KeranaMu Malaysia III: Follow the Money Trail of ECM Libra to SC

Picture from AgendaDaily

Buruh, nelayan dan juga petani
Gaya hidup kini dah berubah
Anak-anak terasuh mindanya
Lahir generasi bijak pandai

Pakar IT, pakar ekonomi
Jaguh sukan dan juga jutawan
Berkereta jenama negara
Megah menyusur di jalan raya

Alam cyber teknologi terkini
Kejayaan semakin hampiri
Biar di kota ataupun desa
Kita semua pasti merasa bangga

Keranamu kami mendakap tuah
Keranamu kami bangsa berjaya
Keranamu kami hidup selesa
Limpah budi kemakmuran negara

Keranamu kami bebas merdeka
Keranamu myawa dipertaruhkan
Keranamu rela kami berjuang
Demi bangsa kedaulatan negara (ulang dari mula )

Keranamu Negara Malaysia
Malaysia...Terima kasih Malaysia!

-- Composers and Lyrics: Pak Ngah/Siso Kopratasa

Bloggers are part of Government, as I say. We participate to elect the executive branch of Government and representatives. And, we are duty bound to remind them. When the channels to do so are inaccessible, we must ensure our reminder is accessible to them. Along the way, it happens to be available to the public :). But, just like them in public office, our opinion is open for scrutiny.

This is exactly what the ECM Libra issue has demonstrated.

PAC and Parliamentarian

The first two PAC sessions on August 10th and October 16th, 2006, cleared Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Securities Commission (SC) officials as having followed procedures and Government seemed to benefit from the deal. Do you expect our MPs to ask questions on Company Law, Corporate Finance and Capital Market to MoF and SC Officials?

The third PAC session hearing on ECM Libra on 26th February, 2007 absolve the Minister of Finance II. I'd bet you would ask, where is MoF I?

Strangely, a hearing, that is supposed to talk of ECM Libra, end up covering a wider range of issues, thus diluting the focus of the enquiry. The 8 BN MPs members innocently or expectedly went along with Dato' Shahrir. Even the 4 opposition MPs fell for it. They were asking about SJER, Pantai Irama, KTM Kelantan, Synergy Drive, and such. Omigod...

If Jim Hacker in the TV Series, "Yes Prime Minister" belittled his Backbencher MPs, I'd bet he'd belittle both the Malaysian BN Backbenchers and Oppositions. God save Malaysia.

Even that, Tan Sri Nor Mohammed didn't really answer quite a few questions raised. The Walls with my ears were telling that Shahrir told few PAC members he had a private long talk with Tan Sri Nor Mohammed. That could be Parlimentarian-speak for "hold off he's innocent". Should Shahrir alone be entrusted to determine MoF's innocence?

Pak Lah's Enron?

The ECM Libra-Avenue "Takeover" is a MAJOR financial scandal. It's got so deep a ramification that MOST comments thus far exposed only the surface. The indiscretion and wrongful act is multi-layered and is practically at every step of the way. Its Enron in the manner of Collusion and Collaboration to Commit fraud.

The most talked about is the conflict of interest and insider's trading. The technically savvy could spot the manipulation of goodwill, overvaluation of ECM Libra, market rigging of ECM shares, and undervaluation of Avenue. NTA, PAT, EPS, PER, and all those mumbo jumbo boils down to "ular lidi si-hitam" gobbled "ular sawa gomen". And, everyone had their comments on Khairy's sales of his share portion and doubting he lost money.

While Joe Public is yelling "Scheming Shahrir", he had left many bread crumbs for us to follow.

Dato' A Kadir Jasin commented that Dato' Shahrir's press statement infer that the Cabinet were, either not doing its monitoring work, or a decision to not deem it to work. All one need to do is read his Press Conference on August 10th, 2006 from AgendaDaily below:

Wartawan: Jadi peringkat pegawai sahaja yang meluluskan penggabungan ini?
Shahrir: Nampaknya peringkat pegawai sahaja.

Another one:

Wartawan: Dari keterangan yang diperolehi hari ini...siapa sebenarnya yang meluluskan penggabungan ini?
Shahrir: Ia diluluskan oleh para pemegang saham..
Wartawan: Tak... Dalam kerajaan ...diperingkat mana ?
Shahrir: Itulah kita tak berapa pasti... sebab tu kita nak (dapatkan keterangan)... Proses tu kita tak berapa tahu... Kita tak jelas... Akhirnya kenapa ambil keputusan... Siapa yang bagi OK... Pasal Menteri Kewangan ni ada dua (orang) ada Menteri Kewangan Dua... Ada Menteri Kewangan Satu...
Wartawan: Apakah soal pengabungan ini ada dibawa ke dalam mesyuarat kabinet dulu?
Shahrir: Saya pun tak berapa pasti.....

Still the unnswered question. Who decide? Government Commitee? Government Officer? Minister? Names ... we want names!!! The public wants to know.

He said that from Tan Sri Nor's comment, the Government view the deal as legit because SC approved. Ah-ha, that's blame language but its telling us to:

Follow the Money!

Tracing the Money Trail to SC

Lets start with the SC.

The role and power of SC is defined under the Securities Commission Act, 1993. They administer the SC Act, Securities Industry Act, 1983, and other related related industry Acts. The Bursa is under their purview. The power of SC is so wide and Part II Section 16 of the Act specifies the SC "shall have all such powers necessary".

Part II Section 15 Para 1(i) of the Act provide for the function to "suppress illegal, dishonourable and improper practices". The contravention to provide false and misleading statement in Section 32B Para (1) of the Act covers all "applicant, any of its officers or associates; a financial adviser or an expert; or any other person."

SC allows for market-determined pricing of securities. However, it is not absolved from ensuring the issues of valuation of securities are fair and equitable and not FRAUDULENT.

In this case, SC's prior approval was required for the Scheme of the Merger, its valuation, its prospectus, its appointment of Adviser to Minority and the advice given to Shareholders, Waiver for Mandatory General Offer, etc.

All roads lead to SC.

The Director of Avenue only recommend the deal as "fair" but Adviser K&N Kenanga could recommend deal as "fair and reasonable" to Shareholder. SC approved that recommendation? Isn't it odd for K&N Kenanga to no more about the company than its Directors?

