Yesterday, April 17th 2010, I was invited to attend a medal presentation to 50 recipients of former officers of the Royal Malay Regiment, held at the Royal Malay Regiment Club House. The presentation was made by Defence Minister, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi representing the King and government of Malaysia.
The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (Malaysia Service Medal) as it is called was created in 2004, and is to award British and Commonwealth forces (including the Gurkhas) who served in this country during the Malayan Emergency and the Malaysian-Indonesian Confrontation period. The award is in recognition of their “distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty” in contributing to the freedom of independence of Malaya and subsequently Malaysia. This medal is also awarded to officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces who had served during the aforesaid period.
The highest British officer to have received the medal is Field Marshall Lord Bramall who was the British Chief of Defence Forces prior to his retirement in 1985. FM Lord Bramall served in Malaysia in 1965 i.e. during the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation as the Commanding Officer 2nd Royal Green Jacket.
At the medal presentation ceremony, the highest and oldest former Royal Malay Regiment officer to receive the medal is Gen Tun Ibrahim Ismail who is presently in his 80’s; failing in health but never in spirit. Another recipient and veteran is Major Abdul Manan who was among the first army officer to be schooled at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and later, at the British Staff College.
Other notable recipient includes Gen Tan Sri Yacob (Jack) Mat Zain, Gen Tan Sri Borhan (Commando) Ahmad, Gen Tan Sri Ghazali (Joe) and Gen Tan Sri Ghazali Mat Seth. My presence at the ceremony was made more memorable at having to meet many of my former bosses, and of particular interest to me are Col Dato Abdul Rahman (Rimau) Lassim, Lt Col Dato Zarazilah Ali, Lt Col Adnan Tajuddin and Maj Gen Dato Abd Kadir Nordin (a PGB recipient) and Maj Gen Dato Dahalan Sulaiman. These are the officers who were my source of inspiration that have guided me in my career, and have shown me examples of what an army officer ought to be.
During a speech by the Defence Minister, I was pleasantly surprised when he said that he is reviewing the granting of some form of monetary payment to recipients of gallantry awards other than recipients of the SP and PGB. I believe the minister was referring to recipients of the JPP, PTU and KPK, and if this is so, blogger Mej Nor Ibrahim RMAF (B) persistence has finally paid off. I personally wish to thank the Defence Minister for having being considerate and passionate to the appeals of Mej Nor Ibrahim, and when the official announcement is made, I know it will be a feather in the cap for the Defence Minister.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, April 18, 2010
THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN ARMY ENGINEERS
Ba’kelalan, a remote area nestled 970 meters high in the Bario Highlands of Sarawak that I had written about in May last year is back in the news (NST Online dated Apr 14, 2010). The Royal Malaysian Army Engineers is reported to be constructing a total of 10 bridges and a 75 km road linking Lawas to Ba’kelalan at almost half the projected cost. It was around September last year that the government approved RM50 million for the first construction phase of a road from Lawas to Ba’kelalan, and I presume this is part of the same project that the Army Engineers is currently involved.
Since leaving Ba’kelalan in 1967, I have not been back to the place, despite having served Sabah on several occasions. It is much closer to get to Ba’kelalan by air from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah then it is from Kuching, Sarawak. I am not quite sure whether there are direct flights from Sabah to Ba’kelalan now, or one has to travel down to Kuching first, for a flight to Ba’kelalan. In the early days, there was already an airstrip at Long Semado where the RMAF Caribou transport aircraft would land to supply troops operating in the Long Semado area, and subsequently fly to Ba’kelalan to do a supply airdrop, since there wasn’t an airstrip at Ba’kelalan then.
When Ba’kelalan appeared in the news, I am reminded of Brig Jen Dato Mazlan Baharuddin (Retired) who in 1967 was the platoon commander based in Ba’kelalan, whom I had to replace during a changeover between our battalions i.e. 4 RMR and 6 RMR. Ba’kelalan too reminds me of a remote village called Long Rusu that is home of the Muruds and the gorgeous Murud lass named Rinai that I had written about in my May 2009 posting. I am quite sure Mazlan would be reading this posting and would reminisce with joy of having been the young and energetic platoon commander manning the Ba’kelalan outpost.
