Friday, December 30, 2011

Bak Kut Teh - Enjoy While you can

Bak Kut Teh - Enjoy While you can

Corrupted Malaysian Government continues its quest for more ridiculous policies!

If we let it be... one day, bak kut teh, char kwai teow, wanton mee, curry laksa & many others won't be sold in M'sia because sellers cannot get halal cert.
What is becoming of Malaysia? The nightmare is evolving and those caught in it are mainly the Chinese and Indians, and perhaps multinational corp with operations in M'sia. I feel sad to receive this email.

Its so sad and what a terrible economic and commercial tragedy that hard working, honest, dedicated entrepreneur like your goodself has to face such kind of rulings in the food business.

It must also been horrific and financially disastrous that Dato Jackson 's Silverbird factory is forced to close down under such heart breaking circumstances.

I know about the IKEA's restaurant's shut down because of the so-called question on the alleged foodstuff halal certification.

May the mercy and compassion of God Almighty be upon Malaysia !!

God help this country !!


wrote:

Dr. Martin,

The Halal Hype that is going on in our country will force many SMIs involved in food production and distribution to close shop. JAKIM has muscled its way to make itself the Monopoly of the Halal certificate.

In April 2011 the Halal Act will be passed by Parliament where only Jakim has the monopoly to issue the certificate. Each certificate cost about RM1000 and with 2000 line items in my company I will have to foot out RM2,000,000 and that is if I am lucky to get all those approved. I might as well close down my business and retrench all the 60 staff with some 100 odd dependents. The Government will be deprived of some RM800,000 worth of taxes and duties. The Food standard will definitely decline as chefs will have less ingredients to work with.

The Halal procedures will increase the food cost by 10%. JAKIM does not care for the economy of the country. All it cares for is its rice bowl to ensure that it is relevant and seen to be working hard. Look at the way it closed down IKEA for two weeks. Look at the way it closed down Silverbird in Nilai. It does not care for the business environment in this country.

Even mineral water has halal logo. Eventually all vegetable, fish, grains, rice, etc will need halal logo. Eventually all Muslims will not touch all non Muslims if the Halal fever is allowed to spread. Even Saudi Arabia is not as strict as Jakim. I have suppliers who could sell their products into Saudi Arabia but not in Malaysia .

80% of the food industry is run by Non Malays. One of the criteria to obtain the Halal Certificate for restaurants is to employ Malaysian Muslim. If you do not have any Malaysian Muslim in your restaurant you will not be issued with a Halal certificate.

Where are we heading????

Please pass this on to your group of readers.

By Tony Pua
*Tony Pua is DAP's national publicity secretary and the MP for Petaling Jaya Utara.*


*COMMENT*
#1. All Umno elected representatives nationwide should immediately return all their salaries to the government as they come from non-halal sources. The recent controversy created by Umno politicians over the welfare funds given to old folks and the poor in Penang, that it was derived from non-halal sources such as gambling, shows that they are willing to be the biggest hypocrites in order to maintain their grip on power.

Firstly, the state government has clearly denied that such funds were used for distribution to Muslims, which means that these Umno politicians are lying through their teeth to gain political mileage.

Secondly and more importantly, their attempt to distinguish halal and non-halal revenue for Penang smacks of ultimate hypocrisy as the Federal Government headed by Umno, the Finance Minister who is also Umno president, Najib Tun Razak are the parties responsible for legalised gambling in this country.

Furthermore, had it not been for the opposition by Pakatan Rakyat, Najib would not have withdrawn the sports betting license awarded to tycoon Vincent Tan.

What's more, the Finance Ministry has responded in Parliament to MP for Rasah, Anthony Loke on June 9, 2010, that the government does not in any way differentiate the tax it receives from different revenue sources, be they from halal or non-halal activities.

"Untuk makluman Yang Berhormat, buat masa ini, hasil daripada aktiviti perjudian adalah dikategorikan sebagai hasil cukai kepada Kerajaan... Bagi semua hasil daripada bayaran cukai ia akan dimasukkan ke dalam Akaun Hasil Disatukan sama seperti semua hasil Kerajaan yang lain dan digunakan untuk tujuan belanja mengurus dan pembangunan negara."

This means that all tax revenue collected are deposited into a single Consolidated Fund.

Hence, by virtue of the same argument Umno is using in Penang, all Umno elected representatives should immediately return all their parliamentary and state assembly allowances to the government as the revenue source is even more dubious than in Penang !

#2. Penang state opposition leader Azahar Ibrahim obviously could tell the difference when he claimed that "Umno assemblymen need not return their allowances as the state government's income was from tax revenue."

He's obviously ignorant of the fact, intentionally or otherwise, that taxes are paid to the federal government which are then redistributed back to the respective states as grants and loans.

The irresponsible actions of these Umno leaders who have raised these religious issues to create fear in the hearts of Muslims purely for political expediency has only resulted in another own goal for themselves making them look completely stupid and foolish.

It is Umno who approves all gambling licenses in the country, and it is the Umno federal government who uses tax revenue, regardless of source, to pay for all government expenses, including allowances of elected representatives and salaries of ministers and civil servants.

These Umno leaders should not only return their allowances back to the government, they should also demand that for future infrastructure projects such as highways built by the federal government, there should be lanes designated for Muslims and non-Muslims based on the proportionate breakdown of source of revenue used to build the roads.

All right thinking Malaysians should of course reject these ridiculous thoughts by Umno leaders to ensure that Malaysia don't become even more divided than it already is today.