The Fraudulent Waiver at the EGM

Many have covered various aspect of the deal but few really touched on the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Avenue Capital.

The EGM was the final clincher to approve the "Takeover" (which the ECM Libra shareholders already did, why not?) and to give Waiver to ECM Libra from a Mandatory General Offer (MGO) for busting the 33% limit to 53.2%. A MGO would have been f**king costly because its buying control.

On paper, Avenue Capital originated the Merger. It is strange don't you think, for someone to initiate a Merger and invite some small kucirat Company to have majority control? And, for cheap?

To avoid ECM shareholders paying through their ass for majority control, they applied for waiver under the Whitewash Procedure in Practice Note 2.9.1 of the Malaysian Code of Takeovers and Mergers. The requirement for exemptions such as approval from Independent Shareholders, appointment of an Independent Adviser, Circular of Independent Advice, and prior consultation with SC were met. Except for the following:

(5)(b) (iii) interested parties have abstained from voting at that meeting;

Para (7) of the Whitewash Procedure defines interested parties. To cut thing short, the SC allowed the interested parties of Government Company and Pantai Holding to vote.

In addition, there was another infringement under this procedure when there are ECM Libra executives present to vote under proxy. You want names? OK its Mr Lim Boon Soon, the ECM Libra CFO.

In the usual practise of Mergers & Takeover, the interested parties and those working in concert cannot vote in the EGM. It's only the Minority Shareholders. Off course, they plant people to buy and vote for them but it'll cost!

In this case, aren't the major shareholders (represented on the Board) interested parties in this Merger? They want to see this deal they originated go through. In fact, they were in discussion with ECM parties. Sure they will deny but who turn up at ... on ... Is that not working in concert?
Why did the SC allowed them to vote as Independent Parties at the Avenue EGM? The Minority could have had a fighting chance. Even with Aroma Teraju (Government) voting for and Pantai Group "forced" to vote for, the majority was 60-70%, said the shareholders.

Lets Go For The Fish Head

Shareholders were telling me.

On Saturday May 20th, 2006, newly-appointed Securities Commission chief, Datuk Zarinah Anwar got news headline for giving a stern warning to market manipulators. Just two days earlier, this fraudulent EGM was happening. Off course, Iris was mentioned but not ECM Libra.

Who is Datuk Zarinah? The grapevine is saying Datuk Zarinah Anwar's sister, Datin Marina is close to the late Datin Seri Endon. Husband to Datin Marina, Dato' Mat Abit is very close with Pak Lah. That's an indirect family tie. She is cleared under the law. Rumours are saying her husband, Azizan is a business partner to Dato Kalimullah.

So much for conspiracy theory. What relevant credential does she have for the job? Any experience in Banking, Merchant Banking, Stockbroking, Fund Management, or as Regulator? I'm seeking information and not creating doubt.

I am asking this because she presented the case at the first two PAC Session and she was protected from questions. Perhaps, Shahrir had to work for boss, but what the f**k were the MPs doing, both BN and Opposition?

She was not asked why asset value was not considered? Why the manipulation of ECM Quarterly Financial Result announced on March 3rd, 2006 was amended from NTA per share of RM0.50 to Net Asset per share of RM1.34?

Why did she say "Avenue Capital Resources & ECM Libra akan mendapat manafaat" when Avenue shareholders end up buying over inflated ECM Libra and all the major shareholders now sold their shares?

Why did she say "Penasihat Bebas (K&N Kenanga Sdn Bhd) telah dilantik untuk menasihati pemegang minoriti" when all are independent shareholders and the advise was half truth?

Why did she said "Penilaian ke atas nilai ECM Libra dan syer balasan ECM Libra adalah munasabah" when SC was not curious of the market rigged value of ECM Libra?

Why did she said "Penggabungan tersebut adalah tertakluk kepada kelulusan pemegang saham kedua-dua syarikat" when the Avenue EGM was fraudulent?

Over and Under But Its Not Rugby

Why didn't Dato Kris Azman Abdullah, Director of Issues and Investment Division accompany the Chairman for the presentation? She is newbie then. He could assist to answer the questions. The SC's credibility is on the line. These days the market is saying there is no more under the table at SC but above the table. Its not the man on the street but those corporate people gossiping at Gourmet Cafes.

Now, Kris, you should be doing something about this. There were awful rumours saying Danaharta sold asset cheaply to friendly parties. Weren't you at Danaharta (Read his resume here)? Can the experience there be useful to "help" SC?

So it seems there are Police reports made on ECM Libra. Since it is out of the Police area of expertise, it was referred to the SC. What happened to the investigation? Whose table is the file on now?

What happened post Merger? Still not relenting.

KeranaMu Negara Malaysia
Terima kasih .... Malaysia.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
March 1st, 2007 11:30 a.m.

KeranaMu Malaysia II: ECM Libra Debacle Revisited

Picture from AgendaDaily

Buruh, nelayan dan juga petani

Gaya hidup kini dah berubah

Anak-anak terasuh mindanya

Lahir generasi bijak pandai

Pakar IT, pakar ekonomi

Jaguh sukan dan juga jutawan

Berkereta jenama negara

Megah menyusur di jalan raya

Alam cyber teknologi terkini

Kejayaan semakin hampiri

Biar di kota ataupun desa

Kita semua pasti merasa bangga

Keranamu kami mendakap tuah

Keranamu kami bangsa berjaya

Keranamu kami hidup selesa

Limpah budi kemakmuran negara

Keranamu kami bebas merdeka

Keranamu myawa dipertaruhkan

Keranamu rela kami berjuang

Demi bangsa kedaulatan negara (ulang dari mula )

Keranamu Negara Malaysia

Malaysia...Terima kasih Malaysia!

-- Composers and Lyrics: Pak Ngah/Siso Kopratasa

Today at 9:30 a.m. the Parlimentary PAC will reconvene to continue with the issue of the Merger between ECM-Libra and Avenue Capital. This issue has caused quite a bit of uproar in both the corporate circle and political.

