse in the past. And I dare say too that there are still many others in the department that are equally corrupt. Although no names were mentioned, I can say for certain that most of them (if not all) are Malay MACC officers, and where do you expect me to hide my face when my friends of the other races talks about it? And it is for this very reason that I am dead against Perkasa’s Ketuanan Melayu that as of now has remain eerily silent.
I have said it many times in the past, and I will not stop saying that I am disgusted with my race that are by and large the biggest perpetrators of corruption and abuse in this country. I sympathies with those who are honest, clean and God fearing, but it is the corrupt and dishonorable few that has brought shame and disrepute to their race and to the organization they serve. I also believe that the rot starts at the top, and I do not mince my word if I say that the bosses must be equally corrupt; politicians and government officials alike.
I think we have seen enough of politicians (including government officials) mired in corrupt practices, and I say that I can no longer trust them for their honesty and integrity, for such exemplary personal qualities has now become a ‘rare commodity’ among them. Examples are many and as of today, some are awaiting trial for corruption, and my only desire is to see them incarcerated in prison cells. That is the only ‘reward’ they deserve for their dirty act.
To the three MACC officers, please do not seek pity from anyone, for you all deserve to be arrested and punished. The most you’ll get is a few years in prison and loss of privileges, but what you will get in the hereafter cannot be less than your earthly prison term. Let’s hope that your dastardly act serves as a lesson to others, that being thieves does not pay. My utmost sympathy goes to the families of these MACC officers.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, September 18, 2011
RETIRED ARMED FORCES OFFICER’S CLUB (RAFOC) – A PRESS STATEMENT
The much debated issue over the recent statement by PAS Deputy President Mat Sabu regarding the communist terrorist attack on the Bukit Kepong police station on the morning of February 23, 1950, that resulted in the death of 23 people mainly policemen, and including 3 women and a child has solicited a unified response from the Retired Armed Forces Officer’s Club (RAFOC), and including 15 other associated clubs and association of services and units of the Armed Forces.
At a press conference held at Royal Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on September 14, 2011, RAFOC has issued an unequivocal and irrevocable statement to the fact that the Bukit Kepong incident was an act of atrocity by the communist terrorist, consorted by Mat Indera, seen as a freedom fighter by some and a traitor by others. RAFOC is of the view that although units of the Armed Forces wasn’t involved in the incident, any statement meant to disparage the police force its fight against communist terrorism (regardless whether it was any period prior to, or the post independence period) is deem to insinuate Armed Forces counter communist terrorist activities as well.
RAFOC’s statement is made in the knowledge that the police force (including any other auxiliary police units) and all military units of the Armed Forces were united in the fight against the scourge of communist terrorism that emerged following the end of World War 2, and its resurgence in the late 60’s.
For any member of the security force (police and armed forces) that had battled the communist terrorist during the First Malayan Emergency and later, the period of the resurgence of communist terrorism would be slighted if their sacrifice were questioned, particularly by those who played no part in the fight against the communist threat. The fact that the nation is at peace today is the result of the sacrifices displayed by members of the Malayan/Malaysian security forces (including the commonwealth forces prior to and immediately following independence). RAFOC’s statement is merely to put forth in perspective its roles, together with that of the police force in their fight to eradicate the threat of communism.
Many have died in the course of fighting communist terrorism (some civilian officials included), and I think it is not heroism or honour that they seek in death. It is merely to fulfill their sworn responsibility to defend the country. And if they were to die in the course of fulfilling that responsibility, it thus becomes our responsibility now to defend their actions, and not to make disparaging remarks about them. I think this is where Mat Sabu has gone wrong, and RAFOC’s statement is quite explicit at that.
I have also heard rumblings from some retired military officers to say that RAFOC should avoid getting into a ‘political melee’ over the statement made by Mat Sabu. Here, it is not politics that is in questioned. It is about defending the honour and sacrifices of the fallen policemen; be they the servants of the colonial masters or otherwise. And indeed, the fallen policemen and the rest deserve an honourable place in the annals of our nation’s history, and their actions are not to be questioned.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
At a press conference held at Royal Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on September 14, 2011, RAFOC has issued an unequivocal and irrevocable statement to the fact that the Bukit Kepong incident was an act of atrocity by the communist terrorist, consorted by Mat Indera, seen as a freedom fighter by some and a traitor by others. RAFOC is of the view that although units of the Armed Forces wasn’t involved in the incident, any statement meant to disparage the police force its fight against communist terrorism (regardless whether it was any period prior to, or the post independence period) is deem to insinuate Armed Forces counter communist terrorist activities as well.
RAFOC’s statement is made in the knowledge that the police force (including any other auxiliary police units) and all military units of the Armed Forces were united in the fight against the scourge of communist terrorism that emerged following the end of World War 2, and its resurgence in the late 60’s.