#3. If every food that is sold needs to be HALAL, the Chinese, Indian, and even Malay hawkers will start an uprising !!!
Worst still, there are brainless JAKIM fools going around to "advise" restaurant and food outlet operators that it is better to get their goods from Mydin or Malay operated businesses as these goods will be more halal than getting from the nons. A1 sardine is more halal if purchased from Mydin compared to getting it from a chinese sundry shop ?? This is ridiculuos !! This is idiotic!!
As they were shouting and screaming halal this and halal that, they are blinded to the fact that corruption is one of the most haram things in Islam! Do we see them fighting corruption?
Hypocrites!!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Skyfruit

Tunjuk Langit (TV3) www.tunjuklangit.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maAXwWb9HN4&feature=related

buah tunjuk langit - kaya dengan nilai perubatan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UO4DqLJ9f0&feature=related

Fake Peas from Tesco Penang



















The following packet bought from Tesco, penang on 4th July 2010.
Just be aware!!! Tot its good to know ya....
For those who like to eat junk food, or who are in the habit of buying junk food for your children, please take note of this. Looks like there is no “safe” food left in the market. Green peas are green rounded pea seeds that are sweet andstarchy in taste. Green peas contains twice the protein of mostvegetable, so they are a healthier substitute for meat. Threequarters cup of peas provides 6 grams of protein, plus thiamine,riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and 645units of vitamin A.

Unfortunately most of food industries in developing nations cheating the customers with fake greens peas which are prepared from toxic chemicals (dyes). These industries preparing the green peas form brown peas (cheaper) by soaking them in dye solution for overnight.

All these chemicals have been banned by US food and drug administration in 1974 itself. Frequent consumption of fake green peas leads to colon and bladder cancer. All these fake green peas banned in US, Canada, all European countries and other developed countries. Identification of fake green peas:
1. Put the peas in boil water for 30 seconds, water turns
to green color.
2. After consumption check your tongue to observe green
color stains and light bitter in taste.
Symptoms
1. Stomach irritation, pain or acidity.
2. Urine turns to light green color.
3. Mild head ache.

News paper reference: China daily http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-03/31/content_9664992.htm

D. Bharath Reddy
Research scholar Centre for drug research
USM, Pulau Penang
Malaysia 11800.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Indelible ink here to stay, says EC

Indelible ink here to stay, says EC
By G Manimaran
Bahasa Malaysia Editor
December 21, 2011

UALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 — The Election Commission (EC) insisted today the next general election will feature the highly-debated indelible ink, since it has Parliament approval.

Deputy chief Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar also told The Malaysian Insider that Malay rights NGO Perkasa should not generate Muslim apprehension by claiming the ink stain will be permanent, for the National Fatwa Council (NFC) endorsed the procedure even before Election 2008.

“The decision is final. We are only executing what Parliament has decided. No doubts should arise as the NFC has approved it (in 2007) and it will be submitted to the council again this time.

“Indelible ink is used in most Islamic countries,” he said.

Perkasa warned of a Malay boycott at the 13th General Election if EC proceeds with using indelible ink to prevent multiple voting.

Its secretary-general Syed Hassan Ali called the move “outdated” and claimed it would give an advantage to the federal opposition.

Wan Ahmad (picture) added today that according to new rules, ballot papers will not be given to voters who refuse to have their nails marked.

The EC had planned to use indelible ink, purchased for RM2.4 million, for Election 2008 but backed out at the last minute, citing public order and security issues.

The Attorney-General cleared the way for the use of indelible ink in elections — one of the eight demands by Bersih 2.0 — last month when he told the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms only a minor change in electoral regulations was required.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak formed the bipartisan polls panel after weeks of international condemnation following his administration’s clampdown on the July 9 Bersih 2.0 rally for free and fair elections.

The government also promised to adopt the movement’s eight demands, which include the use of indelible ink, cleaning up the electoral roll and extending campaign periods, as part of the committee’s scope.

The coalition of 62 NGOs has since gone on a nationwide campaign demanding that Putrajaya fulfil its eight demands before calling for a general election that is expected soon.

Opposition leaders, who strongly back Bersih, have warned of further rallies should the government fail to implement these demands.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/indelible-ink-here-to-stay-says-ec/

BN must respect next GE result

BN must respect next GE result — John Inbaraj
May 21, 2011

MAY 21 — Great Men talk of Ideas, Average Men talk of Things, and Small Men talk of other Men. If I choose to be kind, I can best rate the Malaysian government as average.

In the days of old, our leaders were visionaries, people who talked of great plans and ideas for the country. They had quality — the likes of Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn.

Whether or not their visions and policies achieved their desired goals, they were genuine Malaysians with a heart for the nation. There were others on the sidelines who stood strong to ideals and contributed unselfishly to nation building.

However, the prime minister after that, the great Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, began the systematic dismantling of the principles of democracy and the downward slide of an entire nation. He is widely seen as the man who almost single-handedly destroyed the basic instruments of parliamentary democracy.

As the chief executive, he was an elected dictator, the executive completely subservient to him. Parliament became a mere rubber stamp. And the Judiciary was hammered so badly that it may now need a miracle to restore its status as one of the Commonwealth’s most competent pillars of democracy.

Key personnel who spoke against him were removed. Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who democratically challenged him for the Umno presidency was finished off politically. Many are still not convinced that the election itself was clean. Then we had Tun Musa Hitam, Tun Ghafar Baba, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim leaving the deputy premiership of the country under not-so-good circumstances. During Dr Mahathir’s reign, Umno was also deregistered by the courts.

