General Knowledge Quiz - Cambridge A Level

General Knowledge Quiz

Cambridge A-Level General Knowledge Quiz, Session 2008/2009:

a.. The Chief Editor of a mainstream Malay newspaper who had an affair with a young girl while his wife lay paralysed in bed?

b.. The Chief Minister who eloped to Thailand to secretly marry his second wife?

c.. The Federal Minister who was caught with a female artiste in a Port Dickson hotel room?

d.. The Federal Minister whose brother was arrested for drug trafficking?

e.. The Federal Minister who had an affair with someone else’s wife that eventually resulted in a broken marriage? f.. The Chief Minister who had an affair with someone else’s wife that eventually resulted in a broken marriage?

g.. The Chief Minister who had an affair with an under-aged girl which resulted in an illegitimate child? h.. The Chief Minister who had an affair with a girl who eventually gave birth to an illegitimate child?

i.. The Chief Minister who kept an under-aged mistress at a condominium in Kuala Lumpur ?

j.. The religious leader who had an illicit affair and who is now holding a prominent position in a very important government religious body like the National Fatwa Council?

k.. The Chief Minister who had an affair with his sister-in-law who gave birth to an illegitimate child?

Answers: -
1. A Chief Editor of a mainstream newspaper who had an affair with a young girl while his wife lay paralysed in bed – Zam himself.

2. A Chief Minister who eloped to Thailand to secretly marry his second wife – Muhammad Mohd Taib (then Chief Minister of Selangor).

3. A Federal Minister who was caught with a female artiste in a Port Dickson hotel room – Najib Tun Razak (Defence Minister) and Ziana Zain.

4. A Federal Minister whose brother was arrested for drug trafficking – Muhyiddin Yassin.
5. A Federal Minister who had an affair with someone else’s wife that eventually resulted in a broken marriage – Ruhaini Ahmad.

6. A Chief Minister who had an affair with someone else’s wife that eventually resulted in a broken marriage – Muhammad Mohd Taib.

7. A Chief Minister who had an affair with an under-aged girl – Rahim Tambi Chik (then Melaka Chief Minister).

8. A Chief Minister who had an affair with a girl who eventually gave birth to an illegitimate child – Shahidan Kassim (Perlis Chief Minister).

9. A Chief Minister who kept an under-aged mistress at a condominium in Kuala Lumpur – Shahidan Kassim.

10. A religious leader who had an illicit affair and who is now holding a prominent position in a very important government religious body - Ismail Ibrahim of the National Fatwah Council.

11. A Chief Minister who had an affair with his sister-in-law who gave birth to an illegitimate child – Abu Hassan Omar (then Selangor Chief Minister).

Don't come home

Sometime in 1980, when I was a final year student in London, I had a very short teleconversation with my father. In those days, there were no call cards, Skype or the like and calls were expensive. He had a very simple message - "Dont come home, Son".

By "Ice Cream Seller"

To Deputy Minister Husni,
A story (true) in response to your statement about emigration by ingrates.Sometime in 1980, when I was a final year student in London, I had a very short teleconversation with my father. In those days, there were no call cards, Skype or the like and calls were expensive.

He had a very simple message - "Don't come home, Son".

Now almost 30 years on, I see where he was coming from.

He advised me to stay on in the UK or if I found the weather not to my liking, told me to go to Australia - even if it meant that I may eventually marry a "white girl" as he put it.

I was 23 and marriage was certainly not on my mind. He was a 'pendatang'. This pendatang however secured a scholarship to study in Raffles College (the pre-cursor to the University of Malaya) and served some 30-odd years in various senior teaching positions culminating with the last few years in the Malay College.

Amongst his students - a list of past and present ministers and opposition figures. I didnt heed his advice till last year and spent the last 28 years in Malaysia.

However, it became increasingly untenable to work here without compromising my values, integrity and conscience. Why did he advise me such?

With hindsight, I saw his foresight. As an educationist, he saw we were heading to be another Ceylon (from where he was sent when orphaned), Burma, Philippines and in today's scenario, Zimbabwe.

He saw what the outcome would be when we mess up education with politics.
He saw that religion would be a divisive factor in years to come (he even encouraged me to learn Jawi as a 9 year old).
He believed that in a country like this, mixed marriages would help cement society.
He saw in some of our leaders of yesterday that even in their youth, they had unbridled cunning and only needed an opening to exploit that trait.
He saw in some of his students potential to be PM but said that would never be because they were "too smart for UMNO's liking".
He saw that given our racial demographics, religion would be used as a means to ensure the survival of a particular group.
He believed that eventually, the Malays would have a class war amongst themselves.
He said that even amongst the Malays, many of the English educated would opt to live away from Malaysia.

