Even by 1

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.

Kemaruk

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?

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.

Eli Wong Does Not Live Here

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.

From A Need, Comes A Want

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.

Prime Farewell

Been under the weather these past 2 days. All off a sudden, the clouds burst whilst I was walking towards the shop which left me drenched so bad that had there been a collie around, even it would be running for cover as I try to shake myself dry! And really, I did not want to go online, but did not want to miss a grand farewell party. Though its supposed to take place in about 5 months time, I think the celebrations has begun already; it began, the day Hindraf tried to meet Palalah.

Poor Palalah. When I watched the news that night, I almost felt sad for him. And with tv3 playing the sad part twice, where Palalah was almost in tears saying that not one of them (the Hindraf group) came to wish him...not one of them! Poor guy! You are so rich and yet so poor. You have the most powerful seat in Malaysia, yet you're so weak! You have at your disposal the most brilliant minds in Malaysia, yet you chose some of the dumbest to be by your side...you are not so clever, are you?

Dear Palalah, in case you have not noticed, I believe the Hindraff people did try to meet and greet you. However, I believe they were stopped by the group of people you have around you, namely your not so bright bodyguards! The fact that you were perhaps already too sleepy to notice, well, it just goes to show how very concerned you are about Malaysia and Malaysians, which off course, you are not, are you? But saying in any case that none of the Hindraff people wanted to wish you, so what? Does their wishing you make you a better person, as you have already shown the world that you are capable of being not? Don't you feel something not quite right when tv3 played your sad scene twice? It was like they were trying to show the world how or what a bloody *(^%@( of a fool you are.

Forgive me for having to camouflage my strong wordings as I have been taught that even old fools ought to be given respect. And believe, I have so much been trying to do so, and will continue to try. But alas, I am only human, susceptible to the anger that boils within and undoubtedly further fanned by the devil. Oops, make it devils, since there's more than one of them, most especially those standing or sitting beside you.

Palalah, I couldn't give a damn about anybody not wanting to wish you. What, with a private jet, yacht, chauffeur and limousine, income and allowance that exceeds your basic needs by the thousands, a dotting wife that is ever at your side, a loving daughter and son along with their family ever present at your call, a retinue of official and non-official staff waiting on you...why should you be sad about the Hindraff not wanting to wish you? Or, as I suppose, that more than 10 million Malaysians could not give a damn about wishing you. Heck, I did not wish you too! But I also suppose, you may not want to know why Hindraff and millions of Malaysians do not want to wish you. Yes, I suppose when too many people pour out their suffering to you, you might just break down and dirty the clothes you have on; those very clothes among others, that are neatly presented to you every morning for you to chose and wear so you may look radiant as befitting a leader of a nation. It does not matter then, there there are more than a score of children who's father you have sent or have not released from the illegal detention of the ISA.

Palalah, some said you are not to be blamed for the economic shambles Malaysia is in now. They said, the fault lies in Madey for those ridiculous bailouts involving Pewaja, MSNC-MISC-Petronas, MAS, BBMB, and many more; I quite believe them. But I also believe that as a premier with power, you could have used your good office to bring the wrongdoings including the above to justice, had you wanted to. You could have also made sure of all the relevant facts and figures, along with the legalities and technicalities and what other nitty-gritties to ensure that we did not have to pay more than a billion ringgit NOT to construct a crooked bridge. Or, made sure that your botak henchman was not talking through his bloody arse which made us lose an island to a neighbour (perhaps soon, along with the EEZ as well). Or...hmm, there just plain too many other incidences to mention here, many which you simply refuse to use a bit of foresight. But how could you, when many times you have been photographed to be closing tight those lids of yours?

No Palalah, I just could not give a damn about many people not wanting to wish you. And were you to read stories such as the one here, perhaps, you too may not want to wish yourself! Remember Palalah, you are a Muslim. And as a leader and a Muslim, you will be having a lion's share of responsibilities to answer to in the hereafter. So what care does it concern anyone of us about anyone not wanting to wish you. You and your retinue of brainless followers should be more concern about what each of you will have to reply later on - I just couldn't give a damn about you!

On another note however, I nearly did shed tear listening to the 1.30pm news just now. No, not because I felt sad about you, but I was surprised that your deputy has - after more than months of hearing him with a sad and uncertain voice - suddenly appeared with a style and eloquence that was last heard just before the GE12 when he so confidently declared "Tahun ini...kita, merawat Kelantan!"

Indeed yes, Palalah, the celebration has already begun.

