Talk Only...

Cin-cin A-lok

2011-10-26T21:04:00.001+08:00

Sometime back in 1970, a group of Universiti Malaya Arts students staged a play at the open theater in Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. My father, along with Cikgu Hamdan, Cikgu Jabil, Cikgu Rupee, Ciku Si Aba and many more (most were teachers who furthered their studies at UM) were directly involved and father was appointed as the director of the play, which revolved on a group of officials from Melaka Royal Court paying homage to the Chinese emperor in China.

I cannot remember much of the play now as slightly more than 40years has passed. But I do remember my sisters and I being frightened by one of the actors who was dressed up as a Chinese character, much like one would see at a Chinese Opera: colourful robe; strange-looking black hat with 2 pony tails near the ears; and make-up which left part of the face with a deathly-pale look in contrast to the eyes which were blackened. Any kid of around my age then would certainly be frightened when jumped by such a figure.

Another part I remember well was when the officials were presented to the Emperor of China, where they were told to bow down and never look up especially when facing the Emperor. Failure to do as told would simply mean the poor fellow would lose his head. Literally!

The Emperor, speaking through a translator, inquired about everything there is about Melaka. When the subject touched on the food Melakans eat (the Emperor wanted to serve them there and then), an idea hit one of the officials from Melaka. He asked for cincalok, a dip greatly favoured by the people of Melaka, and knowing well that it is not available in China. The Emperor was bemused when his court officials were not unable to find the dip but was also unable to pronounce it well, finally settling on 'Cin-cin A-lok' instead of simply Cincalok.

Embarrassed at the inability of the mighty Chinese Empire to serve a simple dish to his guests, the Emperor asked them to make another request which that bright Melaka guy quickly replied "Kangkung!" (Water Spinach). However, noted the official, the kankung must be long and not have any of its part cut, except for the root. Also, the official requested that they be allowed to eat in accordance to their tradition. When asked about the tradition, he replied that they eat by hand and kangkungs are normally lifted high. In truth, such a tradition does not exist but was merely a ploy to sneak a look at the Chinese Emperor. And when served, that is exactly what happened. Well, at least in the play, it did.

About 2 days ago, I managed to watched a documentary '1421: The Year China Discovered America', on History Channel. From its trailer prior to the day, I knew it was regarding Admiral Zheng He's maritime expedition and did not think much about it as there has been several documentaries on it, and this one would most probably be a repeat of one. But somehow that day, there I was, glued for 2hours to the TV as I watched Gavin Menzies present his findings which were quite incredible, to say the least. I mean, the guy must have spent years and a good deal of money on this quest. Have to admit though, no matter how interesting the show was, it has little bearing for the guy whose blog one is reading now...save for a very short narration within an equally short time.

"When Zheng He reached Melaka, he quickly built a fortification there for his supply base. Later, when the locals began to show hostility, Zheng He appointed a puppet ruler to help quell them".
"The locals (present day Malaysians) were fed a fairytale version (regarding Hang Li Po and what we thought we knew about our history)".

The 2 quotes up there (not verbatim), were the main reason why I stayed till the end of the documentary, hoping Menzies would trace Zheng He's return trip and particularly about Melaka. Unfortunately, there were no mention on both and I am now left wondering about this new bit of information which, if true, debunks whatever I have read and learnt during primary schooldays. Would this mean Parameswara is simply an old folk tale and Bukit Cina was not a gift from the Sultan of Melaka to the Chinese entourage escorting Puteri Hang Li Po? Who was the puppet ruler Zheng He appointed then? If when Menzies mentioned is true, what is it our school history books been teaching us? I, for one, would not like my offspring to grow up acing in subjects such as history, only to later find out that Cincalok is actually pronounced Cin-Cin Alok.

*Gavin Menzies
Hang Li Poh 1
Hang Li Poh 2

ps. Do forgive my bad English. Someone from Kuantan and from the same social network remarked in disgust regarding this. While he may be right, online is the only place I can practice English.

Hello!

2011-05-07T01:02:00.004+08:00

Wow! Didn't realise it but it's been more than a year since I wrote anything here. Now, should I continue keying the words or should I just shut my trap and damned be to the world? Not that the alphabets I tap to form some (hopefully) legible words would make any difference, but one do sometime find the need to scream the lungs out if you know what I mean.

To be honest, been wanting to do this here for quite sometime now. Somehow though, there were always something or the other that made me held back my piece, and one of the culprits is an apps associated with an internet platform where quite a number of friends have migrated to, and strangely, one that I was trying to resists for umpteen years! Er...make that weeks. But in cyber world, guess that ought to count as a decade already, hehe. So, what am I doing back here then? Well, guess I do miss this blog of mine. As silly this blog may have been, it is, I believe, not repulsive as a certain video made available on the internet by a trio of people or people connected to the trio. Oops, hang on! This being my first tapping on the keyboard after a long time, I really do not want to go into this. Suffice to say, this link here http://aliran.com/5465.html echoed the very thought I have been putting to some. Must be said though, initially, a few of the some did not take well to my thoughts. But, so what?

OK, enough said for the moment. Wishing all is well with my blogging friends out there.

ps. Need to do some Spring Cleaning.

Eid Mubarak!

2009-11-26T16:52:00.002+08:00

Legend of the Dragon

2009-10-30T22:20:00.004+08:00

Legend has it that a dragon would appear in the skies around Earth with the sole intent of swallowing the moon. And when it does, the world would then be engulfed in darkness. This, raised the fear in many people and were sometimes capitalised by certain individuals hoping to gain respect and adulation from the society they live in. The present time equivalent to these individuals would perhaps be certain politicians. But that would be digressing.

Though the legend above can be found in many past civilisations across the globe, it is more prominently told in ancient Chinese and Oriental scrolls.

In a story that may perhaps be traced back to these scrolls, the people of many communities would try to overcome their fear of the dragon in their bid to save the moon. The moon, after all, is the pearl of the night sky which provide these people with many nights of romantic and romanticised stories handed down by their ancestors to the generations below; how could one then, live the nights without the soft light of the moon?

Thus, their fear thrown aside, the people would gather at an appointed time and place to try and scare the dragon away. To do so, they would find any material they could get their hands on, and beat on them in hope of making enough noise to scare the dragon away. As stories told from such legend, the people did succeed, and the dragon was chased away but not before pulling the moon out of it's mouth...only for it to reappear again every once so often.

Today, many people are aware that such stories remain only within the minds and scrolls of yesteryears: dragons and their lores have been debunked and the story mentioned above persist but only as a legend. Then again, maybe not.

In one of the many stories equated wtih these mythological dragons, one dragon tried to rise above the rest and be the king of his kind. Though I cannot remember the story clearly now, this story perhaps has it's roots with Shi Huan, the first Emperor of China. Locally, and today, another is putting his foot forward in a bid to relive this legend. Whether he will succeed or not, time - and perhaps not too far a distant - will tell.

Rather late to be writing on this with constrains of one kind or another blocking one's mind, not to mention one's keyboard. But event of late has forced such blockage out. And hopefully, for good too.

Don't know what the broo-haha about the budget was about. In fact, didn't even want to read but was forced to hear some bits about it. Mostly, the propoganda that it is good for the people, and that the money to be spent would be done so wisely. But when you look at events and the piece by Sazlin here, one must be excuse if one puke or even cry. Not, not at Sazlin's writing, but at how the budget is being abused and misused even now. This is especially so with the deaths at the (one-what?) camp in Kuala Dipang, where, in their haste to kowtow their leader, the untouchables has set the new propoganda in motion; not at the expense of the Khidmat Negara camps (what khidmat, if not a blatant waste of money), but on top of it, stretching the nation's coffers even more than before. Sadly, had the deaths not occured, many would not even know how: 1) the money is being spent for propoganda and hence, a total waste; 2) that some hanky panky went to the building of the camp, the said bridge in particular (read here, here and here). Is this what the budget for the people is all about?

Earlier, in a bid to be accepted, countless ringgit were thrown away. And for what? Certainly not just to legitimise an illetimate state government (what do you call one born out of wedlock?).

Then today, a No.2 said, which I freely translate here: "For the sake of the people, we will give our full support to any independant Reps (I guess he means both: DUN and Parliament)" (read here). Hullo! Who are you trying to bullshit here? Or perhaps, don't you know that within DUN and Parliamentary seats, there are Malaysians there too? Or, are you trying to tell us that there is now a 2Malaysia concept? You and your boss make me sick to the stomach! And that goes for your retinue of untouchables as well.

Dragons or legends, the lot of you are not. Slither fools and forked tongues, more likely.

Just A Short Note

2009-08-21T23:03:00.004+08:00

In conjunction with the Holy month of Ramadhan, the Chairman of the Social and Welfare Committee of PAS, YB Doctor Lo'lo', invites any interested parties or individuals, to contribute towards the needy of, especially, the citizens of Lorong Haji Taib, Kuala Lumpur.

The Committee, Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, or LKKPP for short, will be handing out packages which would include: Rice and Porridge, Guidebook towards a more fruitful Ramadhan, Prayer Mats, and several other items.

Apart from the above, the LKKPP will also be hosting Iftar and Terawih Prayers for the benefit of the people in Lorong Haji Taib, under a program named "Iftar dan Terawih Warga Insaf Lorong Haji Taib", and insyAllah, will last throughout the whole month of Ramadhan al-Mubarak.

The estimation for expenses needed on daily basis throughout the month are:

1. 100 Packed Rice per day - RM500
2. One Large Pot of Bubur Lambuk per day - RM400
Any extra contribution would be appropriated accordingly.

The LKKPP seek your compassion for the citizens there, and your support for these and other programs we may have. Kindly send your contributions to:

1. In Person or by post:
Pusat Khidmat Wakil Wakyat Titiwangsa.
No.10, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru
50300 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2698 0025

or

2. Dana Kami Prihatin
Bank Islam (BIMB)
Account No: 12113010026150

or

3. Yayasan Prihatin Titiwangsa
Maybank Account N0: 564799106040

or

4. Dr Lo'lo'
CIMB Account No: 14410005980052

On behalf of YB Doctor Lo'lo' and the LKKPP, I thank you in advance. May Allah s.w.t. reward you for your kindness.

Have a Blessed Ramadhan.

Quite Like, But Not...

2009-07-30T22:58:00.003+08:00

There's a virus in town.

Malaysians have been told that it is deadly.

Were Horatio Nelson still around, perhaps he would have been called upon to arrest the spread of this virus. He did, after all, conquer the Spanish Fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. But then again, that was a different era, a different war. Most certainly, a different kind of sickness.

We were told that this virus is deadly. To prevent or minimise an outbreak, the authorities, long ago, decided to isolate anyone showing symptoms of the ailments that comes with the virus, hoping the isolation would suffice to curb the virus before it reaches an epidemic proportion.

Yes, this virus is not new. Its been around for a very long time. Perhaps, as long as human civilisation began centuries ago. Yet, not many were aware of it. Or those who were, were told to keep their voice down. And the fate of those caught with the virus...not many stories came forth. But that was then. Before the Internet provided the people with news of the world, all at their fingertips.

Back home in Malaysia, the authorities tried to inject an anti-virus. No, not the sort meant for Personal Computers, but one meant to safeguard the interest of the Nation. But even that is not quite right. To be more precise, the anti-virus the authorities injected, was meant to safeguard their own interest and had nothing at all to do with the people of Malaysia. Or if it did, such noble thoughts and intention were superceded by another strain of virus in the form of greed, and afflicting those who are in power. One which was conveniently overlooked by them.

Now, before anyone thinks I've gone bonkers already, or that I am trying to mislead anyone, the virus I mention is not the H1N1 (click here) afflicting Malaysia and many parts of the world. But this virus is only deadly to the authorities, those who are afflicted with greed and corruption. Ironically, the anti-virus mentioned is...a virus of the mind of the authorities and named Internal Security Act (the ISA), which the authorities have abused many times over in their effort to imprison the minds of the people of Malaysia. InsyAllah, no more.

Come this August 1, it is hoped that many Malaysians from every walk of life will join in the protest against this one weapon which the government is using to safeguard it's own interest instead of the people...the rakyat! Nay, never a thought was given to the people as was aptly written by Praba Ganesan here.

So Malaysians, do come and join us for a lovely walk in the Sun. If you are, then kindly read this message here first.

2 Reminders and Media Statement

2009-07-23T23:45:00.002+08:00

Just a reminder for 2 events and a Media Statement from Doctor Lo'lo'.

First, the Pesta Buku Selangor has begun at the PKNS Complex in Shah Alam. It was officiated earlier today by Puan Mastura, and end on August 3, 2009. For more info, please click her e.

On a more serious note - not that the above is not - the Anti-ISA March this August 1, 2009; kindly refer here. Anyone who would like to read in depth the suffering of not only of those who are being held illegally by the stooges of BN, but also the suffering of the families who are left to fend for themselves and not knowing when the father of their children would be realsed, please read Puan Norlaila's account here.

It is interesting to note that a group calling themselves Pewaris and very much pro-ISA, have announced to march at exactly the same time and date mentioned. However, I do wonder if they - those so called supporters of ISA - know what they are getting themselves into, or what their real stand is. Clearly to me, they are there as provocation and nothing else, remembering the blundring oaf of a former Minister who is famous for his stammers and 'erection' (instead of election), who mentioned on live international TV "What if we, we, also march at the same time. C...can you imagine what would happen?" He was referring to the BERSIH March, which is famous to justice-seeking citizens of Malaysia, but infamous to the clowns who wants to keep Malaysia in their tight grips.

And what have the Police to say about this now? Nothing, not a single word! Perhaps they want to wait for a bloodbath to happen before joining in, on Prowaris side, undoubtedly. But enough of that.
With regards to model who has been sentenced to be caned by the Syariah Court in Kuantan, kindly read Doctor Lo'lo's Media Statement as below:

Kenyataan YB Dr. Lo’lo’ isu hukuman sebat ke atas pesalah minum arak untuk membetulkan kenyataan media.

Dari YB Titiwangsa, Doctor Lo'Lo',

Artikel Themalaysianinsider.com bertarikh 23/07/2009 dengan tajuk-tajuk berikut “Outrage Over Caning For Model” dan “Syariah Lawyers Association Regrets Shahrizat’s Statement On Whipping Of Model” adalah dirujuk. Di dalam kedua-dua artikel tersebut ada menyiarkan seperti berikut :

a) Titiwangsa MP Lo'lo Mohd Ghazali, who is also head of the women's wing of the opposition PAS, said that punishment should educate and not cause hurt.
b) Shahrizat said she was shocked by the Syariah Court decision and called for a fair and just punishment.

Meanwhile, Dr Lo'lo was surprised that whipping of women was sanctioned by the Malaysian syariah law adding punishment should be educational, and not to cause hurt.

Petang semalam saya telah dihubungi oleh wartawan meminta saya memberi sedikit komen berkaitan hukuman oleh Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan yang menjatuhkan hukuman sebat terhadap seorang model sambilan atas kesalahn meminum arak. Saya telah memberikan komen saya dengan sucihati megikut pengetahuan saya berkaitan hukuman dan realiti masyarakat Malaysia. Malangnya terdapat pihak-pihak yang melihat kenyataan di akhbar dari konteks yang lain.

Pertama, saya terkejut dengan hukuman yang dijatuhkan oleh Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan ke atas model tersebut. Memang saya terkejut kerana ada juga Mahkamah Syariah di Malaysia yang berupaya menghukum pesalah dengan hukuman sebegitu walaupun peruntukkan tersebut telah lama ada. Tetapi baru sekarang hukuman sebegitu dijatuhkan bagi pesalah kesalahan tersebut. Saya amat bersetuju dengan hukuman tersebut kerana sekurang-kurangnya hukuman tersebut begitu hampir dengan hukuman Hudud.

Di dalam Hudud, hukuman bagi pesalah minum arak adalah 40 kali sebatan malah ada ulamak yang mengatakan sehingga 80 kali sebatan. Sebelum ini tiada Mahkamah yang menjatuhkan hukuman sebegitu walau pun Mahkamah Syariah sepatutnya menghukum mengikut hukuman Allah tetapi di Malaysia ini hukuman yang dikenakan tidak seperti yang ditetapkan Allah dalam Al-Quran dan Sunnah Rasulullah S.A.W.

Apabila Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan menjatuhkan hukuman sebat ke atas model tersebut, ini membuatkan saya terkejut. Bukan terkejut kerana hukuman tetapi terkejut kerana keberanian Hakim Mahkamah Syariah tersebut. Syabas kepada beliau.

Kedua, saya mengatakan sebarang bentuk hukuman yang dikenakan samada denda, sebatan atau penjara, semuanya hendaklah dalam bentuk untuk memberi pengajaran kepada pesalah, bukannya untuk mendera atau menyebabkan kecederaan kepada pesalah. Hukuman di dalam Islam adalah untuk memberikan pengajaran kepada pesalah dan khalayak supaya menginsafi perbuatan itu.

Di dalam kes ini, saya berpendapat masyarakat umumnya masih tidak memahami kaedah bagaimana sebatan ke atas pesalah dilakukan. Adakah ianya dilakukan sama seperti pesalah-pesalah jenayah lain di dalam undang-undang jenayah sivil. Masyarakat umum mengetahui bagaimana hukuman sebat dilakukan ke atas pesalah jenayah sivil seperti di dalam kes pengedaran dadah, merogol, meliwat dan sebagainya.

Adakah hukuman sebat di Mahkamah Syariah dilakukan dengan kaedah yang sama? Inilah kebimbangan yang saya sebutkan kepada wartawan tersebut bimbang hukuman sebat ini dianggap sebagai hukuman Mahkamah Sivil sehingga memberi tanggapan buruk kepada Mahkamah Syariah, lebih-lebih lagi yang dihukum seorang wanita. Ini yang perlu diperjelaskan. Inilah maksud saya bila saya mengatakan hukuman sepatutnya untuk tujuan pengajaran, bukan untuk mendatangkan kecederaan. Saya merujuk kepada "Titiwangsa MP Lo'lo Mohd Ghazali, who is also head of the women's wing of the opposition PAS, said that punishment should educate and not cause hurt."

Artikel ini dengan jelas tidak tepat kerana saya bukan Ketua Muslimat PAS seperti yang didakwa. Justeru saya mengharapkan agar tiada pihak yang sewenang-wenangnya mempercayai sebarang tulisan di akhbar sebelum mendapat maklumat secukupnya. Saya kira sudah sampai masanya pihak berkuasa di Malaysia iaitu UMNO/BN “merotan” Pengurus MAS yang menyebabkan semua mereka yang berada dalam satu-satu penerbangan terlibat secara langsung dengan arak, iaitu dari pramugara/i yang hidang arak sehinggalah pilot yang mengemudi kapal terbang tersebut. Begitu juga perlu “disebat” pihak yang terbabit berpuluh-puluh tahun membiarkan orang-orang Islam terlibat secara langsung dengan arak di hotel-hotel, 7- Eleven, pasaraya-pasaraya dan pekerja-pekerja Islam di kilang Carlberg.

Akhir sekali, SYABAS KEPADA MAHKAMAH SYARIAH KUANTAN dan Syukur Alhamdulillah kepada Puan Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarnor yang telah menginsafi perbuatan tersebut. Moga Allah menerima taubat hambaNya yang menyesali kesalahan. DI SINI SAYA LONTARKAN PERSOALAN INI KEPADA SEMUA ORANG ISLAM DI MALAYSIA, SIAPAKAH YANG SEPATUTNYA DISEBAT DALAM ISU ARAK DI MALAYSIA??...

Somewhat Late

2009-07-21T14:56:00.005+08:00

This is a somewhat late entry on the Kelana Jaya Stadium gathering last Sunday.

Attending Public

Justice for Beng Hock

Media and People

Our Trust in Them

Seeking Truth and Justice

Signing the Petition

Taikor

Unit Amal

Except for a brief line on Friday about the probability of this gathering, nothing else was mentioned by the Media after that leaving many to wonder and skip Sunday's gathering at Kelana Jaya Stadium. Thus, the relatively low turn out by the public which many put at around 3,000. By my estimate however, it was higher, maybe more than 5,000 as many walked in and out of the stadium. On such a short notice, perhaps the organisers could have put a large whiteboard at the entrace, announcing the attending VIPs. But as mentioned, it was such a short notice.

Anyway, those liliputian media slammed the gathering as they said that PR was politicising the issue. Don't know whether they - those liliputians - are even worth mentioning as it seem they do not know what politics is all about. If the safety and security of a citizen is not part of politics, then we certainly do not need the liliputians helming the government at all. In fact, it would be better for all of them to tender their resignation, beginning for the top man down to the ketua cawangan. Oh, please do!

For my friends and visitors who may have missed the news, kindly read A Sad Day for Malaysians, either here or at Malaysia Today.

OK, time for me to rest my arms. There's another bout of wrestling I have to attend to tonight...help!

Even by 1

2009-07-17T00:01:00.005+08:00

During the Visiting Hours of UMMC yesterday, YB Doctor Lo'lo' led a small group of people from the Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat (LKKPP), to visit the casualties of a bus accident as in the image above. The visit was ad hoc as the good Doctor wanted to see for herself the condition of the passengers. Of the 28 passengers on the bus, we were informed that 8 were admitted into the various wards, with 2 in critical condition. The remaining 20 suffered light injuries and were released on the same day itself.

On behalf of the LKKPP, Doctor Lo'lo' also distributed a small hamper of fruits to each of the victims warded, along with a token of money in an effort to relieve the expenses the families have to bear. At the same time, the Doctor took the opportunity to get acquainted with several of the staff at each ward, especially in view that she had served in the hospital early in her career as a Medical Doctor.

Soon after the visit, the Doctor was interviewed by reporters from Harakah, touching especially on the recent ManekUrai by-election.

Doctor Lo'Lo', quite like many voices in Pakatan Rakyat, voiced her displeasure on the manner BN conducted their campaign, stooping low with not only the blatant abuse of the government's machineries, money politics, as well as promises which can tantamount to either a threat or bribery, or even both. She also mentioned the selected investigations of MACPA especially on the 2 Pakatan Rakyat ADUN in Selangor, while turning a blind eye to the underhand campaign tactics in Manek Urai, and the RM500,000 DUN allocation which the BN representatives utilised within 2 months prior to the 2008 General Election (at this point of time, the news of Teoh Beng Hock's death was not reported yet).

It was towards the end of the interview that a thought came to my mind.

True, PAS won the Manek Urai seat with a mere 65 count. Many a new portal, conventional media, and even bloggers pointed out to the issues which contributed to the narrow win. And to be honest, almost all of them were right in pointing their views as there was not a single factor, but lots of them, all mixed into one small bowl resulting in a 'masam masam manis' victory for PAS. Nonetheless, a win it still is.

But there is one factor which many seem to forget. Perhaps, we were to look into the past election record of Manek Urai, one might agree that one strong factor that led to the narrow win was, ironically, Allahyarham Ismail Yaakob, the ADUN who passed away.

Were I to read it correctly, except for the 2004 GE and Parliamentary term, Allahyarham Ismail, had been the ADUN for Manek Urak for 5 terms. In 2004, he did not contest the seat and PAS lost it to UMNO. But in 2008 when he was fielded again, Allahyarham won the seat back for PAS. Looking at the trend, the narrow win this time was around was something perhaps PAS should have expected. And along with all the factors many others have pointed out, PAS indeed was lucky to have retained the seat.

In view of this, Emak and I enjoyed some small fits of laughter when Tok Pa claimed that BN's had won a moral victory, despite all the immoral practices used throughout not only the by-election in Manek Urai, but throughout the history of Malaysia and in all elections, General or By; the result speaks for itself: a win is still a win. Even if it is by a single vote.

Man, TGNA and ...

