I had earlier posted two articles i.e. 'ALLOW MB TERENGGANU TO MAKE DECISION' and 'ROTTEN PRACTICES SPILLING OUT' on July 23 and July 24 respectively, concerning the purchase of Mercedes Benz by the Terengganu government for use by the State Exco members, as a replacement for the Perdana V6 Executive, in clear defiance of procedures of the Federal government.
Once again, I wish to say that what the MB Terengganu did was right, and had he not made the unpopular decision, the whole scheme of corrupt practices would not have emerged. Please remember that the amount runs in millions, and these unscrupulous people have fed themselves to richness, without fear of retribution from the state laws, let alone from the laws of Allah almighty. Now, that they are caught, they will have to suffer the shame, and to pay heavily for the consequences of their evil doing.
The defiance of the MB Terengganu is just not merely the purchase of the Mercedes Benz. He had called out clearly for the ACA to further investigate other state expenses, especially that of the construction of the Crystal Mosque, the costs of organising the Monsoon Cup and other 'non beneficial' projects carried out by the previous state government. Should the ACA accepts that call, I am sure many more heads will fall, and it will surely lead right up to the corridors of Putrajaya. Will the ACA dare accept this challenge? Your guess is as good as mine.
Now that the such rotten practices has come to the fore, I would further invite the ACA to investigate other ministries/departments over the Perdana scam. I bet you, many more of such rotten practices will emerge.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
BORDER SECURITY FORCES FOR OUR COUNTRY’S BORDER
The formalization of a border security force dedicated to manning our country’s borders is apt and timely. I am alluding to the recent establishment of a Border Brigade which was reported in the New Straits Times recently. The Brigade with its Headquarters in Perlis, has five border battalions strung astride the Malaysia-Thai border.
Prior to this, the battalions were manned by mobilized soldiers from the army reserve force, commonly known as territorial units. Being mobilized soldiers, they are governed by a different set of regulations and terms of service, which are not attractive, when compared to their regular counterparts. Hopefully, with the regularization of the border security forces, the soldiers are now on ‘equal footing’ with the regular forces, in every aspect of their career.
Manning of static border posts are not normally liked by the regular forces. It is boring and restricts the initiative of soldiers, and without any activity over a long period of time, complacency will eventually creep in. These are some of the fears that commanders are confronted with, when ordered to do static operational duties. I am quite sure, this fear will also ‘haunt’ commanders of this new border security force, besides other motivational issues affecting soldiers permanently deployed in border areas.
With the establishment of the border security force, regular battalions are now relieved of such duties, and are therefore able to concentrate more on their core function i.e. to train to master the art of a modern war, which is getting more complex.
In light of this new development in the Army’s force structure, I would hasten to suggest that Army also look at a similar force structure, to relieve regular forces manning all islands in Sabah, and along our coastal areas. This deployment which was aimed primarily at curbing the intrusion of illegal immigrants, should not have been the responsibility of army units.
Prior to this, the battalions were manned by mobilized soldiers from the army reserve force, commonly known as territorial units. Being mobilized soldiers, they are governed by a different set of regulations and terms of service, which are not attractive, when compared to their regular counterparts. Hopefully, with the regularization of the border security forces, the soldiers are now on ‘equal footing’ with the regular forces, in every aspect of their career.
Manning of static border posts are not normally liked by the regular forces. It is boring and restricts the initiative of soldiers, and without any activity over a long period of time, complacency will eventually creep in. These are some of the fears that commanders are confronted with, when ordered to do static operational duties. I am quite sure, this fear will also ‘haunt’ commanders of this new border security force, besides other motivational issues affecting soldiers permanently deployed in border areas.
With the establishment of the border security force, regular battalions are now relieved of such duties, and are therefore able to concentrate more on their core function i.e. to train to master the art of a modern war, which is getting more complex.
