If it wasn’t so tragic I would be laughing my head off.
On one side you have people who had just completed a coup of getting someone to change their spots and come across suddenly being in the shoes of having their leopards changing their spots…
Actually I agree on ONE main principle, If you are elected under a label, if you wish to change, RESIGN. That goes for both sides. It’s a matter of honor, unfortunately something completely foreign to not only Malaysian politicians but all politicians as well.
But the sad thing about all of this is the state of Perak politics. Being a Perakian entitles me I guess to say a couple of words about this. Perak politician are among the most mediocre of all politicians in Malaysia. Let me back this up with some observations.
We have consistently got ourselves mediocre MB since the late 60s. The problem is the complete lack of talent among the resident ADUN and division heads. While you can see some of the other states having representation at the highest level of UMNO and the wings … Perak has precious few. One notable in the top 3 tier is a woman, Dato Seri Rafidah. The other ‘notable’ is also questionable to me … Nazri. Thanks for throwing up ... I threw up too
Why this dearth of talent? Is it because Perakians are themselves devoid of talent?
I’ve heard of many reasons.
Among the biggest is the suppression of those with talent and integrity. Mediocrity is looked upon as acceptable because it makes most of us not feel bad about ourselves. Tall weeds get cut down fast.
Another popular reasons is a lot of notable perakians tend to be in the educational field. Look it up. So they tend to be more idealistic and shy away from the sleaze of what passes as normal politics as usual.
Another reason put forward is that Perak politics is too much a politic of patronage. Thus you cannot be better than your patron. That puts a crimp on any up and coming.
I don’t know if this is the same everywhere else… I guess it is … because we also see this kind of crap in the US. Maybe Perak is like Chicago. Too sleazy. Guess who’s our Rod Blagojevich then? Sorry … whatever your guess is you’re wrong … it’s practically every single politician in Perak … Our very own Chicago…
But the thing is Chicago did produce one Barack Hussein Obama … Is there any hidden in Perak …?
Showing posts with label Social Comment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Comment. Show all posts
Monday, February 02, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Sense of helplessness
As the days go by and we watch again and again the images of dead Palestinian children in rows of white shrouds, we ask (again), what can we do?
What else can we do beyond boycotting US products, as suggested by former Malaysian PM, Tun Dr. Mahathir? Would anyone notice? How can we do that? I am using Microsoft Word to do this. It’s a US product. Please help me find an alternative. Maybe try Open Office that even though it is also a US product, it’s free, thus not contributing to the US income.
Maybe that will help in curtailing the USD3 billion that the US sends DIRECT to Israel and the multitude of billions that it spends buying off Arab Saudi, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait to lie quietly and let Israel run wild. You think that would do it… hmmpf … then you must be less of a skeptic that I am.
What else can we do? Do we get into a chemistry lab and start building bombs and throw them at the nearest US embassy or any business that have the name American? Would that help the children of Gaza? You think? I don’t think so, because in my books two wrongs definitely don’t make a right. I will be committing a sin by killing innocent non-combatants in ‘war’. I do think that Al Qaeda have completely got it wrong by 9/11.
What else can we do? Donate to the funds that assist in humanitarian aids? That would assuage our guilt of letting this happen. Maybe some percentage of that assistance does get to the Palestinians. I do hope no one skim off the top of these aids. May Allah curse them if they do that. But with the blockade, can they get it through.
I guess this sense of helplessness comes from the fact that whatever we do may not make a difference. Evil will triumph as it has for these many years, at least 61 years for the Palestinians. We still buy American goods, still use Google and still watch American programs on TV. We are not prepared to suffer discomfort or inconvenience.
In the end our prayers to Allah to help the Palestinians, to strengthen the Muslim ummah so that it can fight this is the best possible way, to strengthen ourselves so that we are willing to experience discomfort a little bit so that we can make a dent, no matter how big, in the US economy, for Allah to make the people who actually make decisions in the US to see the light, for Allah to punish those that perpetrated these injustice.
In the end as in the beginning, there is only Allah that we can rest all our hopes and prayers.
BTW, I’m switching to Open Office. And this ... probably will be last blog on www.blogger.com until I can figure out where to send this.
What else can we do beyond boycotting US products, as suggested by former Malaysian PM, Tun Dr. Mahathir? Would anyone notice? How can we do that? I am using Microsoft Word to do this. It’s a US product. Please help me find an alternative. Maybe try Open Office that even though it is also a US product, it’s free, thus not contributing to the US income.
Maybe that will help in curtailing the USD3 billion that the US sends DIRECT to Israel and the multitude of billions that it spends buying off Arab Saudi, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait to lie quietly and let Israel run wild. You think that would do it… hmmpf … then you must be less of a skeptic that I am.
What else can we do? Do we get into a chemistry lab and start building bombs and throw them at the nearest US embassy or any business that have the name American? Would that help the children of Gaza? You think? I don’t think so, because in my books two wrongs definitely don’t make a right. I will be committing a sin by killing innocent non-combatants in ‘war’. I do think that Al Qaeda have completely got it wrong by 9/11.
