Monday, December 29, 2008

Makan & Talk Talk Talk

Monday is Awal Muharam holiday so Phooi went back to Ipoh from Friday to Monday. Hera and I called her out on Saturday night. On that day, Hera become our Ahmad. At first, we decided to lepak in a Jazz bar called Sinsero but the plan was canceled when we saw the atmosphere there is not suitable for us to chit chat. Then, we found this 'A Lai I' Japanese restaurant. It has advertised on recent newspaper. We order 3 sets of mini-bento which is not that mini and a BBQ chicken.

Bedtime stories

Yesterday went to watch Bedtime Stories with Hera, Phooi and Kim. We are thinking to celebrate early birthday with Phooi. (Phooi's birthday is on 29th.)

Betime Stories is a nice comedy. It made us laugh a lot. I like the scene where there have this bubble gum rains and BBQ marshmallow at roof terrace with romantic night view...

‘ Hotel handyman Skeeter Bronson's life is changed forever when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to mysteriously come true. He attempts to take advantage of the phenomenon, incorporating his own aspirations into one outlandish tale after another, but it's the kids' unexpected contributions that turn Skeeter's life upside down.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy and Kids/Family
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Release Date: December 25th, 2008 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor and mild language.
Distributors:
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Movie's Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSlZmA3dAS8

If rains are bubble gum... i think i like rainy day more than sunny day.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Bottom & Up X'mas


I was late to kim's house yesterday due to having xmas lunch with mum and Auntie Ei Ling...
When i arrived to kim's house, Hera already there and they had spaghetty together.
Before I had my Ipoh old town hazelnut white coffee and homemade cheese cake...

A Xmas gift was given to me by kim, Mei Wei and Mei Hua (kim's sister)...

They said it is Top & Bottom...


There have S,M,L Size ...

Hera said, it doesn't suit her...

Lily said, maybe don't have my size...

Kim and Mei Wei said, no worries, it is FREE SIZE !!

Can you guess what is inside the box ?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


haha~ It is COOKIES which made by Mei Wei on Xmas eve!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Polycarb water bottles harmful to health


Since October, Canada already ban hard plastic baby bottle which can contain bisphenol A. The Canadian government also recommends that a very hot water or boiling water not be put into a polycarbonate water bottles. As very hot water causes bisphenol A to migrate out of the bottle at a much higher rate than when it is filled with cooler liquids. U.S. is urged to follow Canada to ban the polycarbonate water bottles but due to a huge market and some problems they seems havn't do stop selling it. However, the Consumer Association of Penang, Malaysia now started to urge the education ministry and parents ban the use of plycarbonate water bottles in school.

GEORGE TOWN: Polycarbonate water bottles are harmful and the use of them may be linked to many health abnormalities, says the Consumer Association of Penang.

Its president S.M. Mohamed Idris said that polycarbonate-made water bottles will leach out bisphenol A (BPA), a potent hormone disruptor which can have a detrimental effect on future generations.

“BPA is a synthetic chemical that is also known as ‘environmental hormones.’ It can disrupt the hormone-secreting glands that form a network known as the endocrine system that includes the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, thymus, adrenal, ovaries and testical glands.

“The chemical could lead to impairment of the reproductive organs, has an adverse effect on tumours and on prostate development by reducing sperm count, and also has adverse influence on breast cancer tissue development,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

He said that such bottles can be identified by a number seven inside a triangle with the letters PC next to it.

“The bottles are being sold everywhere and people think they are safe as they can withstand high temperature liquids.

“But researchers have found out that BPA can leach into the bottle’s contents through normal wear and tear, exposure to heat and cleaning agents,” he said.

Mohamed Idris claimed that a study conducted by the University of Missouri found that the chemical can even leach into liquids at room temperature.

“This finding is alarming and I urge the Education Ministry and parents to ban the use of the bottles in schools and for the people to restrain from using polycarbonate or any other plastic bottles,” he said.

He said that steel or glass bottles are preferred and cost about the same as the polycarbonate bottle at around RM12.

To identify polycarbonate bottles, check to see if the bottom of the bottle has the number 7 in the center of the recycling symbol. Although the number 7 is a broad category, you can only be sure it is polycarbonate if the number 7 also has a PC beside it. If the bottle does not have a recycling symbol, there is no certain means of identifying whether it is made from polycarbonate or not.