He told me promotions won't necessarily be given for competence. These are usually won in the Clubs (read political party today) and over a few drinks. Being a bit of an introvert myself, he encouraged me to join clubs, associations and play sports and travel. He said honesty doesn't necessarily pay in this world but still better to be honest and live with dignity.

Our home was (at different times) home to 3 delinquent Chinese boys - sent by the Juvenile court. He volunteered to take them in. Add to that a few other Indian boys. Though not my mother tongue, I spoke to my parents in Malay till I was about 10. We took in a Chinese lady injured during the war and she lived with us for about 40 years till she died. My father referred to her as his mother in law. I thought she was my grandmother even though my mother was not Chinese!!

By the late 70s and early 80s, he saw that this scenario would not likely repeat in the years to come. When he died in 1982, we were pleasantly surprised to see some of his students (by then in their 50s) come from different states for his funeral. One told me that it was my father that made sure he spoke flawless English and another told me how my father would bring the 6th Formers home from the hostel and used our home for dinner and to teach them social graces - including dancing (taught by my mother). Partners were arranged from the convent school with the blessings of the headmistress!!!

29 years on, I view his foresight through the same prism and now agonise as to whether I should tell my children the same. For now, I am allowing my eldest to pursue his tertiary education overseas. Maybe when he finishes, he may not be as shortsighted as I was. Pray God grant him wisdom and vision.

Last year, I resigned from my job, returned the company car and driver, said goodbye to my executive package and moved to Australia where I now live with no maid, no driver, no Audi 2.8, no golf, no teh tarik seessions, no bonus etc but am rediscovering humanity running a humble ice cream shop.

Sometimes we learn very late.

An ice-cream seller

Image of A Buddha at Komtar Penang

Image of A Buddha at Komtar Penang

Penang Island,Malaysia

BIG Cinemas, Opening soon in Kulim (Landmark Mall)

BIG Cinemas, Opening soon in Kulim (Landmark Mall)

Dog in KTM Station

Here's the letter which appeared in Malaysiakini.

Take a look at the picture.

M Nisha

Mar 17, 104:43pm

I am writing because of a grievous incident that took place on Monday, March 15 at about 3pm at Kepong Central KTM Station. My friends and I (six of us) were there to take the train to the Bank Negara station.

After parking our cars, we heard a dog howling, more like a painful cry. Then, we noticed a dog being tied to the grill (steel fence) of the KTM station.

As we approached the dog, we stood aghast at the sight.The stray dog's leg and neck was tied very tightly to the grill and a piece of wood had been shoved down inside its throat! The dog was bleeding and its feces were all around it.

The string was attached to a pole in the KTM station.Immediately, we confronted the KTM workers. They said that it was done by Kuala Lumpur City Hall workers because a minister was to be visiting the station next week. They failed to explain further.

At once, we called the SPCA and the Paws animal welfare society. The SPCA responded efficiently by informing us that an animal control officer would be there soon. We made a slight commotion in front of the KTM station but the KTM workers were not concerned at all.

After about an hour, as we were returning to the KTM Kepong Central Station, we received a call from the SPCA officer stating that the dog was now not tied up and was moving around. When we arrived, the dog was limping.

The same KTM workers avoided us as we tried to confront them. A passer-by told us that the dog has been that way for quite some time.The SPCA officer could not capture the dog as it walked away for quite a distance. He advised us to write to the media and to the SPCA as well.

Doesn't our country's animal rights support the idea that an animal has the right to live its life without being harmed and hurt by humans? We realize that people define the meaning of animal rights and abuse in different ways but aren't the citizens of our country merciful?

This dog could have been just put to sleep if it had been harming the public or causing a nuisance. Why stick a wooden stick down its throat?

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS BUREAU - PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT MALAYSIA

- You can make online complaints

http://www.pcb.gov.my/ http://apps1.pcb.gov.my/eApps/bpaiaducmpl/AduCmplPublic/add.do?aplCode=en

Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2010

Invitation to the “one mapim” booth at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2010 (KLIBF 2010)

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the “ONE MAPIM” Booth, under the Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council (MAPIM) umbrella at the KLBIF 2010. The “ONE MAPIM” Booth will showcase around 5,000 titles classified under areas of specialization (such as Science & Technology, Social Sciences etc.) at discounted prices from 17 Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia.