What else can we do? Donate to the funds that assist in humanitarian aids? That would assuage our guilt of letting this happen. Maybe some percentage of that assistance does get to the Palestinians. I do hope no one skim off the top of these aids. May Allah curse them if they do that. But with the blockade, can they get it through.
I guess this sense of helplessness comes from the fact that whatever we do may not make a difference. Evil will triumph as it has for these many years, at least 61 years for the Palestinians. We still buy American goods, still use Google and still watch American programs on TV. We are not prepared to suffer discomfort or inconvenience.
In the end our prayers to Allah to help the Palestinians, to strengthen the Muslim ummah so that it can fight this is the best possible way, to strengthen ourselves so that we are willing to experience discomfort a little bit so that we can make a dent, no matter how big, in the US economy, for Allah to make the people who actually make decisions in the US to see the light, for Allah to punish those that perpetrated these injustice.
In the end as in the beginning, there is only Allah that we can rest all our hopes and prayers.
BTW, I’m switching to Open Office. And this ... probably will be last blog on www.blogger.com until I can figure out where to send this.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Malaysians at the Olympics
Seeing Wong Choon Han take out Taufik Hidayat (albeit some said he was just recovering from dengue fever...) was a wonderful moment in badminton. Hoping that Malaysia can go over the next hurdles ... CHINA. Also knowing that Lee Chong Wah & Wong Mei Choo made it through was also exciting.
Was disappointed with Astro coverage of Malaysians at the Olympics. The Archery team was not covered live and Wong Mei Choo's match was not even shown but instead anothe match involving China was shown. Had to resort to seeing the scores tick over in the Olyimpics website, point by point.Some other sports have hardly any major interest is also shown to great detail.
I know Astro are taking feed from the Aussie broadcaster but c'mon ... is it to the extent that we can't even ask to be shown Malaysians in action. Irrespective of how they fare at the very least we can see how the play / fight. That may inspire some of our young to take some of these sports and excel.
Can't wait for squash to be in the Olympics... but with our luck it would likely be when Nicole retired.
Was disappointed with Astro coverage of Malaysians at the Olympics. The Archery team was not covered live and Wong Mei Choo's match was not even shown but instead anothe match involving China was shown. Had to resort to seeing the scores tick over in the Olyimpics website, point by point.Some other sports have hardly any major interest is also shown to great detail.
I know Astro are taking feed from the Aussie broadcaster but c'mon ... is it to the extent that we can't even ask to be shown Malaysians in action. Irrespective of how they fare at the very least we can see how the play / fight. That may inspire some of our young to take some of these sports and excel.
Can't wait for squash to be in the Olympics... but with our luck it would likely be when Nicole retired.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Alternative Energy x-Prize
Comments made at Tun's page as well.
The recent increase in petrol / diesel prices and re-structuring of the oil prices have left most reeling with shock. Even though expected, Malaysians being largely insulated from the petrol price increase in other countries took it for granted that we will be continuously protected. Kind of foolish perception on our part.
But the thing is the most important crisis in this time will not go away so long as the energy demand stays. So why havent everyone been talking about the most obvious? Alternative energy sources?
Can Malaysia take a lead in getting the research for alternative energy source instead of saying it's someone else's problem. No one is willing to take the lead. Why not try something like what the Ansari X Prize did in getting private commercial space flight a reality?
This is what I suggest.
Malaysia take the lead and offer to buy alternative non fossil fuel technology from any inventor for EUR 1billion (since we cant trust dollars). Frankly we probably wont have to pay up as I am sure that other countries (see Japan / China) will up the ante to a couple more billion.
Either that or Malaysia lead in setting up the alternative Energy prize. Other countries can contribute and the intellectual property for the invention once bought from the inventor will be set on the world as free to download and use. Freeware!
How's that for having a role in saving the mankind from its excesses. For sure world recognition.
Would Malaysian leaders have the courage to do this? The need is obvious but the courage to execute is always lacking.
The recent increase in petrol / diesel prices and re-structuring of the oil prices have left most reeling with shock. Even though expected, Malaysians being largely insulated from the petrol price increase in other countries took it for granted that we will be continuously protected. Kind of foolish perception on our part.
But the thing is the most important crisis in this time will not go away so long as the energy demand stays. So why havent everyone been talking about the most obvious? Alternative energy sources?
Can Malaysia take a lead in getting the research for alternative energy source instead of saying it's someone else's problem. No one is willing to take the lead. Why not try something like what the Ansari X Prize did in getting private commercial space flight a reality?
This is what I suggest.
Malaysia take the lead and offer to buy alternative non fossil fuel technology from any inventor for EUR 1billion (since we cant trust dollars). Frankly we probably wont have to pay up as I am sure that other countries (see Japan / China) will up the ante to a couple more billion.
Either that or Malaysia lead in setting up the alternative Energy prize. Other countries can contribute and the intellectual property for the invention once bought from the inventor will be set on the world as free to download and use. Freeware!
How's that for having a role in saving the mankind from its excesses. For sure world recognition.
