I am writing this as a reply of 'NST: Bloggers must be fair, (30th March 2008)'.
The Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin's challenge to blogger to face the truth by posting the governments comments instead of giving one sided commentaries shows how little he knows about blogging.
I, myself as a blogger find that blogging is not merely about reporting of an issue but more towards commenting on one. It is actually an avenue for individuals to express their views and opinion on certain subjects that they hold dear to their hearts, be it political or just personal. In other words, we are columnists in our own space, writing base on the information that we get from the Medias.
With the exception of Malaysiakini, Malaysia Today and other similar kinds, most of the blogs reflect the sentiment of the individuals who wrote it. For all that I know everyday or every other day a new blog or blogger will appear. These are individuals with ideas who are not afraid to diseminate them. As a result, the authorities will find it difficult to keep them in check.
Therefore I could say that such issue of bloggers do not give fair coverage does not arise as they are only writing with their hearts just like what the Minister of Information pointed out in his Interview on the same day.
I implore Datuk Seri to use reason and stop blaming bloggers for BN’s loss. It is better for him to concentrate on rebuilding and restructuring the party through soul-searching. Better still, why don’t you write a blog of your own and get a taste of it.
(as in NST 2008/04/04)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Top Ten: Chandler's Take on Life
Bored of the same casual conversation everyday. Where your friend will ask you something and you will either answer yes or no and the conversation just ends. Fret not, here are the top ten quotes by Chandler Bing from everyone's favourite comedy in the 90's FRIENDS that you can apply in your everyday conversation to put some zest in to it.
10. When someone asks you for advice on their relationship and you are afraid that by advising, things could only become worse,reply:"I'm not so good with the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?“- Chandler Bing
9. If someone asks you whether you had sex in high school, reply:"Yeah, well, I went to boarding school with four hundred boys. Any sex I had would've involved a major lifestyle choice." - Chandler Bing
8.When you(a guy) are with a girl in a conversation and they condemn boys for being ignorant, shallow minded etc, say:"Sometimes I wish I was a lesbian. Did I say that out loud?"- Chandler Bing
7.A girl asks you,"You're a guy, what's you opinion about........", reply:"Well if I were a guy. Wait, did I just say 'If I were a guy'?“-Chandler Bing
6. A friend says "I'm going to woo her with a little music from record player/walkman." or any outdated phrases, reply:"Hey, you know what you should do? Take her back to the 1800's when that phrase was last used."- Chandler Bing
5. You don't know what to get for a friend on his/ her birthday, say:"That's great. Last year I got the gift of space. We should get together and make a continuum."- Chandler Bing
4. You're jobless and someone wants to borrow your tie, reply:"Okay, but you'll have to give it back when I get a job. Of course, by then, ties will be obsolete and we'll all be wearing silver jumpsuits."- Chandler Bing
3.(For guys) Your girl pals are talking about CLEO,COSMO or other girl related magazine/issues." All right, I took the quiz (cosmo), and it turns out, I do put career before men." - Chandler Bing
2.You're out of shape and someone asks you whether you are a gym member' reply: "Oh yeah, I'm a gym member. I try to go four times a week, but I've missed the last ... twelve hundred times"
1.When you are caught telling your friends' secrets to other friends, reply:"I tell people secrets. It makes them like me." - Chandler Bing
Are You Smarter Than An American.
Stupid American - Funny blooper videos are here
For those who have Astro, you should be familiar with the show 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' . Eventhough you haven't watched, you might have heard about it and have a glimpse of it during its commercial. Some could say that they were paid to look dumb on national television, but I don't think that the same applies for the above video.
If you could answer most of this question, then you are indeed smarter than an american (play fair now, don't use the wikipedia):
- Name a country that begins with a U.
- Who's is in the coalition of the willing?
- What's the religion of Israel?
- What religion are Budhist monks?
- Who won the Vietnam war?
- Who is Fidel Castro?
- How many sides does a triangle have?
- What is the currency used in the United Kingdom?
- Kofi Anan is a drink, true or false?
- Who is Tony Blair?
- Which countries are the Axis of Evil?
- Who's the first man on the moon?
- What is a mosque?
- How many kidneys does a person have?
- How many World Wars have there been?
- Which state does KFC come from?
- What are Nagasaki and Hiroshima famous for?
- Star Wars is based on a true story, true or false?
- How many Eiffel Towers are there in Paris?
- Where was the Berlin wall?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Top Ten: Unfortunate Situations to Be In
Besides my normal posts, I shall introduce to you a countdown of ten things based on the week's topic. I will treat it like a series. My Top Ten series. Yeah that's what I'll call it. Hopefully I can produce it once a week. So you have a reason to come visit my blog weekly and I can guarantee that a week I'll at least have one new post. My materials might be from my experience or someone else's. Which is which, you have to find out yourselves eh. Without rambling much further, here's the first of the series, Top ten unfortunate situations to be in:
10. You're at the exit(mainly shopping mall) and you forgot to pay the parking using the auto pay machine.
Especially, when you realise that, the cars had started queueing behind you.There's no turning back. They honked at you like no body's business and you start to panic.aargghhh. But the bright side is that the parking attendant might get panic too and let you off for free.