2009-07-06T00:10:00.005+08:00

It seems some people are comparing the stature between TGNA and ... Seriously, I really do not know how it came about, nor what to make of it. After all, they are all mere humans with blood coursing through their veins, just like any other human. Like any other human, they too are susceptible to pains and ailments just like everyone is. And as far as I know, no members of PAS has ever mentioned too highly of TGNA, which is quite the opposite of the conventional media where over the so many years I can remember, nothing but praises upon praises were heaped on ... or whoever within the circles of ... that needs to be pushed down the throats of the citizens of this country. It even got to a point that on one of those days where RTM played scenes of ..., my Emak said in disgust something which is more often said of lovers: "bila nak puji tu, tahi dia pun mereka (...) kata wangi". Loosely translated, it means "even the smell of ...'s shit those people say are fragrant".

Look, I don't know TGNA personally, nor do I know of ... But I have met him on one or two occasions, and even tried to meet him at his house in Kelantan. Unfortunately, the 2 times I tried meeting him there, he was not around. But this I do know, from the conversations I had with a student under TGNA's tutelage: that he is a humble, pious, gentle and caring person. He is also deeply knowledgable in Islamic matters, having been a religious student and later, teacher. In fact, I believe should you ask him to choose between the two, he might reply that he is still a student...as each and everyone of us are.

Over the nearly 2 decades he has led Kelantan, he has tried to his best, to administer the state within the constrains that he put on himself as a humble servant of God. At the same time, he also had to administer the state withing the constrains forced upon him and his State Government, by the likes of ... A recent example of how bias ... has been towards TGNA and Kelantan is the denial of petroleum royalty to the state when even the EPU implied should be given. Another of many more, is the late disbursement of state's grants which is off course, ...'s attempt to cause financial hardship on the state. Ironically, however, Kelantan leads the rest of the country in the repayment of such grants while some of ...'s administered states came close to bankruptcy.

As mentioned, I do not know TGNA personally. But over the years, I have seen and read him led congegrations in prayers, give khutbah, teach, and administer a state. At the same time, he is also a responsible husband, a father, a father-in-law to several, and a grandfather to many children. And he does all that without, or using very little, the perks allowed to him as a Menteri Besar. In fact, he does not even have a policeman stationed at his house.

Off course, some of ... may have many of the attributes mentioned above. I can't say for the rest of the ..., but I have seen Abdullah Badawi leading a congegration of prayers, though I must say I have not heard him giving the khutbah. And since we are on this former PM, there is an interesting note I would like to wonder out loud.

Several days back, one or two of the ... mentioned that his party is more Islamic than PAS. Well, if it is true, then I welcome it with all sincerity. But, I do wonder, did your belief ended when Abdullah stepped down? I mean, hardly a mention of Hadhari been heard since; is it something else now?

People of ..., please know this that no one - most especially the people of Kelantan, and members of PAS - take TGNA for more than he is. We do respect and dearly love TGNA not only for the position he holds, but also for the man he is. But we also believe him to be an ordinary man, and not one who is free of mistakes. And I have never heard him glorifying himself. Which is quite unlike some people who does, if I were to read it correctly here.

Oh, people of ..., please also know that none amongst us is better than the other, except for he who believe (beriman).

Obama's Brave Words: Help Him!

2009-06-05T23:53:00.004+08:00

U.S. President Barack Obama, gave a speech in Cairo and in it, told the Israeili government to stop their illegal settlements within Palestinian lands. Though I had reservations about him previously, I now salute him as it take real guts for someone in his position to say such words openly, remembering how lopsided the US policy has always been for the region. This, and a couple more of his actions may help to ease the burden of the Palestinian people.

In an effort to assist him, Avaaz, and organisation that has been championing peace throughout the world, has made an appeal to the citizens of the world to show their support, and can be read as below:

Obama: "Stop the Settlements"

President Obama's speech in Egypt today was a stunning step toward achieving Middle East peace. His first new move: to press Israel's right-wing government to stop their self-destructive policy of building settlements on Palestinian land.

But Obama needs help from around the world to face down the powerful opposition already mobilising against him.

Let's raise a massive global chorus immediately to support Obama’s statement that the settlements in occupied territory must stop, by joining our voices to a petition based on his very own words.

We’ll advertise the number of signatures in key papers in Israel and Washington DC – support Obama’s message now, sign the petition below and spread the word today:

Petition to the Government of Israel and the
United States Congress:
In the words of President Obama, just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. We do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlements in the West Bank. They violate previous agreements and undermine efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

- . -

* Click here to sign as a show of support.

** Read Obama's speech here.

Thank you.

A Simply Funny But Honest Piece

2009-06-03T22:39:00.008+08:00

Reading Zan Azlee's column here, one can't help but laugh at the humour in it. It was a well written piece of perhaps, a true incident in his life. But as funny as the situation he was put in - not the religious matter, please - there is a much grimmer truth to be told: After more than 50 years of rule under the Perikatan and later the BN, both led by umno, there are still many people, yours truly included, that have vague understanding of Islam. And if the Malays themselves cannot understand their religion well, not much can be said of the non-Malays if they don't, can we? This, relates to the story below.

There is an old story about a Malay kampung. No specific location need be mentioned as the kampung is as typical as any. And situated in the small town of the kampung, one would find at least one coffeeshop, and another selling grocery and sundry goods to serve the needs of the villagers. In many occasion, both shops would be owned by 2 different Chinese families, though there were a large number where a single family owned both the shops. And typical as it was then and even now - in different guise, 'accounts' would be opened in the form of those small 555 note books. But that is not the point here.

At the above point of time, the kampung's statistics would probably say "98.5% Malay, 1% Chinese, 0.5% Indian", where the Indians would most probably be either serving with the Security Forces, or living in a small community of rubber tappers. It would then natural for the Chinese shopkeepers - many of them non-Muslims - to sell and serve alcoholic drinks, which is well within their rights to do so. What isn't though, are, or were, the Muslims who, without shame, participate in a binge or two.

The point of this story as told to me years ago, was that despite the overwhelming numbers, the Malays/Muslims were not able to hold staunchly to their belief but succumbed to the temptations which is against it. Now, I am not being a prude or having a holier-than-thou attitude here, but merely recounting this story which I believe, is well known already. And this, is what umno is all about: they fail to hold on to the principles of the cause of their founding, and created new ones along the way, the kinds which goes smack opposite the former. And instead of creating better understanding of Islam, they turn it into something different that confuses the minds of many, Muslims included, and yours truly not excluded (no need to mention anything specific as there are far too many incidences). But perhaps, their actions can be attributed to their very own lack of knowledge; a wishful thought to some, but we are taught to think kindly of another, weren't we?

An example of the above mentioned lack of knowledge and confusion can be found in a comment here, where the person do not understand the role of a Muslim to a non-Muslim regarding dakwah - ours, is only to propogate the news and understading of Islam, and not to convert people into our faith. That, lies within the sole discretion of Allah s.w.t. And clearly the person in question, who is of umno faith, does not understand this. And it is for reasons such as this one whih makes me loathe the party ever more.

As with Zan Azlee's writing in his column, let me too mention that I am no Ustaz, nor a man deep in knowledge of Islam. It is with that latter confession which makes me believe that if not I, then later generations, would be able to understand and appreciate Islam, not only as a spiritual faith, but one that is encompassing including the good governance of a nation, were PAS to replace umno, and not stand alongside it. And with that too, I cannot understand why certain quarters - sadly, within PAS - who believe in umno's invitation for some form of a coalition government. To me it is very clear: If a non-Muslim is against Islam, then in high probability they do not understand the religion. But, what do you make of a Muslim who not only go against the teachings of Islam, but help fan hatred towards it? A traitor, perhaps.

Going back to Zan Azlee's simply funny but honest piece, if there is a need for us to cleanse ourselves, that it must be of the misdeeds, cruelty, corruption, and all the vile words one can think of, and that can be found in an acronym of words spelt "u.m.n.o" - a four letter word which is self-explanatory.

There is a story about Khalifah Harun ar-Rasyid I read, but sadly one which I have lost the source. Upon ascending the caliphate, the Khalifah appointed several people as new governors of distant cities. But upon learning news of one of the governors, the Khalifah rescinded the appointment. When that person learned of the rescinding order, he met the Khalifah to know the reason why. The Khalifah said it was because he had served under the previous Khalifah who was a tyrant. In reply to the man's protest that his previous appointment was only a brief spell, the Khalifah replied "Even had you served him for a month, you were an accomplice to him". (Anyone in knowledge of this, kindly tell me the source, or correct any mistakes mentioned. JazkAllah khair.

Book Review: A Muslim Journalist Dilema

2009-05-20T23:15:00.007+08:00

Foremost, a confession: Of late, I seldom buy Malay books. Why? Don't ask me, its just the way it is. Take it or leave it. Then what made me buy this book and give it a review? Let me rephrase the reply on the first question first: I seldom buy Malay non-religious books. Full stop.

If one had been reading The English Section of Harakah print, Sunday editions, one would most probably have noticed LanH's column on the second last page of that section. If so, then one can expect the same tone and writing of this book as in the said column: non-acrimonious and non-vindictive, to the point of almost being non-committal and passive. I may sound rather harsh here for someone I have a deep respect for, but the truth is, LanH is writing about his experience as a Muslim Journalist throughout the 23years of his career as one. He is also writing in the form of a pious Muslim and hence, has put down any firebrand approach which may have the book branded as politically inclined. Political, yes. As the very nature of human management in any society is political (click here), but not politically inclined for any political party. Here, it should be noted that LanH produced this book on his personal accord and that his book had its first print in 2001. Off course, at that point of time, the person writing this review had just experience political awakening, still groping about in semi-darkness, and hardly knew LanH then. But time remedied the situation, insyAllah.

Reading through the book, many of the events LanH described can be seen in our everyday life. Thus, one may be forgiven to think "Hey! I know about this and that!". But the question is not what a person know, but what is the person doing about it?

As mentioned earlier, this book is non-acrimonious and non-vindictive, which may open one's mind to suggestions...not from the writer, but by one's inner self! LanH, after all, is sharing his experience and not trying to be anyone else but himself. Do purchase the book. If anything, it would encourage the writer to produce more. Besides, it does make a good read.

Excerpt below from LanH's blog:

****** Assalamualaikum wbt. Mulai 21 April 2009 penulis menyertakan isi kandungan buku ‘Dilema Seorang Wartawan Islam’ karya dan terbitan sendiri. Buku penulis ini terbuka untuk pembelian melalui pesanan pos. Harga asal RM12; kini dijual RM10 saja termasuk belanja pos dalam negara (Malaysia). Pesanan melalui pos boleh dibuat dengan mengirimkan wang pos atau kiriman wang RM10 kepada ROSLAN HAMID, 952-3 Batu 3, Jalan Muar Semabok, Melaka. Pembayaran melalui bank adalah melalui akaun Maybank bernombor 114011751218. Untuk maklumat, penulis (ROSLAN HAMID) menggunakan nama pena LanH pada kebanyakan artikel. Sekian, wassalam.

Zambekkk

2009-05-12T21:44:00.006+08:00

"Colour Sergeant!" cried Captain ZamBek. "Colour Sergeant! Over to me!"

Of different legions of a crumbling army, Colour Sergeant Toyo came rushing to the call of his new commandant. His old legion, crushed by the weight of their own bellies, the remnants now absorbed into the Black Crow Legion under the command of Captain ZamBek.

"Suh! You called, suh?" shouted the CS amid the din of battle, and as his small retinue came to a panting stop.

"The battle has now entered an epic proportion CS", said the Captain without taking his putting the binoculars down in an effort to survey the enemy's position.
"The enemy may have breached our southern walls, but we will make out stand here and push them out again. That, is why I called for you: this very spot will serve as our victory stand and be remembered throughout eternity."

"Suh!" cried the CS.

"Yes, yes, I know. The enemy's morale are high and our troops are well under siege at the moment. But, mark my word, our name will be ranked high like those glorious heroes of yester-wars. Yes, we will".

"But, suh!" cried the CS again.

"Now now, CS. I want to practice the victory speech for tomorrow when we regain this castle of ours".

"But, suh!" again the CS cried.

"I said not now, CS! Can't you see I am busy?"

"But you are bleeding suh!" said the CS.

"Huh? What? Wh...where?". ZamBek put down the binoculars on top of the wall in front of him even as his left arm went feeling about his body. "Get the Medic!"

"Medic!" The cry was echoed all along the line by several troops, some who were heavily bandaged, while a few were holding the blood-soaked clothes covering the wound of what used to be the knee. Or lower leg. Or arm. Without choice, they stood their ground. Or sit, would be the apt word for it.

"I say, CS, why are your eyes bloody red?" asked ZamBek to the CS who was standing almost reaady to faint.

"Suh! Nothing of much concern but affairs back home, suh!" replied the CS.

"The enemy got to your history, have they?"

"Suh! I think I very cruel of them suh! Its like a death sentence".

The Medic came rushing up the step of the battlement and straight to the CS, who pointed out to their commandant. The Medic got to his knees and tore open the back of ZamBek's shirt. As he was dabbing the blood to get a clearer picture of the wound, Zambek shouted as if in great pain.
"Aaargh! You imbecile, can't you be more careful! That is a nasty wound there. Were my thoughts not for the men, I would surely have gone to my room for a proper treatment."

Apologetically, the Medic went about gentler than he was before. Then, with a look that is almost in disgust as it is surprised, the Medic looked at the CS.
"Well, what's it then?" asked the CS.
Shaken by the question, the Medic went back to his task. Soon, a bulging white patch of bandage added more colour to Zambek, apart from those on his tunic.

Finished, the Medic hurriedly went down the long staircase to tend the wounded lying and sitting all the way down. The CS, followed him down and halfway through, he asked "Well, was it bad?"

"As bad as a small graze can be," replied the Medic, almost in a laugh now.

"You mean, its nothing serious?"

"Look!" said the CS. "The old man is not known for his name for nothing you know."

"And what name would that be?" asked the CS.

"He's like a goat, the old man is. He goes bleating at anything he thinks alarming, and yet fancies himslef as a great hero like Gandhi; no other reason why we call him Zambekkkk".

Garbage Calls

2009-05-11T00:30:00.002+08:00

“If we respect the law, and everyone should respect the law, there won’t be any crisis and things won’t turn into a crisis. But when all are claiming that they are right, then there are bound to be problems,” said Garbage N to the others even as he stepped on their bags in an effort to get ahead of the queue.

"Look," cried Garbage N "if we all queue up nicely like some civil people do, we might get them to help us". He was, referring to the law abiding people in Malaysia; people who can be as nice and decent as anyone would like.

But even before Garbage N finished his sentence, he was climbing on top of the other garbage bags.

"Don't!" shouted Garbage M from afar. "You were hasty before and now, you are not making sense at all! Your statement smacks of apology and admission to a wrongdoing. You must never do that!".

As the two garbage bags continued talking incoherently, the people they wanted to reach out to, held their nose and kept their distance. "Phew! What a pong these garbage truly are!" cried one.

Gulible People

2009-05-09T23:23:00.005+08:00

I am no political writer, just a simple man with a simple wish - quite like many other Malaysians - for peace and justice to prevail in this country. After 6 odd years of dedicating my time and effort and most of those time, alone, I thought of taking a long rest and allow the new blood - some who suddenly proclaim themselves as heroes already - to carry on with the struggle. Never a man for spoken words, I now find myself feeling very guilty and distressed at the recent events in Perak. And I am very sure many Malaysians feel the same way too - from which ever side of the coin they are looking at. Ironically though, what prompts me to write my simple thoughts here, are not the mentioned event, rather a movie I had just watched, and only the tail-end of it, I must add.

When disaster struck the WTC on September 11, I was one of the many who were initially elated that it happened. However, when senses reigned, I began to feel sorry and even pity for those victims...and anger towards the perpetrators: How could anyone be so vile as to carry such crimes against the people of their own nation? My anger, as evident with the question, was aimed at the Americans who conspired with that illegal entity in Mid East, and not against those who were accused. After looking at the video, listening to some talks, and reading several articles, I think it would be safe to say that the WTC was part of a major conspiracy cooked up by certain quarters for some financial and material gains. Unfortunately, a small number of people where sadly, some were friends, would rather believe the news as distorted by the media.

One such news, was the finding of a 'suicide note' of one of the hijackers of a plane that smashed into one of the towers. Though even then many would find it highly improbable that such a note could escape the destruction, there were a number of believer that it did. And when I saw the reenatment on the movie just now, it only strengthened my belief that the letter was nothing but a stupid 'evidence' to crucify the Muslim world: amidst all the rubble, dust and debris, fire that nearly turned the tonnes of steel there into a molten lava, could a self incriminating letter written on a piece of flimsy letter survived? But the believers of the lie stuck to their belief. Now, nearly a decade later, and the matter of the letter seem to have disappeared, so too it seem, their memory and belief...until a new lie rear its ugly head.

Undoubtedly - as I have met a few - there are people who tend to believe the msm and sarkas's view of the story: That Sivakumar's position as the Speaker for the DUN Perak has been 'legally' removed, and replaced by some obscure figure whose name I even loathe to mention here. Undoubtedly, they will support the sarkas and quote another obscure figure of man from Johor statement's like the one here; and no matter how the truth is conveyed, they will not listen and keep to their belief (that too if one can call it that). Amongst them, some friends including bloggers many know of. And of these, some chose to believe simply because they prefer to remain ignorant, or claim to be partial. Well, eat this:

How, can a proceeding of official matter ever take place if it has yet to be officiated?

In the case of the DUN Perak, the chaotic scene of the House took place before it was officiated! House Speaker, YB Sivakumar was physically removed by force by several people whom reports mentioned as police personnel.

As mentioned by a Malik Imtaz here, the police do not have any jurisdiction in the House. How was it they were there then? And how was it they were allowed to do what they did?

The call for this assembly itself was unlawful as it was not issued by the Speaker. Yet, all the officials of the sarkas came a begging there. Why, did not the authorities respect the assembly when it was initially called for much earlier? Why did the authorities close the House, forcing the assembly to be held under a tree?

Off course, all these may seem irrelevant to the few mentioned as it comes from a PR activist who rely more on the alternative media than the sarkas-owned TV3, Utusan, NST, Berita and even Bernama. Well, then read it from another sarkas man who hae the guts and honour to speak out (here). (Sorry, I used to read him for a short while and thus no longer keep him on my list).

To those people I am forced to write this to: if you still prefer to remain partial and aloof despite the events which makes a mockery of democracy, justice, and all those relevant which allow you do so, then you are no different than a top hound who railed at those detained activist for being undemocratic. Yet, it was he who uses force: Go to your kennels, the lot of you!

ps. To sarkas: with this latest in Perak, are there any more talks about working together? Not on your life. If you can rape the rule of law, justice, democracy, and the people's trust, you are not worthy of any trust!

* Now, that's done, I can continue being the village idiot again :)

B L A C K !

2009-05-07T15:23:00.002+08:00

A Worrisome Decision

2009-05-04T21:18:00.002+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

I received the email below, and have been asked to post it in my blogs for a wider read and understanding on the matter. As much as I would like to translate it, I fear it may just lead to confusion. Any feedback one may want to give, please send it to the address below. Off course, one may also leave a comment here if one so wish.

From: "Sumayyah Khayyat" linhood73@yahoo.co.uk

KEPUTUSAN YANG MEMBIMBANGKAN SEMUA PIHAK

Masyarakat Islam arus perdana amat terkejut dengan kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Menteri Di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz bahawa Jemaah Menteri telah bersetuju memutuskan kanak-kanak mesti kekal menganut agama asal ketika ibubapanya berkahwin walaupun salah seorang pasangan itu menukar agama.
Keputusan yang dibuat oleh jemaah menteri dikatakan sebagai langkah penyelesaian jangka panjang berhubung isu pertikaian status agama kanak-kanak berkenaan apabila ibu atau bapa mereka menukar agama.

Keputusan Jemaah Menteri ini sangatlah dikesali malah menimbulkan lebih banyak persoalan atau lebih tepat mengundang kontroversi!
Manifestasi kekesalan ini dizahirkan apabila lebih seratus NGO Islam dari seluruh negara berkumpul menyatakan bantahan mereka semalam (Jumaat).
Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia (PGSM) juga melalui Timbalan Presidennya Musa Awang telah mengeluarkan kenyataan membantah keputusan tersebut. PGSM adalah NGO pertama yang menyuarakan kekesalan mereka.

Bagi memahami implikasi keputusan jemaah menteri ini beberapa perkara perlu diperincikan terlebih dahulu terutamanya kedudukan perlembagaan, undang-undang dan hukum syarak. Sebenarnya terdapat tiga perkara utama yang terkesan daripada keputusan ini iaitu berkaitan dengan pembubaran perkahwinan, agama anak dan pemeliharaan Anak.

Pembubaran Perkahwinan
Di dalam perkahwinan sivil yang didaftarkan melalui Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 pembubaran perkahwinan hanya boleh berlaku jika perkahwinan itu telah pecahbelah dan tidak dapat diselamatkan lagi.

Perkara ini termaktub di dalam seksyen 52 Akta tersebut. Seksyen 51 Akta yang sama pula menjelaskan jika salah seorang pasangan itu memeluk Islam, pasangan yang tidak memeluk Islam itu boleh memfailkan petisyen pembubaran perkahwinan menurut seksyen berkenaan selepas tiga bulan pasangannya memeluk Islam.

Ini bermakna petisyen perceraian atas alasan pemelukan agama Islam hanya boleh difailkan oleh pasangan yang tidak memeluk agama Islam sahaja.

Selagi dia tidak memfailkan petisyen perceraian tersebut perkahwinan sivilnya bersama pasangan yang telah memeluk Islam tetap dianggap sah di bawah akta tersebut.

Jelaslah di sini ketidakadilan begitu ketara berlaku kepada pasangan yang memeluk Islam itu memandangkan beliau langsung tidak mempunyai locus standi (hak untuk mengambil tindakan atau mencabar keputusan) untuk memfailkan petisyen perceraian berdasarkan seksyen tersebut.

Namun Mahkamah Syariah menurut Jadual Kesembilan Senarai 2 Butiran I Perlembagaan Persekutuan, boleh membuat penentuan sesuatu perkara mengenai hukum dan doktrin syarak. Seksyen 46(2) Akta Undang-Undang Keluarga Islam (Wilayah-Wilayah Persekutuan) 1984 menepati semangat Perlembagaan Persekutuan ini dengan memberi kuasa kepada Mahkamah Syariah membuat penentuan mengikut hukum syarak apakah kedudukan perkahwinan tersebut.

Seksyen 46(2) tersebut memperuntukkan jika salah satu pihak kepada sesuatu perkahwinan bukan Islam memeluk Islam, maka perbuatan yang demikian tidak boleh dengan sendirinya berkuatkuasa membubarkan perkahwinan itu melainkan dan sehingga disahkan oleh Mahkamah. (Mahkamah di sini bermaksud mahkamah syariah).
Seolah-olah terdapat polemik di sini di mana kedua-dua mahkamah mempunyai bidangkuasa. Oleh yang demikian terdapatlah cadangan seksyen di atas ditiadakan bagi menyelesaikan kemelut ini. Tetapi sebenarnya bukan hanya seksyen tersebut sahaja perlu dipinda malah seksyen yang sama di negeri-negeri lain juga perlu dipinda dan mendapat perkenan Raja-Raja Melayu. Namun lazimnya ia mungkin satu jalan yang tidak mudah untuk digapai.

Sebenarnya tatkala seseorang itu telah memeluk Islam sudah pasti Perlembagaan Persekutuan memberi jaminan kepada mualaf itu mengamalkan agamanya termasuklah undang-undang diri seperti munakahat (perkahwinan). Tindakan mengheret mualaf ini ke Mahkamah Sivil merupakan pelanggaran hak kebebasan beragama bagi mualaf ini.

Seorang yang sudah mendapat hidayah daripada Allah s.w.t sudah tentu tidak mahu balik ke zaman jahiliyahnya kembali. Inilah hak yang perlu dipertahan oleh kerajaan dan bukan merobek hak ini atas alasan yang picisan yang tidak selaras dengan Perlembagaan.