Don't buy a nalgene water bottle


UPDATE:Nalgene no longer sells water bottles made with Bisphenol A. Number 7 as a plastic type means any plastic that is not in the first six, so having number 7 on the bottom does not necessarily mean that it contains BPA.


Dangers of Nalgene water bottles and other plastic sport water bottles

Many Nalgene water bottles and other hard plastic sport water bottles are made of polycarbonate (#7 on the bottom) , which may leach Bisphenol A, an estrogen-like chemical. Canada is considering a ban of products containing Bisphenol A (BPA) and a new American study links it to breast cancer and early puberty, and is particularly concerned about the effect on babies. Others have raised concerns about the effect of feminizing hormones on men, such as breast enlargement or dropping semen counts. At the same time, sport water bottles are ubiquitous and we don't want people going back to buying bottled water. What should you do? Time to nix the Nalgene? We looked at our past posts and the latest reports, and suggest the following.

7 Ways to beat BPA, in order of Importance:

1. Ditch the clear plastic baby bottles, right now. All the research that says there are problems point at the effect of the estrogen-like BPA on children as being the most significant.
2. Tin cans are often lined in plastic BPA and sit around a long time; get rid of older tin cans, particularly if they contain tomatoes and other acidic fruits.
3. Don't use your polycarbonate bottle for hot drinks.
4. Polycarbonate bottles get crazed and cracked as they get older; that increases surface area. Get rid of old ones.
5. Replace your Polycarbonate bottle with a Sigg, Kleen Kanteen, or the new BPA free Camelbak, particularly if pregnant or pre-pubescent.
6. Replace jugs where water sits around a long time, like Brita knockoffs. (Brita says they are BPA free)
7. Stop using jugged water cooler water, get a filter and cooler that uses city water. It is a big jug so there probably isn't much of a problem, but why are you drinking bottled water anyways?

Don't worry about polycarbonates in non-food related products like CDs and DVDs. but keep them out of babies' mouths.

The Bisphenol A Controversy

This list is based on a bit of consultation with our resident chemist, but the issue is controversial. The plastics industry says there is no problem, as does the maker of Nalgene water bottles.

Energy and Commerce Chair John Dingell says “There are serious health concerns about whether Bisphenol A is safe, not only for adults, but for children and infants," and is concerned that the Food and Drug Administration's policies on BPA are "entirely dependent on two studies' that are both funded by a subsidiary of the American Chemistry Council, which represents plastic resins manufacturers."

According to Chemistry World, The FDA maintains that there is no reason to ban or restrict the use of BPA in food or drink containers because human exposure levels to the chemical from these sources is too low to have any adverse effects.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas, mate!


How 'Merry Christmas' is said :

Afrikaans: Geseënde Kersfees
Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees
African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Albanian:Gezur Krislinjden
Arabic: Milad Majid
Argentine: Feliz Navidad
Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal
Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha
Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce
Bosnian: (BOSANSKI) Cestit Bozic i Sretna Nova godina
Brazilian: Feliz Natal
Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chile: Feliz Navidad
Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Corsian: Pace e salute
Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo
Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian: Sretan Bozic
Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish: Glædelig Jul
Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak
Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
English: Merry Christmas
Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian: Rõõmsaid Jõulupühi
Ethiopian: (Amharic) Melkin Yelidet Beaal
Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish: Hyvaa joulua
Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French: Joyeux Noel
Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Galician: Bo Nada
Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
German: Fröhliche Weihnachten
Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
Haiti: (Creole) Jwaye Nowel or to Jesus Edo Bri'cho o Rish D'Shato Brichto
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi: Shub Naya Baras (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic: Gledileg Jol
Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.
Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags
Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Lao: souksan van Christmas
Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lausitzian:Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto
Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu
Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik
Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb
Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori: Meri Kirihimete
Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Navajo: Merry Keshmish
Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul
Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado
Papiamento: Bon Pasco
Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo
Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!
Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese:Feliz Natal
Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
Romanche: (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele or Craciun fericit
Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou
Serbian: Hristos se rodi
Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serbian: Hristos se rodi.
Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene: Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto or Vesel Bozic in srecno Novo leto
Spanish: Feliz Navidad
Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År
Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tamil: (Tamizh) Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas
Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym or Z RIZDVOM HRYSTOVYM
Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Vietnamese: Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!