The Final: Beans Ununited vs People United

"Welcome come back viewers, to the greatest game ever in the history of Malaysia!" said the commentator Faisal Martin Salo as the cameraman focus on him.
"Right! As we await the 2 teams to come up on pitch for more exciting moments in the extra time, let me introduce you to my 2 new colleagues who will be helping me here. Both, are already well known to everyone already and I should just ask you to welcome Fergie Nazir and Arsne Kerpie! Welcome! Welcome..."the camera pans out to show all 3 gentleman well seated at the window overlooking the fabulous soccer pitch at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

"Gentlemen," adds FMS "what have you got to say about the exciting match just now?"
"Er...before we begin", quips in Fergie Nazir "what happened to the other commentator here just now?"
"Den Cakapaje, you mean?"replied FMS "Oh, he decided to go down to the pitch and be our man there!"
"Den Cakapaje? You mean the guy's from Melaka?"
"Oh no! He's a born and bred Selangorian. Just that, well, he fancies himself to be like Dan Rathers, a famous newscasters from CBS." said FMS with a wide grin, as FN slaps his forehead in disbelief and whispering to himself "Oh well...".
"But let's get on to the match, especially for our late viewers" FMS cuts in quickly, hoping viewers would not notice FN's reaction.

"Now viewers," said FMS "Beans Ununited and the People are currently tied even at 4 each. But, fans of the People are crying foul as 2 of their goals have been rules offside while all 4 goals from BU looks suspiciously to be so. Let us now hear what these great gentlemen we have hear have to say about it. Arsne Kerpie, let us start with you..."
"*&@#*$)"growls AK with words that are hardly audible, minding the fact that he is on live TV. "Of course the BU goals are illegal...all of them! The 3rd goal was scored with a hand, but the match officials have strangely allowed it!"
"Well," FN interjects "I do not find it strange, actually. In fact, had they disallowed that goal, only then I would think so. I see those match officials to be bias from even before the game. Their wearing dark blue colours for example, I see that a delibrate attempt to confuse the PU players who are wearing all blacks."
"Now, that's an interesting point...the PU wearing all blacks. Why that colour?" ask FMS.
"Let me reply that" said AK while grabbing the microphone. "The PU are wearng all black as a sign of protest at having their brilliant midfielder sent off during the semi finals. Yes, in fact, we should all be wearing black in support to Rakyat People Kamaruddin, instead of the yellow of the fans."
"But you are also wearing yellow, as I am" siad FMS.
"True. But when we planned for yellow, we did not know RPK would be banned for this final match as well" retort FN. "We only received the news this morning but by then it was too late to change. That, is why the fans are in force here wearing yellow."

"Talking about the fans," FMS said as he directs the camera to the stands "the yellow wave fills only about a quarter of the stadium. The rest, I see the blue colours of Beans Ununited. How is this so?"
"Well...*#@$()*^@$" this time AK just could not control his tongue, "if you look outside the stadium, the PU fans have been locked out by stadium officials even though they hold genuine tickets for this match! This is another attempt by BU to give a false impression of PU's strength!"
"I agree with AK" said FN. "I honestly believe the stadium officials should have used the indelible ink to mark genuine ticket holders."
"But...if so, then who are those people wearing BU colours then?"
"&&(@() foreigners, I tell you!" shouted AK.
"Ok, we will have to cut this short now as I see some players coming back onto the pitch" said FMS as the camera director punch in another camera's shot onto the main screen.

On the field, all 11 players of People United walk slowly to their side where Ziza, Idah, Rawna holds a brief discussion while Daylight Kit juggles with a ball with his feet. On the other side, Halkap and Bijan are the only BU players seen with the rest still in the changing room. The referee is seen talking to BU officials.

"There seem to be some confusion down there," said the voice of FMS "let's try to get Den Cakapaje to get us the story. Den, what can you tell us?"
"Well," shouts DC as he tries to make himself heard through the roar and din of not only inside the stadium, but outside as well as thousand of yellow t-shirt fans wait in full hope for a well deserve victory. "It seems, the BU players had a scuffle between themselves just now and their officials are still trying to sort matters."
"Do you know what the trouble is all about?"
"Yes, I was informed by a BU official that the players have a disagreement on 2 matters! First, none of them wants the role of striker; then, they want the captain armband worn by someone other than Halkap or Bijan!"
"Over the hill, are they?" ask FMS.
"That's the story I have. Both, Halkap and Bijan thinks they are in the same mould as Roger Milla, and have refused to bow down. Their botak goalkeeper, that Yu Botak Bodoh, thinks he is one too! But hold on...yes, the BU players are coming back on pitch. Yes, there they are and the referee is counting each as they come on. Yes, we now have all...17 BU players on pitch?"
"17? Are you sure?"
"Yes, I've made a count and a recount. The referee's allowing BU to have 17 players on the field!"

"Hang on, hang on!" cuts in FN. "Is this a soccer match we are having?"
"Off course it is" the reply however, comes from a BU official. "We make the rules here and we'll show you how soccer is played," and he walks off throwing a rugby ball to one of the BU players.

For RPK and the many still held under ISA.
Say No to ISA!

Of Flags and Bystanders

Free Online Dictionary states: Bystanders are a person present but not involved; onlooker; spectator.


