HAMIDAH OSMAN’S RACIST STATEMENT A SHARP REMINDER THAT RACISM ALIVE IN MALAYSIA!

‘certainly a political liability for the BN/UMNO in the future!’

As I always said – ‘lessons have not been learnt’ from the March 8^th political tsunami!

How else can anyone educated or uneducated, religious or an unbeliever explain the rather racist statement by none other than UMNO’s Sungai Rapat state assemblyperson, Hamidah Osman!
This woman certainly caused a furor in the Perak legislative assembly last Friday with her racial slur!

To be exact – she revealed the attitude truly reflective of someone we would call – ‘kurang ajar’ when she insinuated that if you see an Indian and a snake, you kill the Indian first.

Yes, that is what she meant!

And as far as I am concerned she should be charged for sedition!

Now I hear that she has publicly apologized for hurting the Indian community!

I am advised that she issued the public apology before newsmen, saying that it was not her intention to hurt the Indian community with a racial slur.

How politically convenient!

She is reported to have stated that she had already retracted her statement in the House and now, she was   offering her humble and sincere apology to all Indians for uttering the racist remarks in the heat of the moment.

Her apology comes in the wake of several police reports made against her!

I would certainly agree that Hamidah has totally destroyed whatever future she may have had in politics as from now she would be too big a baggage and a ‘political pariah’ for Barisan Nasional and certainly more so UMNO!

And no amount of road show is going to change that!

The reason is certainly because such racial stereotyping exercise no longer appeals to the majority of Malaysians and more so after March 8^th!

But she is a ‘product’ that clearly shows that certain demography in the country have yet to accept historical realities and despite over 50 years of independence!

More so, in a state where Malaysian Indians have left historical and iconic footmarks all over!

If I was the Speaker – she would have been immediately suspended for 3 months for that racist slug and statement!

One should remember that ‘sensitivity’ is not the monopoly of any one race in Malaysia – the earlier ‘the likes of Hamidah Osman’ understand this reality, the better!

But then again – that would be asking too much of ‘a demography that has lost sight of facts, figures, history and adopting instead political propaganda as fact!’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

SOCIAL CONTRACT - NO NEED TO DISCUSS IT NOW!

‘right in stating a public discourse on the social contract unnecessary!’ 

MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES TO DISCUSS THAN SOCIAL CONTRACT! 

I fully agree with Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (see pix above) that there are certain things best left for discussion behind closed doors or better still not discussed at all! 

We must also agree that there has been shortcomings but at the same time we need to give credit where it is due and certainly I will be first to say that many things have been implemented by the government since the nation’s independence and based on the ideals of the social contract under the Federal Constitution.

We have made great strides in development in comparison to many other countries that had their independence the same time or period! 

So we have done well but there are issues to deal with and among them issues pertaining to accountability, good governance, transparency, racism, abuse of power and corruption! 

The last general elections had also created ‘a climate of uncertainty’ and the issues that are fast emerging in the states under opposition control especially in Selangor and Kedah are also disturbing! 

So yes – the ‘timing of this forum’ on social contract by the Bar Council is not right and in the present climate of tensions and political uncertainties, it might be high jacked by agent provocateurs leading to feelings of animosity and tension! 

We can do without that NOW!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

A TRANSPORT COMMISSION – IS THAT THE ANSWER TO ALL OUR WOES?

A TRANSPORT COMMISSION – IS THAT THE ANSWER TO ALL OUR WOES? 

So the latest ‘spin and buzz word’ is that a commission will be established to plan and coordinate all public transport programmes and initiatives in the country! 

And that is according to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s Department. 

We are made to understand that the said commission will also be responsible for regulating the public transport sector and developing a more efficient and integrated public transport system! 

Among the efforts would be easing coverage of the urban rail transit system and building more integrated transport terminals as well as improving the efficiency of the (KTM) Commuter, bus and taxi services! 

Just the issues I pointed out in an earlier blog posting! 

I want to say just this – you do not have to be a ‘rocket scientist’ to know that there is a serious problem in what we call ‘public transport!’ 

Whether it is buses, light rapid transport, commuter service or ‘double track’ what ever – let us keep it simple – no need to go far ala ‘lawatan sambil belajar’ – just look at squeaky clean and efficient Singapore! 

Got my drift?

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

CREDIT CARD, PETROL AND THE U-TURN BY PETRONAS!

‘Petronas - did the right thing!’ 

CREDIT CARD, PETROL AND THE U-TURN BY PETRONAS! 

So at least one Petroleum trade mark made a u-turn and expressed regret over the difficulties faced by its clients who were denied the usage of their credit cards to purchase petrol! 

Yes indeed I am referring to Petronas! 

