Russell Crowe can't sing

It would have been better to get the Christmas Opening Day but getting the Friday night's ticket for the latest Les Misérables movie production was still quite alright. The next day is a long weekend with New Year holiday for next Tuesday.

The last Les Mis that we saw was Hollywood's 1998 version with Liam Neeson as main protagonist, Jean Valjean and Geoffrey Rush as the main antagonist, the fanatic policemen, Inspector Javert.

Friday night's version is a British musical drama film from the stage adaption of Victor Hugo's novel by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.

The Great DAP Diversions

Nga Kor Meng facing the assembly alone

DAP was feeling the heat from the results of DAP's party election for the top 20 Central Committee when not a single representative from the majority race in the country, Malay made it.

Only the Punjabi father and son and an Indian were the non-Chinese managed to squeeked through. They were accused of being hypocritical in their claim of Malaysian Malaysia or Middle Malaysia because the results reflected the deeply rooted Chinese chauvinist sentiment among the delegates.

Subsequently the CEC or perhaps the Secretary General annnounced the 10 appointed CEC members and positions in the party.

That's no way to celebrate Christmas, Joseph Lim

TO ALL CHRISTIAN READERS, 'POLITICAL' FRIENDS OR FOE, WISH ALL OF YOU BELATED MERRY CHRISTMAS. 

PAS is in such a dilemma for their past sin arising from Haji Hadi's Message or Edith and Memali Trust Fund that Haji Hadi has disappeared from public appearance and PAS Terengganu slowed drastically their ceramah program.

While PAS is feeling the heat for their past game of playing the religious card to the hilt to win the hearts and minds or threaten the conscience of Muslim voters, DAP refused to heed this warning.

Political analysts are aware of the Christian dominations of DAP in which 15 of the top 20 elected central commitee (CEC) members are Christian activist and church activists involved and supportive of the proselytising of Muslims. [Here is one dedicated DAP Evangelist watcher.]

While many strongly believed he is a closet Christian, DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng is not shy to replay the resolved issue of churches using the word Allah on Christmas Eve. And he could be trying to numb the Muslims sensitivity by repeating the same provocation till the Muslims give up.

It is really a distasteful gesture on Guan Eng to spoil the spirit of peace and joy to the world with partisan politicking.

Amanah Haji Hadi: Old but Evergreen and still Relevant

It happened in 1981 but Amanah Haji Hadi or Haji Hadi's Message or Edith is once again a hot topic discussed in mainstream and online media and back in the public conscience.

It started with Utusan Malaysia's Monday article [see here and here] which took a cue from the stunning revelation from a new controversial book by author CN Afghani entitled "Kafirkah Aku?". He called upon PAS President Dato Haji Hadi Awang to repeal his Amanah made at a political rally (ceramah) in Kampong Benggol Peradong, Kuala Terengganu on April 7th 1981.

The author is the same PAS member that in 2010 wrote a book revealing the misappropriation of  the Memali Trust Fund (Tabung Memali) that had Pemuda PAS stopped the book sale at the Muktamar PAS of 2011.

The trust fund initiated by PAS Pusat and raised money through the party's network of branches, Harakah office and ceramah and usrah circuit had systematically denied the intended widows, orphans and victims of the bloody 1985 incident.

CN Afghani's new book discussed the destructive and disuniting impact of Hadi's Message on the rural communities and the Muslim society at large and deviation in PAS's current practices in politics and government from the Amanat's original intention.

Melbourne court confirm Air Asia a cheat

The Melbourne Federal Court confirm what we have been saying all along.

Not only Air Asia cheated the Malaysian taxpayers by robbing the routes of the national airlines, they cheated their customers with false advertising, sub-standard service, inconsiderate inconveniences, miserly cost cutting, refusal to adhere to schedule, etc.

It's okay for some customers because they like to feel they are getting a bargain when in fact, they are also cheated by the surcharges and end up being more expensive.

Sifat PHD halang pameran sokongan pada BN

Jika sebelum ini blogger-blogger pembangkang dan pro-kerajaan dan penerbit filem Tanda Putera menjadi mangsa kepada sikap cembru, dengki dan dendam Menteri Penerangan, Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan, Dato Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, kali ini Perkasa dan beberapa pemimpin Negeri Sembilan pula dijadikan mangsa.

Sering kali, dendam dan serangan yang dilakukan Rais dikaburi dengan justifikasi dan cara membodeknya yang sungguh menjijikan. Banyak pihak sudah menyedari niat buruk disebalik tindak tanduknya. Yang menyedihkan sekali, genggaman kuasa dan paranoia Rais Yatim tidak mendatangkan keuntungan kepada kerajaan dan parti.