Down the line, Tan Sri Ahmad Noordin, the then Auditor-General, and Tun Salleh Abas, the then Lord President of the Supreme Court, were manipulated out of office for daring to go against him. The monarchy, too, had its powers clipped during his tenure.

“Operasi Lalang” was another sad and frightening episode during Dr Mahathir’s regime. No one was free, whether the opposition leader, a disabled human rights activist or just an ordinary citizen. University Student leaders went into hiding and religious people could not sleep in peace.

At Stadium Negara, a massive Umno gathering daringly shouted abuse at especially Chinese and Indian Malaysians, telling them to go back to China and India. Some of these Umno leaders are now helming the country!

Cronyism evolved without much ado. Under the guise of raising Malay equity, people associated with the leadership became overnight millionaires. During the economic downturn crony companies were bailed out with public funds.

The sale of Malaysian Airline System to Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli and the re-purchase later by the government at a ludicrous price smacked of open corruption. Negotiated tender was a new and popular method of giving out contracts. With privatisation, Malaysians suddenly saw a steep increase in the cost of living.

At the height of Dr Mahathir’s battle with Tengku Razaleigh (during the latter’s time in Semangat 46), rumours abounded of an influx of foreigners especially into Sabah and Sarawak. Today, PKR seems to suggest that over 100,000 foreigners allegedly have been granted citizenship, allowing them to vote and help re-capture Selangor for Barisan Nasional.

Malaysians are peace-loving and docile people. Going to the streets and waging war is not our style. Quietly though, many people especially the younger generation are planning to flee this country and take up residence in other countries. Moderate Malay-Muslims are among them.

Mere lip service that the government is fair to all races cannot help. When decisive action is not taken fairly against perpetrators of racial and religious discord, one cannot help but fear that they are partial to some or even to those who orchestrate some of these events.

Utusan Malaysia’s brazen attempts to create social and religious discord and the government’s response to it seem to suggest that this may in fact be a government agenda.

Surviving Umno and BN politicians must know what is happening. The senior ones who may no longer be active in the government must stand up and save this country from bankruptcy, extremism and terror… while they are still held in high esteem and before they pass on.

The moderates of all races, the god-fearing people and well-intentioned politicians past and present, those in state agencies such as the election commission, the judiciary, the armed forces and the MACC must stand up for justice and fair-play.

The government of the day must move to ease the minds of the people by a resolution of parliament that the 13th general election will be democratic, free and fair. The resolution must further include a clause that the BN shall concede power graciously should the opposition win whether at state or national level. It is the peoples’ right to choose and it is this right that will ensure that democracy continues to thrive. The will of the majority must prevail.

I humbly ask the prime minister and his Cabinet to declare this statement to the people. Win fairly and you stand tall. Lose graciously and you still walk tall. The coming general election will be the most important yet for our beloved country. — aliran.com

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

Woman slashed by robber

19 December 2011
Woman slashed by robber

GURUN -- A woman received 34 stitches for her slash wounds sustained during a struggle with an intruder at her house in Kampung Banggol Lalang, here, early today.

Sharifah Hassan, 57, a single mother, was repeatedly slashed by the man during the struggle in the 6am incident.

She was injured on her right arm, little right finger and both thighs.

Met at her house, she said she was sleeping alone in her room when she was awakened by the sound of her front door being kicked by someone but before she could check it out, the intruder was already standing in front of her.

"He got onto my back, ripped by garment and tried to snatch by gold chain but I put up a fight. -- Bernama

Read more: Woman slashed by robber - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/woman-slashed-by-robber-1.21458#ixzz1h38yYWmM

Flash flood in several areas in KL









Flash flood in several areas in KL
By Hariz Mohd & Kalbana Perimbanayagam



Read more: Flash flood in several areas in KL - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/flash-flood-in-several-areas-in-kl-1.18803#ixzz1h38KP3Bg

Chong Wei’s autobiography set to hit market after world meet

Chong Wei’s autobiography set to hit market after world meet

Monday, 25 Jul 2011

By RAJES PAUL

An autobiography of Malaysia’s most successful badminton player Lee Chong Wei is set to hit the market after he accomplishes his task at the World Championships which will be held at Wembley from Aug 8-14.

The production of his first ever book is one of the many outside activities that Chong Wei has been juggling together with his strenuous training sessions over the last few months leading to his sixth world championships outing.

The book is about his life as a badminton player and it is meant to give courage and hope for many aspiring youngsters, whose dreams are to make it big in badminton or in any other sports.

Besides working on the book, Chong Wei has also been involved in many promotional events as part of his obligation and duties of being a national player, brand ambassadors of many products and commitments to inspire youngsters through coaching clinics.

He also has his name tied up with academies and training halls, which are run by his family members and friends.

Chong Wei, who has been holding on to his World No. 1 tag for the last four years, said that prioritising events was the key to avoiding a chaotic life.

“My priority has always been badminton. I am where I am because of badminton. I give utmost importance to training and having a good deal of rest. The other activities are planned in such a way that they do not interfere with my badminton training and travel,” said Chong Wei.

“I train half day on Thursdays and so I am able to do other things on this day – like recording from the television, attending functions and etc. I also make sure that I have good rest in between my training schedule and other activities. It takes a lot of discipline to do it.