The Army Engineers is one corps that I have my greatest respect and fondness. From the experience being with them, they seemed reluctant to stop working until they were told to stop. This was what I observed during my tenure as the Malaysian Contingent Commander for UN Peacekeeping Operations in Cambodia at which time a field troop was assigned to the contingent. They are men of multiple skills and despite the enormous workload assigned to them, there has never been a whimper of complaint or dissatisfaction.
The Lawas-Ba’kelalan road and bridge projects assigned to the Army Engineers will surely be a challenging one. And it is not only the hazardous terrain and the cold nights that the soldiers have to endure, but also the long period of separation from their families. This is where most who are not familiar with the military service and their nature of work, can never appreciate the life that a soldier has to go through.
With the insurgency over, it is right that the Army Engineers be deployed to perform works that will benefit the people such as the one in Ba’kelalan. I am quite sure the people of Ba’kelalan and Lawas will remember the Army Engineers for their work for a very long time. And for the soldiers themselves, it is the field experience that they gain, that may be useful to them after they leave the military service.
And to my dear friend Brig Jen Dato Mazlan, like us who are now grandfathers, I suppose Rinai too must be a grandmother.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Since leaving Ba’kelalan in 1967, I have not been back to the place, despite having served Sabah on several occasions. It is much closer to get to Ba’kelalan by air from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah then it is from Kuching, Sarawak. I am not quite sure whether there are direct flights from Sabah to Ba’kelalan now, or one has to travel down to Kuching first, for a flight to Ba’kelalan. In the early days, there was already an airstrip at Long Semado where the RMAF Caribou transport aircraft would land to supply troops operating in the Long Semado area, and subsequently fly to Ba’kelalan to do a supply airdrop, since there wasn’t an airstrip at Ba’kelalan then.
When Ba’kelalan appeared in the news, I am reminded of Brig Jen Dato Mazlan Baharuddin (Retired) who in 1967 was the platoon commander based in Ba’kelalan, whom I had to replace during a changeover between our battalions i.e. 4 RMR and 6 RMR. Ba’kelalan too reminds me of a remote village called Long Rusu that is home of the Muruds and the gorgeous Murud lass named Rinai that I had written about in my May 2009 posting. I am quite sure Mazlan would be reading this posting and would reminisce with joy of having been the young and energetic platoon commander manning the Ba’kelalan outpost.
The Army Engineers is one corps that I have my greatest respect and fondness. From the experience being with them, they seemed reluctant to stop working until they were told to stop. This was what I observed during my tenure as the Malaysian Contingent Commander for UN Peacekeeping Operations in Cambodia at which time a field troop was assigned to the contingent. They are men of multiple skills and despite the enormous workload assigned to them, there has never been a whimper of complaint or dissatisfaction.
The Lawas-Ba’kelalan road and bridge projects assigned to the Army Engineers will surely be a challenging one. And it is not only the hazardous terrain and the cold nights that the soldiers have to endure, but also the long period of separation from their families. This is where most who are not familiar with the military service and their nature of work, can never appreciate the life that a soldier has to go through.
With the insurgency over, it is right that the Army Engineers be deployed to perform works that will benefit the people such as the one in Ba’kelalan. I am quite sure the people of Ba’kelalan and Lawas will remember the Army Engineers for their work for a very long time. And for the soldiers themselves, it is the field experience that they gain, that may be useful to them after they leave the military service.
And to my dear friend Brig Jen Dato Mazlan, like us who are now grandfathers, I suppose Rinai too must be a grandmother.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Friday, April 16, 2010
ARMY LEADERSHIP CHANGE DRAWS NEAR
It has been rumoured that finally the Chief of Army will soon be discarding his uniform and be designated a retiree with a capital B in brackets after his name. Talks of an extension has simmered somewhat. We the retirees welcome him to the ‘Retirees Club’, void of fanfare and glamour of having ADC’s, door openers and bag carriers to serve him. He is now left to fend on his own, and even at the Golf Course there will no longer be the usual entourage of ‘businessmen’ to accompany him. I suppose the betting will also be lessened substantially.
I have witnessed such a scene before, but one thing, I am fortunate that all the bosses that I have served before, none has been unkind to me or has mistreated me to such an extent that I harbor hatred towards them. For whatever the reason, my relationship with my superiors has been one of mutual respect, cordial, gentlemanly and loyal. Even if I do not particularly like someone, I would normally avoid them.