Malahan ianya  tidak juga akan menguntungkan dirinya dan parti pemerintah. Sudah ada pengamal industri kreatif kecilan dan 'budak-budak produksi' yang hingga terikrar kata-kata untuk ikut serta Pakatan Rakyat dan menjatuhkan kerajaan Dato Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

Mereka begitu marah hingga sanggup lakukan semua ini jika Rais Yatim dikekalkan dalam kabinet dan Kementeriaan.

Perkasa: Lanskap politik Melayu selepas PRU13

Kenyataan Presiden Perkasa, Dato Ibrahim Ali yang telah dijadikan caption di muka hadapan Sinar Harian sebagai "PRU: Jangan perkecil undi Perkasa" pasti mendapat reaksi negatif dari pihak-pihak tertentu.

Pembaca yang berfikiran singkat mudah sekali tersalah anggap kenyaatan sedemikian.

Hari ini, Ibrahim Ali banyak mendapat liputan di akhbar-akhbar sebagai gezet untuk acara Persidangan Tahunan Perkasa yang akan diadakan besuk di Astaka di Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur pada bermula pukul 9 pagi esok.

[Baca juga temuramah Ibrahim Ali di Utusan Malaysia di sini.]

Amokh ignores Najib as PM with Syed Feisal's appointment

Is it more important for Amokh to please Tun Dol than Najib?

The business papers reported yesterday that Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) announced the appointment of brother to Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, Dato Syed Faisal Albar to be an Independent Director of MAHB.

This is fueling speculation that Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad will end his one year extension as Managing Dirrefctor and will be replaced by Syed Faisal.

The name Syed Faisal is sickening to the stomach. It reminded us of his arrogant and incompetence Arab tak sedar diri brother, Syed Hamid during the reign of terror of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He lost Batu Putih island to Singapore and interfere to apply ISA on a reporter.

Syed Feisal is himself of questionable integrity and capability.

Doesn't Khazanah Nasional CEO, Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar realised that he is not working for Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi any more?

Thus, why is he still bringing people that was part of the evil triumvirate of Kalimullah-Kamaluddin-Khary into important position? Or is this Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop in his elements?

Malaysia: Victim of America's "Irregular Warfare" Op

Marthaba
November 23rd, 2012

The issue of civil society groups receiving foreign funding has been a major point of discussion in Malaysia during recent times, causing controversy and drawing criticism from activists to members of Parliament alike.

Some activists tend to view Putrajaya’s investigation into rights advocacy groups like SUARAM (a noted recipient of foreign funding) as a desperate attempt to stifle dissent and attack civil society. Former PM Mahathir Mohamad’s has repeatedly warned of a foreign-funded destabilization campaign aimed at regime change in Malaysia – a claim that has been generally dismissed by Bersih goers and the like.

With the nation’s 13th General Election looming, some see talk of “foreign plots” as tired rhetoric, while others fail to grasp the deeper machinations of foreign influence and do little more than finger pointing at political opponents.

In this instance, the pages of a leaked US military document provide valuable insight into the nature of “foreign plots” potentially aimed against Malaysia.

Troubled and desperate ... Deepak could do anything

There are issues and events to write about and comments to make. But who cares?

It is the holiday season and we are still in a "devil may care" mood. To pun Billy Joel's song lyric, "I am in a Sabah state of mind." In fact, we might be going again before Christmas.

It had to take one of PKR's "General Chief" attempted stunt to deviate public attention from UMNO's General Assembly to get us to get back in a writing mood.

It is not the futile anti-Lynas group or Husam-initiated Royalti Minyak Kelantan  losing concern stunt or frogging in UMNO Semporna that are worth writing about

But the one on Deepak.

More to it than mountain climbing

That is the sort of scene one would expect to see on the way up to the peak of Mount Kinabalu. However, it didn't happen. Not this time. Maybe next time.

That next time would mean undergoing massive shedding of those "spare tyres", marked improvement in health and stamina, and lots of viagra to pump more hormonal excitement in life.

Do be careful with those viagra. Over heard here the political grapevine that one politician in Sandakan had a bit too much viagra and experienced heart attack twice in recent times.

That is strange.

Viagra is supposed to help one's heart problem. Perhaps, strange things do happen with a little too much excitement with glamour and someone outside one's age group.

Amidst the surreal and mystical surrounding near Mount Kinabalu, there are quite few viagras to invigorate one's soul and spirit without the suicidal attempt to the peak before reaching the right fitness.

There is nature, culture and history.

In the heaven's of Kinabaloe

It is not our first time to Kinabaloe (or Mount Kinabalu) foothill in Ranau and Kundasang.

The last time we were here was in Kundasang last year to deliver a talk. It was cold and raining at night with the blowing wind giving an eerie sound.

After the talk and dinner, we wasted time with poker into the early morning. The weather was fine the next morning but we could only savour the clear sight of Mount Kinabalu for a short while before leaving home.

