Les assauts sur Abdullah de Premier Ministre

Nowadays there are so many hearsay about the leadership of the embattled Pak Lah. His time of peace was only the first two years since he took over from TDM in 2003 but then he was only taking over and completing the then government's term. But since winning the 2004 GE, he's been besieged and beleaguered with countless and non-stop criticism, accusations and the like.

Being dubbed as Mr. Soft, he has proven to be formidable and unbulging in some of his decisions which are not popular and deemed repressive to the mass particularly to the poor. He has been known for his flip flopping but again he's undeterred. The recent 2009 budget is also not an exception where he's or rather his budget is labelled as a populist budget and his response...the opposition has been doing the same. Indeed. I tend to agree with him since both the governing coalition and the opposition have been doing the same - to attract the mass to their ideology. The only difference is that the opposition has no money to disburse thus fulfilling their pledges.

Another point to ponder is the accusation that his brainchild "Iskandar Malaysia" is detrimental to the sovereignty of Malaysia particularly Johor. His idea of developing the region through foreign investment with loose regulations causes uproar among the mass particularly by the Opposition and surprisingly TDM himself, who alleged that in the long run Malaysia will have to say good bye to the region just like Pedra Branca. Some bloggers even suggested that our neighbour has been very keen to secure lots in Iskandar and one blog even suggested that the region is rich with underground water based on a 'secret' map.

Such allegations on the surface seem preposterous since being the Prime Minister he's privy to many secrets others will never know. If such is true therefore, he in his right mind has taken necessary and precautionary measures to tackle such pressing matters. If it is true than he does not deserve to be the PM and in fact he's liable to treason. Therefore, we need to tread the issue with extra care and not easily jump into unfounded conclusions.

Tuan Guru Nik Aziz himself has appointed his son in law as CEO of one the State government agencies but there's not much ruckuss about it compared to if (hypothetically) Pak Lah appointed KJ to a post for instance. Why? TGNA is well-known for his piety and humility and has remain one although he's now a Menteri Besar, he continues his life styles before his elevation to the post and remains at his old home until today. Nobody dares to go against him since he exudes exemplary life styles which are not visible among the coalition leaders including the PM. If only he leads by example, nobody will dare to question him like what he has gone through.

Many say that Pak Lah inherits all the troubles from his predecessor but if he's really doing his job the situation today will be as bad as it is. Only time will tell but lets cross our fingers and hope everything will be better come September 16.

p/s: Maksud doa di atas - Ya Allah, tidak ada kemudahan kecuali sesuatu yang Engkau permudahkan, Engkau menjadikan kedukaan itu mudah sekiranya Engkau kehendaki.

Does Size Matter?

Listening to a post mortem of our Malaysian squad in Beijing by a bunch of sports writers was really a terrible and arduous chore to do. Their amateurish and childish observations are not helping anyone including the athletes to better understand themselves. Post mortem is done to dissect the performance of an organisation or individuals including athletes. It is done for the purpose of identifying the causes of failure and simultaneously trying to offer solutions to overcome such failures or problems.

Sadly, those bunch of amateurish and irresponsible newsmen decided to blame our Malaysian athletes' physical conditions as the culprit and the cause of their failures in Beijing. To add to the insult, they have the audacity of saying that because of their physical size, therefore it is impossible for our athletes to achieve success at international level. They even compared Michel Phelps, the American swimmer legend with Bryan Nickson Lomas just to prove their shallow amateurish and irresponsible observations.

We share their disappointment but to give an irresponsible observations behind so-called post mortem is unjust and deserved stern admonition. We have in the Olympics countless athletes who shared similar physical attributes with Malaysian athletes but they managed to make it to the podium. Park Tae Hwan, Kosuke Kitajima and Li Na are just few Asian athletes who made it to the centre stage with their sterling performances in Beijing. These athletes who have more or less similar physical attributes with us managed to prove that size does not matter, determination certainly is.

Look at those Chinese divers, some of them are chubbier and possibly heavier than our and the Western divers but they once again emerged as champions of all champions. Look at those skinny long distance African runners who are accustomed to severe hot climate but they managed to prove that such is not a barrier for them to grab golds in Beijing, which has more timid weather.