Organized by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia through the National Book Council (MBKM), together with the Malaysian Book Industry Council that comprises of the major players of the local book industry, KLIBF is definitely one of the major events in the global publishing calendar. Now in its 29th year, KLIBF provides a networking opportunity to meet with local and international publishing community. Over 1 million visitors attend the KLIBF every year. It is the perfect place for book lovers to get the latest books and promotions from publishers around the region. Book launches, seminars, conventions, and lots of other activities are in place to suit all levels of the reading community.
Opening Hours

Date: 19th - 28th March 2010
Mondays - Thursdays: 10.00am to 8.00pm
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 10.00am to 9.00pm
Venue: “ONE MAPIM” Booth, Tun Razak Hall 3, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur

Website: http://www.kualalumpurbookfair.com/
We look forward to seeing you there!

Moving To Malaysia

Moving To Malaysia - Made Easy

The Malaysian Government welcomes people from many countries to live in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H) which grants a social visit pass.

The pass is valid for up to ten years and comes with a Multiple Entry Visa so you can come and go as you please. Currently UK nationals do not need a Visa to enter Malaysia.However, the pass does not entitle the holder to permanent resident status in Malaysia.

Generally, there is no age limit on who can apply and successful applicants may bring their dependents (wife and children below 18 years of age) with them and they can also employ a maid.

Important Note

People who want to buy property in Malaysia do not necessarily need to apply for the "Malaysia My Second Home Programme" and many people do buy property in the country without taking advantage of some of the benefits of this programme.Buying Property in MalaysiaPeople living in Malaysia under the MM2H programme who want to buy property in Malaysia can purchase up to two residential properties with a minimum price of RM250,000 to RM350,000 depending on the location. For example, people wanting to live in Penang, Johor or Malacca are required to spend RM250,000 per property whilst in parts of East Malaysia, the minimum is RM350,000. Overseas income is free of tax and a car may be imported also free of tax.

How to ApplyTo apply you will need:

-A letter of Application
-Two completed copies of Form IM12 (application form for a social visit pass)
-Two passport sized photographs
-A certified copy of all the pages of your passport or other travel document
-A certified copy of your marriage certificate - if accompanied by your spouse
-A certified copy of the birth certificate(s) of your children if they are coming
-Evidence of your ability to support yourself financially whilst in Malaysia
-A medical report from any public or private hospital in Malaysia
-Evidence of valid medical insurance

If you are under 50 years of age when you apply you will need to open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000 upon application for the programme. After one year you can withdraw up to RM240,000 for "approved expenses" - such as things related to purchasing a house, medical expenses or educational costs for your children in Malaysia.

From the second year of residence under the programme, the guidelines require you to keep a minimum balance on fixed deposit of RM60,000 during the time of your stay in Malaysia.If you are over 50 years of age when you apply, you can choose either to open a fixed deposit account of RM150,000 or alternatively you must provide proof with your application of a monthly off-shore income of RM10,000 from an approved or recognized institution in your home country.

For many people this could be a pension plan income. After a period of one year in the scheme you can withdraw up to RM90,000 for "approved expenses" - such as things related to purchasing a house, medical expenses or educational costs for your children in Malaysia. From the second year of residence under the programme, the guidelines require you to keep a minimum balance on fixed deposit of RM60,000 during the time of your stay in Malaysia.

Beware of unauthorised MM2H agents. Under new government guidelines NO company is permitted to represent the Malaysia My Second Home programme unless this is their sole business and any authorised agents MUST now have MM2H as part of their business name.

People moving to Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme will, of course, have to be bound by the taxation policies and regulations of Malaysia, but there are a number of tax advantages that make moving to Malaysia an attractive option.Of course, whilst the MM2H programme is designed for people staying up to ten years, the length of the pass issued will depend on the expiration of the person's passport, so it is advisable to have a full ten year passport for those wanting to stay the maximum permitted time.

Generally speaking, no sponsor is required and people can submit their application without a sponsor, but the Immigration Department does reserve the right to request a sponsor if deemed necessary.

Most people will have medical insurance coverage and it is advisable for applicants to have a medical insurance policy from an insurance company recognised in Malaysia. However, under the programme, it is optional for people above 50 years of age.

For people who want to bring their children it is necessary to enrol them in a school or other institute of higher education that is recognized by the Malaysian Government. This is so the correct stamp can be put into the child's passport and the correct student pass can be issued.

In addition to dependents, the Malaysian government also allows people on the Malaysia My Second Home programme to bring along their maid or apply for one from outside the country.

This process is subject to the same terms and conditions as for resident Malaysians, many of whom employ domestic staff from overseas, and there are many agencies in Malaysia that specialise in the recruitment and supply of overseas maids or "amahs".

People moving to Malaysia cannot take part in activities such as political, missionary or other activities which are provocative or constitute a threat to national security. Also they cannot work in Malaysia.

Business investment is welcomed in Malaysia.

http://www.malaysianpropertypartners.com/front-page/malaysia-my-second-home/moving-to-malaysia-%11-made-easy/