Last week, Fenomena Seni (tag) - a program on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) that discusses the state of the arts in Malaysia - created a considerable buzz in the Malaysian blogosphere. I missed the excitement but this week, I caught it on TV and it didn't disappoint me. The program is rich in vigor and probably, along with Debat Perdana, might herald RTM's renaissance. Anyway, the topic for this week is about P. Ramlee; the program raises the question, are Malaysians giving P. Ramlee too much credit?
The question was raised in Malay and given that I have problem recalling the exact phrase, I might be guilty of mistranslating the question. But within context, I'm confident that it's accurate.
For the uninitiated, P. Ramlee is considered by many Malaysians as the greatest actor, director and songwriter Malaysia has ever produced. I don't want to go too much into why P. Ramlee is great. So, I'll leave you with an article from the trusty ol' Wikipedia.
The general sentiment of the show was that P. Ramlee is great and nobody should question that. While the show was running, a survey was conducted and the result was announced at the end. The proposition of the survey is similar to the topic and a little over 80% of the survey correspondents answered no. Though the survey wasn't scientific, if a scientific survey were conducted instead, I doubt the yield would differ by much.
There were three guests on the show. One of them, Member of Parliament from Sri Gading, Mohamed Aziz, repeatedly said that nobody will be able to match P. Ramlee, reinforcing the 80% opinion. I feel that is an unfortunate conclusion that bares dim future for the Malaysian song and film industry.
If this is the case, then nobody would be able to challenge P. Ramlee's greatness. Nowhere in the future will Malaysia be able to produce an artist better than P. Ramlee because a majority thinks nobody could match P. Ramlee. Because of this, I feel we are looking too much into the past. We grant P. Ramlee the status of god that today, many of us would feel offended by the slightest suggestion that somebody might be better than P. Ramlee. This is no right mindset to move forward.
If P. Ramlee must be left unchallenged, I fear the Malaysian song and film industry will never improve. All of us are too scared to be better than our predecessors, much less a god. After all, challenging a god is an unthinkable blasphemous act, isn't it?
Such fear is unfounded and an obstacle to a better Malaysia. That god is the creation of our mind. For each that we created, we could uncreate. It's important for us to take back the godlike status we have conferred to P. Ramlee, if P. Ramlee is preventing us from moving forward.
The question was raised in Malay and given that I have problem recalling the exact phrase, I might be guilty of mistranslating the question. But within context, I'm confident that it's accurate.
For the uninitiated, P. Ramlee is considered by many Malaysians as the greatest actor, director and songwriter Malaysia has ever produced. I don't want to go too much into why P. Ramlee is great. So, I'll leave you with an article from the trusty ol' Wikipedia.
The general sentiment of the show was that P. Ramlee is great and nobody should question that. While the show was running, a survey was conducted and the result was announced at the end. The proposition of the survey is similar to the topic and a little over 80% of the survey correspondents answered no. Though the survey wasn't scientific, if a scientific survey were conducted instead, I doubt the yield would differ by much.
There were three guests on the show. One of them, Member of Parliament from Sri Gading, Mohamed Aziz, repeatedly said that nobody will be able to match P. Ramlee, reinforcing the 80% opinion. I feel that is an unfortunate conclusion that bares dim future for the Malaysian song and film industry.
If this is the case, then nobody would be able to challenge P. Ramlee's greatness. Nowhere in the future will Malaysia be able to produce an artist better than P. Ramlee because a majority thinks nobody could match P. Ramlee. Because of this, I feel we are looking too much into the past. We grant P. Ramlee the status of god that today, many of us would feel offended by the slightest suggestion that somebody might be better than P. Ramlee. This is no right mindset to move forward.
If P. Ramlee must be left unchallenged, I fear the Malaysian song and film industry will never improve. All of us are too scared to be better than our predecessors, much less a god. After all, challenging a god is an unthinkable blasphemous act, isn't it?
Such fear is unfounded and an obstacle to a better Malaysia. That god is the creation of our mind. For each that we created, we could uncreate. It's important for us to take back the godlike status we have conferred to P. Ramlee, if P. Ramlee is preventing us from moving forward.
What a wonderful day it is day. It could never go wrong one way or the other because earlier today, there was a match between two English clubs that I feel no love for. One, Chelsea (tag) and the other, Manchester United. Win, lose or draw, I would get to celebrate and celebrate I did. Manchester United got creamed at Stamford Bridge. 3 - 0. Three against nil. Tiga kosong kawan!
Throughout the game, especially in the second half, Manchester United was dominated by Chelsea. It was satisfying. It is satisfying. Of course, the downside is the fact that that win makes Chelsea as the season's champion, yet again. But I think I can suffer Jose Mourinho's antic as long as Manchester United gets a beating. Hey, you can't always get too much of a good thing. So, this tradeoff is just fine by me.
The only pity I felt for anybody between the two teams is for Edwin van der Sar. Too bad he's an Ajacied, being on the wrong side. And for Rooney too. I don't like his temper but that injury is much too cruel for a punishment, especially when it's so close to the upcoming World Cup in June in Germany. I hope his injury is not too serious. I hope that injury won't prevent him from making to the World Cup.
My goal of the match is definitely Joe Cole's. The goal is a case of brilliant assessment of the situation. It could be just plain luck but it's brilliant nonetheless. As for the third goal, it describes Manchester United - a sinking boat. Hooray!
You know what would be better? Liverpool pushing Manchester United into third place.
p/s - have you ever wondered the correlation between Bush's approval rating and gas price? Well, wonder no more. The Big Picture explains.
Throughout the game, especially in the second half, Manchester United was dominated by Chelsea. It was satisfying. It is satisfying. Of course, the downside is the fact that that win makes Chelsea as the season's champion, yet again. But I think I can suffer Jose Mourinho's antic as long as Manchester United gets a beating. Hey, you can't always get too much of a good thing. So, this tradeoff is just fine by me.
The only pity I felt for anybody between the two teams is for Edwin van der Sar. Too bad he's an Ajacied, being on the wrong side. And for Rooney too. I don't like his temper but that injury is much too cruel for a punishment, especially when it's so close to the upcoming World Cup in June in Germany. I hope his injury is not too serious. I hope that injury won't prevent him from making to the World Cup.
My goal of the match is definitely Joe Cole's. The goal is a case of brilliant assessment of the situation. It could be just plain luck but it's brilliant nonetheless. As for the third goal, it describes Manchester United - a sinking boat. Hooray!
You know what would be better? Liverpool pushing Manchester United into third place.
p/s - have you ever wondered the correlation between Bush's approval rating and gas price? Well, wonder no more. The Big Picture explains.
Experienced internet users are likely to be familiar with Wikipedia. It's famous for being "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit." (tag) It was made even more famous when Nature declares Wikipedia "comes close to Britannica in terms of the accuracy of its science entries." That's a victory for the Wikipedian model. Now, there's a proposal to tweak the model.
Controversial? You bet.
I've been on English Wikipedia for more than two years now, at least on record. I contribute in return for self-satisfaction and there are more than a million of users like me at Wikipedia. The editors receive no monetary reward whatsoever. Some called it altruism. Whatever it is, our rewards most of the times are recognition by other editors.
Since the current setting is working marvelously so far, it's not surprising at all to observe a sizable group of people to express strong displeasure against the idea. One of the most common objections is that it goes against the spirit of the project. If you are interested, a list of objections and counterpoints could be read at Reward Board's talk page.
As for me, I support the notion of paid editors. What swayed me to the aye side is this:
Heh. I'm currently working on British Malaya. So, if you'd like to see me work faster on it, how about you paying me?
A new proposal, called the paid editor job board, started by Cookiecaper earlier this week has generated a firestorm of controversy. The proposal, originally named Wikipedia:Now Hiring, operates on a similar principle to Wikipedia:Bounty Board. However, unlike the Bounty Board, the paid editor job board would pay individual editors for specific Wikipedia contributions, instead of giving a donation to the Wikimedia Foundation.
Controversial? You bet.
I've been on English Wikipedia for more than two years now, at least on record. I contribute in return for self-satisfaction and there are more than a million of users like me at Wikipedia. The editors receive no monetary reward whatsoever. Some called it altruism. Whatever it is, our rewards most of the times are recognition by other editors.
