Friday, September 30, 2011
Australia, Singapore, Johor? What or where did you say?
Factual error.
If I was to analyse Guan Eng's challenge on Bernama's earlier release, it has to be down to that.
To do so is surely an act of desperation.
You see. Guan Eng is chinese after all, and as much as DAP tells you that they are trying to change their stand (such as this ADUN who insisted that she register her daughter as 'Anak Malaysia' whereas the father of the child is Indian), ultimately it all comes down to being Chinese and 'saving face'.
In a report carried by the Mole, in which clarification was sought once the Bernama story broke, Zairil Khir Johari (Political Secretary to Guan Eng) had first replied that 'CM does not wish to comment' yet, in yesterday's NST story, Guan Eng had said that he was not contacted by The Mole.
Connect the dots
Denying can only get you so far Guan Eng. did not say this, cannot remember that, who said this, I didn't say that, BN Media, Not all but only BN Media.....cukuplah!
For those who have problems hearing, please listen again!
The Clip above says it all!
**Author's note: Did he say we cut crime by 37% or 27% last year? 'Twenty...was pronounced well subsequently....'
Thursday, September 29, 2011
When Religious leaders think they are lawmakers
I have said it before, that the Catholic Church has been compromised, and in recent times the pulpit has been made into a 'ceramah' podium.
I am sure that there are many Catholics out there too who share the same sentiments but have been silent about the issue. Not all agree with what Bishop Paul Tan has to say, and here is another Catholic who shares the same opinion.
Maybe Father OC Lim, Paulino Miranda and Bishop Paul Tan has been attending one conference too many, and have blind sighted themselves by ignoring the Federal Constitution.
If anything with recent comments about the Hudud issue (which was raised by none other than PAS Mursyidul Am -Spiritual Adviser Nik Aziz, and supported by Anwar Ibrahim while opposed by DAP leaders like Karpal Singh and Lim Guan Eng ), one would think that it would be between politicians to sort out the matter.
However Bishop Paul Tan had to weigh in with his comments, reported in Harakah.
In my previous posting on the involvement of catholic priests using the pulpit to voice their anti-government sentiments, Arch-Bishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam did not respond to my queries nor did his office reply my email. I guess, with Bishop Paul Tan's statement, it would be a good time for me to call him again.
It was pointed to me that the Church was always political as time in memorial. In fact my friend even said that the church should stand up if it feels there is injustice from the faithful perspective.
I suppose it was to certain extent, in countries where the faith was majority amongst the population.
But in a country with democratically elected government, how is the church involvement in politics any good for believers by propagating anti-government messages?
How is it beneficial for the Catholic faith to support the capital punishment of muslims caught in situations where the need to cut off their hands be any benefit for society at large?
Close your eyes when your neighbour gets his hands cut off, simply because it is 'their' wish? And the guarantee that those who do not believe get to keep theirs?
Bishop, what would it be then if a Catholic convert were to face that punishment, and when the time comes, claim that he is more Catholic than he is Muslim? Then what?
Let's not play this game without fully understanding the consequences, shall we? And if you feel a desire to speak in your position as a leader in the church, can you step out from that robe and enter the ring as a politician?
And, please put a cap to what your mah-chais will say come Sunday sermon!
There is the Federal Constitution, and there are laws to keep peace and security in the country. Try to understand that first, and if there are some who think that they are still persecuted religiously, try to see it from a Muslim perspective too. What next Bishop? Line up and throw stones at the adulterer when you are invited by 'them'?
If indeed the church has to stand up for injustice, how is cutting anyone's hands or stoning justified from the church perspective? If so, then what?
In today's day and age, there is no room for anything as barbaric (though citing religion as reason), and I would say the same too if this was a capital punishment under Canon Law. I would object the same.
But here is the clincher - is the Church part of the wayang kulit desgined to hoodwink Malaysians yet again? or is it just me to remember that a day after this is some 'God sent' politician's day of reckoning for that improper entry of the exit area?
I am sure that there are many Catholics out there too who share the same sentiments but have been silent about the issue. Not all agree with what Bishop Paul Tan has to say, and here is another Catholic who shares the same opinion.
Maybe Father OC Lim, Paulino Miranda and Bishop Paul Tan has been attending one conference too many, and have blind sighted themselves by ignoring the Federal Constitution.
If anything with recent comments about the Hudud issue (which was raised by none other than PAS Mursyidul Am -Spiritual Adviser Nik Aziz, and supported by Anwar Ibrahim while opposed by DAP leaders like Karpal Singh and Lim Guan Eng ), one would think that it would be between politicians to sort out the matter.
However Bishop Paul Tan had to weigh in with his comments, reported in Harakah.
In my previous posting on the involvement of catholic priests using the pulpit to voice their anti-government sentiments, Arch-Bishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam did not respond to my queries nor did his office reply my email. I guess, with Bishop Paul Tan's statement, it would be a good time for me to call him again.
It was pointed to me that the Church was always political as time in memorial. In fact my friend even said that the church should stand up if it feels there is injustice from the faithful perspective.
I suppose it was to certain extent, in countries where the faith was majority amongst the population.
But in a country with democratically elected government, how is the church involvement in politics any good for believers by propagating anti-government messages?
How is it beneficial for the Catholic faith to support the capital punishment of muslims caught in situations where the need to cut off their hands be any benefit for society at large?
Close your eyes when your neighbour gets his hands cut off, simply because it is 'their' wish? And the guarantee that those who do not believe get to keep theirs?
Bishop, what would it be then if a Catholic convert were to face that punishment, and when the time comes, claim that he is more Catholic than he is Muslim? Then what?
Let's not play this game without fully understanding the consequences, shall we? And if you feel a desire to speak in your position as a leader in the church, can you step out from that robe and enter the ring as a politician?
And, please put a cap to what your mah-chais will say come Sunday sermon!
There is the Federal Constitution, and there are laws to keep peace and security in the country. Try to understand that first, and if there are some who think that they are still persecuted religiously, try to see it from a Muslim perspective too. What next Bishop? Line up and throw stones at the adulterer when you are invited by 'them'?
If indeed the church has to stand up for injustice, how is cutting anyone's hands or stoning justified from the church perspective? If so, then what?
In today's day and age, there is no room for anything as barbaric (though citing religion as reason), and I would say the same too if this was a capital punishment under Canon Law. I would object the same.
But here is the clincher - is the Church part of the wayang kulit desgined to hoodwink Malaysians yet again? or is it just me to remember that a day after this is some 'God sent' politician's day of reckoning for that improper entry of the exit area?
Kaboom! Did you hear that?
There seems to be some parties that would like to see chaos, hence every time a mishap appears, chances are the news are played up to sound or seem somewhat related to a 'terrorist' bombing.
Although there are records of some acts which involved saboteurs, acts of terrorism in present day Malaysia remain largely from the days when The Emergency was in full swing. (Emergency is largely attributed to the guerilla war between Communist insurgents and Commonwealth forces)
A news portal critical of most everything Malaysian and prides itself in having insiders (especially the government) remarked that the blast 'could be heard in Bangsar' (as highlighted by my reader) was indeed misleading.
I stay about 10 blocks from Empire, and heard nothing of the explosion despite working on my computer at that time. Anyways, perhaps some people are more sensitive to 'Kaboom' than others, eh?
Here, the Police issued a statement on the incident (amidst whispers of conspiracy yet again? Maybe)
So, what is the Inside story on the Shell refinery explosion? Mat Selamat's job kah?
Although there are records of some acts which involved saboteurs, acts of terrorism in present day Malaysia remain largely from the days when The Emergency was in full swing. (Emergency is largely attributed to the guerilla war between Communist insurgents and Commonwealth forces)
A news portal critical of most everything Malaysian and prides itself in having insiders (especially the government) remarked that the blast 'could be heard in Bangsar' (as highlighted by my reader) was indeed misleading.
I stay about 10 blocks from Empire, and heard nothing of the explosion despite working on my computer at that time. Anyways, perhaps some people are more sensitive to 'Kaboom' than others, eh?
Here, the Police issued a statement on the incident (amidst whispers of conspiracy yet again? Maybe)
So, what is the Inside story on the Shell refinery explosion? Mat Selamat's job kah?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
From No to Maybe in 9 months
9 months ago, the 'God sent' politician had avoided the Islamic issue by not discussing the Hudud/Islamic agenda of PAS in its annual convention.