Wong Choon Han who is ranked lower than Hidayat managed to beat him and they possess more or less physical attributes. Wong Mei Chu has in the past became giant killer by defeating higher ranking Chinese shuttler and again they are of similar physical attributes. How these players managed to defeat better players? Is it because of their body sizes? Maybe but it is only a part of countless other more significant factors like determination and patriotism.

Once upon a time, Malaysian football is famous because of their achievements. We even managed to qualify to the 1980 Olympics. That is the time when Japan and Korea come to Malaysia to learn our secret success recipe. Now, we become the admirers and the disciples of those two giants of not only Asian but the world's football. Is it because they have literally grown into giants? That ridiculous but not so according to those so called media post mortem. If what they suggest is the truth then why and how on earth do Korea managed to secure fourth placing well ahead of the mighty England, Argentina just to name a few? Is it again because they have transformed into giants when they play against European teams who are literally giants in size? They are still Asians who are physically small and short compared to those Western players, but they are giants mentally - determination and courage are the keys to their success not their physical size

Once Malaysia is an agrarian nation but suddenly in the 80's we emerged as a new industrialised nation by having heavy and technological based industries. Now we have Proton and Perodua which have become main players in the automotive industry. Suddenly we become well known not because of our pint size bodies but because of our large brains. Are we saying that we cannot become what we are today because of our body size?

Hiding behind the post mortem banner and suggesting illogical and in fact sinful observations is an abhorrence and deserved severe reprimand. Blaming our physical size seems to defy what the Almighty has created. We are what we are since the Holy Quran has correctly and vividly points out that human is the best creation as we are bestowed the the thinking quality. Hence, we should think ways to become better using whatever we have. Micheal Phelps for instance is greatly assisted by the special suit he is wearing and I suppose Lomas can swim faster since he's lighter than Phelps. Instead of blaming the obvious which is not the real cause those newsmen should be more responsible and look at the problem with the sacred intention to help not to make it worse.

These kinds of shallow thinking and short cut mindset are the real culprit behind the drastic deterioration of Malaysian sports. This typical yet ruinous thinking will not bring us to greater height. Being close to new and recent scientific discoveries should maker them pragmatic but alas they choose backward conservative and narrow thinking.

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance" - Samuel Johnson.

Think...

I have just read about another 'explosive' exposure by a figure who has been drag into the Anwar Saga. This time it was Imam Ramlan Porigi and few days ago DSNAA swore that he was not involved in Altantuya's gruesome murder.

Everyone has the right to express his feelings since unexpressed feelings might burst and nobody want to see the outcome. Everyone should be responsible for what he say and I am responsible for what I have said, based on my belief and what I've experienced. I admit that I've been critical of the government but to my defense, I am critical because of what I see and experience. To prove my point, listen to what our leaders said, most of the time they said the rakyat need to change their lifestyle but personally I have changed my lifestyle even before they uttered such lopsided advice since they themselves continued to live like kings. Yes, they drive our their chauffeur drives them in Perdana but back home they have imported cars not one but many whereas ordinary people have to be content with a Kancil or Kelisa or the expensive but poor public transports.

Ramadhan is coming and many will 'hibernate' during that period , I am also thinking the same line but naah, I'll be the same as writing is the only venue which I can express myself freely though I am aware that there's no absolute freedom as we have faith, religion which has laid down many do's and don'ts. I will continue to write on any topics which I am interested in or which I can't say out loud here in the real world.

The caption that goes with my blog title comes from Che' Guevara and indeed I am not a liberator but I hope by and through my writings, someone out there would appreciate them and make them thinking. Yes,thinking...that's my gift to anyone who read my entries.

"Thinking is the hardest job to do...Try it when you are desperate"

Jealous? CERTAINLY NOT

Mereka bukan tidak suka jaguh negara menjadi juara dunia. Bukan tidak mahu nama negara harum, bendera negara dinaikkan dan lagu negara dimainkan di gelanggang dunia. Mereka hanya tidak dapat menerima hakikat begitu besar jumlah wang negara dikeluarkan untuk satu kejayaan yang tidak setimpal.