Would Malaysian leaders have the courage to do this? The need is obvious but the courage to execute is always lacking.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Cadangan Usul UMNO - Merubah sistem pemilihan
Ini adalah cadangan usul yang saya minta mana-mana ahli UMNO yang ingin nak bawa di peringkat cawangan dan bahagian untuk gunakan jika dirasakan sesuai.
Saya telah menyuarakan ini di Forum Pasca PRU 12 - Peniliaian yang diadakan pada 1 April 2008 di Petaling Jaya.
Online Petition pun disediakan
Walaupun tidak begitu spesifik ini adalah peringkat pertama dalam inisiatif ini. Untuk megwujudkan kesedaran dikalangan ahli dan penerimaan konsep di kalangan ahli.
UPDATED VERSION 8 March 2008
==========================
Saya telah menyuarakan ini di Forum Pasca PRU 12 - Peniliaian yang diadakan pada 1 April 2008 di Petaling Jaya.
Online Petition pun disediakan
Walaupun tidak begitu spesifik ini adalah peringkat pertama dalam inisiatif ini. Untuk megwujudkan kesedaran dikalangan ahli dan penerimaan konsep di kalangan ahli.
UPDATED VERSION 8 March 2008
==========================
28 MAC 2008
CADANGAN USUL UMNO CAWANGAN
CAWANGAN :
BAHAGIAN :
KEPIMPINAN BERCOGANKAN BERSATU – BERSETIA - BERKHIDMAT
USUL:-Dengan ini, Kami, menyedari bahawa berdirinya kami di tahap ini adalah hasil gigih usaha kerajaan BN dan UMNO khususnya, maka usul ini kami bentangkan atas perasaan menghargai usaha dan jasa pucuk pimpinan sebelum ini yang telah ‘melahirkan’ kami. Pemilihan untuk memastikan kita akan mempunyai kepimpinan selaras dengan cogan kata keramat BERSATU-BERSETIA-BERKHIDMAT amat diperlukan untuk meniup nafas baru ke dalam UMNO. Kami berdoa dan berharap agar suara semua ahli UMNO tanpa mengira peringkat tidak dipinggirkan.
Sejajar dengan hak ahli yang dimeterai dalam Fasal 6.2.2 Perlembagaan UMNO menjamin hak bagi Ahli UMNO untuk “memilih, dipilih dan dilantik untuk sebarang jawatan di dalam parti”, maka dengan ini, kami mencadangkan usul supaya pindaan perlembagaan UMNO dan juga tatacara yang berkaitan dengan pemilihan dilakukan dalam tempoh yang terdekat ini, dan dengan itu membolehkan ahli UMNO memilih pemimpin mereka di bahagian dan seterusnya di peringkat Majlis Tertinggi UMNO, secara terus. Proses ini hendaklah sempurna untuk dilaksanakan menjelang tahun 2010.
Asas Usul:-
Pilihanraya Umum 12 telah memberi maklum balas yang jelas bahawa satu anjakan ketara dan drastik telah berlaku dalam hati dan minda rakyat Malaysia. Tema yang asyik panas diketengahkan di kebanyakan negeri tika ini, adalah betapa rakyat Malaysia telah bosan dengan mainan politik Barisan Nasional dan parti-parti komponennya. Fakta menunjukkan bahawa jentera pilihanraya BN (yang sebelum ini digeruni) gagal menelah “Mood swing” para pengundi, satu petanda jelas peri tidak pekanya BN tentang realiti persekitarannya. Akibat kegagalan ini BN terpaksa berhadapan dengan beban kesan ketara dan negatif yang perlu digalasnya.
Lantaran itu, sudah tibalah waktu dan ketikanya bagi UMNO selaku parti induk BN, untuk membuktikan keupayaannya bertindak balas dan mengambil iktibar dari keputusan tersebut untuk ‘mencipta semula’ (re-invent) BN,dalam kadar segera.
Pucuk pimpinan komponen lain telah berundur dari Kabinet kerana ingin menumpukan perhatian dan masa mereka sepenuhnya kepada proses cipta-semula parti masing-masing. Komitmen dan kesungguhan pucuk pimpinan MCA dalam proses cipta-semula ini, jelas terserlah melalui kesediaan mereka untuk meneruskan proses pemilihan pimpinan tahun ini, meskipun mereka berdepan dengan ‘malapetaka’ yang hampir pasti memunahkan mereka . AlhamduLillah, UMNO juga turut meneruskan pemilihan di semua peringkat pada tahun ini. Namun dalam pada itu, kita harus sedah bahawa salah satu punca yang dikatakan menjadi penyebab kekalahan tersebut ialah isu kepincangan kepimpinan.
Acap kali terusainya proses pemilihan kepimpinan UMNO, suara-suara ahli UMNO yang ‘terkejut’ dengan keputusannya,menjadi sesuatu yang hampir wajib didengari, seolah-olah keputusan yang tercapai tidak mencerminkan keinginan sebenar ahli akar umbi. Malah proses pencalonan dan cadangan untuk bahagian dan Majlis Tertinggi UMNO seolah-olah telah di rancang dan diputuskan oleh kepimpinan cawangan. Lantaran itu, demi kejayaan proses 'cipta semula' ini, soalan yang wajib dijawab adalah: mungkinkah sistem pemilihan pemimpin ini sendiri menjadi salah satu punca kepincangan ini.