This time we have more time to enjoy and appreciate the awesome scenery and visit the attractions albeit at leisurely pace without any targeted schedule.

Kudat: God's secret hideaway

Finally there is Internet access in Ranau for us to do our better late than never update. No politics yet, only the travel.

We were up early Wednesday morning. A normal early day in Sabah is around 5 AM.

Had a simple spartan breakfast of hot drinks, bread, and spread. Packed our stuff into the vans and off we left the homestay apartment for Kudat.

The homestay is owned by a gentlemen from Pasir Mas, Kelantan. Yes, another Semananjung smitten by peaceful Sabah.

Kudat is not that far and within two to three hours from Kota Kinabalu. However, we have to allocate time for sightseeing and schedule swimming for the kids in the evening.

Kami di Sabah, bah!

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah state capital

Heard the Prime Minister will be off for his vacation. So that rules out any chance for general election soon.

With a Deepavali and Maal Hijrah holidays close to each other and school is out, the best thing to do is to take a break from current affair of the world and take that long needed holiday. So off we go for Sabah last Tuesday.

The choice for Sabah is simple. Putting the fluid and unstable politics aside, Sabah is a lovely state to go. People are nice and friendly. It's cohesiveness as a society with many races and 'tribes' is amazing. The true 1Malaysia. 

It served our purpose of visiting our old Rengus friend in Kudat of 40 years and friends and family spread all over Sabah.

Salam Maal Hijrah 1434

To mark the occasion, Muslims are recommended to end the past year and begin the new year with the following  dua':

No Diwali wishes for Tony F

First things first.

Happy Diwali to all my Hindu Malaysian brothers and sisters.

May the lights of Diwali strengthen our resolve to let good triumph over evil, right triumph over wrong, truth over lies and slanders, charity over greed, and peace and serenity over loud and chaos.

The last three are not usual Hindu wishes for Diwali. It is just us adding our own wishes to save the soul of  Tony F. We would have wanted to wish him Diwali but a commentator told us that Tony F hate to be wished Diwali.

Some commentators viewed our bitching of Tony F as racism against Indians. Do perish such thoughts.

He may gained the help of tycoon Ananda Krishan to get the appointment with Tun Dr Mahathir to sell the idea of them buying Air Asia from Hicom in those days. But it has nothing to do with his Indian blood or contributing to the cause of the Indian community.

Tony F is British and a Christian. Can't you notice his English accent?

"We don't need no education ... "

Believe me, it has to be an MRSMer to think of something this out of the ordinary and out of place.

As we entered the ballroom of Allson Kelana Resort, Seremban, playing in the background was Another Brick in the Wall (Part II) ....

We don't need no education.
We don't need no thought control.
No dark sarcasm in the classroom.
Teacher, leave those kids alone.
Hey, Teacher, leave those kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall. ...

To an outsider, it would have been the most in appropriate homecoming song for returning former students.

Taking 40 years off my age

It's been a while since we've visited our old Alma Matter, MRSM Seremban. That's the hotel nearby, not the school. With bikini-clad girl student in pool, how we wish.

So today, having missed too many class gatherings, we are making a trip to Allson Klana, Seremban this afternoon to attend the 40th Anniversary Dinner of MRSM Seremban. Been too busy and engrossed to get together with them.

The dinner also commemurate the institution of MRSM. As the first MRSM of the 47 MRSMs in existence today, our anniversary is the institition's anniversary.

The dinner will also be a time to get re-acquinted with lost friends and do some re-bonding with those still closely in touch. Naturally, many will be lost in their reminiscence of old times.

That's taking off 40 years of our age.

Musa, Anwar and other politico-corporate development

In case readers did not notice, Musa the Fox campaign picture was removed from this blog this morning. It is officially lifted.

Sime Darby's Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings yesterday went well. Resolutions tabled for the EGM approved. Mainstream paper reported of Dato Bakke Salleh expressed intention not to accept the scheme.

And Tun Musa Hitam did the gentleman thing to not seek re-election as Sime Darby Chairman.

However, it has got nothing to do with our previous posting calling for him not to seek re-election. [Read here.] He had planned for it and told shareholders at the AGM.

"I had intended to serve Sime Darby for three years from 2007. However, due to a number of reasons, that decision was delayed until now. I hand over the reins of this great company to the next generation of leaders. I do so with an easy heart.”

Here onward, let the issue lay.

While it is easy for Musa, it is not getting easier for Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Will Nurul accept her son and daughter's "right to apostacy"?

It is perhaps the politics of the time to push the envelope of freedom of expression and public discourse. The one bewildering question on YB Nurul Izzah is: Will she says those same words to her son and daughter?