Membawa orang bukan Islam ke Mahkamah Syariah pula bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah kerana kebiasaannya orang bukan Islam enggan hadir ke Mahkamah Syariah atas alasan tidak mahu tertakluk kepada undang-undang Islam. Sedangkan apa yang diputuskan oleh Mahkamah Syariah hanyalah membuat perisytiharan di sisi hukum syarak, mengenai apakah kedudukan perkahwinan tersebut sahaja.

Lalu amatlah tidak wajar mualaf ini dinafikan hak ini. Hakikatnya ialah sebahagian orang bukan Islam tidak mengiktiraf langsung kewujudan Mahkamah Syariah ini. Mereka tidak mahu membantu Mahkamah Syariah memberi keputusan yang adil. Mereka sanggup memberi keterangan di medan media tetapi tidak di Mahkamah Syariah. Mahkamah Syariah adalah sebahagian dari system perundangan negara yang sah. Tidak ada seorangpun terutama atas nama “1 Malaysia” boleh memperlekehkan mahkamah Syariah.

Agama Anak
Perkara 12(3) Perlembagaan Persekutuan menyatakan tiada seorangpun boleh dikehendaki menerima ajaran sesuatu agama atau mengambil bahagian dalam apa-apa upacara atau upacara sembahyang sesuatu agama, selain agamanya sendiri.
Perkara 12(4) pula menegaskan bagi maksud Perkara 12(3) di atas, agama bagi seseorang yang di bawah umur lapan belas tahun hendaklah ditetapkan oleh ibu atau bapanya atau penjaganya.

Perkara 12(4) ini telah ditafsirkan oleh penghakiman mahkamah tertinggi negara iaitu Mahkamah Persekutuan di dalam kes Subahsini mlwn Saravanan.
Di mana mahkamah tersebut telah memutuskan bahawa salah seorang (bukan kedua) ibu bapa boleh menentukan keIslaman anak tersebut.

Peruntukan Perkara 12(4) dan juga tafsiran yang dibuat oleh Mahkamah Persekutuan tersebut sebenarnya selaras dengan Hukum Syarak. Sebenarnya telah disepakati di kalangan ulamak bahawa apabila salah seorang ibubapa bukan Islam memeluk Islam, anak di bawah umur mereka itu disifatkan sebagai Islam.
Ini adalah kerana anak yang dilahirkan itu adalah fitrah, dan fitrah di sini bermaksud Islam.

Undang-Undang Syariah ditegakkan berasaskan kepada Al Maqasid Al Syariah. Terdapat lima al maqasid al syariah (objektif syariah) iaitu menjaga agama (hifz al din), nyawa (hifz al nafs), keturunan (hifz an nasab), akal (hifz al aql) dan harta (hifz al mal).
Bagi mencapai maqasid ini umat Islam dipertanggungjawabkan memelihara kelima-lima perkara ini termasuklah menjaga agama dan keturunan. Oleh yang demikian agama anak itu hendaklah mengikut mana-mana ibubapa yang Islam. Umat Islam tidak dapat menerima sekiranya al maqasid al syariah ini tidak dapat dicapai.

Alasan Nazri agar mengikut 'common sense' (logik akal) adalah terlalu dangkal. Dalam undang-undang kita tidak boleh berdasarkan logik akal semata kerana dikhuatiri akan lebih menjerumus kepada kepentingan yang berpihak. Ada asas dan falsafah yang perlu ditafsirkan dan dihayati. Sebagai perbandingannya jika kita menggunakan ‘common sense’ tersebut, adakah kita boleh dianggap tidak melakukan kesalahan trafik apabila melanggar lampu isyarat merah atas alasan tiada kenderaan yang melintasi di hadapan kita? Walaupun pada “common sense” pemandu itu tidak bersalah tetapi undang-undang mempunyai falsafahnya tersendiri bagi mengawal kemaslahatan (kebaikan) sejagat. Apatah lagi 'common sense' yang dicetuskan oleh keputusan tersebut itu melanggar hukum syarak.

Keputusan jemaah menteri ini, tidak boleh mengatasi peruntukan Perkara 12(4) dan tafsiran yang dibuat dalam kes Subahsini.

Jemaah menteri juga sebagai badan eksekutif tidak boleh mencampuri urusan kehakiman (sama ada sivil ataupun syariah) apatah lagi mengganggu keputusan mahkamah dengan mengeluarkan kenyataan bertentangan dengan keputusan mahkamah.

Seharusnya segala ruang yang dibenarkan oleh undang-undang diambil bagi menangani permasalahan ini dan bukan melalui campur tangan eksekutif yang secara langsung merujuk kepada kes Muhammad Ridzuan tersebut.

Pemeliharaan Anak
Mengenai pemeliharaan anak pula. Sudah menjadi amalan di Mahkamah Syariah dan Mahkamah Sivil bahawa kebajikan anak mengatasi hak ibu atau bapa. Di dalam memutuskan hak jagaan anak sudah tentulah faktor mengenai kebajikan anak ini di titikberatkan. Kebajikan anak ini termasuklah permasalahan akidah, tumbesaran dan pembelajaran anak tersebut. Perkara sebegini boleh diputuskan oleh Mahkamah. Hak memelihara anak ini biasanya diputuskan setelah mengambil kira keperluan dan kebajikan anak.

Namun apa yang berlaku ialah masyarakat bukan Islam atas sebab-sebab tertentu terlalu takutkan Mahkamah Syariah dan menganggap Mahkamah Syariah hanya mempertahankan hak orang Islam sahaja. Sudah dibuktikan di dalam beberapa kes di Mahkamah Syariah, keputusan yang dikeluarkan oleh Hakim Syarie tidak memihak kepada orang Islam semata-mata tetapi memihak kepada keadilan.

Berbalik kepada keputusan jemaah menteri seperti yang dilaporkan oleh kebanyakan media hari ini, amat jelas keputusan tersebut gagal mempertahankan kelebihan agama Islam sebagai agama Persekutuan. Keputusan tersebut menyamatarafkan Islam dengan agama-agama lain dan perkara ini tidak dapat diterima oleh masyarakat Islam arus perdana.

NGO-NGO Islam juga mempersoalkan keputusan Jemaah Menteri yang dibuat itu langsung tidak mengambil kira pandangan NGO-NGO Islam. Dalam masa yang sama pula pihak kerajaan termasuk Timbalan Perdana Menteri telah berjumpa dengan NGO bukan Islam mengenai kes yang tersebut di atas.

Tiada usaha untuk mendapatkan pandangan NGO Islam (yang berjumlah hampir 100 pertubuhan) dilakukan bagi mendapat pandangan mereka sebelum keputusan dibuat.

Malah ada beberapa NGO Islam cuba untuk bertemu dengan kepimpinan kerajaan tetapi tidak dapat direalisasikan. Seharusnya pihak kerajaan lebih peka dengan sensitiviti umat Islam khususnya masyarakat saudara baru. Suara mereka harus didengar terlebih dahulu sebelum sebarang keputusan yang membabitkan mereka dibuat. Hak mereka untuk didengar (audi alteram partem) oleh pimpinan kerajaan sudah tiada lagi. Dimanakah audi alteram partem itu?

Justeru untuk memberikan kebaikan kepada semua pihak adalah lebih baik kepada kerajaan supaya menarik keputusan berhubung kes Mohd. Ridzuan ini. Lebih-lebih lagi bagi memelihara keharmonian dan perpaduan dalam masyarakat berbilang bangsa, kaum dan agama ini.

Ini kerana jika dilaksanakan juga, diyakini ia akan berlarutan dan tidak menemukan jalan penyelesaian secara tuntas apabila secara terang keputusan itu begitu bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan dan tidak selaras dengan keputusan kes Subahsini sebelum ini.

Malah jika bercakap soal kemanusiaan, pastinya si ibu yang masih beragama Hindu itu akan lebih menikmati keadilan dan haknya sebagai seorang ibu tidak akan dinafikan. Ini kerana sesuai dengan Firman Allah dalam Surah Al Baqarah ayat 256 yang bermaksud;

"Tidak ada paksaan dalam agama (Islam), kerana sesungguhnya telah nyata kebenaran (Islam) daripada kesesatan (kufur). Oleh itu, sesiapa yang tidak percayakan Taghut, dan ia pula beriman kepada Allah, maka sesungguhnya ia telah berpegang kepada simpulan (tali agama) yang teguh, yang tidak akan putus. Dan (ingatlah), Allah Maha Mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui."

Malah jika kerajaan mengambil pendekatan untuk berbincang dan berkerjasama dengan para ulama, pakar perundangan Islam sehinggalah termasuk NGO-NGO berkaitan pasti kerajaan tidak perlu bersusah payah sehingga perlu melakukan sebarang pindaan terhadap undang-undang apa tah lagi membabitkan Undang-undang Syarie.

Ditulis oleh Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, penulis adalah Setiausaha Agong Peguam Pembela Islam.

***.***.***

* Bekas Mufti Perak, Dr Asri Zainul Abidin, turut memberi pandangnya di sini.

Stripped Bare

2009-04-28T22:12:00.006+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

Quite sometime back, I wrote about the suspicious move by the previous Selangor State Government to change the status of the Forest Reserve within Kota Damansara to make way for a large Muslim cemetery.

Though no one was able to (or not willing to) come forward to either deny or confirm the story then, the present ADUN for Kota Damansara, Dr Nasir, has brought the matter up to the present State Government, and they have acted accordingly. Below, is an email from Dr Nasir sent to the egroup for Kota Damansara. Kindly note the sentence/s in bold, especially in red.

“KOTA DAMANSARA FOREST WILL BE GAZETTED IN THREE MONTHS “ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR .

26^th April,2009.

It was a very joyous occasion for residents of Kota Damansara when Selangor Menteri Besar announced that the Kota Damansara Forest would be re-gazetted in three months time.Tan Sri Khalid bin Ibrahim attended the Earth Day programme at the Kota Damansara Forest area.

Under the PJ Local Draft Plan 2 (RTPJ2) drafted by the previous BN administration, stated that about 40ha of forested area in Kota Damansara, which is part of the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve, will be turned into a recreational area. This included the land that has been developed into a Muslim cemetery. It leaves only 26.9ha as the forest reserve. The rest would make way for development, including residential housing.

The Friends of Kota Damansara, the group comprising representatives of Kota Damansara Residents Associations, have been fighting to save the forest from development

The group together with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) as the adviser have started a campaign to preserve part of the forest, which they have dubbed as the Kota Damansara Community Forest Park.

They even managed to obtain RM380,000 from the United Nations Development Programme through its Small Grants Programme towards efforts to establish the park. The forest is still largely covered by rich lowland forest dominated by meranti-keruing trees, some of which are more than 100 years old. The forest is also rich in wildlife, including 227 species of birds such as black bellied malkohas, crested serpent eagles, kingfishers, broadbills, dollar birds and possibly even the rare argus pheasant. Eight species of mammals and 25 species of reptiles are also found in the area. The Community Forest project was a success and it is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Since the political tsunami of 8^th March,2009,Dr. Nasir Kota Damansara Assemblyman worked together with the FOKD to campaign for the forest to be regazetted. A first meeting was held with YB Elizabeth Wong, the Exco incharge of Enviromental concerns.

Many pro-UMNO quarters tried to divert the issue into a racial one . They were trying to highlight how a ‘predominantly Chinese’ FOKD was trying to stop a ‘Muslim’ cemetery from being build. However the elected representatives, Dr.Nasir ,Sivarasa and Elizabeth Wong stood to their principles . During the Earth Day celebrations last year, they made a commitment to ensure the Kota Damansara Forest be reserved.

The long campaign by FOKD and the residents bore fruits today , when they got the assurance from the Selangor Chief Minister .

“This campaign is very special , as it was participated by the residents to preserve the area as not only as a green area but as a community forest, the rakyat have wholeheartedly understood the importance to preserve the ecosystem and also how the forest helps in community building. This is what we need, we need to empower the people to fight against the greed of the large corporations which seek to exploit our green lung.” Dr.Nasir Hashim.

Pejabat ADUN Kota Damansara.

***.***

As I was informed then, the previous SG shifted the approved original Muslim Cemetery site to one which was hilly and rocky, and thus not suitable. The Cemetery was then moved to the present site, giving certain quarters the perfect excuse to level the forest to make way for housing development. Never mind about the flora and fauna there, nor about the forest was once designated as a water catchment area. What mattered was, the RM to be made from the sale of new houses. But Alhamdulillah, though the Muslim Cemetery will not be moved from this location, all other development plans has been put to a stop.

By the way, part of the area in concern was turned into a park, one which I took pictures of and can be found in Painting Pictures here. And what was it those ameno people said: "PAS was using Islam for its political gain?"

All the Pakatan Rakyat states ought to expose and lay bare the misdeeds of those previous administration.

A Doc Lo'Lo's Invitation To All

2009-04-24T22:28:00.004+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

The MP for Titiwangsa, YB Doctor Lo'Lo', invites all to a family and health oriented program as below:

The venue, Dewan Orang Ramai, Kg Paya, is located within Kampung Bahru, Kuala Lumpur. Full itinerary and direction are made available at the YB's blog here. Do tell all and bring your family and friends along.

****.****

On a not pleasant development regarding the program above, it seems DBKL really need to have their heads examined.

In planning for this program, the YB Doc, had extended an invitation to the Minister of Federal Territories as the officiating VIP. Now, considering that the YB Doc and the Minister sits on the opposite side in the Parliament, this is a good gesture as any, for the well being of the rakyat. However, the minister, it seems, is unable to attend. And in lieu, DBKL - typical of their Sarkas subsidiary mentality - had invited the Sarkas Cheras Division Chief! What bloody nonesense!

Below, is the text message from the YB Doc, verbatim:

"Salam Dato Duad. Saya kesal kerana DBKL terus dengan sikap tidak profesional dan mengambil tindakan yang jelas sangat partisan. Saya bercakap tentand program Karnival Kesihatan anjuran DBKL & Persatuan Penduduk PPR Cochrane sek 25/4, di mana yang dipanggil merasmikan adalah Ketua Bahagian UMNO Cheras kerana Menteri WP tidak hadir. Saya selaku Ahli Parlimen Titiwangsa langsung tidak dimaklumkan.

Kenapa ketua umno dijemput? Di mana local standi nya?

Kalau begini sikap DBKL, saya syorkan tubuh sahaja umno cawangan DBKL, biar terang lagi bersuluh. Saya akan dedahkan ini dalam akhbar, blog dan website. Sekian."

As mentioned, typical of a Sarkas subsidiary mentality DBKL has. I have no doubt in mind that when that Sarkas chief does officiate, it will receive some attention from the MMS, and the sarkas chief and sarkas itself, will claim it as part of their service when in truth, it is the people's money being used - an ongoing lie by the sarkas since decades ago! Just as in the Bkt Antarabangsa tragedy, the food brought by Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat were repacked with the sarkas logo and name. And it is these people who had called for unity? Go jump into the filthiest of exrement, thank you.

Earth Day at Kota Damansara

2009-04-16T23:34:00.003+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

Come April 26, the DUN for Kota Damansara is organising an event in conjunction with Earth Day, which is celebrated worldwide on the 22nd April of every year. As the would suggest, the celebration in Kota Damansara is nature oriented with the itineraries as below. If you have nothing on your calender for that day, do come and join.

Pot of Honey

2009-04-16T01:17:00.003+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

Even as it is still feeding on the nectar of one flower, a butterfly is already eying its next meal, of another flower of the same plant. Soon later, it flutters towards it, its flight path almost haphazard as it navigates the gentle breeze blowing. To add to its problem, the butterfly, like all or most insects, have compound eyes. While the compound eyes gives the butterfly and all around vision, it cannot however, focus on particular subjects the way a human can. In other words, the visions of a butterfly are as blurry as a person with a very weak eyesight and not wearing glasses.

"Quite like the story today" quipped Manan as we compared pictures we snapped for the day. Not understanding his statement fully, I asked how so.

"Well," Manan said "imagine for a moment that the flower the butterfly is on is called Perak. Only a brief moment ago the butterfly landed on it and began feeding. Somehow, it finds the nectar of this flower not as sweet as it would like, but nonetheless, still feeds on it."

"Then somehow..." Manan paused a moment as he stuffed tobacco into his pipe and lit it.
"Somehow, the butterfly's instincts reminds him of another kind of nectar. Thought darker in colour, it oozes with the richness that makes honey pale in comparison."

"Only problem is," Manan continued on "is that the butterly's can't see very well and thus the reason why it goes from one flower to another, like your butterfly there. In fact, if there's another butterly there, the two might just fight over the flower, and even killing over it".

"Butterfly fighting and killing? You're off your rockers" I shot back to him.

"Well, if it is just about the butterflies, I may very well be", replied Manan. "But, what if the flower they're fighting for is named Ganu, and the fighting are done by those here". I, off course, had a good laugh over it.

Yes, Manan's right; those people he refers to do need to have their eyes checked. Heads, rather.

Kemaruk

2009-03-26T20:14:00.007+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

Kemaruk is a Malay word which Kamus Melayu (here) defines as: 1. Selalu terbuka selera hendak makan; 2. berbelanja berlebihan; 3. mahukan sesuatu dengan banyak.
In a simple word or two, I define it as a craze, or obsession for something. Now, that something can be like when one is in love (kemaruk cinta). It can also be like for a new found hobby such as photography. And it can also be for power, like in politics.

But, foremost.
Time to give nature and our natural resources a break, folks. Come this Saturday, March 28, switch off your electrical supply for about one hour, beginning 8.30pm. By reducing usage of power, we will be giving Earth a break from the global warming, as well as stretch our depleting natural resources. At the same time, we will also be giving nature a break to heal itself; between the bulb which consume our natural resources and add to global warming, and the flower plant which is part of nature and in fact, provide oxygen essential to life, which in turn helps to reduce global warming, more and more people are beginning to realise the importance of the plant(s), and the danger of global warming caused by emission of gasses and heat into the atmosphere. So, let us join them by switching of our electricity supply for just ONE HOUR this Saturday. Read all about it here.

Right, now that the convention in KL is about over, we see how 'kemaruk' some people are with power, and how blind many of those attending it are not to see the true nature of aforementioned people are in their craze for power - they spent millions 'buying' it, only to be denied eligibility to stand for office by some other people who, perhaps, work in cahoots with some other people for really are power and money crazy that they have been alleged to commit murder by the foulest manner. But each and everyone mentioned above deny any hand in any crime, whether murder or vote buying (read: corruption). Thus one guy who aspires to be the Prime Minister before or the age of 40, now is one step nearer to his ambition.

I like the way DocTA puts it: ameno is corrupt to the core simply because their delegates voted in a guy by the name of KJ who was found guilty of money politics by the disciplinary committee; need the skeptics more proof of how rotten the party already is? KJ got off scotfree while Ali was barred from the election on the same grounds as KJ, how absurd. Rightly, both should have been handed over to SPRM as money politics is a corrupt practice and all found guilty should be charged accordingly in the courts of law. But since ameno think that the whole of Malaysia, including the courts are theirs to dictate, we hear not a whimper from those (ir)relevant authorities. Think I'm exeggerating about that? Well, the skeptics can read all about it here then figure it out themselves. In other words of those people who were offended by LKS statement that ameno is crazy as well as power crazy, each and everyone of us Malaysians are nothing but serfs to them. Would you blame me then for calling them jackasses, and every other foul and dirty words and names I can think of?

However, despite all that, I think there is light at the end of the tunnel. According to Ku Li here, ameno's convention may well be illegal and run risk of being banned (can't say again, as the previous ameno is dead and buried, while this one is actually ameno baru, for whatever it means, as the mentality and corrupt practices are still the same). Now, all we need is a judge who is not a serf (as alleged by the same statement above).

Its really time to put the lights out for these bunch of people in 'kemaruk'.

Going From Bad To Worse?

2009-03-15T22:27:00.003+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

The depression's here already. No, not the financial depression, but ameno's wrangling with the legal system and throwing almost everything back to before The Dark Age. Honestly, when you look at the news these past weeks, we might just one day end up like the Boat People of Indochina soon after the Communist took over the region. To cap it, we will also be either 'shooed' or 'shoot' away, just as Musa Hitam was purported to have mentioned to the media at the height of the exodus. And if the tide Malaysia is in is not reversed, perhaps one day, our people may be swimming to foreign shores in search for a better life.

The week certainly did not begin well with some money matters. While many went fuming when the salary for Puncak Niaga's Chairman was revealed at RM5.1 million, a few actually welcome it citing professionalism has it price. What professionalism, when the company concerned has a debt of RM4.1 billion and at the same faces cashflow problems? That, is a sheer rip off abetted by the previous state government of Selangor. Especially when one compare to the pittance 4.5% dividend EPF may announce for the year 2008 (or has it already?). Pray tell what happened to the money the BN government so conveniently borrowed from EPF early this year in an effort to supposedly support the KLSE? Did not the finance minister promised gains for EPF on the the amount borrowed? Or, has the money mysteriously disspeared as did the RM4 billion the federal government 'saved' when the petrol price was hiked by more than 30 cents last year? The amount 'saved' was meant to improve the public transportation system, but came to a naught.

Some said that with the new Finance Minister, things will improve. Bull! Just take a look at his track record, and one will find nothing but failures littering it. There's the housing for Military Personnel and their family in Lumut Army Base which when completed, were so full of defects that they were not fit to live in. There's the PSNC patrol boats which till date, only one has been completed. And that too way past the dateline given, and the billions paid out may not be recovered. There's also the question mark about his brother being the CEO of a bank, which may raise concerns of conflict of interest. In fact, when one look at it really deep, there has been nothing which the new Finance Minister can be proud of. He, may just be the antithesis of the Midas Touch. The person concerned here, has been, since day one of his return from studies, a total blundering oaf who can never get things right. His latest - the Perak issue - has even received criticism from his mentor (read here). I really do dread this month end should he ascend the post. Here, in retrospect, Pak Lah makes a better candidate. That however, in no way mean he has my allegiance.

Boycott; It Works!

2009-03-04T00:37:00.004+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My My Neverland; do visit it.

Only the other evening Ah Chai was telling me how he is beginning to understand the Boycott issue. Rather reluctantly, he might add though. Still, the fact that he does now is good enough for me as we once had a heated argument on the matter. Well, at least, I did. Anyway, when I read the news below at Window Into Palestine, it sort of made my day; The Boycott, is working.

Israelis Are Beginning to See the Power of BDS

Shir Hever, Alternative Information Center (AIC)

A BDS Israel poster by the Palestinian Campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanction Against Israel.
In recent years, there has been a gradual growth in the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement, calling to put economic pressure on Israel until it recognizes the rights of the occupied Palestinian people and puts an end the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip, starting on 27 December 2008, which lasted for nearly a month, has given this movement a powerful reason to redouble its efforts. Dozens of BDS campaigns have gained momentum and publicity; dozens of new ones were launched during or immediately after Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip.

These campaigns range from calls to boycott goods from the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, to calls to stop all economic contacts with Israel altogether. They include protests at sporting events, two countries cutting diplomatic ties with Israel (Bolivia and Venezuela), and many demonstrations around the world, attended by hundreds of thousands of protestors.

The growing protest against the atrocities committed by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip have begun to change something in the Israeli political discourse, and the first indication of this can already be seen in the Israeli economic media.

Although the Israeli economic media doesn't concern itself with the moral dimension of the attacks on Gaza, the economic dimension of recent events have created a rising level of concern. In order to demonstrate this trend, here are summaries of four articles that appeared in the Israeli The Marker magazine for economic news:

1. On 2 February, Guy Grimland warned about a growing phenomenon of boycott of Israeli high-tech companies, and several Israeli companies received letters from European and U.S. companies explaining that they cannot invest in Israel for moral reasons.