For any member of the security force (police and armed forces) that had battled the communist terrorist during the First Malayan Emergency and later, the period of the resurgence of communist terrorism would be slighted if their sacrifice were questioned, particularly by those who played no part in the fight against the communist threat. The fact that the nation is at peace today is the result of the sacrifices displayed by members of the Malayan/Malaysian security forces (including the commonwealth forces prior to and immediately following independence). RAFOC’s statement is merely to put forth in perspective its roles, together with that of the police force in their fight to eradicate the threat of communism.
Many have died in the course of fighting communist terrorism (some civilian officials included), and I think it is not heroism or honour that they seek in death. It is merely to fulfill their sworn responsibility to defend the country. And if they were to die in the course of fulfilling that responsibility, it thus becomes our responsibility now to defend their actions, and not to make disparaging remarks about them. I think this is where Mat Sabu has gone wrong, and RAFOC’s statement is quite explicit at that.
I have also heard rumblings from some retired military officers to say that RAFOC should avoid getting into a ‘political melee’ over the statement made by Mat Sabu. Here, it is not politics that is in questioned. It is about defending the honour and sacrifices of the fallen policemen; be they the servants of the colonial masters or otherwise. And indeed, the fallen policemen and the rest deserve an honourable place in the annals of our nation’s history, and their actions are not to be questioned.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, September 12, 2011
ANOTHER OF HISHAMUDDIN’S ANTIC
You see what I mean when the authorities wants to nail down someone (especially opposition leaders). They will insinuate language of threat to the person concern. This was what Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein did in the case of Mat Sabu for the alleged remarks the latter made by referring to the communist that attacked the Bukit Kepong police station in 1950 as heroes (The Malaysian Insider, Sept 11, 2011), or did Mat Sabu referred them as freedom fighters?
This clearly reflects Hisham’s paranoia of the opposition where anything said by them is deemed a security threat to the country. But somehow, this rule clearly does not apply to the likes of Perkasa boss Ibrahim Ali when he told the Chinese community to stock up food and to remain indoors during the Bersih rally, or Senator Mohd Ezam Md Noh when he threatened to burn Malaysiakini’s office and calling it’s Malay employees to seek employment elsewhere. Both these personalities seem to have a certain immunity to say what they wish, and be rest assured nothing will happen to them.
Hisham, pardon me for saying this to you again………please think hard before you speak. Do not think you are the law yourself, and that you can use the language of threat on anyone you please. I have been listening and watching you talk, and I can say this………..you sound so immature and you lack substance in what you say. I also say that you’re keris yielding act was the most idiotic thing to do, and both your grandfather and father, if they were alive would not have liked what you did. Your grandfather was the person that wanted Malayans regardless of race to be reunited, and your father was a man of peace; incorruptible to the core. But unfortunately you Hisham, you are the reverse of Onn Jaafar and Hussein Onn, the two great Malay leaders that I admire most. I cannot say much of the Malay leaders of today; neither can I say much of you.
Now Hisham, you said that there may be other ‘punitive laws’ that can be thrown at Mat Sabu. Please use it on him, if this is the only way to stop the bickering that has been going on endlessly among politicians, academicians, retired members of the security forces and the general public over the alleged remarks made by Mat Sabu. And don’t you realize now that it is only after the remarks have been made by Mat Sabu that there is wide public acceptance that our national history taught in schools need to be restudied. And are you going to shut up Tun Dr. Mahathir for making such a remark? Try and do it if you dare. Had such a remark come from the likes of Lim Kit Siang or Karpal Singh, you will not hesitate to throw the books at them. And Utusan Malaysia will have a gala day reporting about it.
I wish to say this again, that this thoughtless bickering over Mat Sabu’s remarks that has not simmered for days on end is a total waste of time. I want our leaders to talk about the ‘bread and butter’ issues that has worsened and have made Malaysians much poorer. Try taking RM100 to the market today and see what all you can buy. And try to imagine the sufferings of our rural folks if they cannot afford to buy enough food to feed their families. Stop buying all the luxury staffs that some of our super rich politician wives are so fond doing, like buying expensive hand bags and jewelries. Please stop all this nonsense.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
This clearly reflects Hisham’s paranoia of the opposition where anything said by them is deemed a security threat to the country. But somehow, this rule clearly does not apply to the likes of Perkasa boss Ibrahim Ali when he told the Chinese community to stock up food and to remain indoors during the Bersih rally, or Senator Mohd Ezam Md Noh when he threatened to burn Malaysiakini’s office and calling it’s Malay employees to seek employment elsewhere. Both these personalities seem to have a certain immunity to say what they wish, and be rest assured nothing will happen to them.
