Najib has spent a cool $180B with no bills to support?

Defence contracts: Evading public scrutiny

Kuek Ser Kuang Keng, Malaysiakini

SPECIAL REPORT Three major factors restrict scrutiny of Malaysia's defence transactions which have amounted to some RM180 billion over the last 23 years:


1. Information is not disclosed on the basis of 'defence secrets' and 'national security'.

2. Price-related information is limited in the defence market and involves many technical issues and specifications that complicate the process of evaluation and comparison.

3. Although the Defence Ministry has regulations and an internal mechanism to prevent irregularities, there is no external independent scrutiny.

Defence researcher Lam Choong Wah (left) said procurement is carried out in one of three ways currently - through direct negotiation, open tender and quotation.

A former journalist who specialised in defence issues, Lam is now editor of defence portal KL Security Review. His first book tentatively titled 'Uncovering Malaysia's Defence' is scheduled to be launched next month.

A Finance Ministry circular issued in 2007 stipulates that a tender must be called for all government procurements priced above RM500,000.

Direct negotiation is the least transparent method of the three, but the number of procurements completed via this process has increased in recent years.

Lam explained that direct negotiation is allowed under specific circumstances: when only one company can provide the equipment or service; to standardise the specifications of equipment; emergency needs; and due to strategy and political considerations, such as bilateral relationships between countries.

According to a parliamentary written reply by the Defence Ministry in March last year, the number had almost doubled from 52 in 2006 to 100 in 2009, going up in value from RM2.1 billion to RM4.4 billion over the period.

Best management practices

Auditor-general Ambrin Buang stressed that the Defence Ministry is obliged to adhere to the objective of public procurement which is “to ensure all procurements are best managed (efficient and effective, enhancing access, competition and fairness) to get the best value for money”.

In an email interview, he listed how this objective is to be achieved:

• Government officials are responsible for their actions and decisions in relation to procurement and for the resulting outcomes, and thus are answerable for such activity.

• To promote transparency, the Treasury has issued 'Guidelines on Evaluating Tenders' which are easily accessible to the public on its web portal.

• When streamlining the process and procedures on procurement through direct negotiations, Controlling Officers are required to sign a Letter of Undertaking that the agreed price is reasonable and offers the best value for money.

• Tender/quotation/e-bidding documents are required to include four new paragraphs to remind bidders that corruption is a criminal offence under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

• The Finance Ministry has launched a procurement information centre portal - MyProcurement - to step up transparency and to disseminate information to the public.

• All bidders for government contracts are required to sign an Integrity Pact by way of a Bidder Declaration Letter asserting that no bribe was offered to influence public officials in evaluating the bid. The successful bidder is required to sign another declaration that his successful bid was not due to bribery.

• The government recently decided that procurements exceeding RM100 million are subject to scrutiny by an independent review panel to be set up by the Economic Planning Unit.

• Each ministry is required to set up an Internal Audit Unit. The Defence Ministry has an Internal Audit and Public Investigation Division with a total of 110 personnel. The division reports to ministry secretary-general.

'No external monitoring'

A long-standing complaint is that it is extremely difficult to scrutinise direct negotiated deals in a system that classifies such details as 'official secrets' almost all of the time.

DAP Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong (left), who has been tracking defence issues, pointed out that the Defence Ministry's reluctance to divulge information has prevented MPs on both sides on arriving at a consensus on the defence policy.

Such a consensus would have enabled them to debate related matters based on a mutually-acceptable benchmark.

"We don't even know what weapons meet the requirements of our defence policy, so how can we monitor the procurements effectively?” he asked.

"So we hentam (criticise) everything. When they buy something expensive, we tend to think there is some hanky-panky.”

Asked if there is an external monitoring mechanism, Lam shot back: “Absolutely none”.

The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) only investigates a transaction if an element of fraud is suspected.

Lam noted that it is impossible for the media and civil society to monitor all defence transactions because the authorities keep a tight grip on information.

He cited the acquisition of two RM7.2 million Czech-made VERA-E passive surveillance radars in 2007.

Although a defence magazine later reported the purchase, the government refused to comment on this until Deputy Defence Minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad (right) confirmed it in the Dewan Negara last week - some three years later.

The National Audit Department (NAD), which audits large purchases and publishes the findings in its annual report, conceded that it cannot audit all defence transactions.

"The Defence Ministry has hundreds of procurement transactions in any one year, covering goods or services including consultancies and professional services, construction, maintenance and material supply contracts...," Ambrin (left) pointed out.

"... We also carry out other types of audit... the NAD normally conducts a maximum of six performance audits a year. In addition to our normal workload, we undertake special audits if there are requests from the Finance Ministry and PAC.”

Lam said defence procurements not like "buying vegetables in the market" where one can compare prices and quality from different vendors. Weapons manufacturers only reveal their price and specifications when a buyer approaches them.