Since the current setting is working marvelously so far, it's not surprising at all to observe a sizable group of people to express strong displeasure against the idea. One of the most common objections is that it goes against the spirit of the project. If you are interested, a list of objections and counterpoints could be read at Reward Board's talk page.
As for me, I support the notion of paid editors. What swayed me to the aye side is this:
Wikipedians contribute for a variety of reasons, ranging from pure altruism to logorrhea to enjoyment of the work itself. What's ultimately important is the goal-to write a free, open-content enyclopedia-not the private motivations of the contributors.
Heh. I'm currently working on British Malaya. So, if you'd like to see me work faster on it, how about you paying me?
The other day on Bernama, there was a short writeup about Malaysian diplomatic ties with Israel. In it:
It's a no and I agree with it.
Despite that, I feel it would be ideal if Malaysia could befriend every country in this world without prejudice; that includes Israel. All else being equal, ties between the two countries would benefit both. I'm sure Malaysia has something to learn from Israel and Israel likewise.
This isolation by Malaysia prevents economic opportunity that could arise from the Malaysian-Israelis ties from developing. At the same time, seven ASEAN members have diplomatic relations with Israel. If an Israeli firm wanted to invest in Southeast Asia, the firm would have to cancel out Malaysia and consider our neighbors instead. That would be opportunity lost; Malaysia's loss is somebody else's gain.
My wish to see ties with Israel however doesn't mean I support many Israeli policies. I disagree with Israel withholding the Palestinian taxmoney and landgrab the resulted from the separation barrier.
Despite possible benefits that might arise from Malaysian-Israeli relations, the world is not an ideal place. If Malaysia were to form ties with Israel, many would not be too happy about it. I'd imagine several Muslim countries would impose punitive measures on us. The simplest would Saudi Arabia to reducing haj quota for Malaysia. A more serious measure would involve economic restriction. Worse, I'd hate to see Osama bin Laden or any Muslim extremist for that matter to even speak of Malaysia, threatening us of an attack.
At the moment, it does seem to me that the cost of forming ties with Israel outweighs its benefits. I don't think an Israeli embassy here in Kuala Lumpur is worth risking peace that at home and Muslim countries' friendship that we enjoy currently. Hence, I can only agree with the Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary; no ties with Israel. At least for now.
p/s - Ajax 2 - 0 Groningen. First leg is won. Second leg in the Euroborg. Despite the 100% win so far in the playoff, according to De Telegraaf, Danny Blind is on his way out. Some are skeptical about that report though. As for me, I'm not sure about letting Blind or even retaining him for that matter. This season is a disappointment though some very good signings have been made by Blind for the new season.
No Intention Yet To Establish Ties With Israel
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia never had diplomatic links with Israel so far and the government has no intention of changing the status quo in the near future, said the Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
"This is because Tel Aviv is yet to fulfil certain conditions, therefore there is no reason why Malaysia should review its current stand," he said in reply to Salahuddin Haji Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) at the Dewan Rakyat here, Monday.
It's a no and I agree with it.
Despite that, I feel it would be ideal if Malaysia could befriend every country in this world without prejudice; that includes Israel. All else being equal, ties between the two countries would benefit both. I'm sure Malaysia has something to learn from Israel and Israel likewise.
This isolation by Malaysia prevents economic opportunity that could arise from the Malaysian-Israelis ties from developing. At the same time, seven ASEAN members have diplomatic relations with Israel. If an Israeli firm wanted to invest in Southeast Asia, the firm would have to cancel out Malaysia and consider our neighbors instead. That would be opportunity lost; Malaysia's loss is somebody else's gain.
My wish to see ties with Israel however doesn't mean I support many Israeli policies. I disagree with Israel withholding the Palestinian taxmoney and landgrab the resulted from the separation barrier.
Despite possible benefits that might arise from Malaysian-Israeli relations, the world is not an ideal place. If Malaysia were to form ties with Israel, many would not be too happy about it. I'd imagine several Muslim countries would impose punitive measures on us. The simplest would Saudi Arabia to reducing haj quota for Malaysia. A more serious measure would involve economic restriction. Worse, I'd hate to see Osama bin Laden or any Muslim extremist for that matter to even speak of Malaysia, threatening us of an attack.
At the moment, it does seem to me that the cost of forming ties with Israel outweighs its benefits. I don't think an Israeli embassy here in Kuala Lumpur is worth risking peace that at home and Muslim countries' friendship that we enjoy currently. Hence, I can only agree with the Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary; no ties with Israel. At least for now.
p/s - Ajax 2 - 0 Groningen. First leg is won. Second leg in the Euroborg. Despite the 100% win so far in the playoff, according to De Telegraaf, Danny Blind is on his way out. Some are skeptical about that report though. As for me, I'm not sure about letting Blind or even retaining him for that matter. This season is a disappointment though some very good signings have been made by Blind for the new season.
Lasy Saturday, I paid Tugu Negara a visit; it's my first visit in more than five years. Tugu Negara is the Malaysian national monument and it's here in Kuala Lumpur (tag). And of course, I brought along my trusty camera.
I took considerable number of shots and there are two shots that I want to share in this post.
Another shot from the other end, at higher elevation:
I love how the shadow falls on the white marble. However, these pictures don't turn out as good as I had hoped for. I suppose, this is one of those things that you need to be there to truly appreciate the atmosphere. Or that I suck at photography.
If you notice, there are plaques at the ceiling. Lots of them but people are oblivious of it; most don't even know that they are walking under it. Still, that's comprehendable because a giant bronze sculpture stands about 20 or 30 meters away. But it's sad to see that people are more attracted to size than details.
I don't know what the purpose of the plaques but it's no brainer that those plaques represent the Commonwealth forces. I'll venture to say that those plaques represent all the Commonwealth forces that had served in this part of the world. A good numbers of them are ANZAC.
According to Wikipedia, today is ANZAC Day. Considering what ANZAC had contributed much to peace in Malaya and Malaysia, I feel it's only right for me to wish all those that celebrate the day appropriately. So, Happy ANZAC Day, if that is how it's wished as.
As for Malaysia, Hari Pahlawan falls on July 31. I look forward to visit the monument again on that day.
p/s - this is old but Ajax 4 - 2 Feyenoord; aggregate 7 - 2 in Ajax's favor. Take that! Next stop, Groningen and then off to the Champions Leage!
Also, there are six Ajacieden (plural of Ajacied?) in the Dutch national team and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been called up. Watch out Nistelrooy. Give way to the new king Hunter.
I took considerable number of shots and there are two shots that I want to share in this post.
Another shot from the other end, at higher elevation:
I love how the shadow falls on the white marble. However, these pictures don't turn out as good as I had hoped for. I suppose, this is one of those things that you need to be there to truly appreciate the atmosphere. Or that I suck at photography.
If you notice, there are plaques at the ceiling. Lots of them but people are oblivious of it; most don't even know that they are walking under it. Still, that's comprehendable because a giant bronze sculpture stands about 20 or 30 meters away. But it's sad to see that people are more attracted to size than details.
I don't know what the purpose of the plaques but it's no brainer that those plaques represent the Commonwealth forces. I'll venture to say that those plaques represent all the Commonwealth forces that had served in this part of the world. A good numbers of them are ANZAC.
According to Wikipedia, today is ANZAC Day. Considering what ANZAC had contributed much to peace in Malaya and Malaysia, I feel it's only right for me to wish all those that celebrate the day appropriately. So, Happy ANZAC Day, if that is how it's wished as.
As for Malaysia, Hari Pahlawan falls on July 31. I look forward to visit the monument again on that day.
p/s - this is old but Ajax 4 - 2 Feyenoord; aggregate 7 - 2 in Ajax's favor. Take that! Next stop, Groningen and then off to the Champions Leage!Also, there are six Ajacieden (plural of Ajacied?) in the Dutch national team and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been called up. Watch out Nistelrooy. Give way to the new king Hunter.
Patah tumbuh hilang berganti is a Malay proverb that describes the cycle of life; a broken branch will grow back. A loss is still a loss however and today, Malacca lost one of its most distinguished statemen.
