KUASA ANAK MUDA

PANAS!! Bendera Najib diturunkan dari PWTC..

Pertama kali dalam sejarah Malaysia kerana didorong perasaan benci dan marah bendera seorang Pemimpin UMNO yang menjadi Perdana Menteri diturunkan oleh sekumpulan anak muda..

Hari ini sekumpulan mahasiswa yang terdiri gabungan Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) dan Gerakan Menuntut Kebebasan Akademik (Bebas) dilaporkan telah bergerak menuju ke bangunan Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia (Suhakam) .


Setelah kira-kira 30 minit berdemonstrasi di kawasan pejabat Suhakam, kumpulan mahasiswa kemudiannya bergerak ke Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) untuk mengadakan demonstrasi dan menyerahkan memorandum kepada Umno.

Apa yang dilaporkan oleh The Malaysian Insider..

Polis 'mesra', bantu mahasiswa demonstrasi protes AUKU

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 Dis — Selepas insiden penahanan 15 mahasiswa yang menyertai 'flash mob' di KL Sentral Rabu lalu, polis ibu negara hari ini mempamerkan 'kelainan' apabila bukan sahaja tidak mengambil tindakan keras, malah membantu kira-kira 100 mahasiswa yang menyertai demonstrasi menuntut pemansuhan Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (AUKU).

Anggota polis yang diketuai Ketua Bahagian Ketenteraman Awam I! bu Pejab at Polis Dang Wangi, ASP W. Karthik mengawal kelancaran lalu lintas dan kumpulan pelajar tersebut sepanjang demonstrasi mereka. The Malaysian Insider difahamkan, kumpulan mahasiswa itu dibenarkan untuk meneruskan demonstrasi mereka selagi kumpulan itu tidak melibatkan penyertaan mana-mana parti politik dalam demonstrasi hari ini.

Kumpulan mahasiswa yang terdiri gabungan Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) dan Gerakan Menuntut Kebebasan Akademik (Bebas) bergerak menuju ke bangunan Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia (Suhakam) dari Masjid Jamek dengan membawa sepanduk antaranya bertulis "Mahasiswa Bukan Robot, Mansuhkan AUKU, Bebaskan Mahasiswa Berpartisan dalam Politik".

Mereka kemudiannya duduk di atas jalan raya di Jalan Sultan Ismail berhadapan bangunan Suhakam sambil diawasi kira-kira 15 anggota polis berpakaian uniform.

Kumpulan mahasiswa ini turut melaungkan "hidup-hidup, mahasiswa, hidup-hidup kebebasan, mansuhkan AUKU sambil diselang-selikan dengan ucapan daripada wakil-wakil persatuan mahasiswa daripada institusi pengajian tinggi seluruh negara.

Peserta demonstrasi tersebut dilihat turut bertengkar dengan beberapa pengguna jalan raya termasuk seorang penunggang motosikal yang tidak senang dengan tindakan mereka menghalang lalu lintas dan mengarahkan mereka ke tepi jalan.

"Woi, tepi lah! orang nak pergi kerja, janganlah duduk sini (tengah jalan)", dan kemudiannya salah seorang daripada peserta demonstrasi menjawab, "aku pun bayar cukai, suka hati lah".

Dalam demonstrasi terbabit, kumpulan ini turut menyerahkan memorandum kepada Pesuruhjaya Suhakam, Md Sha'ani Abdullah.

Dalam kenyataannya kepada media, Md Sha'ani berkata, tindakan kumpulan terbabit duduk di atas jalan raya dan menghalang lalu lintas merupakan suatu kesalahan undang-undang, tetapi kehendak mereka tidak boleh dinafikan.

"Memang tindakan mereka itu merupakan satu kesalahan, tetapi kita tidak boleh menafikan hak mereka, sebelum ini pun bel! um ada lagi orang yang ditahan kerana menghalang lalu lintas," katanya selepas sesi penyerahan memorandum.

Menurutnya, memorandum tersebut akan diteliti dan ada perkara tertakluk di bawah hak asasi manusia sejagat.

"Suhakam akan meneliti memorandum yang diserahkan, dan kami percaya pernyataan ketidak puasan hati boleh melalui pelbagai bentuk, sama seperti berdemonstrasi demi untuk menarik perhatian golongan tertentu apabila medium lain seperti surat dan sebagainya tidak mendapat respon yang sewajarnya," jelasnya.

Setelah kira-kira 30 minit berdemonstrasi di kawasan pejabat Suhakam, kumpulan mahasiswa kemudiannya bergerak ke Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) untuk mengadakan demonstrasi dan menyerahkan memorandum kepada Umno.

Samada The Malaysian Insider nmahupun Malaysiakini.. mereka tidak melapurkan satu insiden yang memalukan ini.. lihat gambar di bawah..

ANAK SUNGAI DERHAKA

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with no CONSULTATION whatsoever...

The RAHMAN prophecy certainly rings true and nigh this Christmas. And Najib , being a beneficiary of a Christian missionary school education himself, will be the last Prime Minister from UMNO/BN. That's the way I am feeling already.

I attended mass this evening and at the end of the mass a young priest read a short but crucial message from the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur to a packed cathedral from all over the world and from all walks of life, regarding Datin Seri Zavirah Mohd Shaari, a Muslim, who has been appointed principle to the SMK Bukit Nanas Convent ( here ) ! I remind you, the key words stressed were " of grave and serious trampling of religious rights of privately owned schools" and as, in the title of this post.

PM Najib as usual will play dumb because he has no idea what his cabinet or Muhiyuddin is "cooking". And 1million Catholics have a date and "an axe to grind" with Najib and UMNO come the next General Election. Wonder if, in the same vein, what UMNO would do if a non-Malay is appointed perhaps, to be the next prime minister of Malaysia ?

This issue is certainly an added bonus for conversation at all open houses this Christmas ! Way to go Rahman....erhhh.... Najib ! Just like to ! wish you and the missus a Merry Christmas ! Take care of yourself, okay.

And read ( here ) what another Muslim "orang lama" blogger writes on this topic ! Brilliant !

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UMNO Youth vs Bebas

I put forward a challenge to UMNO Youth to debate with Bebas on AUKU.
Given that most of UMNO Youth are not educated beyond Form Five.
So Khairy what do you think?

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BENDERA MUKA NAJIB DIGUGUR

 anakanak muda telah bangun

anak anak mahasiswa telah bangun
mereka telah menuntut hak
mereka mahu kebebasan

mereka sampai ke pwtcmereka menurunkan bendera gambar najib
mereka menggantikan dengan bendera KEBEBASAN

The coalition in support of academic freedom (Bebas) said today it has no qualms about apologising over an incident where a student activist had lowered and then raised Datuk Seri Najib Razak's flag in front of the Umno headquarters yesterday.

Bebas leader Safwan Anang however insisted that the student coalition had done nothing wrong, dispelling allegations that they had insulted Najib.