Background of ECM Libra

ECM Libra started out as ECM, an Investment Advisory Company by David Lim and Lim Kian Onn, two former Hong Leong top guns. Then came, Dato Kalimullah into the picture with the idea of a takeover of Bumiputera Securities. Bumiputera Securities was a former subsidiary of BankBumiputera but left out of the package in the takeover by CIMB Group.

ECM, that became ECM Libra, subsequently undertook a backdoor listing via Tan Sri Azman's PLC to become ECM Libra Berhad. The Company start to transform itself into a Boutique Investment Banking Company.

The Company was employing the infamous SIL, Khairy Jamaluddin as Director of Investment Banking. Thats quite a jump for someone without Investment and Finance experiance, even for a claimed genius. It was then that ECM Libra was allegedly accused as an instrument for Khairy to do a "clearance sale " of Government assets to an Island nation.

Through a vendor financing scheme i.e. the sellers provide layaway plan, Dato Kalimullah, David Lim and Lim Kian Onn sold some of their shares to Khairy. Conveniently, few months later, a proposal was put to the Minister of Finance for a Merger between ECM Libra and Avenue Capital Resource Berhad.

Was It Merger Or Takeover?

What seemed like a Merger is actually an attempt to camouflage the true intention of a Takeover. The "Takeover" was to substantially expand the operations of ECM Libra and buffer the seasonal income of ECM Libra with stockbroking income from Avenue. That helps to undertake "other" operations. One, as a source amongst journalist, was to provide salary for some personality within Kalimullah's team.

The "Takeover" caused quiet an uproar. Websites and blogs were scrutinising the deal closely. Off course, the Opposition had their piece of the action. Kalimullah got himself a Court Injunction on Husam and Harakah to stop "talking" of ECM Libra. And, there is a suit and countersuit still pending between him and Mathias Chang, which the latter called him corrupt.

The public uproar slipped into the less-happy Company's EGM, namely Avenue Capital's. Some an hour and a half of drilling was levied on the Directors, whose response were cliche, leading shareholders to believe that a "gun was put to their heads to sign on the dotted line".

The two resolution to approve the merger with ECM Libra and waive the Mandatory general Offer to ECM Libra Shareholders were passed. It was reported as near unanimous but shareholders sources said it was only between 60-70% majority (including the managing shareholder, which strangely was voting). The equity held by Minority Shareholders seemed close to the votes opposing the Resolutions.

PAC in the Pix

The uproar has not ceased despite "their" victory. Among within UMNO circle, noises are loudly heard. In several Majlis Penerangan UMNO, the issue of ECM Libra kept cropping up. Finally, Dato Shahrir as Chairman of the Parlimentary Public Account Committee called for an enquiry into the ECM Libra affair.

Almost about the same time and during the rounds of opening UMNO Youth Division Meeting, Khairy announced his sales of ECM Libra shares, claiming loses.

The Ministry of Finance and Securities Commission officials have been called. After 6 months, they are reconvening again. This time Minister of Finance II, Tan Sri Nor Mohammed Yakcop will attend. Thus far, the PAC enquiries dwelled on the issue of procedural and overview of Government investment decision.

Unanswered Issues

It has yet to openly tell the public the answer to the ethical and moral issue of the Takeover.

• Why was Avenue shares undervalued and ECM Libra overvalued by goodwill?
• Why was there a "rigging" of ECM Libra shares in the market prior to announcement?
• Why was the rather unfair term for purchase term on Avenue to buy ECM subsidiaries?
• Why was the EGM proceeding at Avenue filled with improper procedures?
• Why was "biased" valuation recomendation by Adviser K&N Kenanga accepted by SC?
• Why was it that it seemed from the eye of many shareholders a "collusion" by various authorities has occurred?

There is also the issue of incongruence with the BNM and SC plans for the Securities and Banking Industry.

After the "Takeover" is completed, the merged entity ECM Libra - Avenue suffered RM15 million losses for Third Quarter ending October 31st, 2006. Some 23% of staff were laid-off.

• Whose side did the loses came from? ECM Libra or Avenue Capital?
• How much has ECM Libra's Boutique Investment Banking enhanced the Government's asset?
• What happened to the much hyped Investment Banking license?
• Why the need to lay-off staff?
• Whose staff was affected? ECM Libra or Avenue Capital?

Will the Government admit that the Merger with ECM Libra is a bad decision? Now who decided? Will they admit its Baba deciding for SIL's request? Perhasp not.

During the uproar that lead to the PAC enquiry, one of the major shareholder David Lim sold his entire shares. Industry sources said David Lim was against the manner of the takeover from the beginning. And, Kalimullah? He sold his shares below the 5% level to avoid disclosure of his activities.

Lets not relent on this.

KeranaMu Negara Malaysia

Terima Kasih ... Malaysia

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 26th, 2007 10:00 a.m.

UPDATE

Thank you to Manure United for highlighting my mistake. Yes, its not David Chua but David Lim.

The 3-hour PAC yesterday covered a wider scope than the ECM Libra issue and proposed a Second Cabinet Committee to oversea GLC investment. The first Commiittee focusing on high impact investment.

As far as ECM Libra, the following are whats reported in the Press today. NSTP, conveniently, at the far end of its report:

As Shahrir said Nor Mohamed had said that there was nothing unusual in the ECM Libra-Avenue Capital merger.

"The Securities Commission had given clearance for the merger," he added.

The Sun:

Another issue raised was the merger between ECM Libra and the government-owned Avenue Capital. On this, Shahrir said Nor Mohamed explained that there was nothing unusual about the deal since it had obtained clearance from the Securities Commission (SC).

"To say we are satisfied (with the explanation given) is not right since the PAC consists of representatives of various political parties. We all have a different degree of satisfaction. The government feels that since the SC had no objection and the majority of shareholders of the two companies want to merge, the merger should take place without any interference," he said.

AgendaDaily has a report also here.

So it seems, a February 9th, 2007 EdgeDaily reported that Tan Sri Azman bought out 18% of ECM Libra Avenue frrom Minister of Finance.

Well, can you smell that smell. And, as that famous line by the informer, Deep Throat in the movie "All The President's Men" would say, "Follow the money". What comes out of SC is all money. Wondering what is this market talk, "Its no more under the table but on the table"? Market talks too much, don't they.

