It just occurred to me that the Australian tabloid's tagline was "Stories start here."
I figured Utusan Malaysia should have adopted that tagline long ago, since most of the ruckus and fiascos in Malaysia are cooked up by them in an attempt to stir up religious and racial discontent.
In fact, I'm already anticipating upcoming headlines:
ORANG MUSLIM TERPEDAYA OLEH SESETENGAH KAUM SUPAYA MEMINUM 'BEER HALAL'
(Muslims cheated by certain factions into drinking beer)
A huge picture of a bunch of Chinese men sitting around a table with beer bottles will be displayed to give a meaningful hint.
Ridhuan Tee will be moaning about the "keruntuhan moral" (moral degradation) and "gejala social" (social vices) that the ultra-kiasu are propagating against "us Malays".
Then Utusan Malaysia will proceed to claim that the Chinese (presumably after drinking their non-halal Tiger beer) have taken over all the scholarships of Malay children and left the Malay children on the street, destitute and without future.
So far, Utusan Malaysia has been quiet about Lynas because they have been expecting their share of the spoils from the Malaysian government.
But if public sentiment against it spills over, they will somehow spin it to say that the ultra-kiasu have:
a) taken away all Malay jobs, so new ones have to be created, even if they involve dangerous, radioactive material.
b) that it was the ultra-kiasu (the Chinese) who sealed the deal between Lynas and the Malaysian government. In fact, you will probably see a Chinese dude miraculously appear to be the scape-goat.
Oh yes, this is Utusan Malaysia - where wild stories get started.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Stories Start Here
Friday, 27 May 2011
Perhimpunan Rakyat Organised By BERSIH 2.0
The Perhimpunan Rakyat will be held on 9 July 2011 at a time to be confirmed.
BERSIH 2.0 has been advocating electoral reform but demands have fallen on deaf ears.
The purpose of the event is threefold:
1. To further press for the rakyat’s demands for electoral reform
2. Strengthening of public institutions
3. To take a stand against widespread corruption at all levels of society
The home minister delivered a hostile response, describing the rally as a move to create chaos and jeopardise Malaysia's international image.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the same buffoon who was falling over himself to defend the cow head thugs.
Oh yes. We have an international image - as ill-treaters of refugees, harbourers of terrorists, racists and unstable idiots.
It can't go lower than this. The good thing about hitting rock bottom is that from now on, we can only go up. At least I hope so.
BERSIH 2.0 has been advocating electoral reform but demands have fallen on deaf ears.
The purpose of the event is threefold:
1. To further press for the rakyat’s demands for electoral reform
2. Strengthening of public institutions
3. To take a stand against widespread corruption at all levels of society
The home minister delivered a hostile response, describing the rally as a move to create chaos and jeopardise Malaysia's international image.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the same buffoon who was falling over himself to defend the cow head thugs.
Oh yes. We have an international image - as ill-treaters of refugees, harbourers of terrorists, racists and unstable idiots.
It can't go lower than this. The good thing about hitting rock bottom is that from now on, we can only go up. At least I hope so.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Unmasking The Hidden Agenda Of Interlok
UPDATE: My apologies for stating the wrong day (Sunday, instead of Saturday) on my posting. I got this information from an SMS I received from a friend. Some of us believe that these SMSes have been deliberately altered and resent to confuse the public.
Some of you may have been alarmed by the recent turn of events and how certain quarters use it for their personal interests.
NIAT (National Interlok Action Team) is organizing a program to unmask the agenda behind all these shenanigans.
Date: Sunday, 28th May 2011
Time: 2:00 - 5:00pm
Venue: KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)
Among the speakers are Dato Hj Thasleem, Ganabathy Rao, and Dr Suppiah.
Do come down and at least listen to what they have to say. Perhaps it may make sense after all.
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.
Don't let evil triumph.
Some of you may have been alarmed by the recent turn of events and how certain quarters use it for their personal interests.
NIAT (National Interlok Action Team) is organizing a program to unmask the agenda behind all these shenanigans.
Date: Sunday, 28th May 2011
Time: 2:00 - 5:00pm
Venue: KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)
Among the speakers are Dato Hj Thasleem, Ganabathy Rao, and Dr Suppiah.
Do come down and at least listen to what they have to say. Perhaps it may make sense after all.
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.
Don't let evil triumph.
Monday, 23 May 2011
'Hearts And Minds' Approach
A ruling coalition that has had over 50 years of experience should know better than to flounder in the manner of this current administration.
In their greedy pursuit of wealth, they have neglected even the bare basics of winning the hearts and minds of the citizens.
That, if you ask me, is the difference between Malaysia and Singapore. The People's Action Party of Singapore tries to tap into the bare necessities - housing, transportation and a thriving economy.
For the most part, it has kept the citizens happy, and the murmurs of dissent appear to revolve around the huge incomes the politicians have allocated and approved for themselves.
Meanwhile, UMNO eyes every possibility of lining its pockets - from Petronas oil royalty to Lynas rare earth mining.
Thanks to my friend Tim, who scanned this from the Malayan section of A History of Britain, it gives me a glimpse of what the British (not a PM, mind you, just a General) did to make the citizens comply.
Those of you who live in Rawang or anywhere near would be familiar with Templer's Park. In Malaysia, that is all he is known for.
But the fact remains that it was probably Sir Gerald Templer, and not UMNO, who managed to curtail Chin Peng's troubling ways. So I really don't know why UMNO would bear a grudge against an old communist leader who wishes to die quietly in Malaysia or ban any mention of him.
Templer didn't need the ISA to keep the Communists at bay. All he did was ensure that the Malayan Chinese had roads, clean water, schools, medical centres, elected village councils etc.
In other words, he won over their hearts and minds.
UMNO wouldn't know how to begin - their culture is miles apart from the average Malaysian citizen, who is not as avaricious or greedy as them.
And that is why they have to resort to 'divide-and-conquer', a policy of racism and religionism because they really know no other way.
In their greedy pursuit of wealth, they have neglected even the bare basics of winning the hearts and minds of the citizens.
That, if you ask me, is the difference between Malaysia and Singapore. The People's Action Party of Singapore tries to tap into the bare necessities - housing, transportation and a thriving economy.
For the most part, it has kept the citizens happy, and the murmurs of dissent appear to revolve around the huge incomes the politicians have allocated and approved for themselves.
Meanwhile, UMNO eyes every possibility of lining its pockets - from Petronas oil royalty to Lynas rare earth mining.
Thanks to my friend Tim, who scanned this from the Malayan section of A History of Britain, it gives me a glimpse of what the British (not a PM, mind you, just a General) did to make the citizens comply.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
Those of you who live in Rawang or anywhere near would be familiar with Templer's Park. In Malaysia, that is all he is known for.
But the fact remains that it was probably Sir Gerald Templer, and not UMNO, who managed to curtail Chin Peng's troubling ways. So I really don't know why UMNO would bear a grudge against an old communist leader who wishes to die quietly in Malaysia or ban any mention of him.
Templer didn't need the ISA to keep the Communists at bay. All he did was ensure that the Malayan Chinese had roads, clean water, schools, medical centres, elected village councils etc.
In other words, he won over their hearts and minds.
UMNO wouldn't know how to begin - their culture is miles apart from the average Malaysian citizen, who is not as avaricious or greedy as them.
And that is why they have to resort to 'divide-and-conquer', a policy of racism and religionism because they really know no other way.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Clear And Present Danger In Malaysia
That title - 'Clear And Present Danger' - caught my attention in Malaysiakini. I had instant thoughts of Jack Ryan, the Intelligence officer every country wants to have.
For those of you who read Tom Clancy, you'd probably know it was from a title of one of his books. Others may remember it being a movie based on that book.
But did you know that it was first used by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr in his opinion regarding the freedom of speech? He says:
It was then that I understood how apt the title in Malaysiakini was: Ibrahim Ali a clear and present danger
That being said, I do not advocate the ISA against Ibrahim Ali. It is a draconian law and should be replaced with other laws that demonstrate human rights even when the perpetrator is not deserving of those rights.
