England goes smoke free this 1st July. Smoking will be banned in all enclosed places in England. This is great news for non-smokers as well as the smokers as it would encourage them to give up the bad habit…hopefully. I wouldn’t need to worry to dine in restaurants then. Currently, most indoors still allow smoking and what happens is I like to frequent this cramp Malaysian restaurant which is absolutely smoky. I remember this guy was puffing away when I was only sitting 5 inches away from his table; and I was pregnant then. I was basically eating my nasi lemak + cigarette smoke. Revolting! It would be good if this law can be applied back home. I understand there are usually smoking and non-smoking sections in most retaurants but to me, they do not prove effective as everyone is still under the same roof and the smoke circulates within the same enclosed location. It is made worst by the air-conditioned situation. But I guess it’s not as bad as eating 5 inches away from a smoking chimney. My dad is also a chain smoker and I warned him not to smoke in front of Cameron when I get back this time. Hopefully, the love for his grandchild would help him to cut down on cigarettes.

I came across a very interesting post on Malaysiakini which says the very common thing which Mel and I have been discussing.

It’s about the groceries price between UK and Malaysia.

How on earth can a nation that produces 47% of the world’s palm oil supply manage to come up with such a ridiculous price for its domestic use?

Certainly someone in the supply chain has been making a huge profit by sucking the public’s blood. Who could that be?

Taken from today’s news, this unfortunate mum (probably a Malaysian working in Singapore) was in a car with the husband and a 3 year old son early in the morning in JB. The husband stopped the car at a petrol station to ease himself while both mum and the son were in the car.
Then, a man armed with a knife knocked on the car’s window demanding her to open the door. Like any mum, she feared for the son’s safety, complied with the man’s demand. With both in the car, the man drove the car and the next few hours were a tragic incident to the family. The mum was gang-raped and robbed.
It was just another normal day for the family. I do not think the family had done anything wrong or any negligence to invite that. It would happen to any family who was using the petrol station at that point in time. They were on the road at 4am which I think is not abnormal to avoid the jam on the causeway. The husband used the toilet in the petrol station, which is normal too, I did that all the time in KL. He left them in the car with the engine running – I would too if it’s too warm and he obviously locked all the doors. Other than not stopping at the petrol station at all, there’s basically nothing else they could do to avoid that. Maybe the mum should press hard on the honk until the man leaves but how many mums will not first think about her son’s safety?
I am starting to worry as our June’s KL visit is getting closer. I am worried that I may have forgotten the basic precaution measures or habits that I picked up when living in KL. Things like locking car’s door etc. Like the other day, I noticed that Mel was comfortably walking by the main road with her handbag loosely hanging on her right shoulder. In KL, that would have cost an arm or leg if the victim is lucky to be alive. I am also worried that having to be away from home for 2 years leaving me (or us) ignorant of the extent of crime back home. One would be caution which makes him less likely to be the target when he is aware of the crime incidents/news around him. Furthermore, having a baby with us or in the car makes us more vulnerable.
I will just pray that everything will be OK. Hope KL is not as bad and try to remind ourselves to be careful when we are there. Since the police can’t control the crime, this is the least I could do as I am not big or with a face like a Rottweiler.

Najib was quoted saying this in a debate with Lim Kit Siang in the Dewan Rakyat

“Whether the government is not fair, whether it has integrity or not, Machap voters will support us.”

The BN is such an arrogant a**, isn’t it? It is disgusting to hear this remark from somebody in the capacity of country’s Deputy Prime Minister with no trace of regrets or shame over the Government wrongdoings. A matter of fact, he is proud of all these sh*t! He is damn right to say that. People of Machap will support BN even though the Government is not fair and has third-world’s integrity.

Before even the day of nomination, council officers were seen working hard in the town, potholes on the road were filled, broken road lamps were replaced, roads were resurfaced, Ong Ka Ting was seen approving new community hall, new funding from Government to schools, all major newspapers were seen promoting BN’s related news in Machap, BN Ministers appeared on Machap town. Even the Samy Vellu who would normally ignore pleads from the poor Indian community has vowed to make a visit to the Indians in Machap which consist of about 1400 voters. Why wouldn’t people of Machap fall for that? It’s like a kid being brought first time to a candy shop. It’s like having year long constipation and suddenly gets a relief after taking laxative pill. All these were just too difficult for people of Machap not to vote for BN.

Will Machap voters know that it’s the laxative pill that cause the intestines to weaken and encourages constipation as a result? Do you think the Machap voters know that the money that being spent in BN’s election campaign, resurfacing roads and funding for schools, were the money that they have paid for escalated living expenses, increased fuel, electricity and Water tariff.

