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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Scary Headline #4

"States Under BN's Rule Eeconomically Prosperous"

So said DPM Najib on 28 January (Bernama).

He said the people should realise that the opposition parties were incapable of bringing development to the people as they were only hoping for assistance from the Federal government.

Er... BN MPs get an allocation of RM2 million annually to give away to their constituents and and carry out small projects.

Opposition MPs get NOTHING, even though they are democratically elected. It is government policy to discriminate against its own people by penalising those areas that vote Opposition.

See here and here for more information on this disgusting policy.

A Better Malaysia

Yet another new citizen's movement has sprung up.

This one's called Better Malaysia and it seeks to engage concerned Malaysians who want to improve their country.

The group says it wants to facilitate the spread of information to help Malaysians become more aware & proactive.

I don't know who's behind it but Malaysia needs all the help we can get.

Concerned & Proactive Malaysians Boleh!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Scary Headline #3

"Early Elections May Leave 17,000 Unable To Vote"

On 29 January 2008, EC chief Rashid said that the electoral rolls containing the names of these voters, many of them in Kelantan, Kedah and Selangor, might not be ready if the polls are held soon.

Rashid also said the names of 500,000 voters, many of them dead or having lost their voting right for giving up their citizenship, had been removed from the electoral rolls.

Hmm... Rashid removed these voters' names only after intense pressure from the Opposition political parties, NGOs, election watchdogs (eg. Mafrel) and more recently, BERSIH. It is therefore highly likely the identities of these dead voters were used in the last few GEs to boost vote figures for BN.

Well, better late than never eh! C'mon Malaysians, if you care about the state of the country, help us clean up the system and Save Malaysia... BERSIH Boleh!




Friday, January 25, 2008

Ops "Bring Back News To Your Hometown"

Check out Lulu's Blog to support this wonderful initiative.

Help us to raise awareness about the sad state of Malaysia today. Help us to inform and educate Malaysians about the country we love so much.

We CANNOT AFFORD to let Malaysia go down the drain. There is so much potential if only we had the right leaders with vision, clarity, commitment, compassion and most of all, CONSCIENCE.

Scary Headline #2

"Kerajaan Komited Bangunkan Felda Jika Mandat Diberikan"


Jika mandat tidak diberikan, apa akan berlaku? Adakah ini ugutan atau ancaman daripada pihak pemerintah?

You decide.

* This is part of a new series on my blog called the "Scary Headlines Series". Scary Headline #1 is at: http://pix-pixie.blogspot.com/2008/01/scary-thought.html

BN cranks up propaganda machine

Bernama reported yesterday that the Information Ministry has set up an Accurate Information Reference Centre (Sahih) which will begin operations from Feb 1 to tackle the dissemination of false information, particularly in view of the coming general election, said its minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

He said the setting up of Sahih could ensure that only accurate and correct information were conveyed to the people using the existing technology.

"The availability of speedy technology has democratised information to the extent that the community or anyone could become a source of information and disseminate them speedily using the internet, special messaging service (SMS) and so on. ... These include false information which are purposely exploited by irresponsible groups for certain objectives."

Now remember people, all information spread by BN leaders is accurate, credible and responsible, while all information spread by the Opposition is untrue and inaccurate. Now repeat after me, Malaysians are stupid, Malaysians are stupid...

Using the hotline, e-mail and SMS DAPAT mechanisms, the public could contact the Sahih Centre via telephone number 03-22843114 (operating during office hours and 24 hours when Parliament is dissolved), facsimile 03-22822979, e-mail using the address sahih@kempen.gov.my and SMS at the address SAHIH_mesej (and send to) DAPAT (32728).

He also denied that the centre was set up purely to face the coming general election. "It is part of the efforts by the Information Ministry to create a community armed with quality information," he said.

What a freakin' joke. What other third-world country does this, I wonder?

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Who's lying?

