tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77432536256088074502024-03-13T19:42:57.304+08:00Salt, Pepper ANd a little Kicap (SPAnK)malaysian politics from our telescopeSimon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-29687624137429000032011-08-24T12:07:00.003+08:002011-08-24T14:56:11.967+08:00The MCA MRT Charade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnftQUGoIm_haXeIvQa0OnUlT_KTjbtIxaUi4qDWd9p9jHQYsKC-1l00qdD2GhIgV1ZVaXu3aAyOYLkg1wJG5QOKtdU8oI91Lww8dHSFfmjkzKawr_Honv5mygG_1EgGOidz0YAkbZHw/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnftQUGoIm_haXeIvQa0OnUlT_KTjbtIxaUi4qDWd9p9jHQYsKC-1l00qdD2GhIgV1ZVaXu3aAyOYLkg1wJG5QOKtdU8oI91Lww8dHSFfmjkzKawr_Honv5mygG_1EgGOidz0YAkbZHw/s400/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644307272633800818" border="0" /></a>
<br />Aiyah... Thank you la MCA. You kinda helped me boost my ego again. Paiseh... Paiseh... And I can now confirm that I have a super forward vision, thanks to you guys. Thank you, thank you.
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<br />Or maybe not. Hmmmm... Come to think of it, the plot is just so obvious. Repeated a thousand times over and over again.
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<br />Plot - somebody somewhere try to harm some Chinese welfare, rice bowl etc. Make a big fuss out of it. Get the Chinese enraged. Then MCA-the-saviour comes to the rescue. Bosanlah... Lagi baru punya pattern takda meh?
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<br />There you go ladies and gentlemen, MCA once again 'rescued' the Chinese because of 'their influence and position in the BN government'. Good if it's true, but very naughty if MCA is the one who created the 'problem' for them to 'solve'. Yes, we are talking about the MRT taking over Jalan Sultan issue.
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<br />Whoa I tell you, MCA is now hero again loh. Saved the entire Chinatown man! The identity of Chinese in Malaysia. Without MCA, where got Chinatown anymore by end of 2011? MCA damn kau hero loh I tell you. They should have a parade of all MCA leaders at Chinatown, get special permission to light a 100m fire crackers, have 50 lions dancing tong-tong-cheng around. Special MCA buffet of hokkien char, wantan meen, watt tan hor, grilled fish, air mata kucing, mausang wong etc. Door gifts must be Loiue (sic) Vouitton Neverfull or (Malaysia's hottest) Hermis (sic) Birkin.
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<br />Na!!! (Double middle fingers up!) MCA... Na!!! (Double middle fingers up, again!)
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<br />I am sure many of you saw this coming. Come on, if I can, then surely thousands more did too. If you are one of those who think that the acquisition is so that some government crony get to buy the prime land at cheap prices later, then you are too simplistic in your strategies. It is elections time. Not everything is about money anymore. This is the time to show your relevance. Get back into office, then only you loot.
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<br />Any Tom, Dick and Ramasamy will tell you that you do not need to do the shoplot acquisitions in the very first place. The whole entire blardie idea of an underground tunnelling is to prevent any disturbance above ground level. If the acquisition is required, you might as well build on top of the acquired land. Architecture 101 I say. And constructing above ground level is too cheap. We are in Malaysia. We cannot afford to have cheap projects else nobody gets rich. I do not know the costs of the underground tunnelling works but logic dictates that it sure costs much more than a straight forward above ground construction.
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<br />Caveat: The reason I do not know the cost is not because I am lazy to go search. Ummm... actually, nobody knows the total cost of the MRT project loh. We are Malaysians. We do things differently here. So what if we are the only ones who manage a project without having a budget or costing. We can, ok! Malaysia... Boleh! RM50 billion or RM100 billion... small money dei... loose change...
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<br />And did anyone not realise that no acquisition prices for the shoplots have been bandied about? Of course cannot la. If you offer the shop owners, say, RM50 million per shoplot, you think they still go make noise meh. They would have happily signed the SPA 3 weeks ago la. So you must throw around some scary land acquisition act. Make some small government agencies look monstrous, then only can have hero Chua. Bugger, hero Chua man! Saviour of the Chinese, woohoo! (Fark him la...)
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<br />And now Bukit Bintang. Whoa! That landmark Mc-Ah-Nold also the MRT people want to tear down. Very scary lah this government people. Take land with ease. And probably pay the owners peanuts. Fear not Bukit Bintang. Hero Chua will come save the day. He will 'convince' the authorities to leave your shoplots alone. On top of that, MCA will make sure that works beneath will not affect your structure. With MCA you will not even feel a thing while they tunnel way below your arse.
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<br />See, MCA bagus! Who says MCA is irrelevant? (Me! Me!Me!)
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<br />Sandiwara saja banyaklah UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan... Waste of everybody's time.
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<br />Doesn't it come as a surprise that both areas (Chinatown and Bukit Bintang) are Chinese areas? I hope these folks don't fall for the charade. And please remember that PR's representative with the likes of Tony Pua were there for you first.
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<br />And that folks, is the sign that the next elections is around the corner. MCA only gets busy when they need you. But if you don't need them, they will create something so that it looks like you need them. Like that also can! &$^@()@#!!!
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<br />Uncles and aunties, don't be surprised if Chua Soi Lek pops up at your house one of these days, asks to use the toilet and leaves his poop unflushed. (Actually he purposely broke the flushing system already one). But not to worry. He can with a snap of 2 fingers get Indah Water to repair your toilet in 5 minutes. I tell ah, imagine if Chua Soi Lek didn't decide to poop in your house that day. Silap silap your house stink with your own poop for weeks before IWK come clean the mess ah. Chua Soi Lek hou yeh! Now you see the importance of MCA and Chinese representation in the BN government.
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<br />You all think so easy is it to be a politician. Sit down and money fall on your lap? Very difficult one. You all dunno only...
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<br />Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-80939017467756632482011-07-09T22:14:00.027+08:002011-07-10T12:16:48.703+08:00I Got Tear Gassed<span style="font-size:120%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO1cwout0xzvlPlT4N2Qwb4y3urQmcZi4GvFWkEk4JO5vXfHLT-JAxk8-saSxAT_gYAqataTiB6_lv6jzqH5-5FUG_ilCD5jtooqZEuX5uPJTwbakcZ7MnUHGVzfvYw30ycU1JOKMng/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO1cwout0xzvlPlT4N2Qwb4y3urQmcZi4GvFWkEk4JO5vXfHLT-JAxk8-saSxAT_gYAqataTiB6_lv6jzqH5-5FUG_ilCD5jtooqZEuX5uPJTwbakcZ7MnUHGVzfvYw30ycU1JOKMng/s400/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627384182477320226" border="0" /></a><br />What a day! After all the pre-event nonsense by Najib & Gang, 9 July 2011 has finally arrived. You bet that I’ll be there.<br /><br />Getting into KL city centre proved to be as nightmarish as I expected it to be. First I had to survive the massive road blockage at the Subang toll plaza along Federal Highway. (Had to take Federal Highway as NKVE was a no go). The police officers were just rubbish. How can they actually differentiate who’s going to the Bersih 2.0 rally and who’s not? Were they expecting us to be happily clad in yellow? It is clear that their intention is simply to cause inconvenience to the public. Most of the time, they just stand by the side and let the cars pass in a single file.<br /><br />Traffic was crystal clear from then onwards. Then came another road block right after the Sunway exit. But kudos to Malaysians. Everyone was surprisingly very patient. No silly cutting in here, cutting in there like normal days. It seems that if you are on the road today, you are already mentally prepared for the slowdown.<br /><br />Turned into NPE and we decided to change our meeting point from Times Square to the KTM KL Railway Station. Parked my car at the Petaling Komuter Station. When the train came… oh my oh my… the sardine packed coaches…<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >(Note: I’ve not hopped on our public train in a long long time. Hehe… Yah, kinda spoilt with the ‘own transport’ way of life).<br /></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />Managed to get myself in with the coach door closing right at my butt. A large number of the passengers were on their way to the Bersih 2.0 rally too. Brilliant! People were openly exchanging latest news with each another.<br /><br />I finally got into KL some 2.5 hours after I left home. I survived the blockages and hurdles! People, next time stop giving excuses, if you have the will you will get there. And I bet a huge score of people took a much longer time to get into KL. Think of the out-stationers. Hats off to them.<br /><br />From the KTM Station, I followed the crowd who were walking towards Klang Bus Station/Pasar Seni LRT Station, then Jalan Sultan and then Kota Raya/Pudu Bus Station hotspot. And that’s when I first got into the ‘action’. The crowd had gathered in numbers. And PDRM greeted my arrival with shots of tear gas. How nice of them. Helter skelter ensued la. Took refuge at Hotel Ancasa entrance where I met up with fellow blog author, Neo.<br /><br />It was about 2.00 pm and then the rain started. It was raining cats and dogs. Adui… Why la today… And the organizers got us moving towards Stadium Merdeka. Talk about soaked wet. Bersih 2.0 was turning into a wet t-shirt contest.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >(Note: Ladies, next time please try to not come for an open rally in white. Malaysia is well known for heavy downpours. Not very decent when you are all soaked wet in white).<br /></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />The rally was really multi-racial. Am very surprised. I did not expect to see the Chinese coming out in numbers. We know the spirited Malays are always up for it. The Indians too; as they have shown in the past. But the Chinese turnout was fantastic. Well done! It was a truly Bangsa Malaysia rally. And of all ages too. Countless aunties and uncles, makciks and pakciks. Am very heartened that the 20s and 30s took it upon them to leave the air-conds (as I did) and iPads (as I did) to jointly show the might of the rakyat. Najib & Gang, you guys seriously have to wake up. Malaysia is a little different today from 10 years ago.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >(Note: Some parents thought it fit to make the rally a family event and brought along their little ones. The intention is good but I would advise against it. We are all very civilized and well behaved, but there is always 'them' who fire tear gas at us for no reason whatsoever. And it causes panic and a mad scramble for fresh air).<br /></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />As we walked towards Stadium Merdeka, smaller groups joined us from junctions and the number just get larger and larger. I wouldn’t know how to put a figure to the headcount but it was a lot. (Definitely not 6,000 a certain figure-challenged IGP claim lor...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6aeC5PfO3CfU_OGZD9nqhIpdGa8zNT-oNlKB08UbHcoMj8a-I_WwpenG_tvLwRQ52hKJQoYp8OdmOw6WHhoZSFu1QuiHyxhu1hnTcCkWDHD975seSsEIMNcV4YOVscaQ6QG0WD7n9A/s1600/IMAG0011.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6aeC5PfO3CfU_OGZD9nqhIpdGa8zNT-oNlKB08UbHcoMj8a-I_WwpenG_tvLwRQ52hKJQoYp8OdmOw6WHhoZSFu1QuiHyxhu1hnTcCkWDHD975seSsEIMNcV4YOVscaQ6QG0WD7n9A/s400/IMAG0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627382431784237490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Everything was in a very orderly manner. Why the surrounding shops shut business is beyond me. For heaven’s sake, what do you take us to be? We are not Perkasa’s thugs or Umno ‘Mat Rempit’ Youth. We are the very people you sell your goods to everyday. And you fear us now? There were some smart traders selling drinks and ice-creams and I bet you they all made a little fortune for themselves today. And the 7-11s too. Who dare steal even a bottle of mineral water? Do you know how many of us were out there on the streets? We can patrol ourselves better than the police will ever be. There wasn’t even any pushing or shoving around the stores and stalls. Yes, that is how civilize we are. Hidup rakyat!<br /><br />Oh and the chants! Endless “Hidup Hidup”, Hidup Rakyat”, “Bersih Bersih” “Hidup Bersih”. Some got creative and even started singing Rasa Sayang, Jingling Nona… Soaked wet we may be, but our spirits were never dampen. The crowd just gets you going. There were simply so many ‘semangat’ fellas around, somebody will start something when things seem to slowdown.<br /><br />Failing to get into Stadium Merdeka, we got moving to Central Market. It is fun when you move in numbers. You can really feel the power of the people. Sorry folks… It is non-describable. You can read, you can see the videos, but you’ll never feel it unless you are there. Nobody cares what colour your skin is. Nobody cares what your religion is. Nobody cares where you come from. We are simply... the rakyat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8rDpoqb-RfgSYUUp3hkLoyoRpfpxmbUhtxHW3tCaozZ8RO66OCRgSRfJcpc2knlVRaH_ysO3x-g4oJKm2Q4sh5-oQLZHrIeNQr57bWOvNq4ISmFQ1GpCwJkjS1ta_3zVCCNK0m_gDw/s1600/IMAG0015.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8rDpoqb-RfgSYUUp3hkLoyoRpfpxmbUhtxHW3tCaozZ8RO66OCRgSRfJcpc2knlVRaH_ysO3x-g4oJKm2Q4sh5-oQLZHrIeNQr57bWOvNq4ISmFQ1GpCwJkjS1ta_3zVCCNK0m_gDw/s400/IMAG0015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627382888755654738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When we got to the Central Market area, the police were already there waiting. We were just hanging around waiting for the next wave of marchers to join us. And then the barbarians started shooting tear gas at us. For what? We weren’t even doing anything.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiENP8AsfieAXiNW0cxMDM8pNF2eZU_5YMHsE6YimhrqgZTZUD3G7Z-ORRM6hAROxiAF64YM7yn80HWYpcJ-rnAjf_GeOwetkQBIAoT_6qx7KqlvlvbyHfD0O2qt7Erz1J3gLZ4c13HA/s1600/IMAG0017.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiENP8AsfieAXiNW0cxMDM8pNF2eZU_5YMHsE6YimhrqgZTZUD3G7Z-ORRM6hAROxiAF64YM7yn80HWYpcJ-rnAjf_GeOwetkQBIAoT_6qx7KqlvlvbyHfD0O2qt7Erz1J3gLZ4c13HA/s400/IMAG0017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627383362205346754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At about 3.40pm, Wong Chin Huat decided to end our side of the rally. He climbed on an elevated structure and was trying to deliver the ending message to us and I was standing right in front of him. At this point, we were at the junction of Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hang Kasturi (where Klang Bus Station and Pasar Seni LRT Station are). Here we were, getting a "go home" message and the barbarians started shooting tear gas canisters at us again. Those blardie idiots! They don’t shoot into empty space to prevent you from moving forward. They shoot right into the crowd for god knows what sadistic reasons. I saw a canister flew past us into Level 1 of Klang Bus Station behind us. I turned around and saw a canister headed straight at us; leaving a comet like trail in its flying path. It landed a couple of metres from me. There was no mistake that I was at ground zero of a landed sting bomb. Stinging gas particles rapidly fought us head on for airspace. Martha-farking-bitch it hurts. We ran for fresh air. Oh it blardie hurts! I held my breath earlier but the throat burns. The mouth burns. Somehow the gas didn’t get my eyes (tear gas not hurting my eyes? hmmm…). The upper lips burns. The pain… Fark! Fark! Fark!<br /><br />Some experienced rally-ers were handing out salt, took some and I felt better a while later. But the pain still lingers.<br /><br />We were now pushed further back of the Pasar Seni LRT stop. Wong Chin Huat finally gave his thank you speech and ended with Negaraku. And the chantings of course. "Hidup Rakyat".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSUKd5ETrgJWAhMEC6MUeAbGWPiwYaswj0BKiiowM66DcKv64339pUqj5A9q1AzVM9OYpldik2QDInRyBO0GlrGMZveigUmNZjcSyrRz1r6gVmBKTGzWjtxunMAmuNZB6Ar7M3Vja6Q/s1600/IMAG0019.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSUKd5ETrgJWAhMEC6MUeAbGWPiwYaswj0BKiiowM66DcKv64339pUqj5A9q1AzVM9OYpldik2QDInRyBO0GlrGMZveigUmNZjcSyrRz1r6gVmBKTGzWjtxunMAmuNZB6Ar7M3Vja6Q/s400/IMAG0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627383549742603154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The crowd refused to leave. Everyone continued to linger under the Pasar Seni LRT station. Maybe we were expecting more. As we were ‘loitering’ beneath the LRT station, the darn coppers came charging at us. They started shooting rounds and rounds of tear gas at us… into the under-belly of the LRT stations. And they came charging trying to nab us. What the fark? Sudah bersurai lah. Cannot just hang around is it? There was no longer any chanting whatsoever. I would say that most people were just taking a rest or figuring out how to get home. We may be at an LRT station, but the trains are skipping the station. And they attacked us! Blardie idiots la the men in blue.<br /><br />The group finally moved towards Sentral and dispersed.<br /><br />We may not have been able to get all supporters at 1 place to show our united number and might. We may not have been able to hand over the petition to the DYMM Agong. But the objectives of Bersih 2.0 had already been achieved days ago. Najib & Gang were plain stupid to have fallen right into the pithole. We all knew that EC is never going to give a damn about whatever we are seeking. Bersih 2.0 has further shown the people how evil the BN government is and can be. Bersih 2.0 has convinced more people that a change in government is needed for this country. Scores of fence-sitters have now swung away from BN. Many of us are still not convinced by Pakatan Rakyat but more Malaysians now believe in the need for a 2 party system. And for that, the tyranny of BN has to end.<br /><br />It's really funny that had Najib allowed for the Bersih 2.0 rally, the fence sitters would have given him a chance to proof his reforms and agendas. After all, he would have been seen to be democratic, moderate and fair. But he chose to suppress the rakyat in the most ungentlemanly behaviour full to the brim with untrustworthiness and indignity.<br /><br />Isn't it ironic how Najib and his 'less than bright' cousin have main-casted their own downfalls.<br /><br />.<br /></span>Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-46413005405737065032011-05-23T15:46:00.011+08:002011-05-24T16:15:50.724+08:00GLC Engrish So Good<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXWiyLUoUCqyLazBjjfaoEVOkgyE3hL9bUbWyjrhGxjtYj7KnAaAKuvf_rew2UN6kg0Hkpg0JU0fKwWiDBr_UjlJUIKQYZBPpt4qlJtWltWP5npFZowbKMvk8JYFW0UbE-0QqLKD16w/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXWiyLUoUCqyLazBjjfaoEVOkgyE3hL9bUbWyjrhGxjtYj7KnAaAKuvf_rew2UN6kg0Hkpg0JU0fKwWiDBr_UjlJUIKQYZBPpt4qlJtWltWP5npFZowbKMvk8JYFW0UbE-0QqLKD16w/s400/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609834513749856306" border="0" /></a><br />***** ***** ***** ***** *****<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Author's note:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Subsequent to the posting of this article, some readers have highlighted via the Comments Column that the site I was directed to is not TM's official site. I've checked further on that - and that's true. The www.unifi.com.co site is an agent's site. Or may be a scam site. But they don't ask for credit card details... Phew!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I also found out that ".co" is the internet country code for Colombia. ".co" is offered on some sites as the suffix for free site hosting. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My most sincere apologies to TM for whacking them. Kekeke... I'll make it up to TM by subscribing to UniFi when it reaches my area.