Merry Christmas to all my friends !!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Criticized on Sexual Harassment NOT Vernacular Primary School System Please!

-----

Chinese educationist quits after sex complaints

Chinese educationist Loot Ting Yee has quit his positions in various education groups following allegations of sexual harassment against him by a Sin Chew reporter. The said reporter had blogged about her complaints which have since become a controversy. The Sin Chew Daily and China Press, in their evening editions tonight, front-paged the story. The reporter has since taken her posting down from her blog, according to her colleagues. See The Star for more.

Loot, in his 80, has reportedly made a public apology and resigned from all posts. The allegations against the veteran leader of Dong Jiao Zong has shocked the Chinese community. Popularly known as Cikgu Loot, he was arrested under the ISA in 1987 but more recently, he has been vocal against the use of English to teach Maths and Science in vernacular primary schools.
------

Wong Chun Wai, editor of The Stars blogged the article above in his blog on last Sunday. He made a big mistake that mentions Loot was arrested under the ISA in 1987 where is no such things happened. Besides, he and Rocky, a journalist from one of the Malay's press try to relate the above issues with the current education system which i think is too 'politics' . Both of these are different. But they like to make it becomes more complicated and they are not ratinal analysis on the sexual harrasement. What is the inspiration from this issue? What is the point that some of the Wong's and Rocky's supporters try to criticized on Loot about he was the 'product' from Chinese education but they never worried about the discrimination between gender and identity in this community are growing up unhealthly.

Comment that I leave in Wong's blog :
I'm glad and feel proud that i'm Chinese educated. We never forgot over learning from school which is think twice before you talk! It seems like someone talk nonsense and the fact he gave are totally wrong.


Sexual harassment is a kind of social problem which happened all around the world. Since it happens in our community, we need find out the way for prevention. Most of the people will look in deep of the case and think rationally. While some people just try to relate the sexual harassment case with the current vernacular school system issues. It is so annoying! You are just one of the troblemaker. Some thought they are commentator but they just can come out with all rubbish!

I do not mean to hurt those who didn't study mandarin. I know there are always no 100% perfect in this world. At least, we know how to respect each other in order to live together with harmony. Why not our leader or those people who hold some higher positions understand it!?

My rainbow color

Your rainbow is slightly shaded blue.


What is says about you: You are a tranquil person. You appreciate friends who get along with one another. You share hobbies with friends and like trying to fit into their routines.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Day The Earth Stood Still


I watch this movie today with Sze Yen and her friend , Fei. Umm... the movie is quite boring. I though this movie similar like 'The Island' but this does not has much actions and not excited at all. -.-!

Synopsis:
The 2008 remake about an alien and his indestructible robot will star Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, Jennifer Connelly as Helen Benson, Jaden Smith as Jacob, and Kathy Bates. Gort has not been cast at this time and will most likely be created using SFX.

The remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still will supposedly remain true to the original movie. However, there is a chance the remake will more likely remain true to the short story upon which the 1951 movie is based. In either case, the alien weaponry seems to have been upgraded. In addition to a city going dark, and a very brief look at the new Gort, the film trailer shows a cloud of black smoke, capable of rapid movement and disintegrating matter on contact.

In the 1951 movie, Gort is described as one of a race of robots created by the planets to maintain peace throughout the galaxy. If the 2008 remake follows "Farewell to the Master," the short story by Harry Bates upon which the 1951 movie is based will be used for the ending, which will not be revealed here.

Official Trailer:

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Ipoh Virgin USQ Club

Remember we said want to form a USQ-Ipohan group?? Jason created a social network in Ning.com. We just want to try it out see how it works. He named this social network as 'Ipoh Virgin'. I was puzzled when i first see the invitation mail . I thought it is a spam or virus thingy. My question to Jason, 'Why you gave this name?' He said just simply put a name for testing or what. Ok. Silent again...

After double check with him, this is the invitation mail that he sent. Then i register as a new member. After that, I try to invite Hera and Seng to join this USQclub.Ning. Both of them also have the same question 'Why called it Ipoh virgin? ' ahaha. See! Normal people will think of this, the name is soooooo it's just soooooo , weird. I just run out of word to describe this. You know how abnormal person will think of?