Honestly, I do not know how to begin this. But let me do so by saying what I'm about to write is not aimed at anyone in particular, and neither is it done with hatred. In anger, perhaps. But not hatred. Even then, I have deferred writing this ever since Sheikh Kick de fella was arrested as I was filled with anger, especially towards some bystanders who not only do not understand the reasons of Sheikh's act, but put it loud for others to hear or read. Had they done so in private I may have not given them much thought, as everyone is entitled to their opinion. But when they do so within the earshot of many, or blogged their minds to it in disgust, I feel their actions were done spontaneously without much thought to the truth of the situation. Like the other day when I was in a queue waiting to pay some utility bills.

Standing in queue directly behind me, 2 young guys were talking out loud about the issues of the day without bothering to lower their voice in respect to the many who were present in the Post Office. While one spoke with a Texan drawl, the other was with an Aussie slang. Both, I presume, are fresh grads and seem very much proud about having studied abroad. Initially I could only smile to myself listening to their brags; they remind me about the time when I was stuck in an 8seater plane filled with some Yankees who have never ventured out of their country, save for a nurse who had just returned from duty in Saudi Arabia. When the Yankees began talking about how great their country is compared to the world, I decided to close my eyes and ears, thinking that this bunch of people are either very naive or decidedly ignorant. But I could not do the same - shutting my eyes and ears - whilst in the Post Office. And when they got to the part of Sheikh, criticising and deriding him with some abusive names, I listened hard hoping to hear some points to justify the topic of their conversation...there were none. By that time, anger was seething within me and I asked them point blank "Have you been following Malaysian politics and do you know the merits of Sheikh's case?" They replied they do not. And when asked how is then they know of Sheikh, they replied they heard it on the TV News. Not wanting to argue with them, I asked that they read his reasons of action as written by Sheikh himself (read here), and understand it first before coming out with their own views.

Now, I may not condone to the act of displaying the flag upside down as Sheikh and several other bloggers did. But at the same time, I understand their feelings and do not condemn them for their actions, simply, when compared to the wrongdoings and misdeeds of the government itself are far too many and worse off than the disrespect Sheikh showed to the flag. Futhermore, if you read his own admission in the link above, though he stands firmly on his actions, he does so with full regret and is equally sad about it. But it is something which he found a need to do so.

Surah Al-Kahfi verse 60-82*, tells of a story about Prophet Musa a.s. and Haidir (Khidir to some spellings. According to some scolars, Haidir was a Nabi but not a Rasul, wallahualam). A brief description about their meet is that Musa a.s. could not understand the 3 actions taken by Haidir a.s., and questioned them at the end of each: Haidir bore a hole in a small boat; slay a young man; and despite the seemlingly dreadful crimes, suddenly turned righteous by rebuilding a half-fallen wall. In the end they parted company as Musa a.s. had reneged a promise not to question the actions taken by Haidir a.s. The latter however, did explain his actions as can be read here.

Now, undoubtedly Sheikh is not a Nabi, and what he did is nowhere near to the actions taken by Haidir a.s. But what Sheikh did, he did so in protest to a law that was passed without much thought to the plight of low wage earners in the retail sector of the petroleum industry in Malaysia. Sheikh was, standing up for these people who are being forced to look for new jobs at a time when the economy is not doing very well. I do suspect however, this is not the only point in Sheikh's objection. As I have mentioned in a past entry, there have been too many irregularities in the BN government. Perhaps, those 2 young grads who were too busy with their studies, were merely being bystanders to the events in Malaysia without bothering to find out the truth, subjecting their minds to the mainstream media manipulation of events. If so, then they can no longer be mere bystanders as they have unwittingly gotten themselves involved simply by listening to one side of the story and making bias comments about it.

Soon after Sheikh did what he did, the PM commented on TV that such act is considered 'biadap!'. True, it may be so. But between being biadap to the flag and being biadap to a fatwa, which is worse? (I'm assuming that visitors to my blog are Muslims). Although there is already a fatwa against the laying or wreath and 'bertafakur' especially at the Tugu Negara, the PM defied the fatwa. Should not bystanders - those who are disgusted and aghast at Sheikh's action - be more so at the PM's? If so, I did not hear nor read anyting about it from them. (read here and here).

Or, take the case of lying and cheating to the people. In one case, MAS was reported to be paying some RM15 (or is it 50) for a tray of Nasi Lemak to be served to their passengers. Whichever of the 2 prices, they are both overly charged. I wonder who the caterers are when in fact, MAS at one point of time, had an in house and profit-making catering division. Also, a company related to the PM, was given a 15years contract to supply food to the Army, which is kind of bizarre when contracts are usually never given for such a long period. I would think this is more biadap as it tantamount to lying and cheating the people of Malaysia; whose money do you suppose are being used to pay the bills after all? (read related MAS issue here)

Or, recently that Bijan fella announced a bonus to Felda settlers saying it is out of the goodwill of the government, but when you consider this report here, that tantamount to another bloody lie. Another biadap act, I would say.