Hisham, pardon me for saying this to you again………please think hard before you speak. Do not think you are the law yourself, and that you can use the language of threat on anyone you please. I have been listening and watching you talk, and I can say this………..you sound so immature and you lack substance in what you say. I also say that you’re keris yielding act was the most idiotic thing to do, and both your grandfather and father, if they were alive would not have liked what you did. Your grandfather was the person that wanted Malayans regardless of race to be reunited, and your father was a man of peace; incorruptible to the core. But unfortunately you Hisham, you are the reverse of Onn Jaafar and Hussein Onn, the two great Malay leaders that I admire most. I cannot say much of the Malay leaders of today; neither can I say much of you.
Now Hisham, you said that there may be other ‘punitive laws’ that can be thrown at Mat Sabu. Please use it on him, if this is the only way to stop the bickering that has been going on endlessly among politicians, academicians, retired members of the security forces and the general public over the alleged remarks made by Mat Sabu. And don’t you realize now that it is only after the remarks have been made by Mat Sabu that there is wide public acceptance that our national history taught in schools need to be restudied. And are you going to shut up Tun Dr. Mahathir for making such a remark? Try and do it if you dare. Had such a remark come from the likes of Lim Kit Siang or Karpal Singh, you will not hesitate to throw the books at them. And Utusan Malaysia will have a gala day reporting about it.
I wish to say this again, that this thoughtless bickering over Mat Sabu’s remarks that has not simmered for days on end is a total waste of time. I want our leaders to talk about the ‘bread and butter’ issues that has worsened and have made Malaysians much poorer. Try taking RM100 to the market today and see what all you can buy. And try to imagine the sufferings of our rural folks if they cannot afford to buy enough food to feed their families. Stop buying all the luxury staffs that some of our super rich politician wives are so fond doing, like buying expensive hand bags and jewelries. Please stop all this nonsense.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Saturday, September 10, 2011
THE IMPOSITION OF THE SERVICE TAX – A BANE TO USERS
“The government has no say in the imposition of service tax by telecommunication companies (telcos) on pre paid reloads and pre paid starters/SIM packs” says Minister of Information Rais Yatim. Beginning September 15, 2011 pre paid mobile users will be incurred a service tax of 6% whenever they buy a start kit or reload.
How easy it is for a minister to say such a thing, knowing full well that it is his responsibility to protect consumers against ‘unregulated price hikes’ by telcos. Yes, we have laws, policies, regulations and what not, but this price hike of 6% is hurting the pockets of mobile users of the lower income group that prefers pre paid rather than post paid. I think the minister isn’t aware of this because he may not be a pre paid mobile user, and I believe being a minister, his post paid mobile bills are charged to the government. I also think being a minister he does not even need to buy a hand phone, as it all comes at public expense.
I remembered in the late 80’s when mobile phones was a fashion. I too was caught in this new fashion trend and purchased a mobile phone the size of my size 8 shoe at exorbitant price. I use to boast around with my new found toy to impress others that I could now communicate with people outside the confines of my office or residence. The mobile phone was bulky. It wasn’t possible that I keep it in my trouser or shirt pocket. I had to keep it in my brief case. It wasn’t a policy then where officers holding ‘critical positions’ were equipped with a mobile phone at government expense; like it is today. I soon found that my new found toy was a bothersome i.e. high phone bill, too large to carry around and more importantly, just could not stop my boss and officers from calling me that I finally decided to do away with the cumbersome mobile phone.
Now getting back at the 6% hike in service tax for pre paid mobile phone users, I think the telcos are aware that there is a lot of money to be made by imposing the service tax. You and I know that the millions of illegal and legal foreign workers prefer the pre paid rather than the post paid. And if one were to conduct a nationwide survey on the preference of pre paid over post paid for mobile phones, I am sure pre paid outnumbers post paid users. So, do you now see the logic of the imposition of the service tax? If an idiot like me can see the logic of the increase in service tax, I do not see how the learned minister wasn’t able to rationalize this issue, unless he is a much bigger idiot than me.
I think we have enough of these price hikes that know no limit. And for a minister to come forward with such a statement, and for whatever reason, is to me an irresponsible statement and a defeatist.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
How easy it is for a minister to say such a thing, knowing full well that it is his responsibility to protect consumers against ‘unregulated price hikes’ by telcos. Yes, we have laws, policies, regulations and what not, but this price hike of 6% is hurting the pockets of mobile users of the lower income group that prefers pre paid rather than post paid. I think the minister isn’t aware of this because he may not be a pre paid mobile user, and I believe being a minister, his post paid mobile bills are charged to the government. I also think being a minister he does not even need to buy a hand phone, as it all comes at public expense.
I remembered in the late 80’s when mobile phones was a fashion. I too was caught in this new fashion trend and purchased a mobile phone the size of my size 8 shoe at exorbitant price. I use to boast around with my new found toy to impress others that I could now communicate with people outside the confines of my office or residence. The mobile phone was bulky. It wasn’t possible that I keep it in my trouser or shirt pocket. I had to keep it in my brief case. It wasn’t a policy then where officers holding ‘critical positions’ were equipped with a mobile phone at government expense; like it is today. I soon found that my new found toy was a bothersome i.e. high phone bill, too large to carry around and more importantly, just could not stop my boss and officers from calling me that I finally decided to do away with the cumbersome mobile phone.