There is still the suit and countersuit between Mathias Chang and Kalimullah goes to court. Someones gonna be poorer by lots of million.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 27th, 2007 11:00 a.m.

KeranaMu Malaysia: Bloggers! We are also Government!

A Specie of Hibuscus, the National Flower

- Hibuscus Rosa-Sinensis "Dr Mahathir"

Buruh, nelayan dan juga petani
Gaya hidup kini dah berubah
Anak-anak terasuh mindanya
Lahir generasi bijak pandai

Pakar IT, pakar ekonomi
Jaguh sukan dan juga jutawan
Berkereta jenama negara
Megah menyusur di jalan raya

Alam cyber teknologi terkini
Kejayaan semakin hampiri
Biar di kota ataupun desa
Kita semua pasti merasa bangga

Keranamu kami mendakap tuah
Keranamu kami bangsa berjaya
Keranamu kami hidup selesa
Limpah budi kemakmuran negara

Keranamu kami bebas merdeka
Keranamu myawa dipertaruhkan
Keranamu rela kami berjuang
Demi bangsa kedaulatan negara (ulang dari mula )

Keranamu Negara Malaysia
Malaysia...Terima kasih Malaysia!

-- Composers and Lyrics: Pak Ngah/Siso Kopratasa


A February 22nd AFP News report here and I quote:

A Malaysian blogger sued by a newspaper for defamation denied Thursday that his articles were anti-government.

The government-linked New Straits Times Press (NSTP) filed a legal suit against Ahirudin Attan and another blogger, Jeff Ooi, over a series of items critical of government policy that were published on their sites last year.

"I don't write anti-government articles. (Articles) critical of the government, yes," Ahirudin told AFP.

Rocky declared himself as not anti-government and not pro-government. Jeff denied Bloggers wanting to bring down the Government. The people just need to voice.

After going through the Amended Copy of charges against Rocky here and here, it is "crystal" that Government through Kali is trying to control our voices. Your voice. My voice. And, A Voice.

Grow up, all you dock head!

Why does anything that is analytical, cynical, and critical have to be brandished as anti-government? In the first place, do you understand what is a Government? My words on its own may be meaningless. Lets refer to Wikipedia for some credibility.

"A government is a body that has the authority to make and the power to enforce rules and laws within a civil, corporate, religious, academic, or other organisation or group."

A government essentially administer or supervise over a state or entity of people. At times, government could refer to the executive branch. And, in a democratic government, the people as a whole hold political power to select the "executive" manager and "stakeholders" representative.

Whats wrong with us - the people express ourselves? Its not easy getting appointment to see the "Government" ie Ministers and our representative. Its common that our concerns are lost in RealPolitik.

As far as I see, the Bloggers raised what the Government needs to be pointed out. More so, for the nation's betterment. Most critically, when the CEO of the executive branch of government leader is "in-competent, in-denial and dangerous".

We are voicing what is needed and important to us - corruption, executive abuse, governmental mismanagement and waste, sovereignty, economy, and so on and so forth.

Why should it not concern the Government? If the Government is anti to that, it only means this "Government", meanng the executive branch, is anti- Government?

No sane citizen in this country could possibly be anti-government when we are part of the political process of forming a Government. We are the foundation of government's existence. The social contract theory of government holds that governments are created by the people to provide for their needs.

There is so much of "us" is involve. How can we be "anti-us"?

We Bloggers are simply doing it ...

Kerana Mu Negara Malaysia
Malaysia .... Terima kasih Malaysia

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 25th, 2007 11:50 a.m.

Knowing Me, Knowing You: Or Tagging Me, Tagging You

No more carefree laughter
Silence ever after
Walking through an empty house, tears in my eyes
Here is where the story ends, this is goodbye

Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
There is nothing we can do
Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
We just have to face it, this time were through
(This time were through, This time were through
This time were through, Were really through)
Breaking up is never easy, I know but I have to go
(I have to go this time
I have to go, this time I know)
Knowing me, knowing you Its the best I can do

Memries (memries), good days (good days), bad days (bad days)
Theyll be (theyll be), with me (with me) always (always)
In these old familiar rooms children would play
Now theres only emptiness, nothing to say

Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
There is nothing we can do
Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)

We just have to face it, this time were through
(this time were through, this time were through
This time were through, were really through)
Breaking up is never easy, I know but I have to go
(I have to go this time
I have to go, this time I know)
Knowing me, knowing you
Its the best I can do

-- ABBA, Arrival (1976)


I was tagged by QueenB. So it seems, QueenB was tagged by Nuraina. She mentioned last night over drinks. I didn't expect to be tagged and its strange to tell the 6 wierdest thing about myself.

Pleasantries in order. Hi QueenB! Nice to know another wall. We "wall people" must get to know each other. In fact, in Pink Floyd's song entitled my Blog namesake, there is a line mentioning I see the "Writing on the Wall". So we are cemented.

I'll not stall anymore and I'll be a sport get it over with. I am not weird. You see how difficult it is to make-up something untrue about yourself. I'll list it, but I'll deny it one day... Hehe, my caveat in case I decide to enter public office and this list is used against me. OK here goes:

1. I've always denied when my wife tells me I snore. My easy excuse to win our argument was I do not believe what I do not hear. I realised recently that I can hear myself snoring while watching the TV by myself ... thats really weird.
2. I could be unshaved for weeks, looking messy but I can't stand any hair growing on any part of my ears. And, I actually have a habit of picking it out.
3. I have the messiest work table at home and perhaps in the world but I would go tantrum should the Mrs try to clean it. She doesn't understand that the so-called mess is in a state of perfect eqilibrium with the Universe. Or in plain English, I and only I can locate things.
4. I have trouble gettign to sleep in our bedroom. I need to fall asleep in front of the TV. As soon as I fall asleep, I could wake up and move inside to properly sleep on our bed.
5. I seldom could sleep on hotel beds (due to some ailment). Whenever I am out of town and sharing a room with another, there is always room for another cause I prefer sleeping on the carpet.
6. I am now in a total weird cyberstate. The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is to move the mouse to get the screen to appear. After a quick scan of the list on already pre-set Google News on Malaysia, only then I do my ablution to pray.

Alright those are all lies. Don't believe any of them.