He told The Malaysian Insider Bebas will be meeting Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah over the matter. The incident occurred before Saifuddin accepted Bebas' memorandum yesterday.

"Actually, I do not see the action of lowering down the flag with the image of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as a big offence... one participant did it and was advised against it by security officials, and then the flag was lifted up again.

"But if some have felt that what was done was offensive, we apologise. We respected the advice of the security official at the time, we did not disobey orders," he said, adding that the flag looked better after it was raised again.

Saifuddin demanded that the group apologise over their actions last night through Twitter.

"I await their statement," Saifuddin told The Malaysian Insider today.

Student activists had admitted on Twitter yesterday that what happened was not planned, and was out of the control of the organisers.

Student activists had marched to the Umno headquarters to demand academic freedom.

****************************************************************************

I think Bebas should not apologize at all.  Many Malaysians are more than willing to burn Najib and FLOM butt if given the chance.  

If Najib thinks he can bull doze every single bill involving our rights like what Mahathir Kutty had done in the past, he is in for a big surprise.  This method is no longer acceptable.

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Sandiwara Tun Mahathir terbongkar

PETALING JAYA: Sandiwara mantan Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad berhubung pinjaman dari Bank Dunia pada sekitar tahun 1999 sudah terbongkar walaupun selama ini beliau menafikannya.

Selama ini, Mahathir menyalahkan Ketua Pembangkang Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim kononnya beliau adalah alat kepada Bank Dunia dan Tabung Kewangan Antarabangsa (IMF).

Laman web Bank Dunia mendedahkan bahawa Malaysia membuat pinjaman sebanyak tiga kali pada tahun 1999 dan sekali pada 1998 yang berjumlah AS$ 400 juta dan pinjamam itu dibuat setelah Anwar dipecat dari kabinet.

Pinjaman Mac 1999 itu atas nama projek "Malaysia Education Sector Support Project", "Malaysia Social Sector Support Project" dan

"Malaysia Year 2000 Technical Assistance Project" manakala pada 18 Jun 1998 bagi projek "Malaysia Economic Recovery and Social Sector Loan".

Tuduhan terhadap Anwar direkayasa semenjak tahun 1998 lagi lantaran komitmen beliau dalam memastikan disiplin pengurusan kewangan negara yang berteraskan tatakelola dan pertanggungjawaban, demikian menurut satu kenyataan dari pejabat Ahli Parlimen Permatang Pauh itu.

Kata kenyataan itu, Anwar bertegas menolak preskripsi ekonomi yang mahu menyelamatkan kroni dan elit politik ekonomi sedangkan rakyat perit berhadapan krisis ekonomi 1997/98.

Lantaran ketegasan beliau inilah Mahathir sebagai perdana menteri ketika itu merasakan perlu menyingkirkan beliau dari tampuk kepimpinan negara, kata kenyataan itu lagi.

Setelah lebih dari satu dekad fitnah terhadap Anwar dan keluarga beliau masih diteruskan oleh pimpinan Umno serta juak mereka.

Menurut kenyataan itu lagi, rakyat Malaysia tidak mudah lupa bagaimana Mahathir bersekongkol dengan Jack Abramoff dalam usaha beliau melobi untuk bertemu dengan Presiden Amerika Syarikat George W. Bush.

Malah menurut rekod Bank Dunia, selepas Anwar dipecat, Malaysia masih menerima bantuan Bank Dunia sedangkan di hadapan khalayak tanpa segan silu mantan Perdana Menteri itu semberono memfitnah Anwar sebagai perkakas Bank Dunia sekaligus agen Barat.

Mahathir cari alasan

Sementara itu, Naib Presiden PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar memberitahu Mahathir sekarang terkedu dan terdesak dan sedang cuba mencari alasan untuk mengalih pandangan rakyat dari isu beliau meminjam wang dari Bank Dunia pada tahun 1999.

"Rekod yang mengatakan beliau melakukan pinjaman didedahkan oleh laman web Bank Dunia dan sekarang Mahathir memikirkan cara terbaik untuk menutup pembohongan beliau iaitu memfitnah Anwar yang merupakan Menteri Kewangan ketika itu.

"Kenapa beliau takut dan kalau betul baik mengaku sahaja jangan melepaskan apa yang beliau lakukan kepada orang lain," katanya kepada harakahdaily.

Tambahnya pendedahan pinjaman itu menunjukkan ianya berlaku pada tahun 1999 iaitu selepas Anwar dipecat sebagai Menteri Kewangan dan juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

"Dulu beliau cuba tunjukkan dirinya sebagai 'hero' yang tidak akan tunduk kepada Bank Dunia yang bersikap 'kapitalis'. Tetapi sekarang segalanya terbukti bahawa Mahathir diwaktu siang beliau bermusuh dengan Bank Dunia tetapi malam menjadi teman perbualan telefon.

Mahfuz yang juga Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena berkata, rakyat sendiri boleh melihat sikap berpura-puraan dan berbohong Mahathir hanya untuk kepentingan sendiri.

Katanya, dalam isu itu Mahathir yang sepatutnya perlu bersumpah bukan Anwar, dan seluruh rakyat sedang menunggunya.

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Mahasiswa desak mansuh AUKU

Kuala Lumpur: Mahasiswa hari ini telah melakar sejarah baru dalam kamus gerakan mahasiswa, apabila mereka bangkit mendesak kerajaan agar memansuhkan Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (AUKU).

Mereka berarak dari Masjid Jamek ke Pejabat Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia (Suhakam) di sini petang semalam, demikian menurut satu kenyataan media.

Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) bersama Gerakan Menuntut Kebebasan Akademik (Bebas) bergerak dengan membawa sepanduk, "Mahasiswa Bukan Robot", "Mansuhkan AUKU", "Bebaskan Mahasiswa Berpartisan dalam Politik" serta menyatakan enam tuntutan Bebas.

Laungan keramat penuh bersemangat daripada hampir 1,000 mahasiswa, "Student Power!", "Mahasiswa Sayang Malaysia!", dan "Mansuhkan AUKU" diselangi dengan ucapan daripada wakil-wakil front mahasiswa telah bergema sepanjang jalan di ibu kota Kuala Lumpur.

Pengerusi SIGMA GAMIS, Rohayu Rusli menjelaskan bahawa hari ini anak muda Malaysia mencipta sejarah apabila telah turun ke jalanan menyatakan pendirian hak bersuara serta prinsip bahawa mahasiswa mahasiswi dan anak muda Malaysia.

"Kita tidak akan pernah berhenti menyuarakan kebenaran dan keadilan, menuntut hak yang selama ini dikekang".

"Hari ini(semalam) juga turut memperlihatkan bahawa partisipasi mahasiswi dalam himpunan, turut bersuara, turut hadir membarisi barisan anak muda, sejarah hari ini memberi amaran kepada pemerintah agar tidak bersenang lenang sedangkan rakyat dan mahasiswa dalam keperitan," katanya.

