Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year….

Christmas and 2017 are just around the corner. Despite all the problems that Malaysia faced, Malaysians appear to be living comfortably and happy. The smiles that we see on the faces of leaders currently embroiled in political disputes, allegations of corruption and misuse of power,dragging the country to the brink of bankruptcy and disaster etc., seem to become more radiant than before.
smile, everything's ok.
Look at the cars and the traffic jams on the road. People thronging the supermarkets, the shopping malls, the banks, the business centres and the fun houses. One cannot detect any sign of impending disaster,social disharmony or economic collapse as suggested by the "prophets of doom"in Mlaysia. In fact, as of now, people seem to be preparing to celebrate Christmas and usher in the new year.

In contrast the news from some other parts of the world seem most tragic such as the fightings and the killing in Syria,Afghanistan, the Palestine, Jordan, and the gruesome work of the terrorists in Germany, Switzerland etc. The senseless killings and horrors committed by the terrorists and extremists seemed to be intensified with the coming of the festive season.
destruction and disaster
Some human beings seemed to have lost their sense of value on human lives. Of course the suicide bombers and killers have lost any sense of value of themselves, that they were created by God to do something good on earth and not become messengers of death. Certainly God Himself knows who must be exterminated on this earth when the time comes, and no man can impose that punishment on men without due process of the law. And the sooner human laws follow the prescriptions of the Creator, the better. Are we deviating too far from those prescriptions? - I wonder.
the end will surely come
Whatever the world has become, life must go on. All that we can hope for the new year is that our leaders will realise they are still human beings no matter how powerful they are, that God can strike them down at any moment if they go too far (like all despotic leaders in the past), and that they will be judged by future generation whether to be honoured or otherwise while
God will decide whether they go to Hell of Heaven. Remember that you're just a human being like us all, with all the weaknesses and frailties endowed us beside the qualities that make you a leader.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Bravo MACC…..

The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission ia now really doing its work. Everyday new cases of corruption or abuse of power have been uncovered involving hundreds of million of ringgit stashed away by corrupted officials in various government agencies over many years. Interestingly, even the heads or even the political bosses of such agencies had no idea of the corrupt activities going on under their nose.
reality is often hard to believe
Can you believe that?

More interestingly, no political bosses had been discovered, investigated, brought to Court, found guilty of corruption or misuse of power and put behind bars. With two prominent exceptions as in the case of two former Selangor Chief Ministers. ( No need to mention names). All allegations ESPECIALLY INVOLVING THE BIGWIGS OF THE RULING PARTY, after a quick investigation, often end ass baseless. It looks as if all Malaysian politicians in the government are entirely clean. Only the civil servants and members of the opposition parties are the culprits.
bravo MACC
Although a few political leaders had been convicted of corruption in a court of law in the past or found guilty of money politics. ( i.e.. using money to buy votes), the latter is not considered a serious crime. The leaders involved are still venerated and placed in high offices, controlling billions of ringgit. It's as if we believe that thieves make the best money spinners for the agencies they control. Question is: money for whom?

It's amazing that Malaysia had been classified by some mainstream media of the outside world as a number one corrupt nation .Its leader, venerated by his supporters, is frequently and repeatedly accused of kleptocracy. Of course a party leader in a democratic country today can seek and acquire billions of cash as donations. Who can question from where and how or how much is spent? He is always protected by some Official Secret Acts. And his loyal supporters will always vouch for his integrity, or loose their jobs.
Democracy has been defined as a system of rule by the majority. But what is the majority really? Of votes cast by the people in a general election? What happens when only supporters of a party turn out to vote while non-supporters or the undecided refuse to vote because of alleged rigging, too frustrated with the candidates offered, or even threatened by the existing regime that unless they are returned to power there will be chaos and bloodshed in the country. Thus the supporters will put back their leaders into power, although they form only a minority of the population - thus creating an oligarchy in a democratic garb.
big nose but smells nothing
So, MACC. Do not let the full-force and timely crackdown on errant civil servants leave the political and administrative bosses of all government agencies involved or suspected to be involved, get away with the "I-know-nothing-abiout-it" excuse. The political or administrative bosses who don't know about corruption or misuse of power going on under their nose, must have their nose examined. And democratic leaders. Please don't allow a democracy to become an oligarchy by scaring or threatening the majority that there'll be chaos and catastrophe if the party in power, supported by loyal members whose number form a minority of the population,looses the next general election.