I am advised that Petronas Dagangan in a statement stated quite clearly that had returned to accepting the credit cards.

The company went further and explained that the action of the operators of the related stations was due to a call made by the Petroleum Dealers Association Malaysia (PDAM).

So one among the bunch has made a u-turn now what about the others? 

I have been receiving numerous complaints from all over the nation as earlier as 7pm last night – the first coming from Ayer Keroh, Malacca! 

My call – it is simple if the operators want to play this game the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs should withdraw the operating license of the said dealer and give it to another! 

After all – I am being advised that there is a rather long list of applicants for the said license! 

The key theme is do not hurt the consumers – something ‘these idiots’ have failed to do! 

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

BOYCOTT SEAFOOD UNTIL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS RAISED!

 ‘how sure are we this is not from that stock that was rejected?’

I am calling upon the Ministry of Health, the Agriculture Ministry and the Fisheries department to confirm whether they have supervised the destruction of all the rejected seafood bound for the European Union.

I am calling the to confirm whether they have supervised the destruction of all the rejected seafood bound for the European Union.

 The call is being made in view feedbacks I have received from consumers that they fear that the rejected seafood are now being dumped on unsuspecting Malaysians after failing EU standards of health and safety! 

This fear cannot be rejected as in times past Singapore bound vegetables and meat that were rejected by the island state for both health and safety concerns found their way into the local market!

This is because there is no mechanism nor active surveillance put into place to monitor their movements nor their destruction as is the practice abroad with tainted and contaminated products!

In all fairness, I demand an official response in regard this matter from all the above government agencies who are supposed to protect the rights and interests of Malaysian consumers. 

This call is made in view of their failure to address the quality, safety and health considerations of exported seafood which has resulted in an EU ban on our seafood! 

In consideration of this, it is pertinent that all the affected seafood are destroyed and for the relevant agencies to go on record to register their commitment to upgrade the quality, safety and health standards required by both local and international consumers. 

It is obvious that a more comprehensive and critical audit of this industry needs to be made and in special reference to the areas of basic hygiene, storage, transportation and other areas of contention highlighted by the European Union!

Until a confirmation is received from the relevant agencies, I appeal to all consumers to boycott local seafood! 

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

‘GHOST OF ALTANTUNYA SHAARIIBUU’ AT PARLIAMENT?

 Altantuya Shaariibuu & child!

‘LKS submits emergency motion!’

Breaking News! 

I am advised by ‘my friends’ at Parliament that our veteran DAP leader and Ipoh Timur MP, Uncle Lim Kit Siang submitted an emergency motion to the Speaker on blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin’s latest allegations concerning the Altantunya Shaariibuu murder! 

Based ‘on precedence’ - it would not go any further and that ’speaks for itself!’ 

But the fact remains – it has being brought up as an emergency motion as the SD contents are serious and mind boggling! 

So after all as I stated this Mongolian lass despite been brutally murdered refuses to ‘go off’ the Malaysian and international radar! 

Now ‘Altantuya Shaariibuu’ is making ‘her presence’ in the Malaysian Parliament and whatever happens there – it will continue to ‘make headlines and brings international attention and spotlight on Malaysia!’ 

I feel really ashamed what about you!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES - ROBERT MUGABE & HIS ALLIES - WAR CRIMINALS!

ZIMBABWE – ROBERT MUGABE & HIS ALLIES IN THE ARMY MUST FACE WAR CRIMINAL CHARGES! 

It is simply embarrassing that there is silence from the UN Security council, the EU, SADc and others like South Africa President to the total collapse of law and order in Zimbabwe! 

All we hear is a growing international criticism mounting on Zimbabwe from NGOs, the international press, and other political observers while MDC’s leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulls out of the presidential run-off because of pre-poll violence and the active participation of state sponsored brutally and killings on opposition leaders and supporters! 

If now the pariah Robert Mugabe and his many corrupt cronies both in the administration and army declares victory it is an embarrassment to a continent that gave birth to people like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu! 

I am glad that the Zambia a nation that heads a key regional group agrees with my line of thought!

MDC’s - Tsvangirai, has already stated that there was no point participating in this elections as it would not be ‘ free nor fair’ in view of the state sponsored brutality and assaults! 

At the time of this writing – we are informed the toll of deaths for MDC supporters has been raised to 86 and over 200,000 forced from their homes by ruling Zanu-PF party militias!

So far the reaction from the UN has been at best pathetic!

In the US however, we hear reactions of a better kind when White House spokesman Carlton Carroll stated quite rightly that the ‘Mugabe regime reinforces its illegitimacy everyday!’

How long will the UN and the EU remain silent as these senseless acts of violence against the opposition as well as election monitors continue I ask?