Incidentally, the above sentiment is shared by majority of Malaysians who are suffering because of the Domino effect caused by the escalating and now unstable oil prices. While most of us are suffering, they are reaping irrational and totally undeserved benefits. Surely, they have done something to improve our sports image and it is indeed a daunting task but it is totally inconceivable to live upon 'improved' image since it is not tangible and of course we cannot 'eat' such accolade.

In desperation, our leaders blurt something irrational and without considering our current situation. While in other forums they keep on harping on the need to save and reduce costs but in other forums they are promoting the opposite. Do politicians always do the same, twisting words where they seem fit, to gain support?

Giving incentives nowadays is common and indeed a way to motivate athletes since many of them are professionals who depend solely on their sporting career. But what the government do is totally inconsiderate to the mass, who by the way have already changed almost every aspect of their life even before the 'irrational' price hike and the 'll' advice by the irresponsible figures to save while they themselves continue to spend and waste, not their money but money from the tax payers!

A responsible government should revised the whole incentive structure and give prominence only to those who show consistency and not those once in a blue moon kind of victories. Malaysian athletes have been known for their inconsistency and unpredictability but they are also among the selected few who continue to be pampered unconditionally particularly those sports which we have 'potential' to win like badminton. The rest are not so lucky as they sometimes have to fork their own money as they are categorised below elite sports.

In the same article, the writer correctly points out that Malaysians are not against Chong Wei winning the gold but they cannot accept the irrational promise made by the government.

"Congratulations to Datuk Lee Chong Wei"

THE GOLDS WE NEVER HAVE

"I took some ice water this morning, maybe it was because of that."

That was one of out athlete poor excuse for failing to at least improve her personal performance in Olympics. Being a professional athlete such is indeed a very irresponsible and lame excuse. The athlete should know what should or should not be taken during a major competition and to add to the insult water is accused of the athlete's downfall while in the same newspaper report, it succinctly stated that rain failed to hamper and prevent Russia's Kaniskina of winning the event!

Last night, an announcer shared his astonishment over the failure of the United State's men and women 4 x 100 metre quartets of reaching the finals. What a shameless and ignorant observation since Malaysia herself fails miserably there in Beijing. At least the United States have 28 (at least) gold medals to their names compared to a single silver for the Malaysian squad! Everyone ( except for a few like me) is claiming that such is an amazing achievement and thus the silver medalist is duly conferred with a Datukship. Well, at least that State confers one who deserves it for his contribution towards the betterment of sports in Malaysia unlike others who prefer to award those singers who are not really contributing anything beneficial or meaningful.

Anyway, Ethiopia despite her backwardness and according to Wikipedia ranks 78th in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Products and 125th based on her per capita income but proudly have 2 gold medals to her names. Now compare those with Malaysia's 29th position (GDP) and 57th position in terms of per capita incomes and we are overjoyed with a single silver medal! What an achievement, right? NOT!

Some say size does not count but even the skinniest athletes from the impoverished African continent manage to impress us with their strength and determination to win gold but Malaysian athletes with all the luxury and pampers succumb to a glass of iced water!

Some also say, if we can't defeat them, import them and such has become the trend when even such powerhouses in sports like the United States and Britain and even the tiny Singapore have done so with impressive results. Again, don't be heart broken we too have imported player but the athlete I am very sorry to say, a total failure and a disgrace to the whole nation. We import athlete just for the sake of import since we used to import old useless horse not even good for their meat!

Our sports bodies are busy going at each other to the detriment of the athletes whom they are supposed to look after and cultivate into great sportsmen and women. Instead of working together to improve the sorry state of Malaysian sports they are too busy to achieve personal glory and to show who is better or who has the authority.

Enough is enough , we need to revamp our sports structure and to do away with favouritism, nepotism, good/bad luck, bias refereeing, tidak apa syndrome, fast and easy to forgive and forget and many more filthy behaviours that will only lead to the rooting of sports. We need to be firm and act without fear and favour since the athletes are being sponsored by tax payers money and they are professionals who are supposed to be professional in every acts at anytime and not by giving nonsense and crazy excuses like iced water or the like.