Also, there are no identical defence procurement packages as "a minor change in specification could lead to a huge difference in price".

"Some weapons-exporting countries quote their price based on political factors. So it is very hard to do price comparisons,” explained Lam.

'Priority vendors'

One factor that has drawn considerable flak is the role of the local agent, often suspected of being paid an enormous commission to facilitate defence transactions and thereby inflating the cost of procurement.

Lam said the ministry has claimed that this enables technology transfer, nurtures local enterprise and helps to monitor foreign companies operating in Malaysia.

However Transparency International-Malaysia president Paul Low (right) begged to differ with the practice.

"Why do we need a middle man? If supplier wants to provide service, it is for them to set up operations here. It can be 100 percent owned by them, not a joint-venture company," he argued.

Also criticised is the practice of hiring retired top ministry officials as directors or senior managers of companies involved in defence-based business.

Lam claimed that the ministry gives priority to companies owned by former personnel when making purchases.

"This policy has its advantages because veterans are familiar with the requirements of the armed forces, but it also gives rise to allegations of cronyism and nepotism," he said.

Low said the existence of the "revolving door", which enables senior officers to move from government agencies to the business sector, could build an unhealthy relationship even before they retire.

"These persons are responsible for evaluating tender (documents). The company could hold out an offer of a job (at such a time that) they retire, in order to win the tender,” he cautioned.

"We can't stop (the officials). They have the right to look for a job (on) retirement. It is hard to stop this practice.”

Who's who in companies

A number of high-profile retired defence officials have been recruited by several companies that have extensive business links with the Defence Ministry. Those named here are in no way implicated in any wrongdoing in relation to information in this three-part series.

Subhan Jasmon, former Defence Ministry secretary-general

He was appointed chairperson of Sapura-LTAT Communications Technologies Sdn Bhd when he retired. The company had won a RM500 million contract to supply 3,000 communication sets to the armed forces while Subhan was still the Defence Ministry secretary-general.

He is also the non-executive chairperson of MTU Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. It bagged a RM537 million contract in February 2009 to supply spare parts, services and training to the Royal Malaysian Navy for five years.

Zahidi Zainuddin, former chief of defence forces

He was was appointed a director of DRB-Hicom Bhd on June 1, 2005, one month after he retired. A subsidiary of the company - Deftech Sdh Bhd - received a government Letter of Intent to acquire 257 armoured personnel carriers for RM8 billion. An opposition MP later claimed that this was far above the market price.

Ramlan Mohamed Ali, former navy chief

He is the director of Boustead Yachts Sdn Bhd, a company under Boustead Holdings Bhd which is one of the largest defence companies in Malaysia.

It is a government-linked company with the Armed Forces Fund Board, a statutory body, as its major shareholder.

Ramli Mohd Nor, former navy chief

He is the managing director of Boustead Naval Shipyard and executive deputy chairperson/group managing director of Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd. Both companies are under Boustead Holdings Bhd.

Mohd Shahrom Nordin, former army chief

He is the executive director of SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd, the rifle supplier to the army.

The company is a subsidiary of National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd.

Ismail Nik Mohamed, former air force chief
He is consultant to Zetro Aerospace Corporation Sdn Bhd. The company manages three government contracts.

Among these are the maintenance and repair of aircraft radios, airborne radar, air traffic control and air defence communications, radar and navigational aids.

Najib's airmen are out harassing people?

Another ex-RMAF sergeant 'harassed' by force

(Malaysiakini) First there is the ongoing case of former Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) sergeant N Tharmendran who has alleged he was tortured by military investigators.

Now, a retired RMAF flight sergeant from Sarawak has come forward with claims that he was harassed by the force and that no justice has yet been served on his police reports, one of which has even been heard by the court.

Faizzal Jinong Abdullah (right), 45, who retired from service two years ago, alleged that prior to his retirement several high-ranking officers had “tortured” him after he discovered a scam at the RMAF multi-storey living quarters in Kuching where he was housed.

The ex-sergeant claims to have suffered immensely both mentally and physically after stumbling upon alleged electricity theft between his unit and another, and that he was thrown into prison and his family was tormented after he approached the authorities about the matter in 2008.

“What has happened to all the reports I had lodged? I have not heard from the police at all... when will my problems be solved?” asked Faizzal.

“2009 has passed and now its 2010. Our problem is yet to be solved... the RMAF continues to make speculations (on my complaint) and accuses me of not being cooperative by not filling in the completion of service documentation programme."

He said that it is the force, and not his lack of cooperation, that has resulted in the delay in the completion of his papers, despite his service having ended two years ago. He attributed their actions to his having raised complaints.