But right now, there is no stopping him from 'agreeing' with Hudud. So here shows yet again, the principles of a
anything goes politician.
Read more from those bent on stopping the lies here!
But right now, there is no stopping him from 'agreeing' with Hudud. So here shows yet again, the principles of a
anything goes politician.
Read more from those bent on stopping the lies here!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Insider says Insider lied
Here we go again.
So, I read somewhere in facebook that the Government has gone back on its word to have a 'freer' press and media by 'censoring' the Undilah video. Sure, there were lots of fence sitters who thought that such a Public Service Announcement (PSA) was harmless, and it should have been allowed.
Ban, Censor, Stonewalled. In fact a lot of other words were used.
Once again, Malaysian Insider has been caught lying through their pants!
Online newsportal the Malaysian Insider’s
editor and chief executive officer Jahabar Sadiq had claimed in his article on
Sept 23rd, quoting an industry source that - A video promoting the right to vote
has been taken off the air by local broadcasters despite a push for greater
democracy because it contains opposition figures and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s
speech talking about Malaysia having problems.(pictured here)
“MCMC emailed both Astro and Media Prima Bhd about
the issue, telling them the video clip should not be aired because Ku Li speaks
about the country having problems and also because it features opposition
leaders,” an industry source told The Malaysian Insider, referring to
Tengku Razaleigh by his popular nickname.
“The email about the PSA was sent this week,” the
source said, adding he was puzzled about the directive as it referred to Tengku
Razaleigh, who happens to be the Gua Musang MP for the ruling Barisan Nasional
(BN) government. - quotes from Jahabar's lies...as in the attached screenshots
And this is MCMC's statement released to the media;
Statement On 'Undilah' Video Clip
CYBERJAYA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) routinely carries out
monitoring and enforcement activities pursuant to the Communications and
Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.
In relation to this, it is normal practice
for MCMC to direct the withdrawal of content that has not been granted the
requisite approval from the Film Censorship Board to be aired.
In the case of the public service
announcement (PSA) produced by musician Pete Teo, as a result of a routine
compliance monitoring exercise made by MCMC, it was found that approval had yet
to be obtained from the Film Censorship Board for the said PSA. As such, the
PSA should not have been aired on television till approval is obtained.
Accordingly, pursuant to the Communications
and Multimedia Act 1998, all broadcasters must cease airing the video clip
immediately. The issue is one of compliance by the broadcasters rather than the
content of the PSA. -
So where did it say 'Opposition Figures' and 'Tengku Razaleigh' again? Don't blink, cause this is the actual email that was sent......
Thankfully there are some who stand up for the truth. So here we have it!
Jahabar Sadiq is painting the 'inside' picture that its the opposition figures and Ku Li's statements that has
caused the 'ban' (maybe ban is too strong a word?).
Insider cakap satu macam, tapi email MCMC lain macam!
APA MACAM???
Err,excuse me Mr/Mdm Investigator of MCMC. Mahu satu lagi reportkah?
p.s Mr Editor/CEO TMI - statement is not the same as speechlah!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
PM Najib disagrees with Koh Tsu Koon while Guan Engs preaches
In a recent dialogue session with Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, Minister in PM's
Department, a question was asked if Gerakan has the means to wrestle back control
of Penang state from DAP and the notion that DAP has gotten stronger.
Tsu Koon's reply? "Let them stay on for another term and let’s see when the honeymoon is over"
There can be no denial from Lim Guan Eng (who prefers to be known as Chief Minister Lim rathyer than Menteri Besar) that the Economist had provided much 'support' with misinformation in a recent article on his performance. In fact blogger Sat D gave Guan Eng's media team a runaround with his article recently.
So, what is certain is that Tsu Koon has thrown in the towel even before the fight has been called, and on the other Guan Eng has been preaching like this.
*Guan Eng's speech quotes was from his 'Transforming Penang' speech made in Singapore on 12th August 2011
Tsu Koon's reply? "Let them stay on for another term and let’s see when the honeymoon is over"
There can be no denial from Lim Guan Eng (who prefers to be known as Chief Minister Lim rathyer than Menteri Besar) that the Economist had provided much 'support' with misinformation in a recent article on his performance. In fact blogger Sat D gave Guan Eng's media team a runaround with his article recently.
So, what is certain is that Tsu Koon has thrown in the towel even before the fight has been called, and on the other Guan Eng has been preaching like this.
…(2003) was also significant in Malaysia, in that it
marked the year which former premier Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed stepped down from
office. New leaders have come into office since then, with new ideas. I am part
of the new generation of leaders. We share an appreciation of the need to
reform and adapt. Gone are the days when hardware - new HDB flats, new roads
and clinics - can satisfactorily meet the needs of our people. We face the
common task of bringing the more difficult software to our citizens, the
tangible but intangible concerns with quality of life, while simultaneously
strengthening institutions to bring about these changes.”
In his speech in Singapore, Guan Eng chose to portray
himself as a leader from ‘the new generation’ and equate himself to the
generation that ‘placed more importance in way of life and strengthening
institutions’ to bring about changes.
How is it then ‘the new leaders’ can resort to taking
to the streets to force changes?
And when the opportunity arise from the
establishment of an election reform committee from parliamentarians from both
divide, comes a call for boycott from his ‘I am from the Democratic Action Party, one
of three coalition partners’ Partners? (Today, it seems PR has relented
and are willing to discuss their involvement. Guan Eng must be preaching
differently to his staff, because he has yet to take action against his staff
for remarks that were inciting in nature during the lead up to Bersih 2.0)- cakap tak serupa bikin!
He further says this;
“Malaysians can make our common aspirations of
freedom, justice, democracy and truth come true if we remember key
values. That it is not who we are that is important, but what we are that
is important; not the colour of our skin that is important but the content of
our character; and not our past ancestry that is important but how we connect
with the present and with each other to face the future. We cannot be locked
in the past and allow the past to close off possibilities of a better future.”
If indeed Guan Eng meant what he had said, then surely
DAP leaders of the new generation would not be harping on stuff that are of ‘BN’
in nature from their point of view right? Flag change? Indian child registered
as Chinese?
So how can all these that Guan Eng has done be seen as
something positive by Tsu Koon?
Here is where I think PM Najib has taken the baton and
ran with it. Najib has said that he is a Prime Minister for all and his
government will not discriminate states that are in the control of PR.
Figures have shown that to be true, as FDI’s pouring
in to the states rate Penang as the frontrunner, with Selangor trailing, and
Malacca in tow.
Thanks to MITI, and all other agencies that have put in their
efforts to keep Malaysia in the running. (Let’s give the benefit of the doubt
to PR, for their efforts to create street chaos, shall we?)
Come Sunday, he will take part in Kwong Wah Jit Poh’s
charity event to raise funds for Chinese Schools. This is not something new
that Najib is doing. In recent events, he has proven that they government has
put in more money into the Chinese schools system to ensure that it remains
supportive of the Chinese community.
MCA has probably done more in Penang recently if one was
to measure what Gerakan and MCA. That is where being a BN component party
defers from the rest. Where one takes focus on recovery, the other helps in
keeping the BN spirit alive.
Despite assuring the rakyat of their open policies,
the DAP lead state government had not helped the local industries by ensuring
unfair distribution of contracts. It was recently announced that only 0.2 per
cent of 125 million worth of contracts was awarded to the contractors who were
chinese (this despite attacking the NEP and BN for ‘protecting the bumiputeras)
Clearly, Najib believes that all is not lost in
Penang, and because Penang has always been a chinese stronghold, it is better
to woo them than to think of it as a forgone conclusion.
One wonders then why Najib sees Tsu Koon as one that
is capable of leading Gerakan out of the woods.
If MCA continues to do what it
has been doing, why won’t Gerakan do the right thing by working hand in hand with
it to help make BN stronger in the what was once the ‘Pearl of the Orient’?
After all, their own leader has already given up hope.
*Guan Eng's speech quotes was from his 'Transforming Penang' speech made in Singapore on 12th August 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sabah better off on its own?
A couple of days ago, I read a comment in reply to a Parliamentarian to the effect that Sabah would be better off had it been independent. In other words, the commenter felt that all that Sabah had achieved was not good enough.