In light of this new development in the Army’s force structure, I would hasten to suggest that Army also look at a similar force structure, to relieve regular forces manning all islands in Sabah, and along our coastal areas. This deployment which was aimed primarily at curbing the intrusion of illegal immigrants, should not have been the responsibility of army units.
DO NOT FORCE EVICT KAMPUNG BARU FOLKS
‘City Hall will not hesitate to use ‘force’ to acquire land in Kampung Baru for development’. This was reported in the Streets column of New Straits Times dated July 26, 2008.
Isn’t those words threatening? It sounds like one to me, and who is City Hall threatening? I am extremely curious as to why City Hall is so persistent and adamant in ‘getting rid’ of the Malay community in Kampung Baru that had lived there for generations. And where will the evicted Malay community be sent to? Not to some remote jungle areas where monkeys roam? I would advise City Hall bosses to read the history of Kampung Baru thoroughly first, before they decide to use force to evict the Malay settlers there. I know, non of them have any affiliation with Kampung Baru.
I had friends from overseas visiting me, and they were highly impress with what the see in Kampung Baru. They say that Kampung Baru blends well with urban Kuala Lumpur, and the simplicity in the life style portrayed by the Kampung Baru folks, is a total reflection of what Malaysians truly are.
Kuala Lumpur does not need anymore skyscrapers, luxury condominiums, posh hotels and exclusive shopping arcades. What City Hall should concentrate immediately is to solve the traffic problem in Kuala Lumpur which is ‘hellish’ and suffocating. Approving new buildings within the city limits, will only worsen the traffic flow.
I am not privy to the nature of development that City Hall had planned for Kampung Baru, but I am quite sure it is to construct more buildings. Rather then destroy the beauty of Kampung Baru, why not get the kampung folks to ‘modernise’ their homes, construct better roads and to landscape its surroundings with lots of trees and flower plants? Isn’t this a good idea to bring the beautiful flock birds back to the city?
Isn’t those words threatening? It sounds like one to me, and who is City Hall threatening? I am extremely curious as to why City Hall is so persistent and adamant in ‘getting rid’ of the Malay community in Kampung Baru that had lived there for generations. And where will the evicted Malay community be sent to? Not to some remote jungle areas where monkeys roam? I would advise City Hall bosses to read the history of Kampung Baru thoroughly first, before they decide to use force to evict the Malay settlers there. I know, non of them have any affiliation with Kampung Baru.
I had friends from overseas visiting me, and they were highly impress with what the see in Kampung Baru. They say that Kampung Baru blends well with urban Kuala Lumpur, and the simplicity in the life style portrayed by the Kampung Baru folks, is a total reflection of what Malaysians truly are.
Kuala Lumpur does not need anymore skyscrapers, luxury condominiums, posh hotels and exclusive shopping arcades. What City Hall should concentrate immediately is to solve the traffic problem in Kuala Lumpur which is ‘hellish’ and suffocating. Approving new buildings within the city limits, will only worsen the traffic flow.
I am not privy to the nature of development that City Hall had planned for Kampung Baru, but I am quite sure it is to construct more buildings. Rather then destroy the beauty of Kampung Baru, why not get the kampung folks to ‘modernise’ their homes, construct better roads and to landscape its surroundings with lots of trees and flower plants? Isn’t this a good idea to bring the beautiful flock birds back to the city?
Friday, July 25, 2008
RULE OF LAW TO PREVAIL
Suhakam's public inquiry into the alleged use of excessive police force on one Chung Jiun Hiur, by the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers at the disputed Bandar Mohkota Cheras barricade on May 27, 2008, is one of extreme public interest. Beating up civilians who are unarmed and hapless, in the manner that they did to Chung, is outright brutality. I read that it required a platoon size FRU officers to take down just one civilian, and this is just ridiculous. With that numbers, even an elephant could have died.