AUKU akta zalim

Sementara itu, Presiden GAMIS, Akram Ikrami Taib Azamudden semasa berucap memberitahu hari ini menyaksikan satu himpunan dan perarakan laungan kebenaran memenuhi bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

"Ini bukti bahawa mahasiswa cukup muak dan benci terhadap akta zalim yang kita tuntut untuk dimansuhkan.

GAMIS mengucapkan tahniah kepada Pengerusi Bebas, Safwan Anang yang juga merupakan Timbalan Presiden GAMIS serta seluruh pimpinan front mahasiswa yang telah menggerakkan kekuatan ahli untuk turut sama ke lapangan rakyat menyatakan pendirian kebenaran," katanya.

Setelah menyerahkan memorandum kepada wakil Suhakam, kumpulan mahasiswa kemudiannya bergerak ke PWTC untuk menyerahkan memorandum kepada wakil kerajaan.

Timbalan Menteri II Pengajian Tinggi, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah sudi turun untuk menerima memorandum Bebas.

Beliau juga berkesempatan untuk menyampaikan pidatonya yang menyokong usaha mahasiswa menuntut kebebasan akademik.

"Tahniah mahasiswa! Saya akan bersama-sama kamu semua untuk perjuangkan isu ini." ujar beliau.

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The news, BN-style – Gomen Man

DEC 18 –  I like Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He ignores reality and just keeps to his own message, regardless of the facts. At the Umno Assembly, he talked about how his beloved wife was constantly maligned and the target of unsubstantiated allegations.

Similarly, he talks about how cohesive Barisan Nasional is and the coalition is united behind one goal. What that goal is nobody knows because Umno is at best undecided about corruption while the other component parties represent the interests of the politicians who wear their colours.

Today, the Prime Minister launched some Internet TV and declared that it would be useful in the timely dissemination of news to fill in the vacuum currently occupied by inaccurate news and slander.

Strange because don't all the government mouthpiece like TV3, RTM, Utusan Malaysia, the Star already have real time presence. And yet these platforms have not been able to shape the opinion of Malaysians and clear their minds of all the slander perpetuated by the alternative media.

And as I said previously, the government has also engaged the services of several hundred cybertroopers to counter the "lies".

I dare say that this new Internet TV platform will not be successful for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, the government suffers from a major credibility deficit. Therefore anything with a whiff of government involvement suffers from the same credibility deficit. Who can trust a government which still maintains that the National Feedlot Corporation project was a success? (This is after all what Noh Omar said in Parliament)

Secondly, like all the mainstream media in the country, the mobile TV platform will definitely skew the news and paint the Opposition as the bad guys and BN as the good guys. We will have to watch Najib and other BN guys ad over and over.

Thirdly, nothing works better than the truth, giving both sides of the story and allowing Malaysians to decide for themselves what to believe. This is especially true when we can see for ourselves that this country is drifting. But the Najib administration still believes that the media should operate in the dark ages and is allergic to the truth, particularly in situations which can be embarrassing for the BN.

In short, this new mobile TV platform will paint the reality according to the government. Even in Myanmar and Russia, this approach does not work.

* Gomen Man reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

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Govt’s silence on MRT worrying, say traders

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinatown traders today repeated their call for the My Rapid Transit (MRT) tracks to be redirected away from Jalan Sultan so that their businesses remain unaffected.

However according to traders representative Thomas Tan, the government did not appear to be interested in realigning the tracks.

This, he said, could be seen by the manner various government departments giving the traders the cold shoulder when it came to track realignment.

"They totally brushed us (traders) off (over realignment)," he said, referring to MRT Corp, the government-owned company in charge of the project.

"Until today, they do not want to talk to us about realignment."

He said this at an event at the Chinese Assembly Hall here which addressed the issue of MRT realignment.

Equally worrying, Tan added, was the Land Office's silence over the feared government acquisition of the MRT-affected lots along Jalan Sultan.

Some traders, he added, were still asked by the Land Office to send in valuation reports of their properties, even though they were previously assured by the Prime Minister's Department that acquisition would not take place.

"We have sent a memorandum to the Land Office in Putrajaya, asking them to de-gazette the lots. It has been six weeks (since we did so)."

"We're not sure why they don't want to respond. At least they should lend us their ears," he told FMT.

Tan added that if the Land Office was to de-gazette their lots, the Land Acquisition Act would not apply to the grabbing of their properties.

Dozens of lot-owners in Jalan Sultan and Bukit Bintang were told that their buildings were going to be taken through land acquisition in mid-August for the construction of underground MRT tunnels.

Unhappy with being notified about the matter at the very last minute, the lot-owners took their grouses to politicians, and warned the government not to grab their land by force.

Support from Chinese reps

Tan added that if it was not for local activists such as the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), the lots would have been snapped up by October this year.

"They are still trying to take our property. (But) they are holding back," he told a 60-strong crowd, all representatives of various Chinese associations.

The representatives later gave their support to the traders, by signing their names on an "MRT realignment" banner.

KLSCAH secretary-general Stanley Yong said that though aware of the issue, not many people felt that the MRT land acquisition issue was of much importance.

He said that KLSCAH was working to get the support of the many member bodies registered under its wing for a "stronger mandate" over the matter.

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PERKASA menghina kaum India

Kenyataan media oleh V. Sivakumar di Buntong pada hari Ahad, 18^hb Disember 2011:

PERKASA menghina kaum India

Pertubuhan Pembela Hak Orang Melayu (PERKASA) sekali lagi cuba ungkitkan isu berbau perkauman yang cukup sensitif. Ini adalah berhubung dengan keputusan Putrajaya menarik balik novel 'Interlok' sebagai teks sastera. PERKASA cuba membela seorang penulis tetapi menghina keseluruhan kaum India di negara ini. Perkasa menghina kaum India sebagai gologan minoriti yang sudah besar kepala. Setiasausaha Agung PERKASA Syed Hassan Syed Ali menunjukkan rasa kesal dan kecewa terhadap kerajaan kerana menggugurkan novel kontroversial Interlok yang menghina kaum India. Beliau berkata, kerajaan terlalu lemah dan gagal mempertahankan tekanan daripada golongan minoriti yang besar kepala. Beliau juga membuat kenyataan bahawa 'Ini sangat biadap. Kerana undi kaum India, maruah penulis Melayu terhina'.

Beliau juga menambah bahawa apa yang tertera dalam novel tersebut yang menjadi bahan kontroversi sejak awal tahun ini, adalah fakta. Apa maksudnya dengan perkataan 'fakta' ini? PERKASA cuba mengukuhkan kenyataan-kenyataan novel Interlok itu sebagai satu kebenaran yang tidak boleh dinafikan. Dalam kata lain, PERKASA menyokong Interlok dan menghina kaum India sebagai Pariah.