The last superior officer that I served prior to my retirement in 1998 was Lt Gen Datuk Aziz Hassan, a likable fellow who later became the Deputy Chief of Army prior to his retirement. I clearly remembered that on his first day of office, he summoned me and upon meeting him, he said, “Arshad, you are still my friend”. I quickly replied, “Certainly Sir, I shall forever remain your friend”. I was a bit unfortunate though for not having served him long enough because I was then on the verge of retirement. But rest assured, I did enjoy the freedom of doing my job in the few months that I served him, without much supervision and harassment from him.
All along, since my days as a cadet officer, I have been a friend of Aziz who happens to be my senior in Cadet Wing. We are of the same company and despite him being a Cadet Sergeant he wasn’t the type who was sadistic and a bully towards his charge and juniors. Bullying in those days was trendy and we had some wild characters who just loved to see others panic. Aziz and I were later to attend the Young Officers Weapons Course at Port Dickson together and he performed exceedingly well. Aziz that I know is a pretty smart officer, of likable character but a poor loser at the game of golf. I use to be his usual sacrificial lamb.
Now back to the change of Army leadership. I am yet to know who is set to assume the new Chief of Army, but my hope is to see the Deputy Chief of Army takes over the post. This is to respect the norm in the change of leadership, where it is the deputy that will be charged to take over. If at all he wasn’t suitable, he should have been taken out well before the change. However, there have been cases in the past where the norm was cast aside, and personally my view is that this should not have happened.
Now, the million dollar question that is in the minds of most is who would be elevated to take over the post of Deputy Chief of Army. There are now four three star army generals (excluding DMI and DMS) to choose from, and should I be asked as to who would be my choice, I would say that he is someone who is God fearing, incorruptible, friendly, humble, composed, void of self interest, of sound professional knowledge and finally, one with absolute guts.
And let me be frank and honest, that the Army’s reputation in recent times has not been good which I have reflected it in my various postings. And my only hope is that with this leadership change, there will also be a change in public perception of the Army for the better, and not the contrary.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I have witnessed such a scene before, but one thing, I am fortunate that all the bosses that I have served before, none has been unkind to me or has mistreated me to such an extent that I harbor hatred towards them. For whatever the reason, my relationship with my superiors has been one of mutual respect, cordial, gentlemanly and loyal. Even if I do not particularly like someone, I would normally avoid them.
The last superior officer that I served prior to my retirement in 1998 was Lt Gen Datuk Aziz Hassan, a likable fellow who later became the Deputy Chief of Army prior to his retirement. I clearly remembered that on his first day of office, he summoned me and upon meeting him, he said, “Arshad, you are still my friend”. I quickly replied, “Certainly Sir, I shall forever remain your friend”. I was a bit unfortunate though for not having served him long enough because I was then on the verge of retirement. But rest assured, I did enjoy the freedom of doing my job in the few months that I served him, without much supervision and harassment from him.
All along, since my days as a cadet officer, I have been a friend of Aziz who happens to be my senior in Cadet Wing. We are of the same company and despite him being a Cadet Sergeant he wasn’t the type who was sadistic and a bully towards his charge and juniors. Bullying in those days was trendy and we had some wild characters who just loved to see others panic. Aziz and I were later to attend the Young Officers Weapons Course at Port Dickson together and he performed exceedingly well. Aziz that I know is a pretty smart officer, of likable character but a poor loser at the game of golf. I use to be his usual sacrificial lamb.
Now back to the change of Army leadership. I am yet to know who is set to assume the new Chief of Army, but my hope is to see the Deputy Chief of Army takes over the post. This is to respect the norm in the change of leadership, where it is the deputy that will be charged to take over. If at all he wasn’t suitable, he should have been taken out well before the change. However, there have been cases in the past where the norm was cast aside, and personally my view is that this should not have happened.
Now, the million dollar question that is in the minds of most is who would be elevated to take over the post of Deputy Chief of Army. There are now four three star army generals (excluding DMI and DMS) to choose from, and should I be asked as to who would be my choice, I would say that he is someone who is God fearing, incorruptible, friendly, humble, composed, void of self interest, of sound professional knowledge and finally, one with absolute guts.
And let me be frank and honest, that the Army’s reputation in recent times has not been good which I have reflected it in my various postings. And my only hope is that with this leadership change, there will also be a change in public perception of the Army for the better, and not the contrary.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Thursday, April 15, 2010
MALAYSIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY – A NEW BEGINNING
I read that Mindef has formed the Malaysian Defence, Security and Enforcement Council (MDSEC) whose primary function is to ‘co-ordinate the production of items related to defence, security and enforcement with the view to enhance the standard of the industries in the affected field’. It is also to ‘strengthen understanding between the government and private companies which produced defence and security products and hence avoid competition’. This announcement was made by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently.