An NST report today says the Divine Life Society (DLS) has actually been forced to throw away the free food it gives out during the Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves. branch president Swami Guhabhaktananda said he estimated that there was a 25 per cent drop in the number of people who attended this year’s celebrations.

The Star reported that the Sri Bala Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Port Klang saw the largest-ever crowd in its 160-year history with thousands of people gathering to observe Thaipusam. An estimated 100,000 people converged at the temple over the past two days. ...
Devotees who went to Batu Caves yearly said the crowd this year was smaller than in previous years. ... Traders also said there was less business this year.

AND YET... the large number of people at these temples did not cause a fall in the numbers at Batu Caves, according to Samy Vellu.

China Press: It’s our fault, not Chew’s

http://chinhuatw.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/china-press-its-our-fault-not-chews/#more-165

Ho ho ho... running scared, YB?

What BS is this -- China Press covering up for CMF???

Why didn't she go nuts then if she was misquoted? Why didn't she demand an apology when it first came out?

When BN politicians say something offensive or insulting, they are always MISQUOTED.

When Opposition leaders say something to upset someone in the BN, it's DEFAMATION.

Well, looks like it's time to crank up the election machinery and KICK SOME OF THESE POLITICIANS OUT!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Samy says 1 million, foreign press say 30k-50k

Malaysiakini reports that the crowd was markedly less than previous years, people were surprised at the lack of congestion and the stalls complained about not making money.

Samy was reported as saying, "I have come to Thaipusam since I was 11 years old. I know the crowd. It is the same as before. I don't think religious people who went to pray to Lord Murugan will listen to all the naughty fellows," he said of the SMS campaign. "Who can threaten us? Anyone who threatens us, we can find out where he is. It takes only five hours to find out where he is. They can't run away from us."

Bernama says: "Call to boycott Thaipusam in Batu Caves ignored, One Million turn up".

AP reports that the figure was between 30,000 and 50,000.

An AFP friend told me that it was in the tens of thousands, and in any case, the 1 million figure that's quoted every year is hyper-inflated anyway... here's the AFP story:

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gO0B-iJ6VNbvH6dNJcIhkkS_zWqw

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Paradise, Part 2

The mountains are stunning no matter what time of day as they display different characteristics depending on the light conditions. See previous post for reference.

Paradise, Part 1

The majestic peaks of the Himalayas towering over the little dining hut at Little Paradise, Chomrong. The peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Macchupuchhare are even more inspiring from here than from Ghandruk, where we had trekked from three hours away.

Note: This photo was taken in the early morning, sometime in end-2006, hence the blue hue.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Homeless in PJ


If you are in the Paramount Garden area of PJ and see a homeless man outside the clinic right across from the 7-11, that's Uncle Loh. He has been living on the streets of PJ for many years now and is normally parked on the five-foot-way outside the clinic. If you feel inclined, why not stop by, say hello and see if he would like some food or a drink from the 7-11? He loves chatting!

More on Uncle Loh later...

It's official!








Thaipusam is a public holiday for KL. I was alerted at about 5.45pm.

About time too!

Or... is it just a PR exercise to get back some Indian votes?

Read this:
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/1459/46/

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Dodgy Deaths, Vicious Vids & Shocking Shootings

Hmmm... is this the season for dodgy deaths involving BN cronies? If so, should they all be very afraid?

This headlines was on Star Online yesterday evening:
"Brother-in-law of Port Klang assemblyman found hanged"

The article reported that the brother-in-law of notorious Port Klang assemblyman Zakaria Md Deros (aka King Zakaria) was found hanged in his home in Kampung Idaman on Wednesday morning. The victim, Fathil Ahmad, 45, was alone at home at the time. His wife, Saodah Md Deros, had gone out to send their three younger children to school. Saodah looked through one of the windows when her husband failed to answer the door.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Scary thought

On Bernama today, this headline made me freak out a little...

"Rela Members Take Over Guarding Of Immigration Depots"

The article said that some 1,840 Rela members will take over guard duties at immigration depots nationwide except in Sabah beginning today. The depots are used to hold illegal immigrants pending repatriation to their home countries.