</span><br /><br />***** ***** ***** ***** *****<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-family:georgia;">How important is the English language today?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In Malaysia, this is a very sensitive question. All sorts of people will throw in all sorts of argument regardless of if it's an 'aye' for English or 'nay' for it. And it will not take too long for that simple question to deviate to racial issues, then to religion, then to social contract, then to 'you are a pendatang', then to 'please respect the Constitution', then to 'BN is corrupt' and what is and what not.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The Malays are divided on this question. So are the Chinese and the Indians. The urbanites are divided on this question. There is not going to be a simple answer - that's for sure.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">To me, the English language is so-damn-blardie-kau important. Hey, that's my stand so no need to tell me yours. Am not going to defend my stand now because am writing to show something else.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">English is a complicated language. No kidding it is. We Malaysians are used to the rojak version so most of us could not be bothered to improve ourselves. Besides, asalkan we can understand each another, cukup makan lah... So, that's us in our daily lives. Fine and dandy. But on official documents, official events, good to be proper a bit lah. And on GLC websites, please put in a bit of effort lah. It reflects badly on the GLC, the government and we Malaysians as a whole.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I was trying to get a Unifi subscription for my house. Apparently I get to register online. Googled it and this is what greeted me:</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakL0RjjXhPRhooDwLlWU9wimKow4fD6XQkv62bLC5BrBhKB8DRYEYZgkOMgoKUXMm9jEvIT8_oVRPCvwFFUT1UQwaaJBjBAfUiul0SIjx1If37IfpL02UxiUZpnEBHyYSn5_iGRKn1A/s1600/Unifi.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakL0RjjXhPRhooDwLlWU9wimKow4fD6XQkv62bLC5BrBhKB8DRYEYZgkOMgoKUXMm9jEvIT8_oVRPCvwFFUT1UQwaaJBjBAfUiul0SIjx1If37IfpL02UxiUZpnEBHyYSn5_iGRKn1A/s400/Unifi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609822298778700898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What the...?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">"Great News!!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Dude, what's with the double exclamation marks? Why 2? Why not 3 or 5 or 10? Satu cukup bro. Where did you learn to use 2 anyway?? See, isn't it weird when I use 2 question marks? Cikgu kat sekolah tak ajar such things anymore?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:georgia;" >"All Streamyx user is allow to Upgrade to UniFi services, except previously Streamyx user who have Sign Free Notebook and PC bundle package is no allow to upgrade to UniFi</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Now you can Upgrade your Streamyx to UniFi or Apply new installation through this web site."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I don't even know where to start on these sentences. The basic grammar is bertaburan, capital alphabet is used in the middle of the sentence, the sentences are just rubbish... Seriously, this is embarrassing. This is supposed to be a big corporation in the country. This website is meant to reach out to a lot of people. Is this the work of the Google Translate? You can't blame me for raising this question. We have precedents in the Teoh Beng Hock case and more recently the super large banner in Mandarin greeting Wen Jiabao when he visited us.</span><br /><br />Wait! The nightmare does not end there. After I submitted my registration...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:georgia;" >"Thanks for your registration! Your form have been submitted! We will contact you as soon as possible. Please check for the Installation Guide Video page so that you can more understand on the UniFi installation Process before the contractor come to install the UniFi Services for you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:georgia;" >For those applicants haven't upload photocopy IC during registration, you can use you Scanner or Phone Camera or Digital Camera to take your photocopy IC (both side) and email to Support@UniFi.com.co within 24 Hours. All the order will no be process until applicant IC have been received, If you have any enquiry or question, please don't hesitate to contact us at 010-7985600."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Aiyoh... Painful, painful... This is not an Email between 2 friends la! On your Personal Term, nobody gives a damn! This is you reaching out to your Customers. And for crying out loud, this is not something some less-than-capable chap Emailed me on the spot!! The above are all programmed Webpages. Why can't somebody check on this before it goes live?? Is this done in-house by UniFi? If yes, isn't there proper Monitoring and Hierachy for approvals? If no, which means that it is Outsourced, doesn't anyone perform any check? Or is everyone involved just too Lazy?? It can't be everyone involved being Equally incompetent in the English Language!! Someone somewhere must have been able to Pick Up at least some of the Gibberish. (Ok... Ok... Sorry about the punctuation marks, question marks and caps... Am trying to proof a point. So darn irritating isn't it?)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The attitude people, the attitude. The couldn't care less attitude which is as bad as corruption, if you asked me. I have no idea what the majority of government and GLC officers are paid to do. I don't need to elaborate as we already know their ineptitude pretty well. If you don't then you should not call yourself a Malaysian. Where have you been all these while?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Shy lah when you see these things. It is not that my English is any fantastic. I've got some serious grammar issues too - I admit to that. But you've just got to know when proper sentences need to be formed. Look at the context of which the language is being used. It is bad enough with people like me rojak-ing the English language on blogs like this. Not a good practice but I guess this is still somewhat acceptable as this is quite informal. But not on proper websites la. Have not checked Petronas' website but I will be horrified if they are this bad. (Maybe Tun does a personal inspection since he is so hands-on).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You know those emails you get on out-of-this-world English used on signboards, restaurants, toilets etc. Those where the pictures are probably taken from China or some East European countries. Time to stop laughing at these emails people. Malaysia is right down there with them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Oh! This sms just came in on my handphone:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Good day 2u, Xxx! UniFi Services haven't cover Xxx Xxx yet! When UniFi ready in your area, UniFi installer automatic cal you for installation! Thanks</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">More punctuation marks. More grammatical errors. Different mode of communication, same rubbish. Then this is no longer the web master's issue, this is a corporation issue.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">By the way, they told me my area already got service one loh! Or else I bodoh-bodoh go register for what? I am not government or GLC officer who got a lot of time in hand ok.<br /><br /></span>Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-65731892055994427922011-05-04T12:36:00.005+08:002011-05-04T14:37:25.695+08:00Religious Overdose - Enough-lah...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqPmIINFsT18EufpIYgvrjTwSqYGqInNdPrrSJEc4B-dPhpZxAHWkwLTXADkqapqXukz8CKPjCHHJvHWQ6h_JpbqsFJm_YbMXO0rQRqWHg-ldm8cs11SzL2BsovYgVHT4uhpJqO7cVA/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqPmIINFsT18EufpIYgvrjTwSqYGqInNdPrrSJEc4B-dPhpZxAHWkwLTXADkqapqXukz8CKPjCHHJvHWQ6h_JpbqsFJm_YbMXO0rQRqWHg-ldm8cs11SzL2BsovYgVHT4uhpJqO7cVA/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602743697694984066" border="0" /></a><br />That's it people. I've just about had enough of all these religious talks going round this country.<br /><br />Everyday. And I mean everyday we see headlines like these:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" > Muslim NGOs say Idris Jala bias in Alkitab row (The Malaysian Insider)</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" > <br /><br /> Islam under siege in Malaysia (MalaysiaKini)</span><br /><br />The above 2 are what I've just picked up from the websites mentioned as I type this. Don't even need to scroll down the webpage or look for one. It's smack on your face like a cream pie.<br /><br />It is always Islam this, Christians that. Islam that, Muslims this. Aiyoh... Don't you people have better things to do? All these religious NGOs and religious brotherhoods... Don't they need to earn a living? Don't they have a day job? Or a business to run? Where do they find so much time running here, calling press conferences there. No life ah?<br /><br />Eh hello. Has anyone read any latest reports on youths embracing religion? It is at an all time low. No answers has been given on why this is happening but if you ask me, it has all to do with overdose and radicalism being practised. Bloody hell... Who will want to embrace any religion where fanatics run around town screaming they want this, they want that, heaven this, hell that. By the way ah, this is not a Muslim bashing session. This applies to the Christians as much. Imagine if we have the Jews in Malaysia. The circus will be complete.<br /><br />(Am not taking sides. In fact I am not even a religious person. Nope, do not subscribe to any religion for the time being).<br /><br />Look here Mr. Religious Fanatics, most of us Malaysians are having trouble putting rice on table. Many among us cannot afford to buy a roof to shelter our heads. We are having a serious livelihood problem here. Maybe you have found a secret formula to turn our polluted air into energy once they are taken into your lungs, but I have not. So, why don't you bugger off for the next 1000 years and let us live in peace. Funny, apparently religion helps you find inner peace, but our peace will have to come from getting rid of so-called religious people. How ironic!<br /><br />What are you religious people so paranoid about anyway? Why is it that there is always someone trying to sabotage your religion? This is 2011 already lah. You think we are still living in medieval times? Where got knights in armor suits galloping across continents spreading religion and killing in the name of religion? Grow up lah! Nobody wants to sabo you or your beloved religion. Anyone with time in hand is better off chilling out at Starbucks or play Angry Birds on their iPad lah ok! WTF! TNS!<br /><br />Oh! And can this non-religious person offer you so-called religious people a pointer. If you do bad things, then you are a bad person. Doing bad things to other people for 'the sake of your religion' does not make you a good person. No heaven for you, dummy. Taking money from some political scumbag to smear others in the name of 'feeding your family' makes you a bad person. No heaven for you too. Bad is bad. No excuses, no reasoning.<br /><br />One more thing. What on earth is this craze about entering heaven? I shall not thread on the number one question of 'Is There A Heaven?'. Don't know. Don't care. But what I do know is you are alive NOW. If you do good, then <span style="font-style: italic;">bagus</span>. If you do bad, then you are not a good person. Not being a religion expert (oh come on... I'd rather be typing this then read a religious script), I thought that the ultimate goal of religion is to make us better people. If you stick to this very simple idea of 'good person', you will be be able to interpret a whole lot of your scripts better. Let's put us into a little warpath of Religious vs Non-Religious. We non-religious people are laughing at you guys most of the times. (Hahahahaha... hahaha... ). Why? Because you guys are just so <<span style="font-style: italic;">Fill In The Blank</span>>. Look at the way you interpret your scripts. Some of you can actually turn your religious script into Nightmare on Elm Street. Your scripts are good books. There is no bad element in it. And yet you can do bad, mind you some really bad stuffs, and say that your religion calls for it. Nonsense. Read my lips:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">There is no bad religion. If you think or believe your religion promotes any form of negativity or evil or bad, you've read it wrongly!</span></span><br /><br />Point to ponder before I pen off. (Or is that keyboard off? Sounds weird). Ever wonder why the Buddhists or the Hindus or the Sikhs of Malaysia don't make that much noise?<br /><br />Now leave us alone! And go get a job.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-82516756439008923432011-04-29T17:01:00.007+08:002011-04-29T18:25:23.573+08:00The Real Deal Chinese Running Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRaQdoq1HAaVQS0KKhiEjS0w4b3MM0rQ675CQ0TYIat9g-ZL3eBxJ3nrB-kXUndLWWLBFQ20OKoNBCGr6BtdE1lE6_5ImrcIqNOKGdw2IvDceJO8iApN29X90T7Gxfd_ZuUpnc0OXTw/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRaQdoq1HAaVQS0KKhiEjS0w4b3MM0rQ675CQ0TYIat9g-ZL3eBxJ3nrB-kXUndLWWLBFQ20OKoNBCGr6BtdE1lE6_5ImrcIqNOKGdw2IvDceJO8iApN29X90T7Gxfd_ZuUpnc0OXTw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600928745624180754" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot imagine how Chua Soi Lek can walk the streets of Malaysia without being showered in Chinese spit. This person is the ultimate traitor to all Malaysians of Chinese ancestry. A man who sells his kind just to please his political master, Dark Lord UMNO. The only reason that he is still dry must be that Malaysian Chinese have dropped that bad habit which is almost a national culture of mainland China.<br /><br />Hey wait a minute. But I see plenty of spitting at bah kut teh outlets, hokkien mee stalls, kopitiams. So why is Chua Soi Lek not covered in spit? He deserves every milliliter of it.<br /><br />What’s with the jibe at PKR to call for the removal of Malay special rights and privileges? Wait. Got to hold my thoughts first. Ummm… Why isn’t Chua Soi Lek detained under ISA for questioning the special rights and privileges of Malays in this country? The fact that he says that he is willing to vote PKR if PKR removes Malay rights and privileges means that he, Chua Soi Lek, is against Malays special rights and privileges right? Else why will he vote for a party who supports the move. Plus he outright calls (instigating, not?) for someone to take up the task to remove the rights and privileges of the Malays; and he will support that move. <span style="font-style: italic;">Hah! Kena tangkap basah! Sham… Tolong sign detention order. Kasi tangkap sama Cina ni. Kasi buang bahlul ni kat Kamunting.</span><br /><br />Ok what was it that I was gonna say…<br /><br />In his video (the MCA TV video that it, not the other one *wink* *wink*), he said (actually I read the sub-title) <span style="font-style: italic;">‘so you can have your hope but the hope should be based on the political realities in the country’. </span>What is Dr. (How-He-Got-His-Doctorate?) Chua Soi Lek trying to tell us? Is he saying that the hopes of changes that Pakatan Rakyat are giving to the Chinese of Malaysia cannot materialize because Malaysia is a Malay dominant country? He added that <span style="font-style: italic;">‘no other race will cancel their rights and privileges’. </span>He surely meant so.<br /><br />My dear Malaysian Chinese, the man who is purported to be the leader of your voice in the BN government is telling you that you are a 2nd class citizen in this country and live with it. I am not sure what the true fights of MCA really are but improving your socio-economic standings isn’t on MCA’s to-do list because you have to accept ‘the political realities in the country’. So what is it that MCA is fighting for on behalf on the Malaysian Chinese? To preserve the status as 2nd class citizens and to prevent a fall down to a 3rd class level along with the localised Indonesian and Bangladeshis? Is that so Chua Soi Lek?<br /><br />It is beginning to look clearer now as to why MCA has not done anything for Malaysian Chinese for the pass 54 years although they claim to be the champion of Chinese rights and the protector of Chinese interests in Malaysia. Alas, the truth is out. Malaysian Chinese should not harbour any hopes of being treated as equals in this country. You should not be asking for additional places in national universities more than what has been donated to you on the graciousness of the UMNO government. Please accept that you will forever not be able to obtain direct government contracts but by way of being sub-cons to Malay cronies of UMNO. And whatever other grouses you have, please shaft it up ‘there’, live a pent-up life, and take it to your grave. Or your little urn should your kins decide to have you cremated.<br /><br />MCA says that this is the reality. Please don’t be fooled into believing that an improvement is at the end of the tunnel because it is all <span style="font-style: italic;">cakap-cakap tipu </span>Anwar. Lies because the ‘reality’ does not allow for any form of changes he says.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Inikah kita panggil, apa nama, wakil rakyat? Ptoooi! Wakil UMNO </span>more like it. Any Chinese who supports this scum of a human is guilty of this same crime as he. Any Chinese who works with this shame of a human is guilty of this same crime as he. Any Chinese who votes this man-who-sold-his-people or vote anyone who supports him or vote anyone who works with him is guilty of destroying the hopes of their ancestors and future of their descendants.<br /><br />Chua Soi Lek, please don’t come out tomorrow and say you have been misquoted. You said it over MCA TV. This former Health Minister is obviously so pressured by his UMNO masters that he has lost his marbles. Let’s put some real world events to proof to this genius that he is talking ‘male chicken’. The United States of America has a black president voted in by whites, blacks and hispanics. This country called USA is apparently the most powerful nation in the world and yet its developments seem to bypass this ‘champion’ of ours. (Funny though, he actually mentioned Obama in name during that clip). Who would have thought that the whites of US will give up their ‘rights to appoint a white president’? Did you know where the blacks stood in the socio-politics and economics of the US just a few decades ago?<br /><br />And what about the whites of South Africa. These whites of South Africa have been there for generations. They have controlled the country for centuries. Yet, they return power to the blacks. What's that all about? The whites of South Africa are not English or Dutch. They are South Africans, only white. So, who says 'no other race will cancel their rights and privileges'?<br /><br />What nonsense is this Dr. Chua fella talking about? Doctorate <span style="font-style: italic;">konon. Beli kat internet punya ka? </span>Does he not read his own The Star to keep up with the world? Or does The Star not report all these? <span style="font-style: italic;">Takkan The Star asyik report pasal Rosmah, Rosmah, Rosmah je… </span>Maybe it’s about time he bookmarks Malaysia Today, The Malaysian Insider and MalaysiaKini.<br /><br />There is one really funny aspect to this episode. That is with all these gibberish that this cretin is dishing out, he actually harbours hope of MCA winning more seats in the next general election. He should really look into what he had just said on ‘hope’ because he is obviously leaving on a mini-lala-land of his very own.<br /><br />Don't challenge anyone to do anything. If you are true to the Malaysian Chinese, walk out of Barisan Nasional. You have already admitted that this BN government does not have future positives for Malaysian Chinese. Are you man enough? Or have you left your balls at that Batu Pahat hotel?Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-28834700589152737122011-04-19T19:36:00.002+08:002011-04-19T19:41:12.228+08:00Incompetent PKR; Bungling Pakatan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IaZofzRnRbFHtfqH-yN7N6Rd4eEoZbkUEwspPPvZaiE2EUnU4Z7-QARFFPKlqM9y9tmmJ6qZOjwWKykrvQytWLoV7x_U-e-tiCHuCEMamGXS4hg4objhu14VTAbVGz0SlpQrUZBmMw/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IaZofzRnRbFHtfqH-yN7N6Rd4eEoZbkUEwspPPvZaiE2EUnU4Z7-QARFFPKlqM9y9tmmJ6qZOjwWKykrvQytWLoV7x_U-e-tiCHuCEMamGXS4hg4objhu14VTAbVGz0SlpQrUZBmMw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597258193446043554" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is something seriously wrong with PKR.