To put in mildly, Sabah could have been better off.
I couldn't get what the gripe was all about, but I can only assume that some people in Sabah is going about what previous factions of Sabahans had done and failed in the past. Of course, these people are also those who get their information from sources like these.
These instigators often choose to see themselves as 'not part of Malaysia' choosing to use terms like, mainland Peninsular, and 'us sarawakians or sabahans'.
I recalled an attempt some years ago about a group of powerbrokers who attempted to revive talk about 'breaking away from Malaysia'. Here Desiderata (a PKR member) attempts to give credence to another PKR blogger Ronnie Klassen (Find out more about who the real Ronnie Klassen is soon enough).
Thankfully though, there are those who are very much 'Sabahans' who view Sabah as very much a part of Malaysia.
Sabahans like these:
President Datuk Iskandar Malik said Petronas was in fact showing its sincerity by bringing the development of oil and gas to Sabah.
“Yes, we are very happy with Petronas’ role in Sabah and this is the very reason why we formed SOGCA because we believe Petronas is well managed. To us, Petronas belongs to every Malaysian and we should share opportunities given by the national oil corporation,” he said.
Iskandar was commenting on Petronas’ plan to develop long-term key projects to monetize and add value to Sabah’s petroleum resources which will result in greater revenue to the state.
With the discovery of oil and gas resources in offshore Sabah, Petronas is pushing ahead with upstream and downstream oil and gas projects involving a combined capital investment of RM45 billion.
Integral to Petronas’ plans is the Sabah-Sarawak Integrated Oil and Gas Project, which comprises the upstream development of offshore oil and gas fields and downstream development of the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal and the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline.
Iskandar said SOGCA also welcomed Petronas’ plan to set up the RM4.6 billion mega fertilizer plant and the Sabah Ammonia and Urea Project SAMUR) in Sipitang.
Expected to be completed in 2015, SAMUR will become the largest single train granular urea facility in South East Asia with an capacity of 1.2 metric tonnes.
According to Petronas, the bulk of the plant’s output would be exported customers in Asia Pacific while the remaining volume would cater for local agricultural needs.
Located in the Sipitang Industrial Park, about 160 km from Kota Kinabalu, the construction of SAMUR is expected to commence in the second quarter of next year and is scheduled for commission in 2015.
“It (SAMUR) will definitely benefit Sabah. Since our state has huge potential in agriculture, the setting up of this project is indeed very timely.
“The spill over from SAMUR will be fantastic. The economic effect will be very significant as it will save a lot of money in terms of importing fertilisers. We believe it will benefit every body across the board,” he said.
Iskandar added that Petronas has invested a lot of money to develop the oil and gas industry in Sabah.
“It’s okay if they are successful but what if they fail?
“We also understand why Petronas doesn’t give big projects to local contractors, especially offshore projects, because this will involve many factors like expertise, banking, workers and so on.
“But, even now Petronas is already giving opportunities to local contractors and they also advised us to team up with established players,” he added.
On SOGCA, Iskandar said it was an umbrella body and membership was strictly for Sabahan contractors and companies who have acquired Petronas licences for various Petronas contracts.
“SOGCA’s main aim is to signify the strong desire by local Sabahans firms to participate strongly within the dynamic oil and gas industry in East Malaysia,” he said, adding that members were mostly players in the oil and gas industry who had worked previously with either Petronas or Shell.
So,which Sabahan would you think actually worked for it? Sabahans like this or Sabahans like Ronnie Klassen?
Remember, come back here to find out about the real Ronnie Klassen.
To put in mildly, Sabah could have been better off.
I couldn't get what the gripe was all about, but I can only assume that some people in Sabah is going about what previous factions of Sabahans had done and failed in the past. Of course, these people are also those who get their information from sources like these.
These instigators often choose to see themselves as 'not part of Malaysia' choosing to use terms like, mainland Peninsular, and 'us sarawakians or sabahans'.
I recalled an attempt some years ago about a group of powerbrokers who attempted to revive talk about 'breaking away from Malaysia'. Here Desiderata (a PKR member) attempts to give credence to another PKR blogger Ronnie Klassen (Find out more about who the real Ronnie Klassen is soon enough).
Thankfully though, there are those who are very much 'Sabahans' who view Sabah as very much a part of Malaysia.
Sabahans like these:
Petronas’ projects will develop Sabah, says contractor association
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Oil and Gas Contractors Association (SOGCA) yesterday defended Petronas’ presence in Sabah, saying it will contribute significantly to the state’s development.President Datuk Iskandar Malik said Petronas was in fact showing its sincerity by bringing the development of oil and gas to Sabah.
“Yes, we are very happy with Petronas’ role in Sabah and this is the very reason why we formed SOGCA because we believe Petronas is well managed. To us, Petronas belongs to every Malaysian and we should share opportunities given by the national oil corporation,” he said.
Iskandar was commenting on Petronas’ plan to develop long-term key projects to monetize and add value to Sabah’s petroleum resources which will result in greater revenue to the state.
With the discovery of oil and gas resources in offshore Sabah, Petronas is pushing ahead with upstream and downstream oil and gas projects involving a combined capital investment of RM45 billion.
Integral to Petronas’ plans is the Sabah-Sarawak Integrated Oil and Gas Project, which comprises the upstream development of offshore oil and gas fields and downstream development of the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal and the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline.
Iskandar said SOGCA also welcomed Petronas’ plan to set up the RM4.6 billion mega fertilizer plant and the Sabah Ammonia and Urea Project SAMUR) in Sipitang.
Expected to be completed in 2015, SAMUR will become the largest single train granular urea facility in South East Asia with an capacity of 1.2 metric tonnes.
According to Petronas, the bulk of the plant’s output would be exported customers in Asia Pacific while the remaining volume would cater for local agricultural needs.
Located in the Sipitang Industrial Park, about 160 km from Kota Kinabalu, the construction of SAMUR is expected to commence in the second quarter of next year and is scheduled for commission in 2015.
“It (SAMUR) will definitely benefit Sabah. Since our state has huge potential in agriculture, the setting up of this project is indeed very timely.
“The spill over from SAMUR will be fantastic. The economic effect will be very significant as it will save a lot of money in terms of importing fertilisers. We believe it will benefit every body across the board,” he said.
Iskandar added that Petronas has invested a lot of money to develop the oil and gas industry in Sabah.
“It’s okay if they are successful but what if they fail?
“We also understand why Petronas doesn’t give big projects to local contractors, especially offshore projects, because this will involve many factors like expertise, banking, workers and so on.
“But, even now Petronas is already giving opportunities to local contractors and they also advised us to team up with established players,” he added.
On SOGCA, Iskandar said it was an umbrella body and membership was strictly for Sabahan contractors and companies who have acquired Petronas licences for various Petronas contracts.
“SOGCA’s main aim is to signify the strong desire by local Sabahans firms to participate strongly within the dynamic oil and gas industry in East Malaysia,” he said, adding that members were mostly players in the oil and gas industry who had worked previously with either Petronas or Shell.
So,which Sabahan would you think actually worked for it? Sabahans like this or Sabahans like Ronnie Klassen?
Remember, come back here to find out about the real Ronnie Klassen.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
DAP ideology....what we know now
In a country like America, flying the flag after such tragedies as 9/11 reflected a show of love and patriotism to her. In London after the 7/7 bombings, Londoners and British citizens alike flew the Union Jack to show the same. In fact anyone who was there at that time and experienced the grieve and shock did the same even though they were not citizens. Generally by doing so shows solidarity and respect for that nation.
In Malaysia, we seem to have politicians from the opposition who have nothing but disdain for anything Malaysian.
Yesterday, Elected assemblyman for Kota Alam Shah Manoharan Malayalam. His facebook message which was subsequently removed stated that he will not fly the Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia's National Flag because 'it looked more BN than Malaysian'. He distributed the DAP flag instead. I can't quite remember the DAP flag, so I googled it. This is what Google pointed me to.
Your eyes are not playiong tricks on you. There is a DAP written on this flag, and was widely used by the Nazis, yes the same Nazis that hailed Hitler.
However, the DAP in Malaysia has this as their official flag.