Find out the answer from our MSN conversation below:

Li aka ly~ oh yeah~ i got my Xmas kiamsiap shopping trip ~ says (5:01 PM):
ahaha. everyone just wondering
why ipoh virgin
Chiangz says (5:01 PM):
coz all of us still virgin
kekeke
Chiangz says (5:02 PM):
see the default picture? a guy beside tiang( Chue nam)
Li aka ly~ is Ipoh Virgin a nice name?~ http://usqclub.ning.com/# says (5:02 PM):
de!

Ipoh Virgin websites: http://usqclub.ning.com/

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Jennifer Chung-Everyone Needs



Jennifer Chung, born in Korea and raised in the Bay area.

This past summer, Jennifer began recording videos on YouTube just for fun. Slowly the popularity of the videos grew as Jennifer watched the number of views rise each week. Casually performing contemporary hits in front of the camera, Jennifer garnered many fans and subscribers to her videos due to her down to earth persona and powerful pipes to match. Her rendition of Alicia Keys' "No One" has already soared above 3 million views and she is one of YouTube's Most Subscribed (All Time) Musicians. In December of 2007, Jennifer was the Grand Prize Winner for Broadwayworld.com's "GIVE US YOUR VOICE" contest which gave her the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to New York to watch Broadway's The Little Mermaid as well as meet the cast and composer, Alan Menken.


Debating over Berklee College of Music, UC Irvine and UC San Diego , Jennifer made the final decision of becoming an Anteater. She is currently studying Drama and has recently performed in her first UCI play, B.F.E., as Hae-Yoon. Jennifer is currently unsigned but hopes to independently release a demo later this year.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Hari Raya Haji - USQ Ipoh group gathering

Celebrated by the Muslims on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim calendar. This is an occasion celebrated marking the conclusion of the annual Haj - the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, when the pilgrims are given the title of Haji for men and Hajjah for women. Thanksgiving prayers are offered in the mosques. An animal is sacrificed whose meat was distributed among the relatives and the poor.

Hari Raya Haji , one of the festival of Malaysia. First time i heard about the term 'daging korban'. Feel sorry to myself who not understand the culture for my fellow friends in the same country. ORZ~

Although i'm not Muslim, just be great that we have a public holiday on Monday. USQ Ipoh Group have a gathering in MomoCafe' @ Geentown. We have a table for 5 , Hera, Billy, William, Jason and I . Phooi Phooi is the one from our group who could not make it because she is in KL. Ipoh is just a small town but i don't know why, sometimes it sounds difficult for us to meet up together. Oh ya! We missed out Seng! Poor things. At the beginning ,I could not found his Malaysia's house phone number then just before it reached the gathering time, I play around with my mobile. Just realised that there is another contact list which stored his house phone. Err~ sorry Seng. We wanted to invite you it's just i'm too careless. Sorry about that. But I tend to 'kidnap' him from the office to have lunch together with Hera by this week. lol~

USQ Ipoh Group... there are lots of memories that we had in Australia. Some saids that the school life are the most joyful time you have in your life. We just can't forget the enjoyable time when we are studying abroad. Jason suggest that we form a USQ community in facebook, but i think someone already did it and i rather prefer that we form a blogger community. Anyway, we talk more work less. wuahaha~

When time goes by, our topic seems getting lesser and lesser. It make us feel so strange when the sentence paused in the middle of air. Guys like to talk about car, online games, mobile and girls. Whenever they comes out some special technology terms or codes, Hera and I would be prompted out some questions mark there. What else we can talk? updating the latest news from each other, plan to have a trip but always failed to work out one... I think it is really important that we have something that able to connect us back together. We can't just continue by joining each other from USQ. We need something that are inter-related. Err~ Maybe we need to invites our good friends to join in and make our group more lifely. Maybe... Maybe... Dunno whatelse we can do... --0

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Wonder Girls - Nobody


The Wonder Girls (Korean: 원더걸스) are a South Korean girl group.[1][2] They are produced by singer-songwriter Park Jin-Young and are signed to his talent agency, JYP Entertainment.[2] Each of the five original members were selected through auditions. Debuting in early 2007, they became popular in the fall of that year with the song "Tell Me."