2. In 3 February, Nehemia Strassler, one of Israel's most famous economic correspondents, attacked the Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, Eli Yishai, for calling on the Israeli military to "destroy one hundred homes in Gaza for every rocket that falls in Israel." Strassler had nothing to say about the Palestinians living in these homes or about the loss of life, but he warned:

"[the minister] doesn't even understand how the operation in Gaza hurts the economy. The horror sights on television and the words of politicians in Europe and Turkey change the behavior of consumers, businessmen and potential investors. Many European consumers boycott Israeli products in practice. Intellectuals call for an economic war against us and to enforce an official and full consumer boycott.

Calls are heard in board meetings of economic corporations to boycott trade relations with Israel. So far deals were cancelled with Turkey, the UK, Egypt and the Gulf States, and visits by economic delegations were cancelled. It’s much easier now to switch providers while abandoning Israeli providers. Many company boards are required to take wide considerations into account with regards to the good of society and the environment, and they put political considerations in that slot as well.

Of course there is an economic cost to severing diplomatic ties. Qatar cut its trade relations with Israel, Venezuela and Bolivia cut diplomatic relations. Mauritania recalled its ambassador and the relations with Turkey worsened considerably—and this bad ambience seeps into the business sector decisions. Here, just yesterday Dudi Ovshitz, who grows peppers for export, said that 'there is a concealed boycott of Israeli products in Europe.'"

3. On 6 February, Shuki Sadeh wrote about even more companies that have decided to boycott relations with Israel. A Turkish company demanded that Israeli companies sign a document condemning the Israeli massacre in Gaza before they can offer their services for it. Sadeh quoted Naomi Klein's recent call for boycott, the 2005 Palestinian civil society call for boycott and Israeli organizations that support the boycott and provide information for the global BDS movement. Sadeh's article also had concerned quotes by Israeli businessmen who demanded government intervention to protect them from the growing boycott.

4. In 11 February, Ora Koren reported that the Israeli business sectors feel the effects of the attack on Gaza. She reported that Israeli businessmen in Turkey are hiding their names so that the local BDS organizations won't learn about their activities, and that the situation is even worse in the UK.

These four articles are a sign that there is a shift in the effectiveness of the BDS movement against Israel, and that if the momentum is maintained and strengthened, Israeli businessmen may decide to move their headquarters away from Israel, or to begin to put pressure on the Israeli government to begin respecting international law, and ending the occupation

Teh O Limau Panas and Teh Tarik

2009-03-02T21:55:00.009+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

"You ar, you see things only one way!" said Ah Chai as the two of us sat over tea trying to kill time in a coffee shop, while the clouds let drops a heavy downpour. The chilling wind that comes our way every once so often, helped to cool the hot drinks, but cooled them too fast for our liking.

"Pren," Ah Chai continued "life is like a 2way street, you know. What you see from your side, other people see from the opposite. Sometime, the view not nice from your side; sometime, the view better from opposite, you know. Por instance, you like to call people clowns in your blog. Not nice, my pren, not nice."

Not surprisingly, Ah Chai has been following my Talkonly blog for a long time but hardly ever commented. Why he does not, I never did have chance to ask him. But perhaps, I do not need to for that night we were together, he gave his mind about my blogs, especially the name calling, "You like small boy, you know", he lets out.

I admit, yes, the name calling is childish. Having grew up in politics since one can remember when, one can, and does, feel sick with the antics of the other side that one feels frustrated and angry at the wrongdoings blatantly carried out by those same said people. Having said that, it does not give one the right to call names, stooping to the level where these people are.

"Pren, do yourself a favour, wlite ploperly. Then ar, when people read your blog, they will peel better. Op course lah, plovided they oso aglee with you." " Ah Chai went on ranting, sometimes mispronouncing the letter 'r' and sometimes not.

Ah Chai and I goes back a long way after having met for the first time in a building that no longer exist now. We are both of the same age, and was in our late teens when we met. A year after that first meet, we went different ways and met again in our late twenties. Since day one however, our views on many subjects may be opposite end of the other.

Being the legal-trained person, I admit he is more articulate in his thoughts than I will ever be. But that does not mean he is right all the time. And at times such as that this, we exchange words. Like our conversation that evening. Being the more uneducated barbarian of the two, I just let my tongue have its way, which, actually proved his point. And thus, I agreed not to make anymore name callings in my blog. Well, perhaps exceptions can be made for jackasses from time to time.

Then, in what think may be an effort to compensate for any hard feelings that may have been caused during our conversation, Ah Chai made one admission to a point I made in this blog not so long ago.

"You lemember that boycott thing," he suddenly mentioned as we were walking towards the car. "I think, you are light, my pren. Now, I no longer feel nice walking into McD or all those places."

Well, at least, now I can really say that that life indeed, is a 2way street. And it gets richer by the minute.
By the way, Ah Chai is not my friend's real name, and neither is he a Chinese. He is, in fact, a Malay. Well, lets make it of Javanese descent, though he will swear to you he is an English thoroughbred. What, with an almost flawless command of the language, many would find it hard to argue. Much to his liking, off course.

The reason for my calling him Ah Chai tonight, is an incident which happened soon after our first meet, though he may well have forgotten about it. As he himself told me then, he went for an interview for a University entrance. As he was walking out of the hall, a stranger tapped his shoulder and asked him "Are you a Chinese?".
It took him a couple of seconds to reply "Yes, from Jamaica".

(S)cent To A Million

2009-02-27T19:54:00.003+08:00

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.

I think many people have got it wrong about those clowns in Sarkas, as well as their goons. And I think, I did too. For instance, it was only yesterday that the cabinet announced a toll hike for 5 highways. Suddenly late this afternoon, that decision made was rescinded, much to the relief of many motorists who have little choice but to travel on those highways. And I too am glad for this turnabout decision as I was already putting on my war paint. I guess now, all concerned have to thank Paklah, a former minister who suddenly feels the burden of having to pay the charges, and one or two clowns in the Parliament who voiced their concern. But then again, my suspicious mind tells me they are playing a good cop/bad cop role, just to show how the sarkas have the people at heart.

Anyway, I wonder if anyone has noticed that everytime there is a toll hike, somehow, the charges are always brought to the nearest ten cent. I mean for all the exits there are on the highway, please don't tell me that there are none rounded off to the nearest five cent?

OK, I admit that 5cent is not worth a shout for many. But if one have to pay the toll something like 5 times a day, that would be 25cent. Again, not worth hoarsing one's voice. But multiply 5cent with the number of vehicles at say, just 500 on that particular exit, it would be paltry RM25 extra money the concessionaire gets per day. On a month of 24 working days, the figure comes to RM600 a month. Peanuts, some would say. True. But how many vehicles pass through the toll gates per day? And how many toll gates are there throughout the penninsular? If there's 10,000 vehicles per day, the concessionaires gets something like RM12,000 a month. And that, is on top of the toll hike!

I had planned to do something I have long not, and that is to collect the receipts of the toll, tomorrow. Then, when the toll hike takes effect, do the same on Sunday, as proof of my point. Sadly now, I will have to wait till the end of the year.

No big deal to some. Well, that may be true them, but for others where every cent counts? Daim Zainuddin purportedly once said "You cannot have a million if you don't have that last cent". Make sense?

Cloud Watchers

2009-02-23T01:59:00.005+08:00

Some people love to watch clouds. I don't blame them as I do so too, ever since a wise man told me to do so every time I have worries. Today however, was a different story as something in the sky - the cloud formation, to be exact - caught my eye. Thus I took a picture of it and later, on closer look, found something quite relevant to a situation in Selangor, particularly.

The Sarkas, along with the new anti-corruption-whatever-name-they-call-themselves, think they are on cloud 9 now, having announced that they have evidence on the corruption and abuse of power by the MB of Selangor. Great for them! I mean, if the MB is really in the wrong, even the Pakatan Rakyat would support the actions to be taken; a wrong is still a wrong, no matter which way one look at it. Except, off course, if it involves the Sarkas as no matter how many wrongs they have committed, all those abuse of power and corruption cases reported, nothing have come out from it. Corruption like the violation and destruction of Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve; stealing sands from the river; the khalwat case involving 2 of their DUN; the wrongful use of the Police and local authorities to destroy, arrest, and evict landowners and residents such as the cases in Kampung Berembang, Kampung Rimba Jaya, and several more; and a multitude more of cases that has been swept under the carpet by the previous Sarkas government. The ACA then, were quiet and hardly uttered any statements on any case involving the Sarkas. But now, suddenly, on its transformation or whatever it is they went through, they have begun offering their opinion...on an alleged wrongdoing involving an official car used by the current MB, and the purchase of cows by State agencies, and which are meant for the people of the state! Bravo, ACA or whatever it is your name! Perhaps next, you can investigate the case of a PR assemblyman who fell asleep in his office? I mean, that's a serious crime, wasting electricity and what not. But hang on!

ACA or whatever you call yourself, there is a bona fide case here for you. Reported on ABC News here. a MAS Pilot was detained in Australia for trying to smuggle in child pornography pictures. Now, that not only blemish our country's good name abroad, but it is a blatant abuse of previlege by the pilot, not to mention the crime of child pornography is hineous itself. So, will we see ACA or whatever their name is taking actions there? Not a chance, mate! The pilot, it seems, is the son of their boss! (read here).

Sigh. Just when you thought something real good would come your way, they turn out to be false. The ACA or whatever, is still as cloudy as they were before. My hope now, is that they will become extinct, just like the dinosaurs. They are, after all, quite like the picture of the cloud formation at the top. On closer examination, they turn out to be a false t-rex. Boo, on you ACA or whatever you are.

Hulu Tamu

2009-02-21T23:26:00.006+08:00

By right, I should blog about this in My Neverland. But the subject matter, in my opinion, should be shared with many, thus the reason of writing it here. And while many have been there, many more have not.

Ever since Emak was afflicted by some rashes on her leg, she and I have been a regular visitors to the Hot Spring at Hulu Tamu, somewhere within the district of Hulu Yam, Selangor. Approximately 85km from my place, Hulu Tamu offers one a break from the drudgery of one's daily routine in life, apart from healing one from various physical ailments one may have. However, that healing part can be rather contentious to some, and I therefore, will touch very little on it except for a passing statement or two.

Ironically, when we first drove to Hulu Tamu, we were in fact, looking for the hot spring in Hulu Yam itself. But now that we found this, there's little chance for us to be going to other hot springs sites. Well, perhaps later, we'll check out one or two others which we have learnt about their existance from other visitors in Hulu Tamu. But for the moment, we have sort of fall in love with Hulu Tamu. Apart from being a quiet place, there's also an abundance of things to explore there, provided one is adventureous enough (especially for nature photograpers). There is also, sadly, a host of 'politically curious monuments' which, were one a reporter, could highlight some stories which the SPRM ought to look more into instead of...well, you know what since it became a headline today; matters, which ought be crystal clear to them. And talking of which, the water from the hot springs in Hulu Tamu are crystal clear, as seen from the picture below.

Taken from one of the 2 wells, from where the water flows to the 2 public pools there.

The history of the hot spring here is quite long and I don't think many would be interested. Suffice to say, it is supposedly managed by the local district council and does provide some amenities such as toilets and changing rooms. For some reasons though, Emak and I have never found any reasons to use them.

Steam rising from one of the 2 pools. In the foreground, is one of the wells built.

As with most public places, making friends with other visitors there is never a problem. And while the body is soaking in hot water, the mind follow suit but with tales told by visitors there. Astmatic people, gangrene induced by diabetes, mild strokes, rashes, and people with as many more ailments take a dip for about an hour, some daily, before resuming back their daily routine. Some, who claim to have had their ailments cured, become regulars there simply for recreational purposes.

Mind you though, the water can get almost piping hot especially towards noon. Thus, the best time to go there is early morning (like after subuh), or late at night (like towards midnight). As the ditrict council provides security personnel (2 at night and 1 daytime), the place is open like 24hours a day with one minor hitch. Somehow, the lighting for the pools is provided by a single solar powered lamp while the rest of the small complex are well-lited by street lamps, courtesy of the council. Thus, if there was not enough sunlight earlier in the day, the lamp concerned might not last till early morning, I have been told.

One thing which I ought to warn though, is that the cleanliness there can be much better with the help from the public. As it is, litter can be seen on the ground eventhough there are 3 big bins placed there. Many Malaysians could perhaps learn from the 2 gentlemen I met there, who, being regular visitors, take it upon themselves to clean the pools when the situation permits them. Previous to my last visit this morning, one of the gentlemen mentioned was cleaning the children's pool when we arrived.

Mr. Chua (left picture), cleaning the children's pool. Later, the Security Personnel assisting him to close back the outflow as it seems, some people had irreponsiblly taken the stopper away, perhaps as a momento.

For those who would some privacy while soaking the hot water, there's a small chalet nearby offering one with private pool (small), while a larger and perhaps more comfortable place of stay is being built next to the complex, by a local company with the name of Sepakat Hot Springs Resort. I apologise however, for not having the foresight to take their contact numbers nor the pictures of their place.

There several ways to get to Hulu Tamu. If one is using the North-South Highway, take the Bukit Beruntung then follow the sign. At Bukit Beruntung itself, one can either follow the Sungai Buaya then to Serendah road, or drive through Rasa where the travel is quite scenic at certain stretches. Or, if one does not like the Highway, then just take the road beside Batu Caves heading up north. Irrespective, all the routes mentioned will lead to Batang Kali. And from there, the road to Hulu Tamu.

Eli Wong Does Not Live Here

2009-02-17T14:51:00.005+08:00

Sometime yesterday when I wanted to make an entry here, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of visitors I have been receiving over the 24hour period. I mean, for a blog by a nobody, I am nowhere near the likes of Cikgu, DocTA, kerpie, not to mention renowned writers such as Afrar, Cikgu Ali, Amin Black, rockybru or, just about anyone else who is a someone somewhere.

Initially, I had thought that by some chance, some people found my poor blog and thought I am a good writer and that made me feel bloody excited. I mean, here's a chance at fame, or so the mind went. Unfortunately however, when I took a closer look at the counter, I then realised that no, those people were not looking for me. Rather, they were searching for pictures of some woman politician who recently made headlines. And that, got me upset. No, not about my blog being still not worthy of read, but about the picture of the woman politician. So I thought, I'd better put my thoughts across and even write to her, which if I do, would be something like the below.

Dear YB Eli Wong,

Foremost, permit me to humbly apologise for writing to you on a matter which you should well be aware of. Though I suspect you are already beseiged with more attention than you had ever dreamt of on the subject matter, I do hope you will find it in you to read my thoughts as I put it here.

YB Eli, you do not know me personally, but we have met on one occasion, and I have seen you at several whilst covering events or news with webtv8. All these times I have seen you (do pardon me for saying so), I did have a thought or 2 about your dressing, which in my eyes, were rather retro, if you know what I mean. In fact, on an occasion just after you won your Parliamentary Seat, I voiced my thoughts to a friend who, being a keen political follower, agreed almost instantly. He, however, informed me that since the GE12 results were announced, you have made some glaring changes to your dressing, befitting those of a YB, much to my sigh of relief. For in truth YB, I really think you are one swell looking lady, one that I admit, despite the retro-fit I mentioned, could well make more than a head turn looking your way.

YB Eli, now that the niceties have been dispensed of, let me get straight to the point. When I read Harakahdaily and Malaysiakini of late, there were news about your uncoming behaviour, and how the pictures of such scenes were being widely distributed especially in the Net. I was shocked and could not believe it. Then I read your admission, and your statement that your are being victimised amongst other things. That aside, the only thing that crossed my mind is "How could you?"

YB Eli, I am normally quite a private person. Thus when my blog received a larger number of visitors than normal, my mind tend to get inquisitive. I mean, why on Earth would anyone want to visit my blog? If its for the initial reasons I had like the opening para of this entry, then I ought to feel flattered. But now, having ascertained that it is not, I do feel an invasion into my privacy. So let me tell you this YB Eli, I'm going to give these visitors who are looking for your pictures what they want. Yes, I admit that part of the picture is rather obscene, but please, do not go blaming me for it. Here goes...

bro kerpie and YB Ellie Wong

There, don't you think that picture of kerpie, my bro, somewhat obscene? I mean, heck, one can even see his tummy there! This picture, taken by our bro Mat Salo, even had that cakapaje in it initially. But being the more offensively obscene figure, I had to crop the picture to make it somewhat decent. Still, I'm pretty sure there's one or two Mat or Minah out there who would swear otherwise that you should tender your resignation.

YB Eli, know you that even the Wanita MCA has now come out in your defence, quite contrary to what the 2 Mats - Mat Toyol and Mat Ali - wants. To surrender to the whims of these 2 Mats who may only be a shade better than the Mat See Four and Mat Cradle Snatcher (who incidentally is from the same state as Mat Ali), is an admission of defeat. And YB Eli, after having read bits about you, I know you are not one to surrender easily.

YB Eli, now that we have touched on the Mats, kindly excuse me while I puke.

My apologies. I just could not help myself just now when hearing on the news a denial by a Mat Toyol that your pictures - those supposedly obscene shots of you sleeping alone - are not part of a smear campaign. I mean, how would he know? Unless, there were already plans afoot which were later scuttled due to some reason or another. And when you take consideration of factors such as the political scene in Perak, as well as the absurd accusation against another woman YB in Klang, some other form of pictures do take shape in one's mind, which perhaps, was why I puked just now. Forgive me.

YB Eli, it seems, this mail is getting longer than intended. But do permit me to put in some small thoughts - mine, that is - not on Perak, but again, some Mats who have come to see themselves as Royal Champions. Though the media say they are Champions of the Royalties, in truth, they see themselves higher than that.

Sometime in the not too distant past, YB, a colleague of these Mats, tried to install a new Sultan in a northeast state of Peninsular Malaysia. Though he was not succesful in doing so, his act was in fact an act of treason, and rightly, punishable by death. But he escaped the rope simply because he was a member of a political party that has been clowning around in Malaysia. The Sarkas, I believe they are called. Unfortunately, some fickle members of the public believe in the words of this clowns now and even labelled other Malaysians as 'Penderhaka', or treasonous people. Why, simply because one or two of the 'Penderhaka' wants to bring the Perak issue to the Courts of Law. Really? Are what they doing really that bad? If so, then how is it that these fickle minded Malaysian never bothered when another Royalty was brought to the Courts and declared insolvent? How come these so called 'loyal' citizens did not go up in arms against the Courts, or the financial institution who brought up the charges? Are they, in fact, afraid of the Courts, which rightly should be the Institution of Law in Malaysia? Or, are they, quite like I mentioned, fickle minded? Nah, make that simpletons.

YB, if you remember correctly, sometime last decade, a Hollywood film company came to Malaysia to produce a remake of 'The King And I'. A Sarkas Minister then, being the clown he is, welcomed the company with a big splash on the media headlines, extolling the virtues of Malaysia's scenery, and bla bla bla. And some fickle minded Malaysians, oops, sorry, simpletons, I mean, flocked to Taiping in hope to be casted as extras and earn some money. Never mind that the country which the film was based on, had denied entrance to the company on the ground of the film being insulting to their King. "Who cares their Royalty?" they might have thought. Some of those simpletons then, are the same simpletons now that it hits them on the nose. Well, YB, actually, it never came to even that, but being the simpletons they are, they simply do not know it.

Still relating to Perak YB, interestingly, I met a first cousin of the state the other day, after having been invited for a simple teh tarik at a decent restaurant somewhere near my house. The kindly royalty, was gracious, polite, but was full of guffaw. But when touched on the issue, its safe to say that he and many of his house are in full disagreement to the matter, the one those simpletons believe in. And very surprisingly YB, he and his house are not the only with such stand. For, if if you were to read here, then you would realise the more important issues than the one berated by those simpletons, especially those clowns in Sarkas. And who really is the Penderhaka.

Put it this way YB, in the picture of you are bro kerpie up there, many would agree that you are the more decently dressed person. However, the simpletons would swear you are not.

Thank you.

Warm regards,
Cakapaje.

Growing Up Aje

2009-02-15T00:09:00.003+08:00

I was reading through some of my old postings. Not for any reason, but that I found myself different than when I was first forced into the blogging world. Can't explain it as well as I would like to, but I guess when you add this and that of life, then yes, I think I have totally deviated.

Let's see now, there was the GE12, and the BERSIH 10-11 March before that; the antics of some goons and their followers who have been insisting to the world that they, and only they, have right to steer this country to where ever they think Malaysia ought to be (forgetting that for the past 22years and the 35 before, we were somehow in a much better place without them); the 6 long years of sending news each night except for holidays (it got so that now I have developed a phobia just to open my working emails!); the unwarrented attention I have been getting from some authorities; the medical attention I have not been able to seek (can't seem to find the right medical personnel, it seems. Tak serasi, as the Malays would put it); and about a million and one more reasons. Well, that last bit maybe a bit of an exeggeration, but...

Anyway, while reading through, it dawned upon me that I have unwillingly and much to my quiet protest, grown to be more serious in my outlook! That, is a very drastic change for some who likes to talk only, wouldn't one agree? I mean, at 46, I suddenly find myself a grown-up man! Unthinkable, but true. And after going through a self-examination (wish a Doc could do that to me. A lady Doc, mind you), it then cross my mind that I need to go back to where I was, and thus, the need to get a new blog just to write whatever the mind pleases (can't do it here for reasons told in the the blog), leaving this blog only for matters which concern others in a more serious matter and manner.

The new blog, Personal, will be like its namesake, more to personal matters. And, as the url would most implicitly suggest, there the mind would run free. A mind, or a guy, would certainly need to do so in a world that has really gone mad. Also, as mentioned but quite the opposite of it, at 46, I do find the need to go crazy every now and then.

LKKPP Seminar February 7, 2009

2009-02-11T21:34:00.006+08:00

As mentioned in the last posting, the Lajnah Kebajikan and Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat organised a seminar entitled 'Perlaksanaan Negara Berkebajikan Dalam Negeri Negeri Pakatan Rakyat', or 'Towards The Realisation of A Caring Nation Within Pakatan Rakyat Administered States'. Steered by its Chairman, YB Doctor Lo'Lo', the seminar was officiated by YB Dato' Husam Musa. Delegates from all over Malaysia attended the half day seminar.

This seminar, the first of its kind, discussed the welfare issues of the rakyat, and how LKKPP intend to assist the Pakatan Rakyat States to address the issues concerned, in keeping to the "Negara Berkebajikan" manifesto of the past GE12. It should be noted that the word 'Berkebajikan' does not translate directly as 'Welfare Nation', but a nation that looks into the real issues afflicting the people, materially and/or otherwise.

In his opening speech, YB Dato' Husam mentioned that the Perak State Government under YAB Ir Nizar, would announce a 5day Pre-Maternity Leave. This would allow the family to be better prepared, taking into consideration a large number of Malaysians would normally head back towards their parents house, or have their parents over to assist. (As I have not been reading nor watching the news these past few days, and even coming online as regularly as before the Gaza War, I beg leave of any knowledge pursuant to the implementation of the matter).

LKKPP, in the coming months, would be holding meets with the LKKP of each states, and assisting them to open clinics in an effort to understand the rakyat's woes within the context of the matter. InsyAllah, Harakah print edition this Friday would have the full story.

More pictures at Pictures-Only here and here.

ps. To my friends and regular visitors, I apologise for the dry tone in this, and several previous entries. InsyAllah, regular entries will be back on air. Or, in a new blog.

No Longer Worlds Apart

2009-02-08T00:26:00.008+08:00

Early Saturday morning while attending a seminar organised by Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, I was shown a text message by a colleague by the name of Shamsuddin. Even while reading the message, my heart was beating faster than normal and I could feel the smile growing on my lips, and a joy spreading all over as the coming of the message was totally unexpected by some of us there. (At this juncture, I would like to invite visitors to this humble blog to read this entry 'Worlds Apart' first - just click on the title. Do excuse the spelling and grammar mistakes however, as I do hate to edit or correct).