Now getting back at the 6% hike in service tax for pre paid mobile phone users, I think the telcos are aware that there is a lot of money to be made by imposing the service tax. You and I know that the millions of illegal and legal foreign workers prefer the pre paid rather than the post paid. And if one were to conduct a nationwide survey on the preference of pre paid over post paid for mobile phones, I am sure pre paid outnumbers post paid users. So, do you now see the logic of the imposition of the service tax? If an idiot like me can see the logic of the increase in service tax, I do not see how the learned minister wasn’t able to rationalize this issue, unless he is a much bigger idiot than me.
I think we have enough of these price hikes that know no limit. And for a minister to come forward with such a statement, and for whatever reason, is to me an irresponsible statement and a defeatist.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Friday, September 9, 2011
MALAYSIAN PROCUREMENT SYSTEM RIDDLED WITH CORRUPTION
The Malaysian Insider dated September 09, 2011 article, “Malaysian procurement system riddled with corruption” jolted me like a person who had just being electrocuted. The startling article is said to have been obtained from a US Embassy cable being revealed by whistleblower site Wikileaks. This revelation will certainly cast lots of doubts and raised questions among civil society as to the authenticity and veracity of the article. For me, I have no doubt as to the veracity of the article.
I had all along said in no uncertain terms that corruption at all levels of government is already a well embedded culture; a cancerous like disease that is no longer curable by the best possible medicine and treatment in the world. Looking back at what I have been writing in my CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION, I now feel a sense of total relieve that my ‘accusations’ on how corrupt our society is today is fully justified. My ‘accusations’ are not unfounded, but it comes from the very people that have been doing businesses with various government agencies/officials, and where some are forced to shut down their businesses due to unbearable demands by officials within the corrupt system.
Certainly, I am not the least surprised that even military officials were mentioned by Wikileaks, besides the mention of politicians, agents and civil servants. I know that there are some retired military officials today living off their corrupt gains in style and luxury. But there is one thing that I have been taught by my elders that for those who are living a luxurious life off their ill gotten wealth are a curse in themselves, and that curse permeates through several of their generation.
Islam forbids in the strongest term the act of corruption, and I am thoroughly sad to see that the Malays, especially those in politics, civil servants and the military are the ones that easily succumb to corruption. This is disgusting, and I just wonder why as Muslims that profess Islam as their religion, they do not fear the wrath of the All Mighty as prescribed in the Koran. Do they not read the Koran or listened to the Friday sermons?
A friend of mine who is well versed in religion and to whom I would usually confer had said that for those who are corrupt, their hearts are closed to do anything good, and it is only the evil worldly gains that matters to them. I do not claim to be a religious person but as one gets older, one should realize what is righteous and what’s wrong. It is through this self realization that one should cease to do anything that is deemed evil, particularly one of an act of corruption.
I had in the past been hitting out at some procurement issues within the Armed Forces that I believe is riddled with corruption. I have written about it in several articles, but what I got in return are words to describe me as a person who is frustrated and jealous of the achievements of others. I can now say to my detractors that I have not taken a single cent from anyone, contractors or otherwise, and that I have fed my family with my honest earnings. To my detractors, please go on to say what you want, for it is only the All Mighty that I believe to judge my destiny; on earth and in the hereafter.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I had all along said in no uncertain terms that corruption at all levels of government is already a well embedded culture; a cancerous like disease that is no longer curable by the best possible medicine and treatment in the world. Looking back at what I have been writing in my CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION, I now feel a sense of total relieve that my ‘accusations’ on how corrupt our society is today is fully justified. My ‘accusations’ are not unfounded, but it comes from the very people that have been doing businesses with various government agencies/officials, and where some are forced to shut down their businesses due to unbearable demands by officials within the corrupt system.
Certainly, I am not the least surprised that even military officials were mentioned by Wikileaks, besides the mention of politicians, agents and civil servants. I know that there are some retired military officials today living off their corrupt gains in style and luxury. But there is one thing that I have been taught by my elders that for those who are living a luxurious life off their ill gotten wealth are a curse in themselves, and that curse permeates through several of their generation.
Islam forbids in the strongest term the act of corruption, and I am thoroughly sad to see that the Malays, especially those in politics, civil servants and the military are the ones that easily succumb to corruption. This is disgusting, and I just wonder why as Muslims that profess Islam as their religion, they do not fear the wrath of the All Mighty as prescribed in the Koran. Do they not read the Koran or listened to the Friday sermons?
A friend of mine who is well versed in religion and to whom I would usually confer had said that for those who are corrupt, their hearts are closed to do anything good, and it is only the evil worldly gains that matters to them. I do not claim to be a religious person but as one gets older, one should realize what is righteous and what’s wrong. It is through this self realization that one should cease to do anything that is deemed evil, particularly one of an act of corruption.