An Ode to aTroubled World

(to the unexpected victor of power)

As in a tensed crowd
a child's prank can break the tension
so can a clown in a heated convention
for the unexpected is a cure for sure
at times when our nerves are shattered or sore.

Never a day in our life today
do the clouds keep smiling away
without news of human skirmish and bloody battle
killing people like chicken and cattle
without any conscience or fear of God's Oracle.

The fight for earth's room and human right
never has an end in sight
for our vision by desire prolonged
will never fizzle out until our minds go blank
and you disappear from the human rank.

Yes we fight in the name of country and people
upholding our faith and sacred principles
so do our 'enemies' if you care to think
for they must also live the way they like
and what business do you have to cause a break?

Let there be respect for human existence
no matter what colour, race, or religion
for the moment you raise a hand to stop an alleged threat
you yourself become a nasty dread
no matter how good the intention you had.

Do you think your help is ever appreciated
when what you take is more than any debt
and can your life be richer by intruding on others
to satisfy your ego and puff up you feathers
hence enjoy your good fortune and wealth
so that God may forgive your stealth.

13.11.16
Kuala Lumpur.

The Unexpected President of USA

Many in the US and throughout the world are shocked by Donald Trump's victory in the Presidential election. During the campaign he has been branded with so many insulting terms such as 'a know-nothing about politics and foreign policy,crude and harsh, has no respect for women, lies about almost everything etc. etc. Yet he won, winning over States that are known to be Democrats stronghold such as Pennsylvania. The US and world media are abuzz as regard to why he won although he was called a 'washout" by some.
the debate
There is now a wild protest movement in the US, rejecting or expressing anger at his victory. But what's the use? The people have voted for him to be President rather than Hillary. You can only remove him from the White House later on,if he proves to be incapable of running the country.
the protestmore protest
Meanwhile we in the developing countries can only express our amazement at the turn of event. Who are we to pass judgement on the Americans' choice for a President. What he said during the campaign can only be a provocation and a postulation to win votes. If he had said many nasty and offensive things in the campaign, that indeed was what the Americans liked to hear and so voted for him.
What we in the developing world can do is just state our hopes for what he will do, based on his election taglines. He wants to stop terrorism. So do we and it's not true that Islam or the Muslims support terrorism. He wants to do away with corruption. So do we, and very much so in Malaysia. He wants to stop immigrants from taking away the jobs in the US, deport them if necessary. So do we in Malaysia but thousands of foreign workers are pouring in. He doesn't want America soldiers to die fighting in foreign lands. Good. Take them all back to the US and let us fight our own enemies. He doesn't want foreign countries to market their products in the US.Good. Let the developing countries trade among themselves. He doesn't want Palestine to exist. He is not God and should only stop Israel or assisting Israel from transgressing into Arab's territory.

He wants America to be completely Americans as in the olden days. Good. Don't export the materialistic and capitalistic American culture that corrupts the values of the eastern world. It would nice to see the Hilly Billy and Amish culture in the US again. They are very nice people really.
the president elect
Maybe the so-called third or developing world can do better without the intrusion of the Western Cult as championed by the US.We don't really like the modern cowboys and their rustling activities. We don't want shooting-from-the-hips habit that Americans taught us. So, if Trump can "cleans" America and let the rest of the world handle their own problems without trying to become the world policemen, maybe the world will become a better place to live in.


So, hail to the new elected President of the United States. Use the country's wealth more for development rather than financing wars in foreign countries, curtail the activities of the CIA and all foreign intervention, maybe we can have more peace in this world, even if we're not half as rich as the US.

the 2017 Budget...

The 2017 budget has just been announced and I don't see any serious criticism in the mainstream or social media. Everything sounds so rosy with no indication at all that the country is facing any financial problem. Everyone seems happy although opposition members of Parliament staged a walk- out during the presentation by the PM cum Finance Minister, ostensibly as a result of the PM's accusation that Tun Dr Mahathir had been the cause of a split among the Malays.