“Since June 10, 2008, we had encountered various difficulties and threats from the RMAF officers, particularly those from the administration division of the air base in Kuching,” he said, naming several officers whom he said were the culprits behind the threats.

Pressured to keep mum

Faizzal's ordeal began when, prior to June, his electricity supply had been disconnected and he and his family lived for three months in darkness.

“I complained to our base commander at Kuching Air Base and even to the Air Force headquarters in Kuala Lumpur as well as the Defence Ministry and Sesco (the Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation), but to no avail,” said his wife Che Murni Dara Mat Zain (left).

“According to an explanation by Sesco, our electricity difficulties arose due to a problem between the RMAF and the building contractors."

When Faizzal approached the RMAF with the information, it soon became apparent to him that his electricity disruption was instead caused by a scam involving RMAF officers, to tap electricity illegally, claimed Che Murni.

“They threatened him (Faizzal) and wanted him to follow their plan to cover up the fraud.

“But because my husband refused to get involved in it, the senior officer concerned threatened not to (allow him to complete the last leg of his service), and refused to process my husband's documents."

'Threats turn physical'

As Faizzal's retirement date in August approached, the situation worsened as his officers interfered with his retirement procedures and prevented him from changing his military identity card to a public identity card.

His attempts to resolve his situation through his superiors at every available opportunity were met with demands for a promise that he would keep mum about the alleged electricity theft.

“As the senior officer refused to process my termination documents, I couldn't complete the last leg, the end of service documentation,” said Faizzal.

The harassment soon turned physical, he alleged.

“One evening in September that year, we were ambushed at our home and my wife, who has asthma, fainted from the shock and was admitted to hospital.

“I lodged a police report immediately, but it was ignored. Once my wife was well enough she lodged another report. The case was brought to the Kuching Magistrate's Court but until now we don't know the outcome.

“On Dec 22, 2008, we were visited again (by RMAF officers) and they tried to persuade me to comply with what they had planned. And if I did, my public identity card issue would be solved and I would have to sign an agreement to move from where we were staying."

'Abducted from own home'

Faizzal said that, despite being pressured, he refused their offer and requested to stay in the quarters until they could find an alternative home, but the entire family was abducted the next day.

“I had asked them to allow us to stay for a few more days to prepare to move, and to settle school matters for our six children as well as my wife's follow-up treatment.

“My wife and our six children, who were then aged between five and 17, were surrounded by armed officers who were accompanied by a police officer. They were abducted and forcefully flown to Kuala Lumpur. I was also sent to Kuala Lumpur a couple of days later."

While in Kuala Lumpur, the family, fearing for their safety, fled to Negri Sembilan and are now living in Seberang Prai in Penang.

“We (had no choice but) to approach the media with the story. Finally, when we got television coverage, I received my public identity card last year, but not my retirement card,” he said.

Without the retirement card, Faizzal and his family are deprived of the benefits allocated to former armed forces personnel.

“Two of our eldest children are in a community college now, but we can't apply for loans or even for any assistance, without the retirement card,” he said.

Faizzal said that he only wants justice for his family, who he claimed have been subjected to torture and treated inhumanely.

“It is not my intention to speak ill of the government, but I want my rights as a Malaysian and I will not give up until our voices are heard,” he said.

OSA, Freedom of Information and wikileaks

The release of some 91,000 secret U.S. military documents on the Afghanistan war on Wikileaks prompted me to write this article. The reports, apparently written by soldiers and intelligence officers, which described lethal military actions involving the US military. It also includes intelligence information, reports of meetings with political figures, and related details. The owner and founder of wikileaks Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks whom has built his life around an uncompromising quest for information claims that he is expected to release more information in coming weeks.

I have written before that responsible government have nothing to fear and irresponsible government should fear the people. The law in many countries including Malaysia govern the distribution of government documents within the service as well as outside the government service. While some of us believe in freedom of information which includes access and distribution, I personally believe that one must act with responsibility in this matter. There are things that are secret and have a direct and indirect impact on national interest.

Coming from a military background, I probably have a better appreciation on what can be considered as TOP SECRET and its relationship with National Security which large segment of the public cannot appreciate. However it can clearly be seen today that almost every government document today is labelled with security rating from TERHAD to RAHSIA BESAR. If one looks closely even the procurement documents related to the supply of toilet paper has a security classification.

A government that is responsible and earned the trust of the people would have nothing to worry. Failure to act responsibly which leads to public distrust led to people ! getting fed up and has a stronger itch to make classified documents public. Not all government servants are irresponsible and without conscience. Some feels that they can no longer tolerate the action of the government which led to release of government documents. Otherwise, how else can Raja Petra have access to many secret documents which he uses it as a basis to spin a story. The fact that some government servants trust RPK more with their personal safety says a lot about their disgust with the present government.