Although I am not privy to the full terms of reference of MDSEC, this certainly is a new development which I believe will bode well for the future of the Malaysian Defence Industry. Its realization though late, can be a source of encouragement and motivation for the private sector to indulge itself with the industry as there is now a well regulated national body to co-ordinate the activities of the defence industry sector.
I am sure there will be regulatory policies emanating from the council, and utmost to the private sector is an understanding as to what will be the government’s contribution to the industry, in particular with regards to funding for research and development, grants or loans to subsequently produce and manufacture readied and well tested products, and an assurance that locally manufactured products has the priority for purchase over imported products. As we all know, costs is the most inhibiting factor if one were to indulge in the defence industry sector, and without an assurance from the government that the end product will be firmly secured for local market first, no right minded investor would want to get themselves involved with the defence industry sector.
We all know too well that the Malaysian Defence Industry is very much in its ‘infancy’ compared to some countries of the ASEAN region. Of course, the Republic of Singapore is ahead, and now has a well developed and burgeoning defence industry despite being a relatively young nation. One has only to understand how Singapore reached the zenith of its defence production and manufacturing capabilities which was clearly the result of well crafted government policies. There was also the political will and commitment of the government and its leaders that invigorated the private sector to accept challenges in the production and manufacture of sophisticated defence products. There are many things that we can learn from the Singapore experience, and it is also for this reason that I would concur with a recent proposal put forward by the Defence Minister for the creation of a sort of regional ‘Defence Industry Council’ (if I may use such a term).
Malaysia has for far too long been dependent upon the purchase of foreign manufactured defence products and after 50 odd years of independence, the country is still unable to produce even a single indigenously designed pistol, let alone talk about producing rocket, missiles, tanks etc… etc. Why has this been so? And why has the government been lethargic, slow and lacking in concern to recognize the importance of developing an indigenous defence industry that is capable of meeting some of the nation’s defence requirement? Even if there has been a local defence industry, why have our own people been so cocky and quick to reject a locally manufactured product, for an imported one? This has been a perennial problem faced by our local defence manufacturer, and for as long as such skewed mentality prevails among our own people, our defence industry will forever remain uninspiring to an investor.
Let us hope that with the creation of MDCSE, it shall signal a new beginning for the local defence industry and for it to emerge an important and niche industry that contributes towards meeting the nation’s defence needs, as well as fulfilling the nation’s aspiration of becoming a develop nation by year 2020.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Although I am not privy to the full terms of reference of MDSEC, this certainly is a new development which I believe will bode well for the future of the Malaysian Defence Industry. Its realization though late, can be a source of encouragement and motivation for the private sector to indulge itself with the industry as there is now a well regulated national body to co-ordinate the activities of the defence industry sector.
I am sure there will be regulatory policies emanating from the council, and utmost to the private sector is an understanding as to what will be the government’s contribution to the industry, in particular with regards to funding for research and development, grants or loans to subsequently produce and manufacture readied and well tested products, and an assurance that locally manufactured products has the priority for purchase over imported products. As we all know, costs is the most inhibiting factor if one were to indulge in the defence industry sector, and without an assurance from the government that the end product will be firmly secured for local market first, no right minded investor would want to get themselves involved with the defence industry sector.
We all know too well that the Malaysian Defence Industry is very much in its ‘infancy’ compared to some countries of the ASEAN region. Of course, the Republic of Singapore is ahead, and now has a well developed and burgeoning defence industry despite being a relatively young nation. One has only to understand how Singapore reached the zenith of its defence production and manufacturing capabilities which was clearly the result of well crafted government policies. There was also the political will and commitment of the government and its leaders that invigorated the private sector to accept challenges in the production and manufacture of sophisticated defence products. There are many things that we can learn from the Singapore experience, and it is also for this reason that I would concur with a recent proposal put forward by the Defence Minister for the creation of a sort of regional ‘Defence Industry Council’ (if I may use such a term).