Apakah tindakan yang akan diambil oleh kerajaan terhadap PERKASA yang terang-terang menghina kaum India di negara ini sebagai Pariah dengan mengatakan itu adalah fakta. Bukankah ini satu kenyataan yang boleh mewujudkan perpecahan yang mengancam perpaduan negara. Kenyataan beliau mengandungi 3 unsur perkauman yang menghina orang-orang India :

1. Golongan minoriti yang besar kepala

2. Ini sangat biadap

3. Perkara kontroversi dalam Interlok adalah fakta

Ketiga-tiga ungkapan ini adalah terlalu sensitif yang bertujuan untuk membarakan semangat perkauman. Apakah tindakan yang akan diambil oleh jaguh-jaguh MIC terhadap PERKASA yang terang-terang menghina pimpinan mereka dan kaum India secara umumnya?

Dalam isu 'Black Matallic' di Perak, puak MIC melompat-lompat untuk membuat laporan polis di merata tempat terhadap YB Nga Kor Ming walaupun beliau langsung tidak menghina kaum India dalam ucapannya. Apakah pula gelagat puak MIC ini dalam adengan baru PERKASA yang jelas menghina kaum India? Rakyat seluruh negara sedang memerhatikan bagaimana MIC akan bertindak dalam hal ini.

---

* V. Sivakumar , Timbalan Pengerusi DAP Negeri Perak & ADUN kawasan Tronoh

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The government should tender a public apology over the Interlok controversy

Media statement released by M.Kula Segaran from an international meeting on the International Criminal Court at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA on Sunday, 18^th December 2011:

The government should tender a public apology over the Interlok controversy

DAP welcomes the long overdue decision by the government to withdraw the Interlok as school literature text.

Nevertheless, it was a mistake in the first place to have allowed usage of the book as a school text.

The government committed another mistake when it dragged its feet on the Interlok controversy and had stubbornly refused to withdraw the novel despite strong and persistent demands from Pakatan Rakyat, NGOs, the Indian and Chinese community.

The Indian community was especially angered with the novel's factual inaccuracies and demeaning words.

On March 30, Chinese groups had also joined the Indian community and voiced their strong objections against the continued usage of the novel.

I reproduce below an extract of media report of the stand and views taken by the groups:-

In a statement today, Chinese associations from across Malaysia said the book was not only offensive to Indians but Chinese as well, as it depicted the character Kim Lock as a "miserly opium addict and callous adulterer" and his son, Cing Huat, as "cunning, greedy, unscrupulous and someone who would happily sell his daughters".

"Interlok" in its totality propagates the ideology of ketuanan Melayu. In our considered opinion, this novel is not only unhealthy but an insidious poison," the statement said.

"In fact, "Interlok" is barely a step away from the Biro Tata Negara (BTN) brainwashing that promotes racism and disunity."Interlok" conveys the central message that Chinese, Indian and other minorities are second-class citizens in addition to perpetuating the divisive notion of a host community (the Malays) versus foreigners ("bangsa asing" Cina dan India )."

The groups also condemned the "major thread" in the book, which depicts the Chinese "cheating and oppressing" Malays or as "nasty and immoral" communist guerrillas.

The statement was signed by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), LLG Cultural Development Centre, Malaysian-China Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Chinese Associations Johor, the Penang Chinese Town Hall and 40 others, including the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) and several Indian organizations.

It has baffled many why the government has not been able to see what is so simple and obvious and do what is right and necessary- that the book is not suitable at all as a school text and the only acceptable solution must be to withdraw it from the school.

There is no doubt that the decision by the government to finally withdraw the novel is related to the next general election which is expected to be held soon.

Although the government leaders will not admit it openly, they know that the Interlok controversy which DAP has declared will be made as one of the main issues in the next general election will have impact on the Indian voter support for the government.

The government's decision can therefore be described as a people victory.

In this regard, NIAT and its president Datuk Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim who have been pursuing the issue relentlessly and fearlessly deserve to be commended.

As Interlok's usage as a school text was against the educational guidelines, the government must investigate how this had happened and take the necessary action against the "little Napoleons" involved.

The government should also tender a public apology over the Interlok controversy--firstly for having allowed usage of a novel which contents have hurt the sensitivities of the Indian and Chinese communities and secondly, for dragging its feet in resolving the controversy.

---

* M. Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Ipoh Barat

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The Defence Minister must explain the 50% increase in the cost of 6 naval patrol vessels from RM6 billion to RM9 billion

Media statement by Tony Pua Kiam Wee in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 18^th December 2011:

The Defence Minister must explain the 50% increase in the cost of 6 naval patrol vessels from RM6 billion to RM9 billion

On February 5^th this year, Defence Minister Dato' Seri Zahid Hamidi announced that the Government has approved RM6 billion for the Royal Malaysian Navy to acquire 6 second generation patrol vessels to be built by Boustead Naval Shipyards.

In defending the RM6 billion deal in parliament, the Minister had claimed that these patrol vessels were no ordinary ships but were advanced warships known as "littoral combatant ships" (LCS).

Datuk Seri Zahid had in March claimed that the LCS is "bigger and faster" and "it is also equipped with three-dimensional warfare equipment like cannons, missiles and torpedoes" which are able to take on jets, ships and submarines respectively.

He argued that "with the rapid development of technology, the RMN would need an LCS with state-of-the-art equipment like the sonar system for submarine detection and anti-submarine torpedoes, which would help in the operation of the two RMN submarines to safeguard the sovereignty of national maritime areas."

The LCS is indeed a technologically advanced patrol vessel currently only acquired and deployed by the United States (US) in the world. The US owns 2 of these ships - USS Independence and USS Freedom while Malaysia is seeking to acquire 6 of these LCS.

While the price of the ships was not "final" in February, it has come as a shock when Boustead announced on Bursa Malaysia that the contract which was just signed last week is now valued at RM9 billion or 50% higher that what was approved earlier this year by the Government.

The Minister must explain why has the price for each ship increased by RM500 million or RM3 billion in total for the 6 ships suddenly, well above the original approved budget. For example, has the specification for the ships been "improved" further since Dato' Seri Zahid's reply in Parliament - which was then already the most technologically advanced patrol vessel - which justified the whopping increase in price?

Boustead Naval Shipyard, previously known as PSC Naval Dockyards which delivered the previous 6 naval patrol vessels at RM6.75 billion or 26.2% above the original contract price of RM5.35 billion. The ships were also delivered only after a 2 year delay and hundreds of defects.

In the 2006 Auditor-General Report, the Ministry of Defence was faulted for the dubious award of contract to an obviously unqualified contractor, the failure of technical and financial management, hefty illegitimate contract price increases, undocumented and overpayment, unjustifiable waiver of penalties, and a complete failure of ministry oversight. The Defence Ministry was then headed by Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Such a track record does not give Malaysians any amount of confidence that history will not repeat itself. With such a rapid increase in budget by RM3 billion before even the start of construction of these ships, can the current Defence Minister assure Malaysians that these ships will not suffer the same disgraceful fate as the earlier ships?

