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I know it’s too early to post a message on this subject. We are still 3 days away from Christmas and 8 days from the new year of 2009!
Ah! But I need to take an early break, to rest my mind during this time, and hopefully come back recharged and bouncing to go! This will my last post for this year, incidentally it is my 101th post.
Here’s my message to you for the new year…
I would like to remind myself that 2009 may not be as bright & colorful as the poster above. However, I have hope in God, in myself and my fellow Malaysians. I hope to run this race to the very end..
‘I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come:
As fish are caught in a cruel net,
or birds are taken in a snare,
so men are trapped by evil times
that fall unexpectedly upon them.’ – Ecclesiastes
Aha! An interesting post? Finally peng is getting personal?
I live in Malaysia, a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural country. I consider all Malaysians as family, whether extended, distant, close or otherwise…
But although family, we do not necessary see eye to eye or like each other, in some cases there’s no love lost. So this is what my family is about …
BERUK (Jong will love to throw a shoe at this one) because this ‘beruk’, while he himself is a natural beruk, calls his fellow human ‘beruk’. What’s that about a pot calling the kettle black? No love lost for this kin.
VULTUROUS (if there is such a word!), a dracula of a different kind. Those that suck from the Aminahs, Ah Bengs & Sivas, depriving them of the much needed financial lifeline.
First cousin to BERUK; SNAKE (I would love to throw a shoe at this one) because this ’snake’ is bad in nature, attacks the defenceless, strikes when you are not looking! No love lost for this kin too!
I think I should get on with some human kin, rather than all these animal kind? But truth is, sometimes when they are so senseless and soul-less, you just don’t know what to make of them!
JOHN DOE, JANE DOE, TOM, DICK, HARRY .. I would love to close ties with these, but fact is most are too busy (like me) trying to live a decent life, in this indecent society, that we always miss hearing what the other is trying to say.
DREAMS MAKER, this kin sure makes my life more fun and hopeful! Spinning dreams, especially at such bleak times, distracts me from the dreadful dark future of change… At times a shining star!
JOKER, mind you, we have a dime a dozen of these in high office (OM, thanks for the dime quote). Unlike the Dreams Maker who spins dreams to motivate, Joker spins jokes to frustrate! (Another candidate worthy of that shoe throwing). Also no love lost for this kin.
CYBER BUDDIES, kin of kindred spirit who reach out from the world wide space to touch and motivate each other, a miracle indeed!
Finally, my real-life family!
Okay, I’ll be honest.. not really my family lah!
Picture from Malaysiakini report
If you can recall, Malaysia’s frozen seafood was found to be not in compliance with the European Union guidelines some months ago. As a result our government has imposed a self-ban on Malaysian frozen seafood export to the 28 member-state European Union. Actually, way back in 2005, the EU has already set the conditions for our Malaysian frozen seafood exporters. But why is it that until now they are not able to comply with these conditions?
‘Prior to the ban, the frozen seafood industry was the country’s second largest food industry with a RM2.5 billion export value, with 70 percent going to EU countries.’
Now the frozen seafood industry is crying foul over the lack of action taken by the government and Malaysian Competent Authority.
‘The dejected 26-corporate member MFFPA alleged that the industry had reached a dead end due to the incompetence of the Malaysian Competent Authority (MCA).’
‘The members blamed their despondency on the protracted delay of MCA to carry out rectification and upgrading works in compliance with the EU guidelines on frozen food export.’
‘Some 90 percent of EU complaints were linked to MCA governed areas, among others, cleanliness in fishery vessels, handling of marine catch at landing ports and incompetent backyard factories.’
This will be the result of incompetency, a lackadaisical attitude, apathy…?
“As it is, some companies are already dead and some will not see through next month’s Chinese New Year,” Malaysian Frozen Foods Processors Association (MFFPA) chairperson Ch’ng Chin Hooi told a press conference today.
‘He cited the recent closure of the Prai-based Seapack Food Sdn Bhd that retrenched 300 workers as a sign of the impending tragedy. Similarly some 100 workers from another Prai-based company, Hong San Frozen Sdn Bhd, are set to lose their jobs next week.’
‘But since April, the industry has suffered RM1.5 billion loss in sales and production as stocks of EU-bound frozen food are now stuck in cold rooms, with each major company losing between RM5 million and RM20 million.’
‘To add to the problem, the industry’s estimated 15,000 direct workers would be jobless, and another 50,000 indirect workers employed in related sectors, such as fisheries, transport and supply, stand to lose either their main source of income or jobs.’
Will this really help? Or is it a bit too late?
‘Unless and if the Finance Ministry injects the much needed RM500 million-rescue package immediately, 43 frozen seafood processing companies, half of them major ones, will close down soon.’
‘Ch’ng called on Finance Minister Najib Abdul Razak to release the money urgently through the government-appointed Agro Bank to provide the much sought after soft loans with low interests for the survival of the frozen food industrialists.’