They also need to understand that these are the people:
-who cause their children who obtained As in the exams but never get into the public universities due to the racial quota.
-who eat further into their pocket when they use the toll highways.
-who treat their children / grandchildren who were born and bred in the Malaysia as a second class citizen compare to those Muslim immigrants who were given citizenship and given Bumiputra status automatically.
-who cause the violent suppress of anti-toll hike / anti fuel-hike protest in KL where some of these protestor could be their son or daughters.
-who glorify Mat Rempits doing illegal racings in Machap streets
-who impose publication law so that only their praises to Government were heard while complaints mute
-who didn’t keep the promise to setup IPCC (Independent Police Commission) as a result they have no one to turn to when being treated unfairly from the police force.
-who put their teenage children / grand chilren onto national lottery to be selected for National Service where there have been 12 death cases in the facility without any improvement being done.
-the list goes on and on…

It will need more than miracle for the Machap voters to see the bigger picture at national level rather than the new tar-ed road in front of them.

Carefully laying the last brick, Ong Ka Ting must be praying  :

‘My lucky bata… you will secure me a full victory in Machap.And you MUST NOT lose to DAP, if MCA lose Machap now, MCA will be beaten in the next GE.’

早不做,迟不做,现在才做…    -eng (for a change, not Cameron’s pic)

I read this news over and over, just keep feeling that our PM’s brain has gone KUKU.

He said:’ Malaysians should have confidence and be prepared to invest in the KLSE to attract bigger foreign participation

“When Malaysians show their confidence and their preparedness to invest in their own stock market or in their own country, this will give a signal to investors to come in bigger numbers to Malaysia,” the Prime Minister told the Malaysian media here on Wednesday.

Not sure about you, but my purpose of investing in KLSE is certainly not to attract bigger foreign participation. I am not rich enough to do this national duty. To be honest, how many of our existing market investors (including those from UMNO and children of our Ministers) are doing as what our PM said. We only invest if we think something is going to bring us returns, attracting foreign investor is the last thing on our minds.

It is not our job to attract foreign investor, but it is our Government’s job to do so. What is the use of Trade minister and all her officers if not to path business opportunities locally and abroad? What is the use of Educational Minister and all his officers if not to formulate a winning education system to ensure our country have plenty supply of work force to meet global demand? The list will go on to other Ministers who are handling different part of infrastructures in the country… Why do they need the normal Malaysians to use own money to dress the KLSE so that it looks good for foreign investors??

I was talking to my brother just before CNY as he has returned to KL after months in Slovakia. I told him about the then bullish stock market and I warned him not to join in the game. You know what youngster would do with the Ang pow from Company and Per diems. In my opinion, the CI was too high and too risky. Obviously, I told him because I care. I care about his savings and I don’t want him to be in financial trouble when his new apartment is ready.

Now, do you think our PM care about us? I seriously doubt it. In this article he actually called for all Malaysians to lift the KLSE and don’t be frighten by the falls in markets in other countries. Not only that, he has previously (after CNY) vowed Malaysians to continue support the market to hit the record 1300 (ish) points! I genuinely hope that nobody (yes NOBODY) will listen / have listened)to him. Not because I don’t want KLSE to recover from the corrections.

In year 1999, KLSE had another bull run and CI was around 1000ish. I had just started working with AMO earning about 2k plus. Naively, I dumped almost all my savings (about 10K) into the market as it was so attractive. 3 weeks later, the market suddenly took a U turn and I was too afraid to cut losses. I stuck, big time. 10k at that time on my earnings, meant a lot to me. Last week I sold some of these old craps to recover the remaining, think I am only getting back about 3K capital. So I basically made losses even though I have managed to sell them in another bull run. I’ve been there and it wasn’t fun at all. It could mean not having enough money to own your own house, car or prepare for wedding, all the inconveniences and … etc etc…

Anyway back to our PM. I am not sure why he seems to think investing in KLSE is like makan kacang. Maybe it is a lot easier for him as he is the main man behind the people who decides which government contract goes to which company. For the normal people out there, it will still be lot lot safer to keep to the legendary winning formula ‘BUY LOW SELL HIGH’ rather than listening to Badawi’s crap - eng.

This statement caught my attention:

Faizal explained that trees cooled the air around them, adding: “One big tree is the equivalent to 10 air conditioners”. 