As far as I am concerned if the UN Security Council remains silent any longer it will lose what little credibility it has left! 

In fact the ‘indifferent behavior’ of South African President Thabo Mbeki is more shocking and puts to shame that this was the nation that gave birth to Nelson Mandela and all those freedom fighters that fought against apartheid! 

It is time that both the UN and the EU initiate a total freeze of all finances of this regime starting from its illegal president downwards, implement a total ban of travel out of that country for the regime and its sympathizers and enlarge the trade and investment blockade!

All their ‘illgotten gains’ and assets in various South African banks or elsewhere should be freezed and put under international scrutiny! 

The UN should start with the initiation of a War Crimes Tribunal against President Mugabe, Zanu - PF leaders, the army, police and law enforcement leadership and others whose hands are tainted with the blood of innocents!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES – IS REJECTED EU SEAFOOD SHIPMENT NOW DUMPED ON MALAYSIANS?

NEWS ALERT! 

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES – IS REJECTED EU SEAFOOD SHIPMENT NOW DUMPED ON MALAYSIANS? 

Fact No: 1 – Our seafood exports are presently suspended pending EU audit! 

Fact No: 2 – Seafood Industry is big business in Malaysia totaling over a billion ringgit!

Fact No: 3 – The quality of frozen seafood has now deteriorated to a stage where EU bans its import!

Fact No: 4 – EU will not compromise neither have a ‘close one eye policy’ so the ban stays till a re-audit!

Fact No: 5 – If we intend to move forward the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Fisheries department and independent international auditors of repute must be allowed to re-look at our seafood industry’s basic hygiene, storage, transportation and other areas of contention!

Fact No: 6 – The seafood that has been rejected must be destroyed!

Has it Ministry of Health, Agriculture and relevant agencies under the watch eyes of independent and credible sources?

MY FEAR – IS THIS REJECTED SEAFOOD CARGO NOW BEING DUMPED ON UNSUSPECTING MALAYSIAN CUSTOMERS AND OTHERS IN THIS REGION?

    Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!          

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES - A MURDER MOST FOUL! (Part 2)

 ‘ a picture speaks a thousand words!’

The Statutory Declaration (SD) hereinafter known as the ‘RPK -SD’ may have been known to only a ’select few’ on Wednesday 18th June 2008!

But within the last 48hrs - it is alleged to have been posted in various local, regional and international news portals and blogs making it the ‘hottest news’ since the assassination of Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto! 

My foreign friends in various ‘diplomatic and legal service’ abroad seem to have also heard of this matter! 

Those of us who know YM Raja Petra personally know he is a very simple, loving, caring, dedicated and honest individual! A caring father and loving husband! 

Highly motivated and intelligent he is! 

He is certainly no fool so the fact that he has chosen to make this Statutory Declaration in the manner he has, confirms he wants all who have information on this gruesome murder to ‘come forward so that a thorough and in-depth investigation can be done!’ 

The allegations and statements contained therein in the SD are extremely serious, so is the murder of a ‘Mongolian lass’ in a manner ‘most foul and degenerate!’ 

And the repercussions are also great:

 1. for the maker of this SD

 2. for those whose names are mentioned therein

The issues pertaining to the gruesome and barbarous murder of one Altantuya Shaariibuu is not going to go away!

And if anyone thinks that - he/she is a bigger ‘fool and idiot’ than otherwise perceived! 

The SD is now in the ‘public domain’ and those who are mentioned therein have legal rights and it is in their interest to initiate legal proceedings after meeting their respective counsels!

Natural justice demands that anyone accused must be given a legal recourse to defend themselves! 

But at the same time, it is ‘crucial and imperative’ that the Malaysian government and its various organs of state ‘distance themselves’ from addressing this ‘legal engagement on behalf of those cited in the SD!’

This is private matter and all those accused must seek their own private and personal counsel - not turn to the state to fight their battles for them! 

They should not for some ‘inexplicable reason’ remain silent and expect the state to do the taking for them and to address this issue on their behalf

This will be another wrong move!

They must fight their own battles and this must be the ‘cardinal rule of this engagement!’ 

Failing which, it will be interpreted otherwise and ‘conspirasy theories’ will become a further hallmark of a nation caught in ‘more problems’ than this one!

By now, it must dawn on all of us - that no number of ‘threats or veiled threats’, or other actions which may be ‘interpreted’ as ’harassment and intimidation’ is going to silence YM Raja Petra! 

Moreover, the stakes have gone up drastically, with this SD! 

Like I stated in my earlier blog - Altantuya Shaariibuu was murdered in a manner most foul - she was a mother, daughter, sister and friend to many! 