Recently, the MP for Titiwangsa, Dr Lo'Lo', requested the list of hardcore poor identified by DBKL which the good Doctor would like to offer some form of assistance, true to her role as a Member of Parliament. In a biadap reply, DBKL rejected the request stating that the list belong to them, implying it is for their use only. Hello! Does that not also imply that those hardcore people also belong to them? They way I look at it, it does to me. Perhaps, a new form of slavery where the poor would be forced to feel indebted (and belonging) to a certain party only. (read here).

Let's not forget about Teresa Kok's case where the government said it was solely Police discretion to detain her under ISA, based on a newspaper as well a blog's entry. But not so recent in the past, I distinctly remember the Police issuing a statement that they cannot take action against anyone merely based on articles in newspapers or blogs. How is this so now? Who is lying and who is being lied to? Not biadap? (read here). And while we are on the ISA, that there are still more than 60 people detained under the deplorable act on mere suspicions alone. Is that not a bigger biadap? (read here).

When the government withdrew the petrol subsidy according to surge in world price, they did so without much thought to the consequences of their act. Now that the world oil price has dropped to below USD100, they keep mum about it, preferring to study the market direction before lowering current price. As I have stated in a past entry, Singapore has at least twice brought down their domestic petrol price. And that city-state, is a non-producing oil country! Don't you consider that inaction by our government to be biadap, riding on the the hardship of their own citizens?

There are perhaps a thousand and one more instances where the government is more 'biadap' for a single individual to remember. Perhaps, Maverick's entry here suffice for the moment to cap my point (and his, as well as many others). The thing again is, how is it I don't hear or read all this from those bystanders? If you do not know where to find such news of abuse of power and corruption, just click on my readscentral. There's about a hundred links there where perhaps 2 out of 3 will have one news or another.

Before anyone gets the idea Sheikh and I are buddies, please note that the only link we have is a mutual friend by the name of Hazrin, a film producer cum director, and one that I mention some months back. Other than that, I only know Sheikh as the Kick de fella guy. But sure as hell I will not kick him for this flag issue here.


* Thanks to Doc TA for pointing out the relevant verse.

ps. When I wrote 'A Play' , scene 2 (Pipes and Hydrant), it was specifically meant for these 'bystanders'; people who know nuts about nuts, but think they hold a Masters Degree in it already.

Sharks! (Or Is It Shucks!)

Sharks, are said to be mean killing machines. Ruthless and efficient, they are unlike predators on land who may have to starve for days before succeeding in a hunt. Sharks on the other hand, have a near perfect killing ratio. But they do have a main weakness, if we can call it that. Sharks, do not have a ballast system to keep it buoyant. Hence, they find the constant need to swim, or sink to the bottom. To make matter worse, certain species of the shark are unable to breathe while in a state of motionless.

About 2 days ago, I was in a queue at a cashier of a hypermarket. There were not many people as one would normally expect. Perhaps, it was near middle of the month where most people normally don't shop. And perhaps in knowing this, the manager of the hypermarket decided to have only several cashiers opened. Anyway, soon after the guy in front of me moved off, I began to unload my cart onto the conveyor belt, only to be stopped by the cashier. It seems, the belt was not working and he requested that I unload my stuff nearer to him. Not a problem.

As I was unloading, a middle aged Chinese lady stood in queue behind me. I looked at her and we both smiled at each other. Then I said "The belt's not working. Thus, the store is giving everyone a discount". It was an icebreaker, and it bloody well worked as it had her in small stitches. Not only were we friendly after that, but she voluntarily assisted me in unloading my cart.

Not all sharks are man-eaters. In fact, the number of species that are, are much smaller than those not. However, if there is a specie widely feared by many, it has to be the Great White. It, is said to be the ultimate killing machine of the depths.

Normally, a shark such as the Blue Shark, would circle its prey in an ever tightening loop before launching a head-on attack. In doing so, the fins of the shark protrudes menacingly for all to see. But the Great White, executes in a different manner.

Before heading home, I headed to a nursery farm along Jalan Sungai Buloh to get several packs of fertillisers Emak had asked for. Since the road is being upgraded to a dual carriageway, certain stretches of it are notoriously congested with traffic, especially heavy vehicles carrying tons of earth either to or from a worksite. This, as it otherwise normally does, gives pedestrians a hard time crossing the busy road most especially since it is now wider.

At the RRI junction, I was in a queue of cars trying to either turn into RRI or make a U-turn. On the opposite direction from Subang, a huge truck came into view. Normally, drivers of such monstrosity would not give a hoot to other road users, what else if you are pedestrian. This driver however, proved to be an exception.

As there was a small break between his truck and the vehicle upfront, he flicked his headlights with long beams. In driver's language, this means he is allowing the traffic ahead to have the right of way. When the truck came to halt, the driver put out his dark hands and waved a group of pedestrians across.