A government can create a document security classification system but it takes a RESPONSIBLE government to create a system where the public can access any documents via a process that is not burdening but at the same time provide a check and balance process where decision to make information public does not lies with one person. For this reason, the tabling of the Freedom of Information Bill in Selangor is considered a very responsible action. While it is still a long way before it can be an ACT, there is a sense of hope among many people that I talked to. Surprising some very strong and opinionated UMNO leaders in BA also agrees with creation of this Bill. To me this is a good and healthy sign.

I believe it is time for the Federal Government to take note of this matter clearly. It has to be addressed in a responsible manner. It is better for the government to create and avenue to gain the public trust rather than finding documents appeared on Malaysia-Today or in WIKILEAKS. Not everything that PR government do is bad. In this case, the creation of Freedom of Information Bill has shown that it is a right thing to do. I hope Najib can do it during his premiership.

See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

Taib makes Jho Taek Low cries like baby ...

According to the oppositions, Taek Jho Low is nothing lah ... Poured $8M down the drain for a slut called Paris Hilton and you still wonder if he ever gotten any good BJ ... King "Thief" Taib has squandered, swindled ... or straight so much that his family now own half of Canada!

I gotta dig this Sakai a bit ... More allegations coming soon.

"thank you papa Taib "

by shanghaistephen

Meet Ottawa's golden couple.....and salivate while they splash YOUR money like it was their own......and "Thanks to you" papa Taib ! ( read all about it, here )

Can we freeze or confiscate all of Taib's family investments the world over and return them to the rightful owners.... indigenous peoples of Sarawak ? Surely anyone can tell you how much a Chief Minister earns a month, no ? Is everyone in this country so blind to this man and his family's extraordinary and lavish investments ?

Do you think MACC's got the balls to do it ? Does the PM pretends not to know about these million dollar investments ? Or is everyone else minding their own businesses because they too have similar investments they cannot account for ? This is a blatant rape of Sarawak ! Or is there nothing anyone can do ? Are these all just lies that are written in the Sarawak Report ?....or as Taib recently said...... "then the Bumi remain poor and in difficulty....in this way they can be relied upon to stay humble and continue to vote for BN"......oh... the arrogance of this man !

Can a daring native take a class action suit against this plunderer of natives rights and resources still hailed as the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud. I'm sure an awful lot of fellow natives would feel the same and come out in support, yes ? Or do we ( yes.... read you and me too ) all just sit on our arses and bitch about it till kingdom come ?

Yes.....that will certainly be the easier way, right ?........so where are the religious teachers who wasted precious time talking of "devils" and "t's" and "crosses" instead of condemning these corrupt sinners and showing them the right path to heaven ?
Turning the other way, of course.....bloody hypocrites all of them !

1Malaysia ?? ....joke la !

Selangor Duo Have Something To Say On The Screen ...

Khalid bewildered over councillor probe 'leak'

The Selangor menteri besar says the state should be allowed to complete investigations before jumping to conclusions. Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim has confirmed that a local government councillor is being probed internally on allegations that he had used an exco's letterhead to secure contracts for his cronies.

Liu: I don't act based on hearsay...

When approached by reporters on separate occasions, Selangor State Exco Ronnie Liu said that he has heard of the allegations, but there is no way to confirm these. "I first heard about it some time before the last assessment earlier this year. But you know me, I don't act based on hearsay or rumours," said Liu. More in Malaysiakini.com

Time: 03:30

Diva: Reva Nesta

Indonesian Celebrities

One on One with Senator Tunku Aziz

July 27, 2010

What is takes to be a 1Malaysian: Here is Tunku A. Aziz, my Bank Negara and Sime Darby colleague

Hindus first, before becoming MuslimTunku Abdul Aziz

BEFORE Senator Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim became a politician, he was far better known as a Malaysian champion of transparency, integrity and good governance. Indeed, it was no coincidence that Tunku Aziz, together with like-minded individuals, founded Transparency International Malaysia (TI-Malaysia) in 1998. He was TI-Malaysia president until December 2004.

Even after setting up TI-Malaysia, the former Bank Negara advisor (Assistant Governor) actively promoted ethics and good governance at both the regional and international level. This included work within the World Bank and the United Nations. It was in his capacity as special advisor to the UN secretary-general, a post he was appointed to in 2006, that he set up the UN Ethics Office.

He returned from New York on completion of this work in 2007, and in 2008 joined DAP, a party he had been monitoring for the past 20 years without their knowledge. He is currently DAP national vice-chairperson, and was appointed as the first DAP senator in July 2009.

In this June 1, 2010 interview with The Nut Graph at his Kuala Lumpur home, Tunku Aziz talks about his Royal Hindu ancestry and what it was like living in the days before and after Independence.

TNG: Where were you born, and what were your earliest childhood memories?