For a while, let's not talk of theological and constitutional opinions on murtad or apostacy in reaction to Nurul's opinion on the rights of Muslim to select their religion. Many others have and will discuss, including the strain of Nurul's thinking that is part of Islam Liberal and Plural.

There will be more tonight at Perkasa's Forum at the Kelab Sultan Sulaiman Hall in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur at 8:00 PM. Among others, one the speaker tonight is Dato Fuad Hasan, Director General of JASA.

He could explain and elaborate this new wave of liberal thinking that wants to allow for apostacy. He had spoken briefly before of a book, La Iqraha Fiddeen (No compulsion in Islam) by Sheikh Tahar Al Jabeer. Hopefully, he could give a background of the Sheikh and the links to Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Musa should not seek re-election ...

... and learn from Bakke's examplary leadership and classy gentleman act.

With regard to the performance-based employee share scheme announced in a circular by Bursa Malaysia dated October 16, this blog have given Sime Darby the right to reply, explained the reason behind the issue we raised, and lent a hand to re-presented the scheme.

On several occasions, we highlighted the "failure to communicate" on Sime Darby side. Despite the work and study behind scheme had started since 2007, the Chairman cum main spokesman of Sime Darby failed to communicate to the public.

The Board of Directors made a decision on October 8th, and announced an EGM for November 8th in a circular dated October 16th.

Though it is legal and in accordance with Bursa Malaysia rules, it leaves a perception that there is an attempt by company to silently bulldozed the proposed scheme over the shareholders and stakeholders.

Despite the assistance we lent to Sime Darby to clarify matter, there are other parties not convinced.

Continuing on discrimination or prejudice? Business or racism?

Was on the road while doing the earlier posting.

If the comments in this blog here, Rocky Bru here and Economics Malaysia here is indicative of the public reaction to the conclusion from the study, the effort and conclusion by the two researchers, one Chinese and another Malay may seemed in vain.

The general tendency of commentators was to get into political blame game and not towards acknowledgement of the problem so that we can move forward.

It is sad for anyone to be discriminated by virtue of their race at the start of their economic life and the basic human rights of employment. All our life we were advised to study hard in order to improve our life.

If the past excuse was that Malays were not capable, the study showed Chinese with lower grade and Chinese speaking fair higher chance of getting a callback. This is only a callback, not even past the obstacles of interview, job confirmation, salary increment, bonuses, incentives, promotions etc.

It is not even entrepreneurship, doing businesses, contracts, distributive trade, SME, etc.

Discrimination or prejudice? Business or racism?

It was clearly stated in the introduction of the seminar presentation that the study was about racial discriminatory practices in hiring workers in the private sector and not about racism, prejudices, and what not.

But some numb-nuts could not resist to give a generalisation that "Malaysian employers practise racial bigotry, study shows." However, the Bahasa Malaysia version was toned down as plain and in a matter of fact manner as  "Malaysian employer prefer to take Chinese worker over Malays."

At the end of the report by the Malaysian Insider's Debra Chong here and the BM version here, one can see the agenda emerging to promote an all sweeping removal of racial discrimination. One can sense any form of affirmative action, even if it is specific for the lower economic class is dubbed as racial discrimination.

How quick these left leaning media are in spinning anything resembling counter argument, though it is merely indicative and not confirmation, to their agenda and interest from a stated fact.

Does race matter in Malaysia?

In this era of national slogan for 1Malaysia and DAP-led agenda for Pakatan Rakyat (PR)'s of Malaysian Malaysia, many would like to believe that race should not matter any more.

The neo-liberals inside Barisan Nasional (BN) will try to keep the course in line with 1Malaysia idea of one Bangsa Malaysia although Bangsa means nation too.

The traditionalist are cautiously concern for the diminishing programs for Malays and their respective races but are aware of the need for restrain and patience.

PR will try to be oblivious to race despite the fact that DAP is 99.99% Chinese and PAS is 99.99% Malay. DAP is comfortable with Chinese competitive ability. PAS thinks there is no Malays but only Muslims in Malaysia.

More on "Failure to Communicate"

There was some responses to our past posting, Santa Musa and "Failure to Communicate".

Just 'cause we corrected a mistake in interpretation due partly to ourselves and partly "failure to communicate", it doesn't mean we will release comments with nasty aspersions and bad languages.

That is no way to communicate. Do appreciate that we are usually man enough to give the right to reply and correct when we are wrong.

We should be lay to rest the performance-based share scheme issue of Sime Darby and the "Failure to Communicate", but yesterday, over lunch, and after dinner and a late night SMS, the subject kept coming back.

Over lunch, it relates to the AES. Over dinner, it an interesting experience on rural development. And finally, the SMS came from the most unexpected person to tell us that a Guns 'N Roses song had "Failure to Communicate" in the lyrics.