And no one had the right - to take her life - that privilege and right belongs to GOD ALMIGHTY! 

And all those who believe in a GOD ALMIGHTY - cannot but seek the truth that those ‘whose hands are soiled by this gruesome murder’ are made to account for it! 

There can be no two ways about this! 

It would be good if we have massive vigils, prayer sessions and ’semayang hajats’ in all our temples, prayer houses, churches and mosques for justice for Altantuya Shaariibuu!

MAY GOD HELP US ALL!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES – ROBERT MUGABE’S SUPPORTERS AND MILITIAS NOW RAPING OPPOSITION WOMEN TO INTIDIMATE!

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES – ROBERT MUGABE’S SUPPORTERS AND MILITIAS NOW RAPING OPPOSITION WOMEN TO INTIDIMATE!
After Ethiopia’s Idi Amin (Dada) - Robert Mugabe is the most tyrannical dictator of our times! This is the vicious tyrant and ‘war crimes criminal’ that former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants Malaysia to provide protection for!

Many of us are indeed sad to hear that Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party is considering withdrawing from the 27 June presidential run-off vote!
And one cannot blame them when animals from Robert Mugabe’s private army continue to go on a rampage against all seeking a democratic solution to oust him from power and that includes rape!   
70 of MDC’s supporters have now been killed and 25,000 forced from their homes in a state-sponsored campaign of violence.
One of its top leaders, Tendai Biti, has also been charged with treason and subversion. Fellow democratic observers and analysts friends tell me that MDC’s leader Morgan Tsvangirai is under tremendous pressure and anxiety to pull out in view of reports of escalating violence against his supporters.
I had hoped that the United Nations, the European Union and the group of 14 in the African Union would have moved to isolate Robert Mugabe in the interest of democracy but there is still a lot of work to do as ‘black hands’ in the forms of militias, mercenaries and the Zimbabwe army seemed all out to protect this animal called Robert Mugabe!

I am told that at a recent summit in Brussels, the EU is threatening to impose fresh sanctions against Zimbabwe’s authorities but is it too little to late? I am aware that there are already travel bans, assets frozen belonging to Robert Mugabe and other senior government and ruling Zanu-PF party officials!

There has also been growing international condemnation coming from Zimbabwe’s neighbors like Tanzania, Angola and Swaziland and all agree that in present conditions the elections would not be free and fair!
Even US Secretary of State Dr Condoleezza Rice has gone on record to state that the violence from Zanu-PF supporters meant the run-off would not be free and fair.

According to sources - MDC leaders are meeting in Harare to discuss whether or not to take part in the run-off vote!

If MDC’s Tsvangirai’s withdraws from the election it would certainly put more pressure on the international community to do something about the poll-related violence in Zimbabwe!
And if the UN decides to initiate a War Crimes Tribunal against Robert Mugabe – things would get a lot better!

Perhaps, there is ‘a lesson here for everyone’ – even the self righteous, the arrogant and others who have been in power for far too long and their many spin masters that their many ‘sins and political skeletons’ are seeing the light of day – because men and women of ‘conscience and faith’ are saying – enough is enough!’

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES - A MURDER MOST FOUL!

 Altantuya Shaariibuu (’Aminah?’) - ‘ a gruesome murder!’ ‘

There are allegations that a ’statutory declaration’ is circulating in cyberspace read by millions both ‘in and out’ of the country by now and it provides extremely serious allegations on the gruesome murder of Mongolian beauty, business woman, lobbyists, translator, mother, daughter, sister – Altantuya Shaariibuu!

 This is a murder most foul and no stones must be left unturned to get at the truth! This murder most foul has left innocent helpless children without a mother, parents without a daughter and family members without a sister!

‘

And the world is watching ‘its unfolding!’ 

  Our campaign against RACISM of all forms! 

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES - OUR PATHETIC PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM!

 ’Singapore - a classic example tolearn from!’

There is a saying among Indians!

You do not give ‘flowers to monkeys!’

More so, when these same ‘bunch of monkeys’ have failed miserably to provide a comprehensive transport system in Malaysia!

The ’same monkeys’ have gone on numerous international trips claiming those trips were for study and to evaluate alternative public transport systems but despite all the millions spent on those trips over the decades our public transport system is in ruin and shambles!

So I am not the least excited to learn that another RM100 million will be injected into the RM300 million ‘public transport development fund’ unless it involves trains, buses and feeder services and will be audited! Yes - AUDITED!

More so, when the justification in this dire economic condition and stage is a ‘presumptous’ - “to improve the quality of public transport service in the country!”

And sadly, the limited definition of public transport here is - ‘taxis!’