When I wrote the entry for 'Worlds Apart', I did not have a still camera on hand to capture some of the scenes. Coincidentally this Saturday afternoon, I had a still camera with me even if it be a simple Olympus, one which I was using for the seminar mentioned above. And even though the seminar was supposed to end at 2pm, I left early at 12.15 just to be present at the site where the message came from. The picture below, and more on Pictures-Only here, shows of the condition of the houses I mentioned in 'Worlds Apart', though the present condition has generally improved since that visit. Except for the house or shed as seen below and which resembles the living condition of foreign construction workers in Malaysia, where many Malaysians do not wish to speak of or if they do, speak ill of them only.
Sadly however, the house-shed do not belong to neither the foreign workers, nor of illegal squatters, but of Malaysians who had lived on that land for more than 40years. In a sense, they belong to the pioneers of modern Klang Valley, and a city that came to be the capital of Malaysia. The children of these pioneers, contribute to the growing city as much as anyone would care to admit. And for their contribution as well as their parents, their houses were demolished (including the surau there), and they were nearly evicted from their land by the previous state government.

I believe, many people would still remember the picture of women and children crying, men arrested and some beaten, while they were trying to protect their homes from being flattened and bulldozed in the name of development. In truth, the land that was promised to them by the State Government 40years ago, was being robbed by greedy politicians of the past administration.

Even after their house were demolished, the villagers stood their ground. They build sheds to protect their family from natural elements, and fought their ways in and off the Courts of Law...and won.

More info at Jerit website here.

Precisely at 1pm on Saturday afternoon, a motorcade arrive at Kampung Berembang near Ampang, with VIPs from the Pakatan Rakyat State Government of Selangor. Amongst those present were YB Tn Hj Shaari Sungib, YB Iskandar Samad, YB Dr Nasir, YB Azmin Ali, and several more, accompanying YAB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to a ceremony for the handing over of house-keys to the brave people of Kampung Berembang.

To the people of Kampung Berembang: Syabas! May you and your family live prosper in your new homes.

More pictures at Pictures-Only.

ps. For a somewhat insightful picture of Perak, do read Ajijoi here as well as ckcounterpunch here.

A Feast

2009-02-04T20:24:00.006+08:00

Last Monday, I took Emak for a drive down to Melaka for a family matter or two. Since it was an overnight trip, I took the opportunity to call Doc TA for a possible meet. Being the kind and accommodating Doc he is, he obliged and meet we did that night at Medan Anjung Batu, Serkam, which is just a stone throw away from the seafood stalls I know. Still, the food was great. I mean, no matter how its cooked, a seafood dish still taste just as good as any. But while that maybe true, the amount and variety can be totally different. Hmm...my only regret now is not having a camera on hand that night.

Anyway, since akak was down with fever, Doc came alone and soon led Emak and I to a table. Soon as the niceties were dispensed with, Doc and I went to the counter where, well, like most men, ordered to our hearts' fill. And while waiting for the cook to whip up the dishes, we had some lovely otak-otak for starters. When the dishes came...oolala! There were buttered prawns, fried squids, lala buloh (bamboo scallops? - first time I had any), jenahak, tuka (baby ray), and nasi lemak bungkus to accompany those delicious mouth-watering, cholestrol rich food. By the time we were done, we came to realise that there were still more than half of the food on the table! But we were full already, thus Doc had those extras packed for him to take back home. If ever I had previously dreamt of a seafood feast, this was certainly it. Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I had so much food before.

There is, however, another kind of feast which now has yours truly seething with anger.

As many would have known by now, the thievering and immoral be-end has announced themselves as the new Perak State Government. This, despite the fact that the Sultan has yet to announce his decree to accept the PR's request to absolve the State Assembly, making way for a State Election. And knowing those mongrels waiting at the gates, some would already have begun their celebration.

Its totally disgusting, actually. When that Bota assemblyman announced his defection to PR, Dolah said that he was an immoral man, betraying the trust of those who elected him. Well, look who is immoral now? Say Dolah (and Najib), how does the spit taste?

Personally to me, those PR assemblymen and woman who defected are worse than the mongrels whom they answer calls to now, especially the 2 who are still facing corruption charges. Perhaps its better for them to join the sarkas, seeing that latter is a sewerage plant of corruption, but one that does not cleanse rather, defecate the environment even more. So, let those 2 swim and sink with the filth they are. But the biggest filth dispenser must be SPR. Let me try to put it in layman's term.

The duty of a postman is to deliver mails, even to a house without occupant. The postman cannot use his discretion not to deliver mails to the seemingly empty house, because he is not empowered to do so. If ever the owner of the house would like the Post Office to hold all mails for some reasons, he would need to write to the Post Master, who would only then, upon receiving such request, instructs his office to hold all mails addressed to that particular house.

In the 2 cases of the 2 PR Assemblymen whom the Speaker of the House had announced their resignations from their respective seats, the SPR is acting outside its boundaries when it judged that those seats have not been vacated, when they - the SPR - are not empowered to judge, but only to administer; the power to judge the validity of the resignation letters and or the seats lies with the courts. So here, the SPR is clearly in the wrong. And they know they are in the wrong. So, who was it that said the SPR is not a stooge for be end, namely the sarkas? For those who have worked on ground level especially during election - by or general - they know how SPR stinks like a skunk. Only the naive and fools believe that SPR is impartial and abides to its role. They are just bulls with rings in their nose, waiting for sarkas to tug them whenever, wherever, it pleases. But a bull is tough creature and does offer some form of resistance. Thus here, SPR is nothing but a lame duck, a creature that likes to waddle in cesspool.

Go ahead, have your feast, your celebration. For today, is the day for dogs such as you are.

Below, is a Media Statement by YAB IR Nizar, the true MB for Perak, taken from Cina Islam:

Terkini : Kenyataan Akbar MB Perak .

IPOH, 4 Feb ;- Saya telah meyembahkan permohonan kepada Sultan melalui peruntukan undang-undang yang ada sebagai " leader of the house", namun saya fikir apa-apa yang diperlukan oleh Sultan maka Sultan ambil masa dan menagguhkan keputusannya. Demikian antara kenyataan YAB Menteri Besar Perak, Ir. Muhammad Nizar Jamaluddin dalam sidang akhbar di Pejabat PAS Perak di sini.

"saya akan menjalankan tugas seperti biasa sebagai Menteri Besar" tegas Ir. Nizar.

Ir. Nizar menyifatkan UMNO cuba merampas hak rakyat, dan memohon sekiranya berlaku Piliharaya supaya rakyat memberi majoriti yang besar kepada Pakatan Rakyat.

"Saya akan akur kepada apa saja keputusan Taunku, dan perbincangan dengan Tuanku cukup baik dan Baginda ada membacakan ayat Al Quran 'Sesungguh Allah bersama orang yang sabar' " Jelas Nizar.

Ditanya mengenai ADUN Bota, Nasaruddin Hashim yang telah menyeberang kembali kepada BN, Nizar mengatakan ini adalah satu konspirasi yang besar. Jika sekiranya ada unsur paksaan itu adalah satu penainayaan kepada Nasaruddin dan orang Bota.

"Kita sekarang adalah kerajaan minoriti dan saya berharap tidak ada huru-hara dan sebagainya" jelas Nizar.

****.****

ps. I guess it would not be far wrong to liken be end, namely sarkas, to the illegal entity Israel. Both, when the people voted against their favour, punish the people for doing so. - cakapaje

A Donut, A Keria

2009-01-30T21:57:00.008+08:00

In a corner of the South-bound of an overhead rest area of the North-South Expressway, 3 friends crowd a table of one of the eateries there. While two of them seem to be heavily engaged in some deep and serious argument, the other was nonchalantly enjoying the food, turning his face from one to another, smiling at each, then continued to tuck in, even though some very loud words were spoken between the other 2, oblivious to the stares of other tables or passersby, or even the shop owner who wore a worried look on her otherwise attractive face.

Uncertain where the argument would lead to, she spoke to one of her workers only to received an equally blank look. And after several long minutes, she finally gathered her courage and approached the guy who was eating through the argument and tapped his shoulder gently. The guy, with a body size that could easily tip the scales of any weighing machines at home, looked at her and smiled. As if he already knew her intention, he put out his hand to each of his friends and said loudly "Look guys, I think you're scaring this lady as well as many others around us already!".

The 2 looked at him then glanced around to each face looking their directions who, in turn, averted their eyes or just looked away, perhaps with a slight fear of attracting needless commotion. Then, one of the 2 friends raised the fingers of his right hand and smiled towards the lady who was looking straight at the big guy she tapped on the shoulders earlier.

"Tell you what guys", said the big guy "let us call it quits. To me, the matter is simple. No matter what its called, no matter how its made or how different they each may taste, a donut or a keria are basically the same thing", and he scooped up the last remaining pastry on the plate.

Picture Credits: southbound.ph / Rozzan Blogspot.

I have no doubt many would not take the comparison kindly but deep down, each of us are human no matter where we are, or what race we belong to. Whether we are here in Malaysia, or far away in Gaza, everyone of us deserve to be treated equally and and justly. Kugan may have not been a Muslim, but could his tormentors admit being one with the amount of injuries inflicted upon him? Below is a text from Md Sha'ani of FOMCA:

"I am Kugan' Campaign" We have different faces, different faiths but we have one thing in common - we are all human beings and we have our rights. I am Kugan too".

If ever we did cry during the barbaric war against the people of Gaza, then we should feel equally sad at what Malaysians are capable of too! Incidentally, YB Doctor Lo'lo' together with a team of volunteers, are trying to find ways to enter Gaza. Below, is her text message from somewhere near the border:

"We just left Rafah border going back to Cairo. Since yesterday, no group was allowed to enter. In fact, Egypt Health Ministry ambulances has also been waiting for several hours. So we decided to move on and make other arrangements to give the contributions and to enter Gaza next time, insyAllah".

Please continue to spread the Petition to Investigate War Crimes in Gaza (click here). And please continue giving to the donation drive (click here). [Tabung Kemanusiaan Harakah di akaun BIMB: 14069010021298].

Correction: I have been made to understand that though the volunteers mentioned are there, YB Doctor Lo'lo' is in Gaza together with the leaders of PAS, led by Dato' Seri Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi as reported here.

Faces

2009-01-25T22:04:00.005+08:00

Early evening yesterday, I received an unexpected invitation for an impromptu bloggers' meet in Shah Alam. Not considering myself being a political blogger as the meet was meant to be, I would have declined had the invitation not come from an online activist who call himself 'Topeng Perak' (check out Perisek Rakyat under Politics and Politicians). But since 'Topeng Perak' knows of my alter ego and the online work I was doing, I just could not say no. Furthermore, apart from being able to meet him face to face for the first time, there is a possibility where we will both be working together in the not so distant future. And so there I was just before noon today, though the bloggers were there by 10am.

Arriving late, I missed meeting several out-towners. Can't say I was dissapointed in not meeting them. Apart from 'Topeng Perak', I hardly know anyone there, and they me. Or so I thought. Surprisingly, several of the bloggers have been in my blogroll at readscentral for sometime now, only that I never had the chance to meet them. This might also be true for those out-towners I missed. But...

Anyway, a bigger surprise was meeting Zubli Zainordin. Now, I've seen him commenting at Cikgu's Kata Tak Nak blog before, just that, well, like yours truly here, a blogger is just a blogger. Or so I thought. It so happened he thought my face looked familiar and querried on my background. No sooner had I began with secondary school, his face lit up - the bugger (no offence, Zubli), was my senior in Victoria Institution and somehow still recognise me! So we got abit into the past, mentioning other students especially Harris Ibrahim, who was the taikor there then. In the midst of our reflecting back, a thought crossed my mind "Alamak! A leopard does not change his spots. So too it seems with cakapaje's face!". There goes any thoughts of Aje ever making it in politics! Oh well...

All pics taken from Zubli Zainordin.

A Malaysian Voice for Gaza

2009-01-20T22:59:00.003+08:00

On her own initiative, Tehsin, has launched her own petition on Gaza here. Please spare a few minutes of your time to read the petition below and sign it here, in the name of all just and humane. For Muslims, in the name of Allah s.w.t. It is, the very least we can do. And do read her posting here as well when you have the time and tell others about this petition as well. Thank you.

To: of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court

Appeal for Intenational Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor to Investigate War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in Gaza.

ATTN: Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court
Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor
Information and Evidence Unit
Office of the Prosecutor
Post Office Box 19519
2500 CM The Hague
The Netherlands
Email: otp.informationdesk@icc-cpi.int
i.int
Phone: Tel. + 31 (0)70 515 851

We the undersigned citizens of Malaysia/International Community hereby formally petition you to investigate and prosecute any and all government officials named for heinous war crimes, crimes against humanity and other criminal acts of commission and omission by Shimon Peres, Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni, George W. Bush, Hosni Mubarak, Dick Cheney and Condoleeza Rice who have participated directly or indirectly in War Crimes in Gaza.

The Israeli military, aided indirectly and directly through munitions supply by the United States of America are accused of:

• Using powerful shells in civilian areas sending blast and shrapnel over a wide area which the army knew would cause large numbers of innocent casualties;

• Using banned weapons such as phosphorus bombs which inflict horrific burns; and testing powerful new explosives such as DIME which cause the massive injuries and amputations as described by Gaza doctors and by a previous Al-Jazeera report;

• Holding Palestinian families as human shields;

• Attacking medical facilities, including the killing of 12 ambulance men in marked vehicles;

* Shooting civilian men, women and children in cold blood after asking them to leave their homes or as they seek refuge in shelters. One case out of many was that of Haneen al-Batran, a nine year old girl who was shot in the face and abdomen by Israeli snipers as her family ran to the Al-Quds hospital in Tel al-Hawa. She died later.

* Prohibiting rescue services to attend to the dead, injured and trapped for days, as in the case of the Al-Samouni family in Zeitoun which is only one uncovered so far in many of such incidents and the sad case of Shad, a four year old Palestinian girl killed in her backyard in Jabalya and her body left for the dogs to eat by Israeli soldiers who shot at her family attempting to retrieve it for 5 days, resulting in another two family members being shot dead (more eyewitness accounts of other cases have been reported in Free Gaza, Window on Palestine and Al Jazeera sources);

• Killing large numbers of policemen who had no military role;

* Shelling designated UN facilities which served as safe havens for the displaced fleeing from indiscriminate bombings;

* Targeting UN aid convoys and destroying badly needed food, water medical and fuel supplies;

* Bombing mosques, universities, schools and hospitals, cemeteries and infrastructure with lame excuses of "militant" activity;

* Imprisoning terrorised, starved and injured civilians in a small open air "prison" with no safe haven to flee by blockading and sealing off borders and shelling them indiscriminately. In the latest UNHCR newsletter, a high ranking official stated that; Gaza (is): "The only conflict in the world in which people are not even allowed to flee" - High Commissioner Guterres

* Total disregard and impudence towards a democratically elected government of the people of Gaza;

* The continued harassment and instilment of fear by low-flying drones, fighter jets, helicopters, and movement of tanks in civilian areas despite a unilateral ceasefire;

* A hugely disproportionate "retaliatory" campaign against rocket threats; threats which were falsely used as a pretext for the latest invasion when it has been clear that Israel violated the previous existing ceasefire agreement.

* The continued unjust imprisonment and deprivation of the Palestinian population by a continued siege and economic and physical blockade of Gaza and the destruction of tunnels used to funnel necessities to enable decent living conditions.

In short, as an occupying power, Israel has totally and willfully violated its obligations, with the full support of the United States of America, as to protect the occupied citizens of Gaza and violated the Geneva conventions and the Statutes laid out in Article 8 of the International Criminal Court by the deliberate and sustained targeting of civilians and humanitarian aid workers, halting the full delivery of much needed aid to Gaza, and totally destroying the infrastructure in Gaza which will cost billions to rebuild and which is almost impossible to do so, due to the blockade, thus rendering the population homeless and open to the risks of the natural elements of extreme weather, abscence sanitation, healthcare, education, food, water and any economic activity.

These and numerous other war crimes must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice to ensure that all international laws are respected and there exist no avenue and space for any nation to act with such total impunity and disregard for other nations and peoples and that regard for the sanctity of human lives and property and the environment be preserved. We cannot allow the law of the jungle and barbarism to continue to prevail in this day and age.

What has occurred in Gaza, and is still continuing, is a crime against humanity and a test of our own.

We the undersigned citizens demand a full and thorough investigation immediately This investigation should be pursued no matter where it may lead and no matter what the political implications may be. To this end, we remind you that you work not on behalf of the United States of America of for Israel but for Justice itself.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

From A Need, Comes A Want

2009-01-18T22:39:00.010+08:00

The Giant looked out from the window to the tree where, in a prolonged winter not so long ago,
a boy had melted his heart and awakened him from his selfish attitude.

Once, before meeting the boy, he had chased children out children and refused to allow any to play in his beautiful garden. Then winter set in his garden with a duration he had not seen before.
Till one day, when the world around him had been celebrating spring much earlier,
a corner of his garden looked cheerful with colours
and the lively chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects,
a little boy was in tears trying to climb up the tree.

Perhaps it was the colours of spring that did it. Or, the Giant's dislike for the dull and
bitter coldness of winter. Or, the cry in the boy's voice. Or perhaps, the combination of all 3
where each were in contrast to the other, nobody knows for certain.
But whichever of the 3, or in any combination one would like to think, the scene moved the Giant
and he lent a hand for the boy to climb the tree.
And no sooner after that, he realised that he has been selfish,
denying the village children their need to play, and their want to play in his garden.
And so, he broke the walls surrounding the garden along with the gates too.
And when the children saw the Giant was kindly with the small boy, they came slowly,
one by one, still uncertain of the Giant's temper.
But when the Giant does nothing towards those first few,
the children at the rear began rushing into the Giant's garden, one which they loved to play in.
Soon, the entire garden was a picture of gaiety with children's voices and antics,
and the vibrant colours of spring which followed the children into the garden.

Out of the children's need, comes the Giant's want.
- adapted from The Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde.

Although it can be considered just a stone throw away, today, I walked for the first time into the recently opened Giant in Kota Damansara. And had it not been for the need to buy some bread for tomorrow, perhaps I would never have. I mean, what's the big deal, a mall is just like any other mall. Having been born and bred here, what is there to see anymore? But the need, which led to a want.

Perhaps similarly, when some people came to realise that another groups of people had a need to survive in a world that viewed them harshly, came a want to provide.

Zam Zam Cola. Mecca Cola. 2 out of the many names and brands that has emerged not to compete with the traditional and established brands in each respective market, but to provide an alternative for the mass to decide and choose from, of brands which are closely linked to brutal mass murder of a people, a nation, who was found guilty to be living in an area which yet another group of people who lives in a farflung land, came to a conclusion that the land belong to another. Then came the butchery and inhumane treatment of not only Muslims there, but the Christians as well; both, belonging to the Palestinian group of people. Men, women, children, and even the old were murdered in cold blood, some while sleeping in their own bedroom. And the world just stood and watched. But not all.

It may have had its roots since the early 1970's, during a period known as the Oil Embargo. Short-lived as it was, the idea soon hatched to another: instead of denying sale of supply, could denying purchase be as or, more effective? The boycott.

From the vacuum created in denying the purchase of goods either linked or owned by individuals and corporations of the illegal entity, rose new products which are not only owned by people of the opposing idealogy, but people who found a want to provide for a need. The tough part is in making people switch brands and products which they are accustomed to. And slowly, more and more people are realising the need to switch. And from there, it may ultimately lead to a whole new economy, one that is not repressive, feeding like a leech on the very people it was meant to serve. One, that was introduced more than 1,400 years ago.

For a growing many, this need has now become a want.

* As silly as some people make out of the Boycott effort, sillier are they who tend to forget that a similar effort helped bring about the downfall of the apartheid regime in South Africa.

** Do visit Innovative Minds here for a more comprehensive listing of products and reasons why we should boycott them.

Some News

2009-01-14T11:55:00.005+08:00

It would be easy to forget Gaza and the sufferings of the people there since the illegal regime along with Egypt closed the borders just to punish the Palestinians for voting Hamas into office (sounds familiar, does it not?). But to push Gaza out of our life and forget the injustice there, especially now - I cannot say for the rest - would make me a much lesser human, and putting myself down on the same level as those minions of the illegal regime.

The other night when I was driving to a petrol kiosk and had to pass a McD, 2 young people were walking towards it. As I do not drive with the air conditioner on when weather permits, I heard one of the guys mentioning 'but people are beginning to boycott now...', the rest of the statement was lost as I drove passt them. Passing by the front of building, I saw a lesser number of people than usual. Sadly though, many of them there were young Muslims, obviously oblivious to the sufferings of their fellow humans in Gaza - for every ringgit one spend there, at least 5 to 10% adds to the Palestinians' tragedy. This, I was informed by Ustaz Maszlee some years back, who interestingly has an entry entitled "Not All Jews Are Zionist" (click here), and I would recommend all to read it.

Also, kindly listen to this video of George Galloway which was made available by Information Clearing House (click here).

Sad, but I think its rather absurd that while we have people like Mr Galloway and even Jews speaking out against the attrocity in Gaza, we still have Muslims partonising outlets which contribute towards it. Please, help spread the boycott news.

Also, please read and watch the links from WIP which I've logged into NYMHM for wider reach. Just click on the titles.

1. Israel Admit "No Hamas Rockets Were Fired During Ceasefire!"

2. Are We Not Human?

3. Gaza: A Scene of Destruction

4. A Message from a Gazan to the World

Last but not least, do enjoy the song below sent to me by bro Zul.

Best Actor, Actress, Supporting, Extras etc etc Award

2009-01-13T07:30:00.003+08:00

Many of the news I received of late, are email-subscription from Window Into Palestine. Though they are not the only blog/site available, they are, one of the most active, such as the the news below.

Israeli's - Have they no blood ???

As you can imaging on days like this I
watch the TV news on several multinational
channels especially due to the fact that I
speak 5 languages and politics runs in my blood....

Taking of blood , I noticed
(and not for the first time) that all
the Israeli-victims shown on all channels,
never do have blood running..... Which leaves me with two possibilities
(or two explanations) :

1- The Israelis have no blood
2- Israeli-victims are no victims , but rather actors .

So please , if anyone in the near future sees any
Israeli-victim of the Hamas rockets , wounded with blood.....
then please let us have a copy of that picture .

Thank you !! Sherlock Hommos sceptic-photo-analyst

****.****

Monday, January 12

What will you do if you were born a Palestinian?

Salah Mansour

After doing lots of research on the internet, I was shocked to find that the most candid answer to this question comes from Israelis; most importantly from Israeli leaders who gained political notoriety as a result of crushing Palestinians. This question started to interest me several years ago when I read a eulogy written by Moshe Dayan (a former Israeli Defense Minister) to his Israeli friend who was killed by a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip in 1955:

". . . Let us not today fling accusation at the murderers. What cause have we to complain about their fierce hatred to us? For eight years now, they sit in their refugee camps in Gaza, and before their eyes we turn into our homestead the land and villages in which they and their forefathers have lived.

We should demand his blood not from the [Palestinian] Arabs of Gaza but from ourselves. . . . Let us make our reckoning today. We are a generation of settlers, and without the steel helmet and gun barrel, we shall not be able to plant a tree or build a house. . . . Let us not be afraid to see the hatred that accompanies and consumes the lives of hundreds of thousands of [Palestinian] Arabs who sit all around us and wait for the moment when their hands will be able to reach our blood." (Iron Wall, p. 101)

Similarly, Ehud Barak (the current Israeli Defense Minister) was asked this question, and his reply was:

"If I were a Palestinian of the right age, I'd eventually join one of the terrorist organizations." (interviewed by Ha'aretz's Gideon Levy in March 1998)

Here in America, we're a brought up to believe in our sacred right to bare arms because the right of self-defense is enshrined in our American constitution. As an American, I have the right to defend my home and family here in Chicago by all possible means, even if my defense results in the death or injury of the assailant. However, as a Palestinian defending my home and family in Palestine, that makes me automatically the "terrorist" in the eyes of many in the Western world. It should be noted that when Palestinians rocket Israeli towns, they are rocketing their own homes and farms which have been usurped by Jews who recently escaped European anti-Semitism and pogroms, here are the names of a few of the usurped Palestinian towns which are located in what is now southern Israel: al-Majdal Asqalan, Faluja, Yibna, Huj & Najd.