This post is dedicated to Tun Ghafar Baba, former Ketua Menteri of Malacca, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
This post is dedicated to Tun Ghafar Baba, former Ketua Menteri of Malacca, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
April 22 is Earth Day! (tag)
On the very last day of 2005, I blogged about 10 hottest environmental issues in Malaysia for the year. The entry was given a passing mention at Global Voices Online. On this Earth Day, let's list out the candidates for the 10 hottest environmental issues in this country for 2006.
First stop - polluted water supply in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. This incident is probably a testament of why internet-based media - blogs and forums - could be the mainstream media of the future. Back in March, a number of people complained about smelly tap water on their blogs and through several forums. The mainstream media only picked the news up only a day later. That mentioned, water supply of several heavily populated urban areas were polluted with ammonia. Investigation later revealed that landfills on rivers of Selangor were the main culprits. Despite ammonia contamination, New Straits Times later announced the water was safe for consumption. Many were skeptic. Who wouldn't if the water smell like shit? After a week or two, the matter died out.
However, it doesn't end there. In the Parliament, the Prime Minister brought up the incident during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. At the same time, new Water Services Industry Bill which includes death penalty in it are set for approval soon.
March past and came April; the water smelled bad and the water was contaminated with ammonia again. This time, the Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Azmi Khalid was positively mad. Together Selangor Menteri Besar, the notorious Khir Toyo (the one responsible for some destruction of at least two nature reserves; Shah Alam and Hulu Langat), both of them moved to close several improperly managed landfills and a few farms.
This produced another problem - solid waste disposal crisis. With landfills and dumpsites closure, the problem of landfills shortage appears:
This prove that there might be a need for incinerators in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Regardless, Selangor is planning to open more landfills in the future:
While water supply pollution is big, it is not as common as flooding. I was caught in a big flood in Terengganu last February but that isn't as annoying as experiencing flash flood in the Klang Valley. One thing for sure, people in Shah Alam are pretty pissed with their local authority after a major flood hit several housing areas.
Let's move to a more traditional environmental problem and that's deforestation. Several places suffer from deforestation. Early in the year, it was Hulu Langat in Selangor. Then it was Jerai in Kedah. On top of all this, not too long ago, TV3 reported on illegal logging on the Titiwangsa mountains. The state government of Pahang wasn't too happy with the report and in a surprising move to "curb" illegal logging, they freezed all logging activities. The logging industry wasn't too happy when the ban was imposed.
More recently, Malaysian Nature Society has launched a campaign to save Belum-Temengor.
Then there's biofuel. The Malaysian government intents to utilize palm oil-derived biofuel in order to reduce reliance on gasoline. This has set up a "biofuel race" in Southeast Asia and the competition is all the fiercer since both Malaysia and Indonesia are the world's top two producers of palm oil. Refinery plants are being built in Malaysian, Thailand, Indonesia and even in Singapore. While it's good to see the region finally moving beyond petroleum, this particular move, while carbon neutral, will devastate the region's rich biodiversity through deforestation.
Indonesia is aggressive in expanding its palm oil production capacity - it plans to develop areas along Malaysia-Indonesia border on Borneo into palm oil estates. With that, thousands acres of ancient highland forest are at risk of deforestation. Since it's at the border, it will adversely affect wildlife in Malaysia.
Talking about energy, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said not too long ago that Malaysia is considering nuclear energy. From New Straits Times:
I'm a bit ambivalent about venturing into nuclear but nuclear is fast becoming a green source of energy, considering its carbon emission vis-a-vis gas, coal or oil. I myself prefer renewable like solar and wind but I have to relent that between now and the future, nuclear does provide some answer to our current energy crisis, at least temporarily.
From energy, we go to bird flu. Yup, after many months, people are finally taking the possibility of an outbreak serious and hence, the poultry prices took a nosedive. Things have calmed down bit though. Only after the quaranteen in several places in Selangor, Penang and Perak.
Finally, landslide. The most sensationalized incident so far is the one at Genting Highlands. It seems that Genting tried to cover the accident up but trust TV3 to screw them up. The matter was brought to Malaysian Public Works Minister Samy Vellu, he went ballistic and Genting was forced to brief the minister later. Still developing at time of blogging. So, have to wait a little longer to see what will happen next.
That's all for now. If you feel there's something that I missed that happened during the last four months, just give me a holler and I'll add them up.
p/s - on Worldchanging. Not to forget, a post at the same blog to celebrate Earth Day.
On the very last day of 2005, I blogged about 10 hottest environmental issues in Malaysia for the year. The entry was given a passing mention at Global Voices Online. On this Earth Day, let's list out the candidates for the 10 hottest environmental issues in this country for 2006.
First stop - polluted water supply in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. This incident is probably a testament of why internet-based media - blogs and forums - could be the mainstream media of the future. Back in March, a number of people complained about smelly tap water on their blogs and through several forums. The mainstream media only picked the news up only a day later. That mentioned, water supply of several heavily populated urban areas were polluted with ammonia. Investigation later revealed that landfills on rivers of Selangor were the main culprits. Despite ammonia contamination, New Straits Times later announced the water was safe for consumption. Many were skeptic. Who wouldn't if the water smell like shit? After a week or two, the matter died out.
However, it doesn't end there. In the Parliament, the Prime Minister brought up the incident during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. At the same time, new Water Services Industry Bill which includes death penalty in it are set for approval soon.
March past and came April; the water smelled bad and the water was contaminated with ammonia again. This time, the Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Azmi Khalid was positively mad. Together Selangor Menteri Besar, the notorious Khir Toyo (the one responsible for some destruction of at least two nature reserves; Shah Alam and Hulu Langat), both of them moved to close several improperly managed landfills and a few farms.
This produced another problem - solid waste disposal crisis. With landfills and dumpsites closure, the problem of landfills shortage appears:
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Government's decision to close down both the Sungai Kembong and Kundang dumpsites resulted in a “rubbish stand-off.”
Garbage meant for the Kundang dumpsite was ordered to be sent to the Bukit Tagar landfill but when 20 garbage-laden trucks arrived there, the drivers were refused entry.
This prove that there might be a need for incinerators in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Regardless, Selangor is planning to open more landfills in the future:
SHAH ALAM, April 20 (Bernama) -- Two new landfills will be built in Selangor, one in the north and the other in the south, to replace the Ayer Hitam landfill in Puchong which will be closed soon, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said.
While water supply pollution is big, it is not as common as flooding. I was caught in a big flood in Terengganu last February but that isn't as annoying as experiencing flash flood in the Klang Valley. One thing for sure, people in Shah Alam are pretty pissed with their local authority after a major flood hit several housing areas.
Let's move to a more traditional environmental problem and that's deforestation. Several places suffer from deforestation. Early in the year, it was Hulu Langat in Selangor. Then it was Jerai in Kedah. On top of all this, not too long ago, TV3 reported on illegal logging on the Titiwangsa mountains. The state government of Pahang wasn't too happy with the report and in a surprising move to "curb" illegal logging, they freezed all logging activities. The logging industry wasn't too happy when the ban was imposed.
More recently, Malaysian Nature Society has launched a campaign to save Belum-Temengor.
Then there's biofuel. The Malaysian government intents to utilize palm oil-derived biofuel in order to reduce reliance on gasoline. This has set up a "biofuel race" in Southeast Asia and the competition is all the fiercer since both Malaysia and Indonesia are the world's top two producers of palm oil. Refinery plants are being built in Malaysian, Thailand, Indonesia and even in Singapore. While it's good to see the region finally moving beyond petroleum, this particular move, while carbon neutral, will devastate the region's rich biodiversity through deforestation.
Indonesia is aggressive in expanding its palm oil production capacity - it plans to develop areas along Malaysia-Indonesia border on Borneo into palm oil estates. With that, thousands acres of ancient highland forest are at risk of deforestation. Since it's at the border, it will adversely affect wildlife in Malaysia.
Talking about energy, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said not too long ago that Malaysia is considering nuclear energy. From New Straits Times:
Nuclear power last option
By Nurris Ishak
SERI KEMBANGAN: Is nuclear technology on Malaysia’s horizons in view of the rising price of fuel?