Besides, it's not just Ibrahim Ali who is a clear and present danger. He may be the noisiest of the attention-seekers, but he's not necessarily the most dangerous.
We have overlooked a huge blimp on the face of humanity. His name is Ridhuan Tee.
His blog is still spewing bile - in what seems to be a logical and reasonable manner.
This man is seditious in every sense of the word.
While most people can agree that this Utusan Malaysia fiasco is a major boo-boo by UMNO, Ridhuan Tee attempts the impossible - to defend the spin-bloggers and even Utusan. Some excerpts:
If you would like to read more fear-mongering and outright lies, you know exactly where to go - Icker Tee's website.
The educated and moderate Muslim Malay would not be fazed by this sort of foaming-in-the-mouth. But what about the impressionable, not so intelligent one?
What's scary is that his blog has got 2,000 followers. It would be of great concern if they think he's someone who knows the Chinese psyche because even if he may be Chinese, he hasn't got a clue.
For those of you who read Tom Clancy, you'd probably know it was from a title of one of his books. Others may remember it being a movie based on that book.
But did you know that it was first used by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr in his opinion regarding the freedom of speech? He says:
The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that the United States Congress has a right to prevent. It is a question of proximity and degree.
It was then that I understood how apt the title in Malaysiakini was: Ibrahim Ali a clear and present danger
That being said, I do not advocate the ISA against Ibrahim Ali. It is a draconian law and should be replaced with other laws that demonstrate human rights even when the perpetrator is not deserving of those rights.
Besides, it's not just Ibrahim Ali who is a clear and present danger. He may be the noisiest of the attention-seekers, but he's not necessarily the most dangerous.
We have overlooked a huge blimp on the face of humanity. His name is Ridhuan Tee.His blog is still spewing bile - in what seems to be a logical and reasonable manner.
This man is seditious in every sense of the word.
While most people can agree that this Utusan Malaysia fiasco is a major boo-boo by UMNO, Ridhuan Tee attempts the impossible - to defend the spin-bloggers and even Utusan. Some excerpts:
Based on my experience of the Christian religion [Ridhuan Tee claims to have been Christian once] and tales from some church-going Christian friends, the newspaper report last Saturday about the movement to Christianize [the country] was not surprising.
It cannot be denied that there are ambitions in that direction, although perhaps not as extreme as reported or described. However, to completely deny that the movement does not exist is unfair to Utusan. Utusan seems to be alone. Its friends have become opponents.
The Christian movement in Malaysia through the ultra kiasu [he is referring to the Chinese here] and several other political parties has long existed. The chief ultra kiasu in Selangor is the main planner.
Yet we keep giving them the benefit of the doubt [see how he implies that the Muslim Malays are a tolerant lot being taken for granted?]. Every Sunday, the Selangor ultra kiasu bulletin is provided and distributed free at the church. The goal is to maintain power.
I feel increasingly sick at heart when I heard a Christian senior minister going as far as to say, "What is wrong with a Christian becoming the Prime Minister?" It is not wrong because the constitution does not specify religion of the person who can become Prime Minister. The issue is that those who understand the history and politics of Malaysia would be most hesitant to seize the position of Muslims (Malays). In this case, we want a leader who has integrity and is respected. [he is implying that only a Muslim Malay could do the job].
It is the duty of Christians to spread their religion across the world, as enshrined in their holy book. As is our responsibility towards Islam. The special circumstance in our country, is that Islam is protected from propaganda of other elements.
They want to make Southeast Asia a Christian hub after their success in Indonesia. Their next target is Malaysia, after success in Singapore. Among the target areas are Mentakab, Kuantan, Perak, and so forth. Don't bother mentioning the states which are ruled by the ultra kiasu. That is their paradise. Many of their representatives [Pakatan?] are strong Christians [ah, so it's political after all - he's saying vote for UMNO, not Pakatan].
Construction of houses of worship should have a formula [he means a restricted 'ratio'], rather than allowing anyone with a lot of money to build anywhere he likes. Based on that formula, one day Malaysia would be filled with churches and temples, due to their tremendous ability compared to Muslims, because they have an international network [this is fear-mongering, claiming that Christians will take over the nation].
I still remember how two years ago, an al-Islam magazine reporter in July 2009 was arrested for going undercover in the church [arrested? no such thing!]. There was a national outcry, and the management of the magazine al-Islam was severely criticised. There was no one who defended the magazine and journalists, and politicians even issued hurtful statements. [That al-Islam reporter got away scot-free for the ruckus he caused. As usual. This fool Icker Tee is spinning himself dizzy.].
Sometimes I am very sad when I observe our politics. Not defending friends. Friends become enemies simply due to fear of losing power. If there are any issues they feel are not favorable, they are willing to stab a friend.
I'm not saying masquerading in the church should not be censured, but as Malaysians, we also have a right to know what happened there. Was it not true, Muslims were being converted at the church? If it affects the Muslims, there is silence on our part but if it affects them [the ultra kiasu/Christians], they all consider themselves victims. Isn't the issue of apostasy to be defended by Muslims more important than siding with the cause taken up for those who die when they are being investigated by the authorities as they may well even be guilty. [I think he is saying the deaths in custody are unimportant.]
Lina Joy is just one among so many young Malays who have plunged into the valley of unbelief [i.e. become an infidel]. I do not know if the top leaders are aware of this wave of Christianization, or do they know but are unable to contain it? To date, they have not addressed these unhealthy symptoms, or are deliberately waiting to let the issue resolve itself.
No doubt there are churches that are centres for condemning and putting down the Islamic religion. Watch this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxmt78dtxsg.
How can a Christian priest insult and condemn Islam? Imagine if we were to speak so, then we will be criticized, slammed and come under the glare of great publicity. [Yeah right! It's stupid to the point of being comical]. This youtube video is just one in a thousand, many more criticize Islam. Muslims remain silent. No protest is made. According to my friend, this is what happens in many churches in Malaysia.
Imagine if we were to do the same, then the Christians would all unite to fight, to urge the government to take action against the Muslims who criticize Christianity. Although non-Muslims are forbidden from spreading their religion to Muslims as guaranteed by the constitution, but they do not care about observing the strictures, because we are not concerned. We are too lenient for fear of losing votes [Aren't you impressed by how brazenly he tries to claim that Muslims are being oppressed and taken advantage of by the Christians?].
All our weaknesses are obvious to Christians. For these reasons, they are so bold and hard-hitting. We are just too fearful. I would like to remind all of us, our strength is not dependent on the Malay but our strength depends on Islam. If Islam among the Malays is destroyed, the Malays will be destroyed some day.
If you would like to read more fear-mongering and outright lies, you know exactly where to go - Icker Tee's website.
The educated and moderate Muslim Malay would not be fazed by this sort of foaming-in-the-mouth. But what about the impressionable, not so intelligent one?
What's scary is that his blog has got 2,000 followers. It would be of great concern if they think he's someone who knows the Chinese psyche because even if he may be Chinese, he hasn't got a clue.
GE13 Prediction: July 2011
That's according to Dr Dzul, at least. Why does he think so? In his blog, he states that:
That makes sense to me, actually. Add to the fact that the election commission is gearing itself up to allow more cheating by the ruling coalition:
Recent changes announced by the Election Commission do not contribute to free and fair elections
The Election Commission has refused to reform the currently flawed postal ballot system. To make matters worse, they now want to bar polling and counting agents from bring their mobile phones in.
During the previous election, these agents were able to double check procedures and validity/legitimacy of certain action or effectively feed information of any irregularities to their political parties.
This coming elections is going to be as dirty as it ever gets.
This writer has been informed by reliable sources that the Election Commission has been told to be prepared for any eventuality. Local authorities have also been warned to be on the alert. Most telling is the fact that Umno and the BN have now gotten down to having polling and counting agents identified by name, in all streams in the Polling Districts throughout the country. That’s the level of preparedness. This writer can vouch for that.