Maybe one would not give much thought to the driver's chivalry. But at a time when certain people are stoking the fire of racism, trying to instill fear into the hearts of the people, I see a mountain out of this molehill; the driver of the truck it seems, was a nice Indian chap. The pedestrians on the other hand, were a mixed group of elderly Malay couple and some young Chinese primary school students. My point is: What the bloody heck was a leader of some obscure NGO talking about on 8pm News on TV3 just now? What racism?

I liken the the hot air the sarkas keeps blowing out to the shark's ballast system*.

The very sight of a shark's fin protruding out of the water strikes fear into the hearts of many. Perhaps, quite like before a submarine launches its torpedo attack, the captain has to peer the precise location of its target. But unlike the submarine which stays a safe distance away, the shark itself is a living torpedo.

During breaking of fast just now, emak mentioned her worries about not reading any statements from Anwar of late. She, a hard copy reader, finds little interest in the use of PC's, what else the Internet. To ease her worries, I gave her the shark analogy.

Once the Great White have identified its victim, it moves into the attack phase. The prey, may be lulled into a false sense of security seeing the absence of the menacing fin and in fact maybe jubilant about it and drops his guard, which when one come to think about it - being on guard, that is - is utterly useless when a hungry shark is around.

To strike, a Great White would normally move into the depths and come rushing up straight at its victim. It is silent till the very moment it makes contact. The prey or victim, would in all probability be taken in by the shock of the attack, though it is has been observed it to be normal for the prey to strike back. When they prey does, it would try to go for the eyes. But in there, lies the irony of it all.

The shark's body is lean and as aerodynamic as any waterborne creature can be. As mentioned earlier, its body itself, is the torpedo in an attack of purposeful destruction of a prey. However, it finds the need to protect its most weakest spot which is the eye. And for that purpose, Allah s.w.t. has given it lids to do so; at the very last moment, the shark is blind for all intent and purpose. The success of its strike lies solely on the input it fed to its brain much earlier. To the victor, belongs the spoils - if its the shark, he gets to eat; if its the prey, he gets to live another day.

But mind you, DSAI or Pakatan Rakyat for the matter, is not a shark.



*Back in the mid 1970's when the Penang Aquarium was newly opened, I was informed that they had a 'yu bodoh' as one of the exhibits. Up to recent, I have never figured what it is. Guess now, I know.

**Correction:
I wrote this entry half sleepy. After reading Eskapisminda's comment, I found that I had actually cut corners in the last description. While its true that at the moment of an attack sharks become temporarily blind, it is not entirely true it is due to the lids.

The eyes of a shark is place at the rear of its snout and jaws. When a shark open its jaws, the snout is pushed upwards to the back. This action causes the eyes to roll in and the lid effect takes place.

Sumbat and Sumbat Again!

Of recent, I have been feeling very guilty whenever I look at the fishes in the tank at home. The guilty feeling sunk deeper after I bought a couple of Lionhead Fish. Oh, they are still alive and even look somewhat happier swimming about in a tank which is undoubtedly larger than the ones in the fish shop. Like the Swordtails, Loaches, Tetras, and Mollies, the 2 Lionheads are like many living beings, find the need for compassion, especially from a fellow living being, especially a biped that goes by the name Human. After all, were we not appointed to be Khalifah - holding a trust to manage a just society which include, the flora and fauna, and the lands and even bodies of water on and in it? Surely if we are to hold true to this, then we must exercise an even greater care towards fellow humans, irrespective of their belief or skin colour. But sadly this has not been the case with a government that claims itself as civilised (hadhari).

Irrespective of what one may feel and think of another human, one is bound to be give him fair treatment especially in matters of conflict. When we reflect back in history, then we may be surprised to find that fair and equal treatment were already in practiced by people living in an age where education is considered a luxury rather than a need. During the times of Saidina Umar r.a., he accused a Jew of stealing his battle armour. But because he could not provide proof of ownership, the judge ruled in favour of the Jew. That, happened while Saidina Umar was reigning as the Khalifah of a growing Islamic nation. Yet, he did not use the powers of his office to overturn the verdict, nor to harm the Jew. Today however, several leaders stoop lower than a barbarian in the Dark Ages, using force and cruelty onto the people they have been sworn to serve, merely to put a stop to the truths from being revealed to the public, or to they - the leaders - themselves. Hiding behind their stooges and the cruel ISA, they swooped down on 3 people whose guilt, is very much questionable to the public: What, are their real crimes?