As Defence expenditure in Malaysia remains highly opaque, with Malaysia ranked "medium to low" in transparency by Transparency International, we continue to call for a Parliamentary Oversight Committee to review and approve defence expenditure as practiced in all developed countries. The expenditure involved billions of ringgit in acquisitions annually, hence the sheer lack of transparency leads only to poor accountability, and more often than not, massive leakages and over-spending. These leakages must be plugged to ensure that the country doesn't become bankrupt by 2019 as speculated by Minister in Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Idris Jala.

---

* Tony Pua Kiam Wee, DAP National Publicity Secretary & MP for Petaling Jaya Utara

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Rain in my HEart, but...

About one year ago, I lost a childhood friend to cancer of the large intestine. He suffered in pain for about six months, and God in His great mercy, relieved the patent of his pain by taking him away permanently as far as this earthly life is concerned from us close friends. But I know he's now resting in peace in a better place.

This morning I "lost" another friend, but this time only temporarily as Coww left KLIA in the wee hours of the morning for Tahiti. The Chinese community in the island state must have enjoyed Coww's story telling, about the man who gave his life by another painful death on the cross, so that mortals like us can have "eternal" life, as Pastor Coww would assure his close circle of friends who enjoyed the way he telss stories from the holy book.

So I sms-ed Coww last night that it's just adieu, and not goodbye, and while we wouldn't be having our PnC chats over tehtarik at Temiang Corner, or chuKIOKsin at men kee for sometime, I wish him Godspeed.

But I must admit that I shall "miss" Coww's counselling on matters on the HEart, soul and spirit. And Desi, like most mortals, do suffer pain in his many ups and downs striving to stay close to the straight and narrow path in Life's so unpredictable journey.

Yes, there is "rain in my heart" whenver I bid goOdbye, permanent or temporary, to mates I have grown to have felt close cemistry. Sometimes, we don't even say much to each other, the camaraderie over a meal was music enough to enhance Life's melody.


So this morning, I rose earlier than usual and planned killing time at the flea market nigh the Furong Pasar Besar. If thou knowth not where Furong is, please get the hear out of Hell! before I yell beneath my breathless heart, "SEREMBAN-lah, you Ignoramus!" Hey, please bear with Desi's knotty ways.

After some 15minustes, I spied a greAt novel whch I had had seen the movie version of. Oh yes, "Dr Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak brings back fond and fonder and fondest memories of laterpath of chil! dhood, t eenage passion and early adulthood because "nary is dare a care in a young one's heart" when you don't have to earn your peanut butter -- three layers! -- on toast bread. And we still had time to see the damsels' feet, "how they can dance", with thanks to WH Davies. Those were the days we by-hearted luvly poems and drew Hollywood film stars copied from Movie News! Hey, whoever stoile my masterpieces of Elvis Presley and Olivia Husley, please retrun them to me, OK! I may even pay you a small angpow and spare with the chasticement. No sermons from Desi -- I am not elder Coww!

So here's the Lara's theme from Dr Zhivago:)

FRANK SINATRA
"Somewhere My Love"

(P.F. Webster, M. Jarre)

Send "Somewhere My Love" Ringtone to your Cell

[Recorded November 17, 1966, Hollywood]

Somewhere, my love, there will be songs to sing
Although the snow covers the hopes of Spring
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are dreams, all that your heart can hold
Someday we'll meet again, my love
Someday whenever the Spring breaks through

You'll come to me out of the long-ago
Warm as the wind, soft as the kiss of snow
Till then,! my swee t, think of me now and then
Godspeed, my love, till you are mine again

[jazz instrumental-first four lines]

Someday we'll meet again, my love
I said "someday whenever that Spring breaks through"

You'll come to me out of the long-ago
Warm as the wind, and as soft as the kiss of snow
Till then, my sweet, think of me now and then
Godspeed, my love, till you are mine again!

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Najib defends his 1Malaysia concept

SERI KEMBANGAN: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said today that 1Malaysia is a philosophy and not a mere slogan, stressing that it can transform the mindset of Malaysians towards building the country into a highly-developed nation by 2020.

He said that if Malaysians understood what was needed to hold the country together, they would realise the importance of giving continuous support to the government which had long and proven experience in building the nation.

"I believe we can achieve prosperity and become a strong country if all Malaysians embrace the notion of the 1Malaysia philosophy," he said in his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia's (Hua Zong) new building, here.

The RM55 million project, expected to be completed in two years, comprises a Chinese museum, library, reading room, information and research rooms, meeting rooms, a conference hall and a multi-purpose banquet hall.

The prime minister also announced RM5 million in government contribution for the project, of which RM2.5 million will be made available next year and the balance in 2013.

The prime minister also said that the government had agreed in principle with Hua Zong's request that tax exemption benefits be extended to those who had donated funds the project.

Najib also said Malaysia was facing a long journey and that "to reach our next destination, we need to have long-term policies that can benefit people from all walks of life."

"We cannot have short-term policies; we cannot promise the sun, moon and the galaxy.

"It is the responsibility of the government to stay on course and to continue helping the people. As one nation, 1Malaysia, it gives us the strength to overcome future challenges," he said.

The prime minister said the government's long-term policies had been proven to be effective in helping Malaysia face the economic crises of 1997 and 2009.

"The journey has been very challenging and filled with obstacles but each time we face a major crisis, we manage to overcome it because we have confidence in the way the government tackles it.

"This is also due to the people supporting the policies of the government which have brought about stability and prosperity in the country," he said.

- Bernama

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PM, DPM’s aides accused of corruption...

Allegations of corruption against top government officials, including two aides linked to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, have surfaced in an anonymous blog.

Written by one "TheWhistleblower711"(read posting below), the blog claims to have evidence – in the form of documents and informants – to also implicate a deputy minister of improper conduct.

The blog has so far named three government officials whom the author claimed have been "bought" by one businessman for the purpose of obtaining contracts from the federal government and its agencies.

The author claimed that the businessman, whom he identified as a managing director of two companies and who is also an Umno leader in Johor, had been channellling several thousands of "monthly contributions" to the government officials.

Proof of these contributions was published in the blog in the form of scans of several cash deposit slips, together with serial numbers. These were alleged to be the personal accounts of the government officials.

T! he two a ides were described by TheWhistleblower711 as "highly-placed, influential" government officials who have "full access" to the nation's top leadership.

Najib's aide, TheWhistleblower711 claimed, had been receiving monthly contributions of RM5,000 from the businessman amounting to RM170,000 as of May 2011. The contributions had allegedly started since August 2008.

The author claimed that the modus operandi of the businessman was to issue and cash out the cheques at a well-known bank. Then a deposit, of either a partial or full amount, would be put into the personal accounts of the government officials. (However, the cheques were never "physically" cashed out but contra with the deposit.)

As for Muhyiddin's aide, the author said he had been receiving RM10,000 monthly contributions since February, 2010. The amount added up to RM160,000 as of May 2011. Tip of the iceberg

For the deputy minister, TheWhistleblower711 claimed that the politician, who is also a senator, had been receiving contributions of RM10,000 since January 2011, from the same individual.