“We don’t understand why the money has not been released to us even though all the documentation process to obtain the loans had been completed,” he said.
So, who should be responsible for this impending collapse of a once lucrative industry? I would say all parties are jointly responsible. The government for it’s lackadaisical attitude, the Malaysian Competent Authority for it’s incompetency and the exporters for it’s apathy! This is a case of crying over spilled milk.
(Source: Malaysiakini )
Some ‘rude’ behavior during a dinner hosted by Samy Vellu, MIC President.
About 9.30pm, during dinner, Samy Vellu began delivering a speech, only to notice that the crowd not listening to him.
“Samy Vellu went back to his seat, to allow them to continue eating. He later stood up to deliver his speech but the people still not attentive. So he ended his speech about 9.58pm.
“As he was leaving the venue, he was angry. He was scolding the branch leaders for not showing him respect. He was angry because people had left their seats and were walking about, instead of listening to him.”
So, he was angry. What did he do?
The photographer said he was recording all this when Samy Vellu spotted him and asked which newspaper he represents.
“I told him ‘Makkal Osai’ and he immediately seized my camera and gave it to a MIC senator. Samy Vellu told him to delete the pictures. (When it was returned to me) about half of my pictures were gone,” he alleged.
“Samy Vellu continued to verbally abuse me and my newspaper, saying we should not be there and that we had not been invited. I told him we had been invited by a branch leader.”
Did the people come just for the food? I don’t know… I think there’s one old broken record player playing and people didn’t want to listen. But then again, it’s rude to ignore the host, isn’t it? 
(source: Malaysiakini )
‘The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has officially cleared the federal government of wrongdoing in its plan to buy new military helicopters after weeks of delay.’
Wow! This is indeed good news! There is no hanky-panky (as claimed always) in the purchase of the helicopters.
But wait! What’s this about…
‘However, it also notes that there were many more things it could have done to make sure the deal was favourable to Malaysia.’
Many more things it could have been done to make sure the deal is favorable to Malaysia??? Read as the deal is not in Malaysia’s favor??? Then why is the federal government cleared of wrongdoing? Not doing anything does not construe wrong doing? What about negligence?
What are ‘the many more things it could have done’?
‘The PAC is “uncomfortable” that no flight tests and physical evaluations were ever done on the helicopter model despite assurances from the Defence Ministry.’
‘The PAC, however, wants the Defence Ministry to conduct specific test flights and full physical tests before buying any aircraft in future.’
‘With regards to the Eurocopter, which is to replace the ageing fleet of Nuri helicopters, it wants the ministry to do a detailed survey and inspection before closing the deal.’
‘It advised them to pay the helicopter supplier in stages and to check the aircraft again, including taking a test-flight, before making the last payment.’
‘The PAC asked the government to renegotiate the deal based on market prices and to include the Attorney General while doing so to make sure the terms protected government’s interests.’
Reading the recommendations by PAC, it seems that ‘many things’ have not been done when confirming the deal! Can you read in between the lines? Does it not make PAC a toothless tiger. And the federal government clear but not clean?
(source: The Malaysian Insider)
I have wanted to write about this for a long long time, even before I started blogging. My first job in a retail store gave me the opportunity to help at the cashier as a packer. When you next pay for your groceries, do spare a smile for the cashier and the packer attending to you, even though they may not have a smile on their face.
Here’s why..
Cashiering is a long and tiring job. I do not know about now, but in those days, they were required to work from 9.30am to 10.00pm.on weekends and public holidays. Imagine, standing for almost 12 hours (their breaks were usually half an hour for lunch and dinner)?
They have to be alert handling the money, ensuring the correct amount collected and change given. They will be responsible for any discrepancy, deducted from their basic pay of about RM800.
Then they have to entertain ‘macam-macam’ customers. Some fussy ones will direct how their groceries are to be packed. Some more fussy ones insist on the exact change in the denomination they specified, for example if the change to be given is RM55, three RM5, 10 RM1 and balance RM10! They are those who hoard plastic bags. They will insist that you double pack (means use two plastic bag) for each bag. The plastic bag hoarders would even come back and grab a few from the stack at the counter. Now you know why plastic bags are kept under the counter!
A cashier also has to deal with people who don’t understand or read the ‘queue up’ sign. Some customers plainly ignore a queue and incur the wrath of other customers. And not forgetting those who keeps the line waiting, chatting on the phone while the cashier is waiting for the payment. The cashier will almost always end up being chastised for these uncivil actions.
I have personally witnessed a customer spitting, and another throwing money at a cashier. And not forgetting the uncouth language being hurled when the customer is displeased and did not get his/her way.
The bottom line is, a cashier’s job is at high risk of being the punching bag or receiving end of an unhappy or stressed out customer.
These are not tales. These are personal experiences.
I know that some cashiers are rude, some are impatient, some are unfriendly. Most will serve without a smile. But please remember that they don’t have the best of jobs. When I meet such a cashier, I will flash a smile and comment, ‘you must have a tiring day?’ I am always reciprocated with a smile, even from the most rude ones!