I may not know all 3 personally, but I have had the pleasure of being with RPK on several occasions, and even interviewed him twice whilst with webtv8. On one occasion, I even teased him as being an anarchist. But that, an anarchist, he is not. RPK, is a man strong in his convictions and can be more than a trifle loud with his words. Yes, he may have crossed the lines at one point of time or another. But haven't we all? Or do we think that we are saintly creatures who have not committed a single wrong in our life? Do bear in mind, the very act of NOT doing something for or towards the betterment of a person or persons who may be in dire need, is wrong itself. And the very act of NOT doing anything towards curtailing or prevention of a misdeed is also wrong. If we can agree with the 2 statements, then what have each of us done to expose the wrongdoings and abuses of this government? Or has the government been squeaky clean all this while? What about the BMF scandal and the murder of Allahyarham Ahmad Nordin while investigating it? What about the wanton destructions of Suraus, homes, and places of worship simply because the land that was resided were awarded to a developer who cared hoots about the people living there?

Though its been rather recent, many too seem to have forgotten about the loss of nearly a billion ringgit in the The Crooked Bridge fiasco. Or much earlier - and this is for the Malay Nationalist - that Bank Bumiputra was swallowed by a bank smaller to it in terms of assets and manpower, and that the smaller bank is related to a politician; do you remember that? Or even that BBMB was 'systematically' destroyed by members of the sarkas who saddled the bank with huge debts that may have been written off already. If RPK truly did insult Islam, why wasn't he, as adviced by a certain Mufti, brought in for counselling? Heck, why didn't they charge him in the Syariah Courts, then? Perhaps, we have forgotten that a certain leader in the 1990's clearly insulted Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and many of us decided to keep mum about it. And that an illegal regime cricket's team was invited to Malaysia where a group of Malaysians protested and in turn, was dragged off into Kamunting Camp. There are, far too many crimes and questionable acts committed by the government itself for one to remember comprehensively. The question is, have the 'crimes' of RPK been above all stated? Let's take another glaring example then.

When Tan Hoon Cheng reported what a clown from Bukit Bendera said, it was Tan who was arrested instead of the clown. Alhamdulillah, Tan was reported to have been released already. But the question remains: Was it wrong for her, as a reporter, to jot down criminal words mentioned by another? If not then, how is it the real perpetrator is still at large?

Teresa was said to have issued a directive which supposed raised the ire of Muslims in Selangor. For that, she has been brought in with the use of the repulsive ISA. In contrast to what was reported as well as her supposed crime, I reproduce a comment found here, and then let us together ponder on what actually is the crime commited by the YB.

KENYATAAN NAZIR MASJID KOTA DAMANSARA
Adalah saya selaku nazir Masjid Kota Damansara dan jawatankuasa ingin merujuk kepada isu larangan penggunaan azan oleh orang bukan islam yang kononnya didalangi oleh Teresa Kok @ DAP seperti yang diwar oleh Melayu Net dalam laman ini dan juga kenyataan Bekas Menteri Besar Selangor (Khir Toyo) dalam Utusan Malaysia bertarikh 9.9.2008. Pihak jawatankuasa masjid melihat isu yang sengaja ditimbulkan oleh pihak yang kecewa ini berniat jahat, fitnah dan cuba menimbulkan suasana tidak harmonis dan prajudis dikalangan pelbagai bangsa di Kota Damansara. Adalah amat malang lagi dangkal seorang bekas Menteri Besar (Khir Toyo) boleh mengutip khabar angin (berita sampah) lalu bersedia untuk menjadi jaguh mempertahankan islam. Walhal sejarah telah terpahat tentang isu menutup surau, menangkap penceramah, mengadakan pelbagai sekatan terhadap perkembangan syiar islam, zakat dijadikan senjata mengugut pelajar Al-azhar yang tidak sehaluan (banyak lagi) sewaktu beliau berkuasa di Selangor dulu. Sebenarnya apa yang berlaku bukan atas tekanan dan bantahan oleh orang bukan islam, tetapi sistem pembesar suara masjid dalam proses ujian oleh pihak kontraktor. Untuk makluman semua Masjid Kota Damansara baru 2 minggu digunakan. Sudah pasti terdapat kekurangan dan kelemahan disana sini. Masih dalam jaminan pihak kontraktor selama setahun. Disamping itu, berlaku masalah elektrikal pada pembesar suara ekoran masalah cuaca baru-baru ini. Bagi mengatasi untuk tujuan kuliah, tarawikh, tazkirah dsbnya, pihak masjid berterima kasih kepada Pengurusan Sekolah Menengah Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara yang bersedia meminjamkan PA Sistemnya. dan telah digunakan dengan sempurna. Insya-Allah sistem pembesar suara masjid dalam proses pembaikan dan dijangka siap pada hari ini (9.9.2008) mengikut janji kontraktor. Namun untuk mengatakan azan tidak kedengaran langsung adalah satu pembohongan kerana pihak masjid menyambug sistem tersebut ke menara. Justeri itu, pihak masjid meminta Melayu net dan pihak berkenaan memohon maaf diatas fitnah jahat tersebut yang menyebabkan timbul sipa prajudis dikalangan umat islam KOta Damansara. Sekian, wassalam. US HAJI HASSAN BASRI @ BASRI MOHD NAZIR MASJID KOTA DAMANSARA

Reading through the comment, it does beg one to wonder the true criminal of it all.