Total allocation of RM260.86billion is about 2.5% less than lat year's allocation. Operating expenditure of RM 148bil isa 2% less than last year's while development expenditure of RM46.8 billion is down by 11.63% Is that any indication of a progressive and expanding economy although the Revenue Collection estimate at RM219.7billion will increase by 3%.
Emolument for public servants goes up by 8.9% to RM77.46 billion.
Financial Deficit target is set at 3%of GDP , a reduction of 1% from last year.
It was mentioned that Per Capita income rose from RM23,100 in 2012 to R%M26.891 in 2015.
the common worker
So everything seems OK and the PM is enjoying the support (even praise) of all those receiving a fat allocation in the 2017 budget.Most noticeable is the raising of BRIM payments to all families with an income of RM4,000 and below per month. Does that mean that all workers with an income of below RM4000 per month can also qualify to get a BRIM package? How about pensioners with a pension of less than RM4000 or even 3 or 2k? If they qualify, the number of BRIM receivers would easily double or triple. The amount can go up from RM450 for bachelors with an income of below RM1200 to RM12000 for a family with an income of less than RM4000.

BRIM is a clear financial handout, a gift, earning something without doing anything. Even an encouragement to earn less than RM4000 or remaining unemployed. I believe even in the US you've to prove that you're trying to get a job before you get a dole from the welfare department.Very nice of government to give out cold cash to the needy low-income group, but at whose expense. Not from the pocket of the PM, the Ministers and the rich. It's from the public coffer. Come to think of it. Even Robin Hood and his merry men did a better job by robbing the rich to help the poor.
happy BRIM recipients
No, the government does its job to help the poor. The recipients of BRIM themselves must consider where they left their self-pride in taking the monetary gift.Unless you couldn't care less where the government gets the money to pay you, even if it has to rob the public coffer or sell more national assets to foreigners.

Another notable fact is that assistance to public universities has been cut down by 20%. It means less scholarship funds and financial assistance to students from poor families. We've already heard of cases where oversea students had to return home for government funding has been stopped or reduced. If true, there certainly is a cutback in our investment on human resource development in preference to giving cash handout to the low-icome group.future human resource

I reserve other comments until the public, not just the Ministers and political bigwigs, speak up.
Until then I assume everyone is very happy with the budget.

Becoming a high income nation…..

I suppose every nation can become a high-income nation if a high per capita income and a high salary for workers are all that it takes to be considered as one.symbol of the rich

But certainly it takes more than that. A high per capita only represents a high average if all the gross income of the nation is divided equally among all the  people. But the income pf the nation is never divided equally. Often 90% of the income is shared by 10% of the population - the rich and wealthy- and only 10% is enjoyed by 90% of the population.- the poor and impoverished. In such a situation a very high gross national income does not mean that the country is already developed. Increased productivity can only happen in the modern sector of the economy while the low productivity sector - the poor and traditional sector of the economy, remains impoverished..

High average income among the people also does not mean that all workers are enjoying a good income. Top management executives  in the private sector and the public service  maybe earning a very high income but the common worker earns hardly enough to make ends meet. Even setting a high minimum wage and upgrading all pay scales in the public sector, almost  equivalent to that which prevail in the highly industrialised and modern business sector, does not mean much if the cost of living
keeps rising like the tidal waves.
home of the poor

It is the level of living attained by the bottom 10, 20, 30, or 40 % of the low-icome earners which must be used as a measure of development. The less productive and poor segment of the population usually forms the  main bulk of the population of the developing or less developed countries.
The poor majority gives the country its name and identity - the average citizens of the country. They are the people that you see in the less developed areas of the cities, in the thousands of villages and the underdeveloped rural areas - the inhabitants of the slump and neglected parts of the country. If these people remain poor because of low productivity, low income, and economically unsupportive living environment, the country as a whole remains as an under developed or developing country although you might have many city centres as rich as New York, London, Tokyo etc.
don't discount us

Malaysia is certainly moving forward in terms of gross national productivity and gross national income. But many factors are keeping the standard of living for the average income earner dejectedly low as compared to that enjoyed by the rich Malaysians. Rising cost of essential goods for decent living, huge leakages in disposable income as a result of "kleptocracy" within the government as alleged by the world, and a  fiscal policy that imposes higher charges, taxes and rents, reduces subsidies to help the poor, and distribute development funds and monetary gifts to gain political support, has eaten away into the increased wealth and assets. The fall in the market price of major export commodities such as oil, rubber, oil palm etc has further aggravated the economic wellbeing of the nation.