So I sincerely think that our entrepreneur and cooperative development minister’s move to use this fund as a ’soft loan’ for private taxi operators to purchase new vehicles is ‘a major mistake’ that must be corrected immediately!

We also do not want that ‘financial move’ to be interpreted as a ‘political handout!’ to a select group!

But lift the freeze of 2004 on the issuance of taxi permits to individuals making the purchase fast track, free from racist tendencies and political manipulation!

But freeze the cooperative intakes for a movement!

I have always maintained that what we need in the country and in particular reference to the Klang Valley is a reliable cheap transport system of trains, buses, feeder services and taxis - in that order!

As far as taxis are concerned - perhaps, an additional 5000 should be put on the road in individual ownership, provided those given this privilege do not sit around hypermarkets, posh shopping centres, and LRT stations ‘ogling Malaysian and Indonesian backsides’, playing board games at peak hours and choosing which passenger to take and in most times not using the meter!

That is not business nor service - this is BLACKMAIL!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KEEPING THEM HONEST SERIES: US AIR FORCE TOLD TO RE-OPEN US$35B DEFENCE CONTRACT!

 US AIR FORCE TOLD TO RE-OPEN US$35B DEFENCE CONTRACT!   

I am certain I am not the only person in town who gets excited when we read stories like this one now staring ‘all and sundry’ in the US and rest of the world! 

We are all aware what defense contracts are worth these days and we all know about high level and powered corruption that types where the payout runs into hundreds of millions! 

It happens all over the globe but seldom exposed or those behind the scheme of things arrested! 

The reason the players are politically just too powerful because they have over the years managed to hoodwink the simplicity of the people and have indeed political and economic clout! 

But the reality remains that these payouts makes other forms of corrupt activities, that includes the infamous insider trading which is rampant all over with no criminals caught thanks to the symbiotic relationships between big business and politicians the world over look like loose change! 

Yes we have heard and seen those kinds of developments – today you are a banker or just a ‘messenger boy’ tomorrow ‘phew’ a corporate high flying player, as chief executive officer with a billion ringgit business handed down on a silver patter thanks to political connections and patronage! 

But never mind – we must be glad that in this corrupt world there are also good decent and GOD FEARING people who will stand up and make their voice heard when there is irregularities and corruption no matter how well they are sealed and delivered! 

And yes we must thank the US Congressional auditors for urging the Air Force to reopen bidding for a new fleet of aerial tankers after they found the service made “significant errors” in awarding the $35 billion contract to Northrop Grumman. 

As a Consumer Advocate of more than 37 years track record, I find the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) opinion a major victory for aerospace giant Boeing, which protested the February decision to award one of the largest contracts in U.S. military history to its rival. 

The Air Force has already gone on record to state it is reviewing the decision, which was welcomed not only by Boeing, but also by several members of Congress! 

It is hope that we see more such cases exposed in the public interest!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS NOTHING BUT A SHAM!

‘close friend of Mugabe!’ 

Having analyzed South African President Thabo Mbeki’s (see pic above) manner of diplomacy I will not pay too much attention neither hope that he would nor can ask Zimbabwe dictator and ‘modern day pariah’ of the civilized world to stand down and leave that enbattered nation struggling in poverty and ruin.

A move that will bring normalcy and an opportunity of restoration of true democracy and the will of the people!

But no doubt this South African leader will meet with Zimbabwean Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai with high hopes to quell bitterness over the ongoing sham of a presidential election!

Many of you reading this blog have come out as I have rejecting Mugabe’s continued political paranoia and  believe we also have politicians like him in Malaysia ‘still alive and kicking’ and some refusing to just ‘die a natural political death’ after having ‘ravaged the nation’s coffers the manner they did – in class!’

The beneficiaries always one’s cronies, children and relatives on the wives’ side!

Do not ask me why but that seems to be the stance and trend!!
But returning to this sad state of affairs in Zimbabwe, we all know that the presidential runoff is on June 27 between a ‘harassed and hunted’ Tsvangirai and a ‘psycho case Mugabe’ whose supporters have been accused of kidnappings, beatings and murders in an effort to influence the outcome.

Even the army is playing a role in all these events reports indicate!

So it is in this context that South Africa’s Mbeki addressing the various problems (to use a diluted term) in his capacity as mediator with the 14-nation Southern African Development Community!
We all know that Mbeki is under domestic and international pressure to do something different from what he has been in view of his well known and perceived conciliatory stance towards the dictator Mugabe!

The pertinent question is can he?

My call like the elections this so called ‘effort is also a sham!’

And the sooner the UN initiates a war crimes tribunal against Robert Mugabe the better! 

