Driving along Malaysian roads can be an entertaining event. Of late, many companies and associations are trying to get everyone's attention. Be it a product, a seminar etc, Malaysian roads have plenty to offer in terms of road side banners.

Now - this article is not meant to be critical about anyone or any political party but I can sense an act of desparation in the making. At about 9 am this morning, I saw a whole load of banners lined up along the roads at Jalan Tanjong Tokong. At first, I thought there was a banner showing Gandhi and an exhibition along that line is about to happen somewhere in Penang. Gosh! Was I very wrong...see this photo below.

With a figure of a Asst. Minister of Malaysia who heads a political party, this banner clearly tells a message PPP Penang - We serve. Seriously, I have heard of PPP and have heard great things about the party. However, putting the Minister to represent the party clearly shows that the party is indeed a "one-man" show party thinking of making a breakthrough into the Penang politics. They actually have a councilor who is serving on the Penang City Council.

My thoughts - I think the banner serves no purpose in trying to change the minds and hearts of Penangnites. PPP has always been a Perak based party and moving into Penang clearly shows that they need to profile themselves better. Could it be that they envision the ruling Gerakan party to have difficulties in getting votes from the people and PPP offers a "blue ocean" alternative to Penangnites? Holy Cow!

No offense Mr Asst.Minister - I think someone else's face should be there. Maybe the late the Seenivasagam brothers' picture should be in there instead. At least there is a talking point here. Someone should get hold of their PR consultant and have a chat with them. Having Mr. Minister's picture looks so corny, don't mind if I say this.

I am sure you must be wondering why I am so pissed. I guess so many things happened the past 3 weeks. I have lost all shred of faith to the institution I so highly value for. I am so shocked when so much discrepancies of govt spending has happened. I hope our leaders start having hands on the current dealings in this country. Otherwise, we will see a new administration at Putrajaya. I am disgusted. I don't believe the local papers anymore. I read alternative ones. I trust facebook, blogs and political leaders who risk all to expose scandals.

In short, stop screwing with our brains. I am sure we have better things to do. I love my country but I now have serious doubts about the pillars of this country -legislative, executive and judiciary. If you wish to ask me why - write to me - Big Brother is watching...

Good nite and may god bless this god nation of ours!

I am always a firm believer of grassroots support whenever elections are around the corner. Imagine the brute force of being able to speak to a few representatives of a community and they will do the rest of the talking on your behalf. I am sure the story that I am attaching clearly points out the importance of having strong support from Chinese based clans in order to garner support from the Chinese Community. This article is very profound and I believe it has valid arguments and substance that worth the time to profile it.

Both my sons are studying in a SRJK and I sincerely believe this opportunity gives my 2 boys the opportunity to speak and learn to converse in Mandarin. Foremost, many Malaysian Chinese parents are now rushing to put their children in these schools since the future will be in Asia with China playing a dominant role in everything we do. After all, they are the ones who made available a loan for Penang to have its second bridge, didn't they?

Having said that, I am in total agreement that the move to get support from the Chinese community remains a difficult task. Although Chinese folks appreciate the efforts of MCA and maybe even Gerakan, I am in the opinion that the future lies with the current government ensuring that safety and security become prime agendas for the next 10-20 years. Crime is rising. This is not just due to illegal immigrants but a growing class of citizens who do not see opportunities or are helpless in making ends meet. Hence, a turn to the life of crime became the only hope.

I leave you with this article. I saw one this morning in the Star but I felt for any aspiring politicians, one has to read this, whether they are from the opposition or the MCA/Gerakan. It's very insightful and revealing.

 

In case the article goes missing , here is the full article:

 

3 pillars of the Chinese community

Rita Sim and Fui K. Soong

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Chinese education is the first pillar of the community.

THE three pillars of the Chinese community are distinctive to the Malaysian scene, where ethnic Chinese have lived side by side with other races for many generations as a majority minority.

These three pillars have evolved because the Chinese community in Malaysia had to defend its own identity, in particular its mother tongue, while negotiating political as well as communal compromises along the way.
The first pillar is Chinese education; the second is Chinese newspapers; and the third is formed by various guilds, associations and non-governmental organisations.
The first pillar consists of 1,291 Sekolah Kebangsaan Jenis Cina (SJKCs) and 60 independent schools. As for the second pillar, there are six Chinese dailies in Peninsular Malaysia and eight in Sabah and Sarawak.
The third pillar is made up of roughly 5,000 associations ranging from clan-based societies, educationists and political parties, to trade associations and chambers of commerce. Many date back to the 1800s and they continue to grow as new industries and community needs arise.