The equation of 1 tree=10 conditioners may not be a simple comparison but I certainly agree with the fact that big trees do cool down the air surrounding.
I still remember many parts of Singapore (i.e Woodland area) were so cooling (compared to Johor Baru) as they were covered with massive trees sheltering the people from direct sunlight. That’s a very smart and farsighted move.

Unfortunately, many of our Council people do not appreciate these big trees. Instead, they replaced these trees with decorative palm trees (i.e. along Jalan Damansara), which not only not provide cool air to the surrounding but I believe one of these palm trees costs the council at least 10 air conditioners to purchase and maintain. -eng

Motorbikes for Mat Rempit who help curb crime

I don’t know how you feel about this, but I find it ridiculous. It’s unbelievable and shocking what these ministers would come out with sometimes.

Mat Rempit (the name derived from REMP – IT) are gangs who participate in illegal street racing or (and) those who addicted to riding motorcycle dangerously on public roads. They have been linked to gangsterism,  gang robbing, fighting, vandalism, thefts, and bullying. Some of them do not own licenses, do not pay road tax, and ride stolen motorcycles. (Quote from Wikipedia, ya well done)
Some of them do not have job, and addicted to drugs (to fuel their bravery to performing stunts), and some even pimping their girl friends for money!! They are parasites in our society who endanger other responsible road users, fuel crime, and with no moral value.

Obviously, this Putera Umno chief Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim doesn’t understand all these. Instead, he gives them a ‘national duty’ to catch snatch thieves and offers motorcycle as reward. He is trying hard to make this equation work ‘Wrong + Wrong = Right’.

Remember last year August, our Prime Minister and his son-in-law rebranded Mat Rempit and called them a nasional asset? For some reason, I always feel that the government is always giving in to groups (or trouble groups) who are not intellectually ready (may not be the right word), ie Mat Rempit. But groups that encourage serious thinking or intellectual related groups are always the victim of being branded radical or politically skewed.

Perhaps the government doesn’t value the people as PEOPLE but see the people as walking ballot papers, thus giving out some nuts to the monkeys (Mat Rempit) to buy some easy votes in coming general election. Who knows what the government will do, as they are getting very desperate to stay in power in next general election -eng

I did a search for these words and the results are overwhelming

People are furious, war drums are beating, more anti-nstp bloggers are emerging…

And I shall sit back and check out this counter from time to time…   -eng

I am sure you’ve heard news about 2 famous Malaysian bloggers being sued by NSTP and the clan.

Quite funny, here’s how they justify their lawsuit…

"The purpose of the suits is to help to promote responsible blogs,"

Can’t believe this statement came from a publisher who has long forgotten their responsibility to the public. Look at yourself before thinking about policing others!!! you smelly papers!!

Has NSTP been more responsible as a publisher, reflect truth rather than crooked facts, report for the people rather than being the mouthpiece for UMNO, it wouldn’t be a hot target for discussion in those blogs.

Well, they may be putting big bucks to restrict these bloggers and at the same time flexing muscles to frighten the smaller bloggers, but they are certainly too ignorant with the power of Internet, and under estimated the number of Internet readers who may call for boycott. -eng

I’ve been requesting for waiver of my Malaysian credit card annual fee all these while and it had always been approved. This time the CC company billed an annual fee to my account and again I had to call up to request for a waiver. No questions asked and I’ve been informed instantly that it would be waived. It’s that simple! I suppose, ask and you will get it. - mel

Have a read at this

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6228125.stm

This is what our government has to do along side with millions of dollars to promote tourism !

Are you having a laugh…

In the eyes of the foreigners, Malaysia is a country well known for its friendly, warm and generous culture. In the tourism industry, these values have been promoted widely. I was proud of how foreigners praise us until I came across this piece of daunting critique. 

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/4/central/16425412&sec=central

Beggars spoiling the image of Malaysia? I view this differently and perceive the other way round instead as the country letting down its own people that are less fortunate. Firstly, the word “beggars” is intimidating. Secondly, not everyone in the country or in this world is rich or capable of living comfortably with sufficient income, which forces the individual to resort to other means to support his/her own living. What are we trying to portray in KLCC? Every Malaysian is rich and has strong buying power? Nah..come on…that doesn’t represent every single Malaysian. Thirdly, instead of merely removing them from lurking in an area, no further initiatives are taken by the authorities/government to look into permanent/long term resolution of the “homeless” society. Big lump sum of money is being invested on unnecessary and lavish setups like building a stadium in UK, tallest twin towers in the world, proposed DisneyLand in Johor, other possible pork-spending as according to the American lingo, etc….what’s all these for and do any of these mark the origin of Malaysia? If only a small portion of the outgoing expenditure could be allocated to care and nurture the homeless, it would make a difference to their lives.