Najib very recently mooted the idea of having a mock election for Umno and the BN in July. While having a dry run is not unfamiliar especially for the ruling party, the announcement is odd and smacks of treachery. This fuels the notion of a well-contrived decoy.
That makes sense to me, actually. Add to the fact that the election commission is gearing itself up to allow more cheating by the ruling coalition:
Recent changes announced by the Election Commission do not contribute to free and fair elections
The Election Commission has refused to reform the currently flawed postal ballot system. To make matters worse, they now want to bar polling and counting agents from bring their mobile phones in.
During the previous election, these agents were able to double check procedures and validity/legitimacy of certain action or effectively feed information of any irregularities to their political parties.
This coming elections is going to be as dirty as it ever gets.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Memorandum Against Lynas Handed Over To Aussie High Commission
Folks were at KLCC at 2:30pm. About 500 of them.
So were the police and FRU.
But somehow, the protesters managed to make their way to the Australian High Commission.
The High Commission asked the crowd to send representatives to hand over the memorandum.
At least that went well.
I hope Lynas takes our grievances seriously.
So were the police and FRU.
But somehow, the protesters managed to make their way to the Australian High Commission.
The High Commission asked the crowd to send representatives to hand over the memorandum.
At least that went well.
I hope Lynas takes our grievances seriously.
Lynas Must Reveal Details
From FRIENDS OF THE EARTH AUSTRALIA:
--------------------
Concerns are increasing in Malaysia over the construction of the rare earths processing facility at Kuantan. Four people were arrested opposing the development last weekend and over 1000 people demonstrated against the construction of the facility two weeks ago.
"Clearly the local residents are not happy at all about this development. It is clear that this problem is escalating, which in turn could threaten the viability of the project", said Ms Lowrey.
"We fear that the Malaysian Government may enforce harsh measures against protesters of which Lynas will be fully responsible."
There are a number of issues that the company must answer including release of a full environmental assessment for the site.
"Lynas has not made this information publicly available before embarking on the construction of the Kuantan site which could indicate that they have something to hide" said Ms Lowrey.
Mia Pepper, nuclear free campaigner, Conservation Council of Western Australia said "There are a lot of un-answered questions about the plans for radioactive waste disposal from this project, the secrecy is unacceptable and the dangers to health are all too familiar."
The Malaysian community is calling for the plant to be stopped, highlighting concerns regarding a similar Mitsubishi (Asian Rare Earth) plant located on the other side of the Malay Peninsula at Bukit Merah which closed in 1992 after years of sometimes violent demonstrations, several leukemia cases and a $100 million costly cleanup.
The rare earths project is also causing issues in Western Australia.
Ms Pepper said, "Radioactive thorium 232 will also be transported through Fremantle in hessian bags, the same method used by Magellan to transport lead which caused lead contamination outside shipping containers until Magellan was forced to shut down. It's not good enough for WA and it's not good enough for Malaysia."
--------------------
Please read the full article on the website - I think you'd be interested to know more.
I'm just glad that there are people - non-Malaysians - who care about the well-being of Malaysians.
Believe me, the Malaysian government really does not give a flying duck.
--------------------
Concerns are increasing in Malaysia over the construction of the rare earths processing facility at Kuantan. Four people were arrested opposing the development last weekend and over 1000 people demonstrated against the construction of the facility two weeks ago.
"Clearly the local residents are not happy at all about this development. It is clear that this problem is escalating, which in turn could threaten the viability of the project", said Ms Lowrey.
"We fear that the Malaysian Government may enforce harsh measures against protesters of which Lynas will be fully responsible."
There are a number of issues that the company must answer including release of a full environmental assessment for the site.
"Lynas has not made this information publicly available before embarking on the construction of the Kuantan site which could indicate that they have something to hide" said Ms Lowrey.
Mia Pepper, nuclear free campaigner, Conservation Council of Western Australia said "There are a lot of un-answered questions about the plans for radioactive waste disposal from this project, the secrecy is unacceptable and the dangers to health are all too familiar."
The Malaysian community is calling for the plant to be stopped, highlighting concerns regarding a similar Mitsubishi (Asian Rare Earth) plant located on the other side of the Malay Peninsula at Bukit Merah which closed in 1992 after years of sometimes violent demonstrations, several leukemia cases and a $100 million costly cleanup.
The rare earths project is also causing issues in Western Australia.
Ms Pepper said, "Radioactive thorium 232 will also be transported through Fremantle in hessian bags, the same method used by Magellan to transport lead which caused lead contamination outside shipping containers until Magellan was forced to shut down. It's not good enough for WA and it's not good enough for Malaysia."
--------------------
Please read the full article on the website - I think you'd be interested to know more.
I'm just glad that there are people - non-Malaysians - who care about the well-being of Malaysians.
Believe me, the Malaysian government really does not give a flying duck.
Lynas Walk Today!
embassy.
Meanwhile, check out the intellectual prowess of readers of the
MCA-owned newspaper:
http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=35242
Why complain about Australia's Lynas?
Can anyone answer ahvincent?
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Walk Against Lynas
To all Malaysians in KL,
Don't forget to lend your support to our fellow Malaysians from Kuantan in their fight against the controversial and hazardous rare earth processing plant.
Please mark your diary and be there in solidarity.
Date: Friday, May 20
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
For more information about this cause, please visit the Facebook page
Don't forget to lend your support to our fellow Malaysians from Kuantan in their fight against the controversial and hazardous rare earth processing plant.
Please mark your diary and be there in solidarity.
Date: Friday, May 20
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
For more information about this cause, please visit the Facebook page
Monday, 16 May 2011
Lynas - Go Back To Australia!!!
I have, in the past, stated that I am a firm believer of progress and development.
But a rare earth refinery plant is not my idea of progress. Not in a small town like Kuantan, in a small country like Malaysia. There are too many risks involved and not worth the perks.
Lynas is an Australian company based in Sydney. Most of the material comes from Mount Weld in Western Australia, the richest known deposit of Rare Earths in the world.
So why are they refining it in Malaysia, across the sea - far, far away? Why don't they just refine it in Australia?
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: AUSTRALIA
Enclosed by giant rats, babykiller dingos, scorpions, and scorching desert is a whole lot of ... nothing.
That, in my opinion, is a fine place to build a refinery.
Sure, it will be grossly inconvenient to have to transport up the raw materials there, to convince people to go and work there, and to build the facilities to support the operations.
But at least any waste disposal in the middle of nowhere, in my opinion, would not be harmful to the people, not in the same magnitude that unmanaged waste would be in Kuantan.
You see, it is prestty clear to me, that at the end of the day, it is not about human safety. It is about profits. It costs far more to pay Australian labour than cheap Malaysian labour.
It would be more costly to transport materials into the middle of nowhere and build those facilities - even if it is safer for human beings.
If you ask me, I don't think the Australians would put up with those sort of risks. They are much firmer with their government than we are with ours. We have given our government too much leeway.
People, we need to protest this as strongly as we can. Lynas must never go into operations in Malaysia.
RELATED: Special Delivery
But a rare earth refinery plant is not my idea of progress. Not in a small town like Kuantan, in a small country like Malaysia. There are too many risks involved and not worth the perks.
Lynas is an Australian company based in Sydney. Most of the material comes from Mount Weld in Western Australia, the richest known deposit of Rare Earths in the world.
So why are they refining it in Malaysia, across the sea - far, far away? Why don't they just refine it in Australia?
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: AUSTRALIA
Enclosed by giant rats, babykiller dingos, scorpions, and scorching desert is a whole lot of ... nothing.
That, in my opinion, is a fine place to build a refinery.
Sure, it will be grossly inconvenient to have to transport up the raw materials there, to convince people to go and work there, and to build the facilities to support the operations.
But at least any waste disposal in the middle of nowhere, in my opinion, would not be harmful to the people, not in the same magnitude that unmanaged waste would be in Kuantan.
You see, it is prestty clear to me, that at the end of the day, it is not about human safety. It is about profits. It costs far more to pay Australian labour than cheap Malaysian labour.