Current talks on the possibility of a rise in toll charges, charges for electricity and water, another jump for the GST from 6 to 8%, more borrowing from various Funds such as the EPF by the government to supplement its financial needs, make the people - the average wage earner- more jittery. There seem to be little or no control at all on the increase in the price of foodstuff, housing and public services formerly provided by government but now by the private sector. The tender and bidding system for securing development projects in the government seem to have been manipulated to allow for a wide margin of profits to be shared by certain parties. Is this being investigated into so that the development costs of projects can be more realistic and "grease-free"?

Malaysia: Everything Can If...

Malaysians of all races have joked about the slogan "Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can). In many cases it's because there are several things that government has done which they consider "stupid" or "foolish" and not in the interest of the poor and the lower-income group of citizens. Donations and gifts to high-powered leaders are okay. But to the underpaid public servants, even ten on twenty ringgit is a hideous crime called corruption.

There is a strong drive now to catch the erring public servants working in government agencies. But politicians whether  holding public office or not but reputed to have received millions or even billions as donation and "gifts" are enjoying a life of luxury and plenty. Mereka boleh.

Holding a protest gathering without an official approval by the police is 'tidak boleh' (illegal). But if government supporters like the 'red shirts" decide to hold such gatherings in the city, it's  boleh ( can).
They certainly would have obtained an approval from the police, if questioned. The police might even help to control the traffic.

There are indeed several things that can be done in Malaysia if you approached the right authority or person in authority. Some say, anything at all, if the powers that be is properly approached. Most important is to know who to approach. If he (or she) says 'yes', you're on. Many things that were before  considered as unnationalistic or against the interest of the  bumiputras have been done, with proper approval of course.

So, young Malaysians. this boleh land is yours to exploit as entrepreneurs provided you can find the right backing or be on the right side of the political road. Make a wrong move and you might find your
rights being withdrawn. You can even become an outcast in your one country.

The Millionaires of Malaysia

The Millionaires of Malaysia

I wonder how many millionaires and billionaires there are now in Malaysia. Millionaires grow like mushroom after a rainstorm with politicians swarming the field which before was the territory  of the business tycoons and magnates. The latter make their millions through business and trading, manufacturing, providing services, playing the stock market etc. The former just play with words and influence over people, get elected or selected to hold a public office, then play "monopoly" with the national assets and wealth.


There is no doubt that all prominent politicians from the political parties in power in Malaysia  today, are rich and belong to the millionaire group. Even billionaires, although they have no business empire to talk about. Their business is just politics  and "politicking". Once they fall out from the corridor of power for whatever reason such as "a disagreement with the boss",  "backing the wrong horse", or "considered disloyal", they will be out on the street like the common citizen. Of course, some had already made their pile and can enjoy life in luxury.

I'm persuaded to believe that these rich politicians are the ones who make Malaysians as a people appear rich and prosperous, while the working class of Malaysians are really struggling to maintain a middle-class style of living. Let alone the farmers, fishermen, and odd-jobbers who form the poverty-prone group.The business magnates and tycoons are easily identifiable and their assets well-known. It's the rich politicians, some with no obvious source of income, who don't grumble over the high cost of living, rising prices of consumer goods and services, rising taxes, charges and rates over many things,  that worry the common man in the street. Some prominent ones even refuse to declare their assets. A distinct group of well-to-do politicians that have emerged in Malaysia today are the "dedak" (chicken feed) receivers". They are reputed to receive millions from their billionaire Master.


So, why worry when there are thousands of millionaires (and billionaires) in Malaysia? We are a rich nation then. Why worry if the national debt is more than half of the country's income? The worry is that
the rich politicians are not helping to increase the assets of the country but draining them. How?  You are a damn good citizen if you don't know and better if you don't care. When people get rich without working their ass out, some downtrodden folks are doing the work for them, and paying the debt they create. One day the assets of the nation will be drained and you have to sell the country to the wealthy
business magnates and tycoons.

And the rich politicians? They have to flee or the tortured and hungry citizens will come after their necks. Let's hope this won't happen in Malaysia.      

Eidil Adha Again

Eidil Adha has come around again as millions of Muslims move to Arfah to perform the Ukuf. Muslims at home and around the world were advised by Prophet Mohammada SAW to fast from the first of Zulhijjah until Ukuf (Sunday 11/9) to honour the Haj  pilgrimage and perform the Qurban ( sacrifice) on  the day Eidil Adha is celebrated (Monday 12/9). The single day of fasting would delete a year of sin both before and after that day ( with other terms and conditions, of course.)