Sports aren't just games, they are tasks which need fulfilment"

Soothing Music

I am listening to Pachelbel's Canon on YouTube, such a delight and soothing melody to listen to. I first heard the melody on one of my student's Friendster. As far as I know the music was categorised as Baroque music which to my knowledge and experience are those soothing music and for easy as well as therapeutic sound.

Listening to such mesmerizing melody brings me back to the times when nothing concerns me unlike today I have to at least keep abreast with local happenings ignoring them only means I will be lagging behind. Therefore, dear readers if you really want to wind up your tired physical and mental being without the need of leaving the comfort of your home, just surf YouTube and listen to Joseph Pachelbel's Canon.

I wonder how those busy politicians wind up themselves but I don't think listening to soothing music is one of them.

"How I wish I could compose such beautiful music"

Our Dashed Dream

First of all, congratulation to Chong Wei for his silver. I know it is a hard earned achievement and therefore credits go to him and his charismatic coach. Finally, Malaysia's quest for a gold is postponed to yet another Olympic - a disappointment to everyone back home but at least we have one silver to boast, if anyone dare!

Many will say that at least we returned with one medal instead of coming home empty ended and continued by comparing smaller nations and nations which return empty handed. Well, enough for excuses and we need to seriously look at our weaknesses and stop comparing ourselves with other nations which are not our equals- just like what happened during the debate between DSAI and DASC when the honourable Minister lashed out and defended the government's action by comparing ours with nations which were not even our equals. Just like when they compared economic achievement of ours with smaller and less developed nations. Have they forgotten that once Malaysia was considered as an emerging Asian Tiger? Perhaps we still are but presently we are more like a toothless infant tiger!



We have all the facilities, incentives and everything to boost our competitiveness, just name it we have it or we will have it. We have National Sports Institute, National Sports Council, sports schools and many more which offer equivalent or even better facilities than those countries we used to compare ourselves to but we still lag behind those less and underdeveloped nations which we are so keen to compare with. Once, we dreamed of having a High Performance Training Centre in U.K on the pretense that it will be good training ground for our budding athletes. Thank god the government decided to shelf the idea since it will not achieved its ideal purpose - to produce international athletes.



What do the African and the Caribbean nations that we do not own? In fact, we have more than what they have, most of the time they have to improvise to simulate actual surroundings and the tools but here we don't have to since we have the actual things. Many of the African athletes are even sponsored by others to compete in the Olympics, without which they may not realised their dreams and they take the generousity by winning golds not silvers or bronzes.



Unlike us, one athlete even managed not to compete because of technicality, what a waste since the government and the athlete him or herself have to fork out expenses to be in Beijing but sadly that athlete did not even managed to compete. It is better if one managed to compete but did not win rather than being disqualified, he or she does not even qualify to be called a loser!



Back home months before the Olympics, the authorities as well as the medias were busy voicing out their confidence or winning or at least achieving respectable results. Very typical our Malaysians just like Pak Kaduk who lost his village though in terms of support and cheering he won outright and just like the hen which bore an egg but it was such a ruckus as if she bore thousand of eggs.



For some times now, we are well-known for our excellent organising feats. We have the Commonwealth Games in 98, Formula 1 Grand Prix and many others from which we received countless praises but as far as our athletes' achievements are concerned, it is very disappointing and even a disgrace. Now, Football Association of Malaysia has decided to ban foreign players in the banal Malaysia League and local athletes are crying fouls for influx of African athletes in long distance run. They have the audacity to claim that those foreigners are just reaping away the success from the locals or is it really the locals who seemed at lost which it comes to competitiveness?



Even with the 1 million ringgits incentive, our athletes failed miserably and honestly I am overjoyed that they failed to get the lucrative incentive as it is really unfair to the majority suffering Malaysians due to the steep prices and giving away financial incentives is detrimental since they will compete not because of their love for the nation but rather for the love of the cash. The government has done more than enough for them as they have everything they need to train and achieve glory as they are supposed to do. They are not doing them for free as they receive salaries or at least lucrative allowances as well as other benefits. Many athletes are not as lucky as our Malaysian athletes who have to endure great difficulties to realise their dreams of Olympics gold.