Now, lets have plane, plane! BigDogDotCom, the sqeeky Politikus, my former YB, Kuda Kepang, my hometown boy made good and KJ's alumni, Tony Pua, Mulah the sailor man, and rib tickling Pak Lah jabber, Husin Lempoyang. (P/S: Tony, Remember that it could be used against you ... hehehe)

I hope you'll are not rejecting. I do not know Monsterball's Blog site?

Its the best thing I can be.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
Febraury 24th, 2007 8:00 p.m.

From a Distance: Set Aside Your Prejudice for the Children of War

From a distance the world looks blue and green,
and the snow-capped mountains white.
From a distance the ocean meets the stream,
and the eagle takes to flight.

From a distance, there is harmony,
and it echoes through the land.
It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace,
it's the voice of every man.

From a distance we all have enough,
and no one is in need.
And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease,
no hungry mouths to feed.

From a distance we are instruments,
marching in a common band.
Playing songs of hope, playing songs of peace.
They're the songs of every man.
God is watching us. God is watching us.
God is watching us from a distance.

From a distance you look like my friend,
even though we are at war.
From a distance I just cannot comprehend,
what all this fighting is for.

From a distance there is harmony,
and it echoes through the land.
And it's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves,
it's the heart of every man.

It's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves.
This is the song of every man.
And God is watching us, God is watching us,
God is watching us from a distance.
Oh, God is watching us, God is watching.
God is watching us from a distance.

-- Bette Midler, Some People's Lives (1990)


The Sun issue dated February 13th, 2007 reported Datuk Param Cumaraswamy, the former United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, calling the proposed Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal is a farce. He raised the non-signing by the Malaysian Government of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court agreed by UN member states in 1998. He mocked the Tribunal as an NGO has no legal basis.

Police Watch and Human Rights Committee legal advisor, P. Uthayakumar picked on Tun for not holding a Royal Commission of Inquiry or inquest made on the 2001 Kampung Medan racial incident in Petaling Jaya.

I am tempted to answer the issues but would appeal to this two gentlemen and many others to set your prejudices. Read the note from a 7-year old below downloaded from Nizam Bashir.
Glory and glamour is farthest from feasibility in this struggle, particularly to an 82-year old man. Think of all those many tears and fears of children out there. Think of all those men and women victimised in this war of merciless cause.

The reply from Prof Shad Faruqi on the PGPO blog hopefully should answer your comment, Dato. In summary, the good Professor replied:

1. The concept of law is not confined to enacted, formal law.
2. Even if it is alleged that the KL proceedings have no legality, no one can deny that they have legitimacy.
3. The KL proceedings are inspired by the principle that wherever there is a right there must be a remedy.
4. By far and large international law on genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and wars of aggression is applied selectively and in a racist and colonial fashion.
5. The Rome Statute has a number of flaws that prevent horrendous war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression from being prosecuted.
6. The KL proceedings are inspired by previous precedents of People’s Tribunals.
7. Such people’s initiatives have basis in democratic theory, in human rights jurisprudence and in the Charter of the United Nations.
8. The fact that the KL War Crimes Tribunal cannot impose its judgment on the aggressors is not the heart of the matter.
9. The fact that the KLWCC and the KLWCT may have to proceed without the presence of the accused is indeed troublesome.
10. Admittedly, the KLWCT suffers from many limitations.

I plead to all peace-loving human to join hands in this fight and struggle, even if it is insisted to be called farce. I know Bush and B-lair would appreciate it be called so.

God is watching us from a distance.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 21st, 2007 3:50 p.m.

Only Yesterday: We Are One Month Old!

After long enough of being alone,
Ev'ryone must face their share of loneliness.
In my own time nobody knew
the pain I was goin' thru,
And watin' was all my heart could do.

Hope was all I had until you came,
Maybe you can't see how much you mean to me.
You were the dawn breaking the night
The promise of morning light.
Filling the world surrounding me

When I hold you, baby, baby,
your love's made me
free as a song,
singin' for ever.

Chorus:
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely,
You showed me the way to leave the past
and all it's tears behind me.
Tomorrow maybe even brighter than today
since I threw my sadness away.
Only yesterday

I have found my home here in your arms
Nowhere else on earth Id really rather be
Life waits for us
Share it with me
The best is about to be
So much is left for us to see
When I hold you

Chorus (2x)

-- Carpenters, Horizon (1975)

What started initially as intimidation to one of us blogger, followed by a lawyer suit to silence us bloggers, end up into something encouraging in the fight for Freedom of Expression or Information.

From the overwhelming response by Bloggers to paste the Bloggers United logo, we suddenly unite. it was like a calling from God.

This encouraged Shieh to call for a war against evil a month ago today and Blogger United is "formed". Lets not forget that we are commemurating the 1-month cyberwar to Boycott NST and Media Prima!

This Thursday, Rocky will be facing the forces of evils led by Dato Kalimullah with his band of evil doers of Dato Brenda Pereira, Dato Hishamuddin Aun, and Dato Syed Faisal hiding behind the honourable institution of NST.

Before anyone attempt to locate and sue me for name calling, read the warning taken from Bumiputera Malaysia below:

The owner of this portal shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by the usage of any information obtained from this web site. Readers are advised to use their discretion to arrive at their own judgement with regards to the content of this portal. All Malaysian laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act, Official Secrets Act, Internal Security Act, Seditions Act and any subsidiary legislation strictly DO NOT apply to this portal.

"Its my party, I cry if I want to". Damn it! Caveat emptor ... readers beware! Sometimes I can be awfully "honest".

Back to the occasion. By 2:30 p.m., all the court matters should be clear and all Bloggers will celebrate this auspices occasion at the Denmark House canteen. Nuraina is buying the cakes. Jom ramai-ramai!

The road ahead is still long but Blogger United has been miraculous. More and more have express and shown their support for this single cause. The KPMUs, Macais and SiPMs are but minute number of mentally aberated and morally tradeable bunch.

Among us, Bloggers United, we may differ on many issues but this one cause will be that bridge that allows us to unite and communicate with one another.

Arguing and criticism have limited success. Rather than the usual "killing of the messenger" by our politicians, we - the people will listen to one another. Its the understanding to each others' problems and predicaments that will shorten the bridge between us. It was ...