Google search engine must be a BN conspiracy too, cause if you google for DAP, and images, both DAP's rocket and Nazi DAP flags show up at the same time. Could it be a coincidence that Hitler too expressed disdain for certain things in the motherland that required change through his dictatorial rule?
But let's get back to M.Manoharan. Manoharan's rise to fame was largely due to his Hindraf involvement.
Although a DAP member back in 1999 (he ran for the elections then and was unsuccessful), he was elected in 2008 and remains the Kota Alam Shah assemblyman. For those uninitiated Hindraf claimed that there was ethnic cleansing in Malaysia and had organised street protest in the lead up to the 2008 elections.
Funnily though, since 2008 after getting elected, M.Manoharan had nothing more to say about the 'ethnic cleansing'. In fact his FB message yesterday showed a little glimpse of what DAP meant to him than the jalur Gemilang.
His message amongst others read 'Pakatan (Rakyat) will come up with another flag. The current one is definitely out'
Such is the kind of leaders that DAP churn out. Could this be a wider conspiracy by Pakatan to redicule Johoreans? PAS's Vice President (no less) Mat Sabu had openly insulted survivors of the Bukit Kepong massacre by the communist by hailing the terrorist as heroes (imagine the wrath if one was to hail the 9/11 attackers as the true heroes) and now Manoharan has ignored the history by claiming the Jalur Gemilang as a BN tool (ultimately too, an insult to Mohamad Hamzah, the architect who designed the Jalur Gemilang.
So, we have this. (Then there is another DAP Assemblyman who prefers that her child of Indian-Chinese parentage be registered as Anak Malaysia before settling for 'Chinese', so could that be another plan to reduce the number of Indians in the community?)
And this is what we got when back in 2008, we voted without thinking. Simply emotions!
Manoharan is a typical example of how they have conned us into believing that a credible opposition is what we have voted for, but instead, we have a power hungry group of loonies bent on destroying Malaysia.
Syabas PR!
So, who is the real Nazi now Jed?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Race relevant for seniors but not juniors
If CM Lim Guan Eng (why not Menteri Besar?) was sincere in introducing 'Non Race' cards for State programmes, then it would have also removed that from the Senior Citizen Appreciation Programme.
DAP's playing to the public is clearer than ever, in introducing the non-race based card. Why? The younger generation has bought it hook, line and sinker.
Remember the results of the recently announced state government tender exercise?
The bulk of contracts was awarded to non-bumiputeras (proving that the State government still adheres to the NEP) which is an acceptable policy of the government. However, in playing to sentiments like these, CM Lim is bent on ensuring that those who know nothing about the intricacies of managing a country like ours is led to believe that DAP is actually going on its own 'anak Malaysia' direction.
That is far from it. DAP which panders mostly to the Chinese community has been the wily-cat, much like the Road Runner series. If DAP was sincere in displacing the NEP then why would the results prove otherwise?
This is a perfect example, of not riling up the Older folks (hence keeping the Race part in forms for senior citizens) and to sooth the younger generation (who has no inkling of how to manage a multi ethnic community like Malaysia) who seems to think that the removal of a section on an application form can meet their demands.
What DAP is doing is simple. By implying that they are doing so is simply to fish for votes from those who seem to think that citizenship is the same as race. I wonder why 2nd and 3rd generation Chinese in America and Australia still call themselves 'American born Chinese' and 'Australian born Chinese'.
Malaysia did not experience these kind of issues before simply because back then, there were no parties who thought that they could get away with it. Today seems to be a different story. Most think that they have access to the 'truth' simply because they read it from the internet and hence believe those who fan it.
If indeed DAP was to practice what they are saying, then perhaps from today all of DAP's party speeches and materials be done in Malay first, after all the Malay language is the official language of the nation. It doesn't. It continues to use Mandarin as their main language of communication.
MCA is now painted as a 'racist' party who stands first for the Chinese, and that too for Malaysian chinese. Since the formation of Malaysia, MCA had contributed much. However, the younger generation is oblivious to that contribution, and thanks to those like Guan Eng.
Speaking to a senior citizen over the weekend in a heritage settlement recently, the man remarked that the younger generation of his area are disconnected with their roots. Not for the lack of trying on the part of the seniors, but for the lack of listening on the younger ones.
'They (the younger ones) seem to think that they know more than we do. Son, we eat more salt than they do rice', and perhaps that best sums up today.
Being taken in by the sweet words of those who did nothing more than rabble rouse, now it seems they understand the younger generation more.
So, for people like Mat Sabu, bringing back Chin Peng is nothing more than welcoming back the prodigal son. For Guan Eng, by pulling apart the very fabric that pulls together the community is best to keep DAP in power in Penang. And for Anwar, to continue to sing the conspiracy song and badmouth Malaysia is best to keep himself out of jail.
Whilst Chua Soi Lek continues to plough in more effort to lead MCA, Palanivel continues to make MIC heard again, and Najib battling to keep Malaysia out of international turmoils, Malaysia's wheel keeps on turning no matter what.
So wise up and see for yourself how DAP's non-race card is actually one to keep itself in the race!
DAP's playing to the public is clearer than ever, in introducing the non-race based card. Why? The younger generation has bought it hook, line and sinker.
Remember the results of the recently announced state government tender exercise?
The bulk of contracts was awarded to non-bumiputeras (proving that the State government still adheres to the NEP) which is an acceptable policy of the government. However, in playing to sentiments like these, CM Lim is bent on ensuring that those who know nothing about the intricacies of managing a country like ours is led to believe that DAP is actually going on its own 'anak Malaysia' direction.
That is far from it. DAP which panders mostly to the Chinese community has been the wily-cat, much like the Road Runner series. If DAP was sincere in displacing the NEP then why would the results prove otherwise?
This is a perfect example, of not riling up the Older folks (hence keeping the Race part in forms for senior citizens) and to sooth the younger generation (who has no inkling of how to manage a multi ethnic community like Malaysia) who seems to think that the removal of a section on an application form can meet their demands.
What DAP is doing is simple. By implying that they are doing so is simply to fish for votes from those who seem to think that citizenship is the same as race. I wonder why 2nd and 3rd generation Chinese in America and Australia still call themselves 'American born Chinese' and 'Australian born Chinese'.
Malaysia did not experience these kind of issues before simply because back then, there were no parties who thought that they could get away with it. Today seems to be a different story. Most think that they have access to the 'truth' simply because they read it from the internet and hence believe those who fan it.
If indeed DAP was to practice what they are saying, then perhaps from today all of DAP's party speeches and materials be done in Malay first, after all the Malay language is the official language of the nation. It doesn't. It continues to use Mandarin as their main language of communication.
MCA is now painted as a 'racist' party who stands first for the Chinese, and that too for Malaysian chinese. Since the formation of Malaysia, MCA had contributed much. However, the younger generation is oblivious to that contribution, and thanks to those like Guan Eng.
Speaking to a senior citizen over the weekend in a heritage settlement recently, the man remarked that the younger generation of his area are disconnected with their roots. Not for the lack of trying on the part of the seniors, but for the lack of listening on the younger ones.
'They (the younger ones) seem to think that they know more than we do. Son, we eat more salt than they do rice', and perhaps that best sums up today.
Being taken in by the sweet words of those who did nothing more than rabble rouse, now it seems they understand the younger generation more.
So, for people like Mat Sabu, bringing back Chin Peng is nothing more than welcoming back the prodigal son. For Guan Eng, by pulling apart the very fabric that pulls together the community is best to keep DAP in power in Penang. And for Anwar, to continue to sing the conspiracy song and badmouth Malaysia is best to keep himself out of jail.
Whilst Chua Soi Lek continues to plough in more effort to lead MCA, Palanivel continues to make MIC heard again, and Najib battling to keep Malaysia out of international turmoils, Malaysia's wheel keeps on turning no matter what.
So wise up and see for yourself how DAP's non-race card is actually one to keep itself in the race!
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Ong makes the right move
No, not Ong Tee Keat, but Ong Ka Ting.
In sticking to his principles, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting has shown yet again what leaders should have in keeping themselves and their party focussed, which is to ensure that the part it has played since the formation of Malaysia 54 years ago remains the goal, and not for the own interest as a serving politician.