Incidents of police brutality in this country, has occurred several times in the past, but what has come out of it leaves much to be desired. The beating of Chung conjours up images of the recent happenings in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where death upon innocent civilians caused by the police and army actions, rules the day. Are our FRU units of the same 'category' as that of Zimbabwe and Kenya; senseless, merciless, and the uniform they wear gives them the right to do as they please? I am sure, they are taught that the equipment they carry is only to be used in self defence. Surely it wasn't self defence in the case of Chung.
I now wonder what of the shooting case in Batu Buruk, Terengganu incident? This case is the first in our history where the police had used live bullets to disperse crowds. Isn't Suhakam conducting a public inquiry on this incident, or is it one of self defence?
I hope Suhakam's findings will be just, and the rule of law prevails in order to bring back public confidence in our FRU and police units.
Incidents of police brutality in this country, has occurred several times in the past, but what has come out of it leaves much to be desired. The beating of Chung conjours up images of the recent happenings in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where death upon innocent civilians caused by the police and army actions, rules the day. Are our FRU units of the same 'category' as that of Zimbabwe and Kenya; senseless, merciless, and the uniform they wear gives them the right to do as they please? I am sure, they are taught that the equipment they carry is only to be used in self defence. Surely it wasn't self defence in the case of Chung.
I now wonder what of the shooting case in Batu Buruk, Terengganu incident? This case is the first in our history where the police had used live bullets to disperse crowds. Isn't Suhakam conducting a public inquiry on this incident, or is it one of self defence?
I hope Suhakam's findings will be just, and the rule of law prevails in order to bring back public confidence in our FRU and police units.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
ROTTEN PRACTICES SPILLING OUT
I had earlier posted an article concerning the purchase of Mercedes Benz as officials cars for Terengganu EXCO members. Now, we all can see that the MB Terengganu, may have made the right decision to do away with the Perdana V6 Executive.
Look at the cost of maintenance for the previous MB, Deris Jusoh's Perdana V6.....a wooping RM 230,000 or thereabout, over a period of 4 years. Can all honest and decent people believe it? Please answer this Deris Jusoh, and don't say that you are not responsible, and blame it all on your driver.
Now,the ACA has decided to investigate, as they say that something is not right. Surely it is not right, and everybody knows that. What is important now is for the case to be fully investigated, and to prosecute those who are at fault, WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR. And please do not leave my brother Deris Jusoh out of this. If he is truly a leader, he should not absorb himself of blame.
For the MB Terengganu, thank you for your stubbornness to challenge your bosses seated in Putrajaya. Had you decided to buy the Perdana V6 Executive, this whole rotten and corrupt practice of the previous Terengganu government, would not have emerge. And believe you me, many more rotten practices will come spilling out.
Look at the cost of maintenance for the previous MB, Deris Jusoh's Perdana V6.....a wooping RM 230,000 or thereabout, over a period of 4 years. Can all honest and decent people believe it? Please answer this Deris Jusoh, and don't say that you are not responsible, and blame it all on your driver.
Now,the ACA has decided to investigate, as they say that something is not right. Surely it is not right, and everybody knows that. What is important now is for the case to be fully investigated, and to prosecute those who are at fault, WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR. And please do not leave my brother Deris Jusoh out of this. If he is truly a leader, he should not absorb himself of blame.
For the MB Terengganu, thank you for your stubbornness to challenge your bosses seated in Putrajaya. Had you decided to buy the Perdana V6 Executive, this whole rotten and corrupt practice of the previous Terengganu government, would not have emerge. And believe you me, many more rotten practices will come spilling out.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
ALLOW MB TERENGGANU TO MAKE DECISION
The controversy over the purchase of Mercedes Benz cars for the Terengganu Executive Council members, against the purchase of the Perdana V6 Executive, has now become an issue between the Terengganu state government and the federal government. This does not auger well for state-federal relations.
Personally, I do see anything badly wrong for the MB Terengganu to purchase the Mercedes Benz, as we all have to respect his reasons, for he is the rightful executive head
I was once an owner of a Perdana V6, but I had to sell it off because of the perennial problems that I had with the car. I even had to change my gearbox, and the front fender keeps dropping off. The noise that the car makes while traveling is unbearable. I suppose, the MB Terengganu had faced similar problems with the Perdana V6 Executive, that resulted in him changing it to a Mercedes Benz. I too now drive a 20 year old second hand Mercedes Benz, and it is free of all the problems that I had with my Perdana.