Malaysia has for far too long been dependent upon the purchase of foreign manufactured defence products and after 50 odd years of independence, the country is still unable to produce even a single indigenously designed pistol, let alone talk about producing rocket, missiles, tanks etc… etc. Why has this been so? And why has the government been lethargic, slow and lacking in concern to recognize the importance of developing an indigenous defence industry that is capable of meeting some of the nation’s defence requirement? Even if there has been a local defence industry, why have our own people been so cocky and quick to reject a locally manufactured product, for an imported one? This has been a perennial problem faced by our local defence manufacturer, and for as long as such skewed mentality prevails among our own people, our defence industry will forever remain uninspiring to an investor.
Let us hope that with the creation of MDCSE, it shall signal a new beginning for the local defence industry and for it to emerge an important and niche industry that contributes towards meeting the nation’s defence needs, as well as fulfilling the nation’s aspiration of becoming a develop nation by year 2020.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCES AND TO ALL THREE SERVICE CHIEFS
I wish to draw your attention to the numerous appeals by Mej Nor Ibrahim bin Sulaiman RMAF (Retired) concerning the granting of some form of monetary award to the recipients of the gallantry award of JPP, PTU and KPK. (please view http://xnuripilot.blogspot.com). I think Mej Nor Ibrahim has written letters to various authorities to consider his appeal, and including one to the wife of the Prime Minister. I have been following Mej Nor Ibrahim's consistent writings in his blog concerning this matter, and I personally view his appeal as a “crusade in the name of justice for the sacrifices rendered by our soldiers, airmen and seamen in defence of the nation”. We know that some of the recipients have lost their lives; some maim for life, and others lucky enough to live to tell their story to their children and grandchildren.
I sense that no one really care about what Mej Nor Ibrahim is trying to do, and I think all of you fall into that category of military leaders who do not care as well. I am really disgusted that none of you could do anything to convince the authorities that what Mej Nor Ibrahim is trying to do is noble, unselfish and that can affect the morale of not only the recipients of the aforesaid gallantry awards, but to the entire members of the Armed Forces; retired or otherwise. Please remember that these are gallantry awards for exploits in the face of the enemy, and presented by the King; not awards that one buys.
You have an official forum to deliberate on this matter i.e. the Jawatankuasa Panglima Panglima, but does anyone of you ever thought of raising and deliberating this all important matter in the Jawatankuasa? I may be wrong, but I suppose non have ever thought of taking this matter up collectively to the authorities. Just in case that you do not know or have forgotten, the Jawatankuasa Panglima Panglima is a powerful forum, and if ever the Armed Forces wants to stage a coup d'etat, it is through this all powerful forum. I am not suggesting one, but merely to impress upon all of you the importance of the Jawatankuasa.
I think, what has really annoyed Mej Nor Ibrahim and including me, is the recent announcement by the Youth and Sports Minister that athletes who qualify for the Olympics will receive a monthly allowance of RM2,000, from a previous sum of RM1,000. He also said that the government would increase the SEA Games reward to RM10,000 for the first gold, and another RM5,000 for subsequent gold. For the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, a reward of RM80,000 for gold, RM40,000 for silver and RM20,000 for bronze. For the Olympics, a gold medalist is set to receive RM1 million, RM300,000 for silver and RM100,000 for bronze. What absurdity are these and I think the Youth and Sports Minister must be dreaming when he made the announcement. I am not at all surprise that these 'gallant sportsmen and sportswomen' will one day be eligible to receive the gallantry awards of SP, PGB, JPP, PTU and the KPK.
I would now like to make a personal request on behalf of my retired colleague Mej Nor Ibrahim, that all of you sit and ponder for a moment whether Mej Nor Ibrahim is right in doing what he did i.e. to fight for the rights of the recipients of the JPP, PTU and KPK. If you all think that Mej Nor Ibrahim is right, then for God sake, take it collectively to the government for its approval and nothing less, and not leave it to Mej Nor Ibrahim to fight it alone. But if you all think that Mej Nor Ibrahim appeal has no standing, and that the sportsmen and sportswomen deserve better, than I suggest that all of you resign collectively, and the many stars on your shoulder be thrown into Sungai Klang. I think you will gain respect by doing this.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I sense that no one really care about what Mej Nor Ibrahim is trying to do, and I think all of you fall into that category of military leaders who do not care as well. I am really disgusted that none of you could do anything to convince the authorities that what Mej Nor Ibrahim is trying to do is noble, unselfish and that can affect the morale of not only the recipients of the aforesaid gallantry awards, but to the entire members of the Armed Forces; retired or otherwise. Please remember that these are gallantry awards for exploits in the face of the enemy, and presented by the King; not awards that one buys.