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

MALAYSIA’S NEXT PRIME MINISTER – TENGKU RAZALEIGH HAMZAH?

‘To be Malaysia’s Prime Minister even if it means for one day!’  A Service Organization function in Kulim, Kedah in the late 70’s when a young, curious  ’Jacob George’ asked Ku Li what his greatest ambition was?

It should have come to pass in the late 80’s! I was sad that it did not! 

But perhaps - 2008/9 is the year! Dr Jacob George

MALAYSIA’S NEXT PRIME MINISTER – TENGKU RAZALEIGH HAMZAH? 

No, I was not the lest surprised that the Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) announced that it would move a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when Parliament resumes on Monday!

It is ’sad and shocking’ and so is the state of affairs in the country after the last General Elections where clearly ‘lessons were not learnt’ by both the ‘winner and the vanquished’ on how best to run the country free from all forms of body and racial politics! 

So Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will go down as the first Malaysian Prime Minister in Malaysia’s history to face such a possibility IF INDEED it materializes!

My disappointment is and has always been that ‘lessons were not learnt’.

Even a donkey would know how unhappy Sabahan’s have been for quite sometime! And ‘in all fairness’ the problem did not just start under Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s administration!

The seeds of abuse and neglect started much earlier under the Mahathir regime! 

Issues like the illegal immigrants in Sabah were raised repeatedly but were always ’spinned’ and ‘down played’ and at times totally unattended and Sabahan rightly felt that their ‘rights, interest and sovereignty’ were threatened!

Secondly, Sabah is the poorest state and the recent price hike did nothing but further add acid to the bleeding wounds of Sabah consumers.

Thirdly, I have heard countless stories from senior Sabah politicians greatly burdened and upset that their alternative but truthful views on the poor delivery systems, corruption, wastage of resources, lack of transparency and accountability continually falling ’on deaf ears at Putrajaya!’

Rightly or wrongly – all these have come back to haunt an administration that was ‘all spin and no substance!’

At best it was a ‘civil service approach’ in running the country - and - we all know how civil servants are!

And it could not work - not after - ’the iron fisted’, fast paced and ‘controversial & exciting Mahathir regime!’ 

So where do we go from here if it materializes – I predict Malaysia will see Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and perhaps, hardworking Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin (see pix left) take the lead as the nation’s number one and two and steer the country out of its present state of ‘limbo and political dead heat’ which will help the poor and ordinary folks facing a national and global onslaught of price increases which threatens their quality of life and living!

I am certain that ‘Ku Li’ will also put an end to all forms of corruption and abuse that has had its entrenched foothold in Malaysian political and civil life!   

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

LOCAL SEAFOOD EXPORTERS AND THE EU - EVEN IN BUSINESS WE HAVE BICKERING IDIOTS!

LOCAL SEAFOOD EXPORTERS AND THE EU - EVEN IN BUSINESS WE HAVE BICKERING IDIOTS!

Any one else around the world would have moved on with making the kind of deductions and changes to be a market exporter of a trade that brings in the billions!

But not certain Malaysians – for far too long they have been pampered, treated with kid gloves, protected by ‘close one eye policies’ and specialized treatments unheard of in the world of competitive business!

It is actually a ‘Malaysian produce’ based on some perverted form and interpretation of business modules!
So instead of cleaning up their act – I understand that the boys in the seafood industry exporting to European Union countries are still bickering and feel they should not be punished with a ban for failing miserably health and safety standards imposed by the EU!

Yes – blame the rest of the world!
The facts speaks for itself – EU report cites 16 non compliance, on standards, 11 touched on matters handled by the relevant authorities and another five items were complaints about fish captured at sea.

To my shock – I am advised that inspection exposed that the problems had worsened, resulting in the ban recommendation and if you read my earlier blog – I supported the ban –period!

For the record – there are over 51 companies recognized by the European Union in this trade!

The April auditing team examined nine companies and failed six for non-compliance with EU standards.

To those who failed their Form 3 Mathematics test this is more than the 50% percentage!

So why it is unfair to initiate a ban till standards are initiated and the health and safety of consumers using them protected?

Why must one bring in stupid excuses like “Our seafood has the least rejection among Asean countries” kind argument!

Actually I do not solely blame these ‘industry defenders’ who have been so protected, so spoon fed, so protected by domestic protectionist policies that when they face the real world with its set of international health and safety standards they get blown away!
‘Seek advice and certification from internationaly recognized bodies like this’

Now to put in a nut shell what the industry should do is initiate a comprehensive reexamination of all their industry policies on this trade and adopt fast track the changes needed even if it means suspending or expelling industry players who do not follow standards and guidelines and then after the course is cleared to re-invite the EU auditors for a new certification exercise!