I had in the past been hitting out at some procurement issues within the Armed Forces that I believe is riddled with corruption. I have written about it in several articles, but what I got in return are words to describe me as a person who is frustrated and jealous of the achievements of others. I can now say to my detractors that I have not taken a single cent from anyone, contractors or otherwise, and that I have fed my family with my honest earnings. To my detractors, please go on to say what you want, for it is only the All Mighty that I believe to judge my destiny; on earth and in the hereafter.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
BUKIT KEPONG INCIDENT: REWARD THESE HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES
This article is posted here with the kind permission of Lt Col Mohd Idris Hassan (Retired)
The battle of Bukit Kepong is a tale of guts and bravado displayed at its very best where men heavily outnumbered and outgunned, fought on to the very last knowing well that outcome was already determined.
It was our very own “Alamo”. It was 4.30 in the morning of February 23, 1950 when an estimated 180 communist terrorists (CTs) launched a cowardly attack on the Bukit Kepong police station in Johor, which was manned by a small group of policemen.
In the battle that lasted about five hours, the CTs killed 13 policemen, six Home Guards, three women and a child. Only four policemen escaped with serious injuries. That morning, it was not the number of policemen in the fight that counted rather it was the fight in them that really mattered.
As we celebrate our 54th Independence Anniversary, it’s time to reflect on the sacrifices of our security forces, which helped to make Malaysia a peaceful country.
If we are indeed a grateful nation, we will also not forget the sacrifices of the thousands of Britons, Gurkhas, Australians, Rhodesians, Fijians and New Zealanders who fought alongside us, to win this war against forces determined to impose their foreign ideology on our people.
On April 19, 1960, the then Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman inbi Almarhum Tuanku Muhammed in his speech in Parliament said, “The debt which the people of this country owe to the security forces, both Malayans and the Commonwealth for their sustained and courageous effort over the 12 years of Emergency cannot be over emphasized.
Now Member of Parliament Mohammed Sabu has ruffled the feathers of Malaysians by its alleged remarks that those who attacked Bukit Kepong police station were heroes because they were freedom fighters, and not because they attacked the Malay policemen.
This alleged remark are in insult to not only all family members of these policemen but also all members of the Armed Forces, past and present that bore the full brunt of the atrocities committed by the CTs.
As advised by DAP Chairman and MP Karpal Singh, Mohammed Sabu should withdraw his remarks and apologise to all he had hurt.
As we laud the bravery of these Bukit Kepong heroes today, it’s time to reflect if as a nation we had played our part in ensuring the welfare of these policemen and if their families had been well taken care of, even if they were once serving under colonial rule.
It was reported in the NST of April 15, 2005, “Last Bukit Kepong hero dies”, that Sergeant Yusoff Rano 83, died a bitter man. He felt the country had forgotten him and regretted that the government did not give him and his comrades the recognition they deserved.
His son Nazri then 35, was quoted as saying the government did not value his father’s contributions. As far as I know, only one policeman was awarded the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for gallantry by the British government.
Our country gained independence seven years later, yet these heroes and the families of those who perished did not receive any significant acknowledgement from the authorities.
In the case of Yusoff, all he had to show for his heroism was a medal Pingat Jasa Kebaktian from the Malacca government and that too, 48 years later. The then Deputy Home Minister visited the family to discuss the possibility of conferring Yusoff a posthumous Panglima Gagah Berani, the nation’s second highest award for gallantry.
The Malacca Chief Minister had also said the government would publish a book on Yusoff’s struggle during the Emergency and consider giving the royalties from the book to his family.
Why did the authorities wait for this ailing 83 year old to die before coming forward with offers of help? In addition, what about all his comrades who had passed on?
As far as I am aware, nothing has come out of these undertakings until today. It is like the Malay saying, “ seperti hangat hangat tahi ayam”, a lot of interest only at the beginning which soon fizzles out.
I appeal to the authorities to review the Bukit Kepong incident and consider posthumous awards of gallantry for all the deserving policemen and monetary rewards for all their immediate families.
With the awards, these gallant policemen should have their photographs in the gallery of heroes in the police museum in Kuala Lumpur alongside other national police heroes.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
The battle of Bukit Kepong is a tale of guts and bravado displayed at its very best where men heavily outnumbered and outgunned, fought on to the very last knowing well that outcome was already determined.
It was our very own “Alamo”. It was 4.30 in the morning of February 23, 1950 when an estimated 180 communist terrorists (CTs) launched a cowardly attack on the Bukit Kepong police station in Johor, which was manned by a small group of policemen.
In the battle that lasted about five hours, the CTs killed 13 policemen, six Home Guards, three women and a child. Only four policemen escaped with serious injuries. That morning, it was not the number of policemen in the fight that counted rather it was the fight in them that really mattered.