The possibility was raised by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis yesterday at the ministry’s briefing to editors on the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
...
The question was raised in view of the increasing price of fuel worldwide.
For now, Jamaluddin said, the Government was looking at nuclear power as its very last option.
I'm a bit ambivalent about venturing into nuclear but nuclear is fast becoming a green source of energy, considering its carbon emission vis-a-vis gas, coal or oil. I myself prefer renewable like solar and wind but I have to relent that between now and the future, nuclear does provide some answer to our current energy crisis, at least temporarily.
From energy, we go to bird flu. Yup, after many months, people are finally taking the possibility of an outbreak serious and hence, the poultry prices took a nosedive. Things have calmed down bit though. Only after the quaranteen in several places in Selangor, Penang and Perak.
Finally, landslide. The most sensationalized incident so far is the one at Genting Highlands. It seems that Genting tried to cover the accident up but trust TV3 to screw them up. The matter was brought to Malaysian Public Works Minister Samy Vellu, he went ballistic and Genting was forced to brief the minister later. Still developing at time of blogging. So, have to wait a little longer to see what will happen next.
That's all for now. If you feel there's something that I missed that happened during the last four months, just give me a holler and I'll add them up.
p/s - on Worldchanging. Not to forget, a post at the same blog to celebrate Earth Day.
Another photo before partying on Friday.
That's the office of the National Mosque here in Kuala Lumpur (tag). The photo is a bit grainy but whatever.
p/s - I heard the Nepali monarch's speech and he said that he's prepared to hand over power to a Prime Minister of the people's choice. The king is relenting to the people.
pp/s - I didn't know this had almost happened. Sumatra could have been a Malaysian annex in history:
I knew Malaysia and the Commonwealth forces ran subversive movement during the war that in the end incapacitated Indonesia but never had I knew that there was plan to incorporate Sumatra into the Federation. Whoa!
That's the office of the National Mosque here in Kuala Lumpur (tag). The photo is a bit grainy but whatever.
p/s - I heard the Nepali monarch's speech and he said that he's prepared to hand over power to a Prime Minister of the people's choice. The king is relenting to the people.
pp/s - I didn't know this had almost happened. Sumatra could have been a Malaysian annex in history:
A startling revelation of the then-Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman's support of counter-subversion operations to break up Indonesia and incorporate Sumatra into Malaysia is detailed in David Easter's article, "British and Malaysian Covert Support for Rebel Movements in Indonesia during the 'Confrontation'
I knew Malaysia and the Commonwealth forces ran subversive movement during the war that in the end incapacitated Indonesia but never had I knew that there was plan to incorporate Sumatra into the Federation. Whoa!
This is an old news but its effect is of no little consequence. Hugging and kissing in public are deemed as indecent acts:
With that in mind, perhaps it's time we all give the mushrooming closed-circuit TV in Kuala Lumpur a more serious consideration? (tag)
The photo was taken near Dayabumi. Just across the street from the post office headquarters to be precise.
With the moral police winning that case, imagine how they could utilize all those CCTVs in the city. We could be kissing our civil liberties goodbye.
Oh, wait. It's unlawful to kiss.
As a self-proclaimed libertarian, I have this to say: what's going in our bedroom is none of the government's concern.
p/s - first playoff. Ajax 3 - 0 Feyenoord. w00t! Hail Rosales, Heitinga and Huntelaar! As written in a forum, helemaal niets voor Feijenoord!
pp/s - Bloomberg was talking about election in Singapore just now. The host roughly said: "We don't know who will win in Singapore. Or do we?"
ppp/s - from Foreign Policy:
Heh.
No kissing please, we are Malaysians!
PUTRAJAYA: The local government has the power to establish by-laws to prosecute citizens who behave disorderly in public, the Federal Court ruled yesterday.
Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, together with Federal Court judges Datuk Alauddin Sheriff and Datuk Richard Malanjum, unanimously held that the Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) was correct to charge two students for behaving indecently by hugging and kissing at Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park.
With that in mind, perhaps it's time we all give the mushrooming closed-circuit TV in Kuala Lumpur a more serious consideration? (tag)
The photo was taken near Dayabumi. Just across the street from the post office headquarters to be precise.
With the moral police winning that case, imagine how they could utilize all those CCTVs in the city. We could be kissing our civil liberties goodbye.
Oh, wait. It's unlawful to kiss.
As a self-proclaimed libertarian, I have this to say: what's going in our bedroom is none of the government's concern.
p/s - first playoff. Ajax 3 - 0 Feyenoord. w00t! Hail Rosales, Heitinga and Huntelaar! As written in a forum, helemaal niets voor Feijenoord!
pp/s - Bloomberg was talking about election in Singapore just now. The host roughly said: "We don't know who will win in Singapore. Or do we?"
ppp/s - from Foreign Policy:
A survey published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives found that 77 percent of the doctoral candidates in the leading departments in the United States believe that "economics is the most scientific of the social sciences." It turns out, however, that this certitude does not stem from how well they regard their own discipline but rather from their contempt for the other social sciences.
Heh.
I'm in no mood to blog. So, another photo but this time, let's be more modern.
In the picture is Dayabumi, one of the more recognizable structures in Kuala Lumpur. To the locals at least (tag).
Of anything else, Dayabumi needs a good shower. I don't know when was the last time Dayabumi received a good cleanup. I doubt the building knows too, if it were alive.
If you've been following my posts, this building is the one in the background of the second photo in my post labelled [771] Of Malayan Railway HQ, Kuala Lumpur.
p/s - yeah. Malaysia lost to New Zealand. Sayonara World Cup.
pp/s - yeah! Ajax versus Feyenoord on the 20th!
ppp/s - I don't know why but I'm attracted to Tak Dengar, an article in Malay. Tak dengar means "not hearing" or "not listening". The latter is more accurate in term of context. I'm sorry if you're unable to read Malay. Well, if you want to read it, now is a good time to learn Malay, isn't it? =)
p4/s - Spiderman, with robots! In Japanese! In 1978! Goooooddddd!
In the picture is Dayabumi, one of the more recognizable structures in Kuala Lumpur. To the locals at least (tag).
Of anything else, Dayabumi needs a good shower. I don't know when was the last time Dayabumi received a good cleanup. I doubt the building knows too, if it were alive.
If you've been following my posts, this building is the one in the background of the second photo in my post labelled [771] Of Malayan Railway HQ, Kuala Lumpur.
p/s - yeah. Malaysia lost to New Zealand. Sayonara World Cup.
pp/s - yeah! Ajax versus Feyenoord on the 20th!
ppp/s - I don't know why but I'm attracted to Tak Dengar, an article in Malay. Tak dengar means "not hearing" or "not listening". The latter is more accurate in term of context. I'm sorry if you're unable to read Malay. Well, if you want to read it, now is a good time to learn Malay, isn't it? =)
p4/s - Spiderman, with robots! In Japanese! In 1978! Goooooddddd!
More photos!
This onion-shaped dome belongs to the Malayan Railway Headquarters building. It's just across the street from the old railway station of Kuala Lumpur (tag). I'll show you:
The dome in the first picture is the farther one of the latter photo, close to the national mosque. Sorry for the street lights. Such ugly structures are creatures of omnipresence in Kuala Lumpur. Even the gods, possibly, are jealous of it.
God asides, that road is Jalan Hishamuddin. If a person drives or walks straight for a good kilometer or so, that person will hit the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Trust me, there are street lights over there too!
A piece of history; the headquarters which is the darker structure in front of the lighter colored old railway station was designed in 1913 by A.B. Hubback. Hubback was also the architect of Jamek Mosque in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Constrcution began in the following year only to be interrupted by the First World War. With the cost of $780,422, it was completed in November 1917. During the Second World War, unlike its cousin the old railway station, it suffered heavy damage though without further need of explanation, you can see that it still stands proudly today.
p/s - Malaysia won't make it to the Hockey World Cup. Today, Malaysia lost to France 4 - 1. France! What an embarrassment this is since France isn't a proper hockey nation to start with. The score line makes the loss harder to swallow. This failed outing is all the more disappointing especially because Malaysia managed to grab bronze at the Commonwealth Games only several weeks back.
pp/s - Mike Ng, a fellow Malaysian and a friend of mine at Michigan got his first solo exhibit. Go pay him a visit and shout congratulations now!