You have an official forum to deliberate on this matter i.e. the Jawatankuasa Panglima Panglima, but does anyone of you ever thought of raising and deliberating this all important matter in the Jawatankuasa? I may be wrong, but I suppose non have ever thought of taking this matter up collectively to the authorities. Just in case that you do not know or have forgotten, the Jawatankuasa Panglima Panglima is a powerful forum, and if ever the Armed Forces wants to stage a coup d'etat, it is through this all powerful forum. I am not suggesting one, but merely to impress upon all of you the importance of the Jawatankuasa.
I think, what has really annoyed Mej Nor Ibrahim and including me, is the recent announcement by the Youth and Sports Minister that athletes who qualify for the Olympics will receive a monthly allowance of RM2,000, from a previous sum of RM1,000. He also said that the government would increase the SEA Games reward to RM10,000 for the first gold, and another RM5,000 for subsequent gold. For the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, a reward of RM80,000 for gold, RM40,000 for silver and RM20,000 for bronze. For the Olympics, a gold medalist is set to receive RM1 million, RM300,000 for silver and RM100,000 for bronze. What absurdity are these and I think the Youth and Sports Minister must be dreaming when he made the announcement. I am not at all surprise that these 'gallant sportsmen and sportswomen' will one day be eligible to receive the gallantry awards of SP, PGB, JPP, PTU and the KPK.
I would now like to make a personal request on behalf of my retired colleague Mej Nor Ibrahim, that all of you sit and ponder for a moment whether Mej Nor Ibrahim is right in doing what he did i.e. to fight for the rights of the recipients of the JPP, PTU and KPK. If you all think that Mej Nor Ibrahim is right, then for God sake, take it collectively to the government for its approval and nothing less, and not leave it to Mej Nor Ibrahim to fight it alone. But if you all think that Mej Nor Ibrahim appeal has no standing, and that the sportsmen and sportswomen deserve better, than I suggest that all of you resign collectively, and the many stars on your shoulder be thrown into Sungai Klang. I think you will gain respect by doing this.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, April 11, 2010
BREACHES IN NATIONAL SECURITY – WHOSE RESPONSIBILTY IS IT?
Home Minister, Hishamuddin speaks with a fork tongue. Having first denied that there was a security breach in the RMP by supposedly Israeli agents working for a communications company contracted by Bukit Aman, he then went on to announced that a thorough investigation of the alleged security breach will be carried out by four agencies of the government. Why four investigating agencies is mind boggling. To most, this only proves that there is some truth in the allegation that was brought about by Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament. What I thought is even more ridiculous is that the whistle-blower Anwar Ibrahim will now be investigated for having brought the issue out to public notice. And I am sure he will be made to look the valiant and a compulsive liar by the mainstream media.
I have read and known about this security breach in a posting by blogger Johari Ismail back in January 2009, but nothing much appeared in the mainstream media. I presume then that what was posted by Johari is irrelevant and baseless till now, when the story is forced out in Parliament, coupled with a stunning revelation by RPK who even had a copy of the minutes of discussion held between RMP officers and the Home Minister relating to the reported security breach posted in Malaysia Today. What caught my eyes is in the few last lines of the minutes which sought that the discussion be kept out from public notice. It is strange that a matter of such importance affecting national security be kept from public notice. I do not know whether Military Intelligence was aware of this when it was first made known to the police.
Now, who is the bigger liar………. Is it the whistle blower Anwar, Johari or the Home Minister? Sadly, even the IGP does not seem to agree that there was a security breach and his statement seemed to suggest that this whole affair is being concocted and politicized by Anwar for his political gain and a diversion from his on-going sodomy trial. If this is how our nation’s security agency views breaches of national security, and where the public is expected to remain silent, then I would say that we might as well not have a security agency at all.
In my 34 years of military service, I have had numerous opportunities working with the Police Special Branch officers on military operations. I have my highest respect and regards for their professionalism, and never was there a time where I was confronted with selfish police officers who placed their own service interest first over collective military/police interest. The many military success throughout the insurgency period is undeniably attributed to the support we got from the Police Special Branch. And having to hear about this security breach by purportedly Israeli agents within our police organization makes me to wonder what has become off our once renowned Police Special Branch. And the denial by the Home Minister and echoed by the IGP, is indeed frightening.