9. People honk in tense situations.
Tense situations here could mean like the above or in a traffic jam. You know, when you're stuck there and nowhere else to go, and suddenly this wise guy began honking. It then triggers a chain reaction. As a result everyone honks without knowing who they are honking at. And everyone ends up feeling more stressed out than before. We should promote this culture to foreigners for the Tourism Malaysia.
8.Trying to find a clear traffic exiting KL during peak hours(evening).
You've been driving for quite some time and you know basically all the roads exiting KL like the back of your hand. You turn here and turn there and make another turn somewhere just to end up in another place that is congested. It's just pointless as KL is right smack in the middle of the hot zone. You can't run away from this.
7. Forgot to pay for your meal.
Had lunch, walked around the mall, after a while passed the restaurant again and the waiter reminded you that haven't paid.Hahaha, how unfortunate or may I say embarrassing was that. Of course it was unintentional, but do you think the waiter is going to buy that excuse.
6. It rains and you find a bird poop on your car after you've just washed it.
Talk about watermarks. The car was at its best, all sparkling and all clean. Someone could have mistaken it for a new car. But the bird just couldn't do its business before you washed your car. Always after.*sigh* It is just wasn't meant to be.
5.You have to pay extra even though you rushed to exit the car park.
Talking about ironic, here's one. You parked somewhere that the rates are very expensive. So you tried your best not to get charged extra. Your watch showed 2 mins till the extra charge. You sped off to your car and drove to the exit. By the time you got through the exits, you still need to pay extra because the time stated on the ticket is a few minutes earlier than it should be.
4. You are late for Maths.
I'm not talking of 10-30 mins. late, but 1 hour. If you can't get anything inside your head when you attend the class from the beginning, imagine how is it when you attend the class barely knowing what the lecturer is talking about. Picture this, Math in French. Here, the phrase 'better late than never' doesn't apply.
3. Some stranger waves at you and you waved back....
but actually its his/her friend behind you that he/she was waving at. To look cool, you pretended that you're waving to someone far away or do a weird dance with both hands up in the air like you don't care (not recommended).
2. While you were drinking someone utter a funny statement making you spout the water in your mouth.
If you're lucky, the water will just fall into your plate. If not,well then that's another case. Make an excuse that you were trying to test how far can you spout water from your mouth. Ask them to try. Then you won't be the only one looking foolish. hahaha.
1. Arguing with a doctor
Relax, the doctor that I mean here is not the practicing one, whom prescribes medicine for you nor is it the one that jabs you with vaccine when you get flu. I'm talking about the ones with PhD's i.e some lecturers. Even though when you are sure that you are right, you have all the facts straight, you understand the subject matter clearly and you expressed your thoughts directly, the doctor will end up winning the argument. I don't know how he does it but he will stick to his principles no matter how bad his communcation skill is and try to emphasise his point. I guess the moral here is never argue with a doctor (PhD).
10. You're at the exit(mainly shopping mall) and you forgot to pay the parking using the auto pay machine.
Especially, when you realise that, the cars had started queueing behind you.There's no turning back. They honked at you like no body's business and you start to panic.aargghhh. But the bright side is that the parking attendant might get panic too and let you off for free.
9. People honk in tense situations.
Tense situations here could mean like the above or in a traffic jam. You know, when you're stuck there and nowhere else to go, and suddenly this wise guy began honking. It then triggers a chain reaction. As a result everyone honks without knowing who they are honking at. And everyone ends up feeling more stressed out than before. We should promote this culture to foreigners for the Tourism Malaysia.
8.Trying to find a clear traffic exiting KL during peak hours(evening).
You've been driving for quite some time and you know basically all the roads exiting KL like the back of your hand. You turn here and turn there and make another turn somewhere just to end up in another place that is congested. It's just pointless as KL is right smack in the middle of the hot zone. You can't run away from this.
7. Forgot to pay for your meal.
Had lunch, walked around the mall, after a while passed the restaurant again and the waiter reminded you that haven't paid.Hahaha, how unfortunate or may I say embarrassing was that. Of course it was unintentional, but do you think the waiter is going to buy that excuse.
6. It rains and you find a bird poop on your car after you've just washed it.
Talk about watermarks. The car was at its best, all sparkling and all clean. Someone could have mistaken it for a new car. But the bird just couldn't do its business before you washed your car. Always after.*sigh* It is just wasn't meant to be.
5.You have to pay extra even though you rushed to exit the car park.
Talking about ironic, here's one. You parked somewhere that the rates are very expensive. So you tried your best not to get charged extra. Your watch showed 2 mins till the extra charge. You sped off to your car and drove to the exit. By the time you got through the exits, you still need to pay extra because the time stated on the ticket is a few minutes earlier than it should be.
4. You are late for Maths.
I'm not talking of 10-30 mins. late, but 1 hour. If you can't get anything inside your head when you attend the class from the beginning, imagine how is it when you attend the class barely knowing what the lecturer is talking about. Picture this, Math in French. Here, the phrase 'better late than never' doesn't apply.