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The leaders of PKR are either the ultimate optimists or they are simply, born liars. How can anyone in PKR claim to have led a good campaign in Sarawak? They have just been slaughtered even with the changing political climate in Malaysia and yet they are pleased having ‘made in-roads’ into Sarawak and tripling their representation in the Dewan Negeri; increase from 1 to 3 seats. How laughable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I would rather that they face the defeat like a real man. Come out and admit that PKR have under-estimated BN and that the rural Sarawakians have not warmed up to West Malaysian politics. At least this may wake a lot of their own people up from their slumber. And we do know that many Malaysians live in make-believe world where reality is but a perception of their little minds.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The less optimistic of the PKR members may say that the battle has been lost, but the chances of winning the war (i.e. GE 13) has increased with the ‘better’ performance seen in Sarawak. Another load of hot BS. Based on the Sarawak election, Pakatan Rakyat has ZERO chance of forming the next government. Wake up people, the chances are ZERO. Sarawak has 31 parliamentary seats and Sabah has 25. Based on the Sarawak elections, how many parliamentary seats can we honestly expect to win from the urban areas? 4? 5? How are we going to win 65% of all votes?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">How are we rakyat going to win the GE13? If you have a decent brain, your guess is as good mine. If you have a non-functioning brain, you will be claiming that GE13 is a foregone conclusion with a PR win because UMNO and BN are evil and the rakyat will kick them out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">First and foremost, let us all ingrain in our minds that it is very difficult to oust BN because of gerrymandering and dirty politics along with collusion with EC. The shocking thing is that before any elections, anyone and everyone knows what BN is going to throw money and play dirty. BN is so open that they are playing poker with all 5 cards open on the table. And yet PR loses the game. Something is very wrong isn’t it? Are we thinking out of the box to counter BN? Isn’t something not right when the voter could have taken BN’s money but vote PR instead? Could it maybe be a case as simple as PR not being appealing to the voters in the very first place? At least with the rural voters.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We can see that informed voters have ‘spoken’. The urban Sarawakians of Kuching, Miri and Sibu have followed their urban counterparts in West Malaysia. We can safely say that the change in West Malaysia has blown to East Malaysia. But it is obvious that this wind is not going to cause any further changes. Why? I dare say that because the change that we are asking for is not what the rural voters want.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">( I am a believer that DAP won the 12 seats not fully on merits of DAP or their candidates but simply as part of the wind of change by informed voters. Nevertheless, kudos to DAP for having a very well oiled machinery and early preparations.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is it a co-incidence that throughout Malaysia, the urbanites are generally leaning towards PR while the rural folks are still giving their support to BN? I choose to say no. I say this scenario is the result of wrong strategy applied by PR.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We urbanites are better informed. No arguments about that. We are better educated too. Some of us have also had the opportunity to see democracy elsewhere and are hence asking for betterment. We tackle social issues, government misdemeanours and so on and so forth. But how do these issues affect the rural folks? Remember, everyone is selfish – this is human nature (like it or not). And please admit to that. Key point is – how does that matter affect me?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">To many rural folks, they could not be bothered about these social issues. Take it from me that some people just like the simple life. It is idiots like us who get all worked up over injustice, corruption etc. If that is so, then is the strategy that worked in urban areas going to be equally effective in the rural areas? The kampong folks have proven over and over that it does not work. And yet PR uses the same strategy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Look at the results of past elections. I read in one of Sarawak elections report saying that BN won in a voting area which had never had water supply. Shocking! What did PR do or not do there? Logically, either those voters are morons or PR simply screwed up. Again I am reiterating that the voters <span style=""> </span>could have taken BN’s money but vote PR. They did not. So, what did BN do right there?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is PR going everywhere shouting Anwar and Reformasi? Do you think the rural folks care about the submarine that could not dive or the Prime Minister’s wife who took out pages congratulating herself in New York? Do you think the rural folks are bothered if petrol costs RM10 per litre or that Selangor gives RM10 free water? Do they even know who on earth Anwar is?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Point is – are the issues brought to the rural folks relevant to them? How many of us actually step into their shoes and see things from their point of view? Does electricity tariff affect me when my electricity is generated from the noisy generator (shared by my 10 other neighbours) behind my house? Does free water affect me when I get my water from the river 5 minutes walk away? Does rising cost of living affect me when I plant my own vegetables, catch my own fish and rare my own chicken? If I am not bothered about the above, somebody please tell me, why should I be bothered about that man who fell down from MACC’s office or why certain murderer never get charged in court. Or for the love of god, why would the deterioration in the education system affect my live when I have never been to school (nor do my 5 children) because the nearest school is 2 hours by boat away. If I have lived this old without education, why would my children’s children need education? Will going to school put food on the table tonight? Aren’t they better off picking fruits in the jungle nearby. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not everyone has advanced. There is a huge number of population that has been left behind while the landscape of Kuala Lumpur continues to get filled up with skyscrapers. There are many people who simply do not ask for progress because they believe that progress is beyond them. Because they accept life as it is. And we are reaching out to them with issues like the corrupted UMNO leaders who enrich themselves? Or the police force who helps UMNO stay in power?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You get what I’m trying to say? Astro is part of our lives but a lot of these people do not even have a TV. We take many things we have for granted and we assume that everyone wants what we want. The truth is everyone has different needs. What is the point of Azmin Ali and gang going to kampongs telling the folks there what Azmin Ali and gang needs? What is the point of you feeding the cow the best fried chicken in the world? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pakatan Rakyat and in particular, PKR, is going the wrong way. They have to wake up now and go back to the drawing board. These leaders that we hope will lead us to a better future are simply not good enough. No one is really thinking out of the box. (By the way, the Ubah mascot by DAP is brilliant!) And PKR seriously needs some talents leading their strategy team. I mean seriously, seriously, seriously. <span style=""> </span>I don’t like the American style of politics but you have to accept that they are very good at what they do. Let it be fund raising or election strategies. Just for an idea, oh somebody please read some Jeffrey Archers. We are light years behind. An author can actually think better than our leaders. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Kalau saya Najib, saya bubarkan Dewan Rakyat esok!</i><br /></p>Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-56908560309961531702010-11-05T01:04:00.009+08:002010-11-05T02:03:54.381+08:00I Told You So!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfpyHtjvjVU0c5K0numLVEwxDwQVnsCYp0gy5Ksmsqd4D2NKzqvtNIdStVreK3sTnqYGtgIZr_Eh0byDZ4KXfto2qFGCxOL43blEIocMFx44DzmNoa_q4FVlthCrNGtIU8rLzEjsgJQ/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfpyHtjvjVU0c5K0numLVEwxDwQVnsCYp0gy5Ksmsqd4D2NKzqvtNIdStVreK3sTnqYGtgIZr_Eh0byDZ4KXfto2qFGCxOL43blEIocMFx44DzmNoa_q4FVlthCrNGtIU8rLzEjsgJQ/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535752725409573570" border="0" /></a><br />Well well well... What much can be said except <span style="font-weight: bold;">I FUCKING TOLD YOU SO</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">See earlier posting:<a href="http://saltpepperandalittlekicap.blogspot.com/2010/10/anwar-pack-up-and-leave-batu-sapi.html"> </a><a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anwar, Pack Up And Leave Batu Sapi</span></a></span><br /><br />I tell you, many of you guys are just blindly supporting the opposition. Whatever they do, you think that they have it planned out, that they have hidden strategy blah blah blah... You fellas have got to use your brains. And Malaysians are seriously lacking it.<br /><br />Yes, we want PR to win the next GE. But blindly supporting PR is not going to help them win the next GE. PR has to be told that they are wrong when they are plain wrong. Looking at the comments in not just this blog but the many blogs out there where the bloggers are not agreeable to the 'strategy' adopted by Anwar and goons, it is obvious that many Malaysians are just seeing everything that is good about PR. And sweep everything negative about PR under the carpet. Or simply unwilling to accept that the party they believe in is wrong at times. Why live in denial? It makes you feel good inside but that is not going to convince the fence sitters - the very people that we need in order to win the next GE.<br /><br />PR will lose the next GE if PKR (in particular) does not wake up. The component parties are screwed up and yet there is very little effort to change - sounds like UMNO eh. And the supporters continue to live in denial, and worse, whack everyone else who criticise PR. How often do we see "Or else, vote for UMNO?", "However bad they are they are still better than UMNO" etc. I've said this many times, PR does not need to win you over to win the next GE. If you are reading this, chances are you have already been won over. PR does not need to win me over. They had me long ago.<br /><br />But PR needs the fence sitter. PR needs the BN supporters to cross over. And nonsense that we are seeing now aren't going to win over anyone new. Faham?<br /><br />After reading the above, there are still people out there who says BN won because of corruption. These are the very people who think that they are assets of PR. The truth is they are absolute liabilities to PR. Liabilities because these people are hindrance towards progress. Why should PKR, DAP or PAS change when there are cheers and support even when they call a cat a duck?<br /><br />Back to the corruption. Hello, every Malaysian already knew that BN was gonna dish out cash and goodies. It is a known fact. The people at Batu Sapi were literally waiting for handouts and looking for goodies distribution centres. That has always been BN. You mean Anwar didn't know that? Or Anwar believe that the EC and MACC will act?<br /><br />He knew all these. Every Ahmad, Ah Kow and Samy knew these. How did Anwar's strategy counter this? By splitting anti-BN votes? What the...? Goodies aside, a decent mind won't vote the opposition when it is clear that the anti-BNs are screwed up with nonsense election strategy. Where got confidence to vote them? Might as well take the money, take the zincs, take the rice. Bukan SAPP atau PKR boleh menang. You look down at the people who took the 100 bucks or 250 bucks. At those who happily accepted the zinc sheets. At the Sabahans who fought for the bags of rice. You don't know jack shit. These may be nothing to you. But it means the world to the many poor Sabahans. That money is going to last them the next 2-3 months. That zinc sheet is going to stop rain from flooding the bedroom that sleeps the whole family. That bag of rice is going to feed the family the next 2 weeks. Who in their right mind will reject these over some nonsense political games by some rubbish political 'strategies'?<br /><br />What's the good thing from losing the Batu Sapi by-election? I don't know, man. I really don't know. Maybe Anwar should come out to explain his objectives for the Batu Sapi by-election. For sure I know winning the seat isn't the objective. Maybe it is to prove that PKR 'has made in-roads into Sabah'. That 'PKR is better than SAPP'. Please watch out for these 2 statements. Anyone who says this over the next few days is an absolute asshole.<br /><br />Sigh... Dunno lah... Government is fucked up. Economy is fucked up. Education system is fucked up. Opposition also fucked up.<br /><br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-79993841454382566362010-10-25T17:37:00.007+08:002010-10-26T01:32:42.980+08:00Anwar, Pack Up And Leave Batu Sapi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIka1cwFzgMFmmtq7Y-RnAEicEheYfdn7NkR8lF4C2I_7qXs1N6DrSpIV5pxSOnqxVDERA9j1COD5wBjcu5qHsbQg_NX3cRkZfRNN72tri3R0S4P1rzNO_VroeUjDJUXlyUxKEpEZtA/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIka1cwFzgMFmmtq7Y-RnAEicEheYfdn7NkR8lF4C2I_7qXs1N6DrSpIV5pxSOnqxVDERA9j1COD5wBjcu5qHsbQg_NX3cRkZfRNN72tri3R0S4P1rzNO_VroeUjDJUXlyUxKEpEZtA/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531931906399848946" border="0" /></a><br />We rakyat are real suckers.<br /><br />At least that's what most of our Malaysian politicians seem to think.<br /><br />The entire Barisan Nasional politicians think that we are idiots who cannot think. (Ok... Truth is I actually know quite a few people out there who can't think. But... Some other time...)<br /><br />Then we have our not-so-beloved-anymore PKR who thinks that we enjoy watching their year-round circus acts. Yup, definitely not so loved anymore. And I don't think I am an isolated case. We shall leave DAP and PAS out for now as they are not the subject of discussion here. But mind you, they have their own shit-load pile of dung too.<br /><br />Now what's with the Batu Sapi fight? Isn't PKR the one who first brought DAP and PAS to the table to discuss how to prevent a 3-corner (or more) fight. Isn't the objective of the entire 'opposition' coalition that to fight the single common enemy i.e. BN? So what is PKR now blardie doing in the Batu Sapi fight?<br /><br />Some of you may say that why can't SAPP not fight and let PKR field their candidate?<br /><br />Or some of you may say that well SAPP is not part of the coalition, so why should PR even need to talk to them in the first place.<br /><br />That will be to miss the whole point of the rakyat's fight. The rakyat is not fighting for Anwar (please imprint this in your mind, Anwar). The rakyat is not fighting for PKR or DAP or PAS. You will be dammed if you think that we really love you. What we want is CHANGE. And you political parties are nothing but our tool to get BN out of power. Well that's how things are. You guys are using us to get to power. So don't complain or call us ungrateful.<br /><br />It doesn't matter to us if SAPP is fighting BN or PKR is fighting BN. As long as someone is there to fight BN, then we'll be on your side. But if you have PKR, SAPP and BN in the fight, what do you want us to do? To choose who we love more between SAPP and PKR? What are you guys trying to do? Eh wankers... The common enemy is BN. Let's keep it that simple.<br /><br />Now that we have establish that line of thought, PKR or SAPP for Batu Sapi? SAPP la. Look at the name - Sabah Progressive Party. Sabah dei, Sabah... Let the Sabahans fight their fight. This is why East Malaysians do not like West Malaysians. The West Malaysians are always thinking that they are better and more superior than the East Malaysians. What on earth is PKR trying to do fighting the Sabahan fight? You don't see <s>UMNO</s> (Penang based) Gerakan fielding their candidate in Sabah or Sarawak do you?<br /><br />Seriously, I cannot understand PKR's objective in the Sabah fight. Do you see Ford aggressively selling cars in Japan? No, they do not. They acquire Mazda and let Mazda do the fighting. The profits still ultimately land on their laps.<br /><br />Anwar, similarly, you do not need to penetrate Sabah via PKR. Neither will the Sabahans accept that. Don't you get it? The East Malaysians do not trust us West Malaysians (seriously, can anyone blame them when we have been ripping them off since 1963?) Let the Sabahans fight their own battle. Let them keep their own state. But while at that, get them to work together with us to form the ultimate central government. I mean, can you imagine PBS recruiting a Wan Kelantan and field him as a candidate in Galas? Ridiculous isn't it. That's exactly what PKR is doing right now at Batu Sapi.<br /><br />But Yong Teck Lee is not exactly the best of character, shouts PKR. Like any of you politicians are. Who among you has no garbage up your arse? Who among you is as clean as the Pope? Ummm... is the Pope clean? What about the Dalai Lama? Snap, snap... focus.<br /><br />So, how will letting SAPP run the show benefit PKR? No it does not. Why should PKR be benefiting in any way at all. As long as the rakyat benefits, that is good enough. SAPP may not be a coalition partner. But they are no longer in BN. Anyone who is against BN is on our side. Keep them as an ally. To form the next federal government, we know we are short. SAPP has their advantages in Sabah. The time will come when PR and SAPP can sit down to talk (again) about a larger coalition.<br /><br />Of course that will be another problem because PKR has their own Sabah leaders who want this and that while SAPP will want to be the Sabah Chief and so on and so forth. At the end of the day, it is about who gets the power and who benefits more. Dear fellow rakyats, no one really cares about us la. If Pakatan really does care they will be giving SAPP the mandate to represent PR in Sabah. Pull PKR and DAP out of Sabah. Let the support for anti-BN be concentrated. Don't split votes. It is hard enough to defeat BN/UMNO with their might and money.<br /><br />If the 3-corner fight remains, no need to waste time and money campaigning la. 60% bumi votes; say BN takes 30%, PKR (sapu all opposition votes) takes 30% and SAPP none. 38% Chinese votes; say BN takes 19%, SAPP (sapu all opposition votes) takes 19% and PKR none. Final tally: BN 49%, PKR 30% and SAPP 19%. Anwar and Azmin can then go for their celebratory party at Hyatt KK's Shenanigan's for achieving whatever their objective in Batu Sapi is.<br /><br />That's PKR folks. People like Azmin Ali can never shed their UMNO mentality. PKR is just another UMNO. Ok, a powerless version of UMNO. Everything else is the same. Their leaders have been hungry and poor for a long time waiting for Anwar to propel to the top. Everyone wants to get paid. Money, money, money. That's what PKR is all about. Justice? We should really stop bluffing ourselves.<br /><br />And it is PKR leaders' lust for money and power that will cause us rakyat never to be able to kick BN out of office. I am not giving up yet on us winning the next GE. But UMNO must be sensing that the timing is now good. PKR of today is not capable of mounting the killer blow. Not with the rakyat doubting PKR. Not with the rakyat shaking their heads looking at PKR's production of Scenario The Movie Part 5 with Azmin Ali taking over from Saiful Apek.<br /><br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-59680704982917919152010-10-12T10:20:00.005+08:002010-10-12T10:30:59.371+08:00Malaysians Have "Paling Ramai Kawan" On Facebook, Friendster etc.Courtesy of fellow author, Gooster, who found this MOST enlightening article on BBC.<br /><br />I bet you the largest contributors to our numero uno position are our government servants. Minimum wager of RM1,000 per bet for anything who thinks otherwise.<br /><br />Super efficient Japs have the least "friends". By way of us having the most "friends", that will make us... ? Sigh...