Delay PRU, reinstate ISA!

I saw how they romped barricades, bashed up police personnel, smashed up and overturned vehicles and ransacked public properties. Kuala Lumpur was at a standstill, most of its business had to close while the massive traffic jams kept tourist out of sight.

So much of a 'peaceful demonstration'! They were animals!

To Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, you got every reason to delay the general elections or not having it at all for another term. We experienced that in the 1960s. And should situation demands, we should reinstate ISA!

As the new Bill to replace ISA has yet to find its way to the Senate, Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein should reconsider it. Discuss it with the PM and get all BN MPs to boot the new Bill and retain ISA.

This is OUR country. As long as we have a good benevolent government, we must not compromise of security and stability matters. The people need to be protected from subversive elements. To keep the house in order, we must be strict about it.

Bersih was formed for fair election. And until they are satisfied that our electoral system is free of vote rigging as they alleged, there is no need to rush for a national poll. Najib has to be firm on this. If we call for a general election now, there is no guarantee that it will be held in a peaceful manner.

Bersih has shown us how capable they are in breaking up barriers of law.  They took the law in their own hands, disrespecting orders and risking the life of many. Most important was the fact that they didn't respect the voice of the masses. The losses and difficulties the people faced during the rally was non of their concern.

Their main concern was to stage a coup. Its all about power, nothing else matters. Once in power, I don't think they will allow another 'Bersih' to be staged by their opposition (the BN). Perhaps, they will introduce a new bill that is more draconian that the ISA. And with support from foreign agents, the country would be sold to the devils!

Ambiga, Anwar, Nik Aziz, Lim Kit Siang and others have lots to explain on the unruly conduct of Bersih 3.0. There was no better word to describe those at Dataran Merdeka, Masjid Jamek, KLCC, Masjid Negara and other places in the capital on Saturday, rather that calling them 'the new agents of communist'.

Once again, there are valid reasons for the PM to delay the elections and for Hisham to consider a new approach in dealing with such subversives.

After all the effort to develop the country and make Malaysians as one, we cannot just let it go down the drain just because we have to bow to these people.

Ambiga should be grateful that the police personnel were so professional in dealing with her supporters yesterday. Had Bersih was staged in other countries, including the US, she and her friends will not see the sun again.

So, this is how you want to form a government!

Glorifying Bersih 3.0...

We learn nothing from the past!

Have we forgotten how they accused the government, the Home Ministry, the police and pro-government NGOs of forming a cahoot to neutralise them? Or Home Minister and the IGP are ignorant of such a signal!

Remember when Ambiga and the Opposition accused the police of being brutal when trying to control Bersih 2.0 last year. The whole world was forced into believing that the government's atrocity easily matched what had taken place in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen.

I personally think we are over reacting in dealing with Bersih 3.0.

Why? because we glorified them. We sent and deployed trucks load of police personnel to the Dataran Merdeka. We publicised them to the extent of spurring them to feel like heroes, and that they were doing the right thing.

It was last week when Hishammuddin Tun Hussein told the Press that Bersih 3.0 is not a threat to national security. Even Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said the same thing.

But then, why are we giving this 'special attention' to them, reacting in a manner that the country was 'under siege' by Ambiga and her followers?

Don't you know that this is actually what they want - being put under the police tight security so that both sides will be involved in counter-provocation before the lens of the foreign media?

Is this what we want too?

The crowd will go rowdy with the presence of police personnel. They will definitely provoke the police by throwing objects at them, stop their vehicles or taking them on for a fight.

They love to have the police near them. The whole idea is for the demonstration to get ugly. And of course its the police duty to put things under control. In doing so, there would be scuffles and once again, the police will be the subject of harsh condemnation - that they are very, very brutal!

I'm not sure whose idea was it but its really a stupid one, sorry to say.

Right from the very beginning when Bersih 3.0 was announced, there were suggestion and high-level recommendation for the government not to entertain them.

In other words, the mainstream media and pro-govt blogs and news portal impose a blackout on it. The PM and his Cabinet members too must not make unnecessary statement sbout it.

But a few publicity-craze ministers and politicians made and issue various statements for their political mileage. That's how the opposition began to love this few.