3. Some stranger waves at you and you waved back....
but actually its his/her friend behind you that he/she was waving at. To look cool, you pretended that you're waving to someone far away or do a weird dance with both hands up in the air like you don't care (not recommended).
2. While you were drinking someone utter a funny statement making you spout the water in your mouth.
If you're lucky, the water will just fall into your plate. If not,well then that's another case. Make an excuse that you were trying to test how far can you spout water from your mouth. Ask them to try. Then you won't be the only one looking foolish. hahaha.
1. Arguing with a doctor
Relax, the doctor that I mean here is not the practicing one, whom prescribes medicine for you nor is it the one that jabs you with vaccine when you get flu. I'm talking about the ones with PhD's i.e some lecturers. Even though when you are sure that you are right, you have all the facts straight, you understand the subject matter clearly and you expressed your thoughts directly, the doctor will end up winning the argument. I don't know how he does it but he will stick to his principles no matter how bad his communcation skill is and try to emphasise his point. I guess the moral here is never argue with a doctor (PhD).
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Demonstration IS Malaysian culture.
They used to say that demonstration is not the way to do it. But now they are the ones who are crowding the streets.
Don’t appoint deputy, protesters urge Selangor MB
by TheStar
Don’t appoint deputy, protesters urge Selangor MB
by TheStar
Don’t appoint deputy, protesters urge Selangor MB
SHAH ALAM: Several hundred supporters from 12 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) held a peaceful demonstration at Dataran Shah Alam here yesterday asking Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim not to appoint a Deputy Mentri Besar.
The group asked Khalid not to even consider a non-Malay for the number two post, and to maintain the previous number of Malay executive councillors in the state.
The crowd, led by Selangor Umno Youth chief Abdul Shukur Idrus, also hit out at DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang for calling for a boycott of the swearing-in of the executive council in Perak because the act was disrespectful towards the Sultans who were highly respected by the Malays.
Lim later made a public apology over the statement.
SHAH ALAM: Several hundred supporters from 12 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) held a peaceful demonstration at Dataran Shah Alam here yesterday asking Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim not to appoint a Deputy Mentri Besar.
The group asked Khalid not to even consider a non-Malay for the number two post, and to maintain the previous number of Malay executive councillors in the state.
The crowd, led by Selangor Umno Youth chief Abdul Shukur Idrus, also hit out at DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang for calling for a boycott of the swearing-in of the executive council in Perak because the act was disrespectful towards the Sultans who were highly respected by the Malays.
Lim later made a public apology over the statement.
Abdul Shukur also said that PKR and DAP had been disrespectful and insensitive towards the Malays when they supported the move to abolish the New Economic Policy which had benefited both the Malays and other races.
The demonstration, which started just after 4pm, ended less than 30 minutes later due to a heavy downpour.
The demonstration, which started just after 4pm, ended less than 30 minutes later due to a heavy downpour.
Maulidur Rasul
To muslims: selamat menyambut hari kebesaran Nabi Muhammad s.a.wTo everyone: enjoy the holidays
Bad to Worse
If you are given one day that resembles a soap opera or an out of taste comedy, yesterday would be the day for me.
At 6.30 a.m. I received an unfortunate news that one of my relatives had just passed away. This is reassures me that every knock on the door at this irregular hours will be followed by bad news most of the times.
We had to go to Johor for the funeral procession. Realising that I need to settle something at college first, everyone went on leaving my father and I departing at a later time. While I was on my way, another unfortunate thing happened. Apparently the toll didn't read my smart tag when I was exiting kajang toll and therefore I was penalised at the Sg. Besi toll (my balanced was reduced to 0.00). Being punished for something that is not one's own fault could be funny in comedies but it is very irritating in real life.
After heeding the advice of the toll attendant, I decided to make a report on my way home. The regular forms were filled and I anxiously waited for my refund. But as usual, never set you hopes to high. I was informed that I would get refunded in one month time and by check(Rm12 in a check hahaha) .If I wanted to continue using my present touch n go card, I need to top it up again (after doing so before the incident).
Moving on, everything seems to be in place. We arrived in record time of 1 1/2 hrs from bangi to Batu Pahat and I had my lunch. Just as things seems couldn't get any worse, someone stepped on my glasses. I'm not talking about drinking glasses or reading glasses here, it's my don't-leave-home-without-it spectacles. Consequently, I have to squint my eyes all day to get a clear sight.
Just like any soap operas, dramas or comedies nowadays, my series of unfortunate events do have a happy ending to complement it with. I guess that when my glasses broke it was a 'blessing in disguise' that I would get a brand new one today. Because without one, I can't drive and if I can't drive who is suppose to run the errands.
( Kpd semua muslim mari kita sedekahkan Al-Fatihah kepada Hjh Hanim bt Bakri yg telah kembali kerahmatullah pd pagi Rabu , 19 hb Mac 2008, Al-Fatihah........)
At 6.30 a.m. I received an unfortunate news that one of my relatives had just passed away. This is reassures me that every knock on the door at this irregular hours will be followed by bad news most of the times.