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11501625">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11501625<br /></a><br /><br /><h1 class="story-header">Japanese have fewest digital friends on social networks</h1> <div class="caption body-narrow-width"> <img src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49419000/jpg/_49419477_000164441-1.jpg" alt="Mouse and keyboard" width="304" height="171" /><span style="width: 304px;"></span> </div> <p><strong>Malaysians have the most friends on their social networks, while Japanese users have the fewest.</strong></p> <p>This is one of the findings of a large-scale research project, looking at online behaviour around the globe.</p> <p>It also found that digital sources are overtaking TV, radio and newspapers as the media channel of choice for 61% of the online population around the world.</p> <p><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.discoverdigitallife.com/"></a>The study, conducted by research firm TNS, interviewed 50,000 consumers in 46 countries for the study.</p> <p>In Malaysia the average number of friends is 233, closely followed by 231 in Brazil and 217 in Norway.</p> <p id="story_continues_1">This contrasts to an average of just 29 friends in Japan, and 68 in China.</p> <p>The results could suggest "a culture that embraces fewer but closer friendships," thinks TNS's chief development officer Matthew Froggatt.</p> <p>As well as having the most friends, Malaysians are also the heaviest users of social networking sites, spending an average of nine hours per week on them.</p> <p>It is followed by Russia, where people spend an average 8.1 hours per week online and Turkey where 7.7 hours a week are spent on social networks.</p> <p><strong>Socially mobile</strong></p> <p>The study found that consumers are now spending more time on social networking sites than using e-mail.</p> <p>This is fuelled in part by the rise in mobile net access. </p> <p>In the US, a third of online consumers expect to be accessing social networks via their mobile phones over the next 12 months, compared to a quarter via a PC. </p> <p>In Sweden, over half said they would access social networks via mobile and just a quarter cited the traditional PC.</p> <p><strong>National crisis</strong></p> <p>The importance of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter is being explored in a separate study at the University of East London.</p> <p>Researchers are using three British cities - London, Birmingham and Carlisle, to study whether social networks could help save lives in the event of a national crisis.</p> <p>"We are working on the premise that, as technological advances continue, the traditional mediums of television and radio may become usurped in their potency in terms of delivering important messages to society at large," said Professor John Preston, who is leading the project.</p> <p>The TNS study, which the researchers hope will become an annual project, also found that countries newer to the digital world are embracing online activities at a faster rate to those in more mature markets.</p> <p>In China four out of five users have written their own blog, compared to only 32% in the US.</p> <p>"In rapid growth markets...users are embracing these new channels in much more active ways. The digital world is transforming how they live, develop and interact," said Mr Froggatt.</p><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-52723099515079064692010-10-08T17:17:00.003+08:002010-10-08T18:38:54.078+08:00Spending Public Money - UMNO vs Pakatan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhexbjZk3vA0jLRBX_HF5Yo6zHdIVW9MV_hBS2fDoXezVOkvMZqr3zvQSkxtva75B_Z3p95qKdX4ilTvuaqv-kB9WOnl1ez1cKnoHahGjzV2-OmBl1Monfk0pPBYi_D1hOdqAXHZsxw/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhexbjZk3vA0jLRBX_HF5Yo6zHdIVW9MV_hBS2fDoXezVOkvMZqr3zvQSkxtva75B_Z3p95qKdX4ilTvuaqv-kB9WOnl1ez1cKnoHahGjzV2-OmBl1Monfk0pPBYi_D1hOdqAXHZsxw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525622284920767778" border="0" /></a>So much is being bandied about in the internet, thanks to Malaysia Today, about how corruption has gone unchecked in this country. (MACC who?)<br /><br />And of course we have been presented with how a certain poor former dentist turn super rich big hot shot spent the rakyat's money like it belongs to his grandfather (who must be turning in his grave).<br /><br />Forget about all the wordy facts. Today, SPAnK will summed it for you. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So, here goes...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/7615/bnvspr.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 610px; height: 1077px;" src="http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/7615/bnvspr.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And there are Malaysians out there who do not know who to vote. Truly unbelievable!<br /><br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-23189856992616820292010-09-02T15:18:00.006+08:002010-09-04T00:00:21.767+08:00Where Are Mr. Smith and Watanabe San?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4luQuwwm0AARKDJhJXI0pKvVS_4YmfZAn5W0-DhMYsfac8fphF8l0oqNWPD71QujMsx_jZZUyhSOxq5MHp53M5-UmrqjnIMBFUfl2q6cXbl0Ndlg7MGswXT5uOTwPKc788T_a3EzJhA/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4luQuwwm0AARKDJhJXI0pKvVS_4YmfZAn5W0-DhMYsfac8fphF8l0oqNWPD71QujMsx_jZZUyhSOxq5MHp53M5-UmrqjnIMBFUfl2q6cXbl0Ndlg7MGswXT5uOTwPKc788T_a3EzJhA/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512216512645720866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Once upon a time, in a land not too far away, very nearby actually, funny accented white men and Watahisname San from Japan landed upon this not too far away land. They built factories, brought their machineries and got their material suppliers to set up the same at this new found land. The land… Malaysia.<br /><br />The economy of Malaysia boomed as these foreigners tapped upon the domestic resources; one of the most important resources being that of the human capital.<br /><br />Labour was cheap. Cheaper than in Japan or the United Kingdom or Germany or the United States. But cheap does not translate to slavery. It was cheap because the cost of living in Malaysia was cheaper than back home. But the employees were more often than not showered with employment benefits that made working for these foreigners attractive. And of course the foreigners had their ways of looking after the welfare of their employees and their families. Working for these foreigners were sort of a privilege to many. Excellent employer-employee relations were bonded. The Malaysian workforce reciprocated with consistency, loyalty and quality.<br /><br />Everyone was happy.<br /><br />That was the earlier years of this new born country called Malaysia. Times were tough and the rakyat understood the meaning of employment. You work, you get paid. You sit on your ass all day, you get the boot. I think this is what some people call “meritocracy”. I can’t confirm this definition because it is very alien to Malaysia today. I tried to google this word but apparently it has been censored by the powers that be.<br /><br />Then just like all things good, it must come to an end. A whole lot of government bullshit came raining upon Malaysians. Some people need to work for their rice, while some others simply just had to extend their hands. Certain people extended their hands but were told to bugger off – certain preferential requirements not met.<br /><br />And so, a new generation of Malaysians were created. Some of the population was brought up with the knowledge that they have to earn their dough. Certain others were given wheelchairs and crutches. Apparently, if you are destined, persevere and the man upstairs will feed you.<br /><br />And then the education system was amended over and over again to make the stupid more stupid and clever closer to the stupid. Somewhat regressive, but stupid people usually don’t question too much. As such, another new generation of good-for-nothing was borne.<br /><br />And here we are now living among this new generation.<br /><br />Let us analyse them by separating them into the white and blue collars.<br /><br />The white collars. Many employers say that this new generation is unemployable. Many educated school leavers (of all levels) are inadequately prepared for the working world. But is it their (lack of) skills? The government seems to think so. But no. I can tell you for one that the government has got it wrong. It is not their skills that we are worried about - that, the employers can train and impart upon them. It is the attitude. Where is the commitment to work? Where is the understanding of putting in effort to attain quality output? Hardwork is a scarcity. Maybe times have changed and granted, the style of work has evolved. But the output of quality and reliability should never be any lesser.<br /><br />Let’s see how our blue collar jokers fare. Apparently, worse. Hmmm… let me clarify. Worse when compared to the private sector white collar. But public sector white collar vs blue collar, now that is a tough call. Seriously.<br /><br />Blue collar. Where do we start? Actually we don’t have to. There is nothing to comment upon. There is no Malaysian on the blue collar category. You see, Malaysians cannot toil under the sun and neither can they be seen along the conveyor belt as it is boring. Better just <span style="font-style: italic;">lepak </span>at coffee shops or earn some money from a motorcycle race or 2. Working is just too tough. And standing all day at the supermarket is so tiring. The feet hurt… badly.<br /><br />And so, we have imported Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Myanmarese and Vietnamese earning their livings at our construction sites, factories, coffee shops, stalls… basically everywhere. Why? They are cheap but that is not necessarily the factor. Of more importance is that they are reliable. At least they turn up for work. They may not be skilled, but they can be taught. These people need money for their families back home. Some are so trusted that they are left to run stalls on their own.<br /><br />So, if the Mat Sallehs and the Jepuns have to scratch their heads so hard with the unending labour issue in Malaysia to the extent they have to resort to paying work permits, levies and insurances to bring these foreign workers into Malaysia, give me a reason why they should not simply relocate their operations to Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, or Myanmar? After all, they are here for the abundance of labour in the very first place. And hence, the Mat Sallehs and Jappies do exactly what they should logically be doing; pack up and move.<br /><br />We have lost our competitiveness. Our government has lost sight on what made us attractive in the 1st place. And we aren’t exactly very interesting taxes wise either. In fact, many a time, we are taking the foreigners for a ride when in comes to taxing the ass out of them.<br /><br />I honestly cannot understand why the government cannot understand the negative Foreign Direct Investment position we are in now. Some say the government does but the ministers are ill advised. But whatever it is, all the government does is to come up with excuses to cover the issue. Face it - we have nothing to offer that benefits the foreigners. Believe it.<br /><br />There is no point in introducing gimmicks to draw these investors, they are not stupid. You people at the government agencies are. Forget minor tax incentives. Forget expedient work permit approval for expatriates. These will not solve their ultimate operational headache – that we don’t have a good enough labour force for them.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Caveat: There are of course good employees of the new generation. What I am saying is that they are a little off the norm grid! No offense to these good guys – keep it up!</span><br /><br /><br />.<br /></span>Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-39860705724005525522010-08-30T12:33:00.005+08:002010-08-30T12:58:25.070+08:00Merdeka? Where Got...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXRHjXJJDFTRUDhodYCSLh07vSwt3eJpJRK3V6ipvS4VNVAdtRaANIfXt61eY80h7eAHajwtv0RJcTOOTioTjUZYDzT4fvibKqSdqDBInVr3R6XaM4N5o1FSt69OYViT4Mo3KPRK_ag/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXRHjXJJDFTRUDhodYCSLh07vSwt3eJpJRK3V6ipvS4VNVAdtRaANIfXt61eY80h7eAHajwtv0RJcTOOTioTjUZYDzT4fvibKqSdqDBInVr3R6XaM4N5o1FSt69OYViT4Mo3KPRK_ag/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511058429738917122" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link style="font-family: georgia;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CBERNAR%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.45pt 841.7pt; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Much has been bandied about this 31 August date being a certain <i style="">Merdeka </i>Day. Intrigue by this foreign word, I searched a little, googled a little, and found that <i style="">merdeka </i>means “independence”.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Eh cannot la... Wikipedia <span style="font-style: italic;">salah kot</span>! Malaysians where got gain independence? The piece of land that we Malaysians stand on gained independence from the Brits, but Malaysians continued to be ruled by another entity what! Where got independent? Damn no respect for UMNO. You think UMNO is dead and buried?
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I got thinking. By the same logic of UMNO “freeing” Malaysians from the Brits and so much so that 31 August is to be celebrated, then we should be observing all these dates (and declaring them public holidays) as well:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1. 24 August - In 1511, the Portuguese “freed” Melaka from a kingdom started by an Indonesian prince. Come on... This Parameswara fella must be treated as a foreigner since he is from Palembang, Indonesia. Why he is referred to as ‘founder’ in history books is beyond me. This foreign guy basically took a boat, landed here, proclaimed himself the ruler of the land, and the hapless indigenous locals gave in. How can he be a founder? He literally gasak the land as he wished; probably got a bunch of big sized gangsters by his sides too. By the way, did he come on a sampan? Must be a woozy ride.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Simon was thinking… Why did our Malaysian history start with Melaka? It is not exactly the 1st dynasty in the Malayan Peninsular. The northern states were already in the control of the Siamese Kingdom. And the Lembah Bujangs and what not? Isn’t it? I heard that someone tries to portray Islam as the earliest religion in town. But that is wrong. That Param guy is a Sriwijayan prince. And Sriwijaya is a Hindu Kingdom. So that chap is a Hindu. Again, why Melaka? Why not Lembah Bujang? Oh, so confusing!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2. Some date I can’t find in 1641 - The Dutch “freed” Melaka from Portuguese.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">3. Some date I am too lazy to find in 1824 - The Brits “freed” Melaka from the Dutch via the British-Dutch Treaty.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">4. 11 August - In 1786, the Brits “freed” <st1:place>Penang</st1:place> from… oh, the Kedah Sultanate. Maybe this doesn’t count as it is anti-<span style="font-style: italic;">Merdeka</span>. Or if this is the case of another the Kedah Sultanate being another “Parameswara” then it may count. But we will never know la. Our history has been re-written to suit UMNO.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The point I am trying to make is 31 August is nothing special. It is just a day when a new force takes control of us rakyat from another force.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What is the difference? The Portuguese and Dutch needed Melaka to control the straits and boom their trading businesses. They enslaved the locals, had “fun” with our girls, made money out of us etc. The Brits needed to control the region to protect their investments and the East India Company, they salivated over our tin mines etc.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then came UMNO. <st1:place>Malaya</st1:place> was 1<sup>st</sup> ruled by a rather decent prince. Then he was forcibly dethroned by Maharaja Abdul Razak I who came from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Indonesia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He was then succeeded by his brother in law, Maharaja Hussein Onn. His short lived reign of power was then cunningly plotted into the hands of Maharaja Gila Kuasa Mahathir, whose origin traces back to <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. After holding on to power for a tat too long, Maharaha GK Mahathir was replaced by Maharaja Badawi. His lack of capability and leadership, but not necessarily wealth, then saw Maharaja Badawi having to relinquish power to Maharaja Abdul Razak II, who proclaimed himself Maharaja Rosmah The Big.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">UMNO is just like the previous others. Forcing the people into slavery (although times have changed, and the method and appearance has differ), sucking the natural resources dry (read petroleum, the new era gold), bullying the royalties and appeasing them with some wealth (eh… <span style="font-style: italic;">macam sama ngan Raja-Raja Melayu dahulu kala je</span>…) etc. As for the rakyat of the land, same shit, difference arseholes of origin la. No point going over UMNO's endless nasty acts – it has already been well documented.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Oh and meanwhile the tussle for power in UMNO continues with Maharaja GK Mahathir plotting to install his son as Maharaja Mahathir II against the forces of the son in law of Maharaja Badawi, whom I doubt will want to adopt the name Maharaja Badawi II. (I wouldn’t.) There is also a man who wants to see himself as Maharaja Hussein II but his dreams are better realities.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, what is the fuss of this 31 August thingy? If we really have to celebrate some sort of Independence Day, the closest I can get myself related to is that version starring Will Smith. My version is slightly different though. Remember that scene where the alien ship shot the line of light onto the White House and blasted it into a godzillion pieces? <span style="font-style: italic;">Kasi replace with Bangunan UMNO, wah shiok</span>!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, Merdeka Day, my ass! The history of this land is we continue to jump out of a hot wok straight into the frying pan. What Merdeka? Stop fucking bluffing me la…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">***** ***** *****</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Simon’s take on Ramadhan:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The fasting adopted by the majority of Muslims in major towns, especially those in <st1:place><st1:placename>Klang</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, is absolute nonsense. Nobody seems to understand the concept. As far as I know, Islam tells her believers to fast to understand the hardship faced by those who have less; identify with the difficulties of life of the others who are less fortunate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But look around. Everyone who is fasting seems to talk about nothing other than food for <span style="font-style: italic;">buka puasa</span>. Every <span style="font-style: italic;">buka puasa</span> is a feast. A lust of gluttony. Splashing of cash to show power and wealth. Everyone seems to want to outdo one another when it comes to the daily feast. Seriously, I think these people actually gain weight during Ramadhan! And the way the fasting is carried out, I fear for the body. No food, no drinks… and then you shock the body with a huge amount of carbo, protein, fats and liquid. What the…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How common is it that we hear some of these Muslims complaining of being broke during Ramadhan. On normal days, it is 3 meals a day. During <span style="font-style: italic;">puasa </span>month, it should be simply 2; <span style="font-style: italic;">buka puasa</span> and<span style="font-style: italic;"> sahur</span>. But no. So much more is spent on the 2 meals during the holy-keep-it-simple-be-moderate month than that that is spent every day on other months. If this is not <span style="font-style: italic;">sesat</span>, I don’t know what is…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I don’t know how the <span style="font-style: italic;">kampong</span> folks are doing this month, but with the little purchasing power they possess, I doubt if Ramadhan is any different from the other months, Syawal inclusive.</span></p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">.