This onion-shaped dome belongs to the Malayan Railway Headquarters building. It's just across the street from the old railway station of Kuala Lumpur (tag). I'll show you:
The dome in the first picture is the farther one of the latter photo, close to the national mosque. Sorry for the street lights. Such ugly structures are creatures of omnipresence in Kuala Lumpur. Even the gods, possibly, are jealous of it.
God asides, that road is Jalan Hishamuddin. If a person drives or walks straight for a good kilometer or so, that person will hit the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Trust me, there are street lights over there too!
A piece of history; the headquarters which is the darker structure in front of the lighter colored old railway station was designed in 1913 by A.B. Hubback. Hubback was also the architect of Jamek Mosque in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Constrcution began in the following year only to be interrupted by the First World War. With the cost of $780,422, it was completed in November 1917. During the Second World War, unlike its cousin the old railway station, it suffered heavy damage though without further need of explanation, you can see that it still stands proudly today.
p/s - Malaysia won't make it to the Hockey World Cup. Today, Malaysia lost to France 4 - 1. France! What an embarrassment this is since France isn't a proper hockey nation to start with. The score line makes the loss harder to swallow. This failed outing is all the more disappointing especially because Malaysia managed to grab bronze at the Commonwealth Games only several weeks back.
pp/s - Mike Ng, a fellow Malaysian and a friend of mine at Michigan got his first solo exhibit. Go pay him a visit and shout congratulations now!
It's been clear in the morning for the past few days. The sky has been blue, dark turquoise or something similar, dotted with some clouds but clear nonetheless and it inspires me to go out more often. That means more photos!
When I went out yesterday, I knew exactly where I wanted to be - Jalan Hishamuddin. It's past beyond the Sultan Abdul Samad Building where the National Mosque, the old railway station, Malayan Railways headquarters and a few other prominent architectures of federal capital stand (tag).
This facade belongs to the old Kuala Lumpur railway station. Since all but one rail system have been diverted to the ultramodern KL Sentral that tries to centralized Kuala Lumpur mass transit system, life at the old station is becoming really quite. The only exciting events there are tourists, the building itself and electric trains that jog pass the old station towards KL Sentral.
Looking back, I kind of missed the olden days when I was younger, when this building was busier with life. But progress is necessary. Still, I very much wish to see restoration done on this building. The last restoration was done in 1986 and from the condition of the building, another comprehensive work is due.
This building needs to be preserved. It survived the Second World War. It would be a shame if it does not survive us.
p/s - I learned through CNN earlier today that another suicide attack had occured in Israel. I'm relieved that it wasn't done by Hamas. If it were, it'd only validate what the US, EU and Israel's position. If it were, I'd have to throw my current trust of Hamas that I found a couple months ago away down the drain.
pp/s - I want to stress this again: TMNet sucks!
When I went out yesterday, I knew exactly where I wanted to be - Jalan Hishamuddin. It's past beyond the Sultan Abdul Samad Building where the National Mosque, the old railway station, Malayan Railways headquarters and a few other prominent architectures of federal capital stand (tag).
This facade belongs to the old Kuala Lumpur railway station. Since all but one rail system have been diverted to the ultramodern KL Sentral that tries to centralized Kuala Lumpur mass transit system, life at the old station is becoming really quite. The only exciting events there are tourists, the building itself and electric trains that jog pass the old station towards KL Sentral.
Looking back, I kind of missed the olden days when I was younger, when this building was busier with life. But progress is necessary. Still, I very much wish to see restoration done on this building. The last restoration was done in 1986 and from the condition of the building, another comprehensive work is due.
This building needs to be preserved. It survived the Second World War. It would be a shame if it does not survive us.
p/s - I learned through CNN earlier today that another suicide attack had occured in Israel. I'm relieved that it wasn't done by Hamas. If it were, it'd only validate what the US, EU and Israel's position. If it were, I'd have to throw my current trust of Hamas that I found a couple months ago away down the drain.
pp/s - I want to stress this again: TMNet sucks!
Ajax Amsterdam (tag) has confirmed a place in the playoff for the second Dutch slot for next season's Champions' League. In last league game against RKC Waalwijk Ajax won 4 to 2, hence guaranteeing fourth place.I'm still unclear whether Ajax will face Feyenoord or AZ but either way, Ajax will be facing a rival. Yes. You heard that right. For ages, there were the Big Three - Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV. With AZ, it's becoming a Big Four instead and AZ has a real grudge against Ajax. Well, just it's Chairman Dirk Schering. But he does really hates Ajax. And that rivalry has gone off the pitch.
Ajax's Technical Director Martin van Geel has been handed a 5-year stadium ban. That means van Geel can't be at AZ's homeground. It's ridiculous - even the Dutch soccer association, the KNVB commented on it:
KNVB director Henk Kesler has made crystal clear how he feels about the incident in today's issue of De Telegraaf: "I was in my car when I heard about the stadium ban for Van Geel and I laughed so loud I almost crashed into a lamppost. For a second I thought it was an April Fool's Day joke, but it's a bit late for that. It is pretty absurd for a football club to hand a stadium ban to the technical director of another club. Was Martin van Geel involved in criminal activities for which a ban would normally be appropriate? This makes no sense whatsoever and Mr Scheringa is making a complete fool out of himself. Perhaps we should hand him a stadium ban for the remaining 37 stadiums in Dutch professional football."
Regardless, it shows that this little rivalry is brewing up.
For the record, van Geel was AZ's TD before he joins Ajax. To spice it up further, AZ's current coach, Louis van Gaal was Ajax's former TD. Sweet, eh?
Whatever it is, I feel it's better for Ajax to kick Feyenoord's ass instead. I don't hate AZ as much as I hate Feyenoord or PSV, yet. Hence, the sweetness of kicking Feyenoord's ass is greater than the sweetness of kicking AZ's.
As I've written before, I'm extremely disappointed with the way the Malaysian government handled the bridge issue. I'm disappointed and angry because the whole fiasco seems to prove that the Malaysian government had failed to explore all contingencies regarding this matter.
The Prime Minister states the legal ramification due to the need to severe and reconnect the water lines and the railway track that go to Singapore as the reason for the bridge cancellation. The problem is, why now? Why only now offer such reason? Did the policymakers fail to give such detail a visit in earlier stage? It's a preposterous idea but yet, it's one of the most possible explanations, if not the only. If that is the case, then God save Malaysia.
If Malaysian government was so worried with legal implications that will arise, why did the Malaysian government gave a green light to Gerbang Perdana, the bridge contractor in the first place? Wouldn't it make more sense to go to the international court, be it the International Court of Justice at The Hague or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, whichever relevant, before going ahead with the project if the government was honestly concerned with legality? Why stating such reason after pressing the button start? Why initiate the project and kill it off soon after and in so, having to compensate a private entity with RM 100 million needlessly? Why not cancel it before iniatiate the project? Why the earlier gung-ho attitude and therefore putting a facade that blatantly misled many Malaysians?
Why? Why? Why?
If the goverment had explored all avenues, this issue would have been resolved much earlier. If the government had done its homework, Malaysia could have saved resources that would be better spent elsewhere. If the Malaysian government had called the project off before construction actually had begun, maybe I wouldn't be so infuriated. Maybe, a lot less people would have beem agitated.
Concerning the media, it's amazing how popular opinion in the mainstream media changes at a finger snap, blink of an eye. Just weeks ago, the MSM was 100% behind the bridge. Hell! 101% if it is at all sensible. But when the Prime Minister changes his mind, so does the MSM without pause. Where is the sincerity in us all? This is not honesty. This is merely kow-towing to the power-that-be.
Yet, I can't pretend to be shocked. The MSM is a dog on leash with the kris looms above after all. Some of them are even downright suckers.
In his column today in the New Straits Times, Khairy Jamaluddin - the PM's son-in-law with grand political ambition - while supporting his father-in-law, quotes Sir John Maynard Keynes: "When the facts change, I changed my mind." I don't mind pragmatism but in this case, the facts haven't changed. It's still fact that we need to cut the pipes, the track and - surpised, surpised - the Causeway! On top of that, Singapore's position has already been known right from the start. The only way the facts could have had changed is if the government had failed to explore all contingencies.