The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) is a relative newcomer on the socio-political scene. It was created out of the need to relocate 500,000 displaced migrants into more than 460 new villages in 1949.
But this would also not have been possible without the support of the Chinese guilds and associations. The MCA was only later transformed into a bona-fide political party.
Party goals were to attain citizenship for the Chinese based on jus soli (the principle that nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth) and to voice Chinese community interests in the subsequent fight for independence. These two activities were perceived as obligations to serve the community and nation.
These three pillars are interdependent, which means that they cannot exist without each other. If Chinese education were to cease, in a generation’s time, Chinese dailies would close because of a lack of readers.
Likewise, the Chinese associations are closely linked to the other two pillars in communication terms. The Chinese schools are essential in order for children to acquire the basic language skills to network with other overseas Chinese around the world.
Now, with the rise of China, it is only natural that Chinese education becomes even more fundamental for commerce, which is still largely family-run businesses based on relationships passed down for generations.
One can see why the Chinese community is so passionate about their education (cultural identity), newspapers (culture/community linkage) and their distribution network (economic survival).
It is the foundation on which the community was built and anyone seen taking away any one of these pillars is seen as a threat. This might explain why it took the community so long to forgive MCA for the takeover of Nanyang newspapers in 2001, the triggering point in the party’s bitter internal fight which ended only in 2003.
In fact, the entire community was embroiled in this emotional period. For them, the existence of independent Chinese newspapers was sacrosanct.
If the Chinese community ascribes the need for the three pillars, it would explain why a political party claiming to be the sole champion of Chinese rights would have problems.
This is directly opposite to the Malay community’s attitude towards the role of Umno (and Pas) in Malay politics. Umno and Pas are perceived by the Malays as the defenders of Malay rights.
In other words, Umno/Pas/Malay political parties are a pillar by themselves, whereas MCA or DAP or even Dong Jiao Zong are only part of the 5,000 associations which form the third pillar. They may rank within the top five or 10, but never singly as a pillar.
Because of the manner in which these Chinese community pillars have been constructed, social justice and democracy have evolved as the mechanisms holding the pillars in their places.
Thus, although they may be interdependent, they remain distinct entities. In other words, community leaders do not define the people, but the people define their leaders.
Bad leaders receive enormous criticism, while those perceived as upright are sometimes even revered. Moreover, community members deem it their right to constantly assess their community leaders to ensure the independence of their three pillars.
Hence, for a Chinese-based political party to connect with its Chinese constituencies, the principles of the three pillars become crucially important in winning the support of the community. First, the clean image of the candidates is deemed necessary to win the hearts and minds of the people.
Second, active engagement with the Chinese media is perceived as critical. Whereas the Western media is independent and remains outside the political system, the role of the Chinese media is very different.
The Chinese media in Malaysia is the pulse of the community, is involved in and very much part of the system to maintain checks and balances. The Chinese community trusts its newspapers beyond doubt, often much more than its community leaders, irrespective of which association or party the leaders may come from.
Third, it would be wise for any aspiring MCA leader to win and maintain the support of the Chinese guilds and associations. Many past leaders have paid the heavy price of alienation for failing to understand the powerful role of the third pillar.

---

Rita Sim is executive director of Sin Chew Media Corp Bhd while Fui K. Soong is director of MCA’s think tank, the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research

I am fumming. Not because I am angry but I am very frustrated with the latest Auditor General's report of our country's spending. Guess it confirms one thing. Too many favors along the chain of command as well as decision-makers that led to high spending of tools that are necessary for our youths to reskilled themselves. Someone must be making big bucks out of this exercise. Otherwise, how come a set of screwdrivers can cost Rm224 instead of its market price of Rm32? What is more shocking is how the rakyat's funds are being mismanaged.

I can't stop smiling when I read a few articles from the highly esteemed editor of the Star and an article about vote swinging by Chinese voters. It's largely contrasting to the news Star carried on its headlines today.

On one hand, we have nice rosy things of what 2008 holds for the rakyat and of course, the swing of votes article is trying to drum in the opinion that Chinese voters must be grateful that ruling government has done so much and it's wise that they do not turn their backs on the government. Oh come on! Save the singing along song campaign. Voters like myself are dying for a solution. A solution to to safeguard of safety which has not been addressed at all until the 2008 budget -more allocation on CCTVs, police force..ya da ya da...

Seriously, I sensed that the government knows. They know the lack of emphasis the past many years of ensuring safety for the normal everyday rakyat. Hence, via the newspapers, they are forming our opinions. I guess mine seems to fail on that point. I have diverse views of how the country should be. I strongly believe the call for a Bangsa Malaysia or Malaysian Malaysia remain ellusive.