Ka Ting who resigned as MCA President with the dismal showing of MCA with 15 of 40 seats it contested in the 2008 General Election is probably one of the few with experience that can still contribute to the party.
In choosing to relinquish his seat or rather candidacy for the upcoming election, he has sent a clear signal to MCA party members and to the chinese community that the current leadership must be given a clean slate free from any influence of past illustrious leaders. As such, in vacating a still popular seat, he is determined that the support will still go back to MCA immaterial of the candidate.
Many will argue that MCA has become irrelevant, but having been taught a lesson by the electoral, it has hit the ground running, and by keeping the cards close to his chest, Chua Soi Lek is keeping the party ahead of anybody's interest.
A closer look at the opposition machinery will show that the leaders who are still there are bent on keeping a stranglehold on party positions, as seen in the DAP and PKR elections. Although a change of stalwarts in PAS was done, it appears still that those in command of the party are still 'past due' members. In fact a look at the party hierarchy of PKR and DAP will show long serving leaders and nepotistic practices.
With a renewed attitude, MCA has been key in ensuring that the chinese community is still represented in government. In keeping with the spirit of the alliance, MCA is extending what Tun Tan Cheng Lock had envisaged from then, a 'united political and territorial' Malaya.
I was one of those who felt that the previous administration needed a loud reminder that the nation's interest is above that of those in power. Along with others who felt the same, we achieved that.
I am certain that those in power has been taught a lesson that the voting electoral has sent a clear message.
Why did I say so?
BN has shown that it can change and change it did. IMHO, Ong Ka Ting's move is clearly a sign that BN and particularly MCA has heeded the call of the rakyat.
Read here on Ong and Teng's decision to not run in the next General Election
In sticking to his principles, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting has shown yet again what leaders should have in keeping themselves and their party focussed, which is to ensure that the part it has played since the formation of Malaysia 54 years ago remains the goal, and not for the own interest as a serving politician.
Ka Ting who resigned as MCA President with the dismal showing of MCA with 15 of 40 seats it contested in the 2008 General Election is probably one of the few with experience that can still contribute to the party.
In choosing to relinquish his seat or rather candidacy for the upcoming election, he has sent a clear signal to MCA party members and to the chinese community that the current leadership must be given a clean slate free from any influence of past illustrious leaders. As such, in vacating a still popular seat, he is determined that the support will still go back to MCA immaterial of the candidate.
Many will argue that MCA has become irrelevant, but having been taught a lesson by the electoral, it has hit the ground running, and by keeping the cards close to his chest, Chua Soi Lek is keeping the party ahead of anybody's interest.
A closer look at the opposition machinery will show that the leaders who are still there are bent on keeping a stranglehold on party positions, as seen in the DAP and PKR elections. Although a change of stalwarts in PAS was done, it appears still that those in command of the party are still 'past due' members. In fact a look at the party hierarchy of PKR and DAP will show long serving leaders and nepotistic practices.
With a renewed attitude, MCA has been key in ensuring that the chinese community is still represented in government. In keeping with the spirit of the alliance, MCA is extending what Tun Tan Cheng Lock had envisaged from then, a 'united political and territorial' Malaya.
I was one of those who felt that the previous administration needed a loud reminder that the nation's interest is above that of those in power. Along with others who felt the same, we achieved that.
I am certain that those in power has been taught a lesson that the voting electoral has sent a clear message.
Why did I say so?
BN has shown that it can change and change it did. IMHO, Ong Ka Ting's move is clearly a sign that BN and particularly MCA has heeded the call of the rakyat.
Read here on Ong and Teng's decision to not run in the next General Election
Lessons from Somalia...by a Security professional
In the aftermath of the death of Faizul in Mogadishu, some have found it right to comment on it no matter how the reason goes. Here, I am merely making my observations.
Yesterday, I said Raising Another Idiotic Statement is a clear example of people wanting to just 'weigh in' on the issue, linking to various articles and comments of course.
But yesterday, a journalist saw it fit to take it one step further, by saying that the mission was ill prepared. I couldn't quite make out his point, but it seemed to me that he was also trying to say at the same time that a similar assignment that he was on back in 2003 had led to the death of a couple of volunteers in the car that he was in, and 'unprepared' seems to be the message he is sending out. I could be wrong.
But today, after speaking to a former editor, I was told that any journalist worth his salt would know that he is ultimately responsible for the assignment given to him, and that would mean too that his media organisation that sent him would be his keeper. Not the organisers, and certainly not the government.
Today, as others jump on the bandwagon to make their views heard, we see politicians (mostly from the opposition) saying that all this was a cheap publicity for UMNO. Wow! How quickly and easy to point fingers.
I wonder if the Bosnians thought of Tun Dr Mahathir's assistance then when they were crucified by the Serbs as an UMNO or Malaysian humanitarian effort.
So back to making statements. Isn't it all the more credible if one was to quote an expert every now and then? And who checks on the source anyway?
Yesterday in the Malay Mail, it quoted a Director of International Association of Counter-terrorist and Security Professionals as giving tips to how to avoid turning humanitarian aid missions into tragedies.
However peculiar it may sound to us (I disagree that Malaysian Media personnel should refrain from identifying themselves with the Jalur Gemilang, however I have never been to the front) professional advise is always reassuring, isn't it?
Today, Kelab Putera 1Malaysia, a non governmental organisation has reiterated its stand on its intention to return to Somalia to aid those in need and establishing a '1Malaysia Aid camp' in honour of Noramfaizul (the slain Bernama cameraman).
I wonder if there will be any room for an independent blogger.....
Here is what Andrin had to say about getting Combat ready...(Sorry, but shouldn't it be Charity ready with a sense of Combat awareness?)
But IMHO, Shahanaaz is smack on the ball!
Yesterday, I said Raising Another Idiotic Statement is a clear example of people wanting to just 'weigh in' on the issue, linking to various articles and comments of course.
But yesterday, a journalist saw it fit to take it one step further, by saying that the mission was ill prepared. I couldn't quite make out his point, but it seemed to me that he was also trying to say at the same time that a similar assignment that he was on back in 2003 had led to the death of a couple of volunteers in the car that he was in, and 'unprepared' seems to be the message he is sending out. I could be wrong.
But today, after speaking to a former editor, I was told that any journalist worth his salt would know that he is ultimately responsible for the assignment given to him, and that would mean too that his media organisation that sent him would be his keeper. Not the organisers, and certainly not the government.
Today, as others jump on the bandwagon to make their views heard, we see politicians (mostly from the opposition) saying that all this was a cheap publicity for UMNO. Wow! How quickly and easy to point fingers.
I wonder if the Bosnians thought of Tun Dr Mahathir's assistance then when they were crucified by the Serbs as an UMNO or Malaysian humanitarian effort.
So back to making statements. Isn't it all the more credible if one was to quote an expert every now and then? And who checks on the source anyway?
Yesterday in the Malay Mail, it quoted a Director of International Association of Counter-terrorist and Security Professionals as giving tips to how to avoid turning humanitarian aid missions into tragedies.
However peculiar it may sound to us (I disagree that Malaysian Media personnel should refrain from identifying themselves with the Jalur Gemilang, however I have never been to the front) professional advise is always reassuring, isn't it?
Today, Kelab Putera 1Malaysia, a non governmental organisation has reiterated its stand on its intention to return to Somalia to aid those in need and establishing a '1Malaysia Aid camp' in honour of Noramfaizul (the slain Bernama cameraman).
I wonder if there will be any room for an independent blogger.....
Here is what Andrin had to say about getting Combat ready...(Sorry, but shouldn't it be Charity ready with a sense of Combat awareness?)
But IMHO, Shahanaaz is smack on the ball!
Monday, September 05, 2011
Raising Another Idiotic Statement
Raising Another Idiotic Statement is best used in describing a certain Minister who claimed that the death of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor was not covered by Insurance.
This led to a number of people jumping on the bandwagon ad making all sorts of claims, from 'cheap publicity' to 'Standard Operating Procedures' for Aid Missions.
My heartfelt condolence goes out to the family of Faizul. And let it be known that he was dedicated to his job in bringing pictures to those who doubt almost everything they see on TV (unless it was a clip from certain internet news portals)
Speaking to some friends who had experienced 'conflict areas or war reporting', it seems there are many who equate it with what they see on TV shows.