Finally, our beloved Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is an indecisive man. I hope the common people will be as indecisive as him in 2008 about voting for his party. Let's see how well he likes indecisiveness.
I feel cheated by my own government and I don't like that.
p/s - touching on ReCom.org, I've said earlier that it would be back within 24 hours. At first, it was thought that it was a billing issue. However, it is not. Given that I've received some search result with the word "recom" on it, I feel it's important to inform those that wanted to know what's going on.
Here's the story. The operator of the server that hosts ReCom.org informs "us" that ReCom is consuming too much resources and it's starting to affect the server stability. Some of the admins say that something is not right and that ReCom shouldn't experience the level of traffic according to the host. So now, ReCom.org has several option.
One is to try to reduce traffic. I doubt this will be so. Two, subscribe to greater resources. That's most likely mean paying USD45 per month and in the long run, USD540 for the year. Somebody has already pledged USD100 for ReCom but I really don't like option two. But hell...
pp/s - housekeeping! From now on, I'll place arabesque-like icons to separate my main entry and all of those postscripts.
ppp/s - as of April 16, ReCom is back.
p4/s - Mahathir is a dissenter. Maybe now he feels how Tunku felt back in the 1980s. Regardless, from Bernama:
Another article by Bernama, syndicated by Singaporean Straits Times:
I can't find the same article at Bernama.
The Prime Minister states the legal ramification due to the need to severe and reconnect the water lines and the railway track that go to Singapore as the reason for the bridge cancellation. The problem is, why now? Why only now offer such reason? Did the policymakers fail to give such detail a visit in earlier stage? It's a preposterous idea but yet, it's one of the most possible explanations, if not the only. If that is the case, then God save Malaysia.
If Malaysian government was so worried with legal implications that will arise, why did the Malaysian government gave a green light to Gerbang Perdana, the bridge contractor in the first place? Wouldn't it make more sense to go to the international court, be it the International Court of Justice at The Hague or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, whichever relevant, before going ahead with the project if the government was honestly concerned with legality? Why stating such reason after pressing the button start? Why initiate the project and kill it off soon after and in so, having to compensate a private entity with RM 100 million needlessly? Why not cancel it before iniatiate the project? Why the earlier gung-ho attitude and therefore putting a facade that blatantly misled many Malaysians?
Why? Why? Why?
If the goverment had explored all avenues, this issue would have been resolved much earlier. If the government had done its homework, Malaysia could have saved resources that would be better spent elsewhere. If the Malaysian government had called the project off before construction actually had begun, maybe I wouldn't be so infuriated. Maybe, a lot less people would have beem agitated.
Concerning the media, it's amazing how popular opinion in the mainstream media changes at a finger snap, blink of an eye. Just weeks ago, the MSM was 100% behind the bridge. Hell! 101% if it is at all sensible. But when the Prime Minister changes his mind, so does the MSM without pause. Where is the sincerity in us all? This is not honesty. This is merely kow-towing to the power-that-be.
Yet, I can't pretend to be shocked. The MSM is a dog on leash with the kris looms above after all. Some of them are even downright suckers.
In his column today in the New Straits Times, Khairy Jamaluddin - the PM's son-in-law with grand political ambition - while supporting his father-in-law, quotes Sir John Maynard Keynes: "When the facts change, I changed my mind." I don't mind pragmatism but in this case, the facts haven't changed. It's still fact that we need to cut the pipes, the track and - surpised, surpised - the Causeway! On top of that, Singapore's position has already been known right from the start. The only way the facts could have had changed is if the government had failed to explore all contingencies.
Finally, our beloved Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is an indecisive man. I hope the common people will be as indecisive as him in 2008 about voting for his party. Let's see how well he likes indecisiveness.
I feel cheated by my own government and I don't like that.
p/s - touching on ReCom.org, I've said earlier that it would be back within 24 hours. At first, it was thought that it was a billing issue. However, it is not. Given that I've received some search result with the word "recom" on it, I feel it's important to inform those that wanted to know what's going on.
Here's the story. The operator of the server that hosts ReCom.org informs "us" that ReCom is consuming too much resources and it's starting to affect the server stability. Some of the admins say that something is not right and that ReCom shouldn't experience the level of traffic according to the host. So now, ReCom.org has several option.
One is to try to reduce traffic. I doubt this will be so. Two, subscribe to greater resources. That's most likely mean paying USD45 per month and in the long run, USD540 for the year. Somebody has already pledged USD100 for ReCom but I really don't like option two. But hell...
pp/s - housekeeping! From now on, I'll place arabesque-like icons to separate my main entry and all of those postscripts.
ppp/s - as of April 16, ReCom is back.
p4/s - Mahathir is a dissenter. Maybe now he feels how Tunku felt back in the 1980s. Regardless, from Bernama:
JOHOR BAHARU, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the right under its agreement with Singapore to relocate the pipelines supplying water to the island for specified reasons but only after giving about six months notice, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said the provision for relocation was proven valid because Malaysia had relocated the Singapore pipelines on land during the construction of the new road and railway station for the Integrated Southern Gateway project.
Another article by Bernama, syndicated by Singaporean Straits Times:
JOHOR BARU - IN AN open attack on his successor, former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad yesterday suggested holding a referendum in Johor to see if there was backing in the state for the government decision to cancel the bridge project.
I can't find the same article at Bernama.
In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Obi Wan Kenobi says "So what I have told you was true... from a certain point of view." That scene along with the quote is a tribute to relativism.
The truth in that is undeniable (at risk of committing circular reasoning), especially when it concerns Parti Sosialis Malaysia's current case in the Court of Appeal of Malaysia. Utusan Malaysia says:
It practically means Registrar of Societies is right to reject PSM's application because the party didn't have representative from at least seven states. The title of the article itself roughly translates into "ROS is right to reject PSM's application".
In The Star however:
I first read The Star's version. When I saw Utusan's, I was about to shout "liar!" Only after I read both articles carefully did I realized that The Star was quoting PSM's counsel while Utusan was quoting ROS' instead. Neither are lying but both are telling half of the truth.
Because both are not reporting from a neutral point of view, this makes me wonder - does Utusan suffer from phobia of socialism? Is The Star a commiephone? Stretching it further, is UMNO still stuck in Malayan Emergency worldview? Is MCA a commie wannabe?
Ridiculous questions but what else is there to conclude from the two radically differing pieces that report on the same subject?
p/s - w00t! Ajax won against Vitesse while Utrecht lost to Groningen! This enables Ajax to climb up to fourth and force Utrecht to go down to fifth. Ajax needs fourth placing in order to qualify for UEFA Champions Leauge playoff. One more game to go and all Ajax needs is a draw against Willem II Tilburg to secure a spot in the playoff. Sweet!
The truth in that is undeniable (at risk of committing circular reasoning), especially when it concerns Parti Sosialis Malaysia's current case in the Court of Appeal of Malaysia. Utusan Malaysia says:
'ROS wajar tolak permohonan PSM'
Oleh NORZAINAH NORDIN
PUTRAJAYA 12 April - Mahkamah Rayuan hari ini diberitahu bahawa Pendaftar Pertuduhan (ROS) bertindak wajar ketika menolak permohonan Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) untuk didaftarkan sebagai parti politik peringkat kebangsaan atas alasan PSM gagal mengemukakan dokumen dan maklumat yang lengkap.
It practically means Registrar of Societies is right to reject PSM's application because the party didn't have representative from at least seven states. The title of the article itself roughly translates into "ROS is right to reject PSM's application".
In The Star however:
ROS policy on party invalid, court hears
PUTRAJAYA: The Registrar of Societies' policy requiring Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) to have representatives in seven states before it could be registered as a national political party was an invalid criterion, the Court of Appeal heard yesterday.
I first read The Star's version. When I saw Utusan's, I was about to shout "liar!" Only after I read both articles carefully did I realized that The Star was quoting PSM's counsel while Utusan was quoting ROS' instead. Neither are lying but both are telling half of the truth.