The article of how good the budget is - I really hope that we can see these results next year. After all, the economy is not giving all of us a "feel good factor" anymore. It's therefore, critical that all of us start to form our opinion ourselves and not simple article writers help us form ours. I am startled. I am startled that this nation of ours are becoming a very "Americanized" instituition where the rich and powerful will dictate what is right the normal everyday rakyat. As long as I am contributing to the country's payment of "exhorbitant" spending, my vote will be very simple. Just a simple as marking an "X" on the .... (well you go figure out!)

Sometimes it's strange. I felt upbeat when our PM presented his budget last year. The expectations were high and I felt that the government will present a wonderful and promising budget for 2007. Fast forward. Somehow, for this year, the feeling of euphoria and the "feel good" feeling for 2008 budget is definitely MISSING. I really can't see how this government could deliver the next budget after knowing that we actually spent RM100 million on one Merdeka celebration. I am proud to be a Malaysian and I have no doubt the money spent is for a good cause. Nevertheless, the unsung Malaysians( the poor and the underpriviledge) clearly seems to have lost out on the celebrations.

Secondly, the numerous possible BAILOUTS show that the delivery of the services within this country should have more focus. Rather than just mere "talk" of building the biggest ports or airports, I sense the current administration needs to be doing a very micro approach.

Nevertheless, credit should be given as we are indeed seeing some initiatives to develop the different regions of Malaysia. For one,  the Northern Corridor intiatives. However, if the initiatives  set benefits for a chosen few, I strong suggest Malaysians not to put too much high hopes.

Finally, what are my wishes for the 2008 budget? Somehow, I love to put up my list but I sense that I could be in a dissapointment mode. Anyway, before going into that, I truly enjoy seeing revelations our our opposition parties presenting their own. This is a clear departure from their usual hentam mode ( opposing for the sake of opposing). Here are the 2 parties' shadow budget. One missing party is the PAS.

DAP Alternative Budget

PKR Alternative Budget

Since I won't be able to catch the live telecast of the tabling of the budget, again....I will like to add that the 2008 will promise more goodies ... more spending ... and more fiscal means of spending. Clearly, we as Malaysians will probably end up paying up more for this form of fiscal spending. Heavy reliance on $$$ from oil and gas industries could end up being a double edge sword situation. I really hope the government will call for new and innovative ideas to address the following concerns:

1. Security - doubling up efforts to boost our Police force. Giving more mandate to ACA (Anti Corruption Agencies) to act more transparent so that the general public will support the Police force with renewed confidence.

2. Economy - initatives to focus on different regions are good. Nevertheless, the equal distribution of wealth and contracts should be ensured. Otherwise, the social contract within the crux of the society will remain a wishful thinking.

3. Reduction of taxes on IT related products - it's about time the government considers abolishment taxes all together for computer related products. The products are "economic enabler" for the new 21st century. If Malaysia wants to have an economy that self reliant and self sustained, the government must ensure that "taxes" should be removed all together.

4. Encouraging and cultivating a reading society  - increase the current tax exemptions for buying books. Give more $$$ exemptions so that this society will be encouraged to read more.

5. TRANSPARENCY - This is a must for many our country's policies. If Malaysia is wanting to forge forward for the next 50 years, the government must ensure that the transparencies in delivering projects and contracts were done accordingly. I am sure many of you would agree.

Yes - my posting sounds serious. It has only 2 intentions. Addressing the everyday Joe's concerns that revolves around SECURITY and the ECONOMY. Forget all the goodies if non of the above are being addressed. One needs to feel safe and secure when he/she leaves their his/her homes with his/her families. ARE YOU FEELING THAT WAY NOW?

For some strange reasons, I have been following this recent debacle involving a US Senator who was arrested for trying to solicit sex from an undercover cop. He was arrested in a Minneapolis airport  some weeks ago and after his arrest, he immediately admitted his guilt. Now, he has announced to the world that he is resigning from his esteemed position in the US Senate.

My thoughts - really rest on his family members and not him. The views of the world especially of those of his political opponents clearly have made his life a living hell. Whether he has admitted his guilt, I feel for his family members especially of his role in the eye's of the public. I am quite hesitant to pass any judgment on  Sen. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho) but I am truly very sorry for his family especially they are the ones that will endure such unexpected and disappointing news about him.

Seriously, the corridors of power may or may not have corrupted his moral judgement but as it stands, his son make a wonderful statement " We know who he is, and we stand behind him"

I hope we will learn a thing or two about this news.