Islam indeed is a religion with well-defined do's and don't's, based on four or five categories of restrictions and flexibilities. "Wajib" is a must, prescribed by Allah in the Quran. " Sunat" is something that is preferred and strongly recommended. It is what the Prophet (PBUH) had done and, therefore, praiseworthy to emulate. "Haram" is what is categorically prohibited and a sin to violate the restriction. "Mubah" is what is an obvious necessity like eating and drinking, also known in Malay as "Harus" ( a must). Finally there's the uncertain or controversial category called "                   ". You are advised to keep away from such things such as when you are in doubt as to whether certain action is permitted or not.

But Islam has one other category of flexibility that is most practical and human. It is called "dharuri" or "dharurat" as the Malays put it. It allows you to eat and drink what is otherwise "Haram" in times of emergency and a person has no choice if he or she were to survive. The Muslim is even allowed to do do things that would otherwise be strictly prohibited, when life and limbs are endangered. A Muslim is strictly prohibited from putting his life in danger intentionally, such as trying to or committing suicide.

So, it's most surprising that some people think of Islam as a very strict and restrictive religion. Yes, some of the responsibilities imposed look severe such as praying five time in a day and night ( a good Muslim  performs more than five times (Subuh, Zuhur, Asar, Maghrib dan Isyak) with all the "Sunat" prayers as performed by the Prophet (PHUB). You've to fast in the month of Ramadhan, pay Zakat (in addition to income tax), perform the Haj, keep away from illicit love (zina), women (and men too) must cover their "aurat" ( attractive body parts), etc. etc. Yes, women's rights are not the same as in the west.

But, Allah imposed all the restrictions for certain reason which modern science is just beginning to appreciate. The Islamic Banking system for example is just beginning to be appreciated after the weaknesses of the capitalist and profit-centered western system begins to show its ugly face.

No, we Muslims don't like to nor criticise other faiths and religion. They all originate from some sacred revelation from the Creator, tempered or not by men. What you believe in is your right. But Eidil Adha is here and people of other faiths are welcome to celebrate with us. Were are firstly all human beings, but   the degree of humaneness and humanity inherited from our forebears differ. Some can kill and destroy other human beings like they are animals. Let them face their Creator in the after life and the Day of Judgement. However high their position and status in society now, before the Creator they will only be powerless souls at His disposal.

Happy Hari Raya Haji to all.

The Olympians, salute.

The 2016 Olympics is over and it proved that in the field of sports all nations in the world,big and small, can produce champions. We salute you all champions of the world. You are better heroes than those who fought in wars and killed people to prove their prowess. While you are decorated with Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze, they should be awarded "The Reapers"
medal of horror and deaths.can you pierce the heart of an enemy at the Game?

Who will God punish on Judgement Day? The killers or those who order them to destroy and kill?

While the Olympic Games were going on the Reaper Warriors continue to do their killing in many of the war-torn countries,
directed by the warlords from WITHIN the country or from OUTSIDE.Women and children are killed and tortured without mercy or any sign of remorse by people who consider themselves well-educated and cultured.They seemed to forget that one day they are going to face the Reaper too, like those whose order they are complying with.how strong is your kick?

Please Mr. Reaper. Cut them to pieces bit by bit like they tortured their victim and let the world hear their cries for mercy.

If all the so-called soldiers and mercenaries, including the self-styled "jihadies" and suicide bombers, ever stop to think of God, and stop killing people for whatever reason and only capture the law-breakers to face proper justice at a fair trial, the bloodshed in the world will certainly cease. Just refuse to kill and the war will end. For as long as they are willing to pull the trigger or push the button of doom as ordered by their masters like unthinking dogs, the wars in the world will continue. Indeed the excuse for waging a war on others is endless for human beings are never satisfied with what the Lord gives them.see whose head is stronger

We should indeed have more Olympic Games or Mini Olympics at national, regional and world level, where champions in all fields of sports, including war-games that don't kill people, and individual prowess at using all kinds of weapons can be contested. The old ways of settling dispute by having your champion fight for you to decide the winner in the dispute is a good way of stopping all wars.

Wars should be banned and all warlords put on trial by a world court of justice- yes, the International Court of Justice is acceptable with representatives from all independent nations. Have we really learnt enough from the Olympics and the Olympians?