We had to go to Johor for the funeral procession. Realising that I need to settle something at college first, everyone went on leaving my father and I departing at a later time. While I was on my way, another unfortunate thing happened. Apparently the toll didn't read my smart tag when I was exiting kajang toll and therefore I was penalised at the Sg. Besi toll (my balanced was reduced to 0.00). Being punished for something that is not one's own fault could be funny in comedies but it is very irritating in real life.
After heeding the advice of the toll attendant, I decided to make a report on my way home. The regular forms were filled and I anxiously waited for my refund. But as usual, never set you hopes to high. I was informed that I would get refunded in one month time and by check(Rm12 in a check hahaha) .If I wanted to continue using my present touch n go card, I need to top it up again (after doing so before the incident).
Moving on, everything seems to be in place. We arrived in record time of 1 1/2 hrs from bangi to Batu Pahat and I had my lunch. Just as things seems couldn't get any worse, someone stepped on my glasses. I'm not talking about drinking glasses or reading glasses here, it's my don't-leave-home-without-it spectacles. Consequently, I have to squint my eyes all day to get a clear sight.
Just like any soap operas, dramas or comedies nowadays, my series of unfortunate events do have a happy ending to complement it with. I guess that when my glasses broke it was a 'blessing in disguise' that I would get a brand new one today. Because without one, I can't drive and if I can't drive who is suppose to run the errands.
( Kpd semua muslim mari kita sedekahkan Al-Fatihah kepada Hjh Hanim bt Bakri yg telah kembali kerahmatullah pd pagi Rabu , 19 hb Mac 2008, Al-Fatihah........)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Take a Break
On a less serious note, lets see what the cabinet members were doing before the most humiliating election for BN ever.
Pak Lah: This is the last meeting we are going to have before I make my decision on who our candidates are. First of all, I would like to thank Keng Yaik and Affendi for voluntarily backing out. You are truly gentlemen. Anyone else wants to back out? Think of the party, not of yourself.
Najib: I think Samy should back out la.
Samy: Apa pasai? Why you think I should back out? Why not you?
Najib: You are a liability to MIC and BN la Samy, accept it la.
Samy: What do you mean liability? Give me proof?
Hisham: Ayo Samy, our intelligence report say, we will lose almost 100% of Indian votes if you still lead MIC. If you get lost, maybe we can bring it down to 60%.
Samy: Pakla, don't listen to this two young punks la. Let me read this report just sent to me. After extensive intelligence gathering, we find that 20% of the Indians hated Samy Velu. Ha, only 20% la, where got 100%?
Nazri: Hey Samy I also got the same report la. Why don't you continue?
Samy: Okay, I'll continue, 40% cannot stand to see his face and 35% will kill him if they were to meet him. 5% believe that he is a good leader. Ha, I still got 5% what?
Pak Lah: Come on la Samy, you've been around for a long time already; you have made your money. You are even richer than me, so back out la. Think of the party la Samy.
Samy: Yes, I am richer than you but Najib, 2 deals only is already richer than me, why not ask him also to go? His submarine and Sukhoi and Altantunya also make him a liability what.
Pak Lah: I know that one, but he is from UMNO, that is the difference. The Malays will accept corrupt Malay leaders, as long as they potong, its okay.
Samy: Oh, kalu kasi potong kalu, berapa banyak rasuah pun takpa ka? Mana adil ini macam Pakla?
Najib: That is the way it is in this country Samy. We all from UMNO got immunity, you people, tadak potong punya, don't.
Samy: No, saya akan tetap bertanding.
Kayveas: Adei Samy, listen to them la, what they say is true la. Don't talk about justice all la, as if you are concerned about justice. This is not the place to be talking about justice la old man. We want to win. If that means you will be dropped then so be it.
Samy: Dei Kayveas, you just shut up la. You budak lagi la, you apa tau? What you want to be champions of the Indians ka? If I am forced to back out, I make sure you go down with me. Hey, Mahathir also cannot force me out la.
Kayveas: Tengok Pakla, tadak guna punya orang. Think of himself only. Just shoot him la Pakla, don't give chance. Najib, itu C4 lagi ada ka? Mari kita sekarang taroh itu C4 sama dia. Cilaka punya orang.
Keng Yaik: Samy ah, enough la. So long already you in the cabinet. You want to stay until you die ka? What you think they will bury you in the Makam Pahlawan ka? Every time people curse you la. Now even your own race cannot stand you, give up la Samy. Come join me la. We all retire. After all, we are not sure if we are going to win this time around. BN also not sure going to win or not.
Pak Lah: What are you talking about Kheng Yaik? Why you say like that?
Keng Yaik:No la Pak Lah, If everyone wants to deny us 2/3 majority, then all of them would not vote us la. We may lose more than just 1/3 la. Haiya, that one also cannot see ah?
Pak Lah: Maybe the Chinese or Indians la Keng Yaik, not the Malays la. The Malays love UMNO.
Keng Yaik: Are you sure ah Pak Lah? Now even the Chinese and Indians are willing to vote PAS if it is the only oppositi on available to them, don't you think that there would be Malays willing to vote DAP? Don't be foolish la Pak Lah. Until now still cannot get Kelantan despite all the dirty tricks. Who are majority voters in Kelantan? Malays la, some more what.