As we celebrate our 54th Independence Anniversary, it’s time to reflect on the sacrifices of our security forces, which helped to make Malaysia a peaceful country.
If we are indeed a grateful nation, we will also not forget the sacrifices of the thousands of Britons, Gurkhas, Australians, Rhodesians, Fijians and New Zealanders who fought alongside us, to win this war against forces determined to impose their foreign ideology on our people.
On April 19, 1960, the then Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman inbi Almarhum Tuanku Muhammed in his speech in Parliament said, “The debt which the people of this country owe to the security forces, both Malayans and the Commonwealth for their sustained and courageous effort over the 12 years of Emergency cannot be over emphasized.
Now Member of Parliament Mohammed Sabu has ruffled the feathers of Malaysians by its alleged remarks that those who attacked Bukit Kepong police station were heroes because they were freedom fighters, and not because they attacked the Malay policemen.
This alleged remark are in insult to not only all family members of these policemen but also all members of the Armed Forces, past and present that bore the full brunt of the atrocities committed by the CTs.
As advised by DAP Chairman and MP Karpal Singh, Mohammed Sabu should withdraw his remarks and apologise to all he had hurt.
As we laud the bravery of these Bukit Kepong heroes today, it’s time to reflect if as a nation we had played our part in ensuring the welfare of these policemen and if their families had been well taken care of, even if they were once serving under colonial rule.
It was reported in the NST of April 15, 2005, “Last Bukit Kepong hero dies”, that Sergeant Yusoff Rano 83, died a bitter man. He felt the country had forgotten him and regretted that the government did not give him and his comrades the recognition they deserved.
His son Nazri then 35, was quoted as saying the government did not value his father’s contributions. As far as I know, only one policeman was awarded the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for gallantry by the British government.
Our country gained independence seven years later, yet these heroes and the families of those who perished did not receive any significant acknowledgement from the authorities.
In the case of Yusoff, all he had to show for his heroism was a medal Pingat Jasa Kebaktian from the Malacca government and that too, 48 years later. The then Deputy Home Minister visited the family to discuss the possibility of conferring Yusoff a posthumous Panglima Gagah Berani, the nation’s second highest award for gallantry.
The Malacca Chief Minister had also said the government would publish a book on Yusoff’s struggle during the Emergency and consider giving the royalties from the book to his family.
Why did the authorities wait for this ailing 83 year old to die before coming forward with offers of help? In addition, what about all his comrades who had passed on?
As far as I am aware, nothing has come out of these undertakings until today. It is like the Malay saying, “ seperti hangat hangat tahi ayam”, a lot of interest only at the beginning which soon fizzles out.
I appeal to the authorities to review the Bukit Kepong incident and consider posthumous awards of gallantry for all the deserving policemen and monetary rewards for all their immediate families.
With the awards, these gallant policemen should have their photographs in the gallery of heroes in the police museum in Kuala Lumpur alongside other national police heroes.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
WHO IS A HERO AND WHO ISN'T
I have been asked by some readers to comment on the recent statement made by PAS Deputy President Mat Sabu concerning the attack on the Bukit Kepong police station by communist terrorist that killed 25 policemen back in 1950; seven years prior to independence.
Mat Sabu was alleged to have said that the policemen that lost their lives were not heroes, but it was one religious teacher named Muhammad Indera (subsequently sentenced to death by hanging at Taiping prison on 30th Jan 1953) who corroborated with the terrorist was the acclaimed hero. Mat Sabu also alleged that UMNO founder Dato Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman (the nation’s first Prime Minister) were British officers then, insinuating that both were not ‘the fighters for independence’ as history had depicted them to be.
Interestingly, Muhammad Indera who hailed from Batu Pahat, Johor is acclaimed a Malay freedom fighter (not necessarily a hero) who fought against British colonialism, and is documented as such by Yayasan Warisan Johor; an agency of the Johor government. Also, no mention of heroism was made of the 200 odd terrorist that attacked the police station on that fateful night. I would call them simply murderers and nothing less.
The statement by Mat Sabu has caused a media frenzy in the mainstream media as well as the alternative media for almost a week now (don’t know when it is going to cease), and the public has been continuously fed with comments, arguments and statements coming from politicians from both the political divide, even from a retired senior military officer to historians, retired members of the security forces and even from family members of the dead policemen. UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin too does not want to be left out in the fray over this issue and has offered to challenge Mat Sabu in a debate that I know will not materialize.
I may disappoint my readers if I say that I am sick and tired at reading all the comments, arguments and statements made by various people concerning what Mat Sabu is alleged to have said. It is this media frenzy that sickens me for I think there are much more critical issues affecting our nation and its people that require urgent attention. An issue as to who is more a hero, and who is a lesser hero is of little significant to me. I see that there is no winner or loser over this issue, nor does a debate bring about any meaningful gain to the ordinary people. If indeed there is a serious historical error in the case of the Bukit Kepong incident, I think our historians would be the best people to consult and to comment. Certainly, Mat Sabu, Khairy Jamaluddin, Mahuyiddin Yasin or some obscured retired officers of the security forces are not the competent authority to make statements on the incident; and I included.