Why can't we just ignore them. Let them stage that sit-in protest at the Dataran or other venues. Aftet all, Ambiga has promised that it would be a peaceful demonstration. Should it turns ugly, we know who to be held responsible!

So, we fell into the opposition's mouse trap. Instead of deploying the police at a distant to monitor the demonstration, we sent them straight into the pit. What a rotten strategy.

Its Ambiga who would sought for police assistance should they are confronted by groups opposing her. Since they are not a threat to national security (right?), we should just deploy the police at a distant. Maybe some good cameras and CCTV are much better to record any untoward incidents.

However, here we are again, dancing to the opposition's tune!

Yes, we are the ones who glorified them, and that's how more people, especially college and university students were attracted to join the bandwagon. Its glorifying and full of fun and excitement.

Perhaps in Bersih 4.0, we should consider deploying (instead of the police) 50,000 army personnel together with their tanks and armored vehicles. Can we imagine and describe how happy Ambiga and the Opposition would be?

Najib is all alone for Selangor...

Not a posting. Just a short note about Selangor and our (BN) chance of taking it back from Pakatan Rakyat in the next general election.

My observation - after some rounds, meeting people and placing my ears on some sensitive issues - it will get stiffer this time.

Nope! I am not a JASA member who has high confidence about our chance in the State. I am just an ordinary citizen whose concern is thicker than that of JASA and even Umno leaders in Selangor.

PM and Umno President Najib may shoulder the task as the State's Umno Liaison Committee chairman but I don't think he gets the kind of cooperation and support he expects.

Why?

Umno Selangor is in a state of tatter. Bickering for positions at division level is getting rampant, especially when the national poll draws nearer.

And of course the Opposition has just the right leverage to keep the State, at least for another term.

Sad that the boss seems to be all alone in this battle. His generals in Selangor are having their own kind of personal battle.

I do not wish to say more...

A Cabinet member and gangsterism...

I've heard about it, not once but many times - the police, the victims and those in the team - that a Dato Seri who is also a member of the Cabinet is a dirty person.

He is said to be connected with major gangster clans and protecting them. just name it - ah long, illegal gambling, pirated CDs, blackmailing, brothels, massage parlors... what else!

I first thought it was a plot to kill him politically. I didnt believe it and even laughed at the storytellers.

However, after a few months of fact-finding, including meetings with people from various clans, I am beginning to have a second thought about this 'big mouth' politician.

But I have to be fair to him too. So, I called his office several times over the past two weeks, hoping to get an appointment with him. Sad that his officers cut me off by giving many 'stupid' excuses.

I didnt give up. I tried at the Parliament but his bodyguards shooed me away. Tak apa laaa...!

I am still working on it. If all evidence points to him, I hope Prime Minister Najib will drop him from defending his parliament seat in the next general election. He is not only a liability to Umno and Barisan Nasional but a threat to the country.

Oppssss... one more thing. A Dato who runs a famous 'ikan bakar' business is also believed to be in a cahoot with this Dato Seri.

Wonder how Bukit Aman will attend to this kind of case. In fact, the MACC, the Home Ministry and other authorities too. I think we are paying too much attention to small cases, enjoying our catch on small fish.

As for the big ones, we have to close an eye or don't deal with it at all if we want to 'stay alive'.

And thats how the system works, right?

How reliable is JASA?

Me and a few friends, among whom are senior journos and high ranking govt officials, just looked at each other in disbelief after reading a newspaper report while having afternoon tea in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.

Nothing extraordinary about the report. What awed us is the disappointment for having to read and accept that same grandfather's fiddlestick story, again and again.

It's about JASA, the government's fact-finding machinery which is entrusted to help Barisan Nasional strategise its political approach, especially in detecting the rakyats' increasing or deteriorating support for the government.

And of course the government relies heavily on such feedbacks in charting the right policy and program for the people. In fact, the perfect timing to call for a general election also takes into account their recommendation.

However, how reliable is JASA and its findings? How much trust is PM Najib have on them? Does minister in-charge Rais Yatim notice how much JASA reports had gone far from near perfect to the level of 'cannot be trusted anymore'?

I personally would like to question what are the mechanism and approach being taken by JASA to substantiate its reports and recommendations?

We dont expect a 100 per cent prediction report but this 'special task force' has not been that reliable anymore.