Yikes... can you imagine being a detainee where no one would find out if he/she were abused and then quickly deported? Sounds like a nightmare to me... but then again, am I being unfair to generalise about all Rela workers being bad apples?

Friday, January 11, 2008

MIC state assemblyman shot dead

The Tenggaroh ADUN S. Krishnasamy was shot dead at the Johor MIC building.
Hmmm. wonder who he offended?

He's not the first. In 2000, then ADUN for Lunas, Dr Joe Fernandez, was shot dead in Bukit Mertajam.

Check out the story on Malaysiakini.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Funny Bones



We stopped by this little roast chicken stall by the roadside near Khao Kor, southern North-east Thailand. This was taken a little over two years ago when Erik and I attended a friend's wedding. I thought it was hysterical... someone certainly has a sense of humour!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Save Taman Melawati Hill



This is the hill Taman Melawati folks are trying to save from being developed by IJM Properties. For more info on this worthwhile cause, check out:
http://www.savetamanmelawatihill.com

Berani kalau Benar, Takut kalau Salah

This post in today's NST caught my eye:
Worried VIPs stock up on anti-spy devices

Excerpts:

Eight days after a minister admitted that a sex DVD featured him, anti-spy electronic devices are being sold like hot cakes, especially to people in power.


It is learnt that several prominent businessmen and politicians who visit China regularly on work or on holiday have been using the device in their bedrooms.

Er... hmmm... should their wives be starting to worry???

One online seller using the pseudonym Eagle833 offered the device for RM120 each with the title, "Spy Camera Detector -- HOT IN TOWN -- GET IT BEFORE (getting) TRAPPED!".

MCA public services and complaints department head Datuk Michael Chong, who bought a similar device on Sunday, said his first attempt to purchase one at a shop in Jalan Pasar failed. The RM50 made-in-China unit that Chong bought can detect hidden CCTV cameras within a 50cm range.


Both Michael Chong and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad were quoted in the article 'advising' people to go and buy these items cos of the risks of being spied on in toilets or dressing rooms, and so on.

What business do they have ENCOURAGING people to buy these devices??? They are fanning the paranoia, in my opinion. I simply don't think the problem is that serious unless of course you need it cos YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING WRONG, just like CSL...

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

More about Fouad



http://www.alfarhan.org

http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=17589
http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/2007/12/23/saudi-blogger-fouad-al-farhan-arrested-in-jeddah/

Free Fouad!

Amnesty International Malaysia: Urgent Action

7 January 2008


Internet blogger Fouad Ahmad al-Farhan is reportedly being held in incommunicado detention at Dhaban Prison in the capital, Jeddah. He has been held for more than one month and is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. He is married with two children and his family have reportedly been told that they will not be able to visit him until 30 days from the date of his detention.

Fouad Ahmad al-Farhan, who owns a small IT company called 'Smart Info', was arrested by security agents at his office on 10 December 2007. He was later taken to his home, which was subsequently searched. The Ministry of Interior acknowledged his detention on 31 December, but the exact reason for his arrest was not specified.

Fouad Ahmad al-Farhan is believed to be held for his peaceful criticism of government policies, including detentions without charge or trial of prisoners of conscience - such as nine men who have been held since 3 February 2007. Amnesty International believes they may be detained solely for their peaceful activities in defence of human rights.

Prior to his arrest Fouad Ahmad al-Farhan was reportedly warned by an official from the Interior Ministry that he was at risk of being interrogated. He believed that this would be in connection with his writings on political prisoners in his web journal.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION


The Saudi Arabian authorities regularly hold detainees incommunicado, when they are frequently tortured and otherwise ill-treated. Critics of the state are routinely detained indefinitely without charge or trial. Defendants are often denied the right to formal representation by a lawyer and in many cases they and their families are not informed of the progress of legal proceedings against them. Due to the high level of secrecy of the Saudi Arabian justice system, trials are invariably held behind closed doors. In the rare instances when individuals are charged and brought to trial, the proceedings invariably fail to meet the most elementary standards of fairness.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Please put your name at the end of the letters below & E-mail it back to us (ua@aimalaysia.org) and we will fax it for you. Please forward to appeal to your own mailing list if possible.