It would be more costly to transport materials into the middle of nowhere and build those facilities - even if it is safer for human beings.
If you ask me, I don't think the Australians would put up with those sort of risks. They are much firmer with their government than we are with ours. We have given our government too much leeway.
People, we need to protest this as strongly as we can. Lynas must never go into operations in Malaysia.
RELATED: Special Delivery
We Believe Them
Julia Gillard says:
"Malaysia has assured the [Australian] Government that asylum seekers will be well treated."
Has the Malaysian government assured the Australian government that they will not abuse their refugees?
Ah. Let's put that in perspective.
Ted Bundy has assured the Americans that he will never go on his serial killing rampage.
George Soros has assured the financial circles that he will never speculate on currency again.
Bill Gates has assured the IT industry that he will never touch a mouse again.
Utusan Melayu has assured the Malaysian public that it will never make false allegations.
And of course we believe them.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
BN Credibility
This has got to be the best joke I've heard all day.
So it's merely about the negative perception of the public, but not negative actions and decisions of the politicians and their running dogs?
Really, what are these people smoking?
So it's merely about the negative perception of the public, but not negative actions and decisions of the politicians and their running dogs?
Really, what are these people smoking?
It's A Good Question
Who, really, is the alpha male in UMNO?
Here are some excerpts taken from Wikipedia regarding alpha males among mammals. I found it interesting because it is relevant even among humans.
I didn't post this topic because I had an overdose of National Geographic. I had UMNO in mind.
I was thinking about the supposed "leader" of the pack and how he is constantly being challenged by his own community. How his people do NOT exhibit deference or respect towards him.
How his 1Malaysia concept is perpetually being trashed. Especially in the light of the recent Utusan fiasco, I wondered if this was a tag team being played out between Najib and his cousin Hishamuddin, or if the President of UMNO had lost respect among his own.
So I was pleasantly surprised to note that someone shared my opinion as well. Go and read this piece by KTemoc:
Who is Alpha of the pack of rabid dogs?
See if you have any ideas who the alpha male might be.
Here are some excerpts taken from Wikipedia regarding alpha males among mammals. I found it interesting because it is relevant even among humans.
In social animals, the alpha is the individual in the community with the highest rank. Where one male and one female fulfill this role, they are referred to as the alpha pair (the term varies when several females fulfill this role – it is extremely rare among mammals for several males to fulfill this role with one female). Other animals in the same social group may exhibit deference or other symbolic signs of respect particular to their species towards the alpha.
The status of the alpha is often achieved by means of superior physical prowess. The individual in the alpha position usually changes when another challenges it to a fight, in some species to the death, and wins. Consequently, alphas may have to fight individuals in their own group several times to maintain their position throughout their lifetimes. In species where the fight is to the death, alphas rarely reach old age.
In some species, a nomadic individual may approach the alpha, successfully beat him, and thus become the new alpha. When this occurs in the lion community, the new alpha usually kills the previous alpha's cubs. In addition, several lions may share alpha privileges in what is usually called a coalition. The social group usually follows the alpha to the hunt and to new breeding or resting grounds. The alpha is thus sometimes seen as deciding the fate of the group. If two groups of the same species find themselves competing for the same ground, they may let the alphas fight, letting the outcome decide which group stays.
I didn't post this topic because I had an overdose of National Geographic. I had UMNO in mind.
I was thinking about the supposed "leader" of the pack and how he is constantly being challenged by his own community. How his people do NOT exhibit deference or respect towards him.
How his 1Malaysia concept is perpetually being trashed. Especially in the light of the recent Utusan fiasco, I wondered if this was a tag team being played out between Najib and his cousin Hishamuddin, or if the President of UMNO had lost respect among his own.
So I was pleasantly surprised to note that someone shared my opinion as well. Go and read this piece by KTemoc:
Who is Alpha of the pack of rabid dogs?
See if you have any ideas who the alpha male might be.
Friday, 13 May 2011
What Does It Mean To Have An Official Religion?
I am not disturbed by Utusan's obvious attempts to cause agitation among the masses. They are village idiots - the mouthpiece of the ruling coalition BN - so it is their job.
What bothers me, however, is the fact that people do indeed get agitated over trivial matters.
Seriously, why would anyone care about what the official religion is? I can understand why an official language would be important - it dictates the language of communication.
But what about official religion?? How does that play a part in everyday matters?
It's been exactly 42 years today since the famous race riots in 1969. There have not been any improvements in terms of race relations.
There is merely the incessant and insincere "call" for harmony and tolerance, which is a façade in itself. The minorities are expected to be tolerant while the majority calls the shots.
And when it comes to religious tolerance, conditions have deteriorated even further.
Church leaders have angrily denounced the report by Utusan Melayu, according to some news sites.
I don't know what they're angry about.
Assuming that church leaders had indeed prayed during a meeting attended by opposition leaders for Christianity to become the official religion, it looks like the rest of the country (especially those who believe these bizarre allegations) is acknowledging that the Christian god is the most powerful.
The Christians have just received the highest compliment they could ever get and they're angry.
Somehow, I strongly doubt the Christians bother about the trivialities of an "official religion" though.
Most of them are too smart to.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
A Study In Contradictions
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak must prove his mettle as the "leader of 1Malaysia" by speaking out against Utusan Malaysia over its Christian plot report.
In making the call, Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) president Haris Ibrahim also wondered why the authorities were slow in acting against the Umno-owned newspaper.
"Why has there been no action against Utusan under the Sedition Act? "Is the Umno-led BN government complicit in this attempt to sow racial and religious discord or else powerless to act against an emerging group of fascists?" he asked in a statement.
Read the rest: Prove your mettle, MCLM tells Najib
It is even more mind-boggling to hear that certain quarters feel the need to probe into what transpired at a private meeting.
Are they under the impression that the Christians are training suicide bombers or planning nationwide carnage?
I think the irony is lost on the BN government.
In making the call, Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) president Haris Ibrahim also wondered why the authorities were slow in acting against the Umno-owned newspaper.
"Why has there been no action against Utusan under the Sedition Act? "Is the Umno-led BN government complicit in this attempt to sow racial and religious discord or else powerless to act against an emerging group of fascists?" he asked in a statement.
Read the rest: Prove your mettle, MCLM tells Najib
It is even more mind-boggling to hear that certain quarters feel the need to probe into what transpired at a private meeting.
Are they under the impression that the Christians are training suicide bombers or planning nationwide carnage?
I think the irony is lost on the BN government.
Monday, 9 May 2011
"We Do Not Compare Ourselves To Malaysia, But To 1st World Countries"
I was browsing youtube for some perspective on Singaporean politics. You'd be surprised how little we know about our own neighbours.
It was then that I saw this comment.
Thewongkahtatt believes that Singaporeans are lucky to have reasonably good governance and pretty good development in their nation. In one sense, I actually agree with him.
Singapore has great infrastructure and their public transport system is well-connected. I have been there a number of times and seen it for myself.
But the Singaporeans, like Malaysians have ignored their government for too long and allowed them free reign of the country - as long as they brought in wealth and prosperity.
The government regulates almost every aspect of its citizens' life - from what they hear and see to how they behave.
In one sense, it gives good results. The Singaporeans obey rules, are orderly and have a clean country.
In another sense, they are every bit as dumb as the average Malaysian, because they lack critical thinking and the ability to question.
Their government may be peppered with graduates from ivy league universities. Their citizens are also just as qualified.
They fancy themselves a class over Malaysians. They do not compare themselves to Malaysia, but to first world countries.
But their mental maturity does not reflect that.
I am still glad to be Malaysian - at least our issues are more straight forward and easier to identify and thus, rectify.
It was then that I saw this comment.
Thewongkahtatt believes that Singaporeans are lucky to have reasonably good governance and pretty good development in their nation. In one sense, I actually agree with him.
Singapore has great infrastructure and their public transport system is well-connected. I have been there a number of times and seen it for myself.