The question now is to what extend has the police organization and national security being breached? The public need to know, simply because national security is not only the concern of the police, the military or any other government security agencies, but it is also the concern of the ordinary public. How then could the government, and in particular the Home Minister expects the public to partake in ensuring national security when they (public) are oblivious to breaches of national security that could affect their daily lives? Or is it in the opinion of the Home Minister that it is him alone who has a complete say in matters of national security?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I have read and known about this security breach in a posting by blogger Johari Ismail back in January 2009, but nothing much appeared in the mainstream media. I presume then that what was posted by Johari is irrelevant and baseless till now, when the story is forced out in Parliament, coupled with a stunning revelation by RPK who even had a copy of the minutes of discussion held between RMP officers and the Home Minister relating to the reported security breach posted in Malaysia Today. What caught my eyes is in the few last lines of the minutes which sought that the discussion be kept out from public notice. It is strange that a matter of such importance affecting national security be kept from public notice. I do not know whether Military Intelligence was aware of this when it was first made known to the police.
Now, who is the bigger liar………. Is it the whistle blower Anwar, Johari or the Home Minister? Sadly, even the IGP does not seem to agree that there was a security breach and his statement seemed to suggest that this whole affair is being concocted and politicized by Anwar for his political gain and a diversion from his on-going sodomy trial. If this is how our nation’s security agency views breaches of national security, and where the public is expected to remain silent, then I would say that we might as well not have a security agency at all.
In my 34 years of military service, I have had numerous opportunities working with the Police Special Branch officers on military operations. I have my highest respect and regards for their professionalism, and never was there a time where I was confronted with selfish police officers who placed their own service interest first over collective military/police interest. The many military success throughout the insurgency period is undeniably attributed to the support we got from the Police Special Branch. And having to hear about this security breach by purportedly Israeli agents within our police organization makes me to wonder what has become off our once renowned Police Special Branch. And the denial by the Home Minister and echoed by the IGP, is indeed frightening.
The question now is to what extend has the police organization and national security being breached? The public need to know, simply because national security is not only the concern of the police, the military or any other government security agencies, but it is also the concern of the ordinary public. How then could the government, and in particular the Home Minister expects the public to partake in ensuring national security when they (public) are oblivious to breaches of national security that could affect their daily lives? Or is it in the opinion of the Home Minister that it is him alone who has a complete say in matters of national security?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, April 4, 2010
WILL THE NEWLY TINTED ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY WORK?
I am back, and must thank all that have taken time to make comments at my last posting. It seems that I am not the only person to voice my reservation at PERKASA, and from the comments that I get, it is clear that a majority views PERKASA as nothing more than a political gimmick and a ‘hollow tin can’. Even BN Parliamentarian Nazri Aziz has declared PERKASA an opportunist; the only member of the ruling government to have opposed PERKASA, with the unusual silence from his own ruling party. Or was Nazri Aziz merely insinuating at Tun Dr. Mahathir for his presence at the AGM? And we know well that Nazri Aziz does not hide his ‘dislike’ for Tun, and is so often at loggerhead at what Tun does or say. Even the fire-brand Khairy seemed to have turned mute.
I also noticed that there were comments that viewed me as being anti-establishment. I am not at all surprised nor am I offended by such views, because I am an advocate of the freedom of speech and expression. And surely, the views that I have expressed in my postings cannot be totally wrong, nor do I claim that all that I have written is absolutely correct. It is up to the readers then to judge and to voice out their agreement or disagreement; however distasteful it is to me. It is for this very reason too that I do not wish to edit nor discard comments from my viewers. I view comments as an expression of one’s inner thoughts, and it is also through their writing that allows me to have a fair idea as to the character of a person.
I must say here that I do get regular calls from people and some do come forward to me to express their likes and dislike, or to put right some of the things that I have written. I do not have the cause or the reason to dislike them, nor do I want to get into an argument with them. I would merely say to them that they have every right to disagree, and I too have every right to say and write what I deem to be true. There is always one thing that I demand in a person i.e. that respect has to be mutual.
Now, on the question of corruption, the government seems to have conceded to the demands of the rakyat. PM Najib has recently announced a new policy that is supposed to enhance transparency and curb corruption in the award of contracts and tenders. I hope this policy is not merely a show by the government that they are serious in combating corruption. What this policy means is actually an acknowledgment by the government that corruption in this country is so rampant and blatant, and that something has to be done quickly before the country falls in line with some of the most corrupt countries of the world.