<br /></span></p> Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-41452732477747767062010-06-02T12:57:00.006+08:002010-06-02T14:05:26.903+08:00TNB On Another GLC Scam?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErXDIH3F3RV0eYqotPE2E2iLIy9VHKjg2cQHqs78faXD7ym6cOupOFW_F2CrpxFiLS22cH-GCj7Aa4DV_pT-KIuYvF-O1mc4ay8c3dni87CEkBexkCEEPHnMotRzvdWVwGTlMGnvhyw/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErXDIH3F3RV0eYqotPE2E2iLIy9VHKjg2cQHqs78faXD7ym6cOupOFW_F2CrpxFiLS22cH-GCj7Aa4DV_pT-KIuYvF-O1mc4ay8c3dni87CEkBexkCEEPHnMotRzvdWVwGTlMGnvhyw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478053078978619026" border="0" /></a><br />On and off we'll find some complains in the papers on how TNB has wrongly charged us for our electricity consumption. Most of the time, I could not even be bothered to read them. I think there was a massive wrong charge in Perak earlier this year or was it last year? See, I didn't even bother.<br /><br />But I had a huge bill for the last month and this got the missus unhappy.<br /><br />We use about RM300 bucks a month. Yeah, that's quite a bit for 2 people but this is a hot country. Plus the UMNO goons are always getting the blood boiling.<br /><br />Anyways, back to the TNB bill. The bill for last month came to RM670 bucks! Shocking!<br /><br />I compared the latest bill against that of the previous month and here are my findings...<br /><br />March 2010 meter reading: Dahulu 42539 Semasa 43420 (Usage 881 kwh)<br /><br />April 2010 meter reading: Dahulu 42539 Semasa 44499 (Usage 1960 kwh)<br /><br />Hey! Why does both Dahulu start on 42539. That means I have been double charged for usage of 881 kwh! And on top of that, I will be paying a bulk of the usage in April on higher tariffs. Am I getting rip-off right under my nose? And to top it up, the March bill somehow came via normal post! That's highly suspicious if you ask me.<br /><br />Then I looked at the unit charges.<br /><br />For March, the tariffs are RM0.286 (500 kwh), RM0.378 (100 kwh), RM0.387 (100 kwh), RM0.397 (100 kwh) and RM0.417 (81 kwh).<br /><br />For April, the tariffs are RM0.286 (1,000 kwh), RM0.378 (200 kwh), RM0.387 (200 kwh), RM0.397 (200 kwh), RM0.417 (200 kwh) and RM0.446 (kwh).<br /><br />Ok so they have increased the usage band for April. I worked it out on an Excl worksheet and it does not look like I had been significantly overcharged.<br /><br />But how then can I still be paying close to RM1,000 for 2 months' usage when my monthly bill is RM300. This doesn't add up!<br /><br />I looked at the bill again and then it dawn upon me. The bill has gone up to RM670 because TNB had increased by deposit by another RM300. I initially already had RM300 paid to TNB. TNB's practice is to have deposits collected as close as possible to monthly consumption.<br /><br />With their dubious practice, they have now increased my deposit with them to RM600 i.e. 2 months by average consumption.<br /><br />I know I am not an isolated case.<br /><br />Look, TNB is not stupid. I initially thought that they are trying to jack up their revenue by wrongly charging us consumers. But that would be a very short term move as when you find out, the reversal will be made the following month and their revenue will go back to square 1.<br /><br />But with what I have just experienced, TNB had just increased their cash collection. Hmmm... Why the cash? Is the government really that dry that TNB's subsidies are being held back? Is the government that dry that TNB has to find other means to pay their suppliers such as the IPPs?<br /><br />I checked TNB's quarterly announcements to Bursa. Consumer deposits have increased steadily over the past 1 year plus:<br /><br />As at 28 Feb 2009: RM2,634,300,000<br />As at 31 May 2009: RM2,673,100,000 (increase of RM38.8 million)<br />As at 31 Aug 2009: RM2,717,300,000 (increase of RM44.2 million)<br />As at 30 Nov 2009: RM2,752,600,000 (increase of RM35.3 million)<br />As at 28 Feb 2010: RM2,795,500,000 (increase of RM42.9 million)<br /><br />How much of the increase is actually from installations of new meters? I guess we will never know. But TNB has increased it consumer deposits by RM161,200,000 in the past 12 months. It may not seem like a big movement in their enormous balance sheet, but that sure is a lot of money. I can't think of 50 PLCs in Malaysia who earn that kind of money in a year. And these are free money mind you - interest free loans from you and me. Can you imagine this - RM2.8 billion of interest free loan from the public. And it is increasing everyday. What a wonderful business! No wonder TNB is looking for ways to increase the deposits.<br /><br />I am inclined to think that TNB is implementing a a systematic application of this tactic to unscrupulously increase their consumer deposits. A lot of rakyat had been hit with this earlier, I got hit know, and I think it is quite likely that all of you will experience this someday in the near future (if you have already not been victimised). So, look out for your next TNB bill.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-76800803457692448502010-05-29T12:41:00.004+08:002010-05-29T13:34:45.223+08:00Bankrupt, bankrupt la...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF2OEjs-c6FfhOXGljmSHkPm-KYTHXUjcGdJNUGpzECC-iMQjbbWu5ZRcpec8uzcjEzvfRlKop06bGarDNfYnQwiW0ZDsD91IW0CNcTmOZLiOgs28uZMFhoQw8pv8vGDc_XEtBwn0YQ/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF2OEjs-c6FfhOXGljmSHkPm-KYTHXUjcGdJNUGpzECC-iMQjbbWu5ZRcpec8uzcjEzvfRlKop06bGarDNfYnQwiW0ZDsD91IW0CNcTmOZLiOgs28uZMFhoQw8pv8vGDc_XEtBwn0YQ/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476561121935236434" border="0" /></a><br />BN is on a mission to spread a certain propaganda on bankruptcy. Ummm... actually it's UMNO - MCA and MIC are powerless as they themselves claim. So, I correct myself. UMNO is on a mission to spread a certain propaganda on bankruptcy. And they are as always, on another mission to scare the shit out of us.<br /><br />I say "kasi bankrap sajalah".<br /><br />We all pay taxes; rich or poor. Most people have a simplified mindset that tax means the payment you made out of your monthly gaji and post submission of Borang B/BE. And most also know that corporates pay tax. But what about the 5% government tax you pay at McDonald's and Pizza Hut. What about the duties you paid for your Perodua Viva and Proton Persona? Or what about the hidden taxes paid by the manufacturers who passed the costs onwards to you thus causing you to be paying a higher amount for your goods and services - these are indirect and unseen by you. But you still pay the taxes. So everyone pays taxes. Yes, even you who earn below RM2,500 and do not qualify for the IRB's PCB. Even you who sell karipap at the roadside.<br /><br />Now these taxes that WE ALL PAID, is meant to improve our lives as citizens of this country. Call it subsidy or call it whatever you want. As long as the money is spent to enhance the livelihood of the citizens of Malaysia, then it is money well spent. If our money is used to reduce the prices we pay for petrol then so be it.<br /><br />I am not a believer that the rich must be made to pay for everything is the country. It is true that there must be a balance on the elementary notion that the rich must help out the less fortunate. No arguments about that. But to pass on everything to the wealthier ones is also not right. They are citizens too. Anyway, this is way too complicated for many of you (as I have already learnt from experience).<br /><br />The bottom line is as long as our tax money is wisely spent on the people than it is well spent.<br /><br />But if our money is used to enhance the wealth of those who are supposed to be guardians of our money, then fuck already la. This country is corrupted to the core. And because the fucking government is corrupted and cheat and steal our hard earn money, they are now trying to scare us into believing that "giving back to us" will cause the country to go bankrupt. Duh? So, we continue to pay you taxes to keep your personal bank accounts getting fatter is it? Soh hai government!<br /><br />I would rather see this country going bankrupt than to fall for your propaganda to let you keep "your share of the pie" at the expense of cheaper products for us. Hello, you ministers are already on a fixed salary and various allowances. Taking our money is not a given perk or benefit!<br /><br />We've made the biggest mistake of the nation's history when Tun M propagated the intended intervention of IMF as "going back to being colonialised". That's bullshit la. South Korea today has never been better. Indonesia is way more democratic than we are and they managed to get Suharto and goons out.<br /><br />Malaysia on the other hand has been climbing the rankings of the world's most corrupted nation. Our economy is failing. Foreign investors are running away to the likes of Indonesia and Vietnam. Elections continue to be rigged. UMNO gets stronger and richer.<br /><br />Sometimes, to salvage a country, you have to really go all the way down. Down so bad that a forced reform is the only way out. We are at the end of our wits to get UMNO out of office. And it is getting more difficult by the looks of things. We need to fuck the economy up so badly that UMNO no longer wants it.<br /><br />So bankrupt the country la. As long as UMNO is in power, they will never stop taking our money. The more taxes we give them, the more money they take. They are not interested in our welfare. These wankers don't live the kind of life we live. They have no idea how difficult things are for us trying to put rice and bread on the table. Rosmah will not even look at roti kaya from the coffee shop. I suspect she lives on half a cow every morning. (Scientifically, that is the only explanation on how she maintains her size).<br /><br />Yes, kasi bankrupt ini negara. Personally, I can live with that. When there is nothing left, UMNO will wash their hands of her. IMF or Anwar or not, without UMNO reforms will take place. We RAKYAT MALAYSIA still have our hands and legs. And with some brains and plenty of hardwork we can rebuild this nation. We are close to the equator; the weather will always allow us the opportunity to tap on the flora and fauna. We are surrounded by water. The maritime industry will always be there for us. And we have oil. Believe you me, we still have much out there. Just hope that UMNO never finds them.<br /><br />If we need to rebuild the country, then so be it. Singapore was an island of nothing when they were kicked out of Malaysia. Look at them today. If that little island can do it with sheer hardwork, brains and dedication, so can we. As long as we can find a way to end big time corruption in this country, we can move forward.<br /><br />So, say TAK NAK to ending subsidies. It came from our money and there is nothing wrong on spending our money on ourselves.<br /><br />Meanwhile you UMNO wankers, go sweat and shed some blood to earn your own money.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-46151010499667350092010-05-05T13:46:00.005+08:002010-05-05T14:38:54.142+08:00We Are Dead!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSPAJqL6gt3ZCfw8Z2u9PURaOwheGBEP5PttTqgtVCNjf9c7DfjaHjLyM9jg7BRIe1TTNfLWRPHaEO4jtKZ43Bb1wAvUI1T2XnKuv7K3smfV6G36sHGVoLyYuRmrglp-7PsKD_HJQiA/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSPAJqL6gt3ZCfw8Z2u9PURaOwheGBEP5PttTqgtVCNjf9c7DfjaHjLyM9jg7BRIe1TTNfLWRPHaEO4jtKZ43Bb1wAvUI1T2XnKuv7K3smfV6G36sHGVoLyYuRmrglp-7PsKD_HJQiA/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467671345270336514" border="0" /></a><br />Wow! We are going to have a nuclear plant.<br /><br />If we were still in school, this will be '<span style="font-style: italic;">like super <span style="font-style: italic;">cool</span>, man!</span>'. It's '<span style="font-style: italic;">like so futuristic</span>'. And so advance.<br /><br />But we are no longer in school. And we know the ugly truth about Malaysia. Verdict: We Are Dead!<br /><br />We are talking about the very realistic Malaysia that you and me know. The Malaysia that cannot even efficiently maintain the mini Tenaga sub-stations at our housing areas. We are talking about the Malaysia who cannot provide clean water to the people even when easy and efficient technology is in use. The Malaysia who cannot even dispose off our garbage in a manner that is not harmful to the environment. The Malaysia who even with computers and technology assistance cannot get trains to arrive and depart on time.<br /><br />And yet we are going to have a matha-farking nuclear plant!<br /><br />I hope that the plant is built far away. Maybe Sabah or Sarawak. Sorry folks, I need the South China Sea to act as a barrier.<br /><br />Hmmm... Maybe they can build it in Sabah near the coal-fired plant. If we are talking about environmental damage and loss of human life, we might as well reduce the area and bring down the headcount. Better that than everyone dying, ain't it? (I was told that it is human nature to be selfish. I was also told that I can't beat the government.)<br /><br />A nuclear plant? What the...?<br /><br />What the hell to we need a nuclear plant for? We are a kuchi-rat country with 28 million jokers leaving in it. How much efficient energy do we consume? How desperate is our need for such enormous amount of energy? How many energy zapping factories do we have in this country? Dude, this is no Command & Conquer. This is real life death-threatening technology we are talking about. Plus, to be managed by some dumb-wits.<br /><br />I tell you, this has all got to do with blardie money again. I think UMNO has gone too far this time. The thing with UMNO is they are getting extremely greedy. They are no longer satisfied with reaping money on the smaller scale by the millions and tens of millions per project. Everything nowadays has got to benefit them in terms of hundreds of millions or billions. But to put the life of every Malaysian at risk just to satisfy their lust for money?<br /><br />Eh come on lah, stop fucking around with people's lives.<br /><br />Even that they want to do it on a larger scale. Previously, the Malaysian government is happy killing the people (mostly Indians it would seem) on a small scale of a couple of thousand per year. Nowadays, they are talking about killing the mass population. What's with this <span style="font-style: italic;">apa nama </span>UMNO? They got possessed by the Satan is it? Have they gone fucking nuts?<br /><br />Allow me to frighten you a little with some Chernobyl stats. Did you know that the Chernobyl disaster released 400 times more radioactive material than the Hiroshima atomic bombing? Did you know that the contamination of the Chernobyl accident was felt up to more than 1,000 km away?<br /><br />Let's put that to perspective. Peninsular Malaysia from the tip of Perlis to the bottom end of Johor is approximately 750 km. Simply put it, wherever this nuclear thing is built in Peninsular Malaysia, you are fried the moment a very likely Malaysian style disaster takes place at the said plant.<br /><br />You may not die if you are further away. But you will quite likely die of some kind of cancer. That's if you don't already decide to kill yourself when your nervous system involuntarily makes you shout out Rosmah's name every exact 38 seconds. And of course, be assured that your newborn baby will look very adorable with her 3 eyes and a limb sticking out of her chest.<br /><br />This is so brilliant. By the way, I wage 50 bucks that by the time the plant is in operation, 20,000 folks leaving nearby would have already have taugehs growing from the top of their heads. And another 1,000 may have grown a second dick. Failed tests. Drums of radioactives 'accidentally' falling into the nearby river. Accidents of trucks ferrying radioactive materials on their way to the plant. The usual stuffs. But of course you won't read these in the papers. Shhhhh...<br /><br />Malaysia is so boleh! Damn I love this country.<br /><br /><br />Note to Singaporeans: Hey, you guys are pretty nearby I last checked.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-6514400385160579112010-04-20T13:39:00.005+08:002010-04-20T15:02:55.783+08:00Tony Leung & Eason Chan To Campaign For Zaid Ibrahim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGBRWxjDcPfIuWsvJfd007ll6vnzkemUejdQQxPZWXuUVYHJ4Xe5Jko7gNB4ApS3tFBBiXWYFFsaL32TZbvcwkLGV9SjmxkNGvoURTZ0EaV14ZMvsizzBD4F5b8YsdHIyn2whRh75vg/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGBRWxjDcPfIuWsvJfd007ll6vnzkemUejdQQxPZWXuUVYHJ4Xe5Jko7gNB4ApS3tFBBiXWYFFsaL32TZbvcwkLGV9SjmxkNGvoURTZ0EaV14ZMvsizzBD4F5b8YsdHIyn2whRh75vg/s200/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462105426912727970" border="0" /></a><br />Now we have only Zaid vs Nathan. It is hardly surprising that the 2 independents who would have pulled BN's votes pulled out at the very last minute. Dirty coalition made up of dirty parties full of dirty politicians usually have a lot of dirty tactics. So dirty.<br /><br />Initially I had reservations for ZI being the candidate. Palanivel would have been a difficult fight. Had it been Mat Taib, there wouldn't even be a fight. It would have been another by-elections ala Isa Samad. But with this Nathan bloke, the story is different. What more with 2 BN jokers fighting for Nathan's votes. Now that some votes have swung back to BN (from the "independents"), the race could be slightly tougher now. Nevertheless, I am still optimistic on ZI capturing the seat, but the PR campaign will need to be upped, tweaked and played out smartly.<br /><br />The votes for the Malays is now played on a smear campaign, as expected. ZI is an urban chap. What is "acceptable" in urban areas are not norms for the semi-urban or rural folks. Try the same tactics at Damansara or Bangsar and nobody would give a damn. So, PAS needs to get their machinery rolling for ZI.<br /><br />The Indians are unpredictable. They don't like MIC. And MIC is so obviously being stepped all over by UMNO. But Nathan is Indian. Tricky... tricky...<br /><br />And then we have the Chinese. If you count on them because they gave you their votes last GE, then you are doomed. Rule No. 1 - never rely on the Chinese to deliver by doing nothing. You never know what they are up to. You've got to <span style="font-style: italic;">bodek </span>them. You've got to woo them. And they definitely have no interest in if ZI is a drinker or if Nathan is gay.<br /><br />I happen to watch on Astro Channel 322 on Sunday night a good movie, I Corrupt All Cops (ICAC). The show is about Hong Kong's fight against uncontrollable corruption within their police force back in the 60s and 70s. And of course the introduction of Hong Kong's world renown anti-graft unit. Watch the movie and you can relate right away what you see in the movie to Malaysia today. The corruption. The briberies - money, women, power. The thuggeries of the coppers. The involvement of top cops in illegal activities. It is all so real.<br /><br />And because the movie is so real, and because the movie features the likes of Tony Leung, Eason Chan, Anthony Wong, Bowie Lam and Kate Tsui among others, you will have the Chinese drawn to the movie. And that got me thinking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiyF3kZJTyxvcrJW8WL3PRdnE71PTY_rFrjj1JyELXR04aCfe7JPUVElnGxSUpprDGptYnYJaX8fT_HSt7UQkR4HBhVKkqeRm_Si5bcxe63fbH5GfDsTke4_mtZG_V44SkjHF85PN9g/s1600/ICAC.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiyF3kZJTyxvcrJW8WL3PRdnE71PTY_rFrjj1JyELXR04aCfe7JPUVElnGxSUpprDGptYnYJaX8fT_HSt7UQkR4HBhVKkqeRm_Si5bcxe63fbH5GfDsTke4_mtZG_V44SkjHF85PN9g/s320/ICAC.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462111205510283058" border="0" /></a>Forget about Anwar or Lim Kit Siang shouting their lungs out over the rostrum. Forget organising seafood dinners. Why don't you just show the movie at the Ulu Yam town, KKB, Serendah and where else the Chinese are. Most would not have seen this movie at the theatres last year. And most would not have seen it on Astro as you've got to pay extra for Celestial Movies (Channel 322). Go get some DVDs (originals please), rent some TVs and DVD players, and blast it at all kopitiams. Set up projector screens and beam the movie up at night at the padang. It's free movie. Throw in some sodas and kuaci. And Mamee for the kids. (Twisties are expensive, we understand) And we have ourselves a healthy family activity on a breezy night. Let the emotions and reality of the movie sink into the hearts and minds of the voters. I heard that many Malays are fans of Cantonese movies too.<br /><br />But no political talks please. You bring the politicians, and the coppers will shut down the screening on permit matters. The only potential problem could be the copyrights issue of public broadcasting. Somehow, I don't think BN will allow for that to happen. Because if that happens, then good. Movie cancelled. People cheesed off. Anger at BN. Movie turns into reality right before their eyes. Zaid wins.