My only wish now is that Pakatan Rakyat will make their move sooner before Kamunting becomes like the Black Hole of Calcutta.

Broken Wing

A mynah, just like the above, hops around on the street of my house, trying to seek refuge from a group of small boys chasing it. Normally, I would raise my voice at the kids in hope of stopping them from hurting the bird. But there was something about the mynah which stopped me from doing so, and I, instead, became an observer. As I watch, it became obvious to me that the children had the correct intent; they were, trying to catch the bird and keep if safe - the mynah, was suffering from a broken wing.

The 5 kids, at one point of time, had the bird in a circle. But as they each rushed in to capture it with their bare hands, the bird, even with its right wing sagging, was too slippery for them. Soon, it hops out of my view, taking the kids along with it. At this point of writing, I can't say whether the kids were successful or not. But perhaps that is not so important as what matters more is that the kids have a noble intent, caring for a life which rarely cross their path what else touch them. But their act, touched me.

Its been raining daily here since Ramadhan began, and its not helping me at all with my flu, causing me to have cold chest which in turn, leads to incessant coughing. Perhaps due to the coughs, I have been feeling very tired these past few days, what with the energy used and the lack of sleep caused by it, having to sleep in an upright position rather than horizontal. And the jeli gamat I have been taking again recently, does not seem to help as it once did many years ago. Perhaps its the brand. Or perhaps, I am already in a state of irreparable damage. But to be honest, in all, I would rather have this cold chest than cold feet (literal meaning) which some people must be experiencing now with the approaching September 16 date. That, sort of perks me up. InsyAllah, we will be going through a most interesting time in the history of Malaysia, which makes me glad to be around. What happens next, only Allah s.w.t. in His Infinite Wisdom knows.

Reading through RPK's entry here, I pray we will be able to re-look into some strange laws which were enacted for some industry, but exempted to others. Agreed, alcohol is haram, and so is selling and serving it. But as the man asked though not verbatim "What about MAS and the many Muslims forced to serve it?" That, reminded me of a question many have been asking too regarding a certain 24hours convenience chain store.

Arriving some 20minutes early for an appointment, I stepped into one of those stores looking for something to bite. Seeing the hot servings they have I asked if the food is halal. The staff of the store, some 3 of them and all Muslims, looked at each other and replied in one voice that everything in the store is halal. Alhamdulillah, I thought. But then, I saw another staff was busy rearranging the cold drinks section and was in fact, holding a bottle of beer in each hand with more bottles on the floor and in the fridge. Halal? I think not.

Going by RPK's statement and the act of the religious department as well as RELA, how come Muslims are allowed to sell and serve liquor and beer here, but not in pubs and discotheques and whatnot? Or that there was once a law that whenever a shop wants to sell liquor, it has to put up a notice in a newspaper to inform the public of its intention. A certain lee time is then given for any member of public to object, and the objection taken into view by the authorities concerned. So how come this convenience chain store does not seem to do so? Something's amiss somewhere.

The above, and many other inconsistencies of the current regime is what makes a commoner like cakapaje feeling disgusted and helpless. I pray from the 17th onwards, the people concerned will be more mindful of such matters and not leave a commoner to be like the mynah with a broken wing and left to the mercy of the elements (if not for the boys).

Of Tabloids and Newspapers

A decade ago, if someone were to ask me the difference between a tabloid and a broadsheet, I would give them a blank look. To me, then, a paper is still a paper whether its large or small. Then one day in 1998, my senior copywriter explained that tabloids are normally meant for the hot stuff (like those semi-naked pictures found on the front page of a some tabloids in UK), while broadsheets (such as Utusan), are more serious and normally, its news carry more weight. The senior copywriter, Robert, was commenting on one paper's sneer at another then.

Earlier this evening, I saw a TV advertisement on Berita Harian and that now it is no longer a broadsheet but a tabloid, following the footsteps on its sister newspaper, The NST. The line they used for the Ad was "Zaman Sudah Berubah". Might be so, but it reminded me of Robert's comment; so I did a little googling, and came out with the excerpt as below:

blurit - Tabloids were best known for a lower type of journalism that dealt with sleaze, corruption, sex scandals and other things that their traditionally working and new middle class readership apparently enjoyed.

The broadsheets tended to have better written articles, with much less scandal and gossip, much less sensational headlines and people depended upon them for getting their quota of what could now be called 'serious news'.

These days, the lines between the types of newspaper have blurred. The Mirror for instance in the UK had move back and forth between serious journalism and comic type nonsense for years. However, one of the best moves the Mirror took was removing the semi-naked women from its pages, something other tabloids have yet to manage.

WikiAnswer - The tabliod is more informal then the broadsheet.