There are all kinds of assumptions and statements that seem to paint a picture to those who have never been put in that position. Most just soak it all up.
Catching the prime time news on Awani, there was a clip which featured a journalist from a tabloid which was sent to Iraq back in 2003. Here is a story that was published in the USJ e-community news, which has popped up as widely read pages recently..
from USJ e-community..
Nades later said, "It had been a harrowing day for me at the office, but nothing is more satisfying to note that our boy is still there, making me proud of being a journalist, his colleague, friend and confidante."
Meanwhile, theSun's editor-in-chief Zainon Ahmad said the company has given his newsman the choice of either to remain in Baghdad or return home.
Terence has decided to stay on until he is directed by the authorities to leave.
USJ.com.my thanks theSun for the permission to re-produce Terence's front-paged story today. He had bargained with God to write on:
Bargain with God
Malasie! Sahafi! (Malaysian! Reporter!)
These were probably the two words which saved my life on Saturday when a group of Shi'ite militiamen fired at our convoy.
RTM cameraman Omar Salleh, New Straits Times photo department head Anuar Hashim and I had joined the Mercy Malaysia team which was providing medical service to hospitals in an around Baghdad.
We were travelling in two vans. The first one had Mercy president Dr Datuk Jemilah Mahmud and her team. Dr Baba Dani and Don Chang, Lebanese translator Mohamad Aiman and a driver.
The second one carried Omar, Anuar, Mercy's Dr Tafiq Hidayah and Anita Ahmad, driver Ghofran and I.
We were returning from our second stop at the Al-Assadar Hospital in Tawarah City to our hotel when we turned into Jemilah, a shantytown controlled by the Shi'ite, just 8km from the city centre.
Seated at the rear of the van, I spotted a man carrying an AK47 running ahead trying to pass our vehicle.
I yelled to the Syrian driver to turn back, but he did not understand what I said.
Tafiq, the only person who could communicate with him was perhaps unaware of the situation until it was too late.
Up ahead, we saw about 100 gun-toting men, some as young as 14.
Then, the shooting started.
<---
Terence trying on his bullet=proof vest before the Joint Media Team Malaysia left for Amman enroute to Baghdad.
As I had the whole rear seat to myself, I crouched down and turned to my side, properly lodged between the rear and middle seats.
Before I went down, I caught a glimpse of our driver slumped in his seat.
Shot in the chest, Ghofran died on the spot.
The hail of bullets seemed never ending. There were probably scores of shots being fired at us.
One bullet had embedded in the back seat. If it had gone through, it would have probably hit me.
Holding my rosary, I bargained with God. "Please don't let me die today and I will do anything!"
In front of me, Anuar was screaming "Allahu Akbar!", while Omar was shielding Anita.
Tafiq, who was seated next to the driver, was holding the lifeless body and screaming "Tabib! Tabib!" (Doctor! Doctor!)
Then the shooting stopped. Someone broke the back windscreen.
There was a packet of cigarettes, which the attacker, probably not more than 17, helped himself to.
The terror of the whole incident came to a boil for me, when the sliding door opened and someone pulled Anita out.
Omar, who was recording the incident was also dragged out. Someone grabbed his camera but when he resisted, one of them pointed a gun to his head.
Then the smell of petrol permeated the air and I saw the fuel dripping down from the roof of the van. "Sahafi! Malasie!" I pleaded with my hands together.
Somehow they were not convinced and started shouting at me in Arabic.
Then out of the crowd, a young man in a red shirt approached the van.
"It's OK, it's OK" he said, his kindly face and soft words put me at ease for a while.
He turned to the others and seemed to be scolding them.
Ali, as I learnt his name later, then reached into the van and kissed me on the cheek.
"It's OK. Come. Come," he said.
I was not all that convinced but I would rather get shot than be burnt alive, so I followed.
A few men crowded around me, assuring me: "It's OK" and led me into a house.
There, I regrouped with the rest of the team, although we had no idea what had happened to the other group.
Tafiq had managed to convinced them of who we are.
As it turn out it was a case of mistaken identity.
The Shi'ites have been fighting Saddam Hussein's Fedayeen militia.
Apparently some Fedayeens had come from Syria to help regain Baghdad. Our vans had Syrian number plates.
"We (are) sorry," said one young man, as he helped me to a glass of water.
I could not hold my glass as my hands were still trembling.
Then, I realised my right eye was stinging. Some of the petroleum had dripped on me.
Immediately, one of them took me to the bathroom and washed my eyes.
I learnt later that they did not intend to set us ablaze, but a barrel of petroleum on the roof of the van had leaked after taking several bullets.
"We Muslims, we brothers," said Anuar.
Realising I was the only non-Muslim there, Anita whispered: "Just be quiet and play along."
Food is scare, but they shared
As it was close to Zohor prayers, then they invited us to pray. I told them that I was too shaken to do so and they allowed me to stay in the kitchen.
One of the women offered some naan bread. "Shukran," (thank you), I said while breaking off a piece. Food was the furthest thing from my mind but I did not want to risk offending anyone.
Soon after, several men in jubah and turbans entered the house. They were religious and community leaders.
They started shouting at some of the young men. One of the youths was slapped.
"Sorry," Imam Ali told me.
While waiting for the others to finish their prayers, an old man was fanning me with a towel.
Then the cameras and bags which were earlier taken from us were returned to us.
After more apologies, they told us that they would send us back to our hotel - but only after we meet somebody.
Huddled in a car, we were taken to a mosque a few blocks away.
There, we were introduced to a Fedayeen they had captured.
They told the man to speak and ordered Omar to record his statement.
He was a Lebanese, who had been paid US$600 (RM2,280) for each Shi'ite he killed.
Then someone brought a knife and it struck us that we were going to witness an execution.
"No!" We protested in unison. When Anuar and Omar put down their cameras, they relented and put the knife away.
But we do not know if they had completed the task later.
Half an hour later, we were whisked back to Al-Assadar, where we met the rest of the team, which had managed to escape.
However, both Jemilah and Baba had been shot in the hip, and Aiman was grazed by a bullet on the cheek.
They were out of danger and are being treated at the Saddam Hospital.
Still too shaken to go back to the hotel, we stayed at the hospital.
The treatment given to us was better than that of a first class hotel.
Every few minutes someone would come into the ward where we were staying to see if we needed anything.
Despite having a little themselves, they feasted us with naan, eggs and dhal and tea.
Yesterday morning, we were taken back to our hotel.
The relief upon seeing our colleagues was indescribable.
They greeted us with hugs and kisses and a roomful of grown men were crying like babies.
"Thanks for scaring the hell out of me, you piece of crap," said Raj Kumar, theSun's photo chief, who would have to bear the burden of breaking the news to my family had anything happened to me.
I have been attacked twice in Iraq (the first by bandits on the way here) and have been luck both times.
I just pray that our luck will not run out as we make the 550km journey back to Amman - hopefully soon - JMTM.
I have certainly no experience in this area, but if my experience in getting an assignment meant that travel was involved, I know some journalist would jump at the opportunity as it will be a task like no other.
More so for an assignment of this nature.
Speaking to an experienced journalist who had also covered the Iraq invasion, and yet another who covered the Bosnian conflict, the one thing that cannot be denied is that these journalists want that 'badge of honour'. It is an assignment that would really mean that one gets recognised, and that the assignment will give that person the acknowledgment amongst their peers.
I may have missed Terence's points about being ill prepared for an assignment like this. But having been there and having been issued a bulletproof vest, wouldn't that meant that he still wasn't well prepared? And if so, why did he then return prematurely despite being told that it was his option to remain or return?
So, if UMNO Youth (by the way Kelab Putera 1Malaysia has no ties with UMNO Youth except that it's chief is a UMNO member)has been accused of getting cheap publicity from the death of Faizul, how would you then describe Terence Fernandez's choice of 'sharing his experience' with the Malay Mail?
The Joint Media Team of Malaysia (JMTM) not only ensured that Malaysians got a true account of the invasion, it also helped in the plight of a nine year old Iraqi girl who lost both her legs. All that despite betting brickbats after the shooting incident, yet they came back with their heads held high.