Malaysia achieves fame…..

Who doesn't know Malaysia today. It's already world famous for having a PM who's most controversial and yet most loveable and good-looking. His reputation varies from being a magnanimous giver of cash hand-outs to low-income people with his BRIM packages, to a kleptomaniac
on a national scale.We're talking billions of ringgit here, not stealing tinned food from a supermarket or a towel from a hotel.

Malaysia is famous for a PM who had no reason to steal from the nation's wealth for he comes from a wealthy family, born with the so-called 'golden spoon in his mouth', a man who would return
a RM2.6 billion donation to the donor, less only a few million ringgit. That's honesty and moral uprihgtness as uprightness can ever be.
luxury jet for official use
or pleasure

But, as they say, wealth is never enough. The more you have the more you want. Especially if you've a consort not used to unlimited wealth and glory, and a collector of priceless items in fashionable wears, gold and diamonds. Jet-setting around the world in luxury is also an unquenchable pleasure.
a luxury yacht
and a luxury smile
But hey, we're all human with the human weakness for glory, luxury, pomp and ceremony urging us on and hard to overcome.If the world is at your feet - at least a country- and you can call any shot you want for you've enough subservients and servants to execute your wishes, surely you don't want to become a recluse, live in a palace and let the world go by.

Malaysia is famous and will soon become a developed nation by 2020. People seem to be living in luxury too, at least those who count. There are still many poor people but all of them hidden behind the array of wealthy politicians, not businessmen.If the country owes a lot of money in national debts,we've a lot of assets to pay for them. Let's live up to our fame, like our political leaders.Of course, some feel that the fame is a shame for no PM in the world has been called by so many names - from a Chief to a you-know-what.

Post Aidil Fitri Reflection

I spent a whole week in my kampung this Hariraya, spending a few days before and a few days after the eid mubarak. My house is near the mosque and with a good PA system in use all the time I heard almost everything that happened in the house of Allah, even when busy in the bathroom.I did, however, attend most of the prayers, quran recitals lectures by various ustazs and tahlil (other recitals and homage to Allah).


But I must admit that I could not follow all the ibadah (prayers, recitals,lectures, tahlil etc) performed by the villagers. I've ghouts and other joint problems that prevented me from walking to and from the mosques effortlessly. Nonetheless, I was amazed at how the villagers could accommodate all the religious activities to fill the nights and mornings of the last 10 days of fasting, as taught by the Prophet PBUH. Even the Suraus and Mosques in my residential area do not do as much, They break their fast with a light refreshment, perform the Maghrib prayer, followed by a lecture, then perform the Tarawih followed by a quran reading session. They finished at about 10.30 pm.,starting the morning sessions at 4 am and ending it at 7.30.thus leaving about 4 to 5 hours for sleep.

And the mosque was almost always full. There were of course more elderly and old people than the young ones. But the dedication shown is just amazing.If all villagers in the country were as dedicated to their work and responsibilities in the daytime as they were at night during the fasting month, I think the productivity of the nation will double in no time at all.

What bothers me is whether the villagers can absorb the cermahs and khutbahs that seem to be endless. Certainly not many really understand the prayers and lengthy do'a delivered in Arabic by the various Ustazs invited to lead the ibadah sessions.I could see that some villagers actually dozed off during the talks. It was clear to me that the formality of the sessions was more reverred than the content.But they stayed in the mosque till late night and late morning very patiently.

It's a real experience which I had missed living in KL and balk kampung only two or three three days for the most. I wonder if some of the older citizens of KL had tried staying a longer period in the village especially in the month of Ramadhan. It could be very enlightening.

upcoming by-election in Sg Besar and Kuala Kangsar

Everyone says the disunity among the opposition will give victory to BN. That's logical thinking. But I'm not too sure that people will vote logically. BN's logic has shown too many illogical decisions and unethical manoeuvring. Money politics is in full swing under the nose of the authorities concerned with stamping out corruption.
a village in Sg Besar
When money is king, the subjects are all money-hungry. Feed them and they follow your "telunjuk".But, as the saying goes: you can take the horse to the water but you can't make it drink.
Especially when there are three of four pitchers to drink from and no one can see you making your choice.
voters' family
The wise voters know that they can take and enjoy all the goodies that are handed to them before the election or even at the election site, butthey can still chose the candidate they they trust the most, not to give out goodies just before an election but to promote their interest over a period of time."Sorong papan tarik papan bush keranji dalam perahu, suruh makan says makan suruh undi itu hak auk." Apa yang diberi itu pun bukan dari pocket Pakcik tapi pocket rakyat.
a village in Kuala Kangsar
Yes, we all want a free and democratic election, without money politics thrusted at our back like a sharp knife.The politics we see today will go on and and on if no radical change takes place.Question is: are we brave enough and ready to make that change? Give new hands a try. if it doesn't work we can switch back to the old hands.