The more I research Israeli history, the more I discover that Israelis have a hidden empathy to what Palestinians have experienced for the past 60 years. In my opinion, this is a proof that this conflict isn't only a colonial conflict over lands, but most importantly it's a conflict about the national identity which is connected to the land. Deep at heart, every Israeli Jew suspects that the Zionist narrative to be farce. However, because Israel was created by usurping Palestinian rights, Israelis and most Jews find it necessary to deny Palestinians of their national rights and identity. This Israeli insecurity (or paranoia) increases whenever Palestinians assert their national identity (i.e. resistance to colonialism, demanding the right of return, ..etc) because it reaffirms that this is a conflict that will transcend generations.

Our DATE is 60 years LATE, God willing sooner or later we shall return.

* Salah Mansour is the founder and editor of PalestineRemembered.com, the largest Palestinian online community.

Why Should I Be Angry?

2009-01-12T11:47:00.002+08:00

Why should I be angry?
Just because some fellow humans
find it cumbersome to stand for their fellow human
find it a futile effort to speak out against the tyranny and cruelty towards another
feel tired to make it to a gathering within Klang Valley
Why should I be angry?

I am not angry
I, am sad
I am sad that
there are those who feel
that any misfortune befalling their fellow human
wrongs committed, life massacred
of a child that barely know what happiness or justice is
of the tender soul of a pious woman
of the father to the child,
or the husband to the woman
these are all of little or no bearing to them
and all that concern them is of their immediate sphere
and nothing else

No, I am not angry
but look at the pictures below
and do try to arouse the compassion within
or at least,
pretend to
even that is better than not feeling anything at all

From: Abdul Razak Abu Bakar

Plzzzzz Keep forwarding this e-mail. Let people know what happens there. .
أرجوك استمر في تمرير هذه الرسالة، اجعل العالم يعرف ماذا يحدث هناك في فلسطين&nbs! p;

If you are not satisfied with the truth, the following pictures are war crimes as defined by the UN, The Hague and the Geneva Convention.

Using images of your enemy dead or alive (violation)

Human shields (violation)

Live Burial Torture (violation)

And as a last resort, Execution (violation)

(click on image to enlarge)
These IDF soldiers have faces... I can clearly see them...Cant you? Why are they not being prosecuted? Because it is systematic process that is driven by the government designed to force the people of Palestine into exile so Is! rael can claim all the land and resources.

Note* The picture above is of an incident several years old. This, and many more incidences, are how life is for the Palestinians. Do we have the right to complain when we missed watching Akademi Fantasia or its like - cakapaje.

This where my American tax dollars are going, do you know where your tax dollars are at? TAKE THE TIME TO FIND THE TRUTH. So many lives depend on it. I, like so many Americans, am Caucasian, non-Arab, and religious. I can no longer sit back with good conscience and do nothing while my government is supporting the types of terrorist actions that we have condemned Muslim Fundamentalist for. Call your Congressman and Senator, send an email to the White House and demand that our government negotiate FAIRLY with both sides and bring a fair and just solution to Palestine and Israel .

(CRUELTY OF ISRAEL

PLS SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS

He Aint Heavy, Hes My Brother - Hollies

AmanPalestin, Nov10, 2008

2009-01-11T20:58:00.008+08:00

What's there left to be said? Almost all the dailies carried the news of the rally in Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam, on Saturday, November 10, 2008. If any, then the only question left to be asked is "Where were the rest of the people of KL, PJ, Shah Alam, Klang, and neighbouring areas?"(click here), and why the double standard (click here).

Join The Boycott Campaign!

More pictures at Pictures-Only.

I Need My Baby!

2009-01-10T21:59:00.006+08:00

In the days before Custer was even born, the vast land of North America was the home to peace-loving people of various tribes and nations, and not the war-mongers and scalp hunters as western movies of the past portrayed them to be. True, the different tribe did engage themselves in battles with their neighbours. But it might be surprising to note that in at least one of the tribes, a greater honour is placed not in the killing of an enemy, but to touch him in a battle: coup! (click here).

To claim a coup, the warrior would be need to confront an enemy, touch him with his hand or coup-stick, and escape unharmed. The more coup the warrior achieve (each coup must have a witness), the higher he stands in his tribe, with feathers worn on his headgear as a testament to his bravery. However, there is another form of coup which does not add to a warrior's tale. And that is when he hunts a deer not for food, but just to touch it. The idea, is to test his skills in approaching a quarry undetected.

That's it! I need my own baby! I mean, it can real tiring especially on days like today has been, where I had to cover 2 events. Never mind the fact that at the second event, Wak Kasiran was on hand and doing most of the job there. But that I had to drive and run around just to get pictures and stories even before I lubricate my body properly, is enough to make me near short fuse. And after covering several events this past week I've come to realise that yes, I do need my own baby!

I mean, I don't mind going to places where some struts their baby with pride, holding them in front for everyone else to gawk. No, I don't mind that. After all, to each, his own rezeki-lah! But I do mind when I walk into a hall and every stares at me from head to toe and seem to be asking....well, you know what. But that is not so bad. What gets to me is not being able to do what those guys do with their babes!

Yes, I desperately do need a baby!

But, she's got to be something real special. Elegant. Stylish. Pleasant to look at.

She should also be able to focus on the subjects I have in mind and not succumb to some bodily dysfunction which could...well, ruin the occasion.

Most importantly, she must be digital.

Take this shot, for example. I wanted to get a close-up of the woman in yellow but did not want to get near her as I do not want her to be conscious of the camera. With a DSLR and zoom lens, the picture of someone elderly like her attending the rally against the inhumane mass murder in Gaza might open more hearts to attend future rallies as well as the boycott campaign.

Or this girl. She was quite lively on the floor facing the stage.

And this guy, I simply had to snap him for the A-Card slung over him advertising a book
"Mat Jenin Jadi PM?" Hmm...wonder who that Mat Jenin is.

And later in the afternoon, PAS Kelana Jaya held a ceremony to welcome over 100 people into its fold. Led by the former ameno Branch Chief in USJ1, they were officially accepted by Dato' Dr Hassan Ali. But what a shot I could have take of the beauty had she not realised it.
But alas, she slips lower than the table height. Er...I mean that small girl in her mother's arms ya :)

What beautiful shots, what tremendous coups I could have achieved had I my own DSLR. No offence to the borrowed Olympus which is handy and good for picnic shots...but I just must have my own baby! And they, don't come cheap. Woe me.

Will make a proper entry tomorrow on Aman Palestine's as well as the PAS Kelana Jaya events tomorrow.

Coffee-soaked Muruku

2009-01-08T20:45:00.006+08:00

Life must go on. So the saying goes. No matter how heavy the burden, how highly stacked the odds, one must find the will to continue one's life no matter the direction it leads. Hopefully, however, the direction leads to the silver lining in the sky, and who knows, perhaps the pot of gold at rainbow's end. Not literally, off course. The alternative to this course of life? Well, that's as good as being 6foot under...even when one is still breathing; truly sad state of affair not worth looking into, what else living it.

Understandably, its difficult for one to trudge on with one's life when bullets are whizzing just above one's head, or having nip one's ear in the process of find a mark. A single bullet, is a blind and deadly projectile that recognise neither friend nor foe, piercing itself deep into a body with a hole that can be smaller than the size of an ordinary button, but sometimes, much larger than that. And just as easily it invades the body, it can also leave it from the opposite end, leaving a wound that that is normally fatal. If not, then the searing pain may lead a lesser mind shrieking in agony, or silently numbed with shock. Left unattended, life oozes out in the form of a red liquid; itself more precious than the black gold which ironically is valued more by some. If not the black gold, then the very earth which, again ironically, every single one of us living beings, will turn into.

And that, was just about a single bullet. Not yet about the landmines, booby-traps, shrapnel, or the massively destructive missile launched from a safe distance away. A single girl by the name of Huwaida Araf however, stood defiant.

Tomorrow, just after the Jumaat prayers, Malaysians will be marching again towards the US Embassy in KL, from the KLCC Mosque. I regret not being able to join them there but insyAllah, will be at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam, for another show of protest which will begin at 10am, and led by Aman Palestine (click here).

Life, must go on.

For me and another one or 2 bloggers who just did not have the heart to continue blogging, we are actually admitting defeat for a people who have not. For them, we must steel our heart and continue with our own while not forgetting their struggle. For instance, indulge in a Indocoffee-soaked Muruku quite similar to eating cereal with milk.

Having been a Nescaffe drinker for more than 20years, the shift to Indocoffee was necessitated several years back in an effort to boycott any organisations which either have links, or directly or indirectly contribute to the illegal zionist regime. Care to join?

Oh! Do visit Elviza here for ways to contribute towards the Palestinians. Alternatively, there are 2 donation drives:

1. 'Tabung Amanah Cakna Palestin', Bank Islam Malaysia melalui akaun 03018010122939, and

2. Tabung Bantuan Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin atas nama PARTI ISLAM SEMALAYSIA di akaun Maybank 564070703248".

ps. Hey! I do need this space too! I mean, I do find a need to go bonkers every now and then. Well, that and besides the fact that this blog is the only decent place I can practice my English before it sinks deeper than a sinking ship in the deepest abyss. That is, off course, if its not there already.

Tie Your Camel

2009-01-05T21:16:00.007+08:00

Lyrics Excerpt

Angie, angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, angie, where will it lead us from here?

Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke

Oh, angie, don’t you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes

Come on baby, dry your eyes
But angie, angie, ain’t it good to be alive?
Angie, angie, they can’t say we never tried

One day Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (At-Tirmidhi).
- IOL

Please sign the petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/etgs1/petition.html

Pictures credit: Windows Into Palestine

No Appetite

2009-01-02T01:10:00.003+08:00

For 2 days now, I've tried to put in an entry or 2 but the moment I am online, I feel lost and decided to scrap my thoughts. Not quite like the way Gaza is being scrapped, but related to it. Then I became highly irritated was at short-fuse, spitting venom at the CSR staff of a hypermarket simply because it took ages for them to locate their supervisor who was needed to key in her code to print the receipt for the stuff I bought.

Hey! I paid for the stuff and the cashier was kind enough to give me a handwritten receipt as his printer ran out of paper. But I just do not want to walk off only to be stopped by some store detectives who may think differently. And sure enough, even as I was walking towards the CSR counter, the lady waiting to check the receipts of buyers walking out, was herself hesitant about letting me through. Only after the cashier inform her, was I able to proceed. And I really did cause a scene at the CSR Counter.

So earlier tonight, I thought it would be wiser for me to start another blog to put the serious stuff there and let this blog be gila-gila - an outlet for my...well, gila-gila lah! But no sooner when I came online, I just had to view the video below, and the accompanying text at IIR. Needless to say, I again lost my want to write.

For A People Far Away

2008-12-30T21:48:00.004+08:00

Indeed, several did ask, of what great use we stood and voiced out against the mass murder in Gaza? I ask back, if not us, then who else should? Or perhaps, the poem below would make sense.

Unknown Author
First, they came for the Communists.
and I didn't speak up,
because I was not a Communists
Then, they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up,
because I wasn't a Jew
Then, they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up
because I was not a Catholic,
Then, they came for the Protestants,
and I didn't speak up
because I wasn't a Protestants...

Then they came for the Palestinians,
and I still didn't speak up,
because I am not a Palestinian
Then they came for the Muslims,
I tried to speak up, because I am a Muslim
But by then my voice is drowned by my own frenzy
...and there is no one else to speak for me.

/end

The number of people who came to show their support for the Palestinians under siege in Gaza, numbered no more than one thousand. But considering the short notice given, and the year-end holiday period, it suffice. But perhaps, had it been held on a Friday and after the prayers, the numbers may equal to protest at Denmark House, as well as the US Embassy (during Israeli invasion of Lebanon). Still, it was heartening to note that several came from Ipoh specifically for this show of protest.

Cikgu Ali of AlHusseyn (brown kopiyah) came all the way from Ipoh
together with a bus load of supporters.

Just after 11.30am, the Malaysians who came from all walks of life -
muslimin, muslimat, the elderly, and the young -
and had been garthering at Bangunan Tabung Haji,
began their short march to the US Embassy some 500meters away.

Leading the people were leaders from PAS: YB Salahuddin Ayub, YB Dr Lo'Lo',
Dr Syed Azman, and Mohammad Sabu.

While the leaders handed the protest memorandum to a US Embassy representative,
the crowd displayed their flags, banners and placards.

After handing the memo, YB Salahuddin then led a short press conference right outside the gates of the embassy, and later led the crowd back to Bangunan Tabung Haji to disperse peacefully...just as many of the PAS-led protest have always been.

More pictures at Pictures-Only.

*off note:
It does seem sad, that while these group of Malaysians are tyring to stand up for justice, another was not. During the Anti-ISA campaign in Bangi last night, this other group wore T-shirts displaying the words 'Kekal kan ISA', where the ISA itself is against humanitarian grounds and affronts Islamic Laws; their very act can be construed nothing else but provocative. I will not dignify them with their pictures here, but one can always read about it here.

Gaza Latest

2008-12-30T00:39:00.003+08:00

Please read

1. Gaza strike is not against Hamas, it’s against all Palestinians’

2. Gaza: The Untold Story.

Seeking Justice From Afar

2008-12-28T16:11:00.004+08:00

To all kind visitors of my blog, kindly pass this message from Harakahdaily around. I know many of my friends and visitors do read Harakahdaily, but I just want to repeat it for the sake of justice against oppression and aggression -

JOIN US AT THE US EMBASSY in KL
TO DEMONSTRATE AGAINST
THE LATEST MASS MURDER OF PALESTINIANS!

The report at Harakah can be read here. There are also fresh articles at Windows Into Palestine here, and an analysis on the masacre here.

Do note that this attack was planned, and not a retaliatory strike as suggested by international media (and Malaysia too!). Read the 3 excerpts from Harakahdaily below and digest it. As we enter the new Hijrah year 1430 with joy, think, and weep for our fellow human brothers in Gaza.

1. "diucapkan oleh seorang pegawai pertahanan awam entiti haram Israel bernama Ofer Shmerling: Saya akan bermain muzik hari ini dan merayakan apa yang dilakukan oleh tentera udara Israel".

2. Dalam keganasan terbaru itu, lebih dari 100 tan bom dihunjam oleh pengganas-pengganas Israel ke atas orang-orang awam, kanak-kanak, wanita dan orang-orang tua di Gaza dan angka kematian kini menghampiri 250 manakala lebih 400 cedera.

3. Dakwaan Amerika itu bertentangan dengan pendedahan akhbar Haaretz Israel yang menyatakan, keganasan terbaru Israel di Gaza itu telah dirancang sejak enam bulan lalu dan bukan disebabkan sebarang provokasi.

Then read and weep at this email:

Zionists continued shelling Palestinian houses in Gaza strip
For the second day, the Zionist massive air strikes continued in Gaza strip a lot of martyrs and injuries reached to more 271 martyrs and 900 injuries, between them about 180 man, women and children in serious conditions.

The last Zionist raids were in what was so called "Kfar Darom", the Zionist war jets targeted two police quarters, in previous time, the Zionist targeting hit Palestinian farms, another raid was in the central of Al Shoja'eya neighborhood ten Palestinians were injured, the last raid was at a building in Rafah city.

Early at this morning, the war planes targeted a medicine storage in Al Jenainah neighborhood Rafah city and targeted in the same time a house, Palestinian medical sources reported that three Palestinians were martyred in the raid.

The number of the Palestinian martyrs according to Dr. Muawya Hassanien, the head of the emergency, reach to 271 and 180 of them are in serious conditions.

The war planes targeted a room for security men in Al Shifaa hospital in Gaza city, in addition to a mosque near the hospital, the raid results was martyring Palestinian man and injuring seven. Medical sources in the hospitals reported that the hospitals received some damages.

Dr. Muawya Hassanien added that last night three Palestinians were martyred in when the Zionist war planes targeted Palestinians east of Gaza city in Al Shoja'eya neighborhood. Earlier three Palestinians were killed and four were injured in two air raids, one of them was on Al Zaytoon neighborhood killed a Palestinian, and the second was in Jabaliya, two Palestinians were killed.

Hasanin added that there 15 victims who could not be identified because their bodies were badly mutilated, adding that at 80 of the victims were mutilated.

He said that the rapid rise in the death toll was due to the recovery of new victims from under the rubbles and the continuing Zionist air strikes which have not stopped until the early hours of Sunday.

Hasanin also said that hospitals are lacking medicines and medical materials necessary for treating the wounded calling on Arab countries to provide the essential medical supplies urgently.

Our presence at the US Embassy - you, me, and as many Malaysians possible - may not make a difference, and may not even assist in abating the grieve in Gaza. But, would you rather sit quietly in the comfort of your homes, and go for a stroll with your loved ones, while pretending that this world is all nice and rosy, and the events outside your immediate sphere affect you not? If so - and I have never uttered such remarks in this blog - you are a cold heartless human not deserving of any respect. My apologies to the rest if I sound harsh. But if this is harsh, then think again about the people in Gaza now.

US Embassy KL
11am.

If there is any change, insyAllah I will notify through this blog.

Salam Ma'al Hijrah 1430!

Thank you, Mydin!

2008-12-24T23:42:00.007+08:00

Addendum 26.12.08:
Apart from the activities involving hospital visits, assisting victims of natural disasters, the LKKPP either together with Kami Prihatin (BAKiP) or by itself, will try to embark on the project quite similar as stated by lanh14 in the Harakah 22-25 December 2008 issue above.

This project has been discussed in previous meetings several times already and insyAllah, when it does take-off, will assist many more parents of school-going children to lessen their burden. The main huddle to this project is more towards the pick-up points of books contributed rather than the distribution of it.

/end.

**************....*************

The Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, today took more than 15 needy and lower income families to Mydin Hypermart in USJ, to assist the families in preparing their children's needs for the coming shool-year 2009. Most of the family were picked from the Titiwangsa Parliamentary constituency in KL, while a few were from outside.

Arriving at Mydin, they were greeted by the Corporate Officers and Executives of the hypermart and were given a small briefing by a Mydi spokesman. The families were then taken into the hypermart where they were given vouchers totaling to RM120 per child, a joint contribution from the LKKPP and Mydin.

The families were then treated to lunch at Nasi Kandar Padang Kota, located within the hypermart building.

InsyAllah, Harakah will print this story. More pictures at Pictures-Only.

A Rare Find - For Stamp Collectors!

2008-12-21T20:59:00.001+08:00

While at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail's wet market yesterday, I spotted an elderly gentleman opening his booth and soon later, arranging his wares. Normally, I would not give much notice to such scene as he is like many there, selling his wares. Ironically, it was his wares which attracted me as it does not seem to blend with the other traders there. From afar, I notice his wares were documents and some books, and decided to inspect the booth closely. And I am glad I did.

Its been ages since I last met or heard anything or anyone who is into Stamp Collection. In fact, the last I dare say, was whilst I was in school but I was never into it. The only stamp lines that really intrigued me then was the Magyar Posta, but only because the name sounded so strange, so exotic. Emi and Din though, did give it a try during their primary days but that was all. About a year back while spring cleaning the house, I found one of Din's album and kept it aside should any of his children find interest in it later. Somehow, from the way they are now, I don't think they will ever be. But the future, well, none can tell.

Anyway, the gentleman at the booth introduced himself as Encik Mubarak Ali Rajak, a Council Member of the Philatelic Society of Malaysia. He said he was trying to reintroduce this hobby of his to the younger generations and I was delighted when he began in earnest showing some of his collection, one of which, he puts the value at RM5,000,000, and making it perhaps the most expensive stamp in the world!

I've always had the notion that collectors stamps are valued according to their beautiful design and print. Well, yes and no, as Mubarak explained it to me. Some of the most expensive stamps came to be due to printing fault either by the printers, or the post office themselves. Off course there are perhaps other ways to value stamps, and another, according to him, is the total amount of gate-money collected when a particular stamp is exhibited. But the stamp he holds now, is more due to the misprint on it. For someone who has been involved in the printing industry, that, piqued my interest even more.

As can be seen from the picture above, the stamp is still affixed to the envelope used for postage. Printed in 1967, it seems no one paid attention to it until Mubarak found it (the envelope was posted to his father in Kuantan by the then The Chartered Bank - click here to my Pictures-Only blog for more pictures and related document-image).

Before the digital printing age, documents are printed in layers according to the colour specs, and this include separate layers for some texts as well. Evidently, while printing this particular stamp line, the printers missed out one layer - the stamp postage price! I am uncertain as to how many in the line survived now, but according to the research made by Mubarak, his is the only one. And that, makes them stamp rare and expensive.

Anyone interested, do click on the image-document on Pictures-Only for Mubarak's contact details.

A Semi-Old Tiger

2008-12-19T21:48:00.006+08:00

Amongst the family of the big cats, tigers are one of the few that lives a solitary life. It does seem odd that for a creature that's known as the King of the Jungle, these big pussycats do not know how to socialise. Or perhaps, it is in their nature.

To some, tigers are seen as aloof, distancing themselves from all other citizens of the jungle. Then again, perhaps due to his very nature, nothing is more correct than the opposite. After all, when one goes to meet another, even if the other is acknowledged as a king, one really do not wish to be served as the main course, do one? I mean, not everyone wants to be like the male specie of a black widow spider - the moment after she's sexually satisfied, the male is then served as the meal. Not quite like breakfast-in-bed, I think. But then...

Anyway, tigers normally live up to 26years in captivity and about half of that in the wild. Born with claws that at a later stage could rip through the tough hide of a wild buffalo or hog, they are basically nothing but real adorable while still suckling milk from their mother. After about 2 to two and a half years of in-house training, each grown cubs would need to search a turf or territory of their own. That, is where the real trouble begins.

In the wild, a male tiger would have a larger territory that would include several female turfs. But as mentioned, that's in the wild; a life some consider barbaric and...well, wild. These wild tigers now number less than 5,000 worldwide and are coming close to extinction due their shrinking habitat caused by human encroachment. Worse still, they are being hunted by some solely for the belief that their body parts contain aphrodisiac for humans. Hmm...not much different than the life of the black widow's male, is it? But that's in the wild. Now, more and more are being kept in a...shall we say, civilised manner? I mean, though the space may be limited, being fed daily like a royalty is not bad.

However, do not ever mistaken a captive tiger for a tame one. Never! For coarsing in their veins, are the blood of a ferocious animal that should never be taken for granted. Like the guy below.

Oops! My apologies. That picture above is of a kitten taken from Alin's blog. Somehow, when you need a real good picture to show your true self, you just can't find it! Sigh...

Anyway, in searching for his own turf, many a tiger travel far and wide, some even to distant lands. Still, there are those lucky individuals who just sit around and bide his time, quite like the very nature of a tiger in stalking a prey. Just as in hunting where a predator average out something like a measly one meal out of 8 or 9 attempts, likewise it is with the tiger who bides his time; many of them meet their maker first, leaving the territory open to others. Poor guys. One particular tiger however, is still holding on as best he can.

Still wild at heart, this tiger has been knocking on fate's door many times before only to be told he's on hold, while the queue keeps getting longer and longer and more younger and physically fitter males keep on pawing at his heels. And keeping all those beasts at bay, is no easy job for a tiger that may have passed his prime. For tonight, at the stroke of midnight, this tiger officially turn 46. And still, that spot of sunlight, that place in the sun, that moment would lead him to greater heights, eludes him.

ROAR! Said the tiger!

Photo credit: fotograf.turkcebilgi.com

Rubbish of an Excuse

2008-12-18T17:56:00.004+08:00

Once, the view from where the picture above was taken, may have been beautiful, and even majestic. Perched on the slope of a high hill, it may have offered resident and visitors a commanding vista of the Klang Valley. And at night, the lights from the houses and streets of the cities below, mirror the star-lit skies above. A heavenly picture, if one may say.