I am sure many of you out there never had a chance to actually take part in any of the processions before. I guess I was lucky when I took part in one some years back (yes....some years back in a marching procession in 1985 representing my school at the Esplanade, Penang). Guess, that was many years ago.

Fast forward, I woke up today at 515 am and headed out to Rapid Penang's bus stop near my apartment. When I got there, the drivers were all getting ready to start duty and guess what, I was the only one....it took me less than 10 mins to reach Weld Quay and onwards via the ferry. From then, I could see all walks of life heading towards the same direction as I was heading. Actually, it was quite a last minute thing. I just started work as a communications specialist for a multi-national company in Penang and I guess I was told about this by my boss earlier in the week. Guess it came about yesterday when we were told to be there to snap photos and videos of the event. I am very fortunate. I see folks of different racial background and nationality heading to Penang's procession of 50th anniversary at Padang Kemerdekaan Pulau Pinang.

My thoughts? I guess I was a bit overwhelmed when I get to see so many folks of different races coming together as one. I believe it's important that these racial divide or even political divide should be set aside on such an important day. I see many State Assemblymen standing together when celebrating this event. After all, only two opposition members are within the Penang State Assembly. I saw YB Phee Boon Pho whom I have known for many years and I actually walked up to him to shake his hands. He was very surprised to see me there and asked whether I have "decided". I guess that will be a magic question when the election comes. I have an important task to do - helping a friend win the next round.

Lets see how it goes. I guess I did the right thing. I came to this event to see my colleagues do the march past. In return, I get to be inspired that I live in this beautiful nation, Malaysia. I guess when our founding father shouted "Merdeka" 7 times, he had only one thing in mind. Nation building and nation progressing beyond a sleepy town way back in 1957.

I am inspired...Negaraku...Happy Birthday Malaysia.

You should read this article - by Mr Quah. Well written and fitting for a day of celebrations!

My contribution to S.U.B.B - see you at the ballot box!

Sometime back, I wrote a blog about this gentleman. It has been an on and off meeting with him. Way back in 99, we befriended each other during one of the many campaigns I was involved in. Nevertheless, since then, I met him again at his workplace and somehow today, he has announced his candidacy to run for the elections. My sincere and warmest regards to him for taking this step. No doubt many would not but he has my fullest respect in doing so. Good luck Hon Wai....I will walk with you...and many more who have taken the step to speak up and be counted.

SUBB - See you at the Ballot Box. After the announcement of the dropping of 27 charges against the famous "Sultan of Klang", I am very sure many Malaysians have realized that it's time to head back to the ballot box and do what is right. Somehow, the entire judiciary and legislative (especially those in Parliment) have failed to show integrity and honesty in executing their line of duty. Somehow, it's feeling like a blow by blow kind of situation

 

Maybe the so-called State Assemblyman of Klang is thankful that all these charges have been dropped. Nevertheless, I am certain that all loyal Malaysians will make their own judgement from here. Seriously, it's time to go back to the ballot box. BN, DAP, PKR, PAS and others - see you all at the ballot box. May the force be with you. Seriously, the rakyat have gotten very tired.

One consolation tonite. A repeat of Manchester City's tom yam execution of Arsenal again? I think if that happens, it will confirms the fact that Manchester City is a team to reckon with this season

What a laugh..what a joke. Our Information Minister continues to spew terms to best describe bloggers. First it was monkey. Next it was goblok..then it was pondan...finally .....karaoke singers....

Well, if our Information Minister and others are so hung up over name callings.....I suggest Zam writes a blog.Join in the fun and lighten up. Why are you so concerned about blogs? Look deep into your heart. Maybe you will find that many hardworking Malaysians share many opinions. It does not mean that you can call bloggers all sorts of names when we have good and constructive stuff to say.

Sadly, at the state of the controversy right now, I believe blogs provide best medium to understand relevant issues. If the Govt feels that they should respond by settting up blogs, do it. Sometimes holding the bull by its horns is the only way.

Zam - I am laughing my brains out now. Spare me the comical sketch. Live is too short. Again, you should learn how to say things constructively. Not ALL BLOGGERS ARE MONKEYS. Not all of us disagree with you. Learn to respect the views of others. After all, one of my buddies said this in the afternoon " what if blogs are overplayed. I guess the whole world thinks that blogs are read by 90pct of the internet users in world. Simply WRONG lah.

Cukuplah kawan!