Because both are not reporting from a neutral point of view, this makes me wonder - does Utusan suffer from phobia of socialism? Is The Star a commiephone? Stretching it further, is UMNO still stuck in Malayan Emergency worldview? Is MCA a commie wannabe?
Ridiculous questions but what else is there to conclude from the two radically differing pieces that report on the same subject?
p/s - w00t! Ajax won against Vitesse while Utrecht lost to Groningen! This enables Ajax to climb up to fourth and force Utrecht to go down to fifth. Ajax needs fourth placing in order to qualify for UEFA Champions Leauge playoff. One more game to go and all Ajax needs is a draw against Willem II Tilburg to secure a spot in the playoff. Sweet!
While I'm relieved that the Malaysian government has stopped the bridge talks with Singapore and directly crossed out the possibility of Malaysia acceding to unacceptable Singaporean demands, I'm extremely disappointed with the Malaysian government's decision to cancel the bridge altogether (tag). I found it out through TV3. Bernama has more:
Though the reason for quitting the negotiation has been given, reason for the bridge cancelation is still a mystery. Hence, tomorrow's local papers will be of extraordinary interest. The Malaysian government must clear out the air.
Before tomorrow comes, I'd like to say, historical heritage is not a proper reason and I will not accept such incoherent reasoning.
As stated earlier, I'm for a bridge, straight or otherwise. And no, if there's still anybody that thinks the bridge would be a cul-de-sac, it is not. At the same time, I'm against bowing to Singaporean impossible demands. You could say, I'm being hawkish on this matter.
p/s - ReCom.org is down (again!) but it should be back up in less than a day.
pp/s - as if one disappointment is not enough, Malaysia lost 1 - 0 to Japan in Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Changzhou, China. This makes it hard for Malaysia to qualify for the World Cup.
ppp/s - the Prime Minister answers the mystery:
So, does this mean we could only have a bridge in 2060 when the water contract ends?
KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- The government has decided to stop the construction of the bridge to replace the Johor Causeway that links Malaysia and Singapore, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Wednesday.
He said the government had also decided to stop all negotiations pertaining to the bridge. Construction of the bridge, also known as the "scenic bridge" began early this year, to replace half of the Johor Causeway on the Malaysian side.
Though the reason for quitting the negotiation has been given, reason for the bridge cancelation is still a mystery. Hence, tomorrow's local papers will be of extraordinary interest. The Malaysian government must clear out the air.
Before tomorrow comes, I'd like to say, historical heritage is not a proper reason and I will not accept such incoherent reasoning.
As stated earlier, I'm for a bridge, straight or otherwise. And no, if there's still anybody that thinks the bridge would be a cul-de-sac, it is not. At the same time, I'm against bowing to Singaporean impossible demands. You could say, I'm being hawkish on this matter.
p/s - ReCom.org is down (again!) but it should be back up in less than a day.
pp/s - as if one disappointment is not enough, Malaysia lost 1 - 0 to Japan in Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Changzhou, China. This makes it hard for Malaysia to qualify for the World Cup.
ppp/s - the Prime Minister answers the mystery:
PUTRAJAYA, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia decided to stop the construction of the "scenic bridge" meant to replace the Malaysian half of the Johor Causeway because of its legal implications and complications, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Wednesday.
The Prime Minister said the Cabinet deliberated on the project at its weekly meeting today and felt that there would still be legal implications and complications to resolve afterward should Malaysia proceed with the project.
"Problems will arise when we have to cut the causeway, the water pipes and railway track and connected them to the new bridge. The problems will continue," he told Bernama when asked to explain why Malaysia did not just build the bridge in its own territory without negotiating with Singapore.
So, does this mean we could only have a bridge in 2060 when the water contract ends?
On TV a few hours ago was a report on Akta Industri Perkhidmatan Air (Water Services Industry Bill) and it is set for approval soon (tag). The report on TV3 highlighted that a water polluter that causes death on purpose may face death penalty. I haven't had the chance to take a look at the bill since I can't find it on the net. The most relevant result is an article at Bernama. The Bernama's report dated yesterday:
I'm all for stricter environmental code but death penalty doesn't quite sound right. This is even more so since the death penalty is applicable only when the polluter pollutes with the "intention of causing" death. It sounds as if it belongs to some other act that deals with treason or sabotage.
Let's think about it. When a typical person or an entity pollutes, do they intent to cause death?
I doubt it. Typically, it's about externality; the polluters don't bare the cost of pollution and pass the cost of pollution to society instead. I have never heard a profit-seeking entity pollutes with the intention of killing somebody else. Even there's death, these people don't intent to kill. They intent to cut cost instead. It's cheaper to pollute. For this reason, I feel this clause is meaningless. It gives so much leeway to polluters that it doesn't really matter if the clause is included in the bill. It is ineffective.
The punishment clause should be rewritten. The phrase with the intention of causing death should be removed and while the death penalty dropped. Instead, it would be better if the bill states that anybody - with or without intention of polluting - found guilty of polluting our water supplies will face prison time or heavy monetary penalty.
For a person that commits murder on purpose - by whatsoever mean - we don't need a new bill to deal with that, do we? Much less do we expect to deal with that in a water bill, in my humble opinion.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Those who pollute the drainage or the water supply system may face death penalty when the Water Services Industry Bill 2006 is approved and enforced.
The bill tabled by the Communication, Water and Energy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik for the first reading in Dewan Rakyat here also listed the acts considered as polluting drinking water and its penalties.
Dr Lim who also tabled the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara Bill (SPAN) 2006 to create a commission to oversee and regulate the water supply and sewerage services in Peninsula said the second reading of both the bills would be done during the current sitting.
Under the Water Services Industry Bill, anyone found guilty with the intention of causing the death face a death penalty or jail up to 20 years and rotan.
If the death is caused by radioactive and toxic pollutants discarded in the water, those found guilty can be jailed not more than 10 years or fined not more than RM500,000 or whipping or all three.
I'm all for stricter environmental code but death penalty doesn't quite sound right. This is even more so since the death penalty is applicable only when the polluter pollutes with the "intention of causing" death. It sounds as if it belongs to some other act that deals with treason or sabotage.
Let's think about it. When a typical person or an entity pollutes, do they intent to cause death?
I doubt it. Typically, it's about externality; the polluters don't bare the cost of pollution and pass the cost of pollution to society instead. I have never heard a profit-seeking entity pollutes with the intention of killing somebody else. Even there's death, these people don't intent to kill. They intent to cut cost instead. It's cheaper to pollute. For this reason, I feel this clause is meaningless. It gives so much leeway to polluters that it doesn't really matter if the clause is included in the bill. It is ineffective.
The punishment clause should be rewritten. The phrase with the intention of causing death should be removed and while the death penalty dropped. Instead, it would be better if the bill states that anybody - with or without intention of polluting - found guilty of polluting our water supplies will face prison time or heavy monetary penalty.
For a person that commits murder on purpose - by whatsoever mean - we don't need a new bill to deal with that, do we? Much less do we expect to deal with that in a water bill, in my humble opinion.
I'm bored but I just want to share an article published by the New York Times. It's Globalizing Good Government:
In the accompanying illustration, it looks like Malaysia by far is the second most globalized (tag) country within Southeast Asia. First is that island down south.
p/s - some people love to talk about how China is pushing Malaysia aside in every aspect, adversely affecting us. Especially protectionists. Actually no. In NST's Business Times today, Malaysia is benefiting from China economic boom:
That along with more than USD 2 billion Malaysian trade surplus with China prove that these pessimists are wrong.
pp/s - this season's bastard kampioen is P$V. Mathematically confirmed. Ajax on the other hand lingers at fifth and if things don't improve soon, Ajax might miss the chance to be in the next Champions League season (tag). Ajax needs at least fourth placing to qualify for the new weird Champions League playoff. For the why, see Wikipedia.
However, that won't prevent me from celebrating Ajax's 1 - 0 win over AZ! Hat off to Boukhari and Stekelenburg.
Globalization's critics argue that a more open world economy sets off a race to the bottom by encouraging countries to jettison protections for consumers, workers and the environment. In reality, the opposite is true.