“And this year, I have engaged a consultant team to help me manage my outside activities and that really helps too.”

For Chong Wei, there are three key professionals working behind the scene – one is a brand consultant, one is a finance adviser and the other looks into all the legal matters.

Of all the outside ventures he had done, Chong Wei said that he had a special spot for the upcoming book.

“It is about my life. It talks about the people behind my journey as a badminton player. Hopefully, my life experiences will encourage others and motivate them to realise their dreams. More details of this book will be given later,” he said.

On his world championships’ preparation, Chong Wei said: “My back problem has been treated and I have resumed my training sessions in full force. It is back to the same old regime in training.”

Chong Wei conceded a walkover in the semi-finals of the Kedah Open two weeks ago after suffering muscle spasms on his back. It was the same injury that saw him run out of steam against Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat in the quarter-final of last year’s world meet in Paris.

Today, Chong Wei, who has been seeded No. 1 in the world meet, will find out the path that he has to take in his bid to become the country’s first world champion when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) unveils the draw for the world meet at a hotel here in Kuala Lumpur.

Then, Chong Wei and the other Malaysian shuttlers will leave for Bath University for a short centralised training from July 27-Aug 4 to get acclimatised to the weather and also to focus on training sessions without any major distractions.

Courtesy of The Star

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Good Article by Malaysia Chronicle

Written by Moaz Nair, Malaysia Chronicle


A leopard will not change its spots. Same goes for UMNO. In this case, UMNO leaders at its AGM will not cleanse all their past ‘sins’ to make it a party of choice for the Malays and other races in the coming general election. They use the AGM not to be meditative or introspective of their weaknesses as a political party, but choose to turn it into a political forum to childishly put down the Opposition.
This is a big letdown on their part. They are obviously on a defensive mode –- shielding the many issues affecting their leaders – personal, corruption and incompetency –- thinking that the delegates are ‘village fools’ who have come to listen to their side of the stories. They have under-rated the intelligence of the delegates and the people at large.
One delegate from Johore snapped: “We are talking the same old stories. We want to be defensive on everything even though we have done many wrongs. We are not admitting all our wrongdoings. We just don’t want to admit our mistakes. This is not the way for UMNO to win the Malay hearts. The people are not happy with many things going on in the country.”

The unpopular Youth leader
To most of the delegates, the present UMNO AGM is more of the usual rhetoric – race, religion and the perceived or tenuous ‘threats’ of other races to the Malays and their rights and privileges. They forget that like the Malays, the non-Malays too have their rights and privileges in this country.
The AGM seems to imprudently use the race platform to sock the Opposition on personal issues that their own leaders are worse at. They choose to deny interpolating on their leaders’ wrongdoings but act like spotless saints preaching on the stage to ‘mesmerize’ the delegates into thinking that UMNO is ‘God’ and others are devils. Many in the audience though are not convinced with their daft rhetoric.
The unpopular Youth leader and his team, as customary, had all the uncouth words for the Opposition and the marginalized ‘social groups’ in society. The people just could not understand why they should despise others using lexis like ‘pondan’, ‘anak haram’ and ‘bapok’. What have these ‘socially ostracised’ people done to harm UMNO Youth? Could this be the product of ill breeding on UMNO Youth’s part?
The dim-witted Chief himself is trying hard to impress the top leadership but, unfortunately, in a very rough and ready manner. Little does he realise that his future and his chance of climbing up the political ladder in UMNO is already bleak. A delegate from Kedah had this to say of him: “If he were to contest for the same post again, he would lose.”
They yap on Malay survival thinking that only UMNO could represent the Malays. They fail to realise that PAS has become a more popular party among the young and educated Malays. They woof at the Chinese considering them as a big threat to the Malays when they themselves are working with MCA and Gerakan Chinese parties.
Just because a Chinese from DAP is helming a thriving Penang they try to bilk the delegates into thinking that soon a Chinese will eye for the prime minister’s post. UMNO will never underscore the fact that Penang never had a chief minister other than a Chinese since Merdeka. Thus, all the hue and cry at the AGM is just a hypocrisy.