Were they the ones who told us that PKR would get only four parliamentary seats in 2008 national poll? PKR won 31, six more than my own forecast after spending two months making rounds with a few journo friends.

Even their win prediction for Kuala Terengganu by-election in January 2009 turned out to be the otherwise.

And in Johor Bahru on Wednesday, JASA was proud and convinced to announce that BN will easily notch a two-third majority victory in the coming general election.

While Najib himself has been reminding Umno and BN not to look down at the Opposition, our 'underground' units seem to be banking on loose reports about the outcome of the general election. Aren't we worried?

Anticipating that some quarters would not like my posting, I better stop here.

The Edge: Breaking up Umno and MCA

The Anwarites are at it again. While Malaysiakini, Malaysia Chronicle, Free Malaysia Today and other news portals are on a non-stop mission to bring down Barisan Nasional government, another Opposition-controlled 'business' paper (what?) The Edge is going a bit forward.

This time around, The Edge tries to run a wedge between BN two main component parties, Umno and MCA. And to add credence, former Cabinet Minister Zaid Ibrahim who is struggling for the upkeep of his political popularity, threw his support for the unfounded reports.

First, The Edge said Umno will take over the Transport Ministry portfolio under the new Cabinet (should BN wins next general elections). Why? Because Umno leading businessmen have been pressuring PM and Umno President Najib to consider the 'bulk of money' involved for projects under the ministry.

It also said MCA will have to relinquish that portfolio due to calls by Umno-linked companies like Gamuda and tycoons like Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary and others who want Najib to secure such contracts for them.

"The amount of money being poured into rail infrastructure, coupled with high-profile scandal-hit projects like Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), has sparked a realignment of national politics with the Transport Ministry, which has traditionally been helmed by MCA, potentially leading to the loss of the rail and road sectors.

“There is a lot of national pride attached to the rail sector now and Umno believes it must take the lead,” The Edge said, quoting an unidentified industry source whom I believe never existed or someone from the Opposition bench.

And tomorrow at the Parliament, I will personally see Minister in the PM's Department Nazri Aziz whom according to the paper was being considered to oversee the rail and road sectors, thus leaving the Transport Ministry with ports and airports.

As far as the record shows, most projects under the Transport Ministry were awarded to Umno-linked companies, and a few went to MCA, MIC and other bidders, including the Opposition. I think The Edge didn't do much homework before coming out with the 'dirty analysis'.

Gamuda, UEM, Scomi and MMC for examples. Do these companies belong to MCA or MIC?

While Human Resource sees a two-term rotation between MCA and MIC, Health and Transport are given to MCA under what is termed as 'a mutual understanding' among BN component parties. That has been the practice over the last three or four decades. No complaints so far.

Another issue brought up by The Edge is linking Najib's close aide Omar Mustapha and former MCA deputy president Chan Kong Choy of benefiting from an automated traffic summons deal worth a few hundreds million ringgit.

And Zaid, who is trying to get back Kota Bharu parliamentary seat under the party he 'formed and left' KITA, was fast to rally behind the reports. When MCA President Chua Soi Lek denied any involvement of MCA-linked companies with it, Zaid said on his Twitter: "So traffic summons firm not MCA linked? Must be Umno then. Who else can suck blood from the rakyat (people) like they do".

I don't care much about Zaid. Just let KB voters choose between him and possibly Fatmi Salleh and PAS' Takiyuddin.

My concern is about the integrity of the reports.

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng, who questioned why Najib granted the 'exorbitant' 17 per cent return to two companies awarded with the project, has forgotten that ATES and Beta had to fork out an initial capital of millions of ringgit to supply, install and maintain the cameras and other supporting equipments.

Lim & Gang should have done some calculations first before shooting blindly at the government. Furthermore, his allegation that there wasn't any open tender for it was wrong as the two companies were chosen from a 'selective tender' system some years ago when not many businessmen showed much interest in such a project.

At least Lim could have conducted a simple costings by asking the security company managing Komtar as to how much is their overhead per month in providing surveillance for the building, especially the Chief Minister's Office. Only then will he know how expensive it is to maintain the system.

However, I don't blame The Edge.

Just like any other anti-BN (obviously they are not anti-government) machinery, The Edge is under the management of Anwar's sympathiser. Who is this Tong, if u may know - a former boss at Phileo, now Anwar's big supporter. And PKR headquarters is not far from there.