So, please spare a smile for the cashier next time! It will help them to face a challenging job with a positive outlook, and bring a smile to an unsmiling face!
The Pahlawan Volunteers captured on video interviews with some ordinary Malaysian folks, who spoke out their hopes.
Here is the gist of what these Malaysians said.
Aminah, a small keropok manufacturer: She tried 6 times to get assistance to buy a machine for her business. In the end an acquaintance loaned her the money. Aminah has learned that if you don’t have a friend inside (the government agency approving the loan), if you don’t know anyone…you won’t get anything!
Othman on the Poverty Eradication Progam in Pekan, Pahang: 5 years ago during election time they set up a progam giving sewing jobs to the people. It only lasted 5 months. After the elections, everything disappeared. The building is now abandoned, a place for mosquitoes.
Sahari, Orang Asli of Chini Dua: Even though his daughter was accepted to pursue a diploma course in Mara, the authorities of the Orang Asli Department rejected Sahari’s request for financial help. On the state of development in his village, he said that there is no water and electricity, although the village has applied 3 times in a year for the amenities.
Abdul Khalid, a resort operator in Pulau Tioman: Basic facilities like roads and water is lacking in the island. What we ask for, they don’t give or is slow to give..
Chan, a noodle manufacturer in Kelantan: She managed her business without any assistance from the government.
A Chinese machine seller in Kelantan: I don’t understand why they give (aid) to people who come in Wajas, Volvos and Honda Civics, when Aminah who really need it don’t get it. I rent this shop from the ex CM, Abu Bakar. All these shops are his, the whole row.
Nik Omar Aziz, Kelantan school principal: We don’t want wealth to be circulated among only the elite.
.
People still want to believe in the government and the countless plans and stimulus packages for the good of the country. But the fact is, how much of these money will actually reach the people who really need it? Before it is swallowed by the small and big sharks while being dispensed? Perhaps The PM and DPM can enlighten us? But then Aminah said that she spoke to Najib about her loan. He said okay and then nothing happens. Does okay means = ‘I hear you, I will ask my machais to look into it’ lip service? Guess it is because Aminah waited for almost one year for the loan. Had she not been self-dependent, she and her family would have starved to death waiting!
That’s to lip service. We will hear more of these in KT.
Do you recall a certain BN backbencher , a Pasir Salak MP?
Do you remember these infamous words that spew from his mouth?
‘Keling’, ‘Bloody bastard’. Don’t jog your memory?
How about this, ‘Tak masuk lagi, dah lama tak masuk. Main tepi saja” and “bila nak keluar lagi air dia‘.
And now more spewing, to insult our intelligence, ‘Sometime I regret for what I have said, I hate myself you know. I am a good Muslim and if we are wrong, we apologise, what’s the big fuss… I bertaubat (repent)’. (Source: Malaysiakini)
Ah, people don’t be fooled. There are some keywords here that gave away his insincerity, ’sometime I regret’, ‘what’s the big fuss’.
So of all the times he utter disgusting words, he is only repentant ’sometime’? And he asked, ‘what’s the fuss?’
Can I spit, wipe my mouth and pretend nothing happened? Or asks, ‘what’s the big fuss about me spitting on the ground?’
If he cannot hold his tongue, it’s better he cuts it off. Before it brings him to ruin.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 29:20)
‘
‘The show has come to an end. It’s all over.’
That’s saying to the five who will be appealing against Justice Abdul Kadir Musa ruling that the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam clip cannot be challenged.
Inquiry findings ‘cannot be challenged’ |
| Malaysiakini
Dec 12, 08 11:10am |
| The Kuala Lumpur High Court today ruled that the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam clip cannot be challenged.ustice Abdul Kadir Musa subsequently threw out the leave application by prominent lawyer VK Lingam and four others with cost.On July 16, senior federal counsel Azizah Nawawi had objected to the leave application by Lingam, tycoon Vincent Tan, Barisan Nasional and Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and former chief justices Eusoff Chin and Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim for the judicial review.
She had argued that the commission did not make any binding or conclusive decisions and that its findings and recommendations could not be reviewed. The five men wanted to quash parts of the report which implicate them. They claimed that the commission had prejudged the issues before it and lost its focus by going beyond its terms of reference when writing up its findings. Eusoff and Ahmad Fairuz will appeal against today’s decision while the remaining trio are expected to follow suit. |
I don’t know much of the law, but as a layman, I would agree with the good judge ruling. If the findings of a Royal Commission of Inquiry, or for the matter, the to-be-tabled Anti-Corruption Commission Bill and the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, can be challenged in court, then what’s the purpose of having these Royal Commission or whatever Commission. It is just plain hocus pocus!
To quote Cikgu Nazir of Kata Tak Nak, ‘Malaysia is a land of charades.’
Only when pigs fly, we will get a truly unbiased, free from outside/from the top influence Commission board. Until then, we teach the pigs to fly!
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