Helps make the Opposition stronger
The delegates at the AGM will prefer not to touch on money politics, corruption, financial leakages at all levels of governance and management, the poor state of the country’s economy, the feudal mindset of the Malays and the many social problems faced by the Malay race. These, startlingly, are not central to party leaders and delegates. They prefer to adopt to worthless rhetoric tinged with emotions and hatred for others. By bashing the Opposition is not going to drag UMNO out from quicksand. It only helps make the Opposition stronger.
The rhetoric on Chinese threats on Malay power is not going to sell either. Malaysians in general realise that no Chinese or Indian is interested in becoming the prime minister of the country. It is not the solemn ambition of any non-Malay in this country to become the prime Minister. Their heartfelt aspiration is to see a serene Malaysia for all the people to cherish. Let an accomplished and righteous Malay lead them.
A delegate from Melaka had this to say: “ We should have spent more time debating on how to resolve the many social problems facing the Malays rather than condemning the Opposition or the Chinese. By attacking the Opposition we are actually giving credits and more sympathy for them using our platform.”
Only one state headed by Chinese
UMNO AGM is again used to offend the non-Malays. An Indian Muslim Youth leader of UMNO from Penang bleated with hot air, despising the Chief Minister (CM) of Penang with all the disparaging words he has picked up from his parents. He must have forgotten that Penang was also under a Chinese CM since Merdeka and there has not been a slightest whinge on this issue before this. Why the yelping and bellowing now when the majority Muslims in Penang are comfortable with the present State Government?
UMNO is indeed giving the wrong impression to the people that the Chinese will take over the country if UMNO is weak This is a weird and unfounded theory by UMNO rumour mongers and it has offended the Chinese who MCA and Gerakan are trying hard to woo for UMNO.
UMNO is bound to lose more votes in the coming general election for this irrational statement by its nutty leaders. UMNO is ignoring the fact that Malaysia is what it is now in terms of economic development hugely due to the diligent Chinese. The illustrious city landscapes in the country are Chinese contributions to the nation. The economy of the country is flourishing immeasurably due to the assiduous Chinese.
The Chinese do not disguise themselves to become ‘Malays’ or UMNO members to achieve economic progress. This is unlike what the people on the ground observe is happening within UMNO. UMNO is now taken over by pseudo-Malays disguising themselves as the ‘Indigenous’ people. This, supposedly, is more of a threat to the real Malays and the Indigenous than the unpretentious Chinese or Indians.
The next general election will most probably see the Opposition taking over the government with a simple majority. UMNO or the Malays have nothing to fret about. The country will still see only one state headed by a Chinese CM and that is in Penang. Penang has been traditionally headed by a Chinese and the progress of the state goes well without saying. All other Malaysian states – in all probability - will be headed by Malay CMs or Menteri Besar.
So in this circumstances, will there be any difference between Barisan and the Opposition political status quo in the country? The only difference will be that the Opposition would, by all accounts, be more competent, responsible and transparent in governance of the country, as already seen in the present four states controlled by them.
The modern Malays are aware of this. Thus UMNO’s inane rhetoric on the Chinese or DAP threat does not carry weight at all. This publicity stunt by UMNO will make them lose more votes to the Opposition in the next general election. They have failed to grasp the fact that DAP to PAS and PKR is more or less analogous to what MCA and Gerakan are to UMNO; PAS and PKR will be akin to UMNO –- representing the majority Malays. A delegate from Sabah rightly said: “When we are politically wrong we need to have it corrected and diligently find solutions to ensure that the other races are not offended. A two-party system augurs well for the country. This is a wake-up call for all parties. The best party will be the people’s choice.”
No threat to the Malays
What is the difference between UMNO and the Opposition then? The Opposition has to go all out to prove that they can manage the country better than UMNO –- with fairness, competence, transparency and accountability. They have thus far proved this in the four states controlled by them – Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan. They will then make sure that their report books are ad infinitum endorsed as ‘good’ in the annual Auditor’s General’s Reports. What apprehends UMNO presently is that it will soon lose its monopoly on power and thus the gravy train. UMNO is up to monopolistic politics when the present generation of Malaysians feel that it is not right. The people now earnestly wish for a two-party system for the country. The emergence of the Opposition is thus a blessing for the country, as today the people have an option. They will decide which party should lead them best.
UMNO’s rhetoric at the AGM on Chinese threats to the Malays is downright racism. It only depicts how desperate UMNO can be. They have become fidgety seeing the success of Penang under its new stewardship where even the Malays there are in favour of the humble yet effective management shown by the headship. UMNO for that matter is not the only party that represents the Malays. PAS and PKR have a big share of Malay supporters too. Even DAP has today garnered significant Malay votes for its mature politics.
If the Chinese or Indians do not vote for UMNO they could still vote for PAS or PKR. It makes no difference, as all these parties also numerically represent the Malays. What they wish are capable and virtuous Malays to lead the country, not opportunists who get into politics to bamboozle the people and enrich themselves. The Chinese and Indians, as such, are no threat to the Malays as they have lived in this country for many years understanding the sensitivity and social set up of the nation. No Chinese or Indian in this country is keen or ambitious to become the prime minister – they are not interested. They know that the existing social milieu does not favour this in a Malay majority Malaysia and they do not mind it at all. In this context, they are much wiser than UMNO to understand the circumstances.
Game of racial incitement
UMNO leaders have failed to see how leaders are chosen from minority ethnic groups in some countries. Malaysia has yet to mature or evolve into a democracy as found in the US or India. President Barrack Obama of the US and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India represent the minorities by race in their respective countries and yet they are leaders to people of other majority ethnic groups.
The people are willing to accept a leader from even minority groups, as politics is in the main not based on race or religion in these countries. Political parties that bank on religion or race supremacy seldom win elections. They just cannot sell if race or religion is used to confidence trick the people. The people are more mature in this sense.
The Chinese and Indians in Malaysia are not the least worried if the prime minister does not come from their ethnic group. Neither do they have any ambition to create a prime minister from their ethnic group. Being the minority, they only want to see a fair government and they do not mind working under capable and upright Malay leaders.
The Malays today in general do understand this political equation. Let UMNO alone play with this game of racial incitement that the Chinese are ambitious to have a prime minster from their ethic group and that the Constitution has to be amended to prevent this from becoming a reality. UMNO know that they are already in quicksand, so they are trying hard to get hold of any straw they could to save them from becoming a flightless dodo bird.