So, that explains everything...

As far as the reports are concerned, MCA and Umno are not affected.

PRU13: Over confident and undermining games

"I don't want to know or hear any problem. My officers in charge of my constituency know what is best to safeguard my interest. I pay them well and I believe in them. As far as general election is concerned, I am confident of retaining my Parliamentary seat. Forget about the Opposition... they are not my match." - a senior minister told me last week.

"Bro. No worries. I will take on any PR candidate for ..... (Parliamentary) seat (in Kelantan). We have conducted our survey. PAS will contest but its supporters are getting fed up with the leaders. So, I don't have to sweat it out. All reports are in my favor..." - a potential candidate said this over coffee in PJ.

"Hahaha. PM knows me, Jai. We are very close. He promised to retain me. Reports from my constituency is all about good thing. No Opposition threat," a deputy minister wrote this in a text message to my question about his chance in the next national poll.

All are Umno men, confident of winning and undermining the Opposition.

I met and told them about the stiff challenges awaiting them in the next general election. They laughed to point out that I was wrong and don't have bona fide evidence about the 'threat' from the Opposition.

They are my friends, the ones whom I often spend time following them in their trips back home. I know each and every officer serving their constituents and ministries. To me, some of them are just a pack of rotten wood who deliver nothing. Their main objective to join the pool is to get a few projects. Whatever happens next is none of their business.

I think I am more worried than they are about their 50-50 chance. 'No worries' is their favorite line and I am not sure if they get the right information from their appointed officials at the respective constituencies.

As one of the minister's senior officer told me: "My boss does not like bad or unpleasant news from officers at his constituency. Any problem would be left to them to settle. All that he cares is good and stimulating news."

I think PM and Umno President Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak will have a big problem here should his generals are taking the Opposition lightly. The problem will swell if they refuse to listen to news from the ground.

In 2008 national poll, I sent a text message to Datin Seri Wan Azizah on the eve of polling that her PKR would win at least 23 Parliament seats. We have differences in political ideology but friends are friends.

She was elated and replied that PKR would be happy enough to get 15. But they got 31 instead.

I also called some journo friends and aides to Umno candidates that Shahrizat, Samy Vellu, Tsu Koon and Aziz would lose their seat. A close friend of mine who was helping Awang Adek was mad at me when I said Awang could not win Bachok.

I have covered seven general elections. Some of my journo friends too have been with me making rounds throughout the country few months before any national poll was called. We have been passing the message to respective representatives of the prime ministers we had served but we believe it fell on deaf ears. I wonder whether it got to the prime ministers of not.

This has been the main obstacle for any PM to chart what is best to dominate the election result. The message didn't get across! Their cadres and advisers are too scared to pass on the 'bad news' to them as it will reflect the weakness of Umno at all levels - division to State's liaison committee.

As ministers and deputy ministers, they regard themselves too high and so perfect to attend to such 'petty' matters. In the 2nd case above, the potential candidate failed to capitalise on PAS weakness in his constituency. Knowing how mad PAS supporters are toward their leaders, this Umno division chief did not do anything to leverage on it. And he is so sure of winning!

I have written many articles in newspapers about Umno and Barisan Nasional. During Umno General Assembly last year, I did three postings on 'My Umno' and received overwhelming support from readers. But I have a feeling that Umno leaders who also read have forgotten about it.

As a grassroot member - and other journo bloggers and fellow-bloggers who know much about the situation on the ground - such information will continue to find its way up. Whether it reaches the right people or not, we are satisfied with our job and effort to lend our hands. Our intention is clear. And as to whether we are being appreciated or not, we don't care.

A-aahh... Almost forgotten another incident. On the eve of Kuala Terengganu by-election (parliament) on January 17, 2009, I told Ahmad Said that Wan Farid would lose... only to be chided by him and his men at the Media Center!

Nope! I didn't mind... and I didn't have the last laugh either. I was subdued!

Abu Bakar resigns...

Someone from the PM Dept called me in the afternoon. He said Director-General of PSD Tan Sri Abu Bakar Abdullah has tendered in his resignation letter.

"Bro. He was 'forced' to...".

Who forced him to resign? He did tell me who but I can't mention it here. Not good.