Mungkinkah pemilihan yang perlu melalui proses saringan di beberapa peringkat ini, menjadi punca utama kepincangan yang kita alami tika ini?
Seperti yang kita tahu, UMNO mempunyai empat peringkat pentadbiran, PUSAT, PERHUBUNGAN (negeri dan wilayah), BAHAGIAN dan CAWANGAN. Pemilihan cuma diadakan di peringkat PUSAT, BAHAGIAN dan CAWANGAN dan tidak di peringkat PERHUBUNGAN.
Peringkat Pertama – Ahli UMNO cawangan memilih perwakilan untuk menghadiri mesyuarat agung Bahagian, iaitu tidak melebihi 5 wakil daripada setiap cawangan. (Fasal 14.4.4 dan 17.5.6)
Peringkat Kedua – Perwakilan yang dipilih termasuk ketua cawangan berhak memilih perwakilan bahagian ke mesyuarat agung tahunan UMNO (Fasal 14.5.2) dan mencadangkan calon MT (Fasal 14.5.4) . Berdasarkan perlembagaan UMNO, wakil dipilih oleh Perwakilan Tahunan Bahagian, iaitu seorang wakil bagi tiap-tiap lima ratus orang ahli tetapi tidak melebihi tujuh orang daripada sesuatu Bahagian. Ini tidak termasuk Ketua, Timbalan Ketua, Naib Ketua, Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda, Ketua Pergerakan Wanita dan Ketua Pergerakan Puteri Bahagian.
Peringkat Ketiga – Perwakilan ke MAT memilih Ahli Majlis Tertinggi UMNO yang hadir. Selain daripada perwakilan bahagian tadi, Pengerusi dan Timbalan Pengerusi, Ahli Majlis Tertinggi dan perwakilan pergerakan Wanita, Pemuda dan Puteri juga hadir.
Lazimnya proses pemeringkatan dan penapisan dalam industri menghasilkan produk yang lebih tinggi kualitinya, seperti yang berlaku dalam pemerosesan kelapa sawit. Malangnya ‘pemeringkatan’ perwakilan dan penapisan keinginan ahli untuk memilih pucuk pimpinan tidak semestinya memastikan peningkatan kualiti. Bahkan, yang nyata berlaku adalah yang sebaliknya, kerana keinginan ahli hampir selalu tak kesampaian.
Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan menyaksikan lebih kurang 2200 ahli UMNO memilih Ahli Majlis Tertinggi. Daftar ahli UMNO terkini menunjukkan ahli berjumlah kira-kira 3.2 juta. Justeru itu, setiap seorang daripada perwakilan yang berjaya ke Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan ini memikul di atas bahu mereka, amanah dan harapan milik hampir 1400 ahli yang tidak terpilih untuk menghadiri acara kemuncak tahunan ini. Dengan yang demikian, jika dinyatakan dalam bentuk peratusan, hanya 0.07% ahli UMNO berpeluang dan bertanggungjawab untuk memilih ahli MT ini. Malangnya juga 2200 adalah satu angka yang kecil, bahkan terlalu kecil yang memudahkan calon MT untuk ‘berjumpa’ dan ‘berbincang’ dengan mereka. Suatu angka yang cukup kecil untuk ‘dipengaruhi’.
Bukankah kita sering mendengar betapa politik wang begitu berbahaya hingga mampu menghancurkan parti? Namun, bukankah proses pemilihan MT yang kita bina dengan tangan kita sendiri ini, memudahkan politik wang? Cuba bayangkan, berapa agaknya bilangan perwakilan di peringkat 190 bahagian yang ada. Bukankah ia satu angka yang hampir mencecah 25,000? Dan bayangkan pula jika angka tersebut satu angka sebesar 3.2 juta ahli UMNO yang ada. Bukankah ini bakal menyukarkan proses ‘mempengaruhi’ dan ‘berbincang’, yang dinyatakan tadi? Nyata lebih mudah ‘berkempen’ kepada 2200 orang berbanding 3.2 juta ahli.
Alasan serampang dua mata yang sering digunakan untuk mempertahankan sistem pemilihan ahli MT yang sedia ada ini adalah
a) Ahli tidak mengenal calon. Bukan kerana mereka tidak mahu, namun calon sering tidak mendekati mereka kecuali semasa pemilihan.
b) Masa pemilihan agak singkat maka calon hanya mampu berjumpa ahli perwakilan sahaja. Mereka tiada masa untuk menemui ahli biasa.
Sebenarnya ada cara terbaik untuk memastikan yang calon bahagian atau MT dikenali oleh ahli biasa. Cara ini adalah satu proses yang dipanggil “BERKHIDMAT”. Satu proses yang memerlukan calon menyingsing lengan dan mengerah tenaga, yang rata-rata tidak popular dan agak sukar dilaksanakan, namun terbukti kaedah terbaik untuk memastikan yang ahli mengenali calon.