Santa Musa and “Failure to communicate”

In a scene in the 1967 film, Cool Hand Luke, the young prisoner, Luke (played by Paul Newman) had just carried our the order to put chains to his feet and got hit for a smart remark to the prison warden, Captain Strother Martin. Then, the memorable quote:

“What we've got here is failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach....”

This quote is seldom misquoted as “What we've have here is a failure to communicate” and that makes for some subtle difference.

In the context of the Santa Musa postings [here, here and here], it is all "water under the bridge." The ethical thing to do for bloggers is to correct any wrong and help to get the right message through.

Unless some parties, politician in particular, refuse to issue a denial, which we would gladly publish,  but resort to the unprofessional legal way to suppress media freedom, nothing can be done.

Goats can't be taught to moo.

Finding life’s resolution in chicken shacks

It is 11:00 AM, morning of the 12th of Dzulhijjah. It is the 2nd day of Tasyriq of 11,12 and 13 Dzulhijjah. 

Aidul Adha or Hari Raya Qurban falls on 10th of Dzulhijjah, last Friday.

In Mina, the just-arrived pilgrims did the stone throwing ritual at only the main Jamrah of Kubra and ended their ihram clothing and prohibitions. In the old days, the Jamrah are merely pillars but today, it is turned into wall structure complex to cater for the large crowd and better aim.

Subsequently, they chanted the same takbir raya we chant here. Alluhu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar. 

The pilgrims started the stone throwing ritual on the three Jamrah on these three days of Tasyriq. All these procedures we underwent last year is coming back in our mind on these long Aidil Adha weekend. It brings a sentimental feeling of longing for Mekah.

In our youth, the old folks would say Aidil Adha is Hari Raya for the Hajis or those that have peformed the Haj. Exactly one year later after our Haj last year and on Aidil Adha, that saying is real. Aidil Adha feel different this year.

Tanda Putera, first 'qurban' before Adil Adha

Tomorrow will be Adil Adha and most companies are letting their Muslim staff early today to allow the womenfolk to prepare for the celebration tomorrow.

Some folks from the East Coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu have started their arduous 'balik kampung' journey last night. More will leave today. The Aidil Adha celebration is more lively than Adil Fitri there.

Pilgrims in Mekah will begin their jam-packed journey from Arafah to Mina this evening. Tomorrow the first stone throwing ritual commence and they will be out of their ihram clothing. In Malaysia, we celebrate Adil Adha and perform the customary 'qurban'. 

The 'qurban' ritual could only begin after tomorrow's morning prayers at the Masjid. It is the symbolic sacrifice of four legged grazing animals like cow, buffalo or goat. Most of the meat is distributed to the poor and needy.

Although there was a sense of optimism from reading Tuesday's Malaysia Today, but that is the past now. Tanda Putera was already made the first sacrificial animal for this Haj season.

Haj begins in Mekah

Labbaikallah Humma Labbaik 
Labbaikallah Syarikalaka Labbaik 
Innalhamda Wannikmata Lakawalmulk la Syarikalak

O my Lord, here I am at Your service, here I am.
There is no partner with You, here I am.
Truly the praise and the provisions are Yours, and so is the dominion and sovereignty.

It is 5:30 PM Mekah time, some 20 minutes before Maghrib.

We had just called my uncle in Mekah. He thanked the package of serunding daging we sent through a cousin. At the moment, he was preparing to leave for Arafah to perform the wukuf.

Thus begins Haj.

Newsweek reminder for New Straits Times

Present and past of Newsweek one will never see anymore

On October 18th, Newsweek announced their last print edition for the December 31st issue. After 80 years, the US current affair magazine will only be available online.

In a joint statement from editor-in-chief Tina Brown and CEO Baba Shetty, they cited the reason to go digital as "not about the quality of the brand or the journalism" but economics.

"The challenging economics of print publishing and distribution" resulted in declining circulation and advertising, thus leading the second largest US news weekly magazine, behind Time into losses.

MARA, the property pushover

Money Always Run Away

There is an old sinister interpretation to the acronym MARA or Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).

They say then MARA means Money Always Run Away. Interestingly, the person that told of that interpretation actually ran away with commissions from contracts given out to Chinaman suppliers.

MARA is a purpose-incorporated Federal Government agency by a Parliament act to assist the development of Malays. It has been successful in many ways, especially education.

For instance, 54 MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) have been built and tens of thousands of Malays benefited in the various tertiary level financing programs, local and abroad. This and it's scholarship program have become feeder of Malay professionals to industries and institutions.

Unfortunately, as the interpretation say, MARA has been an organization where so many individuals took advantage of and made it a push-over.

MARA has and is acquiring properties and assets that it should not have interests in the first place and should not be in business.