The other point that I wish to make here is that the purchase is not wasteful, since selling the cars off later will still earn the government some revenue. But what had been spent by the previous state government, is to me more wasteful and had little benefit for the people. I need not want to say what the wasteful spendings were, because this is well known the people of Terengganu. Are we not aware that Terengganu, with its oil wealth is still one of the poorest state in Malaysia? What's the point of the the Crystal Mosque or the Moonsoon Cup, when the state is still poor?
Shahril Samad need to exercise a bit of flexibility, and to allow the MB Terengganu to make his own decision in running the state government.
Personally, I do see anything badly wrong for the MB Terengganu to purchase the Mercedes Benz, as we all have to respect his reasons, for he is the rightful executive head
I was once an owner of a Perdana V6, but I had to sell it off because of the perennial problems that I had with the car. I even had to change my gearbox, and the front fender keeps dropping off. The noise that the car makes while traveling is unbearable. I suppose, the MB Terengganu had faced similar problems with the Perdana V6 Executive, that resulted in him changing it to a Mercedes Benz. I too now drive a 20 year old second hand Mercedes Benz, and it is free of all the problems that I had with my Perdana.
The other point that I wish to make here is that the purchase is not wasteful, since selling the cars off later will still earn the government some revenue. But what had been spent by the previous state government, is to me more wasteful and had little benefit for the people. I need not want to say what the wasteful spendings were, because this is well known the people of Terengganu. Are we not aware that Terengganu, with its oil wealth is still one of the poorest state in Malaysia? What's the point of the the Crystal Mosque or the Moonsoon Cup, when the state is still poor?
Shahril Samad need to exercise a bit of flexibility, and to allow the MB Terengganu to make his own decision in running the state government.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
NST online dated July 23, 2008 reports that Lt Col Abdul Aziz Buyong and his wife, Lt Col Norhayati Hassan has filed a RM 2 million defamation suit against RPK for an allegation that both were involved, together with Rosmah Mansor (wife of DPM), in the murder of Altantuya, the Mongolian beauty.The murder case which is still being heard at the Shah Alam High Court, has attracted international attention, especially Mongolia which even threatens to sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia, if they find that the case is not well handled.
RPK had earlier been summoned by the police to answer questions relating to a 'defamatory' article that he wrote in his Malaysia Today blog regarding the Altantuya murder, and a Statutory Declaration that he had filed alleging the involvement of Rosmah Mansor, and the two army officers mentioned above.
Despite all that has been said against Rosmah and Najib relating to the murder case, both have yet to move a legal recourse against RPK. Keeping silence over such a serious allegation may conjure up negative impressions of both Rosmah and Najib in the minds of people who have been monitoring the case closely, more so among Najib's 'political adversaries'.
And with UMNO's General Assembly nearing, I suppose Najib has every reason not to worry himself over the RPK's allegation, but to focus his attention more to the upcoming general assembly, as this will have great effect on his political ambitions.
RPK had earlier been summoned by the police to answer questions relating to a 'defamatory' article that he wrote in his Malaysia Today blog regarding the Altantuya murder, and a Statutory Declaration that he had filed alleging the involvement of Rosmah Mansor, and the two army officers mentioned above.
Despite all that has been said against Rosmah and Najib relating to the murder case, both have yet to move a legal recourse against RPK. Keeping silence over such a serious allegation may conjure up negative impressions of both Rosmah and Najib in the minds of people who have been monitoring the case closely, more so among Najib's 'political adversaries'.
And with UMNO's General Assembly nearing, I suppose Najib has every reason not to worry himself over the RPK's allegation, but to focus his attention more to the upcoming general assembly, as this will have great effect on his political ambitions.
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