However, he takes full responsibility of the SBPA. Pity him as he is the only one to take all the blame. I thought at least two more senior government officials should also resign but I believe Abu Bakar has to 'save' them.

Who is the replacement?

No solid confirmation, not just yet but Home Ministry's secretary-general Tan Sri Mahmood Adam looks like the best candidate.

However, I am not sure if Mahmood likes that position as he is more keen to take over the KSN (chief secretary to the government).

"Mahmood? Abis laaaa...!" was the first reaction from a JUSA B officer in Putrajaya when I told him about it.

Anything wrong with that?

6P program - a Grade C success

The legalisation and amnesty (6P) program which ended on April 10 only achieved a Grade C mark. Sorry to say, it didn't meet the purpose and I wonder whether the people involved realise that it brought about more problem than solution.

Prime Minister Najib may have given Home Minister Hishammuddin a pat on the shoulder for that 'success' but I personally believe Najib, or even Hisham, didn't know the actual situation on the ground. They are too high above it. Similarly, they also don't know many things brewing at Umno grass root level.

Deputy premier Muhyiddin who heads the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers did not make any statement on 6P on the assumption that it was a grand success. Or he was happy enough that NERS had done an excellent job in providing the equipment for that program. By the way, who are the people behind NERS?

The main objective of the 6P is to set up a data bank about the number of foreign workers - both legal and not - in the country. Introduced on the pretext of 'beefing up the security', the implementation was an over-zealous; the original recommendation which was agreed upon didn't really tag along.

With so many cooks spoiling the soup, the Home Ministry appointed about 300 agents to help out with the registration at RM50 (registration) and RM300 (legalisation) - it ended up with most of the agents incurred heavy losses when the ministry suddenly announced that the foreigners could register for free at any immigration office.

Agents who had fork out between RM100,000 and RM300,000 to rent NERS equipment were taken aback and disappointed. Some had to close shop while many had to be satisfied with only a few 'customers'. Appointed by KDN and preyed on.

I don't understand why the whole period of August 2011 was chosen for registration. It was fasting month and most of the foreigners, especially from Indonesia were either back in their homeland of needed the money for Hari Raya. And I heard people at the ministry making remarks that did not reflect Malaysia as a friendly workplace. We treated them like criminals.

In Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Emirates, the registration process took between three and six months to complete. As we play host to more than 4 million foreign workers, six months should be considered.

But we are so excited to 'flush them out' on security reason. What is the threat, anyway? Out of that 4 million, how many are involved in crimes and subversive? Is it fair to call immigration offenders as a threat to national security?

The threat comes from inside. We should take a look at some cult groups, the Shiite sect, drug dwellers, money launderers, black money, graft involving VIPs and senior government officials, the propagators of racial hatred, etc as the main threats to our national security, most of which involve our own people.

Some of the 4 million foreign workers have been here for decades - married to locals, have kids who are not recognised as citizens of Malaysia and neither as citizens in the fathers' homeland. What has and is the Home Ministry doing about it? Flush them out too?

If we are so easy in giving out PR and citizenship to people who we adore - foreign singers and actors (no need to mention their names) - why can't we consider a citizenship status to thousands holding red IC and ask them to vote for Barisan Nasional in the next general election?

Please remember. We also owe them a great deal of gratitude for their role in building Putrajaya, the KLCC, Cyberjaya, KL Tower, KLIA, Iskandar Malaysia and other facilities. How many local people were involved in the construction? One million? Your better swallow your tongue!

And do we know why did they overstayed after completing their job? Because most of them really want to earn a living. While they took over positions where Malaysians refused to, they indirectly help boost our economy and speed up national development.

The government should also take note that the main culprits in turning them into 'illegals' are the employers. Many factories, contractors, plantation owners and private companies took advantage of them. It is not cheap to have them. If it costs between RM4,000 and RM6,000 per worker, we have to believe that many employers simply avoided that duty to save their pocket.

On its last day, 6P only recorded about 800,000 registration for legalisation. Another 120,000 chose to go back home to their respective countries.

Out of 4 million, we call this a big success?

So, what do we do with the estimated 2-3 million? Flush them out? How? With the help of police, armed forces, Rela, the Immigration Dept and other agencies? Do you really know where they are?