Pemilihan bukan sahaja masa untuk ahli menunjukkan kesetiaan kepada pemimpin, bahkan inilah peluang bagi pemimpin untuk menunjukkan kesetiaannya kepada ahli. Ahli akan memilih calon yang BERSETIA kepada mereka sebagai ahli parti, dan kepada prinsip parti. Ini bermakna calon hendaklah daripada kalangan mereka yang mendukung prinsip dan perjuangan, bukan sekadar ucapan dan retorik kosong, bahkan mampu menzahirkan kata-katanya melalui amalan.
Dengan pemilihan secara lebih terbuka ini, bolehlah kita memilih tanpa perlu berkempen dengan terlalu hebat dan dahsyat seperti yang telah menjadi resam dalam setiap pemilihan selama ini. Maka lontaran fitnah, kata-kata nista, mahupun lontaran ‘hadiah’ juga dapat dikurangkan. Ini kerana calon sudah dikenali dan 'dicintai’ melalui Khidmat yang telah mereka hulurkan. Tiada jalan lain untuk memastikan yang ahli akan memberi kesetiaan kepada pemimpin, melainkan pemimpin terlebih dahulu membuktikan kesetiaan kepada ahli dengan mencurahkan bakti kepada mereka. Kurangnya rasa sedih, marah dalam kalangan ahli semasa peringkat pemilihan akan membuahkah natijah yang cukup manis, iaitu BERSATU.
Inilah yang kita impikan; KETIGA-TIGA COGANKATA UMNO DIREALISASIKAN, dan tidak sekadar menjadi nyanyian dalam majlis-majlis UMNO.
Dari segi logistik, memang sukar untuk memastikan semua ahli UMNO mengundi. Namun bukankah sudah menjadi resam bahawa sesuatu yang berharga itu, lebih sukar diperolehi? Yang jelas dan pasti, menidakkan dan meminggirkan hasrat ahli UMNO menjadi satu penyebab parti menjadi lemah dan bukti paling mutakhir telah pun dapat kita saksikan melalui kepincangan prestasi BN dalam PRU12 tempoh hari.
Yang lebih utama, kita harus menyedari bahawa aspek politik yang membawa kepada penyatuan ini, jauh lebih agung daripada karenah yang telah memecah belahkan kita. Cukuplah dengan hanya beberapa insan sahaja yang benar-benar yakin dengan realiti ini, dan atas keyakinan luhur ini, mengorak langkah untuk melakukan sesuatu untuk memperkasakan parti UMNO yang kita cintai. Meskipun kita mungkin tidak dapat menyelesaikan semua masalah, namun kita hampir pasti dapat menggerakkan sesuatu yang bakal memberi makna yang cukup mendalam untuk kita semua.
Dalam pilihanraya Umum Ke-12, UMNO telah menerima kejutan hebat, satu ‘wake-up call’, untuk bangun dari tidur yang lena, . Janganlah kita menghulurkan tangan untuk menekan butang Lelap (‘Snooze’) pula.
Sesuatu yang kita bina daripada rasa cinta adalah sesuatu yang pastinya lebih kekal dan bermakna. Umpama ibadat yang dilaksanakan atas dasar cinta kepada Allah swt, sudah pastilah lebih mendalam kesannya berbanding yang dilakukan kerana takut kepadaNya mahupun atas rasa benci terhadap agama lain. InsyaAllah usaha kita yang lahir daripada rasa cinta kepada agama, bangsa dan negara, yang ikhlas dan bebas daripada rasa benci dan dendam kesumat ini akan berkekalan, dan diredhai.
InsyaAllah
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What now Malaysia?
Salam all,
I've rarely written about politics … maybe coz I am too disgusted. But I don't want my kids to live in a world in which all hope is lost. Because with Hope we can make things Real.
A couple of things can happen ...
1) In UMNO / MCA / MIC ... if there are some people with guts carrying the torch ... there will be those coming in to change the party ... Only a revolution the likes of which has happened to the country can happen. Make no mistake this is a revolution, the one in which six (no not a mistake .. I also count Wilayah) states / areas have voted BN out.
2) It will be BAU (Business as usual) for BN especially UMNO since they couldn't even have the guts to speak their mind with exception of Mukhriz, Ku Li and Shahrir Samad. If no one speaks and the butt kissing (forgive my language) and butt covering (sorry again) continues ... then the other 6 states will fall in PRU13.
3) Race politics perhaps is being shown the door. While meritocracy is being lauded, we cannot become like soul-less Singapore. I believe that NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND (just like Navy Seals) unless by their own choice.
4) BA might actually work. If most of BA starts to move away from extreme left or extreme right this might work. They have oversight and chance to do what they never able to do in the past ... form Shadow Government. A shadow minister and shadow deputy minister for EVERY ministry making sure each ministry is watched carefully. Then things might actually get better.
4) BA might actually disintegrate. They might find working together tougher and make a mess of things ... Then PRU13 will see BN coming back like PRU11 saw BN recovering Terengganu.
There are questions whether Pak lah should resign… Even call by Tun himself. Also about who's next. However I cant agree with TDM that Najib should be the one. Something about that just doesnt ring true. One thing about Tun ... a good leader but he one big flaw ... keep placing his trust of ppl who turned out to be creeps.