(Bernama) -- Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Mohammad Taib has described writers of political blogs, whom he says looked brave in criticising government leaders, as cowards."Why I say they are coward? Because they are afraid of using (web) addresses in the country but use overseas addresses to slam our country leaders. Is this the character of a man? This is not a man, this is a 'pondan'.

 

Tsk Tsk Tsk

An Open Letter to Mr. KJ

 

Dear Mr. Khairy,

Weeks ago, you seem to hate bloggers and even went to the extend of calling "naughty" bloggers - monkeys. 2 days ago, this came from you :

“This is an issue that we are working to address immediately because we know that the Internet is a medium of communication that is becoming increasingly important and influential in today’s world,” he said.

He added that Umno and BN view the opposition’s campaign on the Internet seriously.

Khairy, who is also the son-in-law of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said the Internet is a way of reaching out to young voters.

“We must have a presence in this area, as otherwise we stand to lose support from the younger generation who use the Internet as their primary source of information.

“We are observing developments closely to ensure that our message will be heard clearly,” he added.

If you felt that the law of the jungle was not worth the time to even look into, why now? I think it's your "takut kalah" (kiasu attitude) that you have decided to make this an agenda. Seriously, if you ask any bloggers today, we have names for ourselves. I am known as Mad Monkey...etc etc...cos we acknowledge the fact that we are all monkeys. Coincidentally, I was born in 1968 - the year of the Monkey.

Seriously, if you were young enough to remember, do you know that DAP was the first political party to launch their website in 1996? I guess you were too busy to even consider the impact of internet would have in this country. One advise, even if you are planning to build the support for BN via the internet, I think many of the bloggers especially the monkeys will know that you will not stand a chance.  Lets see how the elections will turn out to be. I am still in Malaysia and I have no plans to move to China or Taiwan for now.

I am not a rap singer who can mock our national anthem but I believe in patriotism. Patriotism comes with responsibilities. I think you should spend more time helping the current government prepare for a possible onslaught of the global turmoil. Let the voters decide what is right or wrong. After all, BN controls almost 2/3 of the Parliment. What can go wrong?

By the way, one should visit this site to see a so-called "campaign video for Jeff Ooi". UMNO should consider using similar method of campaigning. After all, YouTube is free mah!

Oh by the way, if you have a Ringgit to spare each day, who not contribute Rm30/month to the DAP. I think they need all the help possible.

Seriously, two things will cross my mind next week. Firstly, changing my area of voting. I think it's time to do so. Currently, I am registered as a voter at Bukit Bendera parlimentary constituency as well as Pulau Tikus state assembly seat. Since I am now staying at the Tanjong Bungah, it's time for me to change my state constituency to Tanjong Bungah. After all, MPPP and my local representative have not serve me well. Time to put my ballot since it's close to elections.

MEDAN   KETERANGAN

Nama: Jeffrey XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jantina: LELAKI

Lokaliti: 048 / 25 / 01 / 002 - JLN TG TOKONG

Daerah Mengundi: 048 / 25 / 01 - PANTAI MOLEK

DUN: 048 / 25 - PULAU TIKUS

Parlimen: 048 - BUKIT BENDERA

Negeri: PULAU PINANG

Status Rekod: DATA INI UNTUK SEMAKAN DAFTAR PEMILIH

 

Secondly, next week will be the last week at my workplace. I will begin at a new office on 27 August 2007. It has not been easy to make the decision since I have started to enjoy myself there. But, I have decided. Decided to move on and also to cast my vote for a RESOUNDING NO for my current incumbent - both parliment and state assembly. After all, we monkeys flock together.

I am trying to be optimistic. I am trying to act like a good monkey. Seriously, the world is facing a brink of global turmoil. I am not a doomsayer but things do look bleak. Lets break for a little prayer.

Anyway, rather than commenting on things that are already bleak, let me share with you a great sunset. I know at least by looking at the sunset, there is hope for a better tomorrow. Better leaders and better monkeys.Yes - we are monkeys to many and we will remain a monkey to many. However, monkeys know the truth much better. Their conscience is clear. Very Very Clear!

 

Something to warm you up while you go to bed, if it means anything to you.

Anyway, the latest statement by Dr.M clearly points the way for all bloggers to either choose to be full fledged Malaysian branded monkeys or continue to be quiet and continue blogging about his/her favorite char koay teow stall.

Somehow, it's clear for now - the acknowledgement of the state of Malaysia by the ex PM of Malaysia - THERE IS SOMETHING ROTTEN IN THE STATE OF MALAYSIA.

Lets not all be an ostrich. In fact, we should be demanding for a safer Malaysia....that is all I can hope for.