Now talking about heroes, Malaysians have a funny way of determining who is a hero and who isn't. For members of the security forces, they have certain procedures and guidelines to follow before one can be considered for a gallantry award. Today, there are many recipients of such an award and they are not called heroes; certainly not national heroes. It is merely recognition of an act of bravery in the face of the enemy or adversity, and by this simple definition, even Muhammad Indera cannot be called a hero; rather he was merely a freedom fighter against a colonial power. And in this regards, Mat Sabu and all others are wrong if they were to claim that Muhammad Indera was a Malay hero.
Now, what about the fallen Bernama cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor who was shot dead in Somalia and was pronounced an instant National Hero by the government recently. Will Noramfaizul be considered for a gallantry award this Merdeka Day? Or will he just be remembered for having lost his life for some 'unjustifiable reason'? I just want to leave the answering to my dear readers.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Mat Sabu was alleged to have said that the policemen that lost their lives were not heroes, but it was one religious teacher named Muhammad Indera (subsequently sentenced to death by hanging at Taiping prison on 30th Jan 1953) who corroborated with the terrorist was the acclaimed hero. Mat Sabu also alleged that UMNO founder Dato Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman (the nation’s first Prime Minister) were British officers then, insinuating that both were not ‘the fighters for independence’ as history had depicted them to be.
Interestingly, Muhammad Indera who hailed from Batu Pahat, Johor is acclaimed a Malay freedom fighter (not necessarily a hero) who fought against British colonialism, and is documented as such by Yayasan Warisan Johor; an agency of the Johor government. Also, no mention of heroism was made of the 200 odd terrorist that attacked the police station on that fateful night. I would call them simply murderers and nothing less.
The statement by Mat Sabu has caused a media frenzy in the mainstream media as well as the alternative media for almost a week now (don’t know when it is going to cease), and the public has been continuously fed with comments, arguments and statements coming from politicians from both the political divide, even from a retired senior military officer to historians, retired members of the security forces and even from family members of the dead policemen. UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin too does not want to be left out in the fray over this issue and has offered to challenge Mat Sabu in a debate that I know will not materialize.
I may disappoint my readers if I say that I am sick and tired at reading all the comments, arguments and statements made by various people concerning what Mat Sabu is alleged to have said. It is this media frenzy that sickens me for I think there are much more critical issues affecting our nation and its people that require urgent attention. An issue as to who is more a hero, and who is a lesser hero is of little significant to me. I see that there is no winner or loser over this issue, nor does a debate bring about any meaningful gain to the ordinary people. If indeed there is a serious historical error in the case of the Bukit Kepong incident, I think our historians would be the best people to consult and to comment. Certainly, Mat Sabu, Khairy Jamaluddin, Mahuyiddin Yasin or some obscured retired officers of the security forces are not the competent authority to make statements on the incident; and I included.
Now talking about heroes, Malaysians have a funny way of determining who is a hero and who isn't. For members of the security forces, they have certain procedures and guidelines to follow before one can be considered for a gallantry award. Today, there are many recipients of such an award and they are not called heroes; certainly not national heroes. It is merely recognition of an act of bravery in the face of the enemy or adversity, and by this simple definition, even Muhammad Indera cannot be called a hero; rather he was merely a freedom fighter against a colonial power. And in this regards, Mat Sabu and all others are wrong if they were to claim that Muhammad Indera was a Malay hero.
Now, what about the fallen Bernama cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor who was shot dead in Somalia and was pronounced an instant National Hero by the government recently. Will Noramfaizul be considered for a gallantry award this Merdeka Day? Or will he just be remembered for having lost his life for some 'unjustifiable reason'? I just want to leave the answering to my dear readers.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, September 5, 2011
THE MAKING OF A HERO OUT OF OUR OWN STUPIDITY
I received this distressing email from a colleague regarding the death of Bernama’s cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor who was shot while on UMNO Putra’s humanitarian mission in famine stricken Somalia. For those Malaysian soldiers that had served Somalia during the troubled period of the early 90’s would know the dangers fronting them, and UMNO Putra’s humanitarian mission in that god forsaken failed state is to my mind a total waste of time and effort. Noramfaizul’s death was in vain and there is no denying this, and to declare Noramfaizul’s a hero now is the making of UMNO Putra’s own stupidity.
DEATH OF BERNAMA CAMERAMAN by a retired soldier
I write with two emotions – one of sadness and the other of anger. I was just watching the news and am taken aback at this sad episode. One life – a father, a husband, a son an employee and a citizen just gone……….like that.