I guess there's a heck lot more site on this question were one to look it up, but basically it falls within the definition of the two above. In other words, tabloids such as the new BH, should never be taken seriously or better still, not bought at all. The owners might cite 1,001 reasons for the downsizing but to me, its mere cosmetic. So long as BH and all papers in that stable continue with their lopsided reporting, they belong in the thrash bin. The same goes for Utusan. As a friend would like to say "Its the mentality (reporting) dude, not the looks!".

On almost the same note, FOMCA recently launched the 'Buy Nothing Day'. The BND was targetted to all Malaysians, not to purchase anything for that single day which was on July 16. But since I do not read mainstream papers except for the Star on 2 particular days in a week, I did not know about it until I received an email from FOMCA's CEO, Encik Mohd Sha'ani. But that, had me thinking.
What if, now that almost every Malaysian is up to his ears on the political scenario in Malaysia, all of us were participate in a 'NO BN Day!'? We spread the news far and wide and for one single day, all of us stay away from work. But it has to be a working day for it to have effect. Anyone? No? Hehe, thought so. Oh well...

Fruits of A Labour

Early this morning, my emak broke several branches of the 'Mata Kucing' tree she had planted some 2 years back. The tree, had begun fruiting its first and supposedly, by breaking off a branch or two it would make the tree have more fruits; this, is an old belief that one may not find in any science books. How far true, only Allah s.w.t. knows better. But seeing her break the branches, I rushed to my brother's house and borrowed his camera.

Emak will be 76 this year, and she tires more easily now. This tree, may be the last fruit tree she plants and I would like to record it for reasons of my own. Though it may not concern visitors to my blog, I do hope you will read it through the end. Perhaps then, you might find something worthwhile your stay.

The Front.

Fruits of a labour.

The tree(s) planted outside the house.

Emak's patch. Every 6 months to a year,
she will redo the garden as she quite recently did in the picture above.
That Wak Kromo, is sometimes drafted in to work a 'forced labourer'.

Emak's fern section.

Emak's dwindling orchid plants.

The Fish Pond which that Wak Kromo has been entrusted with.

The Rear.

At the rear of the house, emak plants some medicinal plants which she eats everyday
...and force that Wak Kromo to the same too!

Some call it Bakawali. Others, Pakawali. Then, there's also akarwali. Whatever, it is very bitter but hardy plant. One can just hang it on the wire fencing and it will grow by itself. Anyone needing some, just email me...all you need is about 2 feet of it - half to chop and slice into small pieces to be eaten, and the other half to grow the plant.

The Interior.

A badly taken picture(retaken) of an antique chair - there's a whole set of them!
Near 50years old, the frames are still solid.

Emak's showcase of her brass wares and other things, many of them are of antique value.

Maybe the last of its kind in Malaysia - a carpet picture of the Parliament.
Minus the frame and the plastic covering, it is also nearing 50years old (or perhaps more).
A reminder to that cakapaje: As a child is a gift to a parent, so is the parent to a child.
Emak, the carpet parliament, the Parliament, this life, this nation,
is a gift from Allah s.w.t.
Basically, the scribe means: This, is a gift from your God.

The Long Walk

The twin engine, 8passenger plane touched down at the community airport around 6pm. But at this time of the year, it was already dark, and cold. Aje did not bother to go to the luggage collection center as he was carrying by hand, and walked straight to the exit. No familiar faces greeted him there, and he hung around a while. By 7pm, he was beginning to get agitated...and hungry. He walked back into the building and tried to make several calls, but none was successful. He searched his pockets and found he had only a measly sum, probably not even enough to pay for the taxi fare to town. And with no buses in service in this small town, all Aje could do was wait. But luck did not abandon him that night.

A tall elderly man sporting a cowboy hat walked out the building and stared at Aje, who in turn returned the stare.
"You and addict, son?" asked the man.
"No, sir" replied Aje.
"That's good to know," said the man "as I sure do hate them addicts!".
Aje did not reply but looked the other way at the headlights of a car driving in.
"You need a ride to town, son?" asked the man.
"I do," replied Aje trying to conceal his delight at the invitation.
"Come on then! The temp will be dropping further. Just make sure you ain't got no stuff in them bag of yours".
"Just my clothes," Aje quickly replied in hope it would convince the man that he is not an addict.

The 30minutes ride to town however, turned out to be joyful for the 2 strangers as they got to know each other. The man Aje found out, was late into his 60's and clearly no redneck. He claimed though, to be a former Intelligence Officer of some outfit which is gaining more ill reputation than not. Aje did not want to dispute nor to believe. If he is, fine. If he's not, what harm could there be? In return, Aje was relieved to note that the term 'addict' the man used was meant to be an icebreaker and nothing more.

Soon as they reached town, the man dropped Aje at the nearest coffeehouse. There, Aje helped himself to 2 cups of steaming hot coffee, before deciding to walk the 5 miles to his destination. With inadequate clothing, the walk became cold and lonely as the dark night itself.

Perhaps, a certain man, formerly of high position, is going through the same now.

ps. Quite a shame Addicted To Love - Power - was not available.