What’s wrong with singing and receiving generous tip-off from the public? The poor man is just exhibiting his talent in a different way, not in pubs, lounges or concerts, but in a humble situation. This state is often being seen in the London Underground.

Humiliating a man on the wheelchair is also appalling. This reminds me of how the handicapped group is being treated in a thriving nation. What sort of facilities is there for people on the wheels? A couple of times, I had to support my mum on the wheelchair as she was unwell to walk and we were constantly being stared at places like IKEA, 1 Utama and Megamall. I can grade the facility in terms of friendliness to wheelchair users as ZERO and the onlookers as a bunch of losers. I feel so sorry for people in the same situation or worse than my mum. It isn’t the fault of the less fortunate community but the failure of the country to support the variation of its own public.

To achieve the status of a developed country, it’s not recognized by merely owning the largest, longest and biggest building but the success of how the ruler tackle all aspects of the living society including the welfare of every living being in its country. Wawasan 2020? Fat chance. – angry mel.

15-Nov-2006 (Wednesday), Abdullah’s presidential address at the opening of the 57th UMNO GA said:

‘Second Pillar…I respect the voices of the elected representatives of the people and they have the freedom to deliberate and debate. They have the opportunity to evaluate the government’s performance; the executive branch is now openly criticised not only by members of the opposition, but also by government backbenchers, members of Umno and members of the public…I hold to the principle that a nation should provide channels that enable its people to voice their concerns. Constructive criticism is encouraged. Differences of opinion should be viewed objectively and not necessarily be seen as being anti-government. The media is a partner in our efforts to build a responsible democratic society’

16-Nov-2006 (Thursday), Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said :
‘I think it’s an address he delivered last year. I was hoping for something new. Perhaps, he has other ideas’

17-Nov-2006 (Friday), State UMNO Youth Chiefs called for emergency meeting to discuss Mukhriz comments as they claimed he has belittled the president’s policy speech.

Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Mukhriz’s remark was extreme and an embarrassment for the movement.

18-Nov-2006 (Saturday), Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein warned Mukhriz of this statement and demanded explanation or risk his position as UMNO Exco Council member.

Do you think Badawi is too weak to control his wing men. He is preaching one thing while his kakitangan is doing completely the opposite.

I disagree, I would like to think that he is not walking the talks. Remembered that Datuk Shahrir Samad resigned as BackBenchers Club Chairman in May 2006 because he voted for Opposition Motion over the custom’s ‘Close One Eye’ issue while none of the BN MPs back him. To comment over his resignation, Abdullah reminded all BN MPs to toe the party line, which is not to vote for Opposition’s Motion regardless of the issues.

What’s the crap about democracy if a person is not allowed to air his view and vote for things that he thinks is right? And we are not even talking about issues regarding Races or Religions. What is the point if Abdullah is promoting Malaysia as a democratic country but clamp down on those who speak up ??

What I can see is that UMNO would like everyone to brand Abdullah like a God where everybody within the party must obey and ‘carry-balls’ of what he says. Well, after so many years of independence, we are not anywhere closer to becoming a democratic country but we are definitely not too far from the North Korea Regime. -eng

Rafidah plays down Aussie Barbs. I am quite surprised that our well known iron lady who has rubbed shoulders with so many leaders from around the world for many years could make such a weak comment to dispute Micheal Backman’s article about Malaysia being Bodoh.

I would have thought that she will have all the government figures and statistics to dispute the article claims. Instead of lame statements like ‘he is not Malaysian’, ‘he doesn’t know Malaysia’ etc etc… Unless, she knew that she can’t spin the facts and she can’t accept the truth ?!

I am amused by her comments further

‘I don’t really care about what others say – as long as it is not a Malaysian saying it,” She said.

Well, the fact is, nobody care less about Malaysian than it’s own Government. She labeled Mahathir as ‘a Forgetful old man’ when Mahathir complained about her out-of-control and unfair distribution of AP permits. Also the recent row on the Bumi’s equity study from ASLI-CPPS Think Tank where the Government has applied so much pressure to the organization to withdraw the report which also caused the Director Dr Lim Teck Ghee to resign as a protest to the withdrawal.

All the Government seems to care the most is spending big bucks sending Astronaut to the space to play some Malay traditional games, building new Istana, new South Region project and London Sports Complex while leaving it’s own people crying from increasing living expenses, job losses and spiralling crime rates. -eng