Now, allow me to point out a few things. I am well aware of being in an environment of civil war, or a state of anarchy. I served at the UNPF HQ during the Balkan War. I have a few questions:
1. Why were our media people travelling with a Somali government military vehicle? The Somali government military is one party to the warring factions and is surely subject to military attacks by the rebels.
2. Were they wearing bullet proof vests and clearly identifiable as media representatives?
3. Were our media people adequately briefed, trained and deployed with safety and security as uppermost principles?
I ask all these questions simply because I notice recently, political parties behaving like NGOs and political personalities behaving like kampong heroes, and of course wanting maximum media coverage at home. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE TO PUT THIS POOR CAMERAMAN IN HARM’S WAY?
We (the Malaysian soldiers) were different – as we were operating under the auspices of the UN and we were simply duty bound to the MAF. There were adequate training sessions and preparations for us to fit the assigned role.
I was a desk officer for Sarajevo and had to go in and out of that place very often. I insisted on being unarmed, kept faithfully my helmet and flak jacket and always anticipated the situation and made no sudden moves whatsoever. All these came with training and understanding our position and role. There was always “fear” in my mind and I am not ashamed to admit this as a soldier. This fear was not one of cowardice, but a sense of rational thinking that keeps one alive. Correct reaction to every situation is critical for survival.
I am not accusing this poor victim of stray bullets in a firefight of anything. I am accusing the organizers, the government and any other agency that contributed to this sad episode. If the Putra fellows went in with the Somali government, then they did it wrong as a humanitarian agency. You simply tie yourself to other “INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AGENCIES” who are experienced, logistically well supported and have the legitimacy to exist in the war zone for example, UNHCR, MSF, ICRC etc.
Our politicians are a bunch of fools!!!!!!!!. I was watching on TV how this Azeeeeeez fellow demanded from a Somali (official I suppose) that the President of Somalia should initiate a thorough investigation and report to our Prime Minister. Helloooooo Azeeeeez! Firefights and sniper forces are a norm in war zones and the Somali military is subject to attack by rebel forces. What arrogance and lack of understanding of international protocols! These goons are responsible, and now I want to watch the drama of “situating the appreciation” and how these UMNO boys will absolve themselves of responsibilities by spinning stories of how the poor cameraman died for “Bangsa, Agama dan Negara”. What a pathetic lot.
Finally, my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased; may God bless his soul.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
DEATH OF BERNAMA CAMERAMAN by a retired soldier
I write with two emotions – one of sadness and the other of anger. I was just watching the news and am taken aback at this sad episode. One life – a father, a husband, a son an employee and a citizen just gone……….like that.
Now, allow me to point out a few things. I am well aware of being in an environment of civil war, or a state of anarchy. I served at the UNPF HQ during the Balkan War. I have a few questions:
1. Why were our media people travelling with a Somali government military vehicle? The Somali government military is one party to the warring factions and is surely subject to military attacks by the rebels.
2. Were they wearing bullet proof vests and clearly identifiable as media representatives?
3. Were our media people adequately briefed, trained and deployed with safety and security as uppermost principles?
I ask all these questions simply because I notice recently, political parties behaving like NGOs and political personalities behaving like kampong heroes, and of course wanting maximum media coverage at home. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE TO PUT THIS POOR CAMERAMAN IN HARM’S WAY?
We (the Malaysian soldiers) were different – as we were operating under the auspices of the UN and we were simply duty bound to the MAF. There were adequate training sessions and preparations for us to fit the assigned role.
I was a desk officer for Sarajevo and had to go in and out of that place very often. I insisted on being unarmed, kept faithfully my helmet and flak jacket and always anticipated the situation and made no sudden moves whatsoever. All these came with training and understanding our position and role. There was always “fear” in my mind and I am not ashamed to admit this as a soldier. This fear was not one of cowardice, but a sense of rational thinking that keeps one alive. Correct reaction to every situation is critical for survival.
I am not accusing this poor victim of stray bullets in a firefight of anything. I am accusing the organizers, the government and any other agency that contributed to this sad episode. If the Putra fellows went in with the Somali government, then they did it wrong as a humanitarian agency. You simply tie yourself to other “INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AGENCIES” who are experienced, logistically well supported and have the legitimacy to exist in the war zone for example, UNHCR, MSF, ICRC etc.
Our politicians are a bunch of fools!!!!!!!!. I was watching on TV how this Azeeeeeez fellow demanded from a Somali (official I suppose) that the President of Somalia should initiate a thorough investigation and report to our Prime Minister. Helloooooo Azeeeeez! Firefights and sniper forces are a norm in war zones and the Somali military is subject to attack by rebel forces. What arrogance and lack of understanding of international protocols! These goons are responsible, and now I want to watch the drama of “situating the appreciation” and how these UMNO boys will absolve themselves of responsibilities by spinning stories of how the poor cameraman died for “Bangsa, Agama dan Negara”. What a pathetic lot.
Finally, my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased; may God bless his soul.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)