Their members are Sun Ye, Ye-eun, Sunmi, Sohee and Yu Bin.

Fan clubs for Wonder Girls : >> Click Me <<


Check out the MV for 'Nobody' .
It is funny! The singer went into the toilet which out of toilet roll... then he get stuck insides and wait for somebody to give him the toilet paper. At the same time, the show started and wonder girls whom act as his dancer have to perform the whole song. It gives birth to a new cute girl groups and they become famous after this.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Malaysia belongs to all races, not just the Malays


Sultan: Don’t harp on trivial issues
By WONG CHUN WAI @The Star


The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, known as a person who speaks his mind, gives his views on several current issues – from the changing political scenario after March 8 to the recent fatwa on yoga.

ON POLITICS, THE SOCIAL CONTRACT AND TOLERANCE

Your Royal Highness, since the March 8 elections, Malaysia has seen a lot of changes in the political landscape. Selangor, for example, is now under the Pakatan Rakyat while many national political figures come from the state. What is your general impression on politics?

As a rule, I do not get involved in politics. I am expected to remain neutral and above politics and I am very conscious of this. But I wish to say that the expectations of Malaysians have increased. They want their elected representatives to be more mature and to have more depth.

For example, I am disturbed that some of our politicians, regardless of their political parties, prefer to dwell on trivial issues. They are harping on issues that have no relevance to the country. With the global economic crisis, I would expect them to focus their energy and resources on how best they could help Malaysians face this financial uncertainty. But the issues that these politicians have brought up are disappointing. I am concerned with the manner some politicians exploit racial issues for their own agenda.

Malaysia belongs to all races, not just the Malays. The country is what it is today because of the contributions of all races and that is something we must acknowledge.

I am concerned with the quality of some politicians. I hope the leaders will put some thought into grooming and succession. This is like a race. The baton must be passed to the best runner to finish the race. We are talking about the future of our children. They deserve the best leaders.

Tuanku, at the recent Conference of Rulers meeting, a statement was issued defending the country’s social contract, stressing the need for Malays to be united and assuring non-Malays of their rights under the Federal Constitution. Was it at the initiative of Tuanku?

Yes, it was my initiative but it was made collectively following consultations with my brother Rulers. People need to understand that the social contract is a primary basis on the formation of Malaysia.

It has held the country together. The general principles have been accepted by all races. The country has been successful because of the spirit of give and take. Let’s not debate it because it is better for the rakyat to understand the history behind the social contract and know how Malaysia’s independence came into being.

The rights of the Malays are well protected, no one can just take away these rights and they cannot be amended without consent from the Conference of Rulers.

Malay unity is important. Any form of dispute – political or factional – is bad. As Rulers, we want to see the people, especially the country’s largest ethnic group, to be focused on more important things.

That was why after the last Rulers Conference, we came out with the statement that the non-Malays should not feel apprehensive over their rights. These are rights guaranteed under the federal and state Constitutions. We took great pains to ensure the statement was carefully worded, taking into account how sensitive this matter is.

ON YOGA AND FATWAS

Could Tuanku comment on the controversy surrounding the fatwa prohibiting Muslims from practising yoga?

State religious matters come under the jurisdiction of the Rulers. It is a state matter. In states with no Sultans, it is the King who decides. It is not the prerogative of the Mentri Besar or Chief Minister, let’s be clear.

In the case of a fatwa, there are many steps to be taken before it can be gazetted. The state Fatwa Council, chaired by the Datuk Mufti, has to deliberate on such matters. Anyone can make proposals but finally, it is the Ruler who has the final say.

Islam is a beautiful religion. It is a practical religion. It must be known for its values and compassion. It is not about punishments or banning this or that. This has unfortunately happened. Islam is not about force. Substance is more important, let’s not forget.

I noticed that in the case of the yoga issue, some people seemed eager to jump the gun by making announcements to show their authority when they have none. The result is confusion. Muslims and non-Muslims are confused.

An indepth and thorough study by the state Fatwa Council must be conducted before any decision is sent to me for approval.