Tunku Aziz: I was born in Alor Star in 1934. My father was an officer in the Kedah state police. My earliest memories were of the parades that were held frequently, accompanied by the Kedah state police band. I suppose that was how I have come to love military music a! nd brass bands.

We were literally surrounded by police families when I was born. Those days in Kedah, there were two avenues for young men the Kedah civil service and the Kedah state police. My fathers elder brother opted for the civil service, and my father became a police officer.

There was a lot of freedom to play with friends of all races. There was no homework in the lower classes, and no big school bag to lug around. My childhood memories are filled with going swimming in the river at Gurun and Kulim without telling my mother. Things like that. [But] my mother always knew if I had been swimming because my red eyes gave me away.

TNG: Can you trace your ancestry?

Tunku Aziz: My family history goes back several hundred years. We can trace our origins from the days of the Hindu kingdom. My ancestors were Hindu before they became Muslim. I descended from the line of Sultan Abdullah, who had two sons, Sultan Ahmad Shah and Tunku Yaakob, also known as Tunku Embong. He, being the younger, became the Raja Muda. In short, that is my family tree.

As I have indicated, the present Kedah ruler can trace his lineage back to the first Hindu king of Kedah. It is the countrys oldest royal line. My mother was a dayang from Brunei whose elder sister married my fathers elder bother two brothers marrying two sisters.

With President Corazon Aquino of the Republic of the Philippines

TNG: What are the childhood stories you remember the most?

Tunku Aziz: Probably the most important advice that my father gave to me went something like this. That it is no use driving! a big, expensive car if people in the coffee shops are going to say, as you drive by, Look at that [person] driving a big car. He [or she] is on the take.

That made a strong impression on me, because this is where self worth comes into the picture. And if you have no self respect to begin with, you have no respect for other people. This is why I have always tried to resist any temptation to take a bribe, knowing full well that I would never be able to live with myself.

[My father] was a stickler for rules. I remember as an 11-year-old, [I] had my own [football] team that played matches in kampongs some four or five miles away. He would always remind me to ensure that when I cycled home in the evening, my bicycle had a light. Followed by, If you are caught riding without a lamp, dont claim that you are the son of the OCPD. He was then the Alor Star OCPD!

TNG: How do you connect with these stories as a Malaysian?

Tunku Aziz: I come from the state of Kedah, which was an independent country before it became a protected state of the British empire. The people of Kedah ran their own affairs and there was a sense of confidence. Unlike [Malay Malaysians] in the other parts, except for Johor, who were virtually under British control and domination. I think when you have confidence in your ability to deal with people, then you dont worry too much about the ethnicity of the other person.

Having grown up with Chinese [Malaysian] and Indian [Malaysian] friends in particular, it never occurred to me that they were to be treated differently. They were just my friends.

In Kedah, although it was a Malay state, there was no discrimination, although the Kedah civil service and the officer ranks of the Kedah state police were open only to educated boys from good Malay fami! lies. I remember when I was growing up, the state treasurer was a highly respected Chinese [Malaysian]. I grew up used to people of all races living and working together.

I have always believed that we are one people, the strength of our country is derived from our diversity. And I have always maintained long before (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak) that tolerance was not good enough. Because it suggests our making small concessions that people are prepared to make, grudgingly. Acceptance of our cultural differences, on the other hand, that is really the key to a united Malaysian nation.

With UN Secretary-General --2006

TNG: What does it mean to you coming from a royal Malay family, to have become a politician for all?

Tunku Aziz: I feel a sense of responsibility as a Malaysian. That although I am not close to the throne, I carry the family title, and that means a great deal to me. Not to let the family down, and I suppose to protect the good name of the bigger family of Kedah.

I do my best and I am conscious of the fact there is a long history behind us of providing leadership. For a long time, I have been concerned with polarisation which is very much in evidence. I feel that unless we change the way we look at the issues of culture and race, Malaysia will continue to be plagued by all kinds of problems which will really [distract us] from developing the country to its fullest potential.

For that reason, I made up my mind, against my better judgment, to be in politics. I have no regrets. I thought it was all very well and good to stand on the sidelines and comment on the countrys state of affairs. But if I wanted to! help ma ke a difference to national unity and development, then I had to be prepared to stand up and be counted.

I have always been opposed to race-based politics because when you focus on your own race, then you are consciously or unconsciously setting yourself apart. The attitude you adopt is not one of inclusiveness but exclusiveness. So I looked for a party that met my hopes and aspirations and found the DAP fitted the bill.

A Great Father to his two daughters in 1983

TNG: But you served, worked with, and admired many individuals who very much worked for the Malay race.

Tunku Aziz: I can explain this. [Tun] Ismail Ali was my governor at the central bank, Bank Negara. I was persuaded to join [Bank Negara] because I was inspired by his attitude towards his race. But more important, towards his nation as a whole.