<br /><br />I am no expert in Chinese history. But I've watched my fair share of Cantonese movies and series. And I can tell you that in the past, Chinese opera is no mere entertainment. It carries messages to the people. And many uprising centred around Chinese operas. Times have changed and if you try the same today, nobody is going to turn up to watch some painted faces singing at screeching pitches. But the modus operandi is still relevant. Everyone loves to be entertained. And if along the way we can put ideas in their minds, then...<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-73445305454736505902010-04-19T17:56:00.006+08:002010-04-19T21:12:41.399+08:00Don't Get Drunk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9tkZPdgLvLVzrhphlpzDlDDxm1-OYhNfZG5n3SdK3Po8ZBhiENPmBiAIiO2AxUN2AyG3-vNigPMlqxw8HGvpfumifUmeJqUKM0YKi-0O7SrAJpbytWWVFxZCDLamBJPIwerqvtresg/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9tkZPdgLvLVzrhphlpzDlDDxm1-OYhNfZG5n3SdK3Po8ZBhiENPmBiAIiO2AxUN2AyG3-vNigPMlqxw8HGvpfumifUmeJqUKM0YKi-0O7SrAJpbytWWVFxZCDLamBJPIwerqvtresg/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379394944014287106" border="0" /></a><br />This is a re-post of an article I posted on 9 September 2009 titled "Hishammuddin Loves His Beer and Women'.<br /><br />It is very relevant to the topic of the day.<br /><br /><br />********** ********** ********** ********** **********<br /><br /><br />Someone emailed me these pictures.<br /><br />I am unsure of the authenticity of the pictures or if they have been doctored.<br /><br />Interesting pictures though...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_l3jKDGhmun7ylgwZdWXtGXEcXMyjLHT5tNJxVViIXZrbuGjlu2J-vhm8gVjBIVqGmuQbd_Jf_etTFczyNGa5Us_zqaGJ-eXwUrPrpNHFfVBh9hbzrDe5faIiGoJfXeeq5G1_lIPzA/s1600-h/Sham+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_l3jKDGhmun7ylgwZdWXtGXEcXMyjLHT5tNJxVViIXZrbuGjlu2J-vhm8gVjBIVqGmuQbd_Jf_etTFczyNGa5Us_zqaGJ-eXwUrPrpNHFfVBh9hbzrDe5faIiGoJfXeeq5G1_lIPzA/s320/Sham+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379392592862640850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sham sure looked like he enjoyed his beer... That's an Anchor, right?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS4ntg0qbg3JNIiHAUeBYq20tFbfvLibHIlDVtFdWVadbKFuBcJB59dwO2_sCSxwGipEg-aNHO3YV210wdK_ZQOJW8HSSPp9za0jrQGIV71nhGezY7wGVU5ri6Nqk0xAeZHe0rmy1oQ/s1600-h/Sham+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS4ntg0qbg3JNIiHAUeBYq20tFbfvLibHIlDVtFdWVadbKFuBcJB59dwO2_sCSxwGipEg-aNHO3YV210wdK_ZQOJW8HSSPp9za0jrQGIV71nhGezY7wGVU5ri6Nqk0xAeZHe0rmy1oQ/s320/Sham+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379392649526863490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So many chicks! Looks like a cool hippy partie... And hey, that's Sham again!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwibNc9N6R4meAzSgE9Y4EOGS2S0uxLLcFR3q4w3wChtcpeDME5n9fQ0LMH11GRlFmwS3a_FszOq3VLwGaWjAu9zRdX9-RUzldZvs7Lu8Bk4-6qjc7Tb2-2S9SHsLCQuBigUMyVotww/s1600-h/Sham+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwibNc9N6R4meAzSgE9Y4EOGS2S0uxLLcFR3q4w3wChtcpeDME5n9fQ0LMH11GRlFmwS3a_FszOq3VLwGaWjAu9zRdX9-RUzldZvs7Lu8Bk4-6qjc7Tb2-2S9SHsLCQuBigUMyVotww/s320/Sham+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379392712599264930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anchor? What's with the blacked out eyes anyway? These are key witnessess eh... There he is again!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmML-JJ9OxL9LE5G4OH_Iahh7M_Hy165m1L9KhiBXbegSzWBgjmmYXxaTgQAxZluHdK40i5wyA2GfqN-HmRtmvd6v-QwOyiYIIfuBZanHf0xW4a8eXt59p9eNeAJq_ko2vkRBK0PA7A/s1600-h/Sham+4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmML-JJ9OxL9LE5G4OH_Iahh7M_Hy165m1L9KhiBXbegSzWBgjmmYXxaTgQAxZluHdK40i5wyA2GfqN-HmRtmvd6v-QwOyiYIIfuBZanHf0xW4a8eXt59p9eNeAJq_ko2vkRBK0PA7A/s320/Sham+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379392760642116610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was told that this is Tengku Marsila, Sham's wife. Somebody's tipsy...Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-44875094489234380202010-04-06T17:45:00.008+08:002010-04-06T19:33:30.079+08:00Anwar, Kit & Hadi for Malaysian Idol<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zCG8Qi7LokKCKN7KOy0m7Hj4qMuYy3uttXmJccpWfKsamCIr6wSO1eeAw_T23kcrupdUkYF2JHztzAuUuSisFDJLN6ELcEvyFk8Di-CCDkOX-Cu5xw6wIAyVLt3GyxQih_JveVWq0A/s1600/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zCG8Qi7LokKCKN7KOy0m7Hj4qMuYy3uttXmJccpWfKsamCIr6wSO1eeAw_T23kcrupdUkYF2JHztzAuUuSisFDJLN6ELcEvyFk8Di-CCDkOX-Cu5xw6wIAyVLt3GyxQih_JveVWq0A/s200/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456982403699872850" border="0" /></a><br />Forget about whatever that is being said about APCO. What is important is the fact that Najib's men are good at their job. They have embarked upon a massive public relations exercise of concept and branding focusing on his image and all that is (supposedly) good about him. And you have to give it to his boys.<br /><br />This is real politics play. They are doing what a politician should be doing to win him votes and support. And you may have been affected by it without even realising. Some of the exercises are very direct such as, the obvious, 1Malaysia. (Understand it or not, every Malaysian knows this catch phrase - 1Malaysia. That itself speaks of success). Some are less obvious but seeks to plant thoughts in your minds such as the daily feature of Rosmah's picture in The Star. Others are even less direct but its effects are tremendous such as having Najib putting the Malaysian brand in the world map via Lotus in the Formula One.<br /><br />What about Pakatan Rakyat?<br /><br />Nothing much yet unfortunately.<br /><br />DAP and PAS are very old school. They believe that their fight will be seen by the people. They believe that by being honest in running their states, they will be appreciated by the people. PKR on the other hand is just something else altogether of which I have no interest to talk about today.<br /><br />Some of these seasoned politicians may turn techie with their blogs and tweets and all. But that is not good enough. The target audience is very limited. Ever wonder why most of us prefer Coke or Pepsi over some other 'nameless' sodas? Why McDonald's for burger? Why Budweiser? And notice that they are all Americans? That's because the Americans are the best in the world when it comes to advertising and branding. These PR gurus put things in our minds without us even realising it. And that is the power of branding.<br /><br />And why is Pakatan not on it?<br /><br />Speak to the older generation out there about voting the opposition. Chances are you will have them start talking in a low tone. Some even whispers. Apparently it is one of those things you don't talk about; or the government will find out. And I won't be surprised if even many of the younger generation practice this.<br /><br />That got me thinking. Why is that so?<br /><br />The very word "opposition". To the Chinese, the term "opposition" is almost that of a "rebel". The first thing that comes to mind will be the uprising of the rebels in China that caused the downfall of the emperors and dynasties. And China has a long history of such incidences. So, not many people would really like to come out in public to be called a "rebel" symphatiser. And closer to home, we have Chin Peng and his gang. Being with opposition makes it sound like you are with the commies. And you know how the Chinese have been labelled commie sympathisers. So such a thing sticks.<br /><br />What about the party colours? PAS is green. DAP is red based. Green is fine. But look at this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy_NqSf40QtmitzG5fQug-X96H7ey-YIbiqOnREK3bl23aUqmqvQy_IMpnO-Jn7ty1ZDVv69il2ZLRng2wR5ELrF-6dVU_BhGzO7Dem4INg_goGziRGjoxqpuq7PkouH-GzO3IpZaCA/s1600/PAS+Logo.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy_NqSf40QtmitzG5fQug-X96H7ey-YIbiqOnREK3bl23aUqmqvQy_IMpnO-Jn7ty1ZDVv69il2ZLRng2wR5ELrF-6dVU_BhGzO7Dem4INg_goGziRGjoxqpuq7PkouH-GzO3IpZaCA/s200/PAS+Logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456965270636650082" border="0" /></a>What impression does it give you? Personally, I get the feeling of old school, radical and (sorry) very Muslim. You can wear the trendiest shirt around but if you carry this flag with you, you are going to get labelled.<br /><br />I seriously think that PAS should work on their logo. Give the green a new zest. A lift. (Oh, spare us the highlighter green please). The moon is fine because that is what they stand for. What about giving the green something less imposing? Besides, the non-Malay public will accept PAS better if they see PAS making an effort to change.<br /><br />Lets take a look at DAP.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSeZi5fQfTkk4pwjQKA-Gf6S9lox3R6LqY73I5Ku4sx863yDtjjLMewX0qb8CUWH0mQ4i49VPyYcFUnQcxtJM4dUdZwSjQQbjDTFXq2KDdTd3sGTtnXBzZRVVgWtOIyT0SQx93fCqKA/s1600/DAP+Logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 96px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSeZi5fQfTkk4pwjQKA-Gf6S9lox3R6LqY73I5Ku4sx863yDtjjLMewX0qb8CUWH0mQ4i49VPyYcFUnQcxtJM4dUdZwSjQQbjDTFXq2KDdTd3sGTtnXBzZRVVgWtOIyT0SQx93fCqKA/s200/DAP+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456967947704532690" border="0" /></a>This is so scary. A rocket! How offensive can you get? How more radical can you get? And the red! Oh my... That's so... so... communist? (Commie's are fine. It is just another political ideology. But the Americans have made it into a bad word. So, you wouldn't want to get associated with it, right?) It again brings out the Chinese-Supports-Communists ideology again. This logo is a serious big no-no. Even some Chinese get shit scared just by looking at it. And you want to attract the Malays? Again, rocket? Who are you going to kill? Are you waging a war, mate? <span style="font-style: italic;">Cina nak cabar Melayu</span>? No wonder UMNO is having a field day.<br /><br />Some of you will think that this is all nonsense. But not everyone is as smart as you eh. And not everyone understands the policies and political fights. There are many Malaysians without internet too. Why don't you try talking politics, and the submarines, and the Perkasas to your granny. See if she comprehends. And it is not only granny. There are many out there who don't give a shit about politics and we want to convince these people to come out to vote. But if we allow the government to scare the shit out of them for voting "rebels", it is going to be darn hard for us to have a new government.<br /><br />Remember, the battle for votes is not over your vote or mine. That is no battle at all - we have already decided. We need to convince the undecided and the I-don't-give-a damn. And when it comes to these people, you have got to really put in the effort. All aspects count. And I can bet you that a psyche war is very much one of the major determinant factors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIIui2BzrtT5oYI3AR-bSxMxDa4jmDOui2eZC5_7wUNPKdagXjZTvVt2NcFcME_OM4pHEetK6tfEhclctd2dqaSTJRfsVHfqlEx1SsM9o5xqaD54w9xd7zat02jSFFD3cVpDWKk_Ghw/s1600/BN+Logo.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIIui2BzrtT5oYI3AR-bSxMxDa4jmDOui2eZC5_7wUNPKdagXjZTvVt2NcFcME_OM4pHEetK6tfEhclctd2dqaSTJRfsVHfqlEx1SsM9o5xqaD54w9xd7zat02jSFFD3cVpDWKk_Ghw/s200/BN+Logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456971251346531634" border="0" /></a>Back to the logo. Have a look at BN. They have a rather good one. Blue is a good colour. And they have a blue that gives you a certain level of calmness which suggests peace. And it gives you a stable impression. The dacing logo is also very... balanced. Think of this. Now think of the rocket. If I were a know nothing or don't want to know anything rakyat (and that's a huge number believe you me), I will vote this logo. It simply makes me feel better.<br /><br />I know politics should not be down to who has the nicer logo or flag, but this is the real world. Ever wondered why BN via the EC is so protective over the use of logos? We are talking about millions of humans here. And each one has a character of their own. The mind game wins wars. That has been proven over and over again in the history of mankind.<br /><br />Ok. Done with the logo. Changing that alone is not going to be enough to be acceptable by the people. A PR exercise is massive. And you've got a lot of individuals to win over. But what is key is that the voter must be made comfortable to vote PKR, DAP or PAS. No more voting and shutting up like you've committed a big sin. If we can get the general public to openly discuss about them voting Pakatan, then we are on the right track. So, Malaysians must be made very comfortable with the 3 parties. As comfortable as you are in your pajamas. Pakatan is not going to get any help from the medias. But something has to be done. I don't expect people walking around town wearing a PKR t-shirt the way they happily don a Man U jersey (see, that's another brilliant branding), but if we can get that, wow... so excellent. But something to that effect.<br /><br />And the street posters. Why must all posters related to politicians and politics be so boring? Many are in fact ugly. I dare say that most of our politically linked posters are an eye sore. Better just let the tree be on its own. And leave the lamp post alone too. Who gets attracted to boring and ugly posters anyway? And the portraits. You would have though that with all the photography talents in this country one good guy with a decent camera and computer can do our heroes some good appealing shots. Instead all of them queue for their turn at Kedai Gambar Subra. According to the popular Mr. Subra, his prized possession is a photo portrait of Parameswara taken using his Nikon (of course). You can find the picture hanging on the left wall of his front entrance.<br /><br />So branding mate, branding. Image. The human mind is a funny thing. It has to be tweaked. And the good news is it can be tweaked. It is a matter of whether the people concerned are smart enough to do it. And to have the know-how to do it right. But you know, I suspect that dinosaurs still run wild in this country. For many, time stood still a long time ago; so something as modern and trendy as a Public Relations Team or branding or image may be seen as some young farts worshipping Starbucks while the best coffee in town is that at Kedai Kopi Meng Hin.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-60418732775314847382010-03-03T18:07:00.004+08:002010-03-03T20:18:03.393+08:00Anwar "Trojan Horse" Ibrahim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ_8Xd7PK6jNv_n5bM7c5xosCG3CYiYeL_8EqSvexqnscT9vBzpB40iOOQxjG4hKKKL9w7vO8H_5HgZ1oo0uQxsipVGqPGe12xBZkNPbTPCRN3Mfj0cvd4BNEaibU0NlC6TM5Yc-d0Q/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ_8Xd7PK6jNv_n5bM7c5xosCG3CYiYeL_8EqSvexqnscT9vBzpB40iOOQxjG4hKKKL9w7vO8H_5HgZ1oo0uQxsipVGqPGe12xBZkNPbTPCRN3Mfj0cvd4BNEaibU0NlC6TM5Yc-d0Q/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444376266538025122" border="0" /></a><br />Another defection today. Regardless of how expected this defection is, still no action was taken although Pakatan knows that this is imminent.<br /><br />PKR is truly out-smarted by UMNO. Or is what we are seeing now the plan after all?<br /><br />Let us talk conspiracy theory. Yup. Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory.<br /><br />And my theory is that there is a big trojan horse in Pakatan. And that trojan horse is none other than Anwar Ibrahim himself. (Ooooo... I can sense the heat of boiling blood out there already).<br /><br />And you know what, if I were to write this 6 months ago, there will be not much of me left. But today, I actually think that there will be quite a bit of you out there who buy this.<br /><br />But before we move any further, let’s address 2 common myths popular among Anwaristas.<br /><br />First is that Najib and his aides are stupid and bumble their way through. The truth is they are not. Najib is a decently smart person. And his aides are definitely no idiots. These guys are way smarter than the average Joes we have out there. Chances are any of Najib boys are smarter than you. I don’t think too many of you score that high on MENSA or graduate from Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, MIT or Yale. Well most of them are. Every step taken would have been calculated with the next 5 in mind.<br /><br />Myth number 2 is that Anwar is god’s gift to mankind. The truth is again a resounding no. Anwar is a politician. And last I checked, politicians are not very good people. Anwar is on a personal vendetta. And he is on a personal mission to be the Prime Minister of Malaysia. You are nothing but pawns that get him there.<br /><br />Back to our conspiracy theory.<br /><br />Look. Anwar in on trial for Sodomy II. If I were Anwar, I'd swear never to get back to prison again - at whatever cost. And I think that is his stand. Who do you think he is? Jesus? Remember how he ran for his life to the Turkish Embassy when news of Sodomy II first crept up? This guy fears the jail cell; and rightly so too.<br /><br />Put yourself in Anwar's shoes. Do you go ahead with the trial knowing that anything can be done to convict you, wait for Pakatan to form government and then release you (a risky route) or do you strike a deal with UMNO to keep your ass out of prison (the guaranteed safe route)? Life is tough in there. The jail cell is no kids’ playground. If convicted, chances are Anwar will have to spend the last days of his life in there. With a really bad back. I would rather commit suicide eh. I sincerely doubt if Anwar can take even 3 months is jail.<br /><br />I believe that everyone has a strong element of self-centredness within them (not too sure about Nelson Mandela and Mother Theresa; but am sure there are more than meets the eye with them). As such, I say that Anwar chose the latter of the above 2 options. How else can you explain the inaction by PKR on the frogs? That Anwar is sincere in cleaning up PKR for the next GE so much so that it is best to know who the bad blood are? Or that he is really hapless with all that is happenning? Or that he is too caught up with his court case? It takes a really naive person to believe that. It is easy to see that all is too smooth sailing for UMNO now. Way too smooth. It just looks too plain easy. No fight, no nothing.<br /><br />And how does Najib fit into the picture above. Well we know that Najib is close to the end of his premiership if nothing is done. He has all to lose if he doesn't gamble big. Maybe to Muhyiddin or maybe to Anwar. So, why not go “all-in” and “convince” Anwar to play ball.<br /><br />If Anwar plays ball and helps Najib, then Najib will let him go. If Anwar does not play ball, then lets take it to the wire. What more has Najib got to lose? Meanwhile, Anwar will be suffering like no tomorrow in jail. And will probably decide to pull his spine out with his fingers after 3 months.<br /><br />So, I do not think that Anwar is going to jail.<br /><br />Here’s the deal. Anwar allows for Najib to strengthen his position within UMNO. The crossovers will appease UMNO who is growing impatient with Najib. With UMNO now back as the driving force, the Muhyiddin problem is sorted out.<br /><br />The 2/3 parliament majority is not important. If BN gets it, well the next GE will be a non-event with the gerrymandering as RPK wrote.<br /><br />If BN does not get the 2/3 majority now, well all is still fine. When Najib frees Anwar, the war has already been won.<br /><br />One, the international media will hail Najib as a true reformer and saviour of the new Malaysia. A complete departure from the style of his politicial guru, Tun M. And Najib gets to move away from his Tun M prodigy tag.<br /><br />Two, the judiciary system gets an overnight thorough cleaning and starts afresh with renewed integrity. We know that is not true, but the perception of the court will be changed. With a perceived fair court, even RPK will lose credit for not coming home.<br /><br />Three, Najib's image gets a new jest. Enough fence-sitting voters would have been won over to give him another chance in reforming the country. And these fence sitters are whom the vote fighting is all about. On top of that, Malays who have deserted UMNO and BN will be having second thoughts about voting Pakatan.<br /><br />So all Najib needs to do is to convince Anwar that he cannot survive another jail term. Fight and get jailed or lose the fight and enjoy your freedom? Anwar cannot fight the system. We know and he knows that the system is controlled. BN has proven to be capable of showering themselves with mud so as to win and they are capable of doing it again. And Najib is at the end of his wits, mind you.