When Lim Guan Eng was asked whether he thinks Pak lah should step down, he paused for a long time before saying, "It's up to UMNO to decide". I don't think any PAS/PKR/DAP wants Pak Lah to resign ... he's the best thing that happened to them ever. It's easy to campaign if Pak Lah is around... they can say, "if you dont vote for PAS/PKR/DAP ... you get Pak Lah and KJ". They can't use Samy as a bogeyman now ... PakLah - KJ fits the profile.
Unfortunately for BN ... they don't admit that.
I don't know about other party. So cant speak for them but I think UMNO needs a real revolution. This wake up call needs a follow through action. An action that will stump the crap out of them.
This UMNO election in 2008, someone with guts must stand up and be the icon. At this stage ... seek out at grassroot level for them to select the right people at Bahagian and as representatives to the UMNO assembly. The grassroots that have been made fools in the past must wise up.
In the past members only select their branch AJK and delegates to the Division meeting. Division meeting attendees then selects those going to KL for UMNO election. These 2000 plus delegates selects who heads UMNO. So ... basically easy thing to pay off 2000 ppl (even 1000 enuf already
I had this idea long time ago (in 2000) right after Mat Taib/ Najib got re-elected as Naib Presiden UMNO. I got fairly disgusted and began typing away this proposal. BTW I had this idea way before some leaders starts spouting it in the papers.:-
What if UMNO practise this:
Members (all of them) choose not only their AJK cawangan but their ketua bahagian and delegates to UMNO central. Maybe even up to all members choose the Presiden and UMNO MT. Then UMNO will practice democracy. Now, they are saying that ordinary members ni bodoh sangat and tak tahu who to vote for. "So let us yang dah biasa hobnobbing dengan org besar2 ni pilih pemimpin". Crap!
There will be too many people to pay off… so money politics become not viable. To top it off they actually have to WORK to be recognised.
I hope I see before I die ... I hope my kids live the kind of life I hope they would be happy and safe in.
UMNO members ... take heed for this year's UMNO election, if the rest of the country can move mountains, so can YOU!
I've rarely written about politics … maybe coz I am too disgusted. But I don't want my kids to live in a world in which all hope is lost. Because with Hope we can make things Real.
A couple of things can happen ...
1) In UMNO / MCA / MIC ... if there are some people with guts carrying the torch ... there will be those coming in to change the party ... Only a revolution the likes of which has happened to the country can happen. Make no mistake this is a revolution, the one in which six (no not a mistake .. I also count Wilayah) states / areas have voted BN out.
2) It will be BAU (Business as usual) for BN especially UMNO since they couldn't even have the guts to speak their mind with exception of Mukhriz, Ku Li and Shahrir Samad. If no one speaks and the butt kissing (forgive my language) and butt covering (sorry again) continues ... then the other 6 states will fall in PRU13.
3) Race politics perhaps is being shown the door. While meritocracy is being lauded, we cannot become like soul-less Singapore. I believe that NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND (just like Navy Seals) unless by their own choice.
4) BA might actually work. If most of BA starts to move away from extreme left or extreme right this might work. They have oversight and chance to do what they never able to do in the past ... form Shadow Government. A shadow minister and shadow deputy minister for EVERY ministry making sure each ministry is watched carefully. Then things might actually get better.
4) BA might actually disintegrate. They might find working together tougher and make a mess of things ... Then PRU13 will see BN coming back like PRU11 saw BN recovering Terengganu.
There are questions whether Pak lah should resign… Even call by Tun himself. Also about who's next. However I cant agree with TDM that Najib should be the one. Something about that just doesnt ring true. One thing about Tun ... a good leader but he one big flaw ... keep placing his trust of ppl who turned out to be creeps.
When Lim Guan Eng was asked whether he thinks Pak lah should step down, he paused for a long time before saying, "It's up to UMNO to decide". I don't think any PAS/PKR/DAP wants Pak Lah to resign ... he's the best thing that happened to them ever. It's easy to campaign if Pak Lah is around... they can say, "if you dont vote for PAS/PKR/DAP ... you get Pak Lah and KJ". They can't use Samy as a bogeyman now ... PakLah - KJ fits the profile.
Unfortunately for BN ... they don't admit that.
I don't know about other party. So cant speak for them but I think UMNO needs a real revolution. This wake up call needs a follow through action. An action that will stump the crap out of them.
This UMNO election in 2008, someone with guts must stand up and be the icon. At this stage ... seek out at grassroot level for them to select the right people at Bahagian and as representatives to the UMNO assembly. The grassroots that have been made fools in the past must wise up.
In the past members only select their branch AJK and delegates to the Division meeting. Division meeting attendees then selects those going to KL for UMNO election. These 2000 plus delegates selects who heads UMNO. So ... basically easy thing to pay off 2000 ppl (even 1000 enuf already
I had this idea long time ago (in 2000) right after Mat Taib/ Najib got re-elected as Naib Presiden UMNO. I got fairly disgusted and began typing away this proposal. BTW I had this idea way before some leaders starts spouting it in the papers.:-
What if UMNO practise this:
Members (all of them) choose not only their AJK cawangan but their ketua bahagian and delegates to UMNO central. Maybe even up to all members choose the Presiden and UMNO MT. Then UMNO will practice democracy. Now, they are saying that ordinary members ni bodoh sangat and tak tahu who to vote for. "So let us yang dah biasa hobnobbing dengan org besar2 ni pilih pemimpin". Crap!