Pak Lah: Betoi ka dia kata tu Najib?
Najib: Jangan dengar cakap orang tua penyembur tu la Pak lah. Orang Melayu takkan lupa UMNO punya. Orang Melayu rela mati untuk UMNO
Nazri: Ntah la, ada lojik jugak cakap Keng Yaik tu. Memang la orang Melayu rela mati untuk UMNO tapi rela ka dia mati untuk kita?
Pak Lah: Apa yang orang Melayu tak puaih hati lagi dengan kita? Kita bagi macam-macam kat depa, apa lagi dia mau?
Kah Ting: Lu mau tau ka? Dia olang tengok sumua itu UMNO punya olang besar manyak kaya. Bikin lumah banyak besar. Keleta 4, 5, sumua mahal-mahal punya. Dulu punya Melayu punya UMNO punya olang tak buat itu macam. Kalau dia kaya pun, dia tak tunjuk sama olang. Sekalang punya UMNO punya olang manyak sombong oh. Dia kaya, dia selalu tunjuk. Dia tak takot punya. Itu olang Melayu biasa tak suka la ini macam punya sombong punya olang.
Nazri: Apa, salah ka dia beli rumah besar dan kereta besar? Apa orang Cina saja ka buleh beli rumah besar. Pak Lah, letak Kah Ting kat Tanjong tengok. Jom kita tengok orang Cina suka kat dia ka tak?
Keng Yaik: Tak salah, tapi baru 2, 3 hari jadi menteri sudah kaya ka? Dia punya gaji berapa? Dulu jaga gate keretapi sekarang boleh bikin Istana, orang tak heran ka la Pak Lah? Your weakness ah, is that you think the Malays are stupid. They are not la Pak Lah. Many have opened their eyes la. Many are not ignorant anymore.
Pak Lah: Alah, kalau kalah pun, kalah sikit saja.
Keng Yaik: Sorry ha Pak Lah if I say something. You have been sleeping too much, you have lost touch with reality.
Pak Lah: I think ah Keng Yaik, you don't resign la. This year you stand in Permatang Pauh, mau ka?
Samy: Pak Lah, saya macam mana?
Pak Lah: Meeting adjourn la, semua balik dulu. Saya mengantok ni. Nanti lain kali la.
Pak Lah: This is the last meeting we are going to have before I make my decision on who our candidates are. First of all, I would like to thank Keng Yaik and Affendi for voluntarily backing out. You are truly gentlemen. Anyone else wants to back out? Think of the party, not of yourself.
Najib: I think Samy should back out la.
Samy: Apa pasai? Why you think I should back out? Why not you?
Najib: You are a liability to MIC and BN la Samy, accept it la.
Samy: What do you mean liability? Give me proof?
Hisham: Ayo Samy, our intelligence report say, we will lose almost 100% of Indian votes if you still lead MIC. If you get lost, maybe we can bring it down to 60%.
Samy: Pakla, don't listen to this two young punks la. Let me read this report just sent to me. After extensive intelligence gathering, we find that 20% of the Indians hated Samy Velu. Ha, only 20% la, where got 100%?
Nazri: Hey Samy I also got the same report la. Why don't you continue?
Samy: Okay, I'll continue, 40% cannot stand to see his face and 35% will kill him if they were to meet him. 5% believe that he is a good leader. Ha, I still got 5% what?
Pak Lah: Come on la Samy, you've been around for a long time already; you have made your money. You are even richer than me, so back out la. Think of the party la Samy.
Samy: Yes, I am richer than you but Najib, 2 deals only is already richer than me, why not ask him also to go? His submarine and Sukhoi and Altantunya also make him a liability what.
Pak Lah: I know that one, but he is from UMNO, that is the difference. The Malays will accept corrupt Malay leaders, as long as they potong, its okay.
Samy: Oh, kalu kasi potong kalu, berapa banyak rasuah pun takpa ka? Mana adil ini macam Pakla?
Najib: That is the way it is in this country Samy. We all from UMNO got immunity, you people, tadak potong punya, don't.
Samy: No, saya akan tetap bertanding.
Kayveas: Adei Samy, listen to them la, what they say is true la. Don't talk about justice all la, as if you are concerned about justice. This is not the place to be talking about justice la old man. We want to win. If that means you will be dropped then so be it.
Samy: Dei Kayveas, you just shut up la. You budak lagi la, you apa tau? What you want to be champions of the Indians ka? If I am forced to back out, I make sure you go down with me. Hey, Mahathir also cannot force me out la.
Kayveas: Tengok Pakla, tadak guna punya orang. Think of himself only. Just shoot him la Pakla, don't give chance. Najib, itu C4 lagi ada ka? Mari kita sekarang taroh itu C4 sama dia. Cilaka punya orang.
Keng Yaik: Samy ah, enough la. So long already you in the cabinet. You want to stay until you die ka? What you think they will bury you in the Makam Pahlawan ka? Every time people curse you la. Now even your own race cannot stand you, give up la Samy. Come join me la. We all retire. After all, we are not sure if we are going to win this time around. BN also not sure going to win or not.