Tough Teacher and Mentor

He wanted the best for his race, but that wasnt Ketuanan Melayu or Malay Supremacy. It was to make Malays self-sufficient, strive for the best, be less dependent on government support and subsidies. Most of all, he wanted something for all Malaysians, and that was equality of opportunity.

For example, when I was Bank Negaras appointments committee head, both he and I felt that we should always go for the best talent. He recognised Malay [Malaysians] had not yet reached that level, but given the time and right opportunity, they would rise to the occa! sion.

I remember one year when I appointed 22 young economists who were Chinese [Malaysians]. One person said, Tunku, do you know that there is this thing called the NEP? I said I was well aware of that policy but if we wanted the best people to serve the bank then we would have to take the best candidates, irrespective of race, creed or colour.

And I asked him whether he understood Bank Negaras principles and functions. He hesitated. I then told him its function was to give the best possible independent monetary and financial advice to the Malaysian government. What sort of advice would we be giving if we did not recruit the right people? If I had to scrape the bottom for advisors, then that advice would not amount to much.

TNG: What are your hopes for Malaysia?

Tunku Aziz: After more than 50 years of Independence, we have come to the end of the line, as far as UMNO-dominated policies are concerned. Those policies have been adopted and noted more for their divisiveness rather than cohesiveness, because most of these policies have elements of discrimination.

Obviously, we need a change and this can only come about if a new set of people with progressive ideas; people who are convinced the countrys future must be in the hands of all citizens. The policies which have failed us should be abandoned. I am hopeful that left to themselves, the people know what they need and what is good for them.

With daughter Dr. Tunku Zelena Aziz at her graduation in England 1994

Our aspirations are similar in that we want a peaceful future, equal opportunities for our children ! and gran dchildren. We must provide these opportunities. They need to feel that their country belongs to them, and that they can claim ownership without feeling marginalised, sidelined and discriminated against. Loyalty does not mean my country, right or wrong. It means I am prepared to work and make sacrifices because this is my country, my motherland.

See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

Civil service's double standard.......

Datuk Ariff Sabri in his blog Sakmongkol 47 wrote.....

The SDO ( state development officer) is probably among the top five civil servants at the state level- behind the SS, SFINO, SDO, etc etc. He oversees the award of federal projects in the state and by virtue of being the representative of the federal government in a state controlled by an opposition party, must have felt at par with the CM. He thinks he can act as a government within a government.

Lim Guan Eng is an elected head of the government of the day. It does not matter whether he is a federal civil servant or state civil servant- he is bound by the conventional practice of governance. That some civil servant can come out in open defiance to an elected leader reflects the failure of our ecosystem in turning out the best. Instead it has produced some of the haughtiest employee given strength by an officious position.

Several years ago, Nazri Aziz was embroiled in a verbal fracas with a top officer of the BPR( now MACC). Nazri went ballistic and public by saying, we, the politicians are your masters. We don't like the way he said it, but he was right in the sense, political leaders are elected and in that sense are owed obedience and deference.

Would such a behaviour be tolerated if it were an UMNO head of government that was shamed? The civil servant would be transferred within 24 hours.

Not so long ago, Khir Toyo presented a senior civil servant( he must also be a MCS officer) with a broom which to the Malay is sial.

The civil servant didn't say Khir Toyo was biadab in public. In private, I am sure Khir Toyo was roundly denounced. Not a murmur from the Chie! f Secret ary to the government then. Now we the Chief Secretary defending the actions of this particular civil servant.

Read his full article,'the leader and his civil service', here.

Read,'Chief Secretary, Nik Ali Baba and Malaysian Civil Service' here.

source:sakmongkol.blogspot.com

Adalah jelas bahawa pegawai SDO, Nik Ali itu telah melanggar bab-bab tertentu Perintah Am, tapi kerana peristewa itu berlaku di negeri yang dikuasai oleh pembangkang, maka perlakuan Nik Ali dianggap tak salah dan boleh dimaafkan.

Saya teringat kepada satu insiden, di mana seorang Pegetua sekolah telah membuat kenyataan kepada pemberita berkaitan dengan sesuatu isu. Dalam tempoh 24 jam, Pengetua tersebut telah ditukar dengan serta merta. Salahnya, ialah Pengetua tersebut tidak merujuk terlebih dahulu kepada Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri dan KPM sebelum membuat kenyataan tersebut.

Nik Ali pun buat kenyataan, bukan setakat kenyataan tapi menghina seorang Ketua Menteri, tanpa merujuk kepada 'bosnya' di Putrajaya, kenapa perbuatannya dimaafkan? Ditambah pula dalam tempoh terdekat Nik Ali akan dinaikkan pangkat lagi. Adil betul JPA 1Malaysia!