In today's piece carried in the Malay Mail (Terence Fernandez was with the Sun newspaper, and has since joined the Malay Mail) , the Editor had opted to engage Counter Terrorist expert and the Southeast Asia Regional director for the International Association for Counter-terrorism and Security Professionals, Andrin Raj who said in war zones areas like Somalia, rebel groups assume anyone seen with the government or its army are their allies.
Andrin also suggested that Malaysian Media personnel must refrain from using the Malaysia Flag as it can be mistaken for the US Flag. Nice.
I wonder if so, has there ever been cases of US Flags being mistaken for Malaysian flags then?
Which brings me back to my choice of title for today's post.
Raising Another Idiotic Statement seems to be the next best thing these days, with twitter and blogs.
So for all those bent on riding the wave, forget about it. And to those journalist who think that life at home is more important then the job you have been selected for, please decline the assignment as there are others who want that assignment too. Stay home with your newly wed.
Politicians who want in, think again. Don't think that you actually know everything that is going on, best yet, don't assume you know.
As for Faizul's two young children, be brave, as your dad died doing what he did best. He made our country proud. He made us all proud.
Ohh....as for Terence. Aji Saregar nearly died, yes and Faizul died, yes.
This led to a number of people jumping on the bandwagon ad making all sorts of claims, from 'cheap publicity' to 'Standard Operating Procedures' for Aid Missions.
My heartfelt condolence goes out to the family of Faizul. And let it be known that he was dedicated to his job in bringing pictures to those who doubt almost everything they see on TV (unless it was a clip from certain internet news portals)
Speaking to some friends who had experienced 'conflict areas or war reporting', it seems there are many who equate it with what they see on TV shows.
There are all kinds of assumptions and statements that seem to paint a picture to those who have never been put in that position. Most just soak it all up.
Catching the prime time news on Awani, there was a clip which featured a journalist from a tabloid which was sent to Iraq back in 2003. Here is a story that was published in the USJ e-community news, which has popped up as widely read pages recently..
from USJ e-community..
Nades later said, "It had been a harrowing day for me at the office, but nothing is more satisfying to note that our boy is still there, making me proud of being a journalist, his colleague, friend and confidante."
Meanwhile, theSun's editor-in-chief Zainon Ahmad said the company has given his newsman the choice of either to remain in Baghdad or return home.
Terence has decided to stay on until he is directed by the authorities to leave.
USJ.com.my thanks theSun for the permission to re-produce Terence's front-paged story today. He had bargained with God to write on:
Bargain with God
Malasie! Sahafi! (Malaysian! Reporter!)
These were probably the two words which saved my life on Saturday when a group of Shi'ite militiamen fired at our convoy.
RTM cameraman Omar Salleh, New Straits Times photo department head Anuar Hashim and I had joined the Mercy Malaysia team which was providing medical service to hospitals in an around Baghdad.
We were travelling in two vans. The first one had Mercy president Dr Datuk Jemilah Mahmud and her team. Dr Baba Dani and Don Chang, Lebanese translator Mohamad Aiman and a driver.
The second one carried Omar, Anuar, Mercy's Dr Tafiq Hidayah and Anita Ahmad, driver Ghofran and I.
We were returning from our second stop at the Al-Assadar Hospital in Tawarah City to our hotel when we turned into Jemilah, a shantytown controlled by the Shi'ite, just 8km from the city centre.
Seated at the rear of the van, I spotted a man carrying an AK47 running ahead trying to pass our vehicle.
I yelled to the Syrian driver to turn back, but he did not understand what I said.
Tafiq, the only person who could communicate with him was perhaps unaware of the situation until it was too late.
Up ahead, we saw about 100 gun-toting men, some as young as 14.
Then, the shooting started.
<---
Terence trying on his bullet=proof vest before the Joint Media Team Malaysia left for Amman enroute to Baghdad.As I had the whole rear seat to myself, I crouched down and turned to my side, properly lodged between the rear and middle seats.
Before I went down, I caught a glimpse of our driver slumped in his seat.
Shot in the chest, Ghofran died on the spot.
The hail of bullets seemed never ending. There were probably scores of shots being fired at us.
One bullet had embedded in the back seat. If it had gone through, it would have probably hit me.
Holding my rosary, I bargained with God. "Please don't let me die today and I will do anything!"
In front of me, Anuar was screaming "Allahu Akbar!", while Omar was shielding Anita.
Tafiq, who was seated next to the driver, was holding the lifeless body and screaming "Tabib! Tabib!" (Doctor! Doctor!)
Then the shooting stopped. Someone broke the back windscreen.
There was a packet of cigarettes, which the attacker, probably not more than 17, helped himself to.
The terror of the whole incident came to a boil for me, when the sliding door opened and someone pulled Anita out.
Omar, who was recording the incident was also dragged out. Someone grabbed his camera but when he resisted, one of them pointed a gun to his head.
Then the smell of petrol permeated the air and I saw the fuel dripping down from the roof of the van. "Sahafi! Malasie!" I pleaded with my hands together.
Somehow they were not convinced and started shouting at me in Arabic.
Then out of the crowd, a young man in a red shirt approached the van.
"It's OK, it's OK" he said, his kindly face and soft words put me at ease for a while.
He turned to the others and seemed to be scolding them.
Ali, as I learnt his name later, then reached into the van and kissed me on the cheek.
"It's OK. Come. Come," he said.
I was not all that convinced but I would rather get shot than be burnt alive, so I followed.
A few men crowded around me, assuring me: "It's OK" and led me into a house.
There, I regrouped with the rest of the team, although we had no idea what had happened to the other group.
Tafiq had managed to convinced them of who we are.
As it turn out it was a case of mistaken identity.
The Shi'ites have been fighting Saddam Hussein's Fedayeen militia.
Apparently some Fedayeens had come from Syria to help regain Baghdad. Our vans had Syrian number plates.
"We (are) sorry," said one young man, as he helped me to a glass of water.
I could not hold my glass as my hands were still trembling.
Then, I realised my right eye was stinging. Some of the petroleum had dripped on me.
Immediately, one of them took me to the bathroom and washed my eyes.
I learnt later that they did not intend to set us ablaze, but a barrel of petroleum on the roof of the van had leaked after taking several bullets.
"We Muslims, we brothers," said Anuar.
Realising I was the only non-Muslim there, Anita whispered: "Just be quiet and play along."
Food is scare, but they shared
As it was close to Zohor prayers, then they invited us to pray. I told them that I was too shaken to do so and they allowed me to stay in the kitchen.
One of the women offered some naan bread. "Shukran," (thank you), I said while breaking off a piece. Food was the furthest thing from my mind but I did not want to risk offending anyone.
Soon after, several men in jubah and turbans entered the house. They were religious and community leaders.
They started shouting at some of the young men. One of the youths was slapped.
"Sorry," Imam Ali told me.
While waiting for the others to finish their prayers, an old man was fanning me with a towel.
Then the cameras and bags which were earlier taken from us were returned to us.
After more apologies, they told us that they would send us back to our hotel - but only after we meet somebody.
Huddled in a car, we were taken to a mosque a few blocks away.
There, we were introduced to a Fedayeen they had captured.
They told the man to speak and ordered Omar to record his statement.
He was a Lebanese, who had been paid US$600 (RM2,280) for each Shi'ite he killed.
Then someone brought a knife and it struck us that we were going to witness an execution.
"No!" We protested in unison. When Anuar and Omar put down their cameras, they relented and put the knife away.
But we do not know if they had completed the task later.
Half an hour later, we were whisked back to Al-Assadar, where we met the rest of the team, which had managed to escape.
However, both Jemilah and Baba had been shot in the hip, and Aiman was grazed by a bullet on the cheek.
They were out of danger and are being treated at the Saddam Hospital.
Still too shaken to go back to the hotel, we stayed at the hospital.
The treatment given to us was better than that of a first class hotel.
Every few minutes someone would come into the ward where we were staying to see if we needed anything.
Despite having a little themselves, they feasted us with naan, eggs and dhal and tea.
Yesterday morning, we were taken back to our hotel.
The relief upon seeing our colleagues was indescribable.
They greeted us with hugs and kisses and a roomful of grown men were crying like babies.
"Thanks for scaring the hell out of me, you piece of crap," said Raj Kumar, theSun's photo chief, who would have to bear the burden of breaking the news to my family had anything happened to me.