Dear Santa Musa

Dear Santa Musa

We have read your message and the facts presented. [Read the details here.]

Your supposed clarification (via Leela Barrock) had served to elaborate facts we have simplified for our readers which you deemed as erroneous with respect to the EGM resolutions and decision making process of identifying grant recipient of the Proposed Scheme.

However, we like to believe we were not to far off since two of the resolutions was about approving the scheme for Dato Bakke and Nur Tania and naturally the scheme of arrangement have to be approved first.

By describing it as "free shares", we are not that far off too because the Ordinary Resolution 1 did mentioned below:

Right to reply for Santa Musa

Sime Darby issued a statement with regard to our posting yesterday, "What is Santa Musa up to?"

The Star reported on it today:

Sime denies blogs’ postings

PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Bhd is refuting allegations on certain blogs that its proposed long-term incentive plan would only benefit two individuals.

In a statement, the conglomerate said it took a serious view of these baseless accusations and the inferences therein and will take appropriate action to protect the reputation of the organisation.

“The two blogs and the comments posted have caused embarrassment to the chairman, board of directors and senior management of Sime Darby.

What is Santa Musa up to?

It is still October but Santa Musa has already start dishing out presents. The only problem is it is not to the more than 110,000 Sime Darby Berhad staff worldwide.

Only two seemed to deserve Santa Musa's Christmas present; namely, President and Group CEO, Dato Seri Mohamed Bakee Mohd Salleh and Nur Tania bte Dato Yusof, one daughter of a  member of the Board of Director of Sime Darby.

Our source in Sime Darby, who work there for more than 25 years, have never heard of Nur Tania.

Almost everyone in the corporate world is aghast with such generous package given to only two persons who are practically new in Sime Darby and cannot be single-handedly be attributed for Sime Darby's returning to it's expected level of profitability from the debacle of 2010.

What is the politically conniving weasel Chairman of the last few years trying to do?

AES: Election or not, governing must go on

The uncertainty pertaining to the general election is making not only politicians and political observers restless, but in general, Malaysian from all walk of life too.

Public servants have to wait out the election to know who the next government and Minister will be before implementing their planned programs. New brooms have a tendency to tamper or change their plans.

The election is often used as excuse to postphone Minister's preferred program that they are reluctant to do.

These delays are not good for the public and economy. At times, programs beneficial for the public is delayed to await political developments. This got to stop.

Programs that help to reduce accident like the Automated Enforcement System (AES) should not be delayed. In the first place, process of governing should continue election or not till they end their office. The last the government should do is succumb to pressure purely on political reasons.

Raining krises and spears

The Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was initially reluctant to the idea of overseas voting.

Tsn Sri said it is operationally difficult to put together the electoral roll. He maybe thinking that this anarchist Bersih will use it as an excuse to point finger at EC for possible electoral discrepencies arising.

After repeated Bersih demos and now concert, which not that many attended anyway, he seemed to have changed his mind. However, he still said it require time before it can be implemented. The civil servant in him is always cautious and careful.

While it is enshrined in the constitution that every citizen have a right to vote, questions with regard to the operational issue need to be addressed.

How will the overseas voting system be implemented? Since they do not live here, it means they do not have a local address. Then, who can they claim to represent them?

Tony F's got dysfunctional problem

Tony F covering up his inability

Before this, nobody knew.

It takes the latest development from Air Asia to confirm that Tony F's problem is not penetration. Tony F pulled out of a signed understanding because he had dysfunctional problem.

All the while, he was covering up for his dysfunctional 'brother' by having regular photo op with his sexy stewardesses in red short skirts.

Is Kit Siang senile too, Tony Pua? (Part 3 - Final)

Silence or senile? 

One would have thought senility creeps in slowly into someone at old age. It doesn't happen suddenly. They can't turn from proficient to senile silence in 3-4 months.

Raja Petra wrote an article "When the shoe fits" dated June 4th with regard to a forum in Penang the day before discussing about Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) foreign exchange losses. Lim Kit Siang was there and he spoke. He can't be senile yet, can he?

The star of the forum, one former Deputy Governor of BNM, so claimed RPK, said the loss was RM30 billion. [Read it here.]

RPK questioned why they were not transparent to the audience to declare the star, Dr Rosli Yaacob is a PAS leader from Negeri Sembilan. By holding that information, it create a false impression that he is an independent expert.

On the same note, RPK should correct himself too. Dr Rosli is not a Deputy Governor but only a Deputy or perhaps was then called Assistant Manager. With that title, it doesn't make him an expert.

Is Kit Siang senile too, Tony Pua? (Part 2)

This blog will not hold back our resentment and demand for the resignation or dismissal of Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop from cabinet.

He is corrupt and practise nepotism extensively, destructive in his management of GLCs and policy formulation, and an outright law breaker.