Alas, in Malaysia it’s always the scare tactic UMNO is using to distance the Malays from other races. UMNO is still focussing on this antiquated brand of politics to survive –- failing to comprehend that this modus operandi is becoming less effectual these days. UMNO leaders may have grown to savour this brand of politics all these days. But the young Malays out there are not keen to adopt this kind of approach to politics and thus they turn to PAS, PKR or DAP for an entirely new political paradigm. As such, today UMNO is loosing support from the young Malays.
We are still divided
UMNO has forgotten the country’s history for their own expediency or perhaps they have a selective memory of history. Most Chinese and Indians of today –- including those people who came from close neighbouring countries before and after Merdeka –- are the second or third generation people of Malaysia. They have naturally evolved into inheriting a Malaysian identity. Born and bred here, they do not show loyalty to the countries their great-grand parents came from. UMNO politicians would prefer to deny this historical fact to gratify their disciples and for their political mileage.
It was in 1957 that we achieved independence. The British agreed to give independence to Malaya with the proviso that the three major races could work out a cordial solution to uphold unity and harmony in the country. The Chinese and the Indians were given the rights to citizenship and the Malays were endowed with their special rights as stipulated in the Constitution. Most of those migrants from China, India, Indonesia and many other regions have sired children in this country and they have all been destined to stay here.
The country has multi-racially evolved since. Politically, UMNO being the spine of Barisan Nasional (BN) has failed to achieve what is ideal for a progressive country after 54 years of independence. We are still divided by the types of school our children attend to, the types of schools meant for people of different ethnic groups and the opportunities given to certain ethnic groups in the country. Many have also abused or misused these privileges. More could be done to the country if the national education policy is genuinely carved to cater for all Malaysians to be racially united. UMNO has failed to address this issue at the AGM.
Political and economic woes
UMNO AGM is again cagey when it comes to addressing the political and economic woes facing the country due to the lack of confident, competent and knowledgeable leaders among them. They vehemently deny that UMNO’s political fallacy has made many Malaysians still economically divisive by race and religion. They should admit that UMNO politicians have failed the country in many ways – social and economic –- with their own para-holistic ways of dealing with many national issues because of their unrelenting race agenda. This fallacy has to be corrected but leaders and delegates at the UMNO AGM were too inhibited to debate on this.
They have failed to note that the electorate today have deemed race-centric political parties as no more the right prescription for resolving the political and economic woes facing the country. The people would want to see a generation that will invariably call themselves as Malaysians – Bangsa Malaysia as defined by Mahathir –- and not Malay, Chinese, Indian or Others. Perhaps, UMNO does not prefer this altruistic notion due to its hidebound approach to racial politics.
Alas, there are still some unfashionable politicians in UMNO who still fish on narrow racial and religious issues to stay in power. This, they can sell no more, as the general perception of Malaysians has changed. The present generation Malaysians abhor racial or religious tones to politics, as they would prefer a new neutral podium to express their grievances and political views.
People of one nation
UMNO AGM has year in, year out spelt that the ‘Malay’ race as the definitive race of this country – despite the fuzziness of this term to anthropologists. This is when the lexis ‘Malay’ is so arbitrarily defined that people are confused who the right ‘Malays’ are and who are making use of the ‘Malay’ status for economic and political benefits.
It is even devious to say that the present generation of ‘non-Malays’ – born and bred in this country –- should be treated as second-class to any other race in the country when they have irrefutably shown their loyalty to this country. These people have learnt the definitive language of the country; they are also relatively immersed culturally and their loyalty to the King and country is unquestionable. Only their religion may differ in most cases. Should religion then be a stumbling block for national integration?
Indeed, Malaysians of all races today have involved into a nation of people who share the same values –- contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of the country. They have shielded the country against undesirable elements and fortified the country from dissident groups to bring peace for all and sundry. Many have even sacrificed their lives for the country. The Malays should be grateful to these people, and vice versa.
All Malaysians born in this country hence should be regarded as people of one nation. This, perhaps, is the Opposition’s stand as opposed to UMNO’s stemmed brand of politics. The Opposition ostensibly sees that the people of this country could politically and economically work together to see that there is no more political beliefs that prop up race and religious extremism. Political chauvinism as promoted by UMNO is actually perceived by the people at large as to benefit a few power hungry politicians. This cannot be tolerated by the present generation Malaysians.
As opposed to UMNO’s brand of politics, Malaysians would want to see all be treated the same irrespective of their race, creed, religion or political affiliation for the country to progress. UMNO AGM, regrettably, is too deep in emotive rhetoric that they have become sightless to reality. They could not see the benefits of having all races living and working together in a nation of people faithful to the country.
UMNO AGM has again failed the people’s expectation
When the people are ready for a two-party system the UMNO AGM is still narrowing its perspective on political monopolism. They have not got off the worn out racial tracks and keeps on referring to people of other races as not the ‘chosen people’. UMNO has failed to recognize that divide and rule –- the colonial way of race containment –- will not work anymore in this country as people have become much wiser now and know better their basic rights as human beings – thanks to the unyielding pressure from human rights groups and also the role of Internet that has made the world we live in ‘free’ and borderless.
Instead of endlessly toying on race and parochialism, and solely defending the Malay rights UMNO AGM should have focussed on how the poor – irrespective of race or religion –- in the country could be given special help in order to uplift their economic well-being. The economic policy today has to be based on needs. The rich among all races do not need the ‘crutch’ but the poor of all races still need it.
UMNO’s temperament is that it does not fancy other races to question the rights of the Indigenous people as stipulated in the Constitution but this should not be taken as a passport by UMNO to deny the other races of their rights and privileges as Malaysians.
A civilised society will not condone the fact that there are a ‘chosen few’ to be crowned as a superior people.
Islam does not condone this doctrine either, as it is against the fundamental rights of the human race.
The UMNO AGM has again failed the people’s expectation of the party to lead a multi-racial Malaysia into the future. It’s a blessing that we now have a two-party system.
Malaysia Chronicle