TheWhistleblower711 claimed that the businessman had obtained contracts for the maintenance of two federal government buildings in Johor and a few days later, a sum of RM80,000, which was issued by the businessman's company in the form of two cheques, was contra with a deposit to the deputy minister's personal account.

The author asked: "If these deposits are legit, why would the cheques be 'cashed out' and then contra with a deposit ! to the r eceivers' account? What are the roles played by these two government officials…for them to receive monthly salary…?"

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), according to TheWhistleblower711, has been informed of the matter several months ago. However, the author added: "To date, we have not seen any concrete action being taken against the perpetrators – both the giver and the takers."

Promising more postings, the author, who said he would be invoking the new Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, added: "This is just the tip of the iceberg; more and more information is still being gathered by my sources and informers. The web weaved here is far more complex than anyone can imagine."

Contacted by FMT, the author declined to reveal more information. In an e-mail reply, TheWhistleblower711 said:

"For now I would appreciate it if you could just cite my blog as your source of information and publish it in your online news. I hope you do understand my predicament. I have many people to protect so that information will keep pouring in."

"All I'm asking is a truly fair and just investigation to be conducted by the MACC regardless of who is involved even if it is the prime minister himself. The Attorney-General's Chambers must not be selective in making prosecution," said TheWhistleblower711.

When contacted, Najib's press secretary, Joan Lai, declined to comment on the allegations: "This is an era of allegations! in anon ymous blogs. I'm not going to comment on anything. Thanks for calling."

source:FMT

CORRUPTION WITHIN CORRUPTION - PRELUDE

CORRUPTION WITHIN CORRUPTION – CHAPTER 2 THE SECRETARY

cheers.

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Cabar Raja Nong Chik Bertanding di Titiwangsa

Rasanya, baru-baru ini, Raja Nong Chik ada mencabar Anwar Ibrahim bertanding di Lembah Pantai. Cabaran tersebut dibuat kerana menjawab cabaran Nurul Izzah kepada Najib Tun Razak untuk bertanding di Lembah Pantai.

Rasanya, Nong Chik sendiri tidak layak bertanding di Lembah Pantai. Dia wajib bertanding di Parlimen Titiwangsa kerana beliau wajib bertangunggjawab terhadap dosa beliau menggadai tanah Kampung Baru.

Silalah tuan/puan pembaca menatap gambar2 di bawah. Rasanya tak berani Nong Chik ni nak bertanding Titiwangsa.

Tulang Besi

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DR M PUN NAK JADI SESUMPAH JUGA?

IMF: Tun Mahathir cuba alih isu

Muhamad Faizal

Mantan Perdana Menteri Tun Mahathir Mohamad dilihat berada dalam keadaan terdesak dan tertekan apabila tindakan beliau meminjam dari Bank Dunia sudah terbongkar walaupun selama ini beliau menafikannya. Ketika dihubungi harakahdaily, Naib Presiden PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar memberitahu Mahathir sekarang terkedu dan terdesak dan sedang cuba mencari alasan untuk mengalih pandangan rakyat dari isu beliau meminjam wang dari Bank Dunia pada tahun 1999. "Rekod yang mengatakan beliau melakukan pinjaman juga telah didedahkan oleh laman web Bank Dunia dan sekarang Mahathir memikirkan cara terbaik untuk menutup pembohongan beliau iaitu memfitnah Anwar yang merupakan Menteri Kewangan krtika itu. "Kenapa beliau takut dan kalau betul baik mengaku sahaja jangan melepaskan apa yang beliau lakukan kepada orang lain," katanya. Tambahnya lagi pendedahan pinjaman itu menunjukkan ianya berlaku pada tahun 1999 iaitu selepas Anwar dipecat sebagai Menteri Kewangan dan juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri. Laman web Bank Dunia mendedahkan bahawa Malaysia membuat pinjaman sebanyak tiga kali pada tahun 1999 dan sekali pada 1998 yang berjumlah AS$ 400 juta dan pinjamam itu dibuat setelah Anwar dipecat dari kabinet. Pinjam an Mac 1999 itu atas nama projek "Malaysia Education Sector Support Project", "Malaysia Social Sector Support Project" dan "Malaysia Year 2000 Technicial Assistance Project" manakala pada 18 Jun 1998 bagi projek "Malaysia Economic Recovery and Social Sector Loan". "Dulu beliau cuba tunjukkan dirinya sebagai 'hero' yang tidak akan tunduk kepada Bank Dunia yang bersikap 'kapitalis'. "Tetapi sekarang segalanya terbukti bahawa Mahathir diwaktu siang beliau bermusuh dengan Bank Dunia tetapi malam menjadi teman perbualan telefon. Mahfuz yang juga Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena berkata, rakyat sendiri boleh melihat sikap berpura-puraan dan berbohong Mahathir hanya untuk kepentingan sendiri. Katanya, dalam isu itu Mahathir yang sepatutnya perlu bersumpah bukan Anwar, dan seluruh rakyat sedang menunggunya. "Beliau sepatutnya bersumpah yang beliau tidak pernah memohon bantuan dari Bank Dunia, dan jika laporan tersebut itu tidak benar maka beliau perlu mengambil tindakan undang-undang. "Tapi adakah beliau seberani itu untuk bertindak, yang saya pasti beliau akan terus menyerang Anwar kerana baginya isu Bank Dunia sewaktu Anwar berada dalam kabinet beliau," kata Mahfuz.

 

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Sodomy 2 - Brace for far-reaching aftershocks...

The verdict on Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial next month has become a paradox for Pakatan Rakyat as many opposition leaders believe that his conviction and imprisonment will massively strengthen Pakatan Rakyat's chances of capturing Putrajaya in the next general election.

On the flip side, should Anwar unexpectedly be acquitted, it may turn out to be good news for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as it will enhance his reformist image which he has been working hard to portray.

The PKR de facto leader will know his fate on Jan 9 when the Kuala Lumpur High Court delivers its verdict on his second sodomy charge.

If Anwar is found guilty, PKR vice-president N Surendran (right) pointed out that bail should be extended pending appeal according to normal legal procedures and principles of justice.

"But in Anwar's case, everything is not normal. He was denied bail in 1999 (after convicted for corruption). It is not impossible for a similar scenario to happen again... they are capable of doing so," the human rights lawyer told Malaysiakini yesterday.

In 1999, when the Reformasi movement against the BN government reached its peak, Anwar was sentenced to s! ix years in prison for corruption and subsequently slapped with another nine-year jail term for sodomy in 2000.

He was put behind bars during his appeal, although the Federal Court overturned his sodomy conviction in 2004.

Surendran predicted that people will be outraged should Anwar be convicted and jailed again.

"Anwar is the opposition leader, not just an ordinary person. Nowadays people are aware. They realise the role of the opposition leader. If the opposition leader cannot play his role, eventually the people will suffer," he said.