It does not matter that he is the Division Head for Tasek Gelugor. He is bad news and should not be a "winnable" candidate of BN. After all, he got that seat by dishonouring a gentleman's agreement with Dato Sharif Omar who gave way the MP seat for him.

However, Nor Mohamed, the Minister today is not the same person as Nor Mohamed the Foreign Exchange Trader.

He may have made a loss that deserve a place in the Guiness Book of Worlds Record and any book on financial scandals, but he was a dedicated man, works hard and smart, and honourable. How he plays poker then was a reflection of him as a gentleman.

Is Kit Siang senile too, Tony Pua?

Tony Pua and his senile (?) boss

Of late, the labelling of senility cropped up in the midst of the issues surrounding SUARAM and George Soros and the old foreign exchange loss. Old folks facing senility exhibit lost of cognitive ability like memory.

Tony Pua called Tun Dr Mahathir irrelevant and senile. Kurang ajar betul!

But the Pakatan media, Malaysiakini still insist on asking the allegedly senile former Prime Minister on past issues relating to foreign exchange trading losses to help Anwar deflect the responsibility from him.

Quietly in the midst is Lim Kit Siang, the veteran opposition MP from DAP that actively took up the foreign exchange loss against Anwar in the past.

Why the silence from Kit Siang, Tony Pua? Is he senile too?

No trial means no trial, stupid!

With the speed of lightning, SUARAM through Tian Chua's Malaysia Chronicle responded supposedly using their French lawyer, William Bourdon to disclaim report of French leading prosecutor, Yves Charpenel claim there is no trail.

However, his disclaimer does not dispute what was said by Charpenel.  He was merely saying the two investigators called "investigation judges" in France, Roger Le Loire and Serge Tournaire are still investigating and no trial announced yet.

No trial means no trial laa. Only when there is a charge, then one can say here is a case. Not all investigation turn out to have a case and charges made. Especially not for bonafide project management and logistic service provided by Perimekar.

Bloody liars! Stupid!

Still ... Chamil lied and betrayed

Since our last posting on Dato Chamil Wariya's apology to Theresa, he had clarified his position with Rockybru. His right to reply was duly given. [Read Rocky Bru's update here.]

Does it mean the issue against Chamil has ended and he is allowed to lie low?

Firstly, let's not confused this and the previous posting with the issues surrounding Theresa Kok. She is hardly an issue here. It is about Chamil's conduct.

To answer the question, it is not over. Chamil lied to Rocky.

He should clarify whether or not he negotiated and agreed behind his co-defendent, Utusan Malaysia's back. But it is Utusan Malaysia that end up paying Theresa's RM50,000 cost?

Someone believed Utusan also absorbed Chamil's legal cost.

Chamil, betrayal and plagiarism

Sometimes journalist can be wrong and when sued, they seek settlement. That was what happenned to veteran journalist Datuk Chamil Wariya.

At first, we do not see any big deal with Bigdog's call for his resignation from the Malaysian Press Institute (NPI). [Read here.]

After being told of what happened behind the scene during the time his controversial article, "Politik baru YB J" for Utusan Malaysia in 2008 and the pre- and post-event to his settlement with Theresa Kok, Bigdog's call is justified. [Read also Rockybru's here.] .

This act shows that this man has no honour and undeserving to head that institute. The way The Malay Mail reported the Chamil settlement shows that ethics in journalism has languished under his leadership.

Strange turns at PKFZ trial

The trial against former Transport Minister, Tun Ling Leong Sik commenced for quite sometime without much getting attention. It is at stage where the defendant have to put up their defense.

Whether it is because mainstream, particularly The Star did not give much coverage or nothing sensational was happening in the trial delayed due to Tun Ling's sickness. Like it or not, sensation sells and newspapers are still a business enterprise.

Defense is calling three Prime Ministers to the stand as witness. Today, Tun Dr Mahathir is expected to be on the stand. More drama will ensue and the trial will get more attention from hereon.

Before a case was made out on the dubbed Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, some aspect of the issue may have been spinned out of proportion by opposition. It turned us off from tracking this case. As usual, the public innocently took every words of the opposition hook, line and sinker.

However, as the defense is making their case, many aspect of the case seemed to take strange turns.

But we are no lawyer.

Khairy can’t shed his neo-liberal self

Neoliberalism is the new colonisation

These days, neo-liberal is the often used term to generally condemn proponents of economic liberalisation policies.

They believe that the way to progress forward is unhindered free trade and open market, belief in economic efficiency through market economy, no government involvement in economy, absolutely no subsidy, no such thing as affirmative action or any form of socio-economic assistance, etc.

To understand all this, spell N E O – C O L O N I S A T I O N .

And it is unbridled capitalism without any sense of morality but the greed of owners of capital.