That's the main problem. No proper homework. We always take up things so lightly, and the data we depend on is already obsolete! We refused to listen to good suggestions and proposals. As people involved with the 6P, we thought it would be the best system ever. And the best part was, too many people issued different directives down... and the boss didn't have and hands on at it!

I think the 6P needs to be improved. The system encourages more corruption and didn't meet its objectives. Call it a failure. PM, Muhyiddin and Hisham are too busy to monitor the situation and their officers in-charge were too afraid to give unpleasant report. That's the problem when we - as the bosses - keep on telling them that we don't want any bad news.

The government is not always right. Many policies and programs had backfired but it doesn't mean that it cannot be revived, enhanced and further improved. There are people outside the public sector who are masters in any aspect of administration. The only problem is, they are not politicians.

The other major problem is, its difficult for the government to listen to others. To those at the top, especially ministers, they always consider themselves as the corporate and legalistic entities. If they call you 'stupid', it really reflects. Each time you go back to your constituency, you are the celebrity!

Just like Umno which puts a limit to the number of professionals as members, our government too does not welcome any Hang Nadim to its core. What a pity!

DAULAT TUANKU!

Just ignore Bersih 3.0!

Bersih 3.0.

Why worry? Just ignore them. Let them march for nothing. They are just a bunch of anti-peace people.

Yes, they carry the Opposition's flag. So, what's the cause for alarm? If their 'peaceful' protest can bring about prosperity to the nation, may as well we support them. But they are up to nothing as their intention is to undermine the rakyat, the country and the benevolent government.

To Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, no need paying so much attention to them. Let Ambiga and the rest take to the street. I don't believe they will only hold peaceful gathering at the Dataran Merdeka.

They will for sure provoke the police to interfere. But hold on! I think we've learn our lesson from Bersih 2.0 when they accused the police of brutality.

This time around, just let them. Deploy the police personnel at a distant to observe the rally. Install enough cameras to capture them from A to Z. Not a single policeman should be allowed anywhere near the protesters.

If Ambiga is wise enough, she will not proceed with Bersih 3.0. She knows bloody well that the traders and merchants in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Masjid India and its vicinity will not tolerate to have their business closed for the second time after losing millions of ringgit in 2011.

There is also news that Perkasa and Pekida will send their people to stop the march. However, Perkasa and Pekida aside, Bersih 3.0 will be facing stiff confrontation from the traders and merchants.

Should this happens, we cannot discount the fact that it will turn ugly. And if it leads to commotions, only then can the police move in.

But I believe Ambiga & Gang will blame the police for not protecting them.

See my point? Whether the police is there or not, they will still blame the force. They will criticise the government and the Home Ministry.

So, what actually are they fighting for? The answer is to help Pakatan Rakyat wins the next general election. Its not about election fraud or the allegedly corrupt Election Commission. Their main objective is to make Anwar the new prime minister, and with the support and attention given by their foreign government, they are already 'dead sure' of winning.

By disrupting business in the capital, they are so convinced that the rakyat is behind them.

O-oh... another thing. Last year, they offered between RM200 and RM300 to university and college students. I hope the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Higher Learning can collaborate to stop them from jumping onto the bandwagon.

Without students' participation, they will only form a small group... easier to handle should they try anything stupid or try to be funny.

And to members of the media, better stop publicising the rally from now on. Any attention would lead them to organise another Bersih, namely Bersih 4.0, Bersih 5.0 and so on. Why waste our time, money and energy for those bumps?

KBBgate - the 'true' story

KBBgate, the story and drama behind it.

Someone who was part of the deal wants readers to know this - that it will be a waste of time getting Anwar Ibrahim to give evidence in the court. Commenting on my previous posting 'KBB'gate - why Anwar hates the subpeona', this fella writes:

"You will get nothing out of it. The most he can say is he knows Faiz.

"They borrowed the money to buy Arus Murni and KBB from Idris Hydraulic. The money did not disappear as alleged by (blogger) RPK. Idris received the money, chanelled it to (finance company) KBB before transferring it legally to Arus Murni."

Low Theam Hoe only wants to dramatise the whole thing in the court hearing. He borrowed the money and refused to pay the loan.

"Who is Low Theam Hoe. He is the right hand man of Teh Soon Seng. Remenber him. This is the man behind Aokam Perdana, Golden Plus and Idris Hydraulic.