Mat Sabu dan ‘komunis’ — Fahmi Fadzil

Mat Sabu dan ‘komunis’ — Fahmi Fadzil

Baru-baru ini kita baca tentang usaha pihak Utusan serta media lain milik Umno untuk memburukkan nama Timbalan Presiden PAS, Tuan Haji Mohamad Sabu (Mat Sabu), dengan mengatakan kononnya beliau penyokong komunis yang telah menyerang Bukit Kepong pada tahun 1950.
Ramai cybertroopers, blog-blog dan media arus perdana milik Umno yang cuba menyerang Mat Sabu ata isu ini, langsung mengatakan beliau seorang “pengganas” dan “pengkhianat”, bahawa beliau menghina pejuang negara, lupa sejarah dan macam-macam lagi.
Apakah sebenarnya isu di sini: Komunisme? Peranan Parti Komunis Malaya (PKM) dalam sejarah Malaya/Malaysia? Atau adakah kerana perkara lain?
Tapi sebelum itu, sudahkah anda mendengar sendiri apa yang disebut Mat Sabu di ceramah 21/8 itu?
Setelah saya mendengar dan meneliti apa yang disebut Mat Sabu, beberapa perkara timbul dalam fikiran:
• 1950 Malaya belum Merdeka dari British, maka polis pada waktu itu adalah polis British
• Setiap kali Hari Merdeka menjelma, filem “Bukit Kepong” akan dimainkan
• Filem “Bukit Kepong” ini dibuat oleh (Tan Sri) Jins Shamsuddin. Nota sampingan: Beliau merupakan seorang ahli Umno, dan kini seorang Senator yang dilantik Umno
• Mereka yang melawan British — termasuklah Mat Indera yang mengetuai serangan balai polis Bukit Kepong dan Tok Janggut — semua dianggap penderhaka
Maka saya dapati apa yang disebut Mat Sabu mengenai isu ini ialah kenyataan-kenyataan berkaitan sejarah dan pensejarahan, dan bagaimana pensejarahan Malaya/Malaysia merupakan hegemoni kerajaan Umno-Barisan Nasional.
Melalui hegemoni ini, Umno-BN boleh merubah sudut pandang sejarah mengenai sesuatu isu; dalam konteks ucapan ini, Mat Sabu mengatakan Umno-BN merubah sudut pandang sejarah “serangan golongan anti-penjajah ke atas polis British di Bukit Kepong” menjadi “serangan penderhaka ke atas daulah Kerajaan”.
Secara ringkasnya, Mat Sabu menyerang hegemoni Kerajaan Umno-BN ke atas sejarah negara.
Lebih ringkasnya, Mat Sabu menyerang hegemoni Kerajaan Umno-BN.
Oleh itu, segala kelengkapan psy-war milik Umno-BN telah dikerah untuk menyerang balas Mat Sabu. Mengapa? Kerana sebenarnya, Umno-BN gentar dan takut melihat Mat Sabu.
Lebih tepat lagi, Umno gentar dan takut melihat Mat Sabu sebagai Timbalan Presiden PAS, kerana antara lainnya beliau ialah seorang pemimpin dan penyelaras akar umbi yang tangkas. Tambahan pula beliau telah memporak-perandakan usaha-usaha Umno untuk menzahirkan “Kerajaan Perpaduan”.
Oleh kerana Umno gentar dan takut, maka Umno serang.
Maka, isunya bukan sama ada Mat Sabu itu penyokong komunis atau tidak, tapi sebenarnya Mat Sabu itu suatu ancaman yang semakin menakutkan Umno. — fahmifadzil.wordpress.com
* Fahmi Fadzil adalah setiausaha politik kepada Nurul Izzah Anwar, Ahli Parlimen Lembah Pantai.

50 makanan terlezat - asam laksa (Malaysia)

Berikut ini adalah daftar lengkap dari 50 makanan terlezat di dunia versi CNN.

1. Rendang (Indonesia)
2. Nasi goreng (Indonesia)
3. Sushi (Jepang)
4. Tom yam goong (Thailand)
5. Pad thai (Thailand)
6. Som tham (Thailand)
7. Dim sum (Hong Kong)
8. Ramen (Jepang)
9. Bebek peking (China)
10. Massaman curry (Thailand)
11. Lasagna (Italia)
12. Kimchi (Korea)
13. Chicken rice (Singapura)
14. Sate (Indonesia)
15. Es krim (AS)
16. Kebab (Turki)
17. Gelato (Italia)
18. Croissant (Prancis)
19. Green curry (Thailand)
20. Pho (Vietnam)
21. Fish 'n' chips (Inggris)
22. Egg tart (Hong Kong)
23. Bulgogi (Korea)
24. Fried rice (Thailand)
25. Cokelat (Meksiko)
26. Penang asam laksa (Malaysia)
27. Tacos (Meksiko)
28. Barbecue pork (Hong Kong)
29. Chili crab (Singapura)
30. Cheeseburger (AS)
31. Fried chicken (AS)
32. Lobster (global)
33. Seafood paella (Spanyol)
34. Shrimp dumpling (Hong Kong)
35. Neopolitan pizza (Italia)
36. Mo nam tok (Thailand)
37. Potato chips (AS)
38. Warm brownie dan es krim vanilla (global)
39. Masala dosa (India)
40. Bibimbap (Korea)
41. Galbi (Korea)
42. Hamburger (Jerman)
43. Fajitas (Meksiko)
44. Laksa (Singapura)
45. Roti prata (Singapura)
46. Sirup maple (Kanada)
47. Fettucini alfredo (Italia)
48. Parma ham (Italia)
49. Lechon (Filipina)
50. Gui cuon (Vietnam)

PAS akhirnya menjadi boneka kepada DAP











PAS akhirnya menjadi boneka kepada DAP, Sudahlah PKR hanya mementingkan diri sendiri,kesian PAS,hanya mampu berkata "tidak boleh" dan bukan tindakan.