There will be too many people to pay off… so money politics become not viable. To top it off they actually have to WORK to be recognised.
I hope I see before I die ... I hope my kids live the kind of life I hope they would be happy and safe in.
UMNO members ... take heed for this year's UMNO election, if the rest of the country can move mountains, so can YOU!
Monday, February 25, 2008
The False Democracy of Globalisation
Whew ... that was a serious looking topic.
I guess this must have struck many people but I have yet to read it like this yet :-
Democracy is a process by which the MAJORITY elects the winner and their leaders.
Globalisation (more the Wall Street Globalisation) is a process by which the FEW rich countries/individuals/corporates win by pure might of wealth over the majority.
So it is puzzling then why the supposed democratic government of the west supports globalisation religiously. And the wierdest thing is that the among the majority that suffers is the working people in the supposedly rich western countries. See issue in the Democratic primary in Ohio in 2008 and how Bill Clinton's NAFTA is boomeranging back on Hillary Clinton.
Increasingly we see governments giving the ARTIFICIAL and VIRTUAL corporate citizens ample way and leeway to make more money (or they call it increasing shareholder's value) by making the majority suffers.
Consider this, if your own citizen are expensive ('not competitive') find someone else who is. Likely that someone else is poorer and need it more and thus will be willing to do it cheaper of course. But the thing is the cycle doesn't end there ... they will go on and still search for cheaper places/people.
Somewhere down the line we've forgotten about increasing human value in life but about "increasing shareholders value". "Increasing shareholders value" means so little to those who is living from one paycheck to another to keep everyone in his/her family from starvation / lack of education / homelessness.
Democratic election counts for nothing much when if we choose those who will then 'elect' the rich minority over the 'barely surviving' majority.
I guess this must have struck many people but I have yet to read it like this yet :-
Democracy is a process by which the MAJORITY elects the winner and their leaders.
Globalisation (more the Wall Street Globalisation) is a process by which the FEW rich countries/individuals/corporates win by pure might of wealth over the majority.
So it is puzzling then why the supposed democratic government of the west supports globalisation religiously. And the wierdest thing is that the among the majority that suffers is the working people in the supposedly rich western countries. See issue in the Democratic primary in Ohio in 2008 and how Bill Clinton's NAFTA is boomeranging back on Hillary Clinton.
Increasingly we see governments giving the ARTIFICIAL and VIRTUAL corporate citizens ample way and leeway to make more money (or they call it increasing shareholder's value) by making the majority suffers.
Consider this, if your own citizen are expensive ('not competitive') find someone else who is. Likely that someone else is poorer and need it more and thus will be willing to do it cheaper of course. But the thing is the cycle doesn't end there ... they will go on and still search for cheaper places/people.
Somewhere down the line we've forgotten about increasing human value in life but about "increasing shareholders value". "Increasing shareholders value" means so little to those who is living from one paycheck to another to keep everyone in his/her family from starvation / lack of education / homelessness.
Democratic election counts for nothing much when if we choose those who will then 'elect' the rich minority over the 'barely surviving' majority.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Election Pictures ... Hah!
I know I am being mean but honestly look at this picture
and tell me it doesn't remind you of this one ...
OK ... I admit Jack has better dress sense ...
Ooo ... I am being so mean ...
and tell me it doesn't remind you of this one ...
OK ... I admit Jack has better dress sense ...
Ooo ... I am being so mean ...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Oh teacher / parents ... where art thou?
Hi all,
It's been almost 4 months ... havent touched this blog due to other commitments, kids exams, holiday, general laziness, and involved in the Alumni journal editing, which consumed time not taken for work and family.
I registered both my sons (12 and 15) to school earlier this year. Just to illustrate some difference.
At the Primary school I noted this:-
1) All arrangements for fees and classes done before the school year starts (at least a day before for the fees and books). Class assignment for returning students were given before school closed last year.
2) For UPSR parents, the school gave a program briefing and approval request on the UPSR program. There were 21 line items in the program for UPSR (including 2 for post UPSR). Unfortunately less than 25% parents turned up for that Saturday morning briefing. Where art thou o parents....?
3) UPSR program started last week. Additional classes for which teachers volunteered (whith NO payment!... maybe some nasi lemak bungkus if parents contribute...)
4) When my son forgot to bring his homework, the principal called to ask my wife. rest assured, mys son never forgot after this.
At the secondary school I noted this:-
1) On the 1st day, all the students havent the foggiest idea which class they belong. There was an assembly that had the teachers announcing names one by one for which class the student belong to .... It took 2 hours. Could have been simply done with posting on the board.