Boost for Pakatan

Another PKR vice-president, Tian Chua, shared this view, believing that the conviction followed by imprisonment will give Pakatan a boost in the general election.

"It will create another political tsunami... Every party member, supporters and most of the fence-sitter will vote for the opposition because they will know that the only way to free Anwar is to change the government," he explained.

Both agreed that Anwar will be the single largest issue during the election should the history of 1999 repeat.

When it was pointed out that the attention and responses to the second sodomy trial were relatively less compared with the first, which saw continual demonstrations during the trial, the duo argued that the political scenario has changed significantly in the past decade.

"Because now the people are clear on what they want to do. This time they see clearly what they can do through the ballot box. They will express their protest through the ballot," said Surendran.

This was echoed by Tian (left) who said that back in 1998, Malaysians did not believe that change could be done through votes, but the perception had completely changed after the 2008 general polls.

In addition, many of those who led the demonstrations then are now occupied with their duties as state government officials or lawmakers, the Batu MP added.

Tian was one of the activists leading the Reformasi movement in 1998 and a founder of Parti Keadilan Nasional, later known as PKR.

Surendran expected the support to Anwar will be greater than it was in the late 1990s because the Reformasi movement then only involved the Malays, but now the struggle of PKR and Pakatan has cut across all ethnic groups.

However, Tian, who was once PKR strategy director, was of the view that Umno and BN president Najib Abdul Razak would prefer Anwar to be freed by the court.

"Since the Bersih 2.0 demonstration, Najib has been trying to portray himself as a reformist through the issues of electoral reform, implementation of indelible ink and reforming assembly rights.

"But he will have to risk the backlash from Umno conservatives and (former prime minister Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad)," he said.!

Najib could strike a balance, Tian observed, if the court convicts Anwar but allows him out on bail until after the general election.

"If BN obtains a marginal victory in the general election, jailing Anwar will hamstring the opposition's influence; if BN wins big, acquitting him will not harm BN," he said.

Sympathy votes

Some political pundits held the same view that it is better for Najib to fight Pakatan in the 13th general election without the factor of sympathy votes resulting from Anwar's conviction.

"Without sympathy votes, the opposition is only left with the issue of corruption, but Najib can easily counter that by dropping or charging several leaders such as (Umno Wanita chief) Shahrizat (Abdul Jalil) (left) and announcing more cosmetic reforms.

"By doing that, he can regain a few percent of the voters in the middle ground," said an observer.

On whether Najib or Umno think that having Anwar in jail will handicap the leadership or administration of Pakatan such as the ongoing seat negotiations, both Surendran and Tian disagreed.

According to them, the impact of Anwar's imprisonment to the opposition coalition will be minimal as the preparation for the general election is almost complete.

"Of course there wi! ll be so me problems but they are not major... Pakatan is functioning better than it was before 2008. The structure of an alternative government is clearly in place," said Surendran.

source:malaysiakini

cheers.

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Malaysia a ‘deathly’ destination for migrant workers

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has become a more dangerous destination for migrant workers with the recent passed amendments to the Employment Act, said migrant rights group Tenaganita to mark the International Migrants Day today.

Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said the Malaysian government, already known for its dismal track record in migrant workers care, would subject them to further abuses with the amendments by legalising outsourcing.

"The recent amendments passed in Parliament to the Employment Act 1955 not only institutionalize outsourcing by recognizing labour contractors as 'employers' but also legalize forced labour through such form of employment.

"It is a known fact that the current form of outsourcing of workers through licensed companies has brought about clear conditions of slavery and forced labour where principal employers hold no responsibility to the workers," said Fernandez in a statement.

The controversial amendments were passed in Parliament amid widespread protest by the opposition and unions who interpreted the changes as "pro-employers" and would "legalise discrimination in work places".

The Najib administration, however, unheeded the calls for the amendments to be withdrawn and maintained the changes were good for the protection of workers.

Slavery and deaths

But Fernandez detested the supposed safeguards promised by the government, citing the thousands of abuse cases through the outsourcing process reported to the Tenaganita as proof of the ongoing violation of migrant workers' rights.

"All the workers complained of non-payment of wages, some of them not paid for more than a year; many were locked up in the dormitories provided for by the outsourcing companies.

"Many of the workers had their wages deducted, some for as much as RM35 merely for water; and all of them had their passports in the control of the outsourcing company. These complaints amount to conditions of forced labour".

Fernandez also reminded the government that it has done least to curb abuses of domestic workers that have led to hundreds of deaths being merely categorised as "sudden deaths", without shedding light to the "horrific" conditions of their workplace and stay.

She also cited the Malaysia's poor track record in dealing with human trafficking which provides employers with "slave labours" with no rights safeguards that "bonds them to conditions equivalent to forced labour and slavery".

"We therefore mark International Migrants Day today by calling on the government to end its complicity in violence and slavery. We take note of this day to strongly urge 'sending countries' to see Malaysia for what it is – a destination country that facilitates the degradation of rights and dignity of migrants," said Fernandez

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Women over 50

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what 60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney thinks about women over 50.... As I grow in age, I value women over 50 most of all.
Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 50 will never wake you in the middle of the night & ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 50 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She goes and does something, she wants to do, & it's usually more interesting.

Women over 50 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved.
They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age.
You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 50.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 50 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest..
They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 50 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 50, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say,
'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free??Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!?

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PM, DPM’s aides accused of taking kickbacks

KUALA LUMPUR: Allegations of corruption against top government officials, including two aides linked to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, have surfaced in an anonymous blog.

Written by one "TheWhistleblower711", the blog claims to have evidence – in the form of documents and informants – to also implicate a deputy minister of improper conduct.

The blog has so far named three government officials whom the author claimed have been "bought" by one businessman for the purpose of obtaining contracts from the federal government and its agencies.

The author claimed that the businessman, whom he identified as a managing director of two companies and who is also an Umno leader in Johor, had been channellling several thousands of "monthly contributions" to the government officials.

Proof of these contributions was published in the blog in the form of scans of several cash deposit slips, together with serial numbers. These were alleged to be the personal accounts of the
government officials.

The two aides were described by TheWhistleblower711 as "highly-placed, influential" government officials who have "full access" to the nation's top leadership.

Najib's aide, TheWhistleblower711 claimed, had been receiving monthly contributions of RM5,000 from the businessman amounting to RM170,000 as of May 2011. The contributions had allegedly started since August 2008.

The author claimed that the modus operandi of the businessman was to issue and cash out the cheques at a well-known bank. Then a deposit, of either a partial or full amount, would be put into the personal accounts of the government officials. (However, the cheques were never "physically" cashed out but contra with the deposit.)

As for Muhyiddin's aide, the author said he had been receiving RM10,000 monthly contributions since February, 2010. The amount added up to RM160,000 as of May 2011.