However, that was in the past. Now, though the view outwards still exist, the immediate area looks more like a rubbish dump.

Reading Malaysiakini report of JKR's refusal to hand over their report to the MB of Selangor (read here), I can think nothing but further cover-up by the Sarkas in trying to protect their toyol as well as officers from the previous state government.

"JKR sebaliknya hanya memaklumkan "terlalu banyak implikasi" sekiranya salinan laporan itu diserahkan Abdul Khalid" as quoted in the report, what else can anyone think of? This is nothing but total rubbish, just like the Sarkas and all its goons.

Bkt Antarabangsa Sunday 14Nov 2008

2008-12-15T21:24:00.011+08:00

Foremost, I would like to highlight a point or two: this posting and any related to it, are not meant to capture the scene of the tragedy, rather, another perspective of the site other than the mainstream media.

Another is that, the mainstream media would only showcase the 'heroic' acts of the Sarkas while rarely or never ever, show the unselfish assistance of the common people, most especially those from the Pakatan Rakyat. An example of how a Sarkas goon was trying to hog the limelight for herself was printed in The Star today.

While visiting the relief and support center, the lady noticed many PAS Muslimat and PKR Women assisting the Red Crescent (PBSM) there. She immediately directed those from PAS and PKR to be sent away. But a PBSM officer told her bluntly "There ladies have been assisting us here since Day1 without any fanfare from the media. Had it not been for them, we could not have managed by ourselves!".

Sincere Assitance.
The members of Unit AMAL were on hand from Day1, providing what assistance they can to the victims, stranded residents as well as authorities. When Wak and I began our coverage, none of them knew we were coming. Nor were they expecting anyone to cover their story.

In an area smaller than Petaling Jaya, AMAL was as elusive as perhaps, the Yeti - we simply could not find them on the first 2 days we were there! Operating without communication equipment except for handphones, we finally managed to find one AMAL unit on the morning of the 3rd day. But by then, Wak and I had to split where Wak made coverage of B Doc Lo'Lo' while I took shots of the AMAL unit in Impiana Selatan Apartment blocks.

Top left: Residents of Bkt A'bangsa in a jovial mood.
Top right: An Amal member (l) with an apartment owner.
Bottom left: A friend of an owner lending his hand.
Bottom right: The owners driving off perhaps, for the last time.

AMAL members in the midst of moving the belonging of an apartment unit.
Bottom left: Whle the truck provided free by MPAJ is equiped with automatic lift platform,
the furniture and other belonging still needed manual labour
which was provided by these AMAL members.

Soon, if not already, the apartment blocks will be left empty, left as a desolate monument
of a tragedy that could have been avoided.
No amount of money or valuable possession such as the (abandoned?) sports car (bottom left),
can equal the treasure of a human life.

The only true possession a Muslim has are: A pious son, sadaqa,

and good knowledge imparted towards the betterment of others.

Road Closure.

Rain or shine, AMAL has come to the fore in many occasions, locally and abroad.
They were there during the Johor Floods, Kampung Berembang,
Kampung Rimba Jaya, and a host of places.
Off course, they were also there during the 10-11 BERSIH March.
Internationally, many of them have been to Acheh, Mindanao, Thailand, Pakistan,
and several more, assiting the citizens with what they could.

YB Doc Lo'Lo', was a difficult subject to capture on camera; everytime I tried,
she would be face another direction at the last minute. Either that, or the lighting were bad.
Limping from the apartment block up the hill towards the tent,
I was caught unaware when she she said
"Why didn't you call AMAL (to assist you)?"
But, what a lady.

Due to confusion in communication, many people were left stranded on the hill
when the authorities closed the only road available for the above reason.

While many understood and relented, a few bickered with the security personnel
for blocking their road and even hurled abusive words at them.
Someone then came up with a bright idea to use AMAL's whiteboard to convey
the message of road closure.
Bottom right: Asri(l) and Farhan - the good Doc's assistant and son respectively
- helping to carry supplies to LKKPP's tent.

During the heavy downpour on that day, many had to huddle in this small tent which lay some 200meters from the landslide path. It was also where LKKPP and Unit AMAL used to distribute food.
Top right: Unit AMAL members performing the Zohor prayers within a small confine.

Soon after performing Zohor prays, only then did they have their lunch.

Shamsul of LKKPP beside the AMAL whiteboard which had another use later.

The Man of the Day! Nik Shahrul was a very busy man throughout the days on and after the tragedy.
He however accredited OCPD Ampang, Tuan Khalid (if I am not mistaken of the name),
for allowing him to assist.

To many people I met and spoke, the tragedy here is not in the event itself. Rather, the development of a hill which is largely made of soft earth. That, is beside the fact that the whole area is a water catchment area.

Due to the road closure, I did not get the chance to take any pictures of the volunteers at the support center.

Single Mothers' Day

2008-12-15T11:22:00.005+08:00

Kindly spread the news, please.

ps. Will update the Bkt Antarabangsa later. Somehow, my body is still aching...legs, actually.

Bukit Antarabangsa Post Tragedy Close-Up

2008-12-13T20:36:00.009+08:00

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Somehow, when I look through the photos I took yesterday and today, I think I fail to live up to the expectations. Perhaps, because the tragedy has passed and thus, the pictures cannot convey the sadness of the victims, nor the actual destruction of that day.

When Cornelius Ryan was commissioned to write the accounts of D Day at Normandy during the 2nd World War, he did not even know where to begin, and asked for the soldiers and their next-of-kin to write to him telling the accounts of the day from their eyes. Thousands did! And from there after interviewing many of them personally, the mental map he needed was formed and the book "The Longest Day", written. Do forgive me then as I try to put as many things on this blog, and failing in the process; I am far from being anywhere even near his status.

The Base Camp.
As mentioned in the previous posting, I had not wanted to go to the scene of this tragedy, but changed my mind on Thursday night soon after a meeting with Doctor Lo'lo' and the LKKPP. The next day, on Friday afternoon, I arrived hoping to find PAS volunteers as well as record the ongoing rescue work. I registered as a volunteer at the base camp on Jalan Antarabangsa, introducing myself from LKKPP and was issued a tag. To ensure the security of the area, different tags are issued - one, for the residents; the other for security personnel, media and volunteer workers.

For volunteers, the tags issued are valid only for 3hours, after which, one must re-register again.
This is to prevent the abuse of the permission given and to allow authorities to identify
and keep tabs of the people there.

The Road.

The only road up.

The above road, was where the media had painted as 'pesta makan'.
I was told by Nik Shahrul that it truly did happen, especially on the first after the landslide.

The authorities has set up at least 2 base camps - the one above is the main camp where commands are issued, while the other is a support camp or relief center, situated at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Klang (am not too sure of the name). On both days of my being there, I did not have the chance to visit the support camp. InsyAllah, I will do so tomorrow but have been told that there are lesser activity there as compared to previous days.

Since the road above led to the temporary road built by the army and later upgraded by the JKR, all vehicles had to form a queue as the temporary road can only support vehicles in one direction at a given time. Vehicles going each direction had to wait up to 30minutes while vehicles from opposite directions pass through. Somehow, it reminds me of Frasers Hill of old.

The path of the landslide cannot be seen aproper unless from air. But it lies there, not more than 50meters after the crane.

Fit for 4wheel drive.

In total, there were 3 bridges built. 2, were by the authorities meant for vehicles - one pontoon and the other as the one above. The 3rd bridge, was hand-built by several volunteers and residents, and was led by YB Tien Chua. It was built to facilitate residents to travel by foot to another road via a small valley. In fact, this 3rd bridge was unofficially named 'Tien Chua Bridge' by some of the residents as well as workers.

Temporary Road.

When the army built the temporary road, they built it in the only way they know best
- using materials such as above to provide traction for the vehicles' tyres.
Perhaps best used only by 4wheel drive, the drive up and down may cause heavy tear
on the tyres as well as shock absorbers of normal cars.

On the first day there, I picked up passengers while going up and down the hill. One of them was a Mr Richard Foo, the Manager for Oakleaf Club. He recounted several events of the actual day, which would be too long for me to write here. Earlier today just as when I was about to go up, I met him again. This time however, he had just come down the hill. When I introduced myself as being a representative for the LKKPP and hence, PAS, he was delighted and highly praised the AMAL unit. It was Mr Food and an Azhar who helped snapped the photos from within as my hands were already full trying to maneuver the car.

A Tough Climb.

Credit must be given to the Army, JKR, as well as TNB in trying to facilitate
all concerned with the building of the temporary road, in the shortest time possible.

A Smoother Ride.

Within several hours of early morning Saturday - 12midnight to 6am -
the JKR managed to build a tar road for half of the stretch of the temporary road.

The Scene.
Many reporters as well a volunteers were adviced not to proceed to closely to the landslide path as earth movements are still being felt and recorded. Thus apart from this restriction, Wak and I did not concentrate too much on the actual scene of the tragedy. Further, such photos have already been splashed on almost all dailies. We did however, managed to take shots where it all began.

One almost demolished, the other on the edge.

Notice the row of houses on the edge of the now crest at the far background of the photo.
Unless there is a miracle, the houses there are in grave danger.

From a slightly different position.
The trees swayed first, many said.
The creaking sound produced was eerie.
Then the earth gave way.

When the earth moved.
This was where the nightmare began.

The Front Line.

Once a small park and playground, the area is now deserted save for the few
who are either brave residents, or workers trying to salvage what they can
from an almost hopeless situation. Several rows of apartment blocks lie on the edge
of what can be a raging torrent of water brought by heavy rain.

Personnel from various military and para military units work round the clock.

Taking a much needed break.

I managed to mingle with the security personnel above who were taking their much needed break. Many look tired...and some, frustrated. It seem, some snobbish residents had accused them of not doing their job and even name calling them. Truth is, as men and women of uniform, they cannot act according to their whims and fancies, and have to await orders from their command post. This is most especially true when each are assigned particular task and cannot leave their post unattended.

During a light moment with several FRU personnel, we caught them with a jibe "next when you confront us (Pakatan Rakyat party members) on the streets, do have a heart before swinging your baton". They, looked at us with a shock and were unable to utter any reply.

These employess of a company engaged by JKR to study the earth movement there,
should also be considered front-line heroes as they sit under the apartment
which is next to the raging flood of water.
But, it is a job they must do with 2 teams, each on a 12hour shift.

Some of the many volunteers represent various organisations. Clockwise from top right:
Zun Arif of Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) with Wak Kasiran from webtv8;
Shahrul Niza, one of the first few on the scene (in my previous posting I noted his name as Nik),
posing with Sasha, formerly of the singing group Elite - she lives in the area;
some volunteers whose names I did not get;
and Kem, who heads the AMAL unit for the area.

Have We Not Learnt?

Top left: An abandoned project nearby to the tragedy.
Top right: A new project taking off along Zoo Negara road.
Bottom: A clubhouse under construction about 2km away from the tragedy.
Will it now be abandoned?

InsyAllah, tomorrow Sunday, will be my last day there. But I will try to get as many more pictures and stories possible.

Whether man-made history, or natural tragedy, no single person can convey the magnanimity of destruction that was brought onto the population of this planet. For all the money spent in astronomy and the search for life in outer space, would it not be wiser to spend more towards the betterment of the the society here on Earth? For this society we have here, comprise of humans, animals, plants, and the earth itself. Can't we, the human, teach ourselves to co-live in peace and harmony with the rest of the population?

News Bits

2008-12-12T10:40:00.004+08:00

Due to time constrain, this is a hasty entry and some parts may jumbled up.

The Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat held their monthly meeting last night which your truly was able to attend. One of the meeting agendas was the landslide in Bukit Antarabangsa which certain quarters are trying to hijack the media attention and portray themselves as heroes. The truth is however, uglier than the scene of the tragedy.

When I first heard then read about the tragedy, my heart cried for the victims. Then, when the media began displaying charitable acts (of courage?) by namely the Sarkas, I turn my back and refuse to read anymore. However, an account by Athirah Aliman, one of the leaders of PAS Muslimat in Harakahdaily made me think twice. Then in the meeting last we were presented with first hand report of the situation there which I think is best for me to put in point form.

* One of the first person to come to the rescue is a certain Nik, a well-off youngster who seem to dedicate his time to welfare works. It was he who went up the hill and began assisting the victims there. Doctor Lo'Lo' gave this account as she is close to Nik.

* The so called 'Pesta Makanan' may have been exaggerated slightly. True, many people have come forward with all sorts of food and what not, but they remain at the bottom of the hill and seem for the rescue parties, volunteers and 'volunteers'. Precious little of the food prepared from this place made it to the victims.

* Many PAS volunteers were there from the early stages of post tragedy. But since many of them do not wear identification such as vests, hats or badges, the media either did not know or were told not to report. PKR volunteers were also at hand to assist the victims.

* YB Azmin Ali is there daily in his bid to provide assistance but have to 'fight' his way in as Sarkas and certain people in uniform tries to hamper his every move. YB Zuraidah is currently in Mekah performing her Haj. Many PR YBs are also giving what assistance they can from behind the scene. YB Khalid Samad of Shah Alam is in the midst of preparing further assistance and volunteers from PAS Shah Alam.

* Unit AMAL and many other organisations from PAS are there daily to provide food and assistance to the victims directly instead of through parties there. Some 'Volunteers' from Sarkas do try to prepare food for the victims, but get their materials from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, which is then packed in Sarkas bags - how so very kind of them.

* Without electricity, one 8month pregnant lady walked down from her 11storey apartment and was met halfway by Doc Lo'lo'. The Doc helped her down and took her to a helicopter nearby. The crew initially refused but the backed down due to the Doc's persistence.

* YB Iskandar suffered a mild stroke due to media's lie - it was reported that the relief centers were packed to the hilt! When he went to the center, there were actually only 2 families seeking shelter there.

* Hj Zainal of LKKPP cooks and pack about 300 rations twice a day which is sent directly to the victims. Several other organisations under PAS are doing likewise as there are still a sizeable number trapped. This is in contrast to Sarkas food which a media report was thrown away - food meant for the victims with raw materials from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.

* Soon after the either the pontoon or bailey bridge and temporary road was built by the army, a long queue of vehicles was formed in a bid to move out. At one point of time, a vehicle veered off the bridge and into the small ravine. It was very soon after that a Sarkas Aman vehicle tried to jump the queue but was forced back AMAL volunteers under the orders of Doc Lo'lo'. The Doc mentioned that the PGA (auxilary unit) had only 3 personnel there to mainain order.

InsyAllah, I will try to write more as and when I receive the news. Wak Kasiran and I will try to give coverage through webtv8 so that Malaysians can get a truer picture instead of the distorted news from mainstream media which is mainly for the benefit of the Sarkas and not the victims.

On behalf of Doc Lo'Lo and Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, I invite Malaysians to give their small contribution to the victims; it may not be in monetary form as many times has proven your time and energy may prove to be more valuable. Should one wish to give monetary assistance, the account number for LKKPP is as below:

Bank Islam 12113010026150

If you do, please do inform the Treasurer, Puan Raja Rozita at 019 357 5857

Belated

2008-12-10T01:16:00.006+08:00

The 2 kids had their run up the steep staircase leading to the attic stopped right at the first rung. Many times in the past they had been told of scary tales about the attic, and many times after that they would hear strange sounds emanating from it; the attic, or loteng, as it is known in Melaka, was built above a room adjacent to the living hall where the children would sleep whenever they follow their parents back to Melaka; in the dim light of the kerosene lamp at night, the 2 kids huddle close to their mother, fearing they would be snatched away by some unknown forces of the stories told to them by their elder siblings.

Looking up the staircase, the 2 kids must have had second thoughts about climbing up. On a rung or 2 leading to the attic, dried red droplets can be seen clearly. "Its just red ink!" cried Eli, a girl younger than the 2 kids as she rush past them up the staircase. "Honest!" she cried to her elder brother and sister "I saw Emi and Din put them just to scare both of you", and she dissapeared from view.

Ana and her younger brother looked at each other then braved themselves up to the attic.

Aje had explored every inch of the old house in Melaka Pindah save for this loft. For a kid who has never been there, it was a near majestic feeling. Here he was in this distant past, in the room which he had been afraid of entering, and found every item laid out in the open of a room which is as large as the 'rumah ibu', had a magical touch to them. He was still afraid, but could not help himself exploring as much as possible as even then, he knew he might just not find the courage to climb up again. He never did.

With the passing of time, the house now belong to the third generation of the original occupant, a Haji Jetti Ahmad. Quite rightly so, its original architecture too has been changed either to suit the comfort of the new owner, or due to ravages of time where many of the wooden panels, walls and flooring cost more to upkeep than the cement and bricks that replaced them. The facade of the house however, remain largely the same.

Back in the attic, Aje found a large chest, one which could have held several kids of his size within it. At that age, he did not know what to make of the chest. But as he grew older, he is reminded of it every time he reads or watch a movie where normally, chests as such hold treasures beyond dreams. Aye, quite like a pirate's chest. Any romantic notions for this particular chest Aje had however, were dashed when at a later age he learnt that the chest belonged to his late grandfather and grandmother, and had been used for a Haj trip way back when Aje was just an infant.

Back then in the mid 1960's, Haj pilgrims did not have the luxury of air travel and made their way by sea. Their voyage then, may take up to several weeks at sea. Together with about a month at Mekah and Medina, they may spend a total of 3 months away from home. And thus, into the chest went all that is precious to their survival. Amongst these items would include a stove, some cooking utensils and simple crockery, and...maybe hard to believe, but batu lesung meant for the preparation of sambal belacan. The latter, after all, is a dish which very few Malay can live without for a long duration. Off course, today, with all the convenience of Haj travel and lodging, it is no longer necessary to lug anymore. Besides, the very weight of the batu lesung can tear through the fabrics of today's luggage.

The chest above looks quite like the chest found in the attic.
Picture credit: Pirates Lair

For a pilgrim, performing the Haj then is almost akin to saying the last farewell to his kampung folks. Without the convenience of modern day travel and pilgrimage, there was a high fatality rate. Off course, when one compare to generations and age way before even then, the conditions were much tougher. Thus, whenever a man leaves for the Haj, almost the entire kampung would bade him farewell, accompanying right to the gates of his departure such as Port Klang. And it was at one of the gates at this port that a 5year old Aje waved goodbye to an elderly man boarding a ship destined for the Holy Land.

Belated now as it is, I pray for all Muslims, especially those performing the Haj this year:

"TaqabbAllahu minna wa minkum "
May Allah accept our good deeds.

"Kullu am wa antum bi-khair

May you and the whole world be well

EID -UL-ADHA MUBARAK

* Had wanted to write this entry earlier but I was disturbed with the tragic events of the landslide in Ampang and the accident involving the express bus at Pagoh. As always, bad news sink slowly into me.

Though I am unable to verify, I was informed that hillside development in Ampang area was prohibited by the British Authorities way before Merdeka. If true, then the Be-End government has taken Malaysia back to before colonial days, perhaps heading back to primeval times. Curses be on you Be-End. May you rot in hell for every anguish a Malaysian suffer.

Educating Cakapaje

2008-12-04T21:50:00.004+08:00

It was not an unexpected meet. But it was, an unexpected topic in a conversation that lasted till 2.30am. Aje however, came a whole lot wiser after that long conversation with 3 wise men.

Caught unaware, Wise Man 1 asked Aje "You are 46 already, when are you going to settle down?". Before Aje could reply Wise Man 2 butted in "I'm sorry if this offend you, but you are aware about birds and bees, aren't you?".
"Heck, having been a science stream student during secondary school, off course I am. I mean, we learn in biology class about animals, and even dissected several bees but not birds. Off course, I know what birds and bees are. The former is feathery with wings, while the latter is small, and can be hairy. But the thing is, BIRDS (and I stress the pronunciation there), eat insects, don't they?" Aje replied.
Dush! Aje suddenly felt a slight dull pain on his head as the third Wise Man smacked him with newspaper.
"Aje!" shouted WM2 "we are serious here!"
Deep in his mind, Aje whispered "I thought I was!"
Anyway, soon after they caught whiff that Aje may not be aware of the metaphor, they explained it in length.
"Oh that...." said Aje half blushing "say lah".

To cut short a long conversation, the 3 parted their thoughts and experience about married life. WM1 mentioned about Saiyidina Omar alKhatab who, when berated by his wife, accepted it willingly. "She (the wife)" WM1 quoted the Khalifah, "washes, cooks, cleans the house, bore and raised the children, and do many more things which very few other people would for me. Thus, if she feels irked about something and make noise about it, it would not be right for me to not to listen to her".
"In other words" WM1 said "everyone make mistakes and no one is perfect. Accept your partner's imperfection, for it fits her perfectly".

WM2, perhaps the wisest of the 3, then mentioned that marriage is not all bed of roses. Sometimes, and there are many of those times, the thorns do pierce our skin. But without the thorn, then the bed of plant there would certainly not be of the rose variety.

WM3, who did not say much all during the conversation, finally put in his words "You remember the book 'The Icon' by Frederick Forsythe?"
Aje shook his head, his mind unable to concentrate on that.
"Well," said WM3 "towards the end of the book and as the Masterspy was talking to his protege, the Masterspy's wife called out to him to follow her in gardening, which he later did. To show how much the Masterspy loved his wife, Forsythe cleverly inserted a line telling though the Masterspy hates gardening, he does so willingly and ungrudingly out of love to his wife. So sometimes Aje, you do have to do things which you do not like, but you do so without showing your feelings towards it. Comprande?"
"Si!" replied Aje with his face tilted down.

Right at the end, WM1 bluntly asked "So, when are you getting married?"
To that, Aje replied "Wa per sher tau!"

The 3 Wise Men walked away rather disappointed. 1, 2, 3.

Yet, Another Tag!

2008-12-03T23:12:00.004+08:00

I've been tagged...again! And this tag is again, from Rerama Salju. So, if ever anyone tag me next, I'll know who to top the list next ;) <--- evil grin.

Anyway, it start with:

1. Do you think you're hot?
You got to be crazy asking such a question to a guy who lives where there is no midnight sun! And the fact that its an hour to midnight and with the rain-cooled breeze blowing, no, I am not hot. (was that the question?).

2. Upload a favourite picture of you.

Yvonne Ridley and cakapaje.

3. Why do you like the picture?
Well, I actually do not like the way I dressed in there (what, with a vest and long sleeve?). What I like though, is the thought that an amateur reporter like yours truly, was able to grab the time and attention of a world-famous journalist!

I remember asking her how she find it now that her role has been thrown completely reversed - though she still is a journalist, she is more of a celebrity to the Muslim world. She said she's taking it well and not let it go to her head. Her siblings, she said, does the reality check for her. So, she's quite alright there.

4. When was the last time you ate pizza?
Honestly? I think its been more than a year now.

5. The last song you listened to.
'Don't Leave Me This Way' by Thelma Houston. But only because it was on the radio before I got out of the car.

6. What are you doing right now?
This must be a trick question similar to asking what a person should do first when he gets into a car. Anyway, pretty obvious I think - I'm typing this tag down in my blog! :)

7. What name would you prefer besides yours?
I gather this is meant to suggest other than real names. Well, I certainly would like 'Sayang', 'Darling', 'Abang' (in the softest tone possible), and...

Wak Kasiran dropped in my house the other day. He lost his handphone and all the contact numbers along with it. Thus, all he wanted was my number. After he keyed in my number, and as he was about to type my name, I said "Hensem". Thus yes, I would like like to be called "Hensem", too.

Now, the tag calls for me to name several individuals. I only know of 2 who does not mind doing so, where one, I believe, is now in Mekah performing her Haj - kema. The other, well, there's always kerpie.