Pak Lah: What are you talking about Kheng Yaik? Why you say like that?
Keng Yaik:No la Pak Lah, If everyone wants to deny us 2/3 majority, then all of them would not vote us la. We may lose more than just 1/3 la. Haiya, that one also cannot see ah?
Pak Lah: Maybe the Chinese or Indians la Keng Yaik, not the Malays la. The Malays love UMNO.
Keng Yaik: Are you sure ah Pak Lah? Now even the Chinese and Indians are willing to vote PAS if it is the only oppositi on available to them, don't you think that there would be Malays willing to vote DAP? Don't be foolish la Pak Lah. Until now still cannot get Kelantan despite all the dirty tricks. Who are majority voters in Kelantan? Malays la, some more what.
Pak Lah: Betoi ka dia kata tu Najib?
Najib: Jangan dengar cakap orang tua penyembur tu la Pak lah. Orang Melayu takkan lupa UMNO punya. Orang Melayu rela mati untuk UMNO
Nazri: Ntah la, ada lojik jugak cakap Keng Yaik tu. Memang la orang Melayu rela mati untuk UMNO tapi rela ka dia mati untuk kita?
Pak Lah: Apa yang orang Melayu tak puaih hati lagi dengan kita? Kita bagi macam-macam kat depa, apa lagi dia mau?
Kah Ting: Lu mau tau ka? Dia olang tengok sumua itu UMNO punya olang besar manyak kaya. Bikin lumah banyak besar. Keleta 4, 5, sumua mahal-mahal punya. Dulu punya Melayu punya UMNO punya olang tak buat itu macam. Kalau dia kaya pun, dia tak tunjuk sama olang. Sekalang punya UMNO punya olang manyak sombong oh. Dia kaya, dia selalu tunjuk. Dia tak takot punya. Itu olang Melayu biasa tak suka la ini macam punya sombong punya olang.
Nazri: Apa, salah ka dia beli rumah besar dan kereta besar? Apa orang Cina saja ka buleh beli rumah besar. Pak Lah, letak Kah Ting kat Tanjong tengok. Jom kita tengok orang Cina suka kat dia ka tak?
Keng Yaik: Tak salah, tapi baru 2, 3 hari jadi menteri sudah kaya ka? Dia punya gaji berapa? Dulu jaga gate keretapi sekarang boleh bikin Istana, orang tak heran ka la Pak Lah? Your weakness ah, is that you think the Malays are stupid. They are not la Pak Lah. Many have opened their eyes la. Many are not ignorant anymore.
Pak Lah: Alah, kalau kalah pun, kalah sikit saja.
Keng Yaik: Sorry ha Pak Lah if I say something. You have been sleeping too much, you have lost touch with reality.
Pak Lah: I think ah Keng Yaik, you don't resign la. This year you stand in Permatang Pauh, mau ka?
Samy: Pak Lah, saya macam mana?
Pak Lah: Meeting adjourn la, semua balik dulu. Saya mengantok ni. Nanti lain kali la.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Aftershock
Following the shock of the election results, here is another shocker for me. Today is results day! And I totally forgot about it until I reached college and my friends reminded me about it. Initially, I didn't want to collect it today, I would wait until the official one is out, but after everyone seems eager or should I say worried, I said to myself ‘Whet the heck, might as well collect it today with the Sze Lynn, Jillian, Amanda and Jedwind .’
But this 'simple' act had just turned my bright and shiny day to a gloomy and sorrowful one. I guess I should've done my revisions seriously . From now on, I have to complete all the homeworks given (not forgetting MR. Goh's). Just as how the outcome of the election forced the Barisan fellows to do some post mortem, this result prompted me to do some soul searching of my own.
'When you are too complacent, you may take important things for granted.'
Results: Econs 1-D,2-D,3-C, Maths C1-A, C2-C
The Alternative Media
Malaysia opposition win shows power of cyberspace
By Bill Tarrant
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's weak opposition was up against a hostile mainstream media and restrictive campaign rules, but it can chalk up much of its stunning success in Saturday's election to the power of cyberspace.
Voters exasperated with the unvarnished support of the mainstream media for the ruling National Front furiously clicked on YouTube and posted comments with popular bloggers about tales of sex, lies and videotapes in the run-up to Saturday's election.
Jeff Ooi, a 52-year-old former advertising copywriter who made his name writing a political blog, "Screenshots" (www.jeffooi.com) won a seat in northern Penang state for the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Elizabeth Wong, a human rights activist and political consultant who runs a blog (http://elizabethwong.wordpress.com), won a state assembly seat in the central state of Selangor.
YouTube, the phenomenally popular video Web site, did as much damage as any opposition figure could hope to inflict, after netizens uploaded embarrassing videos of their politicians in action on hot-button issues.
One YouTube video in January showed ruling party MP Badruddin bin Amiruldin causing a ruckus in parliament over whether Malaysia was an Islamic state. "Malaysia is an Islamic state", he declared. "You don't like it, you get out of Malaysia!"