Tip of the iceberg

For the deputy minister, TheWhistleblower711 claimed that the politician, who is also a senator, had been receiving contributions of RM10,000 since January 2011, from the same individual.

TheWhistleblower711 claimed that the businessman had obtained contracts for the maintenance of two federal government buildings in Johor and a few days later, a sum of RM80,000, which was issued by the businessman's company in the form of two cheques, was contra with a deposit to the deputy minister's personal account.

The author asked: "If these deposits are legit, why would the cheques be 'cashed out' and then contra with a deposit to the receivers' account? What are the roles played by these two government officials…for them to receive monthly salary…?"

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), according to TheWhistleblower711, has been informed of the matter several months ago. However, the author added: "To date, we have not seen any concrete action being taken against the perpetrators – both the giver and the takers."

Promising more postings, the author, who said he would be invoking the new Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, added: "This is just the tip of the iceberg; more and more information is still being gathered by my sources and informers. The web weaved here is far more complex than anyone can imagine."

Contacted by FMT, the author declined to reveal more information. In an e-mail reply, TheWhistleblower711 said: "For now I would appreciate it if you could just cite my blog as your source of information and publish it in your online news. I hope you do understand my
predicament. I have many people to protect so that information will keep pouring in."

"All I'm asking is a truly fair and just investigation to be conducted by the MACC regardless of who is involved even if it is the prime minister himself. The Attorney-General's Chambers must not be selective in making prosecution," said TheWhistleblower711.

When contacted, Najib's press secretary, Joan Lai, declined to comment on the allegations: "This is an era of allegations in anonymous blogs. I'm not going to comment on anything. Thanks for calling."

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The misconception about politicians and government

Charlie Chaplin was right to say "we are not machine, we are not cattle, WE ARE MEN,"
But the men in Malaysia are the Malays who are not from UMNO, who need to voice and take a BIG STAND.

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Save Malaysia

We must work together to save this country from 54 years of abuse and corruption.The day the people have the say in this country, that will be the day we can reveal all the evidences of corruption.The person we need to prosecute first are Mahathir Kutty, Nor Yaakob, Zeti and Gani Patail who together have transfered out RM185 billion into their secret accounts.Daim has repeatedly said that history will judge these people for the real them.

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Fragile and unbalanced in 2012

NEW YORK: The outlook for the global economy in 2012 is clear, but it isn't pretty: recession in Europe, anemic growth at best in the United States, and a sharp slowdown in China and in most emerging-market economies.

Asian economies are exposed to China. Latin America is exposed to lower commodity prices (as both China and the advanced economies slow). Central and Eastern Europe are exposed to the eurozone.

And turmoil in the Middle East is causing serious economic risks – both there and elsewhere – as geopolitical risk remains high and thus high oil prices will constrain global growth.

At this point, a eurozone recession is certain. While its depth and length cannot be predicted, a continued credit crunch, sovereign-debt problems, lack of competitiveness, and fiscal austerity imply a serious downturn.

The US – growing at a snail's pace since 2010 – faces considerable downside risks from the eurozone crisis.

It must also contend with significant fiscal drag, ongoing deleveraging in the household sector (amid weak job creation, stagnant incomes, and persistent downward pressure on real estate and financial wealth), rising inequality, and political gridlock.

Elsewhere among the major advanced economies, the United Kingdom is double dipping, as front-loaded fiscal consolidation and eurozone exposure undermine growth. In Japan, the post-earthquake recovery will fizzle out as weak governments fail to implement structural reforms.

Meanwhile, flaws in China's growth model are becoming obvious. Falling property prices are starting a chain reaction that will have a negative effect on developers, investment, and government revenue.

The construction boom is starting to stall, just as net exports have become a drag on growth, owing to weakening US and especially eurozone demand. Having sought to cool the property market by reining in runaway prices, Chinese leaders will be hard put to restart growth.

They are not alone. On the policy side, the US, Europe, and Japan, too, have been postponing the serious economic, fiscal, and financial reforms that are needed to restore sustainable and balanced growth.

Trade wars

Private- and public-sector deleveraging in the advanced economies has barely begun, with balance sheets of households, banks and financial institutions, and local and central governments still strained.

Only the high-grade corporate sector has improved. But, with so many persistent tail risks and global uncertainties weighing on final demand, and with excess capacity remaining high, owing to past over-investment in real estate in many countries and China's surge in manufacturing investment in recent years, these companies' capital spending and hiring have remained muted.

Rising inequality – owing partly to job-slashing corporate restructuring – is reducing aggregate demand further, because households, poorer individuals, and labour-income earners have a higher marginal propensity to spend than corporations, richer households, and capital-income earners.

Moreover, as inequality fuels popular protest around the world, social and political instability could pose an additional risk to economic performance.

At the same time, key current-account imbalances – between the US and China (and other emerging-market economies), and within the eurozone between the core and the periphery – remain large.

Orderly adjustment requires lower domestic demand in over-spending countries with large current-account deficits and lower trade surpluses in over-saving countries via nominal and real currency appreciation.

To maintain growth, over-spending countries need nominal and real depreciation to improve trade balances, while surplus countries need to boost domestic demand, especially consumption.

But this adjustment of relative prices via currency movements is stalled, because surplus countries are resisting exchange-rate appreciation in favor of imposing recessionary deflation on deficit countries.

The ensuing currency battles are being fought on several fronts: foreign-exchange intervention, quantitative easing, and capital controls on inflows. And, with global growth weakening further in 2012, those battles could escalate into trade wars.

A bumpy year

Finally, policymakers are running out of options.

Currency devaluation is a zero-sum game, because not all countries can depreciate and improve net exports at the same time.

Monetary policy will be eased as inflation becomes a non-issue in advanced economies (and a lesser issue in emerging markets).

But monetary policy is increasingly ineffective in advanced economies, where the problems stem from insolvency – and thus creditworthiness – rather than liquidity.

Meanwhile, fiscal policy is constrained by the rise of deficits and debts, bond vigilantes, and new fiscal rules in Europe.

Backstopping and bailing out financial institutions is politically unpopular, while near-insolvent governments don't have the money to do so.

And, politically, the promise of the G-20 has given way to the reality of the G-0: weak governments find it increasingly difficult to implement international policy coordination, as the worldviews, goals, and interests of advanced economies and emerging markets come into conflict.

As a result, dealing with stock imbalances – the large debts of households, financial institutions, and governments – by papering over solvency problems with financing and liquidity may eventually give way to painful and possibly disorderly restructurings.

Likewise, addressing weak competitiveness and current-account imbalances requires currency adjustments that may eventually lead some members to exit the eurozone.

Restoring robust growth is difficult enough without the ever-present specter of deleveraging and a severe shortage of policy ammunition.

But that is the challenge that a fragile and unbalanced global economy faces in 2012. To paraphrase Bette Davis in All About Eve, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy year!"

Nouriel Roubini is Chairman of Roubini Global Economics and professor at the Stern School of Business, New York University.

-Project Syndicate

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