"These companies were the darling stock of KLSE during the 1990s. They made tons of money from this stock. Everybody who are close to Teh also made money including Low.

"Hamzah was his close friend. He was the executive director of Idris. Faiz was the company secretary.

"When they made big profits, they laughed all the way to the bank but when they started to lose, they orchestrated the blaming game."

The big question here is, why did Hong Leong pursue the case again after they stop for awhile in 2005?

"Maybe they found out that this Low is still a rich guy and keeps lots of money in Hong Kong.

"They borrowed RM420 million but Low's portion was only RM28 million. All other borrowers paid their loan except Low who refused to pay his dues. Do you think he deserves our sympathy? I dont think so!"

Those who follow judge Tun Zaki's ruling in the Federal Court, he said if you borrow the money from the bank, you have to pay up... 'and don't come up with the grandmother story to get the court sympathy'.

"I am telling you this with certainty because I was involved directly in the deal."

Thank you, 'Dato' Murad'!

Shiite governments support Anwar

A few Shiite countries in the Middle East are throwing support for Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat. Despite DAP being the only non-Islamic party in the political pact, the support intensifies on the promise by a few PAS clerics that the Shiite will get more access and freedom should PR wins the next general election.

The Gulf diplomats whom I had supper with last night also drew attention to the possibility of a 'bloody uprising' similar to that of Libya, Egypt and Syria should the Shiite followers are given more space in the Federal administration.

They did mention three Shiite countries already having strong contact with Anwar and pledging full support for his quest to conquer Putrajaya in the next national poll.

Shiites flagellate themselves during Ashura

I will not mention the countries but Anwar, Nik Aziz, Hadi Awang, Mat Sabu and the rest know better.

No surprise if Lim Kit Siang, Karpal and Guan Eng are also aware of such a support and would welcome it as long as their common objective is attained. Any differences - should PR makes it to Putrajaya - can be resolved latter.

An estimated 120 million Shiites live in pockets scattered across the globe. But the bulk of them reside in the Middle East.

Shiites make up strong majorities in Iran (90 per cent), Bahrain (75 per cent), and Iraq (close to 60 per cent); Lebanon, too, is primarily Shiite. Small but potentially powerful Shiite are found throughout the Gulf States, as well as in Pakistan (17 per cent), Saudi Arabia (15 per cent), and India (around 2 per cent).

Many of the Persian-Gulf-based Shiites, particularly those in eastern Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, inhabit lands rich in oil, which has created tension between the Shiites and their Sunni neighbors.

So, I leave it to readers to 'make a pick' from the list of Shiite nations that support Anwar. However, one country mentioned by the diplomats are not in the list above. Any wild guess? The clue is an oil-rich kingdom.

About 90 per cent of Malaysian Muslims recognise 'Sunnah wal-Jamaah' as the direction of their faith. The Sunni too forms the majority of Muslims around the world.

The Shiite is not a monolithic group. Most of its followers in the Middle East and southern Asia are so-called 'twelvers', who believe the twelfth imam, or descendant of Mohammed's son-in-law and cousin, Ali, is the only rightful ruler of the Muslim faithful (Shiism means 'partisans of Ali'); Shiite clerics derive their authority as deputies in his absence.

The second largest sect of Shiism is Ismailis, also known as 'seveners'; they believe Ismail, the eldest son of the sixth imam, Jafar al-Sadiq (twelvers accept his youngest son Musa al-Kazim), is the infallible interpreter of Islam.

Just like Catholic, Protestant, Anglican and other sects within Christianity, Shiite Muslims are often linked to extremism and are against the role of religion in political life.

So, I don't think Anwar's choice of getting their support is right in the context of multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia. However, we can understand why the support is coming from such countries - the places he frequently visits.

I have travelled to all these countries, including Sudan, Algeria and Nigers and observed how the Shiites cuddled themselves together and treating others like 'aliens'. Their askance towards others indicates how fanatic they are of their sect.

In Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Lebanon and other Muslim countries, the confrontation between Shiite and Sunni are always about domination and power; and that explains the deadly bomb attacks which claims thousands of life in Iraq, Pakistan, Syria and Lebanon.