2) Fees to be paid only informed to student on 1st day. Almost no parents turned up but simply gave money to their kids to pay. Probably much preferable as then teachers don't have to explain what the fees are for
3) My son is sitting PMR, class teacher have ZERO information as to whether there will be any extra classes. Forget about any letters / announcement ... they havent figured that out too.
Why the difference? We have much more higher educated teacher supposedly in the secondary schools, but less of the dedication. What gives ...?
Anyway ... watch this space... I'm intending to chronicle changes I'm trying to garner up at the secondary school.
Later on I'll tell you what the school is.
It's been almost 4 months ... havent touched this blog due to other commitments, kids exams, holiday, general laziness, and involved in the Alumni journal editing, which consumed time not taken for work and family.
I registered both my sons (12 and 15) to school earlier this year. Just to illustrate some difference.
At the Primary school I noted this:-
1) All arrangements for fees and classes done before the school year starts (at least a day before for the fees and books). Class assignment for returning students were given before school closed last year.
2) For UPSR parents, the school gave a program briefing and approval request on the UPSR program. There were 21 line items in the program for UPSR (including 2 for post UPSR). Unfortunately less than 25% parents turned up for that Saturday morning briefing. Where art thou o parents....?
3) UPSR program started last week. Additional classes for which teachers volunteered (whith NO payment!... maybe some nasi lemak bungkus if parents contribute...)
4) When my son forgot to bring his homework, the principal called to ask my wife. rest assured, mys son never forgot after this.
At the secondary school I noted this:-
1) On the 1st day, all the students havent the foggiest idea which class they belong. There was an assembly that had the teachers announcing names one by one for which class the student belong to .... It took 2 hours. Could have been simply done with posting on the board.
2) Fees to be paid only informed to student on 1st day. Almost no parents turned up but simply gave money to their kids to pay. Probably much preferable as then teachers don't have to explain what the fees are for
3) My son is sitting PMR, class teacher have ZERO information as to whether there will be any extra classes. Forget about any letters / announcement ... they havent figured that out too.
Why the difference? We have much more higher educated teacher supposedly in the secondary schools, but less of the dedication. What gives ...?
Anyway ... watch this space... I'm intending to chronicle changes I'm trying to garner up at the secondary school.
Later on I'll tell you what the school is.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Al Fatihah, Nurin may Allah bless you always.
I started writing this on Tuesday 18th after reading about the dead girl found in the bag. I could not finish writing then as I kept breaking down.
Everytime I read this kind of news my heart breaks and the emotions overwhelms me about ho much I wish this did not happen. I keep thinking about the pain and suffering and terror that the child felt up to the last moments of her life. I can't face this anymore. Even as a spectator it's overwhelming.
We have to be prepared when bringing these children into the world. We are responsible for them being here to large degree and thus it is up to us to take care of them. Think of these 5 reasons why:-
These are Raising Children antibodies / reminders that Dr Norhayati once related in her lectures.
1. Children are our AMANAH. We are entrusted with these children so it is up to us to take care of them. They are counting on us. Allah's amanah on us to take care of these kids.
2. Taking care of children can be considered our IBADAH. LIke any Ibadah, do it proper, with the right nawaitu, and do it well. If you promise to teach , if cannot be done today, do qadha and do it the next available time.
3. Children are our UJIAN. Taking care of them tests us in all aspects. We are responsible to come out of this test with flying colours.
4. Children are our NIKMAT and not our azab. Every moment that they spent with us is an nikmat and as such needs to be treasured. Their loss is also soul wrenching like the loss of a gift from Allah swt.
5. Our Children are our JIHAD. Jihad means to some doing with best of ability and intent. And if mean it as jihad there is very little that can stop us.
May Allah place her among the chosen. I offer this prayer to all my children and all children in this world, what ever their race, religion, colour, shape. May Allah bless you all.
Everytime I read this kind of news my heart breaks and the emotions overwhelms me about ho much I wish this did not happen. I keep thinking about the pain and suffering and terror that the child felt up to the last moments of her life. I can't face this anymore. Even as a spectator it's overwhelming.
We have to be prepared when bringing these children into the world. We are responsible for them being here to large degree and thus it is up to us to take care of them. Think of these 5 reasons why:-
These are Raising Children antibodies / reminders that Dr Norhayati once related in her lectures.
1. Children are our AMANAH. We are entrusted with these children so it is up to us to take care of them. They are counting on us. Allah's amanah on us to take care of these kids.
2. Taking care of children can be considered our IBADAH. LIke any Ibadah, do it proper, with the right nawaitu, and do it well. If you promise to teach , if cannot be done today, do qadha and do it the next available time.
3. Children are our UJIAN. Taking care of them tests us in all aspects. We are responsible to come out of this test with flying colours.
4. Children are our NIKMAT and not our azab. Every moment that they spent with us is an nikmat and as such needs to be treasured. Their loss is also soul wrenching like the loss of a gift from Allah swt.
5. Our Children are our JIHAD. Jihad means to some doing with best of ability and intent. And if mean it as jihad there is very little that can stop us.
May Allah place her among the chosen. I offer this prayer to all my children and all children in this world, what ever their race, religion, colour, shape. May Allah bless you all.
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