ON APPOINTMENTS AND STATE AWARDS

Tuanku, recently there was controversy over the appointment of a non-Malay as acting general manager of the Selangor State Develop-ment Board (PKNS). What is your opinion?

I think it was a non-issue. The person has served in PKNS loyally and effectively for 30 years, so why should her promotion be questioned? If she’s not good, she would have been sacked a long time ago.

Her job as acting general manager, which is only temporary, is only to ensure the smooth running of daily operations. She cannot make any decision that runs contrary to the objectives of PKNS, as raised by some quarters. The Mentri Besar is still the PKNS chairman and also the board will decide on policy matters.

Moreover, she would just be an acting general manager while the state government looks for a chief executive officer as replacement. The PKNS must function effectively while the search is continuing for a suitable candidate. I don’t know why her appointment should be an issue.

Your Royal Highness, you have made it a point to limit the number of Datukships but the perception is that certain states have been over-generous in awarding these titles. Some feel that Datukships have lost their prestige.

I do not want to talk about other states. But as far as Selangor is concerned, there is a limit. It has been my practice to award fewer than 30 people Datukships even though the state limits it to 40. Only people who have contributed to the state or country deserve the title. It should not be given to any Tom, Dick or Harry. It should not be perceived that you can buy them. If that happens, or has happened, then those responsible must examine themselves.

This year, I have decided that only a few people would be awarded Datukship, two Dato Seri and one Dato Setia.

There would be no politicians, either from the past or present government. The present government is barely eight months old and it would need to prove itself first. Even a baby takes nine months to be born. We must give them enough time to show their work.

I am sure there are deserving cases in the present state government but let us wait first. Let them focus on their work, not awards or rewards. Titles should not come with positions.

As I said, I do not want to comment on the position of awards in other states but in Selangor, I wish to maintain its prestige and exclusiveness. It must be branded so people would value it and people would have high regard for the recipients.

BEHAVIOUR OF SELANGOR STATE ASSEMBLYMEN AT THE STATE ASSEMBLY

I understand that Tuanku has taken steps to check the behaviour and decorum of state assemblymen.

I have asked palace officials and even my brother to attend State Assembly meetings. I want them to report to me how these assemblymen, that means the state government and opposition, prepare themselves for these meetings. Do they know what they are talking about and have they done their homework? Are they taking part or just sitting quietly to observe the proceedings with no contribution.

This decision is not aimed at any particular party. It doesn’t matter if they are in Pakatan or Barisan. If they behave badly or ignore decorum, I will have a word with them. This is not political interference. I repeat not political interference. I just want them to know they represent Selangor, so they should be at their best.

ON CRIME AND POLICING IN SELANGOR

Tuanku, crime has continued to be a major concern in Selangor which has the highest crime rate in this country.

I continue to receive complaints from the rakyat on the ground situation. I read about crime in the newspapers and even at dinner conversations. People talk about it. It’s not just a Selangor problem but a national problem. In Selangor, we have the highest crime rate because the population is now the biggest in Malaysia. This is also a place which attracts outsiders and foreigners because of job opportunities. Social problems such as crime comes naturally unfortunately. It is expected.

I have been told that crime prevention has improved. The Selangor police are saying that this is their most successful period in the last 10 years with the state index showing a marginal increase. Gombak, Ampang, Shah Alam, Kuala Langat, Hulu Selangor and Sepang districts show decreases overall.

I am sure the police are trying their best but perceptions are important. If the public do not feel safe on the street or even at home, no amount of assurances would be good enough. Even the homes of police officers are burgled. That is bad. There should be more policemen on the streets. People feel safe when they see policemen on patrol. Traffic cops alone are not good enough.

What about the larger use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in more parts of Selangor?

I am glad you asked that question. This has been bothering me for some time. I am in fact frustrated at the delay in implementing the CCTV project in Selangor. I had suggested this to the previous state government and now, we have a new state government. Nothing has happened, so excuses and more excuses.

The CCTV project has been successfully implemented in Subang but I do not understand what’s holding it back from being implemented statewide by the state government.

There is no point having the best roads or best homes if people don’t feel safe. In Britain, there are thousands and thousands of CCTVs being installed in strategic areas. I cannot understand this delay in Selangor.

Tuanku, what is your hope of the new state government which is now under Pakatan Rakyat?