We can't afford such a confrontation here, in Malaysia. We have millions of non-Muslims in the country, and any feud among the Muslims will also affect them directly.

So, are we allowing them to dictate the administration?

Doctorates from Chow Kit and Jinjang universities!

Not even a word to contest what was written by Stopthelies!

I believe 'Dr' Yap Sin Tian couldn't find the right words to explain where he got his 'doctorates' from. And no bona fide evidence for him to proof that all his degrees and other tertiary scrolls came from the universities and high learning institutions as per claimed.

However, such a scroll can be bought online, through the Internet at a high price. Or did he simply make such claims to impress others, especially among the Chinese educationists in Malaysia?

His is the only case we discovered. Others, we are still doing some diggings.

Its a shameful episode, especially for someone who all this while plays a pivotal role in championing the Chinese education. And now that PM Najib has pledged his fullest cooperation to settle the problems of Chinese education, this 'Dr' may as well find other avenues to sell his lies.

The Dong Zong chairman is now a man of disgrace to the association. Dong Zong, a well-established and well-recognised body, should by now has looked into the case before losing its credentials.

Yap has not one but two faked Ph.ds from unaccredited university which has been shut down by the authorities.

We don't need all this Ph.ds to champion the rights of education. All we need is fresh and positive idea. What's the point of having a degree if we can't contribute to the well-being of our present and future generations?

Yap is a remote case of 'Mat Jenin' among the Chinese educationists. While the government has alaways been supportive of any move to enhance the Chinese education system, we can't avoid organisations like Dong Zong from being manipulated by people with vested interest.

Education is the privilege of all and each and every individual deserves the rights to give input as to how we can further improve the system. No need for a bogus professor or someone who rings his own bell to tell us what is right and wrong!

KBB'gate' - why Anwar hates the subpoena

This e-mail from Beruang Biru is worth read. I don't know who the writer is but he/she has been sending me series of 'sensational' comments of late. After a minimal editing, this is the refreshed version:

"If we are to count the number of summons made by Anwar to certain individuals within these years, it is simply mind blowing. What I meant mind blowing is the number of summons and the amount (of money) Anwar demanded.

"This alone shows that Anwar seems like a man who obeys the law and would only refer to the court if he feels that someone made defamation statements against him.

The keyword here is obeying the law. But in matters of attending to court as a witness for a civil suit between a businessman Low Thiam Hoe and Hong Leong Bank, Anwar was seen to be holding his laugh. Bernama reported that the lawyer for plaintiff D Paramalingam followed Anwar for two days at the Parliament but he still failed to hand over the summon to Anwar.

The first day was because he could not find Anwar. He did find Anwar on the second day but Anwar refused to accept the summon.

Another person mentioned in the case, Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan received the subpoena but will apply to reject it. Why can't Anwar do the same thing, makes it look weird. With legendary lawyers around him, why is it so hard for him to simply take the subpoena and apply to reject it?

This matter reminded writer to the subpoena that was made by Anwar's lawyer to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife during the case where Anwar was accused of sodomising Saiful Bukhari. The Prime Minister received the subpoena but then rejected it.

What did Anwar and his 'gang' said back then? Najib was a wuss, right? Now Anwar would not even take the subpoena, what should we call him? Chicken?

The same thing happened with the RM100 million summon he filed against Datuk Nallakarupan and Utusan Malaysia. Up to now, there is still no sign of the writ of summon that was supposed to be handed to the two defendants that he stated.

How can they proceed with the trial if the writs are still not there? Why is he scared?

It is believed that all this proofs that Anwar is not really interested to obey the law. He just want to be seen as a person that really 'obeys the law' when the fact is, he is more interest in abusing the process of law so that he could reach his ambition - to become the next Prime Minister.

The issue of KBBGate is not a small matter. A total of RM445 million was paid for a transaction that never took place. Anwar must respond to this.

The RM445 million is part of rakyat's money as the government paid the bank that amount as an effort to restore our economy during the economic crisis from year 1998 to 2000. It was also meant to strengthen the banking sector as they did not have the capacity to provide loans during that time.

By comparison, that value of money is not the same in 1998 and the present time. Umno must also investigate the matter. Before Anwar puts the blame on the party, we need to be very careful here. Anwar was Umno deputy president when the 'transaction' took place'..."