Only Yesterday.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 20th, 2007 1:00 p.m.

Pigs on the Wing: Books That Fly But More RM For Schools?

PART 1

If you didn't care what happened to me,
And I didn't care for you,
We would zig zag our way through the boredom and pain
Occasionally glancing up through the rain.
Wondering which of the buggars to blame
And watching for pigs on the wing.

PART 2

You know that I care what happens to you
And I know that you care for me
So I don't feel alone
Of the weight of the stone
Now that I've found somewhere safe
To bury my bone
And any fool knows a dog needs a home
A shelter from pigs on the wing

-- Pink Floyd, Animals (1977)


Additional RM2.9 billion for Rural Education, Hidup Pak Lah!

It was only reported 5 days ago on February 15th by AgendaDaily that the Government is allocating additional budget of RM2.9 billion for rural education.

Even if it is an election move to draw rural support and questionable procedure, I am all for it. Any move to improve rural education will always receive my approval.

My position on rural education is more radical to the extent of stopping the allocation for building of more boarding schools. The present situation is serving the middle class and urban kids. Let boarding school be for the more ill-equipped rural and lower economic class kids.

Textbook Scheme from 2008 Cancelled Due To Increase Cost By RM100 Million, Fikiran Apa Ini Pak Lah?

What is this? They can provide additional RM2.9 billion but not additional RM100 million. Read the excerpt below from the February 18th, 2007 Bernama report to believe it:

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Feb (Bernama) -- Akhir tahun lepas, Kementerian Pelajaran mengumumkan skim pinjaman buku teks akan diberikan kepada semua pelajar sekolah rendah dan menengah mulai tahun 2008.

Langkah kementerian tersebut menerima pujian dan sanjungan daripada ramai ibu bapa, terutamanya mereka yang mempunyai ramai anak yang masih bersekolah dan dibebani dengan perbelanjaan yang besar untuk membeli buku-buku teks.

"Ini menunjukkan kementerian prihatin dengan keperluan ibu bapa," kata kalangan orang ramai.

Tiba-tiba langkah murni itu ditarik balik dengan begitu cepat. Timbalan Menteri Pelajaran Datuk Noh Omar berkata langkah itu telah dibatalkan kerana beberapa faktor.

Antaranya ialah kementerian terpaksa menanggung kos sebanyak lebih daripada RM100 juta lagi jika langkah itu dijalankan serta, setelah kementerian mendengar rayuan daripada pihak penerbit dan pengedar buku teks.

Noh menjelaskan skim pinjaman buku teks akan kekal pada sistem sekarang di mana hanya pelajar yang pendapatan keluarga tidak lebih daripada RM2,000 sebulan layak untuk skim tersebut.

The surprised Dato Rohanie was asking here:

Apa dah jadi ni? Kerajaan boleh batalkan skim buku teks yang meliputi seluruh pelajar sekolah rendah dan sekolah menengah di seluruh negara mulai 2008, semata-mata kerana tak mau menanggung kos tambahan yang melebihi $100 juta?

Rocky was cynically asking here why we can't afford the additional RM100 million with the RM1 trillion booning total trade.

Dato Ron was wondering how to face the people come GE. As he said it:

Rakyat akan tanya, beli belon [bahasa Sarawak, ertinya kapalterbang] beratus-ratus juta ringgit kenapa boleh?

Who Told You To Trust Mainstream Newspaper?

The reality is well summed in this fact from Dato A Kadir Jasin below:

Peruntukan pembangunan Kementerian Pelajaran dikurangkan daripada RM24.2 bilion di bawah RMK8 kepada RM17 bilion di bawah RMK9 atau daripada 14.2 peratus kepada 8.5 peratus.

What About Developing Human Capital?

I remembered the first thrust of RMK 9 to move up the economic value chain is to push for a human capital driven economy. Isn't that about education, skill development, and knowledge development?

PM approved the reform that resulted in and did nothing to resist the huge lay-off experianced during his terms. Aren't those valuable expertise and experianced Human Capital?

Jeez... politikus, I spoke too soon of my lucky year of "halal" chiok. To keep my good horoscope for next year, I need ...

A shelter for pigs on the wing.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 19th, 2007 7:00 p.m.

Wishing Happy CNY 2007

Courtesy of kickdefella

I can't find the lyric of that CNY song with the chorus "Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Nin". Really sorry for not having a song to accompany my wishes. Anyone?

While I am writing this, Najib from Subang Jaya is on his way to Sarawak to join his wife's family for Chinese New Year. He looks forward to return to Sarawak for the "power" soup treat from his Mother-in-Law.

Rahim converted to Islam by my late father. The family disowned him. My father told him, "You are still Chinese. Your parents remain your parents. Win their heart". Like for the last many years, he will be bringing his tudung-wearing Malay wife to his parent's home in Batu Pahat for dinner today.

Liz is an only daughter of a Malay-Chinese parentage. Mother reverted to Buddhism after her father died. Liz married her boyfriend from boarding school. For many years, she send her kids and servant to mother's daiy. The mother will see that the kids read doa before meal and perform solat. Liz will not be celebrate CNY dinner with mother anymore. Mother died few years back. Husband, Hamdy arranged for a Buddhist burial and procession.

I am just remembered of my Pak Cik Yunos, a Hokkien Christian that converted to Islam. Wife didn't convert and they had to divorced. She left for Australia to join a son. Pak Cik died some years back, leaving behind Mariam, Siti, and Ahmad from his Muslim wife. Since conversion, he never had anymore CNY Family Reunion dinner. He always tells me that he is still Chinese but "my" wife and children could never accept his conviction for Islam. Of late, Mariam, Siti and Ahmad will recive sister Yan Ling for Hari Raya and they attend CNY Family Reunion dinner with her and her aging mother.

Bank officer Kamal, whose Mother is Chinese, always look forward for the Family Reunion. The menu is only seafood. His childhood playfriend cousins will be returning to Malaysia for the holidays. Pious Kamal could never figure out if he is Malay or Chinese.

These are real life stories but the names are altered to protect their identity. There is no political, legal, and societal impositions. Its just people facing changes and situations in life. Tolerance is the solution. Time is the healer of pain.

Wishing my Chinese reader, if any out there.