Inilah double standard yang diamalkan oleh Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam.......

cheers.
Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

AKU MELAYU !!!

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Aku juga Melayu. Aku juga beragama Islam.

Tapi kenapa aku membenci tindakan sesetengah tindak - tanduk pemimpin Umno yang mengaku diri mereka memperjuangkan Melayu.

Adakah dengan langkah aku membenci Umno maka aku mengkhianati Melayu?

Aku benci kepada Umno kerana mereka sering kali memperbodohkan Melayu.

• Lihat sahaja laungan Ketuanan Melayu tapi yang merampas tanah - tanah orang Melayu adalah mereka.
  
  
• Yang merobohkan Kampung Berembang adalah mereka.
  
  
• Yang menutup mata untuk penduduk Kampung Tanjung Tokong Pulau Pinang adalah mereka.
  
  
• Yang merampas biasiswa untuk Bumiputera adalah mereka.

Tapi dalam masa yang sama mereka juga menjerit "HIDUP MELAYU!", "INI TANAH MELAYU!", "JANGAN RAMPAS HAK MELAYU!", dan sebagainya.

Kenapa masih ada yang mempercayai Umno memperjuangkan Melayu. Kenapa masih ada yang terus - menerus memberi undi kepada Umno?

Aku Melayu, tapi aku tidak pernah sesekali memberikan undi aku kepada Umno kerana aku yakin Umno tidak pernah mempertahankan Melayu.

Mereka hanya menggunakan nama Melayu untuk merompak harta negara. Mereka mencandukan orang Melayu dengan slogan - slogan yang cukup enak untuk didengar.

Buktinya?

Lihat sahaja rumah Khir Toyo. Hartanya puluhan juta. Hasilnya kerana terus menerus memperbodohkan Melayu. Apabila Melayu khayal dan terus seronok menyokong Umno, maka lahirlah Istana Kaya Raya Khir Toyo.

Apakah itu tidak cukup untuk membuka mata orang Melayu?

TIDAK ! Orang Melayu disajikan dengan orang Cina nak rampas tanah Melayu. Orang Cina akan buang hak - hak Melayu. Tanah orang Melayu akan dirampas oleh Cina. Sokong parti pembangkang orang Melayu akan ! musnah.< br>
Maka orang Melayu sekali lagi terpedaya dengan dakyah dan tipu muslihat bangsat Umno ini. Sedangkan yang berusaha untuk menghalau orang Melayu di tanah mereka sendiri adalah orang Umno.

Lihat sahaja apa yang berlaku di Kampung Berembang. Orang Melayu dihalau bagaikan anjing.

Apakah itu tidak cukup memperlihatkan betapa bangsatnya Umno?

Aku Melayu, apabila melihat betapa bangsatnya penipuan Umno terus aku membenci Umno.

Aku yakin Umno tidak pernah ikhlas mahu membantu orang Melayu. Umno hanya mempergunakan sensitif orang Melayu untuk mengekalkan kuasa mereka dan terus - menerus mengKAYAkan sanak - saudara mereka.

Atas sebab itu aku yakin, Umno harus dimusnahkan jika tidak, orang Melayu terus akan mundur di kampung. Orang Melayu tergadai tanah mereka. Orang Melayu terus - menerus nasib mereka tidak dibela.

Namun sayangnya, hanya segelintir sahaja yang berfikiran seperti aku. Masih ramai lagi disana yang terpedaya dengan tipu muslihat Umno.

Kenapa mereka masih tidak berubah? Kerana maklumat tidak sampai. Menjadi tanggungjawap kita menyampaikan maklumat untuk mereka.

Aku Melayu apakah dengan penulisan ini aku dianggap mengkhianati Melayu? Silakan.

Aku mahu melihat Melayu bebas dari pengaruh Umno yang bangsat ini. Sedangkan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w pun digelar pengkhianat oleh puak Jahiliyyah Quraisy.

Jadi aku akan terus - meneruskan mengatakan Umno pengkhianat Melayu.

Buang Umno maka Melayu selamat. Percayalah
See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

Sarawak Report Monday, July 26th, 2010 GMT If the people of

Sarawak Report Monday, July 26th, 2010 GMT

If the people of Oxford had not heard of Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak,until today, they certainly know all about him now. His visit, tied to Sarawaks heavy sponsorship of the Said Business Schools Inaugural Global Islamic Branding andMarketing Forum, was supposed to buy himcredibility. In the event it ended up as a public relations disaster,as his reputation preceded him and was stuck up on banner headlines by protesters outside.

Even though it is the sleepy summer holiday period, a colourful crowd ofdemonstratorsdescended on theSchoolto express their outragethat the University should have welcomed such a man and accepted such dubious sponsorship from the Timber Industry of Sarawak. The local press was soon on the scene,followed by Malaysian news teams, who had clearly been brought along to puff up the Chief Ministers profile. Even the flunkiescould not ignore a demo like this and they were soon filming,taking notes and conductinginterviews.