Kita boleh namakan anak kita P Ramlee, tetapi tidak akan jadi P Ramlee by Aspan Alias

Kita boleh namakan anak kita P Ramlee, tetapi tidak akan jadi P Ramlee
by Aspan Alias.

Dalam isu siapa pejuang kemerdekaan negara sekarang sedang hebat diperdebatkan. Tetapi tidak apalah, kerana pilihanraya sudah hampir tiba. Umno memang sebuah parti yang memperjuangkan kemerdekaan tetapi UMNO hanya memasuki perjuangan kemerdekaan itu di pusingan akhir perjuangan itu dan UMNOlah yang kumpulan yang terakhir untuk menyudahkan perjuangan dan menerima kemerdekaan itu.

Yang menjolok buahnya ramai tetapi belum berjaya. Tetapi kejayaannya sampai apabila UMNO wujud untuk menyambut buah yang akan jatuh setelah banyak pihak yang menjoloknya. Memangpun hakikatnya siapa yang menjolok buah itu jarang-jarang yang dapat menyambutnya. Selalunya orang lain yang menyambutnya dan mereka lah yang menerima buah-buah yang jatuh tadi.

Oleh kerana UMNO adalah kumpulan yang terakhir yang menjoloknya maka UMNO lah yang menyambut buah kemerdekaan itu. Yang menjolok sebelumnya ramai. KMM, API dan banyak lagi yang menjolok kemerdekaan ini. Malahan PKM juga merupakan salah satu di antara banyak kumpulan yang menjolok kemerdekaan tetapi PKM berjuang melakukannya dengan mengangkat senjata. PKM sudah di haramkan kewujudannya dan kita semua menerima pengharaman itu dengan baik.

Dalam isu ini yang hanya boleh menyelesaikan perdebatan ini ialah untuk kita semua mengakui yang sejarah kita yang mengatakan UMNO itu merupakan parti yang memperjuangkan kemerdekaan itu adalah seratus peratus benar. Tetapi yang kurangnya dalam penulisan sejarah kita ialah kita meninggalkan nama-nama manusia perjuangan kemerdekaan dengan pertubuhan-pertubuhan mereka yang telah berhempas pulas untuk melepaskan negara kita dari belenggu penjahan asing itu.

Kalau kita manusia yang berfikir dan mempunyai perasaan tentulah kita faham yang orang lain pun mempunyai perasaan. Kenapa kita tidak terima sahaja yang sebelum UMNO diwujudkan itu puluhan badan-badan dan pertubuhan yang wujud dengan semangat perjuangan untuk memerdekan negara. Apa salahnya kita terima hakikat ini dan berbaik-baik di antara semua pihak. Jika sudah bertengkar tidak boleh kah bersama-sama mengakui yang kedua-dua belah pihak ada betulnya dan ada kesalahannya.

Sekarang sudah jelas yang UMNO merupakan parti yang memperjuangakan kemerdekaan dan sebelumnya ada puluhan pertubuhan yang wujud dengan tujuan yang sama. Oleh kerana itu sudah menjadi kenyataan apa lagi yang hendak bertengkar ini? Semua orang tahu yang pilihanraya akan tiba dan tentulah isu ini dijadikan isu oleh pihak yang berkuasa untuk mengekalkan kuasa dan mandat rakyat. Pulangkan kepada rakyat untuk menilainya.

Akhirnya sekali lagi kita akui yang pertubuhan yang banyak wujud uitu semuanya bertujuan untuk memerdekan negara termasuk UMNO.

Tetapi satu persoalan pula yang harus kita fahami yang UMNO sekarang ini tidak kena-mengena dengan apa-apa perjuangan kemerdekaan negara. UMNO yang memperjuangkan kemerdekaan itu ialah UMNO yang sudah di kuburkan itu. UMNO sekarang di tubuhkan pada Februari 1988 sedangkan kemerdekaan kita ialah pada 1957, iaitu 41 tahun sebelum UMNO sekarang wujud. Tetapi PAS, MCA dan MIC memang wujud semasa usaha memerdekan negara semasa itu. UMNO sekarang belum ada lagi.

UMNO sekarang hanya menggunakan nama UMNO asal yang berjuang untuk kemerdekaan dulu. Kita boleh menamakan anak kita P Ramlee kerana hormat kita kepada jasa allahyarham P Ramlee kepada industri perfileman negara kita.

Tetapi P Ramle yang sebenarnya sudah meninggalkan kita hampir 41 tahun yang lalu. Maka P Ramlee yang baru lahir ini takkan lah hendak mengaku P Ramlee yang memperjuangkan industri filem negara dulu…bukan gitu?

P Ramlee yang sudah meninggalkan kita itu tinggi seninya. P Ramlee yang ada pada hari ini perongos sifatnya dan tidak berseni...asyik mengumpulkan harta sahaja.