Just Checking the Stage...

As expected I didn't get mush response (in fact no response at all) for my last entry. People are so hooked on Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter etc no one reads the blog anymore unless its about current political issues,movie stars, humour, or keeping friends informed of ones latest exploit.
Ah well…..that's lfe. The purpose of the blog seems to be defeated by the SMS where one can just let off steam in whatever form you like (includes cursing, ranting and exchanging obscenities) without a care for the general readers. Blogs are too tedious and responsible for the message they carry. So few bloggers want to carry on, unless they have many sponsors.

So. I'll just try to put my current thoughts on life in Malaysia, for my one reflection. After the BN landslide victory in Sarawak State election, the opposition seems to be quite meek, or at least not as boisterous as before the election. Another two parliamentary seats are up for grab soon and the outcome will be another indication of how PRU14 will go- in fact how the future of politics in Malaysia will be.

the striving

Will it be more of the same (however you want to interpret it) or do we see some new development, however challenging it could be. Is money politics going to rule the country and the billionaire of Malaysia rule the day? Is GST going to be imposed on everything that we buy with the 10% service charge still in force for all services rendered?

the rich

With many form of subsidies being taken away, will we face another upsurge of price increases in the things that we buy and the services we need as an essential part of modern days living? Will the water and electricity rates, rentals, property taxes (cukai tanah and pintu), and the price of everyday foodstuff increase another fold?

the poor

It is said that our GNP per capita has gone up to USD15,000. There have been some salary increases
recently and a minimum wage has been set at RM1200.But with the increase in cost of living are people enjoying a better life? What about those who are earning their own living without any stable income, the farmers, the fishermen, and the roadside food and fruit sellers that are often being harassed by the authorities concerned. As far as I know only Negeri Sembilan are issuing food and fruit-stall licences FOC.

While we strive to be a developed nation, let's not forget the relatively poor, made relatively poorer by the increase in cost of living.Is BRIM able to bridge the income-expenditure of the relatively poor. Income concentration is increasing with the increase in the number of billionaires and millionaires in Malaysia.

Is this the future that we want?

Starting Again….

I've stopped blogging for a long time, preferring to write fiction in Bahasa. My friends don't seem to like reading heavy stuff on this page. The Facebook seems to be the better choice where you can be brief, joke around, be as cynical as you want, deliver a death blow, and smile with satisfaction. Well, the choice is yours of course.

But you can't run away from some serious reflections on life. Unless you prefer to be just laugh around at the distress and miseries of other people, join them only in their joy and laughter, and make fun of the happenings around you, especially with the antics of modern day politicians manipulating the life of the people they lead in the way they like. What can you do if the legitimate government decides to impose a tax on the air that you breathe? Or double the charge on drinking water since many rivers are now running dry?

Change the government? Ho, ho it's not that easy as you know it. You can howl and curse in the Facebook but the government must continue to govern as it thinks fit for your own good. After all the opinions expressed in the fb are just opinions, just meant for fun and laughter. If you take the comments in the fab seriously, you'll go crazy. But then again, life todays seems to be full of crazy things. All crazy things get full news coverage like all bizarre happenings. Cheating, deceiving, thefts, robberies, killings, murders, rapes, destructions etc are the stuff the make the news today. Anything else is humdrum.

But, thank God, there are still the ordinary people who lead an ordinary life in the world today. They live together happily with their family and neighbours, earn an honest living, accept the trials and tribulations of political infringements of their life like ordinary health hazards, and try to live in peace even when there are wars and killings around them.

These are some of the pics that attract my attention for now.Add caption

That's the aspect of life that makes me want to restart or revive this blog. Somehow or rather it's more difficult to see the beautiful aspects of life today than the sordid ones. That's the challenge I hope to take. Even if I've to look at the ludicrous aspects of life and people.