But the Singaporeans, like Malaysians have ignored their government for too long and allowed them free reign of the country - as long as they brought in wealth and prosperity.
The government regulates almost every aspect of its citizens' life - from what they hear and see to how they behave.
In one sense, it gives good results. The Singaporeans obey rules, are orderly and have a clean country.
In another sense, they are every bit as dumb as the average Malaysian, because they lack critical thinking and the ability to question.
Their government may be peppered with graduates from ivy league universities. Their citizens are also just as qualified.
They fancy themselves a class over Malaysians. They do not compare themselves to Malaysia, but to first world countries.
But their mental maturity does not reflect that.
I am still glad to be Malaysian - at least our issues are more straight forward and easier to identify and thus, rectify.
Refugees To Be Brought To Malaysia
I really don't know what to say, because at the end of the day, it is true that Malaysia does treat its refugees very badly.
From The Independent:
-------------------------------
Australia's latest initiative to deter asylum-seekers by sending them to Malaysia was roundly condemned yesterday, with critics noting that Kuala Lumpur has refused to sign the United Nations Refugee Convention and has a record of mistreating refugees.
Under pressure to act tough on "boat people", the Prime Minister, Julia Gilllard, said at the weekend that the next 800 asylum-seekers to arrive in Australia would be taken to Malaysia, where they will join a long queue to have their claims processed by UN officials.
Ms Gillard said the new deal would be a major blow to people-smugglers who ship asylum-seekers to Australia via Malaysia and Indonesia. "The key message this will deliver to people-smugglers and those seeking to make the dangerous journey to Australia is: do not get on that boat," she said.
"Under this arrangement, if you arrive in Australian waters and are taken to Malaysia, you will go to the back of the queue."
But the plan was attacked by Amnesty International Australia's refugee co-ordinator, Graham Thom, who said: "If you're looking for a country in the region that has some of the harshest policies towards refugees and asylum-seekers, then you couldn't really go past Malaysia."
An Amnesty report last year said Malaysia's detention centres were filthy and overcrowded. "Detainees lack proper healthcare, sufficient food and clean drinking water," it said. "Children under 18 are held with adults, and abuse by detention staff is rife."
The UN refugee agency, meanwhile, says refugees in Malaysia are vulnerable to arrest, and "may be subject to detention, prosecution, whipping and deportation".
From The Independent:
-------------------------------
Australia's latest initiative to deter asylum-seekers by sending them to Malaysia was roundly condemned yesterday, with critics noting that Kuala Lumpur has refused to sign the United Nations Refugee Convention and has a record of mistreating refugees.
Under pressure to act tough on "boat people", the Prime Minister, Julia Gilllard, said at the weekend that the next 800 asylum-seekers to arrive in Australia would be taken to Malaysia, where they will join a long queue to have their claims processed by UN officials.
Ms Gillard said the new deal would be a major blow to people-smugglers who ship asylum-seekers to Australia via Malaysia and Indonesia. "The key message this will deliver to people-smugglers and those seeking to make the dangerous journey to Australia is: do not get on that boat," she said.
"Under this arrangement, if you arrive in Australian waters and are taken to Malaysia, you will go to the back of the queue."
But the plan was attacked by Amnesty International Australia's refugee co-ordinator, Graham Thom, who said: "If you're looking for a country in the region that has some of the harshest policies towards refugees and asylum-seekers, then you couldn't really go past Malaysia."
An Amnesty report last year said Malaysia's detention centres were filthy and overcrowded. "Detainees lack proper healthcare, sufficient food and clean drinking water," it said. "Children under 18 are held with adults, and abuse by detention staff is rife."
The UN refugee agency, meanwhile, says refugees in Malaysia are vulnerable to arrest, and "may be subject to detention, prosecution, whipping and deportation".
Sunday, 8 May 2011
They Cannot Possibly Be Lucky Every Time
Can a party who wins only 60% of the votes win 90% of the seats consistently every election?
It does not make sense to me.
Singapore is Malaysia with a hint of sophistication, splashes of reputation and just plain sub-standard food.
It does not make sense to me.
Singapore is Malaysia with a hint of sophistication, splashes of reputation and just plain sub-standard food.
While Christians Turn The Other Way...
... others try to create tensions.
From DAP calls Utusan’s Christian Malaysia report a ‘dangerous lie’
Utusan had carried out a front-page article today titled “Malaysia, a Christian country?” (Malaysia, negara Kristian?) based entirely on blog postings by several pro-Umno bloggers.
The bloggers had charged the DAP with sedition for trying to change the country’s laws to enable a Christian to be prime minister, pointing to a grainy photograph showing what they described to be a secret pact between the DAP and pastors at a hotel in Penang on Wednesday.
In a posting headlined “Agong under threat? DAP wants to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia?” blogger Marahku (marahku.blogspot.com) accused the DAP of trying to amend the federal constitution to allow a Christian to become prime minister.
“The whole point of changing the official religion is to allow a Christian to become prime minister of this country,” the blogger said.
On bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com, the writer claimed to have received a message that the DAP’s Jeff Ooi had organised a dinner for pastors from Sarawak and overseas at the Red Rock Hotel in Jalan Macalister, Penang.
“Among the activities that night included the 35 pastors taking a group oath. They formed a circle and touched each other’s shoulder and vowed in English to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia and put a Christian prime minister in office,” the anonymous writer said in his blog under the headline “Making Christianity the official religion?”
From DAP calls Utusan’s Christian Malaysia report a ‘dangerous lie’
Utusan had carried out a front-page article today titled “Malaysia, a Christian country?” (Malaysia, negara Kristian?) based entirely on blog postings by several pro-Umno bloggers.
The bloggers had charged the DAP with sedition for trying to change the country’s laws to enable a Christian to be prime minister, pointing to a grainy photograph showing what they described to be a secret pact between the DAP and pastors at a hotel in Penang on Wednesday.
In a posting headlined “Agong under threat? DAP wants to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia?” blogger Marahku (marahku.blogspot.com) accused the DAP of trying to amend the federal constitution to allow a Christian to become prime minister.
“The whole point of changing the official religion is to allow a Christian to become prime minister of this country,” the blogger said.
On bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com, the writer claimed to have received a message that the DAP’s Jeff Ooi had organised a dinner for pastors from Sarawak and overseas at the Red Rock Hotel in Jalan Macalister, Penang.
“Among the activities that night included the 35 pastors taking a group oath. They formed a circle and touched each other’s shoulder and vowed in English to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia and put a Christian prime minister in office,” the anonymous writer said in his blog under the headline “Making Christianity the official religion?”
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Singapore Considers Change
My friend Tim, who lives in Australia shared this interesting link on Facebook: Nervous times for rulers as Singapore considers change
An excerpt:
Do go and read the whole article for yourself.
It was interesting because a lot of Malaysians think that Singapore is the utopia - the ideal way to run a country.
The realities, however, are far from it. Sure - their economy is reasonably well-managed and they have a solid reputation internationally.
I have been to many countries that had never heard of Malaysia (in spite of our glorious twin towers and our s0d0my trials) but they had almost always heard of Singapore before, even if they couldn't exactly pin its location on a map.
It's no secret that I despair over the future of Malaysia and the apathy of the average Malaysian, but I think Singaporeans are in far worse shape.
A former journalist, Richard Seah, speaks about the way young Singaporeans today think in his piece, Why I vote opposition:
While Malaysia puts dissenters away behind bars, Singapore assassinates the character of its critics and bankrupts them.
Richard Seah elaborates, "As the years went by, I began to see more and more cases of people either made bankrupt, forced to flee the country or otherwise portrayed as crooks and liars simply because they opposed the PAP. The late J B Jeyaretnam, Tang Liang Hong, Francis Seow … all had their characters assassinated."
No one said much, because the economy was good and everyone was busy making money and trying to keep up with the Joneses.
Apathy is the wild card of all nefarious governments.
An excerpt:
The electoral threats to the ruling People's Action Party are embodied in voters' perceptions and grievances - including rising prices, hubris of the ruling party, million-dollar ministerial salaries, overpopulation and better treatment for foreigners - and credible opposition challenges.