Reading The Star report today of Khairy’s latest infrequent public appearance, it seems Khairy had not learn anything during his sabatical from public life and ‘public office.’

Experience of a Cancer Survivor

A friend e-mailed us this you tube testimonial of a friend, Masjuita Hamzah experience with breast cancer.

Some months back we attended her children's wedding without knowing of her health condition. It had been a while since we had any get-to-gather with her.

She is one strong woman who had faced many personal and professional challenges. We remembered this professional architect is also an accomplish painter and held an exhibition in Kuala Lumpur decades ago.

She underwent an alternative therapy and the ordeal she went through is worth sharing.

She must have intended to have this You Tube be known to others and help others. We are only giving a helping hand.

Shadow cabinet: Utusan Malaysia's frontpage boo boo

When we received an e-mail of the PKR proposed shadow cabinet, we were having tea with a friend from Utusan Malaysia.

All of us laughed at the idea of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim becoming Prime Minister.

Immediatey, we called a PAS friend to tell him that Anwar is the shadow Prime Minister and Dato Seri Hadi is Deputy Prime Minister I.

Again we laughed.

Thus it is unbelievable for Utusan to give frontpage coverage to Papagomo's posting. Page 3 or 4 can lah .... but not frontpage. [Read Papagomo here.]

In Selangor, the headless calling the other headless

In Husin Lempoyang's posting here, he insinuated Azmin Ali as a pot calling the kettle black and did not look at himself in the mirror enough.

The UMNO's offer for Menteri Besar candidate is a common political talk in Selangor.

Till to-date,  Barisan Nasional and UMNO has not brought any face forward. The speculation goes on that there is no candidate from the present crop of UMNO leaders in Selangor that is without any issues or controversies.

Azmin took a potshot to spin a remark that UMNO is not offering a candidate because UMNO is do deep-rooted in moral issue that it is devoid of leaders with moral value.

Wakakaka ... look whose talking of morality?

How will Anwar balance RM205.6 billion deficit with RM8.43 billion saving?

It is the time of the year where everyone claim to know economics. If they never knew or studied economics, they still want to have their say.

In the case when there is nothing worthwhile to say or criticise, some yokos like Malaysiakini's commentators resort to making a big deal out of the absence of the Prime Minister during the debate. [Read Malaysiakini here.]

Our matter is made more confusing when even a Malay Studies flunkie wants to propose his own Budget and stood up in Parliament claiming he can do better than the Prime Minister.

It does not matter to them that their Budget have flaws in numbers, thus making the whole document irrelevant. It does not matter that they are deceiving the public by having many inconsistencies with their past proposed policies in the Buku Jingga.

What matters is there are sufficient simpleton voters they can tricked into believing that they are capable of taking over and govern because they manage to produce that piece of crap.

A speech Anwar dare not deliver

Human rights need to be guaranteed by taking into account the cultural and historical sensitivities of a society. Nevertheless, it should also be applied without selectivity or discrimination. Why is that when we discriminate against gender, it is called sexism; when African Americans are criticized and vilified, it is called racism; when the same is done to the Jews, people call it Anti-Semitism, and laws are legislated to prosecute the perpetrators. But why is it when Muslims are stigmatized and defamed, it is defended as ‘freedom of expression’?

In the course of our conversation with an old school chum at a friend's daughter's wedding last Sunday, the subject of getting a professional diplomat to fill the position of Foreign Minister came up.

This country have had former Wisma Putera Director General entered politics and became a Foreign Minister. Professional Central Bankers, University VCs, and religous administrators brought in to fill-up Ministerial positions. There have been Government high officials filling up Ambassadorial positions with Ministerial statuis in the past.

What's stopping such appointment in the event no UMNO politicians could fill up such post, my friend argued. After all, the British sitcom, Yes Prime Minister ridiculed the Foreign Secretary as the last to know about Foreign Office. In addition, they only get their news on foreign affairs from the BBC than from their daily briefings.

Perhaps, not for a while with the current Foreign Minister capable of delivering  such Mahathirite quote above. Only politicians dare say such strong words without holding back.

Pertinent question for MAS on it's 40 anniversary

Today is MAS 40th Anniversary.To reflect back on it's past 40 years, do read history and aviation buff Bigdog's latest posting here.

There is a saying that life begins 40.

At that age, one is supposed to have reached some level of maturity, knowledg-ability and experienced. But most important, the age 40 is the usual age most men acquire a sense of responsibility.

Known to Muslim, Prophet Muhammad received the holy message at 40. Before the revelation came, he spent time doing deep reflection and contemplation on life, the world, his existence, God, etc..

MAS is not human. It is a company. But since it is being steered by human, it is perhaps as good as any time on it's 40th anniversary to ask the pertinent question of what does it want to be.