Gong Hei Gong Hei

Xin Nien Kuai Le, Wan Shi Ru Yi

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 16th, 2007 11:50 a.m.

Comin' Back to Me: Tun in JB

The summer had inhaled
And held its breath too long.
The winter looked the same,
As if it had never gone,
And through an open window,
Where no curtain hung,
I saw you, I saw you,
Coming back to me.

One begins to read between
The pages of a look.
The sound of sleepy music,
And suddenly, you're hooked.
I saw you, I saw you,
Coming back to me.

You came to stay and live my way,
Scatter my love like leaves in the wind.
You always say that you won't go away,
But I know what it always has been,
It always has been.


A transparent dream
Beneath an occasional sigh
Most of the time,
I just let it go by.
Now I wish it hadn't begun.
I saw you, I saw you,
Coming back to me.

Strolling the hill,
Overlooking the shore,
I realize I've been here before.
The shadow in the mist
Could have been anyone
I saw you, I saw you,
Coming back to me.

Small things like reasons
Are put in a jar.
Whatever happened to wishes,
Wished on a star?
Was it just something
That I made up for fun?
I saw you, I saw you,
Coming back to me.

-- Jefferson Airplane, Surrealistic Pillow (1967)

Tun Dr Mahathir was in JB last Saturday February 10th, 2007. Nearing 82 and after a 3 month pause from a mild attack, he resume his struggle to put right to what has departed from.

I have a fond attachment for JB for there lies my childhood memory. Growth and progress have changed the view from my childhood imbedded vision. It is no more that state capital town with the expansive and beautiful landscape and great architecture.

Since last year, JB has become the political centrepiece that spark the lost in confidence with the national leadership. The April 12th, 2006 announcement to cancel the planned "Cy-enic" Bridge started it. Everyone and even the world was puzzled. Just two weeks earlier PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made the remark, "Not building the bridge is not an option."

Tun's lecture (streaming video here and downloadable here) gave a historical perspective of perjuangan bangsa.

He covered and raised many issues - from pre-bridge issue like Proton and AP, to the Bridge itself, and current issue such as SJER (South Johor Economic Region) cum Free Access Zone, Nepotism, and Dynasty. Lots of tossing across the Stairts. All the examples was his clear reminder:

• Do not deviate from the original aspiration of the struggle
• Be brave and smart to defend whats ours
• Put the interest of the nation ahead of others.

Its the Spirit of Independence wooing thru Tun saying ...

Coming back to me.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 15th, 2007, 6:00 p.m.

Up-date:

Good buddy summed up the message from Tun as:

Never to fear pre-maturely changing leaders.

Yes, why fear change? Good buddy started blogging yesterday. I am too glad he is adapting to change. Between a close buddy and a long-time friend, there too many misguided chattermouth in between.

Read his first posting here.

Is there a compliment for me in here?

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 17th, 2007 1:30 p.m.

Man in the Mirror: It's Not Funny Media Prima!

I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life
It's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right...

As I, turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin' my mind
I see the kids in the street, with not enough to eat
Who am I, to be blind? Pretending not to see their needs
A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other on the wind ya' know'
Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)

I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me, pretending that they're not alone?

A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream
(Washed-Out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind, ya' see
Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me
(Starting with me!)

I'm starting with the man in the mirror (Ooh!)
I'm asking him to change his ways (Ooh!)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself and then make a change)

I'm starting with the man in the mirror (Ooh!)
I'm asking him to change his ways (Change his ways-Ooh!)
And no message could've been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself and then make that...
(Take a look at yourself and then make that...)
Change!

I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
(Man in the mirror-Oh yeah!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
No message could have been any clearer
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
(Take a look at yourself and then make the change)
(You gotta get it right, while you got the time)
('Cause when you close your heart)
You can't close your... your mind!
(Then you close your... mind!)
That man, that man, that man, that man
With that man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
That man, that man, that man
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
You know... That man
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself and then make a change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah
(Oh yeah!)
Gonna feel real good now!
Yeah yeah! Yeah yeah! Yeah yeah!
Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah
(Ooooh...)
Oh no, no no...I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good!
Come on!
(Change...)
Just lift yourself
You know
You've got to stop it. Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make that change!)
I've got to make that change, today!
Hoo!
(Man in the mirror)
You got to
You got to not let yourself...
Brother...
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make that change!)
You know-I've got to get that man, that man...
(Man in the mirror)
You've got to
You've got to move! Come on! Come on!
You got to...
Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand up and lift yourself, now!
(Man in the mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!Aaow!
(Yeah-Make that change)
Gonna make that change... come on!
(Man in the mirror)
You know it!
You know it!
You know it!
You know...
(Change...)
Make that change

-- Michael Jackson, Bad (1987)


If this rather long lyric (which you can open on another window at the titled hyperlink to hear the song) is telling, its hightime the Media start learning to be the Man in the Mirror.

In last year's February 27th posting here, I questioned the lack of sensitivity on NST and the administration rather lackadaisical attitude to the apology given by them relating to the Danish caricuture that insult Prophet Muhammad.

This time around, Media Prima got themselves into a soup again and it is suppose to be hot.

Rocky's posting here alerted me on the rude act. A local actress cum comedianne, Rosnah Mat Aris, passed some rude comment on the Prophet's first wife in TV3's talk show, Sensasi. You can hear it here on U-Tube.

Rosnah made an immediate apology and there is no reason for me or anyone not to accept it in good faith. The power to judge does not lies with me but the Almighty.

TV3 has remain quiet to let Rosnah alone face the music from the public. This pissed me off sincee they are equally wrong to have allowed such rude remark be aired. On their part, they have not done any precaution, be it the compere or producer.

The fact that, Dato' Kamarulzaman and Dato' Farid Redzuan of TV3, being trusted people of the PM does not auger well with me. The last time around NST made a so-called unreserved apology. This time around ... nothing?

So much for NST, an associate company and under the management of Media Prima suing Rocky and Jeff Ooi on the pretext of ensuring bloggers are respnsible.

Read also MyKMU here entitled: Isu Rosnah Mat Aris: Adakah Media Prima dan pengurusannya maksum juga kali ini?

Its high time for PM to change them at MP (Media Prima). Make that change!