That is how industry players the world over work – if you cannot adopt it – choose another line of work – join Malaysian politics where you need no adoption of transparency, good governance, accountability, zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
 

TOLL – NO NECESSITY FOR RENEGOTIATIONS JUST SCRAP IT PERIOD!

It is time we stopped playing this ‘cat and mouse game!’

There is nothing to re-negotiate – Works Minister!

It is time that the government de-classifies the concession agreement for all and sundry to evaluate whether the concession was indeed a ‘fair and equitable agreement’ that took into cognizance the rights and interests of the Malaysian people – period!

We need to know what was agreed upon and based on what structure and whether was agreed upon was fair and reasonable and right in law and fact!

It must be an agreement that stands all public and legal scrutiny!

For far too long all parties have been playing a ‘cat and mouse game’ claiming that the documents threatens internal security which is just plain stupidity!

Why in the first place classify it under the Official Secrets Act?

It is a business agreement and what so secretive about it unless there is something ‘sinister’ in its composition that one does not want the public to have discourse to!

We tend to test peoples intelligence when we state this!

Now there is another political rhetoric – one that talks about re-negotiation!

Why renegotiate when we can scrap it in the interest of the Malaysian people in view of the present economic situation and the hardships faced by the people!

The rather high and vulgar toll rates have become a taking point in Malaysia and a ticking ‘time bomb’ that upsets all demography!

Why renegotiate when as I suggested over ASTRO’s AWANI’s news bulletin the government should buy over the said concessions at a price that takes into account all facets of equity!

We can use Tabung Haji and the EPF for funds!

But at the same time - you do not have to be a rocket scientist or a law professor in Harvard to say that all that the government needs is to invoke the ‘expropriation clause’ in the concession agreements, in which the expropriation clauses were clearly stated that the government must compensate the concessionaires and assume their debts should it decide to take back the concessions!

But the compensation must be fair and reasonable and not showing greed and by nature a profiteering and vulgar act!

Of course – I am aware of the ridiculous ‘future earnings” clause in some agreements which in my understanding and legal opinion is an unfair business and trade clause, an indication that the rights and interests of all Malaysians were not taken into account when drafted and implemented.

And that there was certainly ‘a misdirection’ – perhaps, an involvement of a rather huge ‘black hand at work’ when this was included?

Of course if certain parties disagree, we can take it up to The Hague at the ICJ and debate on this rather persuasively!

In all fairness – I expect the concessionaire to do what is really expected of them – to do the right thing - to give up a title because they know deep down it short changers all Malaysians!

And this is what the newly minted Works Ministers needs to do and anything else in my opinion is a travesty of justice to all Malaysians!

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PETRONAS (Part 2) – JG CALLS MPS TO INITIATE AMENDMENTS TO THE PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT ACT 1974!

PETRONAS (Part 2) – JG CALLS MPS TO INITIATE AMENDMENTS TO THE PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT ACT 1974!

First things first!

It is about time that the much abused Petroleum Development Act 1974 is amended so that the national oil company is answerable to Parliament rather than only to the prime minister of Malaysia!

And why do I say this?

It is sad and sickening to hear that our oil wealth meant for all Malaysians is been used for the wrong reasons from purchases of Private jets, helicopters, mansions and luxury cars and all for its executive use!

It is time for a two prong move namely an amendment on the PDA1974 and secondly a White Paper in Parliament on how our oil wealth was spent for the last 30 years!

It is the only way to appease the over 27 million Malaysians all suffering from the recent oil price hike and price over-runs in basis needs and services!

Coming next (Part 3) – JG ON THE PROPOSED BOYCOTT OF PETRONAS AND ITS PRODUCTS!

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TELL US PLAINLY HOW PETRONAS WEALTH WAS SPENT! (Part One)

‘nothing short of a comprehensive and detailed exposure is awaited by Malaysians!’ 

Let us not speculate and spin on, let us not provide a different discourse rather than the one called for where Malaysians are asking how their petrol ringgit was spent and who made the decisions the manner they were spent! 

Let it all ‘hang out to dry in the open’ after all, many today are making statements in the open and in their blogs, as if ‘their hands are so clean’, like they were ‘GOD”S GIFT TO MALAYSIA’ (not only to their children and relatives on the wives’ side!) and worst, that the rest of the Malaysian public are suffering from some ‘form of amnesia!’ 

Three operative issues here – how spent and who made the decisions the manner it was made and was it a business decision or flawed in both law, business and an act of betrayal and abuse of public funds? 

This must be investigated by a legislatively appointed select committee and made public! 

Malaysians have the right to know whether the highest level of accountability existed when decisions made were made. 