Some may counter that lady luck is not with us this year thus we need to be content with only a silver. Baaah.....we live not because of fate alone, it is a culmination of many factors and need I remind you of Allah's decree in the Holy Quran that He will not change the fate of the people unless they themselves have the courage and effort to do so. Stop blaming fate or other circumstances since it is the MAIN task of the athletes to train and finally achieve something in the end. Most of them are paid to train and compete and nothing else but they fail the country miserably and they should be ashamed of themselves.



While the athletes are busy day dreaming of gold medals the managements themselves are busy bickering with each other rather than doing something meaningful to help the athletes under their supervision to glory. It has been the trend for so long and they need to realise that the associations are supposed to groom and produce quality athletes and not for self glorification. Sports should be about sports, competing and winning not politics or just token participation. We need to change our attitude and mind set that sports is merely about participation and competition but it is about winning and nothing else. Both the athletes and the officials are there to ensure at least we compete at our full strength physically and mentally.



Size is a factor but certainly not the only factor as we have personally see during the Olympics. It will be very sad if the athletes and the officials start to point fingers and blame others for their debacle. Blame yourselves and stop short of baling others since you are given the responsibility to carry the nation's name in Beijing and not others! Have the courage to accept blame!

Sports is not about playing it is a responsibility

غضب الله

Finally, he is going to have his wish after ten years behind bars as well as behind the scene, trying to do what Maradona did in 1986, the "hand of God" but not to win a football competition instead it is to redeem his image which has and still being tarnished for his alleged immorality. Starting today, he is going to create history by being the first ever candidate who is a former sodomy-related inmate from Sungai Buloh 'University'. Today, he is trying to say that all the allegations that have besieged him are themselves tainted with corruption. Yesterday, his alleged victim took the oath swearing in Allah's name of the former's gross misconduct still today the former maintains his innocence. Here are some of his defences:

1. He has alibi on the alleged day of crime
2. The 'alleged' report by a doctor that the victim was never sodomised
3. The offence under which he is indicted is for consensual act while he alone has to face the rap and not the 'alleged partner'

At the same time, the victim also pour out his so-called proofs of the crime vehemently maintaining his innocence. Hence, without any witnesses the authenticity of the crime rest forever with the accuser, the accused and of course the Almighty Himself. We will never know but the fact that the alleged victim has invoked the wrath of Allah upon himself and his family if his allegation is mala fide should be taken seriously by everyone. Being Believers, we cannot take his oath lightly.

We can only speculate as during the first allegation, many of those involved either directly or indirectly seemed to suffer the wrath of the Almighty. I am not saying that what befall them were signs of Allah's admonition but the facts that something bad happened to those people can't simply be brushed aside. I am not an expert but I deeply believed in His Power to incur misfortunes to whosoever dared to 'play' with His infinite authority.

The Prophet pbuh was reported to have said that among the signs of Doomsday is when people start ignoring and taking the tenets of Islam lightly like to allow what is forbidden and vice versa

Lies Vol 1

A blogger's entry caught my attention when he said that his blog which was previously private is now open to the mass. His decision is based on the notion that he'll no longer dirtied his blog with politically or biased views of his since according to the blogger his views or saying may not represent the truth and if it is not the truth than it is wrong and sinful.

While I respect his new found conscience, I strongly beg to differ as we are bestowed with the best gift ever, our mind which is able to analyse and thus choose what is best, better, good, bad, evil, right or wrong. Without dissenting views which I admit is not thoroughly true but it helps in us to make the decision after balancing between various opinions on one particular issue. Besides, are we saying that everything that the government-assented medias are saying as representing the truth particularly the real truth not just media-made truth and whatever the other media including blogs are the opposite and thus deem to be rejected?

As for me I am writing and my entries representing what I think is the 'background' not necessarily immune from mistakes, lies, fabrication, slander and the like. I am writing based on my perception and view after analysing the information accessible to me and not just out of spite and bias against certain parties or groups. If what the mainstream medias are saying representing the truth but why the opposite seems to be the real story? Should we accept everything stated by the mainn stream medias since they represent the government's stand? Is the government correct in all respect thus above criticism? Should we agree and blindly follow when the government decides on something after saying another just before taking such action? A clear instance is the government's decision to hike the oil prices immediately after one minister has vividly said that oil prices will only be increased in August? And how about, the government's stand that foreigners will no longer enjoy the discounted or subsidised petrol but until today they, the foreigners are still enjoying the same prices like the locals? Hence, Irest my case.