Muslim Malays form the majority in multi-racial Malaysia, but ethnic Chinese and Indians account for a third of the population and they deserted the ruling National Front in droves, partly in outrage over the religious debate.
SEX, SLEAZE, CORRUPTION
Another YouTube video that got wide distribution shows a rambling and incoherent Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin, in a live interview with al-Jazeera, excitedly defending a police crackdown against peaceful protesters calling for changes to the electoral process in November.
Zainuddin was one of several "big guns" in the National Front that fell to the opposition's onslaught.
Sex, sleaze and corruption were election issues and they all had video soap operas on Web sites.
Malaysia's health minister resigned in January after admitting he and a female friend were the couple in a secretly filmed sex video uploaded on YouTube. That cost some votes.
"We were concerned about the morality of our leaders," said Maisarah Zainal, a 26-year-old teacher in Kuala Lumpur. "It didn't help that Chua Soi Lek was involved in a sex video."
Loh Gwo Burne, who secretly videotaped a phone conversation, allegedly showing a high-profile lawyer trying to fix judicial appointments with Malaysia's former chief judge, was elected to a seat in parliament from a seat in suburban Kuala Lumpur.
The grainy video hit a nerve in Malaysia, whose judiciary has been under question since the late 1980s.
Malaysia's blogging community offer alternative views in a country where the government keeps a tight control on mainstream media. The government said last year it might compel bloggers to register with the authorities to curb the spread of malicious content on the Internet.
Government backers doubt whether bloggers turned opposition politicians could make their presence felt. "Beyond the major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, there's not much the bloggers can really hope to accomplish," says Mohamad Norza Zakaria, a leader in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's UMNO party ( www.umno-online.com )
The Chinese-backed DAP, by contrast, appointed blogger Ooi to head the party's "e-campaign."
Even a barely literate 89-year-old grandmother running for parliament with little money and only a bicycle to get around on, hopped the cyberspace bandwagon with a Facebook profile and her own blog, courtesy of some Internet savvy supporters. Mamin Yusuf, however, lost. It wasn't clear how many of her potential voters were hooked up to the Internet in northeastern Terengganu.
By Bill Tarrant
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's weak opposition was up against a hostile mainstream media and restrictive campaign rules, but it can chalk up much of its stunning success in Saturday's election to the power of cyberspace.
Voters exasperated with the unvarnished support of the mainstream media for the ruling National Front furiously clicked on YouTube and posted comments with popular bloggers about tales of sex, lies and videotapes in the run-up to Saturday's election.
Jeff Ooi, a 52-year-old former advertising copywriter who made his name writing a political blog, "Screenshots" (www.jeffooi.com) won a seat in northern Penang state for the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Elizabeth Wong, a human rights activist and political consultant who runs a blog (http://elizabethwong.wordpress.com), won a state assembly seat in the central state of Selangor.
YouTube, the phenomenally popular video Web site, did as much damage as any opposition figure could hope to inflict, after netizens uploaded embarrassing videos of their politicians in action on hot-button issues.
One YouTube video in January showed ruling party MP Badruddin bin Amiruldin causing a ruckus in parliament over whether Malaysia was an Islamic state. "Malaysia is an Islamic state", he declared. "You don't like it, you get out of Malaysia!"
Muslim Malays form the majority in multi-racial Malaysia, but ethnic Chinese and Indians account for a third of the population and they deserted the ruling National Front in droves, partly in outrage over the religious debate.
SEX, SLEAZE, CORRUPTION
Another YouTube video that got wide distribution shows a rambling and incoherent Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin, in a live interview with al-Jazeera, excitedly defending a police crackdown against peaceful protesters calling for changes to the electoral process in November.
Zainuddin was one of several "big guns" in the National Front that fell to the opposition's onslaught.
Sex, sleaze and corruption were election issues and they all had video soap operas on Web sites.
Malaysia's health minister resigned in January after admitting he and a female friend were the couple in a secretly filmed sex video uploaded on YouTube. That cost some votes.
"We were concerned about the morality of our leaders," said Maisarah Zainal, a 26-year-old teacher in Kuala Lumpur. "It didn't help that Chua Soi Lek was involved in a sex video."
Loh Gwo Burne, who secretly videotaped a phone conversation, allegedly showing a high-profile lawyer trying to fix judicial appointments with Malaysia's former chief judge, was elected to a seat in parliament from a seat in suburban Kuala Lumpur.
The grainy video hit a nerve in Malaysia, whose judiciary has been under question since the late 1980s.
Malaysia's blogging community offer alternative views in a country where the government keeps a tight control on mainstream media. The government said last year it might compel bloggers to register with the authorities to curb the spread of malicious content on the Internet.
Government backers doubt whether bloggers turned opposition politicians could make their presence felt. "Beyond the major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, there's not much the bloggers can really hope to accomplish," says Mohamad Norza Zakaria, a leader in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's UMNO party ( www.umno-online.com )
The Chinese-backed DAP, by contrast, appointed blogger Ooi to head the party's "e-campaign."