Malaysians need to know if the Petronas monies were used in  bailouts, for consumption in nepotism and cronyism endeavors and activities ‘the likes’ the country witnessed in the last administration. 

Names of all the beneficiaries and projects that used these funds must be named and who made the decision and whether it was the work of ‘one man or on the advice of a group of financially sound administrators!’

We need to know what role a ‘former finance minister’ played in all these after all according to ‘intelligence and political analyst’ he is still an ‘active operative’ behind the scenes with dummies, proxies, cronies and well placed supporters in all key Malaysian business operations! 

It is time we brought ‘his involvement’ right into ‘discussion space’ of all Malaysians something that has not been done for some inexplicable reason! 

So the claim that Petronas has been publishing its annual report for the past 18 years and it is easily available, including on its website may be true but what is called for is a laymen’s guide and exposure how the mechanism operated, spent and who made the decisions that were made. 

Malaysians need to know if there was abuse and manipulation of this wealth! 

After all, what better way to address the claims of the ‘abuse and rape of Malaysia’s petrol wealth’ than by full disclosure in a public forum that has been given legislative powers to investigate and produce a white paper for Parliament and the people of Malaysia!

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SAY NAY TO ENVIRONMENTALLY UNSOUND PROJECTS KEDAH GOVERNMENT URGED!

deforestation among destructive practices that must be stopped! 

SAY NAY TO ENVIRONMENTALLY UNSOUND PROJECTS KEDAH GOVERNMENT URGED! I was among many who was quite ‘shocked and sad’ to read of the problems several NGO’s were having, with the PAS led Kedah government, among them, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)! 

I was among many who was quite ‘shocked and sad’ to read of the problems several NGO’s were having, with the PAS led Kedah government, among them, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)! I am now happy to learn from ‘sources in Kedah’ that the PAS led government will now meet NGO leaders to discuss a number of contentious projects in the state, including the planned Kedah Hydrocarbon Hub! 

protect our natural habitat we must (see pix left) from activities that threaten it (see pix right)

It is indeed heart warming to learn that the assurance came from Agriculture, Industry and Investment and Science and Innovation committee head, Amiruddin Hamzah who has gone on record to state that he has already spoken to Kedah Menteri Besar, Azizan Abdul Razak about the complaints from the NGOs recently.

Anything that happens in Kedah is ‘close to my heart’ as I had my early years in Sungai Petani before moving to Butterworth studying at the prestigious Ibrahim School! 

During my years with the Socio Economic Research Unit (SERU) in the Prime Minister’s Department and my tenure with several leading environmental and consumer movements in Penang, I had worked extensively and in depth in several northern states and among them, Kedah for several years’ right from 1979!

My close and cordial relationship with several former Kedah Menteri Besars and heads of government agencies, among them, KEDA is quite well known and well documented! 

And it is true whatever the case or problem that was an issue, we had always had cordial discussions on them and in most cases, the issues were settled bearing in mind the ‘rights and interests’ of the people and the environment! 

So I can understand the anger and disappointment NGO’s are having when they witness a ‘resurrection’ of billion ringgit prestigious projects that will have major negative impact on the rights and interests of local people and the environment and for all purposes - the hydrocarbon hub project is one such project! 

There is enough documentation that this project will certainly damage the environment and threaten the livelihood of fishermen in the Yan district area!  

The mega-project is projected to cost six private investors RM83 billion and will consist of oil storage facilities and refineries built on a 360-hectare man-made island off the Yan district coast and a 320km-long pipeline stretching to Bachok on the eastern coast of Kelantan.   

Among the concerns are why was there an ‘about turn’ by those who opposed this project alongside the NGO’s but now since the March 8 election and coming into power of a Kedah state government under the Pakatan Rakyat which for some inexplicable reason, had given its blessing to the project.

We all know if the project goes through it is speculated that the Kedah government will earn about RM200 million a year from the hub once it is up and running but the pertinent question is at what cost? 

It is important now that the Kedah PR government re-examine the concerns raised and among them, the quarrying and logging projects in Singkir at Gunung Jerai and Sungai Ilir in Bandar Bharu, the alleged health hazards posed to communities in the area from the petrochemical industrial activities that would take place and concerns that there is an high incidence chronic diseases, leukemia or the birth of premature or deformed babies of the local communities living at these refineries! 

It would do the present Kedah government some good to get the Department of Environment to initiate an independent environmental and social impact assessment study on all these concerns and have a forum to discuss the findings in an open, accountable and transparent manner! 

‘a polluted river!’

If indeed the findings show no cause for alarm, then by all means, the projects should be allowed to proceed but if the findings show even an iota of possibility of serious environmental and social repercussions – then the projects proposed should in all fairness be scrapped!

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