There is much expectation and anticipation for sure. They were voted in by the rakyat. We have demonstrated that we believe in democracy and the new state government has been formed.

At the same time, we have to understand that the new government is also on a learning curve. However, Selangor is a developed state and the most important state in Malaysia, so the new government must understand the impatience of the people.

People expect them to know their job from day one. On that score, they must understand these demands.

For example, investors would not like it if there are delays in applications for projects. I also do not want them to complain to me that projects are being held up for no good reason.

What is your birthday wish?

It’s simple. I like to see the people of all races live together in harmony. We have been able to do that for the last 50 years and even before independence and I believe the ordinary people love peace. What they want in life is simple – to live happily, have a decent life and see their children have a future in Malaysia.

I share their aspirations and I hope the politicians would also understand the need for this. Let us all adopt a give and take approach. Let there be consensus.

There is a need for more common sense. I hope the politicians will take note of this. If you have a degree from Oxford or Cambridge, it does not mean you have common sense and I have to stress that common sense is important.

I also wish to see less friction or less emphasis on trivialities. We tend to focus on trivial issues which serve no purpose.

Some people are quick to make judgments or quick to react without understanding a matter thoroughly or studying it in-depth first.

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

Feel better to heard this news. Feel proud as a Malaysian again. Feel like Malaysia really belongs to me. Love sultan!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

One school system will enhance unity?

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief aspirant Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has called on the Government to abolish the vernacular school system to enhance unity among the people.

He said a single school system was the only way to check racial polarisation.

“The Government should consider introducing only a one school system with Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, except for the teaching of Science and Mathematics, which is already in English,” Mukhriz told reporters at Parliament House yesterday.

“Of course, pupils should then be given the option to study their mother tongue. Under this system, the Malays will also have the option of studying other languages like Chinese and Tamil, and this will further boost unity among the races,” the Umno Youth exco member added.

In an immediate response in his blog (www.ongteekeat.net), MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat made a very short posting on the subject.

“Datuk Mukhriz is just one of the many who are now repeating the same polemics that are a few decades old, simply because of the advent of their party’s poll.

“It is saddening because politicians cannot think out of the box,” he said.

Earlier, Mukhriz said it was time Malaysia did away with the dual school system, which was practised by only a handful of countries in the world.

He expressed hope that the leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties would not view his suggestion in a negative light as it was meant to resolve once and for all the problem of racial polarisation.

“If they reject this suggestion, then they should explain why they are against it,” he said. “If you want equal rights then you cannot have a different school system. You cannot have your cake and eat it too,” said Mukhriz.

He also urged all parties to stop harping on issues that could create tension among Barisan component parties, including talk of Malay supremacy.

He said there had been many statements made by leaders of component parties that had the potential to create anger among the Malays and Umno members.

“If they insist on making such statements, then do not be surprised if the Malays start talking about the economic supremacy of the non-Malays,” he added.

“Despite all that has been said on the issue of Malay supremacy, the Malays do not feel in any way superior or that they are the masters when it comes to the country’s economy.”


I am chinese educated, graduated from primary school that in vernacular school system. Do you mean i am one of those who race up the problem in racial polarisation? How NAIVE is those leaders who come out of all this topic. They are the one who always like to play around in racist issues and now they act 'good' by forming a one school system then it will enhance unity.

What's wrong with our current education system? Don't they analyze the problems before they solve it? Who are the one who launched the teaching in Maths and Science by using English which raised new problems for our kids? Why they can started up the new system when they are not enough resources, for example teachers who are well educated in English. In the end, our future students who are suffer on it. They never try to solve the current problems effectively but added more problems to it. Abolish the vernacular school system is not the way to solve problem but it is a big new problem! It is not just deal with education, but also culture and racial.

When i was study in primary, my school which is Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SRJK(c)) , they are many Malay and Indian parents send their children to have primary education in my school. Well, don't you think this is also an options that we share our culture and education together? Isn't this a type of unity that we want? Is that true to said that vernacular school system can't form unity among people? I don't agree with it!

Politicians, please stop playing around to our education system. Our future kids are just so innocent! His suggessions should be banned!

Starry's Fans

  ©Template by Dicas Blogger.

TOPO