<br /><br />Oh and what about Anwar’s personal sexual preferences? I do not know if Anwar has a certain likeness to certain parts of the male anatomy but you can never ever discount that. Who are you to say that he is no Adam Lambert? There is also always the MCKK factor. And don't we all know of MCKK's dark little 'backyard' secret. But gay or bi or not, Anwar will go to jail if UMNO wants him to.<br /><br />So, has Anwar sold us out?<br /><br />Will Anwar go to jail?<br /><br />My bet is that you will not see Anwar in jail. I am quite confident of that. And that is not because his lawyers will win him Sodomy II.<br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-42836069244806061092010-03-02T17:48:00.005+08:002010-03-02T19:39:38.850+08:00Food Fight! You Ready To Get Dirty?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiybtdYCxj4Vcsqth_bStL_xOx7c9FxclDHLa7L62yR_uwZra83B-gtHamCcxl3UAFR-jkBFWPNq6l3WUFIw1N6WG49m2dk4aCeF_9fp7t_hcVBOTXNYV8NsSDlnsqCRnZNRm3pvG_A/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiybtdYCxj4Vcsqth_bStL_xOx7c9FxclDHLa7L62yR_uwZra83B-gtHamCcxl3UAFR-jkBFWPNq6l3WUFIw1N6WG49m2dk4aCeF_9fp7t_hcVBOTXNYV8NsSDlnsqCRnZNRm3pvG_A/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443995944054180466" border="0" /></a><br />Lousy politicians. That's what Pakatan politicians are. No, not the inexperienced but the seasoned ones. The inexperienced ones are still trying to grapple what is going on.<br /><br />I can comprehend RPK's points in his article "Head hunt for candidates, and do it now!". People like Tan Tee Beng are Gerakan discards who was not going to be fielded by BN in GE 12. He badly needed to survive in politics, PR needed a candidate and they gave him a life line. It was a win-win situation for both sides. But with no dough pouring in ala BN style politics, it is not a wonder that he left.<br /><br />MPs and YBs are leaving. Leaving with Pakatan's seats. And the seats are way more important that the person himself or herself. We don't care about the personalities but we care about the seats. Our seats, actually.<br /><br />What has Pakatan done to prevent these people from leaving? From what we can see, not much. All we are getting are 'good riddance' statements. But that is not good enough, is it? To Pakatan, PR is like a hotel. We welcome you to stay at all times; but lousy guests can walk through the front door any time.<br /><br />A hotel guest is a hotel guest, good or bad. A person who needs a hotel and does not stay at your hotel will stay at your competitor's hotel. Similarly, an MP is an MP. A YB is a YB. They are better of on your side than on the other.<br /><br />Sometimes you have really horrendous guests. But do you allow the guest to leave the hotel and carry along with them the beds, the lamps and the toilet sinks?<br /><br />If the Hees, Tans and Zahrains want to leave, by all means do. But they will have to quit not only the party but also the seats they have won. I can hear thousands of you shouting 'Yeah right. Like it's so easy!'. Nope, it is not easy. But I didn't say we have to use the word 'please'.<br /><br />This is politics!<br /><br />Politics is not clean. It has never been and it will never be. You simply do not survive politics being Mr. Nice Guy or Ms. Pretty Honest. If being a little cunning is too much to ask for, then quit politics and go be a school teacher. If being manipulative is deemed morally not acceptable by you, then quit politics and again, go be a school teacher. Make that a kindergarten teacher.<br /><br />I am surprised that no shit has been thrown at the frogs. Literally and laterally.<br /><br />Read this: everyone has shit in them. Yes, even the Dalai Lama. And we all know that the frogs have a lot of shit. A lot. What did we make of them? Nothing but some press statements that they have shit and that UMNO is buying them. Dude, that's not gonna work. You are painting them as bad asses, but we already know that they are bad asses. We are not stupid and blind.<br /><br />You've got to make a great deal super big heck of a fuss out of it my dear Pakatan leaders. You've got to pressure them into making it hard for them to leave with the seats. All I know is we have no professional psychologist within Pakatan. Nobody within Pakatan understands the human mind. It's time you guys move with time. Have you seen the type of doctors and what is and what not they have at the grounds of Manchester United and Chelsea - all for some school dropouts who kick a ball around?<br /><br />You've got to understand the psychological warfare game. You've got to play with the minds. Anwar is so good in hypnotising the audience with his speech but he is not capable of toying with the minds of the people who work for him.<br /><br />I am not saying you take a watch and dangle it in front of the frogs. But you've got to know how to pressure them. Heck, if they end up committing suicide with the excessive pressure, I can live with that. The frogs are not selling just their body, mind and soul to the devil. They are not selling out just PKR or DAP or PAS or even Pakatan Rakyat. They are selling out the rakyat! They are selling out the future of the rakyat! They are selling out your children's future! And we should still be nice to them? I'll be damned if the answer is an audible yes.<br /><br />We Malaysians are desperate. If we do not do it in GE 13, we will not get to do it in our present lifetime. And you will forever owe your descendants a better future. And these frogs are jeopardising our fight. They are forcing us into thinking of leaving our home and our country for the sake of our next generation. And we should be soft with them?<br /><br />What the hell is wrong with Pakatan? Too much conscience? Why is there no hundreds and thousands of people camping outside Zahrain's house forcing him to quit his MP position? You guys enjoy organising thousands and thousands of people to protest outside parliament, around KL city centre and outside the King's palace but you cannot do the same to your own scumbags? Why no demonstrations outside the homes of papa frog, mama frog, sister frog, brother frog, auntie frog, uncle frog and whoever else related to them. No, we don't drag people's family into these? Fuck you. The frogs are toying with my family's livelihood and future and I cannot pressure their family? (Double middle fingers up! Nah!)<br /><br />Scoop up all their wrongdoings. All. Gather information from everyone they know. And you cannot even find a tax evasion of RM1? Get the evidence. Make a big hoohah. RPK will be more than glad to do the honour I am sure. Lodge police reports. Lodge reports with MACC. Again make a big hoohah when you do so. Put the police under pressure. Put MACC under pressure. Charge them.<br /><br />And Pakatan even get brownie points out of doing so. Pakatan is so clean that they even lodge reports against their own members. Brilliant dei... brilliant!<br /><br />And if UMNO helps with one report, throw in another 2. If the wrong-doings never end, UMNO cannot take the person. Even UMNO will change their target. And if the person finally gets convicted, we have a by-election. Hooray!<br /><br />There can be a whole lot more we can think off. These are coming off my head as I type. Think out of the box, Pakatan. If they are not with us, they are against us. If you can drag Najib through all the mud you guys are throwing at him, you can do the same to the frogs. Are they all not the same? Actually the frogs are worse than Najib because Najib never pretended to be on our side.<br /><br />We must be given the power to take the seats we have given the frogs. And without you actually knowing it, the power is in our very own mouths and hands. Remember when Hee Yit Frog's family was refused by the pasar aunties to sell them vegetables at the market? And the jibes and whispers that her family got. You've got to understand the human mind. And the Asian 'face' and family name. All this happened after she jumped. I doubt if she would have decided the same had 'work' been done prior to her jumping. The pressure people, the pressure. 24/7 pressure from party, pressure from the crowd outside your house and the pressure from within your family. Your kids will be having nightmares. Your spouse will crack. Your parents have already cracked. Your relatives shouting at your face to warn you. Your brother threatening to disown you. Faces of everyone known to you is splashed all over the internet and emails. The pressure people, the pressure.<br /><br />But Pakatan did nothing. They are politicians with conscience, <span style="font-style: italic;">konon</span>. God's ultimate gift to mankind. Pious PAS thinks that God will reward their patience one day. PKR believes that Anwar is the second coming. Lim Guan Eng thinks that heaven owes it to him to form the next government because he got jailed for fighting evil.<br /><br />Wake up you Pakatan idiots. You are giving our future away, you hopeless fools.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-84437275795281313152010-02-24T17:08:00.005+08:002010-02-24T17:57:25.366+08:00Yesterday In History<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdvbaCXLrnBZAOPIBEKi3a0YDRG6Dm8x0RA6q69subQQKEyMGaXgv6VxnCeS8nJbD7xW9n_CUJuPckUn0bS48yRyGcTdMnz6wTInnWJcwhLM5GGxHrOhY3NLUrks4EgWSGeKH4RrsXw/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdvbaCXLrnBZAOPIBEKi3a0YDRG6Dm8x0RA6q69subQQKEyMGaXgv6VxnCeS8nJbD7xW9n_CUJuPckUn0bS48yRyGcTdMnz6wTInnWJcwhLM5GGxHrOhY3NLUrks4EgWSGeKH4RrsXw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441745075617572338" border="0" /></a><br />The Star is a joke. Why I still read it on a daily basis is as much an unresolved mystery to me as to why rich and all powerful Najib is unable to get a better looking wife. (Ok you feminist out there, so I am being a sexist here, sue me!)<br /><br />Yesterday's paper was another day of reporting on Malaysia and her nonsense.<br /><br />From the front page:<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Power supply for 95% of Sarawak by 2012</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />KUCHING: Ninety-five percent of Sarawak will be connected with electricity supply and 90% of the state’s households will enjoy treated water by 2012, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.</span></span> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">He said the RM3.4bil allocation for infrastructure projects in Sarawak under the 10th Malaysia Plan and National Key Results Areas (NKRAs) was testimony to the close ties between the Federal Government and the state.</span></p><p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“This is our commitment to Sarawak. We have forged a good understanding that development projects be implemented smoothly, not only in the rural area but throughout the state,” Najib said at the launch of the rural electrification scheme at Rumah Juliana, Saratok, some 350km from here yesterday.</span></p><br />There are 3 ways to react to the headline grabber above.<br /><br />If you do not have a brain and is a die hard BN supporter, this report will only strengthen your belief that BN is god's gift to man. In times when the country is suffering economically and bleeding financially, the PM has squeezed some money to the tune of RM3.4 billion to help the poor in Sarawak. Long live PM Najib!<br /><br />If you are a fed-up Malaysian and has Anwar's poster in your bedroom, you will see this as scumbag Najib bribing his way into retaining Sarawak. And you swear that with such a move, the Sarawak state elections cannot be more than 6 months away.<br /><br />Now if you are of sound mind and rational, you will be asking 'What the fuck?! You mean in Malaysia still got many people with no electricity and water ah? Sarawak not the richest state in the country meh? They have so banyak oil and timber you know. Are the Sarawakians stupid or do they enjoy pretending to be stupid to be buggered left, right and centre? '<br /><br />Mr. PM is so proud that he is bringing basic living necessities to these poor bastards (of whom some are still clothed in nothing but loin cloths). Any other decent human will be so ashamed to have neglected this part of the country that he will be getting them Sarawakians the facilities in super hush hush manner. And yet this shameless queen-controlled freak of the nature is strutting his belly all over town pretending to be the people's saviour. Had I been a headhunter, I would have had my field day!<br /><br />Sarawakians are supposed to be rich. The Sabahans are supposed to be rich. Yet they are poor beyond recognition. And they are not even an ordinary state to Malaysia. They are a partner to the Malaysian 'coalition'. Why the Sarawakians and Sabahans never revolted to get themselves out is another mystery in life. To me, it ranks pretty much high up there with Atlantis, UFOs and Yetis. (And again, Rosmah).<br /><br />I also found this article sending the blood pressure meter a tick higher too.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Get CP 500 notice cancelled if you don’t earn extra income</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><br />PETALING JAYA: If you receive a notice of instalment payment (CP 500) from the Inland Revenue Board, do not panic!</span> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The notice, which states the amount, due date and number of instalments, is meant for taxpayers with earnings other than monthly salaries such as income from business and rentals as well as commissions from multi-level marketing or insurance.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Those with a fixed salary, but without other earnings, should go to the branch handling their income tax files to have the notice cancelled.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">IRB public relations officer Masrun Maslin admitted that IRB had received many complaints from taxpayers without side income who were issued with such notices.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Do not panic. If you do not have any other means of income other than your monthly salary, just go to the branch handling your file for the notice to be cancelled immediately,” he said. However, he said taxpayers would still have to provide supporting documents such as the EA form to show that they did not have income other than their monthly salaries.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Masrun said taxpayers without side income were being issued with such notices due to possible errors in their income tax return forms. “For instance, they must have wrongly put dividends, bonuses or pensions in the other earnings column instead of the salary column.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“The system automatically captures the data on the other earnings and thus, the taxpayers will be issued the CP 500 notices.”</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">He said previously, the IRB would look at the list of those eligible for the tax liability on other earnings before issuing the notice.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">A complainant who declined to be identified said he was upset upon receiving the notice.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">He said he contacted the IRB branch handling his file and was advised to ignore it.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">However, he was asked to call the branch again next month to check whether he would still have to settle the instalment payments.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“The officer told me that he had been receiving a lot of queries and complaints pertaining to the notice,” he added.</span></p><br />I can tell you for sure that IRB screwed up on this. And yet they have the guts to come out and say that the taxpayers 'could have filled up the forms wrongly'. Fuck you! Is it that difficult to simply say 'we messed up'. Is it that difficult? Instead of apologising, you turn it around and blame us. 'Us' because I receive the similar form too.<br /><br />I could not even be bothered about the form when I received it. Simply put it, it is somewhere in the rubbish truck already. And to be really honest with you people, I didn't even open the form packed in a plastic envelope. I know what a CP500 is and I am not even interested in knowing how much they want me to fork out each month for god knows what reason they cook up.<br /><br />I am not going to pay. Period. So why bother opening or calling for clarification.<br /><br />And now IRB wants me to drive to their office, get a number, wait my turn and proof to their officers that I should not be getting the form of which they screwed up? You stupid dumb arses of the world! You messed it up, you clean in up. Don't involve me, please. Just fuck off and leave me alone.<br /><br />So ladies and gentlemen, these are some of the latest development in Malaysia; summarised and explained. Enjoy your continued stay in Malaysia.<br /><br /><br />Note: I am not cheesed off as I was writing this. Choice of language is a very personal thing - quite difficult to explain. Besides, I think certain words drive messages through more effectively. Come on... we all are all grown ups. A little PG 13 won't hurt you. And we all know that no kids are reading these boring political sites la ok.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-41634246645053015742010-02-23T16:24:00.010+08:002010-02-23T21:20:28.067+08:00No Helium Balloon Flies Forever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmje4SgvTQfYBRXg_p7sQl1g5uNYwiU7TyJ3YZyqTffU8Uyv8OhU9HNjbCicv1U5S-y4ERORDKgVqjbnnCnKYlAdA3L8wuZkju42RLQnmg0UVC9SJyg4k2HvGgbOY20zhxcSr7CLyPDw/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmje4SgvTQfYBRXg_p7sQl1g5uNYwiU7TyJ3YZyqTffU8Uyv8OhU9HNjbCicv1U5S-y4ERORDKgVqjbnnCnKYlAdA3L8wuZkju42RLQnmg0UVC9SJyg4k2HvGgbOY20zhxcSr7CLyPDw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441373097473552226" border="0" /></a><br />During Chinese New Year, just like any other festivities, you meet up with friends and relatives. Lots of them. You chat about money, you gamble, chat about money again and then more gambling. Politics usually take a back seat - doesn't seem like an appropriate topic. Too much fire in it I guess.<br /><br />What do people do with their money nowadays? My small sampling says buying properties - commercial and residential. Everyone seems to be into it. And we are not talking about about 1 or 2 units anymore nowadays.<br /><br />I like properties. Capital appreciation could be in significant amounts. Or had you done your homework, someone else will be paying your monthly instalments via rentals. All you need is some downpayment (which in some cases has been brought down to negligible amounts by the developers) and a decent payslip to qualify for never before seen super low interest rates.<br /><br />What we have now, particularly in the Klang Valley, are recipes for a property bubble that is getting out of hand. The bubble has been growing in size for the past few years with the KLCC area taking the lead. The super charged KLCC area is now a little dampen with the targeted foreigners affected by this never ending financial turmoil or 2008, 2009 and now 2010 (of which we have not seen the worse yet - I am confident).<br /><br />Properties surrounding KLCC have dropped by some 30% to 40% since 2008 and have yet to recover. Many are betting that the prices will rebound as Singapore and Hong Kong have. I beg to differ. We will revisit this a little later.<br /><br />But out of the KLCC area, favoured areas have not seen any slide in prices at all! Look at the hot areas of Puchong, Mont' Kiara, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Setia Alam and Desa Park City; just to name a few. The IOIs, Gamudas, Sunrises, See Hoy Chans and SP Setias are coming up with all tricks in the book to keep their pockets fat. And the tricks are working darn well for them.<br /><br />Developers are throwing offers, consumers (Klang Valley at least) are cash rich, home loans are dirt cheap, new launches are getting more and more expensive. This is heaven for property lovers! There is simply none better to do with your money with the stock market being too uncertain and the FD rates being close to being negligible.<br /><br />Take the success story of SP Setia's Setia Alam. Did you know that they need not push for sale and neither do they need to spend vast amount of advertising money? All launches are sold out before it is actually launched. Yup. Snapped up like pisang goreng. Houses in the area have appreciated by at least 50% in the past 2 years. (And I am being conservative with the figure). I know of a buyer of a bungalow plot at Eco Park who paid RM55 per sq ft 5 years ago and had recently been offered RM145 per sq ft. He does not even know the exact location of his land. That is close to 200% profit in 5 years. Where else can you make such money?