Do go and read the whole article for yourself.
It was interesting because a lot of Malaysians think that Singapore is the utopia - the ideal way to run a country.
The realities, however, are far from it. Sure - their economy is reasonably well-managed and they have a solid reputation internationally.
I have been to many countries that had never heard of Malaysia (in spite of our glorious twin towers and our s0d0my trials) but they had almost always heard of Singapore before, even if they couldn't exactly pin its location on a map.
It's no secret that I despair over the future of Malaysia and the apathy of the average Malaysian, but I think Singaporeans are in far worse shape.
A former journalist, Richard Seah, speaks about the way young Singaporeans today think in his piece, Why I vote opposition:
But my primary reason for voting against PAP goes deeper. I articulated it recently during a whatsapp (similar to sms) chat with one of my younger friends, who is about 25 years younger than me. It began quite innocently …
“I dun care about the elections, hahaha,” my young friend messaged. We had, as usual, been joking and engaging in casual chat. I decided to get serious.
“You dun care because you dun have friends who were imprisoned without trial for doing social work and helping the poor,” I replied. “You dun have friends who cannot come home to Singapore, you dun have friends who were made bankrupt and had their lives destroyed by the PAP government.”
“Wah! So serious arh?” my young friend replied. She then went on to say … “But if you vote opposition you won’t get upgrading … Ya I know the PAP is unfair … But I am the logic (pragmatic) type.”
Haiz! I gave up and resumed the nonsense talk. But my heart won’t give up. I have to speak out what I feel deep inside.
While Malaysia puts dissenters away behind bars, Singapore assassinates the character of its critics and bankrupts them.
 |
| Opposition politician from SDP: Dr Chee Soon Juan |
Richard Seah elaborates, "As the years went by, I began to see more and more cases of people either made bankrupt, forced to flee the country or otherwise portrayed as crooks and liars simply because they opposed the PAP. The late J B Jeyaretnam, Tang Liang Hong, Francis Seow … all had their characters assassinated."
No one said much, because the economy was good and everyone was busy making money and trying to keep up with the Joneses.
Apathy is the wild card of all nefarious governments.
I Was 13 At The Time
FIVE ARTS CENTRE and POCKETSIZE PRODUCTIONS
present
I was 13 at the time. On the day it happened...
A Workshop Presentation of Stories of 13 May 1969
directed by Chee Sek Thim
text curated by Jacqueline Ann Surin
performed by Foo May Lyn, Lucille Dass and Shah Zainal
11, 12 & 13 May 2011
8.30pm
at Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
10 Brown Road, Penang
Admission by donation of RM10
Call 0124828619
14 May 2011
5pm at Leonardo's Wine Loft, 61-2 Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
9pm at Five Arts Centre, 27 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Admission by donation of RM10
Call 0125162891
This event will present a reading of different stories of 13 May 1969 told by Malaysians as they remember it. The stories will be juxtaposed with the official rhetoric of government, political parties, politicians, academics and the media regarding the racial clashes of 13 May.
The purpose of this workshop presentation is to reclaim what 13 May means to Malaysians by allowing other stories of the incident, apart from the official rhetoric, to be told and/or retold through performance in a public space. The hope is that by doing so, the official history of 13 May can be contested, and a space or spaces for more nuanced and compassionate memories of the incident can be created.
For more information email fivearts@tm.net.my or pocketsize.productions@gmail.com
present
I was 13 at the time. On the day it happened...
A Workshop Presentation of Stories of 13 May 1969
directed by Chee Sek Thim
text curated by Jacqueline Ann Surin
performed by Foo May Lyn, Lucille Dass and Shah Zainal
11, 12 & 13 May 2011
8.30pm
at Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
10 Brown Road, Penang
Admission by donation of RM10
Call 0124828619
14 May 2011
5pm at Leonardo's Wine Loft, 61-2 Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
9pm at Five Arts Centre, 27 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Admission by donation of RM10
Call 0125162891
This event will present a reading of different stories of 13 May 1969 told by Malaysians as they remember it. The stories will be juxtaposed with the official rhetoric of government, political parties, politicians, academics and the media regarding the racial clashes of 13 May.
The purpose of this workshop presentation is to reclaim what 13 May means to Malaysians by allowing other stories of the incident, apart from the official rhetoric, to be told and/or retold through performance in a public space. The hope is that by doing so, the official history of 13 May can be contested, and a space or spaces for more nuanced and compassionate memories of the incident can be created.
For more information email fivearts@tm.net.my or pocketsize.productions@gmail.com
Friday, 6 May 2011
Rare Earth Plant In Malaysia
Australia is 58 times bigger than Peninsular Malaysia. With a population of 21million and a government that answers to the people, Australia dare not take a bet that a Rare Earth Plant is worth its risk and investment. If Australia which is nearly 60 times bigger than Malaysia reject the setting up of a Rare Earth Plant, why would Malaysia 60 times smaller thinks it’s all right to go ahead?
The USA has closed most of its mines, and so has China. In Mongolia, vast tracts of lands thousands of square kilometres are rendered hazardous, with toxic runoffs destroying everything in their path, with high radioactivity, tainting precious water supplies and this chain reaction will continue for thousands of years.
And all this is just from one small factory which has also been closed down. It is surrounded by partly frozen red-colored 'tailing lakes' up to a square mile in size and the land is scarred with toxic runoffs from the refining process and pock-marked with craters and trenches. Larger Rare-Earth refineries sit around the banks of the world’s largest tailing lake, Baogang - seven square miles of evil-smelling toxic waste that shows the shocking extent of this industry's impact.
It is a scene that Chinese officials do not want the world to see. Several villages close to the lake have already been relocated because of pollution and security guards hired by the mining company.
And to think that Malaysia is building the world’s largest Rare Earth Plant is truly madness of the highest order.
Even massive Australia balks
Australia with its massive land size, could site it many thousands of miles in the centre of Australia, far away from populated areas and still be shielded should an accident happens but it will not even dream of building one in the country itself. But Peninsular Malaysia would be dead meat if the inevitable happens. And to think that it could never happen is fool hardy. The Chernoybl meltdown was not supposed to happen and neither was the Fukushima Nuclear Plant in Japan.
In the event of an accident the fallout could reach within an area of 80km radius, wiping out Kuantan, Pekan, Kemaman and most of the areas around Pahang and Terengganu. Long term the two states will be rendered useless and unliveable. It simply is illogical to site a Rare Earth Refinery so near to a large population and in such a small country.
Should there be an accident, the Peninsular will never be able to recover, and may even be sued by Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore And now that Australia with such a huge storage capacity would not allow the waste tailings to be reimported, shows Australia’s determination to wash its hands off the matter.
With Australia’s announcement that they will not accept our waste, what are we going to do it? Hide it in Taman Negara, on Gunung Tahan, or drop in the sea? Or try to sell it to another unsuspecting third world country? All the profits we make will not be enough to pay for the disposal of the highly toxic waste.
Malaysia in its stride to become a global economic powerhouse, should seriously weigh the pros and cons of the project. And anyhow we put it, the cons do outweigh the pros. It would be downright silly to even think that we can outwit nature.
Childish reaction
The Pahang MB’s threat to pull the plug on Gebeng with the loss of 20 thousand jobs, should the Rare Earth Plant be called off, is really a childish reaction and a very weak attempt to resolve the problem. And to allow 20,000 people to lose their jobs just because the people rejected this insane project, when the Rare Earth Plant should not be there in the first place, is unbelievable.
It is also preposterous that Officials from the EIA saw if fit to announce that a comprehensive EIA study was unnecessary, EIA was set up for the sole purpose of protecting the environment of the nation, and it is downright insulting of EIA to ignore the people and to side the Federal Government.
If the BN government does not take steps to settle this issue immediately, it will only cause the people to lose faith in the government. Already the Bukit Merah incident is a black mark, and our government should take steps that such an incident should never be allowed to happen again.