Panic Reaction

Panic and concern was soon evident amongst the organisers, who called the police and sent an army of Special Branch officers to photograph the protesters, who were banned from entering the building by anxious bouncers. The School, clearly taking no risks, had hired a phalanx of extrapersonnel to protect their awkward guest and to block entry to the clearly highly-respectable gathering oflocals and some Malaysians who had come to explain to Oxford exactly what they were dealing with. Many reminded the organisers that the criminals were the ones inside, while the p! eople ou tside were lawfully making a very valid protest.

The forest of bannerssaid it all. Taib Mahmud Declare The Source Of Your Wealth, How Much Forest Is Left?, Respect Native Customary Rights,Stop Sexual Harassment and Rape of Penan Women and Children, Save Sarawak, The EU banned illegal timber, Why wont you sign the VPA? and much more. Passers-by were handed leaflets and a string of civil society groups meanwhile coordinated across Britainto produce and sign a declaration of protest that is now being handedto Oxford University. One organisation, Forests Monitor, stated:

For decades Taib has headed a regime which has ridden rough shod over the rights of indigenous and local peoples in Sarawak, treating the province like a personal fiefdom, worse even than his colonial predecessors. He has overseen the abuse of Sarawaks own laws and profited enormously from it. By taking his money the Oxford Said School for Business is setting the worst possible example for its alumni. They too should be demanding answers from the Dean, who apparently considers himself an expert in corporate governance.

Bundled in through the back entrance

The protest certainly denied Taib his grand entrance. He had been due to arrive in style, greeted by the Universitys Vice Chancellor (the sponsorship must have beenhuge)to give the opening speech for the two-day conference, but he ended up being sneaked in past the protesters and ushered in through the back of the building. A break-away group who spotted his entry surrounded his car andwaived their banners in disgust.

According tothe protesters the police, who, unlike in Sarawak, do not see it as their duty to interfere with legitimate freedom of expression, remained a good natured and supportive presence throughout. One said:

We needed that even-handed support, because ! the Univ ersity bouncers were out of order. I was roughlymanhandled out of the buildingafter taking a photograph of the Chief Minister, which was stupidas scores of his own people were filming him too.

The protester went on to say:

I am concerned that the Said Business School, which used Oxfords tradition of free speech as its excuse for taking Taib Mahmuds money and receiving him in this way, should deny us our chance to come in and voice the truth about what is happening in Sarawak. Will the School be willing to receive some speakers from Malaysias repressed opposition in the near future? or can we expect the next move to be an Honorary Doctorate for Taib Mahmud?

The image and the reality

Meanwhile, as theconference got underway, the disadvantages of the Schools modernist architecture were becoming plain to the embarrassed delegates. The great glass front to the main forumprovided an unwelcome Goldfish Bowl effect as the people outside were able to look in and photograph the awkward attempts to carry on as normal. Inside,akitsch display area, of the type favoured by Taib, promoted a tourist image of Sarawak with cuddly orang utan toys and a live Dayakmusic troupe in full national costume. They confirmed they had been transportedwith the Chief Ministers enormous cavalcade from Sarawak.

Concern about the Tanjung Manis Project

Alongside,was a mass of information about the Chief Ministers new drive to turn Malaysias Christian State into the worlds biggest Halal Products Hub, with the help of massive investment, much of it from the Middle East.

Concern soon developed among the protesters as the information available indicates that the Hub is set to destroy 70,000 more hectares of valuable mangrove area and lowland peat fo! rest zo nes, described in Tanjung Manis literature as being uselessly unproductive intheir current state. Information has leaked out that experts from Oxford University have been consulting Sarawak on this so-called Green Development Project. The questions and protests against Oxfords ill-judged event will not end here and the Tanjung ManisProject may discover that instead of finding investors onits UK trip it has acquired unwelcome notoriety instead.

Taibs Party Falls Flat

As Taib left after his speech the demonstrators success inphotographinghimboth from inside the conference halland the outside, through the glass, created havoc amongstTaibs security men. Burlesque scenes ensued as theyrushed round the building lowering blindsand pulling screens in front of the glass wallsto protect theirhorrified bossfrom the glare of unwelcome publicity.

It wasclearly a rare and unnerving experience for Taib Mahmud, a specialist in managed press and mass personal protection. As the laughter grew on the outside,his party on the insidewas publicly ruined. Thats the problem with turning up in a free country Taib and we bet you think twice about doing it again any time soon.

Awkward Exit

Filed under: corruption, Human rights, penan, Politics Tagged: Anak Sarawak Bangsa Malaysia, Malaysia Politics, Sarawak, Save Sarawak, Taib Mahmud
See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?