<br /><br />Everyone is going nuts. Buy at launches and sell upon completion. The developers will ensure you make money as they push the prices of their new launches up. You pay RM25,000 downpayment for a RM500,000 house. The developer bears the legal and related costs. You pay nothing else as the bank pays the progress billings. You sell your unit at completion for RM750,000. And make RM250,000 with only RM25,000. So what if the government taxes me. Have you seen my returns vs cash outlay?<br /><br />But if everyone is buying new launches, who's buying completed units? Take a tour of Setia Alam. The area is still rather quiet; okay it's new. But why aren't the completed units being filled up if the demand for the properties are truly that great? Simple. There are not enough people to fill up these premium locations. We have 27 million people but how many of them are located at Klang Valley? Property is being sold out because people are buying a few units each - all for property speculation. Bulk of these buyers don't intend to stay there. Okay some of them have a few mistresses but let's not go there. Everyone is making profits - but unrealised profits.<br /><br />And what is truly scary is the perception of the property prices in Klang Valley. Buyers live on the herd mentality. Everyone is chasing this area so I have better get one too. Never mind if the prices are already high. People who bought the same area 5 years ago have doubled their value. So and so area is even more expensive.<br /><br />Hang on. That is not how a property should be valued. What have happened to fundamentals? Down the drain. What we have now is a typical bubble. The bubble will grow larger and larger. But all bubblegums will burst at one stage when it is no longer sustainable. The Klang Valley property market is close to that.<br /><br />Let us take a back seat and see the larger picture. Don't compare. But look at the properties individually. 22 x 75 terrace houses in Bandar Utama are going for RM700,000, intermediate unit. That's not a lot of space. And you definitely have to park your extra cars outside your house. 22 x 75 terrace houses in Desa Parkcity is going for above RM1,000,000. That's Kepong not too long ago.<br /><br />These are terrace houses. Intermediate units. Not semi-ds or bungalows. Not all of them are even nice to look at. But in what way are the prices justifiable? Do you know what is the average Malaysian's household income? Did you know that most Malaysians do not earn RM10,000 a month?<br /><br />How do these people pay their monthly instalments? And you are telling me that this is sustainable? That the property prices will continue to appreciate? It sure looks like Malaysians are incapable of taking a step back and look at the situation. What I find astonishing is that Malaysians actually believe the pitchings of the sales guy and property agent. It is like saying you believe that our used car dealers refurbish their used units prior to selling to you.<br /><br />Semi-ds in Setia Eco Park are going for RM1,200,000. And the buyers quietly tell you that 'it is not even that big'. Yeah. Exactly my point. But then they tell you that it is cheaper than Bandar Utama or Desa Parkcity.<br /><br />If this is not a bubble I don't know what is. Have you even heard of stories about commercial properties?<br /><br />We are not Singapore. Neither are we Hong Kong. I am not saying this because they are advanced economy while we are not. I am saying this because they are blardie islands for crying out loud. They don't really have that much land you know. We on the other hand have a whole lot of land. When the developers are done with Puchong, they move to Semenyih. When those in Setia Alam are done, they move to Rawang. The Bandar Utama fellas probably already got their Sungai Buloh land ready. We have a lot of land and very little people. The Singaporeans and Hongkies have a lot of people but very little land. That is certainly not apple to apple.<br /><br />Property prices must be supported by fundamentals. The market must be in equilibrium of demand and supply. Speculative trading will not last. Low interest rates will not last. I hope many of you realise that when the property bubble bursts and your houses are worth 60% of your loan, the banks will not give you a 40% discount. Neither will they help you to extend your loan tenure to 100 years because you have 5 properties to pay for.<br /><br />A little gambling is good. I love it actually. I was heavy into property a few years back but I've trimmed them down the past few years because I think we have breached the fundamentals. Where is the balance of risks? My view is that our property market is too risky now. High risk, high gain - yes, that's true. But irrational risks puts you back 10 to 20 years when the bubble bursts. Why risk all that you have worked for in the past 10 to 20 years just to increase your pool by another 50%? Is it worth it?<br /><br />Is Malaysia still what she is 10 years ago when we were the darling of trades? Will there be a sub-prime 2? Will the sovereign debt defaults escalate?<br /><br />Lets assume that the bubble continues to grow for the next year or 2. Then comes GE 13. If Pakatan wins, our Malaysian economy will fall into a hundred pieces. Make no mistake about this. No FDIs love a political unstable country. In fact foreign funds will flow out. Our stock market will crash. The economy will slow down to a halt. But I am prepared for this. We want a new government and so for that we must be prepared to start afresh from ground zero. If Pakatan does win, expect us to take a while to climb up. Maybe 5 years if we are lucky. Maybe 10.<br /><br />And this is what I told my friends last week. Here I am calling for a change in government. And people are telling me that I must invest in properties. And if I do and then Pakatan wins, I may lose say RM500,000 in property value. So, do I fight for what I truly want to fight for so that I get the ultimate chance to lose half a million bucks in money I do not have and then repay the bank for the rest of my live? I must be the ultimate masochist to be doing that!Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-6389484990865765122010-02-10T18:51:00.008+08:002010-02-10T20:09:35.507+08:00PR Needs A Theme For GE 13; The War For Votes Starts Now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpnZSYM9Hip4yq0M0MS2wDgChEapfqtsSG5qqWX8U5NBSQ0x9-J5uSvAiGFxs213HH9S79Z5VXAnfWPD8s2yvi72Lik3TyYEkduUAwRl2pWdl8tZxPRrVBYhdsAyGZTj-cB3kEve2sg/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpnZSYM9Hip4yq0M0MS2wDgChEapfqtsSG5qqWX8U5NBSQ0x9-J5uSvAiGFxs213HH9S79Z5VXAnfWPD8s2yvi72Lik3TyYEkduUAwRl2pWdl8tZxPRrVBYhdsAyGZTj-cB3kEve2sg/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436583619475395986" border="0" /></a><br />Today is not 31 August. But I have to talk about 31 August 1957. That date, ladies and gentlemen, is the day God decides to punish all Malayans. Am not sure why God did it, but maybe some of these people were beggars and prostitutes in their previous lives and they had to pay for their sins in the present. I don't know.<br /><br />What I do know is that the Brits left and in came new lords to rule over Malayans.<br /><br />In 12 years time from 1957, the people will be instigated to kill each another. And that dark event will forever be held as a threat by certain factions of the Malaysian society to rule over the minorities with fear. And in 50 odd years time the country failed.<br /><br />Why must the Brits leave? We now know that the Brits were dead broke after World War II. Why can't the Brits been more entrepreneurial with Malaya? They didn't leave Hong Kong. And they 'came back' to Singapore. (I hope they curse their luck when oil was found in the 70s.)<br /><br />Damn Brits. And all they left us was a lousy piece of constitution. What is so sacred about this constitution thing anyway? What does it mean? What is the point of us even having this scroll or book or whatever you want to call it. Our constitution holds no meaning. It does not protect the people. What is the point of us being taught <span style="font-style: italic;">Keluhuran Perlembagaan </span>when in reality it is all bullshit. And what is with the rest of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Rukun Negara</span>. We shout <span style="font-style: italic;">Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan</span> but <span style="font-style: italic;">Tuhan</span> is used against us. We shout <span style="font-style: italic;">Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara</span> but our raja sold us out. We shout <span style="font-style: italic;">Kedaulatan Undang-Undang </span>but <span style="font-style: italic;">undang-undang </span>is used against us when we fight for ourselves. We shout <span style="font-style: italic;">Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan </span>but our leaders call us beggars and prostitutes.<br /><br />Look at us Malaysians. Orphans unloved by our government. Political pawns of our rulers and government. Our lives are but statistics in the eye of the very people entrusted by us to govern our nation. We have no basic human rights. We have no rights to defend ourselves. We have no rights to choose our leaders. We have no rights to speak or write. Every such notion presented to us are but <span style="font-style: italic;">wayang kulit </span>shows. In the eye of our government, it is best that we eat, sleep and shit. (Actually about 60% of the population is on that routine already. The remaining 40% are considered rebels; communists!)<br /><br />This is not an article of pointless ramblings. I want to remind all you readers that yes, the Brits left us to die. Yes, UMNO violate us in every possible way. Yes, they can take whatever they want from us even when we refuse to give it to them. But we the rakyat of Malaysia will not back down.<br /><br />I know many of you are feeling tired. I know many of you have been dispirited when we have been pushing, pushing and pushing for the past 2-3 years (at least) only to see our efforts being taken apart by UMNO, MCA, MIC, MACC, PDRM and the fucking judges. But we the rakyat of Malaysia will not back down.<br /><br />We will fight! And we will fight harder than ever. We will push for PR to be better. We will continue to criticise PR. We will continue to push for garbage to be kicked out of PKR, PAS and DAP. Our fight for the next general elections starts now.<br /><br />In GE 12, the rakyat's theme was simple - anyone but BN. Place a dog next to BN and the rakyat will place a cross on the dog. But the same strategy will not work again in GE 13. In true advertising, people want something new and fresh. New concepts. And this is what the central working committee of PR has to start working on.<br /><br />And I believe that keeping it simple and going back to basics always work - PR must be the <span style="font-weight: bold;">capable </span>alternative.<br /><br />The people will not buy '<span style="font-style: italic;">BN is so bad that we will definitely be better than them</span>' anymore. If PR truly believe in this, we are doomed. Come GE 13, PR must show the people that it has quality to govern. So far, PR has failed in this aspect in all states it captured in 2009. Everywhere you go, people are frustrated with this serious flaw in PR. It is natural for humans to be impatient. The people are not stupid. Furthermore, it is human nature that people do not favour changes. If BN is fucked-up and so is the alternative PR, then why change from Fucked-Up No. 1 to Fucked-Up No. 2?<br /><br />PR must now present the people with a true reason to vote for her. Sympathy votes will not take you to Putrajaya. Remember this.<br /><br />Talking about the Perak frogs may win you the state but not the parliament. Talking about Teoh Beng Hock may win you cheers and claps but will not win you the federal government. Talking about Anwar being framed will get the crowd chanting 'reformasi' but again it will not take the PR chief into Seri Perdana.<br /><br />The people must see credible personalities emerging from PR. This is a lengthy mindset changing process. There must be credible people who are capable of being appointed ministers. And the rakyat must be familiar with these candidates. They must be household names way before GE 13. PR must start to bring these people to the surface. Do you seriously expect the people to put Tian Chua or Jeff Ooi to be a minister? Zulkifli Nordin for Minister of Education?<br /><br />Pakatan must show us rakyat that you are serious in running for the government. You cannot expect to be given the parliament only for you to look for suitable MPs after that. The people have gone against rationalities once. It will not be done again. Politics affect the well-being of the people and you do not get them toying with their livelihood too many times in their short lifetime.<br /><br />Get cracked up, get working. And get Ku Li.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-36554298185561320692010-02-05T17:07:00.005+08:002010-02-05T18:20:07.816+08:00Where's My Rice?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuCvt9fHAwh57bxZuJkc9kuhZRldXQsfF8J9Ov6neUMalVEZJ7hAmKS8RsrK6JP6s6BxktarmGJCshPzXO26SWm_W1xqPFMcA8AxWVv81QRXUnXhGaOqS92cESpG6siYl5v-7KQbobw/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuCvt9fHAwh57bxZuJkc9kuhZRldXQsfF8J9Ov6neUMalVEZJ7hAmKS8RsrK6JP6s6BxktarmGJCshPzXO26SWm_W1xqPFMcA8AxWVv81QRXUnXhGaOqS92cESpG6siYl5v-7KQbobw/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434694869407318898" border="0" /></a><br />Mark these words: Sovereign Default<br /><br />Not many people are exposed to these words (ummm... ok, me at least). But this will be the catch phrase for 2010. Forget 'sub-prime'. The new lingo is <span style="font-weight: bold;">sovereign default</span>. And this 2 big words will bring the entire world down to it's knees.<br /><br />I am a believer that there will be a double dip in the world recession simply because I do not believe that the current pump priming of economies globally is going to be able to pull us out of the on-going financial crisis. Apparently the world economy is on some kind of a rebound now. Green shoots sprouting everywhere. Is it? Personally I don't think so.<br /><br />The Dubai fiasco had started the double dip. US$50 to $60 billion may seem like chicken feet compared to what the US government had to deal with (read: hundreds of billions). But is the Dubai case isolated? That will be the most important question.<br /><br />What are the unfolding effects? For starters, we are now being told that a large portion of the Dubai debts is owned by British banks. The Brits are at the end of their wits and this will not go down well with their already very ill economy. And if the Brits get kicked, the Frenchies will get their knickers twisted. And the Germans then hammered. You get what I mean.<br /><br />And amidst all this, a new form of disaster has emerged. Sovereign debt. The Greeks are, pardon my language; in deep shit. Sort of knee high. So that's quite a lot of shit. Their government is unable to repay their bonds. Sovereign bonds are government bonds which are issued and denominated in foreign currency. So upon maturity, the issuing government will have to repay the bond holders in the denominated foreign currency. If the said government is unable to purchase the said foreign currency for repayment of debt, they are screwed.<br /><br />And this is what we are facing now. We in Malaysia are not getting a lot of coverage on this, yet. Just like the beginning of the sub-prime crisis in the States. We are after all frogs living under coconut shells.<br /><br />Your next question will be: Greece? So what? Not that big economy aren't they? And it is such questions which show the naivety of Malaysians. It is only in Malaysia where we 'live on our very own island'. Everyone else in the world live dependently upon one another.<br /><br />The Greeks' default will pull with them their business partners and the European Union. Portugal is already on the radar right now and all is not well with Christiano-Ronaldo-land. Their credit default risk has just reached the ceiling. Not very good signs if you ask me. So, who else are going down? One by one, other related nations will get pulled down together - and drown.<br /><br />What is causing this mayhem? Budget deficit. Government pump priming their nation out of the credit crisis started by Wall Street. A budget deficit means that the nation budgeted expenditure exceeds its income. In our lay man term, spending in excess of your means. When we need to spend more than our paycheck, we have the credit card(s). For governments, they issue bonds. Get the dough now, pay in the future. The Greeks and Portuguese are in their 'future' now, and they don't have money to pay. So, that's the basics of it - at least from my understanding.<br /><br />So, if this default disease proves more lethal than AH1N1, guess where the virus is going to spread to? Everywhere. Including the Americans who are borrowing money from their descendants of 2098. Will this spark another round of major credit crisis when the 1st of 2 years ago is still not solved yet. The likely answer is a yes. And this time there will be no more trillion dollars printed to rescue the Americans. Not that their money printing machine is broken, they simply do not have the means to do it anymore. So, come the double dip, the Americans will perish. Millions of Americans will be living on streets or huddling up under flyovers.<br /><br />And the same shit is going to hit Malaysia this time. There is not going to be any money for Najib to spend his way out this time around. PNB can't even sell a quarter of its recent RM10 billion bond. The country is already as dry as a salted fish.<br /><br />And rumours have it that Singapore is high on the potential sovereign default list. Their budget deficit is also crazy ass high. This is very worrying. Everytime Singapore sneezes, we shit in our pants. We do trade with them, like, a lot. Really really a lot. Back in the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, Thailand brought the entire South East Asia down with it. And we aren't even that economically active with them as compared to Singapore. And to make matters worse, Singapore is a mini US. Only geographically distanced. If the Americans die, the Singaporeans die. If the Singaporeans die, we die!<br /><br />So folks, pray that the world does not end on 10 December 2012. Pray Nibiru comes quicker, much quicker. At least we don't have to see Najib and gang make life a living hell for us ordinary Malaysians in the coming very desperate times. Plus we know they are not smart enough to prepare Malaysia for rainy days.<br /><br />The world is crumbling and all Malaysia is concerned of is who buggered whom. Dumb fucks!<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743253625608807450.post-45798385226989393322010-01-22T18:02:00.006+08:002010-01-22T18:23:04.698+08:00Fed-Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRWCXL0839Ox4Y1q9OOlgOKiD3efoD4U7fS3bRZSJIW6aYK28nokzLYI5I7Od9TUJtUzy8WAY2rkPMF3T1rH8TQhP8E0y_vTzZOHD3WzvZQNNLn-VS71PEGm0YAfLwQ7nHDPSsC1Ywg/s1600-h/Simon+Says....jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429506807075297602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRWCXL0839Ox4Y1q9OOlgOKiD3efoD4U7fS3bRZSJIW6aYK28nokzLYI5I7Od9TUJtUzy8WAY2rkPMF3T1rH8TQhP8E0y_vTzZOHD3WzvZQNNLn-VS71PEGm0YAfLwQ7nHDPSsC1Ywg/s320/Simon+Says....jpg" /></a><br /><div>Sorry for being snail pace slow in writing recently.<br /><br />Truth is I am losing it a bit. Not the mental state but the spirit to fight for this country. Yeah, that's pretty selfish but with all the recent happenings and ultimate dumbness of our government, I'm quite fed-up. And PR doesn't seem to have the fire that we freedom fighters seem to have and demand of them. That kinda make it doubly or triply worse.<br /></div><br />So, here I am. Looking at Malaysia; cursing and cussing. Too sick to write.<br /><br />And apparently, RPK is pulling his hair out as well. You must have read RPK's latest on Anwar. Much of what he said have been addressed here much earlier here. Check out the followings:<br /><br /><a href="http://saltpepperandalittlekicap.blogspot.com/2009/11/de-facto-menteri-besar-of-selangor.html">The De-Facto Menteri Besar of Selangor</a><br /><br /><a href="http://saltpepperandalittlekicap.blogspot.com/2009/11/structure-for-pr.html">A Structure for PR</a> <p></p><br />I'll be back pretty soon. Just not this few days.<br /><br />.Simon Templarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880417499690433688noreply@blogger.com0