How can our government be fooled by this Orang Putih Foreigners who continues to insult our intelligence? When will we ever learn not to play with fire? In our relentless pursuit for the extra dollar, we continue to mess around with nature without thinking of its disastrous consequences.
Rare Earth belongs in the ground and It should never be dug up and refined in the first place. Just like nuclear fusion, it will cause a chain reaction that may one day cause the end of the world. Chernobyl and the Fukushima Reactor in Japan is a testament to that.
180 countries in the world cannot be wrong to reject such a dangerous project. There is simply no mitigation possible should an accident happen. Gebeng is also situated very near to the South China Sea and a Giant Tsunami generated from a simple earthquake cannot be discounted from its list of failsafe emergency procedures.
One day we may be the laughing stock of the world by our decision to lose a country for the sake of a Rare Earth project.
The risk is just too high. And it is simply not an option.
The USA has closed most of its mines, and so has China. In Mongolia, vast tracts of lands thousands of square kilometres are rendered hazardous, with toxic runoffs destroying everything in their path, with high radioactivity, tainting precious water supplies and this chain reaction will continue for thousands of years.
And all this is just from one small factory which has also been closed down. It is surrounded by partly frozen red-colored 'tailing lakes' up to a square mile in size and the land is scarred with toxic runoffs from the refining process and pock-marked with craters and trenches. Larger Rare-Earth refineries sit around the banks of the world’s largest tailing lake, Baogang - seven square miles of evil-smelling toxic waste that shows the shocking extent of this industry's impact.
It is a scene that Chinese officials do not want the world to see. Several villages close to the lake have already been relocated because of pollution and security guards hired by the mining company.
And to think that Malaysia is building the world’s largest Rare Earth Plant is truly madness of the highest order.
Even massive Australia balks
Australia with its massive land size, could site it many thousands of miles in the centre of Australia, far away from populated areas and still be shielded should an accident happens but it will not even dream of building one in the country itself. But Peninsular Malaysia would be dead meat if the inevitable happens. And to think that it could never happen is fool hardy. The Chernoybl meltdown was not supposed to happen and neither was the Fukushima Nuclear Plant in Japan.
In the event of an accident the fallout could reach within an area of 80km radius, wiping out Kuantan, Pekan, Kemaman and most of the areas around Pahang and Terengganu. Long term the two states will be rendered useless and unliveable. It simply is illogical to site a Rare Earth Refinery so near to a large population and in such a small country.
Should there be an accident, the Peninsular will never be able to recover, and may even be sued by Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore And now that Australia with such a huge storage capacity would not allow the waste tailings to be reimported, shows Australia’s determination to wash its hands off the matter.
With Australia’s announcement that they will not accept our waste, what are we going to do it? Hide it in Taman Negara, on Gunung Tahan, or drop in the sea? Or try to sell it to another unsuspecting third world country? All the profits we make will not be enough to pay for the disposal of the highly toxic waste.
Malaysia in its stride to become a global economic powerhouse, should seriously weigh the pros and cons of the project. And anyhow we put it, the cons do outweigh the pros. It would be downright silly to even think that we can outwit nature.
Childish reaction
The Pahang MB’s threat to pull the plug on Gebeng with the loss of 20 thousand jobs, should the Rare Earth Plant be called off, is really a childish reaction and a very weak attempt to resolve the problem. And to allow 20,000 people to lose their jobs just because the people rejected this insane project, when the Rare Earth Plant should not be there in the first place, is unbelievable.
It is also preposterous that Officials from the EIA saw if fit to announce that a comprehensive EIA study was unnecessary, EIA was set up for the sole purpose of protecting the environment of the nation, and it is downright insulting of EIA to ignore the people and to side the Federal Government.
If the BN government does not take steps to settle this issue immediately, it will only cause the people to lose faith in the government. Already the Bukit Merah incident is a black mark, and our government should take steps that such an incident should never be allowed to happen again.
How can our government be fooled by this Orang Putih Foreigners who continues to insult our intelligence? When will we ever learn not to play with fire? In our relentless pursuit for the extra dollar, we continue to mess around with nature without thinking of its disastrous consequences.
Rare Earth belongs in the ground and It should never be dug up and refined in the first place. Just like nuclear fusion, it will cause a chain reaction that may one day cause the end of the world. Chernobyl and the Fukushima Reactor in Japan is a testament to that.
180 countries in the world cannot be wrong to reject such a dangerous project. There is simply no mitigation possible should an accident happen. Gebeng is also situated very near to the South China Sea and a Giant Tsunami generated from a simple earthquake cannot be discounted from its list of failsafe emergency procedures.
One day we may be the laughing stock of the world by our decision to lose a country for the sake of a Rare Earth project.
The risk is just too high. And it is simply not an option.
The Internet did not kill Kugan or Aminulrasyid
The cops are whining about their image being tarnished - by the internet, of all things.
Do they really think that people are so stupid to overlook their grave incompetence and bias?
- putting up roadblocks during almost every demonstration. The police are responsible for the bad traffic, not the protestors.
- allowing UMNO-friendly demonstrations but arresting anti-government protestors.
- killing detainees under their custody.
- shooting unarmed boys and pregnant women.
- investigating Opposition politicians for what they do in their private lives.
- being unable to solve crimes involving kidnapped and murdered children.
The list is endless.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/163379
Do they really think that people are so stupid to overlook their grave incompetence and bias?
- putting up roadblocks during almost every demonstration. The police are responsible for the bad traffic, not the protestors.
- allowing UMNO-friendly demonstrations but arresting anti-government protestors.
- killing detainees under their custody.
- shooting unarmed boys and pregnant women.
- investigating Opposition politicians for what they do in their private lives.
- being unable to solve crimes involving kidnapped and murdered children.
The list is endless.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/163379
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Turncoats And Village Idiots
Before you get to the proper content of this entry, I would like to put out a disclaimer that this is not one of those "nation-building" type of posts that I am always being asked to write.
I'm not good at writing those types of posts, to be honest. The "nation-building" posts are always hopeful, inspiring and forgiving of the simple-minded of this world.
I don't suffer fools gladly. I believe fools are fools, not because they are victims of their circumstances, but because they willingly parade their ignorance instead of using that vital bit of grey matter that hides abashedly somewhere in their skulls.
Today, I am annoyed. Pretty annoyed, actually.
I was told a couple of days ago about vicious comments flying around at The People's Parliament. I forgot about it until today, when I read Farida Ibrahim's piece called When good people, petrified, swallow poison and stumbled upon some of those comments.
In the beginning, some of those comments amused me. It was like reading satire or a spoof of what might have once been serious.
Only after scrolling down for a bit did I realise that some of those fools pimping the oxygen in this part of the world were serious in their opinions.
The overriding opinion appears to be that Haris and RPK have become turncoats and are under BN's payroll. This is a result of RPK's ill-advised interview with TV3 which resulted in a mega-spin by the mainstream media.
It was such a spin that there are still tornados ravaging Kansas and New Mexico as a result of the vortex caused by this.
I am not going to go into detail on what RPK said and what he didn't. Malaysians with a reasonable level of intelligence may find it beneficial to read this for some comprehension of the subject matter at hand.
Those who are more self-effacing (and have plenty of reason to be) should refrain from tainting that link by clicking on it. In fact, I don't even know what you're doing on my blog.
I digress. Back to Haris and RPK.
The point is not whether Haris and RPK are upright, morally-conscious men. The point is whether what they are saying is agreeable and if it makes sense.
From the beginning, I have noticed that the focus of both men revolve around the rights and needs of the people, the citizens. They have held up to standards basic human rights and have fought consistently against tyranny.
Perhaps the only thing I do not see eye-to-eye with them is the issue of HINDRAF (or Human Rights Party or whatever it is they call themselves these days). I felt that HINDRAF had legitimate issues.
From what I recall, Haris and RPK both felt that the approach - somewhat communal in nature - was wrong. Yet, in some cases, I recall Haris rallying to HINDRAF's cause. This is a marked difference from Ahiruddin Attan of Rocky's Bru, who ran HINDRAF down as a worthless cause when they had the massive protest on 25th November 2007.