"I hate when I see.. To be continued"

Zeit für mich selbst

I've stated countless times that I love blogging i.e writing thus my third entry of two days. Sounds and looks prolific am I not but the fact is that I'm busy with my works for the weekdays and only manage to visit but not dropping few lines (?) as I really want.

Next week will be the last week of work (means going to the office) for a whole week but bear in mind I am lagging behind and actually dragging my feet over my dissertation, just now finally I got some divine intervention after browsing and actually reading some dissertation samples. Finally I got what my supervisor has been trying to convey and god willing I'll try to continue tonight or if not tomorrow since there's only one class.

Nonetheless, my faithfully laptop needs an emergency treatment for it is besieged by malwares but sorry dear laptop I have to postpone the treatment since I need you urgently. Hopefully, I 'll manage something on my personal work since I've been toiling for the school for the past weeks and now I think I deserve some time for myself but again I doubt it very much since we need to mark and complete our markings by the 26th.

Anywho....I'll try my utmost best to do justice to myself and my dissertation. Wish me luck dear readers, if you really exist out there!

"Are there any readers of my musings?"

Conversion - Yes or No?

Ever since Bar Council announced its decision to organise a forum on conversion to Islam under Article 121 (IA) the hullabaloo started until it was staged yesterday for only a few hours. Many so - called Islamic NGOs are enraged with such 'provocative' approach to the extent of waging 'mini' holy war against the Bar.

May be due to such increasing pressure, the forum only managed to discuss mundane and banal issues relating to conversion, which at least shed some light into the predicaments suffered by affected parties. Indeed, on the positive side, the Muslims particularly should not reject such forum outright on the premise that it is provocative, inciteful and insult to Islam. Well, without the pressure the forum might gone overboard and encroached on sensitive issues.

The authority particularly the governing coalition seems to view the forum as a golden opportunity for them to divert the people attention away from the fact that their power is slipping ever so fast or slow. Some quarters start to point fingers accusing the Bar as being manipulated by hidden powers.

As stated by the Bar, their intention is only to share the experience but not to question or even suggest any changes to the Constitution or the fact that Islam is the official religion of the nation. Since they have declared their stand therefore we need to accept and only act if they transgress their original stand. Nonetheless, being followers of Islam which Allah Himself declared as the most perfect and the only acceptable faith and the fact that Islam is based on justice and fairness should trigger our rationale as to why the Bar dared to stage a controversial forum?

The obvious reason is none other than the feeling of discontentment and umbrage among non Muslims particularly those who are directly affected by conversion. In order to discard such feeling and protect Islam from being labelled and viewed as authoritarian instead of a universal religion, the authority including the courts be it civil or Shariah need to look into the matter thoroughly so as to satisfy both parties - the convert and the non convert.

Instead of just bulldozing its decision, the court need to look into the welfare of all parties. While declaring a person to be a convert the court at the same time need to provide for those who haven't. Such is seldom heard of though Islam through the concept of Hibah for instance can provide some solution to the problem.

Articles 3 and 11 of the Federal Constitution should be looked upon in tandem with each other and not separately as happened in most cases which ultimately cause discontent. We will cross the bridge when we come to it should no longer be applicable as such practise will only make the matter worst just like sweeping the dirt under the carpet which only provides temporary solution which threatens to emerge again in the future. I stand corrected.

"We need to accept that Islam is Special in this nation"

Gouvernement d'intégrité

At least two major Malaysian institutions are being severely criticised because of their perceived as well as clear incompetence, marred by countless allegations and proven misconduct and abuse of power. Being a mere citizen mine may not carry an iota of effect but when such misconducts are alleged by someone with authority or at least formerly with authority but still command huge influence over the mass, therefore such appalling situation should no longer considered phantasmagorical.

The government seems to acquiescence the deteriorating trust thus decided to relieve both the IGP and the AG of their duties in the second installment of the Anwar Saga by delegating the powers usually held by those posts to their Deputies. Sadly, once trust has been betrayed and no concrete evidences of any amelioration exercises then it is very doubtful if the mass will ever believed and trust their conducts of such high profile case.