I have been attacked twice in Iraq (the first by bandits on the way here) and have been luck both times.
I just pray that our luck will not run out as we make the 550km journey back to Amman - hopefully soon - JMTM.
I have certainly no experience in this area, but if my experience in getting an assignment meant that travel was involved, I know some journalist would jump at the opportunity as it will be a task like no other.
More so for an assignment of this nature.
Speaking to an experienced journalist who had also covered the Iraq invasion, and yet another who covered the Bosnian conflict, the one thing that cannot be denied is that these journalists want that 'badge of honour'. It is an assignment that would really mean that one gets recognised, and that the assignment will give that person the acknowledgment amongst their peers.
I may have missed Terence's points about being ill prepared for an assignment like this. But having been there and having been issued a bulletproof vest, wouldn't that meant that he still wasn't well prepared? And if so, why did he then return prematurely despite being told that it was his option to remain or return?
So, if UMNO Youth (by the way Kelab Putera 1Malaysia has no ties with UMNO Youth except that it's chief is a UMNO member)has been accused of getting cheap publicity from the death of Faizul, how would you then describe Terence Fernandez's choice of 'sharing his experience' with the Malay Mail?
The Joint Media Team of Malaysia (JMTM) not only ensured that Malaysians got a true account of the invasion, it also helped in the plight of a nine year old Iraqi girl who lost both her legs. All that despite betting brickbats after the shooting incident, yet they came back with their heads held high.
In today's piece carried in the Malay Mail (Terence Fernandez was with the Sun newspaper, and has since joined the Malay Mail) , the Editor had opted to engage Counter Terrorist expert and the Southeast Asia Regional director for the International Association for Counter-terrorism and Security Professionals, Andrin Raj who said in war zones areas like Somalia, rebel groups assume anyone seen with the government or its army are their allies.
Andrin also suggested that Malaysian Media personnel must refrain from using the Malaysia Flag as it can be mistaken for the US Flag. Nice.
I wonder if so, has there ever been cases of US Flags being mistaken for Malaysian flags then?
Which brings me back to my choice of title for today's post.
Raising Another Idiotic Statement seems to be the next best thing these days, with twitter and blogs.
So for all those bent on riding the wave, forget about it. And to those journalist who think that life at home is more important then the job you have been selected for, please decline the assignment as there are others who want that assignment too. Stay home with your newly wed.
Politicians who want in, think again. Don't think that you actually know everything that is going on, best yet, don't assume you know.
As for Faizul's two young children, be brave, as your dad died doing what he did best. He made our country proud. He made us all proud.
Ohh....as for Terence. Aji Saregar nearly died, yes and Faizul died, yes.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Merdeka. What it means to some.
I'll be honest. Merdeka means much more to me these days than it did when I was younger.
Although I was part of the parade when I was in lower six, due to my being a Cadet Corps member, it really did not gave me a true sense of being 'independent'.
Yesterday, whilst lazing in bed and realising that the parade was not on as it was postponed till the 16th of September, it dawned on me that my kids too were looking forward to the parade.
In the past week, we have heard Mat Sabu, Vice President of PAS praising the communist insurgents as the 'real heroes' for fighting for Mereka. I wonder if Mat Sabu realised the significance of the very notable 'Bukit Kepong'? Could it be that he want us to think that because the attack was led by a Malay Communist?
I have always wondered why there are some people out there who have now placed their allegiance with such political parties like PAS.
Scratch that. Rather, I have always suspected the type who have now placed their believe in PAS.
(a bit more on this later)
Yesterday, I had a wonderful dinner with my Aunty and Uncle from Australia. They have migrated to Brisbane (some 25 years now) and hosted a dinner with the entire extended family as this would be their last visit here.
Seated at my table was the younger generation of Yews, and when the topic of discussion came to politics, I found out that a cousin of mine is now heavily involved in DAP.
Young people these days seems to believe everything the read on the internet, and when he pointed out that MCA is a subservient party to UMNO, it dawned on me that the message being drilled down by DAP is that and each of their members are singing that theme song!
I couldn't stomach that (and remember that I am not an MCA member) as I know and remember the contributions of MCA founding fathers and their role in Merdeka. However, these are convenientely forgotten and the message by such opposition members are just to focus on the negatives and expel fear and hatred towards the ruling government and its political allies.
The conversation got to MACC, and it was ultimately who gets more support that speaks the loudest. Sadly, it appears that yesterday my relatives who were at the table have all depended on information entirely from the internet. Reliable? I did say no.
But such is the situation. isn't it? whilst the government focuses on developing the country, the opposition who really are not interested in contributing are just going around expelling hate to try to unseat those democratically elected by the voters.
Do you know what it means for some who experienced terrorism communist style? Find out from this writer who explains it well enough.
Since observing objectively, it has become much clearer now how the younger generation have turned their backs on the government.
For those still using the excuse that the Government controls main stream newspapers, try reading Harakah, Rocket, Keadilan, Malaysia Today, MalaysiaKini and Malaysian Insider! They think they know the meaning of Merdeka, but if you read close enough they are all for dividing the country with the aim to rule it.
The kicker last night? My cousin asked if I read Raja Petra's article on my police report.
I can tell you that it was not written by him, and what's more, I used to listen to how RPK make up stories to suit his paymasters.
Just as there are some who seem to have placed their support and believe in the opposition, there are some whom I have met who believe in the government. This balance ought to be maintained.
I did my part in 2008, and I will certainly do my part to ensure that Merdeka willnever be hijacked by the likes of Mat Sabu and Karpal Singh.
Although I was part of the parade when I was in lower six, due to my being a Cadet Corps member, it really did not gave me a true sense of being 'independent'.
Yesterday, whilst lazing in bed and realising that the parade was not on as it was postponed till the 16th of September, it dawned on me that my kids too were looking forward to the parade.
In the past week, we have heard Mat Sabu, Vice President of PAS praising the communist insurgents as the 'real heroes' for fighting for Mereka. I wonder if Mat Sabu realised the significance of the very notable 'Bukit Kepong'? Could it be that he want us to think that because the attack was led by a Malay Communist?
I have always wondered why there are some people out there who have now placed their allegiance with such political parties like PAS.
Scratch that. Rather, I have always suspected the type who have now placed their believe in PAS.
(a bit more on this later)
Yesterday, I had a wonderful dinner with my Aunty and Uncle from Australia. They have migrated to Brisbane (some 25 years now) and hosted a dinner with the entire extended family as this would be their last visit here.
Seated at my table was the younger generation of Yews, and when the topic of discussion came to politics, I found out that a cousin of mine is now heavily involved in DAP.
Young people these days seems to believe everything the read on the internet, and when he pointed out that MCA is a subservient party to UMNO, it dawned on me that the message being drilled down by DAP is that and each of their members are singing that theme song!
I couldn't stomach that (and remember that I am not an MCA member) as I know and remember the contributions of MCA founding fathers and their role in Merdeka. However, these are convenientely forgotten and the message by such opposition members are just to focus on the negatives and expel fear and hatred towards the ruling government and its political allies.
The conversation got to MACC, and it was ultimately who gets more support that speaks the loudest. Sadly, it appears that yesterday my relatives who were at the table have all depended on information entirely from the internet. Reliable? I did say no.
But such is the situation. isn't it? whilst the government focuses on developing the country, the opposition who really are not interested in contributing are just going around expelling hate to try to unseat those democratically elected by the voters.
Do you know what it means for some who experienced terrorism communist style? Find out from this writer who explains it well enough.
Since observing objectively, it has become much clearer now how the younger generation have turned their backs on the government.
For those still using the excuse that the Government controls main stream newspapers, try reading Harakah, Rocket, Keadilan, Malaysia Today, MalaysiaKini and Malaysian Insider! They think they know the meaning of Merdeka, but if you read close enough they are all for dividing the country with the aim to rule it.
The kicker last night? My cousin asked if I read Raja Petra's article on my police report.
I can tell you that it was not written by him, and what's more, I used to listen to how RPK make up stories to suit his paymasters.
Just as there are some who seem to have placed their support and believe in the opposition, there are some whom I have met who believe in the government. This balance ought to be maintained.
I did my part in 2008, and I will certainly do my part to ensure that Merdeka willnever be hijacked by the likes of Mat Sabu and Karpal Singh.
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