Of course, back then the gullible masses dove like lemmings off the cliff to agree with Rocky and vilify HINDRAF. Rocky was the icon back then. Today, most people are aware of his ulterior motives and his allegiance to his real boss - BN.
The very heart of the problem is that Malaysians are unable to understand issues. So what do they do? They create icons and idols whom they agree with wholeheartedly and unreservedly.
RPK and Haris became one of those icons. When what they said did not match the script that the public had mentally written out for these two, public anger and distrust was unleashed against them.
We have a deplorable standard of education which had steadily deteriorated, to add salt to injury. Also, when the education system was introduced to Malaysians by the British, the unspoken command was that students should learn and absorb, but not question.
Things have changed in education systems throughout the world to encourage critical thinking. Heck, forget critical thinking. Just plain simple thinking would suffice, but unfortunately Malaysians are not even capable of that.
Books and magazines are one of the tax exemptions. But I don't think Malaysians read much, because comprehension is evidently not one of their strong points.
I'm not good at writing those types of posts, to be honest. The "nation-building" posts are always hopeful, inspiring and forgiving of the simple-minded of this world.
I don't suffer fools gladly. I believe fools are fools, not because they are victims of their circumstances, but because they willingly parade their ignorance instead of using that vital bit of grey matter that hides abashedly somewhere in their skulls.
Today, I am annoyed. Pretty annoyed, actually.
I was told a couple of days ago about vicious comments flying around at The People's Parliament. I forgot about it until today, when I read Farida Ibrahim's piece called When good people, petrified, swallow poison and stumbled upon some of those comments.
In the beginning, some of those comments amused me. It was like reading satire or a spoof of what might have once been serious.
Only after scrolling down for a bit did I realise that some of those fools pimping the oxygen in this part of the world were serious in their opinions.
The overriding opinion appears to be that Haris and RPK have become turncoats and are under BN's payroll. This is a result of RPK's ill-advised interview with TV3 which resulted in a mega-spin by the mainstream media.
It was such a spin that there are still tornados ravaging Kansas and New Mexico as a result of the vortex caused by this.
I am not going to go into detail on what RPK said and what he didn't. Malaysians with a reasonable level of intelligence may find it beneficial to read this for some comprehension of the subject matter at hand.
Those who are more self-effacing (and have plenty of reason to be) should refrain from tainting that link by clicking on it. In fact, I don't even know what you're doing on my blog.
I digress. Back to Haris and RPK.
The point is not whether Haris and RPK are upright, morally-conscious men. The point is whether what they are saying is agreeable and if it makes sense.
From the beginning, I have noticed that the focus of both men revolve around the rights and needs of the people, the citizens. They have held up to standards basic human rights and have fought consistently against tyranny.
Perhaps the only thing I do not see eye-to-eye with them is the issue of HINDRAF (or Human Rights Party or whatever it is they call themselves these days). I felt that HINDRAF had legitimate issues.
From what I recall, Haris and RPK both felt that the approach - somewhat communal in nature - was wrong. Yet, in some cases, I recall Haris rallying to HINDRAF's cause. This is a marked difference from Ahiruddin Attan of Rocky's Bru, who ran HINDRAF down as a worthless cause when they had the massive protest on 25th November 2007.
Of course, back then the gullible masses dove like lemmings off the cliff to agree with Rocky and vilify HINDRAF. Rocky was the icon back then. Today, most people are aware of his ulterior motives and his allegiance to his real boss - BN.
The very heart of the problem is that Malaysians are unable to understand issues. So what do they do? They create icons and idols whom they agree with wholeheartedly and unreservedly.
RPK and Haris became one of those icons. When what they said did not match the script that the public had mentally written out for these two, public anger and distrust was unleashed against them.
We have a deplorable standard of education which had steadily deteriorated, to add salt to injury. Also, when the education system was introduced to Malaysians by the British, the unspoken command was that students should learn and absorb, but not question.
Things have changed in education systems throughout the world to encourage critical thinking. Heck, forget critical thinking. Just plain simple thinking would suffice, but unfortunately Malaysians are not even capable of that.
Books and magazines are one of the tax exemptions. But I don't think Malaysians read much, because comprehension is evidently not one of their strong points.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Smooth Criminals
I was casually browsing through the news when I saw this:
Malaysia 'smooth criminals' walk off with diamonds
It is evident that the crime rate in this country is extremely high.
If only the police spent more time solving these crimes than arresting peaceful protesters on the streets.
Really, it would be far more productive and beneficial.
Malaysia 'smooth criminals' walk off with diamonds
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian police said Sunday they were investigating how "smooth criminals" walked off with over 3.0 million ringgit ($1.0 million) worth of diamond jewellery from a gem exhibition.
District police chief Arjunaidi Mohamed told AFP that officers were probing the heist, which took place at the exhibition stand of famous local jeweller Habib at a suburban mall on Friday night.
"We have obtained the CCTV footage from the scene and have also taken statements," he said, declining to give further details as the investigation is ongoing.
It is evident that the crime rate in this country is extremely high.
If only the police spent more time solving these crimes than arresting peaceful protesters on the streets.
Really, it would be far more productive and beneficial.
May Day Rally 2011 In KL
It started out as a small group at around 10:30am, just outside Maju Junction.
The cops were not in the vicinity as they were waiting at the Chow Kit monorail, the original gathering spot.
Most of the protestors had banners and placards.
The gathering wasn't limited just to Malaysians. A small number of foreigners were there, mostly spectators, perhaps.
But then the crowd suddenly grew into a huge mass of people. At all times, there was peace and order.
This crowd was far bigger than the one last year.
Eventually, the cops caught on. The traffic police and his counterpart look on in consternation.
But of course, they alerted their team, and very soon, the blue squad arrived in huge numbers.
The obligatory arrests were made, even though no laws were broken.
Apparently, at least 14 people were taken in. This man is one of them, who was made to sit in the truck for quite a long time.
But the rally went on. There was a sit-in. And people displayed their banners.
"TO HELL WITH THE CAPITALISTS!" this one says.
This one claims that, "IF JOBS WERE SO EASY, THE RICH WOULD KEEP THEM FOR THEMSELVES."
Oh yes, it was a very socialist crowd over there :-)
The sobering truth, however, is that the prices of goods are going up, but not the wages. For these folks, there is no minimum wage to protect their well-being.
As I drive in my nice, foreign-made car, I cannot help but feel sympathy for those who must struggle to make ends meet.
I think perhaps even the cops can identify with the need for implementing minimum wages, for they were nowhere as brutal as they have been for other protests.
The cops were not in the vicinity as they were waiting at the Chow Kit monorail, the original gathering spot.
Most of the protestors had banners and placards.
The gathering wasn't limited just to Malaysians. A small number of foreigners were there, mostly spectators, perhaps.
But then the crowd suddenly grew into a huge mass of people. At all times, there was peace and order.
This crowd was far bigger than the one last year.
Eventually, the cops caught on. The traffic police and his counterpart look on in consternation.
But of course, they alerted their team, and very soon, the blue squad arrived in huge numbers.
The obligatory arrests were made, even though no laws were broken.
Apparently, at least 14 people were taken in. This man is one of them, who was made to sit in the truck for quite a long time.
But the rally went on. There was a sit-in. And people displayed their banners.
"TO HELL WITH THE CAPITALISTS!" this one says.
This one claims that, "IF JOBS WERE SO EASY, THE RICH WOULD KEEP THEM FOR THEMSELVES."
Oh yes, it was a very socialist crowd over there :-)
The sobering truth, however, is that the prices of goods are going up, but not the wages. For these folks, there is no minimum wage to protect their well-being.
As I drive in my nice, foreign-made car, I cannot help but feel sympathy for those who must struggle to make ends meet.
I think perhaps even the cops can identify with the need for implementing minimum wages, for they were nowhere as brutal as they have been for other protests.
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