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
Januari 13th, 2007 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Bloody Sunday: Criminalise War Exhibition

I can't believe the news today,
I can't close my eyes and make it go away.
How long, how long must we sing this song?
How long? Tonight we can be as one.
Broken bottles under children's feet,
Bodies strewn across a dead end street,
But I won't heed the battle call,
It puts my back up, puts my back up against the wall.

Sunday, bloody Sunday.
Sunday, bloody Sunday.

And the battle's just begun,
There's many lost, but tell me who has won?
The trenches dug within our hearts,
And mothers, children, brothers, sisters torn apart.

Sunday, bloody Sunday.
Sunday, bloody Sunday.

How long, how long must we sing this song?
How long, Tonight we can be as one.
Tonight, tonight.

Sunday, bloody Sunday.
Sunday, bloody Sunday.

Wipe the tears from your eyes,
Wipe your tears away,
Wipe your blood shot eyes.

Sunday, bloody Sunday.
Sunday, bloody Sunday.

And it's true we are immune.
When fact is fiction and T.V. is reality,
And today the millions cry,
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die.
The real battle just begun.
To claim the victory Jesus won,
On a Sunday bloody Sunday,
Sunday bloody Sunday.

-- U2, War (1983)


The PGPO Criminalise War Conference ended Wednesday February 7th, 2007 with the War Crime victims presenting their cases to the War Crime Commission. The Commission has agreed to establish a War Crime Tribunal expected to convene sometime in June 2007.

Exhibition will remain open till Sunday February 11th, 2007. You can checkput pictures of the exhibition on Lensa Malaysia and Jinggo's Fotopages February 5th-7th postings.

As you are entering the exhibition, you are led through a tunnel with flickering light bulbs. Then comes a bombardment of grafic images, figures and sound depicting near real cases victims of war and torture. The exhibition ends with pictures of peace drawn by children with the sound of Lennon's Imagine.

I am sure you will come out horrified and appreciate peace.

I'll be putting up the various papers and materials from the Conference in my next posting. Visit the the Exhibition. Its a worthy ...

Sunday bloody sunday.

A Voice
Kuala Lumpur
February 9th, 2007 11:40 a.m.

Country Boy: Not a Dedication to George W Bush

Picture Courtesy of Man Badak

I went to a country that’s baked by the sun
I took them some freedom, I carried a gun
I handed out candy to every one
I cant understand why they hate me

I was told it was terrorist plans I would foil
By setting up camp on this foreigner’s soil
I’m sure that it’s nothing to do with the oil
The billions of gallons beneath it

Chorus:
But it’s just one more push
For George W Bush
We’ll cheer as cruise missiles
Take off with a whoosh
With fins of titanium
Nose cones of uranium
We’ll make the world safe and secure

Democracy’s fine if you’ve got lots of food
But the people out here seem to be in a mood
So we’ll give them Big Mac’s in exchange for their crude
And everyone soon will be smiling

We spend all this money in huge foreign aid
But my buddy was killed with a rocket grenade
And depleted uranium seems to have made
Most of the vets sick with cancer

Chorus

Uranium is dangerous it gets in the air
Inhaled by the children but we just don’t care
If they all get leukemia and all lose their hair
We’re engaged in a war against terror

I don’t think we’ll ever get out of this mess
The government controls both the science and the Press
While the people watch soaps to escape from the stress
And the generals make nuclear weapons

Chorus

We all love our country, we all love our moms
The US exported both nukes and dot coms
Hiroshima weapons, uranium bombs
Justice and peace and real freedom

Chorus

-- Dr Christoper Busby, Live at the PGPO's Criminalise War Conference 2007

This was an improptu performance by Dr Christoper Busby after presenting his paper during for Session 3A.

Dr Busby has given permission to make the MP3 version available here. If anyone wishing to "cut a record" or perform this song for profit, he request permission. The money could be really used for the Criminalise War worldwide campaign.

His papers and presentation will be available soon.

A Voice

PGPO Conference & Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur

January 6th, 2007 2:00 p.m.

Edelweiss II

Picture from Screenshot

Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me

Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever

-- Soundtrack from The Sound of Music (1965)


The Star Online, Sunday February 4, 2007

Dr M nominated for Nobel Prize

By JUNE H.L. WONG

PETALING JAYA: Four non-governmental organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina have nominated Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007.

They are the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, the Congress of Bosnik Intellectuals and two Christian organisations – the Serb Civic Council from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Croat National Council.

The move to nominate the former Prime Minister was spearheaded by Dr Ejup Ganic, who was Vice-President of Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1990-96 and President of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina until March 2001.

Dr Ganic, currently the Chancellor of the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, worked closely with Dr Mahathir in the 1990s when Malaysia provided economic, political and humanitarian support to a Bosnia-Herzegovina recovering from the trauma of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the 1992-95 civil war.

Nominations to the Norwegian Nobel Committee closed on Feb 1 and this year’s list includes former US Vice-President Al Gore, Finnish peace broker Martti Ahtisaari and Chinese dissident Rebiya Kadeer.

In a nomination paper signed by Dr Ganic made available to The Star, Dr Mahathir is described as the Third World’s “most illustrious contemporary” and its “most courageous advocate.”

Dr Ganic said that Dr Mahathir had influenced the world by leaving behind lessons on how diversity could be managed, conflicts reconciled and multi ethnicity harnessed to build a vibrant economic and political system.

He also highlighted Dr Mahathir’s “Prosper Thy Neighbour” policy, his enlightened vision of Islam and his work as an ambassador of peace in Iraq-Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina, southern Thailand, Philippines and Aceh.

Dr Mahathir, 81, who retired from public office in 2003, launched the Kuala Lumpur Initiative to Criminalise War in December 2005 and chairs the Perdana Global Peace Organisation (PGPO) that was set up to implement the initiative.

PGPO’s “Expose War Crimes: Criminalise War” Conference and Exhibition begins tomorrow at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Tun, just as you do not wish to be over-praised by this nomination. And, we know that this is a politicised prize. The nomination itself is a world acknowledgement for your work. You made us proud to be Malaysian.

A Voice
PGPO Conference & Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur
January 5th, 2007 12:00 a.m.