Trust is essential in any transactions particularly when it concerns the authority therefore everyone especially those holding the rein should take particular attention to ensure that trust forever remains intact. Political consideration should not become the only consideration particularly when it relates to holding unto power as if it is one's forever.

The government should learn from the U.S practice of appointing independent prosecutor when it comes to high profiled individuals like what happened to Bill Clinton. Although such is not criticism-free but at least the integrity and accountability are there as the prosecutor is not subject to the whims of the authority. Sadly, such practise might not see the light of the day since many of the proposals to improve the accountability and integrity of many enforcement bodies have yet to materialise like the Anti Corruption Commission.

The formation of those improved and freer bodies may not be easy as we think but what is more important is the existence of political will without which suggestions and recommendations will remain as they are. Just remember the implementation of English for Teaching Science and Mathematics, it only took overnight to be implemented although it was not extensively considered. Another simple but obvious example is the changing of Kementerian Pendidikan to Kementerian Pelajaran immediately after the present Prime Minister took over in 2003.

The government although seems to be serious in improving the delivery system and consequently the people's trust are still dragging its feet in some matters concerning the running of a more transparent and accountable government. We can only speculate but it seems that the authority may not be serious in its effort to uplift the deteriorating image of government machinery. I pray to Allah s.w.t that my assumption here remains assumptions. Alas, time will tell.

"Presently, we need a strong political will to change."

Mind boggling entries

I love to read and thus I like to keep myself up to date with others' blogs. It's interesting to read about their musings on a variety of topics - personal to global matters but most of the time politics is my choice. Where am I going with this entry?

I am rather confused and bored with entries that are confusing and mind boggling since nobody i.e the readers have the ability to understand their 'sophisticated' entries, in other words they and only they understand what they are saying but why post them in their blogs where people around the world become the readers? Sure, blogging is equivalent to freedom of expression but generally the purpose of reading is to gain information, to clear misunderstanding, confusion and the like certainly not to make the readers more confused cracking the heads trying to get what the bloggers' messages.

"Have mercy on the readers, dear bloggers."

51ST OR 46TH, THE ARGUMENT CONTINUES

Today the school organised its own "Merdeka Month" celebration in conjunction with the nation's 51st Independence. There are a few issues which the mass need to be clear of. But the most important one is the actually date of Independence, since Malaysia is only formed in 1963 which actually means that the nation is only 46 years old. The only one who is 51 is all the Malay states together with those 2 non sultanate territories of Penang and Malacca.

The youngs need especially in Sabah and Sarawak need to be taught of this historical fact or at least keep reminding them of this fact so that they will have better understanding of their roots and better understanding necessarily means that they will love their nation more. Leaders and particularly teachers need to be more responsible and not just adhering to the whims of the politicians. If our fellow Malaysians in the Peninsular prefer 51 over 46 ,its their rights and furthermore it is historically correct in their case. Nonetheless, to force such misleading belief upon the people in Sabah and Sarawak is just pure malice and mala fide.

The need to divulge and strengthen the historical fact is especially pivotal to those younger generations since globalisation poses a threat towards nation building and understanding. Taking for granted such historical fact will be an act of suicide and gradually erode our sense of belonging to our only Land. Malaysia Day should also be promoted vigorously since we are celebrating our nation's, which is Malaysia, Independence. If others insist on 51st then it is only proper for Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak to remind or be reminded of the birth of Malaysia in 1963 and not 1957.

Some may argue that numbers are not important since we have gained our Independence and we need to move forward - to safeguard our Independence. I beg to differ because by saying or proclaiming that we have been independent for 51 years instead of 46 is a distortion of fact and when we no longer know the actual fact then we have lost our identity. Logically, one who is 46 should look years younger that one who is already 51. To understand the matter further just use the analogy of a lady who claims herself to be 18 whereas her physique defies her claim since she look matured that 18 or could you believe someone who say that he or she is 20 while wrinkles and grey hairs are visible?

Thus, to love thy nation one needs to be sure of his nation's history so that one can proactively do something to protect his nation at all costs.

"Malaysia is 46..finito!"