------------------------------------------

H.E. Mohammed Reda Hussein Abu Al-Hamayel
Ambassador
Royal Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
4th Floor Wisma Chinese Chamber
No. 258 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur

7 January 2008

Your Excellency,

Release Mr. Fouad Ahmad Al-Farhan immediately

I would like to express my concern about Mr. Fouad Ahmad Al-Farhan who is being held incommunicado and believed to be at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.

I hereby would like to seek the assurance from the authorities that he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment.

I call on the authorities to ensure that Mr. Fouad is given regular access to his family, lawyers of his choice and any medical attention he may require during his detention.

Lastly, I call on the authorities to immediate and unconditional release Mr. Fouad if he is being held solely for the peaceful expression of his conscientiously held beliefs or, otherwise, for the authorities to bring Fouad Ahmad Al-Farhan to trial promptly and fairly on a recognisably criminal charge.

Yours sincerely,

Name:
Location:

Jac, Kat, Ryan


This photo was taken by my bro-in-law Jay (Jac's hubby and Ryan's papa). Kat is my youngest sister Winnie's daughter. Aren't they cute?

Monday, January 7, 2008

Flash Mob pix and vids



More coverage of the KLCC flash mob can be found here (in both English and Chinese):
http://kl.metblogs.com/archives/2008/01/flash_mob.phtml
http://fast0811.blogspot.com/2008/01/0103.html
http://danmylive.blogspot.com/2008/01/blog-post_03.html
http://www.guangming.com.my/node/19486?tid=3
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/76562
http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2008-01-02&sec=malaysia&art=0102mb70.txt
http://blog.twilight-zones.com/?p=292
http://tanteckchin.blogspot.com/2008/01/tomyam.html

Skewed Priorities

In today's NST, there is an article titled "Police looking for rally organisers". It says that the cops are "tracking down those responsible for organising the illegal assembly at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday night".

#1: I wasn't there at the candlelight vigil to show support for those detained under the ISA, but I have been at other vigils. In the past, vigils have been 'tolerated' but always monitored by SB. We must not allow Malaysia to become a police state. You know what to do on Election Day right?

#2: WHY CAN'T THEY BE MORE PROACTIVE AT STOPPING CRIME AND CORRUPTION??? WHY WON'T THEY INVESTIGATE THE THOUSANDS OF POLICE REPORTS ON WRONGDOINGS LODGED BY CIVIL SOCIETY AS WELL AS THE OPPOSITION PARTIES?

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

'Flash mob' at KLCC 2

'Flash mob' at KLCC 1

OK, it wasn't a flash mob really. Some people had apparently known about it for weeks. Me? I only found out about it about 4 days ago. So anyway, to cut a long story short, the press had gotten wind of it and turned up with their gear and were just waiting waiting waiting for something to happen. A bunch of about 10-15 young Chinese guys mainly also hung around listlessly, armed with newspapers.

At 3:30pm, they rushed over to one rubbish bin, and the press guys scrambled after them. The participants (for lack of a better word) started dumping their papers into this one bin and the photogs started snapping. When the photogs rushed over there, people in the concourse were like, "What what what, what's going on?" and being good Malaysians, ran over to see what was going on. Whoosh! There were suddenly around 80 people swarming around the group.

The bin filled up quite quickly cos it was one of these ones with a really small opening at the top, so people just started piling (stacking) the papers right on top of the bin. Then a puzzled-looking security guard came over and just took the stack away so that people could put rubbish in it. The photogs took some more photos of the young guys and it kinda ended there, I think.

Anyway, here's the first video...