Even a barely literate 89-year-old grandmother running for parliament with little money and only a bicycle to get around on, hopped the cyberspace bandwagon with a Facebook profile and her own blog, courtesy of some Internet savvy supporters. Mamin Yusuf, however, lost. It wasn't clear how many of her potential voters were hooked up to the Internet in northeastern Terengganu.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Current Scorecard
The day that we've been waiting for is finally here. Enough ceramah. Enough mudslinging. Enough Character assassinating. It's voting time now. And that means, no more campaigning and lets start abusing (verbally). Just kidding. We don't have to start it, it's already started. It doesn't matter whether mengumpat (exposing ones shortcomings) is encouraged or not, it has been our habit for a long time.
Even Pak Lah who said that Hadi's Statement (the one that he allows anyone to talk bad about the opponents as it involves the future of the country) was against the teachings of Islam had done it himself. Yeah, he did. This entire week, all the media has gone full throttle with all its ammunition to attack the opposition and its icon ,Anwar, especially. They dug up all the dirt that they have on him and fixed them on the pages (at least two) of all the government controlled newspapers in the country.
On the other hand, the opposition is also playing the same card. Despite attacking the personalities in BN, they should be strengthening their alliance in order to make real impact. The flimsy ranks of the opposition leave them vulnerable from any external attacks. The recent one , quoting from BN officials,is, that their coalition is nothing but an ‘alliance of convenience’ that only works together during election. If the voters cannot see any potential from the ‘alternative government’, they will surely opt for the existing one for their alleged 'track record'.
Long story short, I'm convinced that there will be no change of government albeit they will have a hell of a fight at hand. With that,I conclude that it is my personal view that we DO NOT have any political party that is worthy to give the 2/3 majority mandate to. Therefore, it is in our best interest to deny BN the 2/3 majority, hoping that they will not be complacent and will not make things worse than they are while waiting for the viable 'alternative government' to emerge.
Even Pak Lah who said that Hadi's Statement (the one that he allows anyone to talk bad about the opponents as it involves the future of the country) was against the teachings of Islam had done it himself. Yeah, he did. This entire week, all the media has gone full throttle with all its ammunition to attack the opposition and its icon ,Anwar, especially. They dug up all the dirt that they have on him and fixed them on the pages (at least two) of all the government controlled newspapers in the country.
On the other hand, the opposition is also playing the same card. Despite attacking the personalities in BN, they should be strengthening their alliance in order to make real impact. The flimsy ranks of the opposition leave them vulnerable from any external attacks. The recent one , quoting from BN officials,is, that their coalition is nothing but an ‘alliance of convenience’ that only works together during election. If the voters cannot see any potential from the ‘alternative government’, they will surely opt for the existing one for their alleged 'track record'.
Long story short, I'm convinced that there will be no change of government albeit they will have a hell of a fight at hand. With that,I conclude that it is my personal view that we DO NOT have any political party that is worthy to give the 2/3 majority mandate to. Therefore, it is in our best interest to deny BN the 2/3 majority, hoping that they will not be complacent and will not make things worse than they are while waiting for the viable 'alternative government' to emerge.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Lesser of Two Evils
The same kind of adverts, the same reasons, the same audience, yet different treatment. The first one is easily spotted. You can find it in the local newspaper, TV channels (including Astro), radios, billboards, You tube and most surprisingly in Yahoo Insider which label reads 'paid political advertisement'. On the other hand, the second only gets its place in You tube.
This situation can otherwise be known as asymmetric information. Pardon me for the Economics jargon, it is simply a situation where the customers (electorate/ voters) have limited information about a product (choices/ real news/issues) and tend to make unproductive decision by purchasing that product (voting the less capable candidate) without seeking more information i.e. conduct a survey and etc. An easy example is the situation when your mechanic rips you off because you lack the knowledge about your car.
Free and Fair
This particular scenario shows how free and fair our election process is. The government has access to all possible resources while the opposition is left handicapped relying on their tours and Internet campaigns which will only affect a handful of people (middle class, intellects, youths). By the way have you ever wondered where do all the money for campaigning come from? Makes me wonder too, but I won't waste your time rambling about that. Let's waste it on something else shall we.
Voting could be quite a hassle for the 'voting virgin' and the indecisive type. Marking an 'X' might be simple enough but don't take it for granted as it will give power to the victors for another term of 5 long years. Here is another economic solution that could help you to pick the most eligible candidate. I'll try to be as impartial as I can.
Lesser of two Evils
This method is called the cost benefit analysis. For the layman, it is process of listing the pros and cons of something. However, at the end of the day, your decision will depend on what you value most, either more of this or more of that. So let us not waste anymore time and go on with it.
If you vote for BN, you will get more development, more money in pockets (cronies), maybe a Datukship recommendation at the expense of rampant corruption, the government getting complacent and arrogant, controlled media, unequal distribution of wealth and the mismanagement of funds. If you vote the opposition, there will be new fresh ideas, less corruption ( I hope), freer media, make the Barisan more humble, a right to demonstrate at the expense of less development, less experience and maybe a riot by the BN supporters which could only happen if the opposition forms a government.
By comparing both and evaluating them you will eventually choose the lesser of two evils. Its your choice.
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