One needs to ask who actually are the perpetrators of this evil acts? My answer would firstly be politicians, and secondly civil servants. This is the undeniable truth, and since they are the powers themselves, I now begin to suspect that this new ‘anti-corruption policy’ announced by PM Najib may not be the end solution to the eradication of corruption in this country. Policies will be meaningless, if the people who manage and implement the policies are not sorted out first. We need people with integrity, honestly and God fearing to act as the custodian of these policies; not rouges and rascals that we so often hear off. It was only a few weeks ago that a young political secretary to a senior minister was caught with millions in his possession. Earlier, we had a civil servant who was a Director General with a substantial amount of unexplained cash kept in his house. These are examples of what I meant by rouges and rascals, and certainly such examples are not exhaustive.
I am told too that some top civil servants, especially those with the powers to approve huge tenders and contracts, have now got wiser in trying to escape noticed for corruption. They would approve tenders and contracts to their favoured companies; only to be offered a position as Chairman or Director of the company upon their retirement; of course with some monetary benefits accompanying the offer. And as Chairman and Director of the favoured company, they would then continue to play an influencing and exerting role to secure new tenders and contracts from the office where they had previously served. This is not uncommon, and one only needs to search the internet or refer to the Registrar of Companies to gain excess to names of Chairman and Directors of companies.
While I wish to remain skeptical of the new ‘anti-corruption policies’ introduced by the government recently, I am hopeful that something positive will come about from this policy. I also wish and hope that the ‘custodian’ of this policy are those who are trustworthy, honest and are well imbued with self respect, integrity and above all………God fearing.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I also noticed that there were comments that viewed me as being anti-establishment. I am not at all surprised nor am I offended by such views, because I am an advocate of the freedom of speech and expression. And surely, the views that I have expressed in my postings cannot be totally wrong, nor do I claim that all that I have written is absolutely correct. It is up to the readers then to judge and to voice out their agreement or disagreement; however distasteful it is to me. It is for this very reason too that I do not wish to edit nor discard comments from my viewers. I view comments as an expression of one’s inner thoughts, and it is also through their writing that allows me to have a fair idea as to the character of a person.
I must say here that I do get regular calls from people and some do come forward to me to express their likes and dislike, or to put right some of the things that I have written. I do not have the cause or the reason to dislike them, nor do I want to get into an argument with them. I would merely say to them that they have every right to disagree, and I too have every right to say and write what I deem to be true. There is always one thing that I demand in a person i.e. that respect has to be mutual.
Now, on the question of corruption, the government seems to have conceded to the demands of the rakyat. PM Najib has recently announced a new policy that is supposed to enhance transparency and curb corruption in the award of contracts and tenders. I hope this policy is not merely a show by the government that they are serious in combating corruption. What this policy means is actually an acknowledgment by the government that corruption in this country is so rampant and blatant, and that something has to be done quickly before the country falls in line with some of the most corrupt countries of the world.
One needs to ask who actually are the perpetrators of this evil acts? My answer would firstly be politicians, and secondly civil servants. This is the undeniable truth, and since they are the powers themselves, I now begin to suspect that this new ‘anti-corruption policy’ announced by PM Najib may not be the end solution to the eradication of corruption in this country. Policies will be meaningless, if the people who manage and implement the policies are not sorted out first. We need people with integrity, honestly and God fearing to act as the custodian of these policies; not rouges and rascals that we so often hear off. It was only a few weeks ago that a young political secretary to a senior minister was caught with millions in his possession. Earlier, we had a civil servant who was a Director General with a substantial amount of unexplained cash kept in his house. These are examples of what I meant by rouges and rascals, and certainly such examples are not exhaustive.
I am told too that some top civil servants, especially those with the powers to approve huge tenders and contracts, have now got wiser in trying to escape noticed for corruption. They would approve tenders and contracts to their favoured companies; only to be offered a position as Chairman or Director of the company upon their retirement; of course with some monetary benefits accompanying the offer. And as Chairman and Director of the favoured company, they would then continue to play an influencing and exerting role to secure new tenders and contracts from the office where they had previously served. This is not uncommon, and one only needs to search the internet or refer to the Registrar of Companies to gain excess to names of Chairman and Directors of companies.
While I wish to remain skeptical of the new ‘anti-corruption policies’ introduced by the government recently, I am hopeful that something positive will come about from this policy. I also wish and hope that the ‘custodian’ of this policy are those who are trustworthy, honest and are well imbued with self respect, integrity and above all………God fearing.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
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