Blogger's Meet: The Finals

2008-12-01T20:55:00.016+08:00

As expected, the Bloggers's Meet on Nov29 was quite, shall we say, explosive? It was, like The Finals of a Championship - Makan Championship, that is. It was, after all, the final meet for the year 2008. InsyAllah, many more meets will be planned for next year. Perhaps, as Jeejah of ...in deep thots and Doc Toakasid mentioned, the Melaka Bloggers will host it next. The pictures below were taken from different cameras, but many, off course, from our bro, Mat Salo. Download speed may be affected as I try to put in as many pictures of everyone, my apologies.

The Finals.
Continuing from the first Bloggers' Meet in Asam Pedas, the Knights and Knighties reassembled again, but this time at The Terrace, opposite their old castle Asam Pedas which has been torn down.

One for the album:
(l to r) Pak Idrus, Tok Mummy, Nuraina, Fauziah, Doc TA, Pi Bani,
Dato' Kadir Jasin, Jeejah, Queen Raden, Elina, and kerpie.

Then the Championship began.
Ansara and MCOBA however, seem to patch their difference here through bangkai and Mat Salo.

A Yellow T-shirt guy reporting for duty while bangkai and Jeejah notes his particulars.
Hey! Didn't this guy wore the same yellow T-shirt at the last meet?
Think, that t-shirt is his only wardrobe.

A Bookie arrives.
On being told of the Championship, how can a bookie not?
Salah is warmly greeted by
(l to r) Mat Salo, Yellow T-shit guy, Cikgu Nazir, Doc TA, kerpie, and Razlin.
Wonder what the odds were.

One can take the profession away from a man, but not the man from the profession.
Cikgu Nazir seen here seeking volunteers to help him with the marking of his students works.
Mrs Nazir however, seem preoccupied in a conversation (left).

Champions mesti ada gaya!
Haslizam seen giving Doc TA the finer tips of wearing Bally shoes.

Million Dollar Babe!
"I'm gonna beat you to a pulp!", Elviza seem to be saying as she picks up a camera,
perhaps mistaking it for a pair of boxing gloves. MS, her trainer echoes her sentiment while the YTG - one of the officials - looks on.

"I'm ready!"
says kerpie, in response to Elviza, and getting the support of wanshana,
who's telling her hubby-doctor to give kerpie a clean bill of health for the Final Match.

The match begins.
Saiful (hubby Queen Raden), DocTA (kerpie's trainer)
and an official watch from afar.

The spectators.
(l to r) Fauziah, Queen Raden, Nuraina, and Elina,
totally immersed watching the match.

A Free-for-all?
A tussle nearly breaks out during the match.
(l to r) kerpie and MS (partly hidden), Doc TA and son, Hafiz.

Match over.
Melvin and Galadriel, as match officials, explaining the decisions made to MS.
Jeejah stated a rumour that Melvin may soon head the Kelab Penyokong Sarkas,
due to his in-depth knowledge.

The Champion's Pose.
(l to r): Jeejah (partly hidden) and hubby, Saiful, Cikgu Nazir (match promoter, ala Don King),
Doc TA, Cikgu Ali, and the Champ, kerpie.

A Sad YB.
YB Khalid Samad feeling sad at the outcome of the match,
while the Ipoh-mali fans try to console him.
(l to r): Cikgu Ali, YB Khalid, Zainal and Azizul.

A Happier YB.
In an effort to cheer him up, he was given the honour to blow the candles on Elina's birthday cake.
However, someone forgot to bring the cake. (Elina did celebrate her birthday a week earlier).

The Dispute.
Players and officials in disagreement about the match outcome.
In the background, 2 ladies hug each other in joy. (No fair! They did not hug me).

The Appeal.
Pak Idrus, presenting his case to former High Court Judge, Dato' Syed Ahmad Idid.
Looking on is Pi Bani and MS.

The Evidence.
Pokku, as the appointed Independent Investigator, looking at the evidence MS presented,
while Dato' Syed Ahmad looks on.

The Denial.
"I'm innocent!" cries Nuraina as the former Judge listens on.
The court was adjourned and will resume at the next meet.

When the dust settled.
A brotherhood of bloggers got together the night after at Ayam Golek Halim.
(l to r) MS, Muteaudio, Doc TA, kerpie, cakapaje, and Cikgu Nazir.

To all: while the pictures are real, the accompanying text are not. Should anyone feel offended, do forgive me - the text were written in humour and nothing more.

Being No.1

2008-11-27T22:00:00.007+08:00

There a saying somewhere "It is easier to climb the ladder of success (to be no.1), than to hold on to it", or something along that line. Having observed several nos1 in history, I guess it is true. Maybe its human nature where there will always be someone out there waiting to knock another off his perch in their quest to succeed. But then, being nos2 or 3 is no fun either - seldom does history tell us about the 2nd guy, its always 'The Man' mentioned; the head honcho, the uno numero.

Some many years back, Hertz US launched a campaign to catch up on its rival Avis (or was it the other way round. Can't remember which is which, pardon me). Hertz was no2 then and needed good publicity to outdo Avis who was the top car rental there. A bright idea was presented to them and not long after the campaign was launched, sales for Hertz jumped up. The slogan they used was pretty simple, but a genius nonetheless. All it said was "We are currently no2. Help us be nos1". Their simple honesty and admission reached into the hearts of millions.

Did Hertz reach no1? Don't know. The book I read did not mention it. But it certainly helped them close the gap. The gist of the above is actually related to Pak Zab's entry on 'Kebakaran', and my recommendation for him to get a fire extinguisher brand by the name of Cobra.

Having been introduced to the products (there's 3: extinguisher, repellent, suppression), I was like totally amazed by its capability and safety. And having learnt more about it, I set up an appointment with a telco whose Engineering Department was situated in Subang. There, the team - Cobra Sales Director, Technician, Sales Manager and that cakapaje (who was merely an introducer) - went about demonstrating the products to the Telco's top Engineers as well as Security Officials.

Now, the CSD being a gwailo, must have struck nerves with the Telco's officers. But he soon tackled their hearts with his antics. At one point of time, and to show the user-safety of one the extinguisher, he shook the canister open and poured it into a glass of water after having used the same canister to extinguish a small fire. He then drank the water and fell down on the floor much to the horror of the officers there. As sudden as he fell, his hand rose up and waved to everyone. He then stood up to show he was alright and that it was part of the demonstration, much to the laughter of everyone there. Compared to halon and one or two other products and gases, Cobra claim theirs is human and environmentally safe.

On another occasion, the CSD poured a small amount of Cobra's fire repellent liquid onto a short length of toilet tissue, which he later blow-dried with a hair-dryer. Once sufficiently dried, he poured a flamble liquid (Zippo's refuel liquid) and had cakapaje hold it on his palm. The gwailo lit the tissue and while the top part had flames, cakapaje did not feel the heat, nor did the fire burn through or consume the whole tissue - it died within a matter of minutes!

In a video demonstration, a small canister of extinguisher was thrown into an old car purposely set on fire. The canister exploded soon after due to the temperature. But when it did, it snuffed out the fire as well. The video also showed a demonstration in one of England's most reputable laboratory and experiment center where Cobra surpassed the stringent requirements of the Industry there. Then, an Engineer from the Telco asked the million dollar question "How soon will my generator and machines start if your gas is released in them?" To that, the CSD could not tell for certain and requested a live demonstration. The Engineers there however, were afraid to allow it, fearing their heads would be on the chopping block if their generator could not be started within 5 minutes. Some 3 years before Cobra's demo, their generator suffered a shutdown and subscribers such as cakapaje were left without service for more than 3 days. Each second their generator is down, their profit is severely affected. Thus, while the people in the US were willing to help Hertz make their campaign a success, the Telco's Engineers were not generous enough with Cobra. Last I heard, they are still struggling in their quest to be no.1 in their industry. I can't find their webpage but one can check a link at e-guide here.

Now, one amazing thing about the product is that it was discovered by an Indonesian Professor. Lacking finance, he teamed up with a Dutch and began production in earnest. But the downside is that the team broke up and now there are 2 companies manufacturing them. InsyAllah, in another entry, I'll download 2 pictures of their cannisters as well as the contact number of a friend who use to be with one of the companies.

On another matter of No1, the false king of Malaysia issued an edict of his own about yoga. Now, I know precious little about the subject matter and prefer to keep mum about it but is more in agreement with Dr Asri, the outgoing Mufti of Perlis. Palalah, however, went against the Fatwa, and the decrees of the Sultan of Selangor and Sultan of Perak, where both would like all future Fatwa's referred to them beforehand; they each are, after all, the Heads of Religious matters in their respective states. But Palalah, he seem not to hear this at all. That's hardly surprising since he and his tribe did ignore the Fatwa on Jom Heboh.

And on the No1 wannabe, that Bijan guy, well, if he's relying on the 'Rahman' theory to help him ascend to the throne, I think he better put on his thinking cap. That is, off course, if he has any. Because, if I read My Malaysiaku here correct, people who believe in that theory got it all wrong. Bye bye Bijan.

By the way, Muslims are encouraged not to believe in to the 'Rahman' theory as it is akin to soothsaying.

ps. I almost forget: Check out the blog belonging to the No.1 man in Perak. Kamparin, belongs to the YAB Dato' Ir Haji Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, the MB.

Toon-Tit

2008-11-25T22:09:00.006+08:00

Many people when they were mere toddlers, develop words or 'kata manja' of their own, most of the times due to necessity as they have yet to learn the correct words to describe a feeling or an object. Other times, it could have been the inability to pronounce such words. With the passing of time, and the presence of self-consciousness, many chose to discard such words either for want of self-improvement, or simply ashamed of using it. To the family and close friends however, such words will always be remembered and perhaps, even trademark the person to it.

An elderly lady passed away this morning. She was 76, the same age as my Emak. Arwah Mak Nyonya's family (her real name is Nyonya), was close to Emak's family, having helped raised 3 of Emak's sisters at a time when my arwah grandmother developed phobia of raising kids, due to her losing 3 children (and later 4). Thus, while my aunts' children are close to the arwah's family, I was not. In fact, I think I have only met her twice. She was, I was told, a kind and gentle lady, always ready to go out of her way for her family members and friends. It was thus not surprising then that quite a number of people - friends and relatives - turned up for her funeral. I did not go to the burial though, as Emak have trouble walking distances or standing long periods, and we left soon as the jenazah was brought to the mosque for prayers before proceeding to the cemetary.

While there, Azman, my cousin, mentioned that we should now be more prepared for the eventual to happen. I have to admit, I am fearful of that day. Not for anything, but being alone, would I be left in a state of shock, sitting motionless and unable to do or call anyone, as did happen to a distant uncle on the news of my grandfather passing away? And later, left in the solitude of this house, how would I face the loneliness of calling her name but not hearing her reply...her voice. It scares me. I can only pray that Allah s.w.t. will give me the strength to face it.

On the way back from arwah Mak Nyonya's house, Emak tells me several stories of a distant past, at a time when she and her sibblings were of lower primary school age. Then, Mak Nyonya's sister, arwah Zainun, taught Emak and her sibblings a word which she still remember fondly to this day.

About 6plus then, arwah Zainun would sometimes complain about the portion of food she gets. Unable to find the correct word to use, she would refer to the small portion as 'Toon-Tit'.

It is from Allah s.w.t. that we come from, and it is to Him we shall return.

Of Lionheads and Dungheads

2008-11-24T21:01:00.006+08:00

The Lionhead bobs its head on the surface of the water. Its mouth, ever in motion of opening and closing like it is chewing on something. And its protruding eyes, looks at the man standing on the edge of its world with a look bordering on self-pity. The man looks back at those dark eyes, and feels the guilt of having one of Allah's creation confined in a space which, were the Lionhead a human, can be torturous and suffocating. Nonetheless, it still is.

The once small, white gleaming body which made it the adoration of many lookers, is now fat and round; its very growth, sadly, had led it to become a mass of undesirable sight to some. As it wobbles in the water, its silky white tail move in counter direction; the only part of the Lionhead which still retain its beauty. But looking beautiful is the least of the Lionhead's concern. It is hungry, and it needs food. And its very behaviour now resemble a dog standing on its hind feet and begging for food from its master. A pitiful sight. For any of God's creatures.

In the wide open world of a lake or river, the Lionhead, like many other creatures, would be free to roam its realm in search of food. It would be free to choose the direction to swim to, and the mate it wants. But here in the enclosed space which can be a mere fraction of the world mentioned, it has no choice but await the mercy of the man looking down on it. In more ways than one, the picture speaks of cruelty.

Man, the race, was chosen by Allah s.w.t. to be the Khalifah of this world. We are supposed to be the noblest of God's creation. Yet, many times than not, we renege on our promise to Allah, and behave in manner lower than that of an animal. In doing so, we call on others to join the thoughts "4 legs good, 2 legs bad", while slowly chanting the vile words "But some 4 legs are better than others!". Not surprisingly, there were many takers.

When their thoughts are challenged or revealed by persons or bodies, the 4l-legged human seek the comfort of a channel they have long manipulated for, and towards their cause; some 4 legs are better than others!. Definitely, this is not what Napoleon died for. Can we not stand upright in pride, and accept the humble truth that we are nothing but an overgrown blood clot, a product that came to be with the help of another whose ego was too big for himself? Or, must we live the glorious moments of freedom and justice as told by George Orwell?

Picture Credit: Mr Moh of flicker.

Pity the Lionhead, abolish the Internal Security Act. Better still, dismantle the BN sarkas and its goons. Or, better known as dungheads.

Nov29 Blogger's Meet Venue Change

2008-11-23T18:30:00.005+08:00

The venue for the scheduled Blogger's Meet this November 29, 2008, has been changed. Bro Mat Salo who spoke to the Manager of Asam Pedas, was offered an alternative in view of the higher number of bloggers expected to come. The new venue 'The Terrace', is a sister outlet of Asam Pedas, and is located at the entrance of Royal Bintang Hotel facing Asam Pedas (opposite the latter).

I have also been made to understand that Teh Tarik will be free flowing, and there will be a buffet of light food, and that the management will be charging RM25 per head. For those with extra, kindly contribute more to the bowl.

Venue: The Terrace (Opposite Asam Pedas),
The Curve, Damansara.
Time: Lunchtime onwards.
Date: November 2008.

As a reminder to all, please note, all bloggers are welcome to join, irrespective of political leanings. This, is not be a political forum, but a Get-To-Know-You thingy. See you guys there! IsyAllah.

Art of Wrapping

2008-11-20T21:52:00.006+08:00

While I'm writing this, Emak is watching 'Gadis Melayu' on TV9. Some friends tell me its a good show where beautiful young Malay ladies appear as contestants perhaps, in search of the ideal Malay girl. In a way, its something like Miss Universe paegent or Akademi Fantasia, but one where the dressings are acceptable to the community, and thus far, no singing...yet. Hmm...I guess its no wonder then that I am unable to concentrate on this entry where my eyes seem to have a mind of their own. Have to admit though, the girls are pretty. Wonder if the network will put a 'Jejaka Idaman'? Kerpie and I would certainly qualify for the contest as 'Jejaka', though we may find it tough on the 'Idaman' part. There's something interesting Emak mentioned about this show though.

Now, TV9 basically caters to the Malay audience. The contest it seems, is open only to Malay girls. "Why is it then," my Emak asked "the language used by the instructors are in English?". Good question! I, have no answer to that. But since the language is mentioned here, our bro Mat Salo dropped in my area earlier this evening.

While we were talking about the Blogger' Meet, he mentioned a writer friend of his whose command of the written language, English i.e., is one of the highest standards for a Malaysian, and invited the friend to the meet. The friend, however, decline for reasons of his own. The friend after all, lives in some obscure village where currently, there is no broadband it seem. Now, what is interesting here is that outside his field of work, the friend, quite like the fella writing this entry, has little avenue to practice the language. Yet, his writings are now being sought for by a publishing house or 2. Hmm....that however, is not quite like that cakapaje where he constantly make mistakes here and there, and there and here. Its evident now, he has yet to be able to wrap his fingers on the finer art of writing, and the language itself. Talking of which...but first, to a serious matter.

As usual I was blog hopping just now and came upon this blog via Haris Ibrahim. The writer, tells of an incident which happened in Memali, Kedah, way back in 1985, an tragic part of our history which the gomen would certainly like to wrap it up and put away from public's knowledge. That, and the fact they do not how to does not surprise me at all. The only good thing they - the gomen (read: be end) - are good at, are wrapping their greedy hands on the nation's coffers. Please, do read about it here.

Now, back to the title.

OK, 2 Sundays ago, Emi and Zaini had a small birthday celebration for their daughter, Nursara. And Emak being Emak, would not like to attend it without a present for her youngest grandchild, and thus asked that Wak Kromo to go searching for one. Now, what would that Wak know about children's presents when he's a single guy without a child of his own, one might ask. Well, plenty. You might find it rather difficult to believe, the Wak is quite a young fellow at heart. Also, the Wak has 11 nephews and nieces from which he can easily draw inspiration from. This time however, the Wak decided to rely on his own childhood experience. Off course, having an idea of what Nursara likes already, does help.

Now, Nursara and that Wak has a similar interest in the natural world, namely stories and pictures of animals. Then again, most children of that do, don't they? Armed with this knowledge, the Wak went hunting for story books and found one. At the same time, Wak also picked up an easy-to-read book on the 25 Prophets of Islam. Initially thinking to read it himself, the Wak decided otherwise and began the process of wrapping the 2 books with a nice wrapping paper which he later bought at another store. Unfortunately, that store does not provide wrapping services. "Alamak!"

Braving himself to face the daunting task of wrapping the books, Wak's mind recall earlier memories of how a present should look like after being nicely wrapped up. "Aha!", thought the Wak "I will need a ribon!". Thus, off he went to but one and walla! The new generation of ribbon now no longer need to be tied around the present - one just need to use a cello tape! And what is even better, all one need to do now is just pull one end of the ribbon, and it will - like magic - shape itself nicely into one.

After measuring the books against the paper, the Wak then happily began cutting off the extra length, using a cardboard as a paperweight. Soon later, he cellotaped the ribbon onto the top and thought to himself "There's no job I cannot handle". With a smile on his face, off course.

A few hours later as they were about to close the front door and head for Nursara's party, Emak turn around for a last minute look-see, then asked the Wak "I thought you already wrapped up the books?".
"Off course," said the Wak and proudly showing his work of art.
"Then, what's that on the dining table there?"
Oops!

No, the present above is not of Nursara.
But I do swear, the ribbon looks exactly the same.

76 Years Ago

2008-11-19T23:09:00.005+08:00

76 years ago, a woman gave birth to a baby girl, the 6th child in a family which suffered 4 losses due to childhood sickness in the years just before the outbreak of World War II. The girl that was born on November 18, 1932, later became a teacher at the age of 12, at a time where several of her first year pupils were of the same age as her. The profession she and most of her surviving siblings chose were not necessarily of their choice; in an age where most houses had no electricity nor running water, there were not much. That, and the fact that their late father was a Teacher and Headmaster.

A day or 2 just before her children celebrated her birthday with her, she suffered a small fall when a leg of the stool she was sitting on broke. Though there were no apparent injury, there is just so much a body and person can suffer beatings, physically and otherwise. This fall, was the 3rd she had in the past 15years. The last fall she had, she suffered a fractured rib bone which still nags at her every once so often.

The lady, who must have turned heads during her younger days, has been described by some friends as 'Ingat orangnya garang. Tapi bila dah kenal hatibudi dia, memang jatuh kasih dengan dia!'. Looking at her now, many still do not believe her age as it is. SubhanAllah! A woman of beauty with the heart of gold.

That woman, is my emak. And I thank Allah s.w.t. for this most precious gift.

Emak, seen above with Emi's m-i-l, at Nur Sara's birthday 2 Sundays earlier.

The 2 Birthday Girls: Emak with Nur Sara, Emi's daughter. Taken months earlier, though she would love to, she can no longer carry even a 5year old close to her chest. But had she, then I would surely made noise as its been more than 40 years now since she last carried me. Oops!

Painting A Picture

2008-11-19T12:18:00.007+08:00

I have to admit, apart from the terms 'crylic', 'oil', and 'stroke', I know nuts about paintings. Did try it out once, but my hands were too shaky to draw the fine lines needed. Off course, with a larger brush, I can just dab the canvas as I please...no matter what the end results be, hehe. And I guess, this inability of using those fine brushes rules out the possibility of my becoming a neurosurgeon. Shoot! And I honestly do envy those who can, like Alina's painting below.

Blue Rose, by blogger/painter/lecturer Alina (click here).

At the same time, our bro Mat Salo's younger sister, has her own exhibition running in a gallery in Taman Bukit Kepong. Her paintings, will be on display there till Dec 12. So Painters and enthusiast, do give your support there (read here).

Hang on! I just remember that I do know a bit more about painting. It however, is not on canvas, but in the minds of people. Believe it is something called Public Relations, a form of art in winning the people over.

Its already in the news now that PLUS is giving discounts to its users beginning January 1, 2009. Hooray! This magnanimous show by Plus is unprecedented and, depending on how one view it, has been much awaited. Thank you Plus. However, there is a slight downside to it where to qualify oneslf for the discount, one has to use it from midnight to before sunrise. Hmm...me think, this is what the Malay saying 'Sebelum lalat terbang...' comes handy.

Dear Plus, on behalf of many people, including that cakapaje bloke, I thank you. But, do you think you could extend the discounts on matters where it really matter? For instance, if there are no natural calamity afflicting your highway, yet the traffic crawls at about 1 kilometer per 10 minutes, don't you think your discount would serve better here seeing the amount of petrol being burned needlessly (hence, the pocket of motorist). Let's not forget the time wasted too!
Off course, should you decide to scrap the toll altogether, we would be very much grateful to you. Not your highway mind you, but all the tolls in Malaysia. After all, you and your brethren have had your agreements with the gomen shrouded in secrecy. And no thanks to events recently, the gomen has decided to declassify the agreements (read here). Still, one now has to wonder whether there exist any discrepencies between the declassified documents and the one made available now. It did after all, take the gomen almost ages to make them public. And that too, after constant harassments by the now Pakatan Rakyat, as well as the people of Malaysia.

Again, I thank Plus, even though I think the gomen is trying to paint a nice picture of itself to the people. Please, don't mind me saying this as the discounts offered by PLUS is meant to benefit only a small quarter of the population - the other highways are still charging the full amount! And please, just because there are lots and lots of cars on the roads in Malaysia, that does not mean Malaysians are a rich lot and own at least one car per family. Even if they do, it is out of neccessity since the public transportation system leaves one fuming over it more than not. Imagine, a bus trip from Kota Damansara to Bangsar may well take over an hour. And that is not during peak hours, nor does it inlude the waiting time. Like I mentioned, I do think the gomen is trying to paint a rosy picture about itself. A further evident can be read here.

Sometime during last Ramadhan, the gomen approved a petrol surcharge for all the express bus operators, citing the rising cost of fuel then. Now that fuel prices have plummeted from its all time high, the gomen decided to allow the operators to hike their fares. This time, however, the reason cited is the rising cost of operation. So, should the fuel price go up again, will these operators be given allowed additional profit by again, another petrol surchagre?

By now, I pretty sure some would label me with some unfair remarks. That's their view and their right. But please remember, the majority of the rakyat do not have a fat pocket to around with and many cannot even afford the applaudable move by AirAsia to remove its fuel surcharge totally. Remember, while the AirAsia fares maybe low, the to and fro trips to the airports such as KLIA, can exceed the AirAsia fares! And know what? Indirectly, Malaysians are still paying for the KLIA existance to the tune of RM1B a year! Could not part of the amount be used for the rakyat in making public transportation and inter-city rides better? Compare Pudu Raya and KLIA: between the 2, which benefits the rakyat directly? (for related articles on this, read LanH here and here).

Do you damn me if I continue to damn the gomen, particularly the Sarkas over these and many more.

They may paint pretty pictures. But the rakyat still sing the blues.

ps. Nov29 Update: Nathaniel Tan of PKR and Jelas.Info, have agreed to come.