In the accompanying illustration, it looks like Malaysia by far is the second most globalized (tag) country within Southeast Asia. First is that island down south.
p/s - some people love to talk about how China is pushing Malaysia aside in every aspect, adversely affecting us. Especially protectionists. Actually no. In NST's Business Times today, Malaysia is benefiting from China economic boom:
MALAYSIA ranks second globally on being positively impacted by the fast growing economy of China, according to an independent survey.
The 2006 Grant Thornton International Business Owners Survey (IBOS) found that Malaysian medium and large enterprises (MLEs) are benefiting from the Chinese economic boom.
That along with more than USD 2 billion Malaysian trade surplus with China prove that these pessimists are wrong.
pp/s - this season's However, that won't prevent me from celebrating Ajax's 1 - 0 win over AZ! Hat off to Boukhari and Stekelenburg.
There are reports of sugar shortage in four Malaysian states. While that happens, the authority, which is the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs in this case, is blaming smugglers and hoarders.
On the contrary, smuggling and hoarding is not the root cause. Instead, these are mere symptoms of inefficient market. The root is inflexible price; controlled price regime (tag).
In Malaysia, items of mundane but delicious daily want and need like chickens, salt and sugar are controlled. They're controlled because people in the higher echelon of the Malaysian society want to protect the consumers, in particular the common people. Noble indeed but misguided.
Price is an important signal. In a free market, price fluctuates with supply and demand, constantly seeking the perfect equilibrium. If it is not allowed to seek that equilibrium, externality is bound to happen. That externality could be anything - smuggling activities is one of them. Currently in Malaysia, there is a price ceiling imposed on the sugar market and that price ceiling is preventing the prices from achieving its stable state.
If prices increase worldwide and Malaysia has a price ceiling on sugar, thus making Malaysian prices lower than world's prices, a simple arbitrage demands a reasonable trader to sell sugar to the world instead of Malaysia. This is the reason why smuggling is happening. It is not because some people are natural born criminals but it is simply economics.
Like I have said earlier, this price ceiling is there to protect the consumers. Or so those in the government thought. In reality, we can clearly see how such unneeded protection is depriving consumers of sugar. This brings in a question - do we prefer higher priced sugar or no sugar at all?
I'm forcing a false dilemma on you, true. Nevertheless, distributive inefficiency is as real as it can get.
PUTRAJAYA: Low sugar cane supply in the international market has contributed to the shortage of sugar in the country, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal.
This is in addition to the on-going smuggling of the controlled item to neighbouring countries, he added.
On the contrary, smuggling and hoarding is not the root cause. Instead, these are mere symptoms of inefficient market. The root is inflexible price; controlled price regime (tag).
In Malaysia, items of mundane but delicious daily want and need like chickens, salt and sugar are controlled. They're controlled because people in the higher echelon of the Malaysian society want to protect the consumers, in particular the common people. Noble indeed but misguided.
Price is an important signal. In a free market, price fluctuates with supply and demand, constantly seeking the perfect equilibrium. If it is not allowed to seek that equilibrium, externality is bound to happen. That externality could be anything - smuggling activities is one of them. Currently in Malaysia, there is a price ceiling imposed on the sugar market and that price ceiling is preventing the prices from achieving its stable state.
If prices increase worldwide and Malaysia has a price ceiling on sugar, thus making Malaysian prices lower than world's prices, a simple arbitrage demands a reasonable trader to sell sugar to the world instead of Malaysia. This is the reason why smuggling is happening. It is not because some people are natural born criminals but it is simply economics.
Like I have said earlier, this price ceiling is there to protect the consumers. Or so those in the government thought. In reality, we can clearly see how such unneeded protection is depriving consumers of sugar. This brings in a question - do we prefer higher priced sugar or no sugar at all?
I'm forcing a false dilemma on you, true. Nevertheless, distributive inefficiency is as real as it can get.
w00t! Podcast. Well, technically, Zencast because I used my Zen Micro. For clarity, refer to [761] Of the reason why this Lampe Berger fad is a pyramid scheme, posted yesterday.
You will need Quicktime to listen to it. However, if you're more anti-Apple than me, you can download the mp3 file here and play it on your favorite media player instead.
p/s - almost forgot. Justice served. Inter 0 - 1 Villareal. Aggregate 2-2, with the away goal belongs to Villareal.
You will need Quicktime to listen to it. However, if you're more anti-Apple than me, you can download the mp3 file here and play it on your favorite media player instead.
p/s - almost forgot. Justice served. Inter 0 - 1 Villareal. Aggregate 2-2, with the away goal belongs to Villareal.
For podcast on the same topic, see post [762].
My sister has been asking MYR 30,000 from my parents for nearly 2 weeks now. The reason is Lampe Berger (tag). Upon inspection, I'm convinced this is a pyramid scheme. I told my parents that and they have been very reluctant to give my sister that cash that she needs to enter this scam. However, my mom told me that my sister has thrown RM2,000 into it and that makes me angry.
One of the documents that I managed to have a look is RZ Corporation's (I suspect this is the real culprit behind scam) "business plan":
For larger illustration, click here. A new window will appear.
Notice that one way or another, the real flow of income is the recruitment fee. I mean, come on. They are selling aroma therapeutic piece of crap which I doubt have been medically proven. How many of those shits do one needs to sell to get back one's RM30,000 fixed cost?
In the end, the quickest and by far the easiest way to breakeven is by telling other people to pay you RM30,000. The goods are merely the veils to cover up the swindlers' real intention. That's the hallmark of Ponzi or pyramid scheme.
At first, I thought this is a limited and isolated case. Only after reading Brand New Malaysian's entry do I realize the severity of the problem. Brand New Malaysian is a local blog with considerable following.
We totally need to get back at those thieves and liars.
p/s - this guy is telling people that MUDs and MMORPGs are the same thing. Yes. Absolutely. /forward /left /starfire /heal /right /travelform /switchback
/root /moonfire /travelform /switchback /hearthstone /logoff (via)
My sister has been asking MYR 30,000 from my parents for nearly 2 weeks now. The reason is Lampe Berger (tag). Upon inspection, I'm convinced this is a pyramid scheme. I told my parents that and they have been very reluctant to give my sister that cash that she needs to enter this scam. However, my mom told me that my sister has thrown RM2,000 into it and that makes me angry.
One of the documents that I managed to have a look is RZ Corporation's (I suspect this is the real culprit behind scam) "business plan":
For larger illustration, click here. A new window will appear.
Notice that one way or another, the real flow of income is the recruitment fee. I mean, come on. They are selling aroma therapeutic piece of crap which I doubt have been medically proven. How many of those shits do one needs to sell to get back one's RM30,000 fixed cost?
In the end, the quickest and by far the easiest way to breakeven is by telling other people to pay you RM30,000. The goods are merely the veils to cover up the swindlers' real intention. That's the hallmark of Ponzi or pyramid scheme.
At first, I thought this is a limited and isolated case. Only after reading Brand New Malaysian's entry do I realize the severity of the problem. Brand New Malaysian is a local blog with considerable following.
We totally need to get back at those thieves and liars.
p/s - this guy is telling people that MUDs and MMORPGs are the same thing. Yes. Absolutely. /forward /left /starfire /heal /right /travelform /switchback
/root /moonfire /travelform /switchback /hearthstone /logoff (via)
Yesterday, in celebration of April Fools' Day, lots of people, blogs, forums, you name it, played a joke. One of them was AsiaFinest - it claimed that the People's Republic of China government banned the forum. Pretty convincing but it was April Fools'. But, hilariously, some fell for it!
But on the day before April 1st, it was all serious and so, Pakistani government went to work - they blocked all things Wikipedia. Not even a page about cuteness was accessible from Pakistan. The domain was blocked in entirety. From Blogcritics.org:
On Wikipedia:
Amen.
But on the day before April 1st, it was all serious and so, Pakistani government went to work - they blocked all things Wikipedia. Not even a page about cuteness was accessible from Pakistan. The domain was blocked in entirety. From Blogcritics.org:
Today, 31 March 2006, the entire domain of Wikipedia.org, the free online encyclopaedia was blocked because one article of the massive 3.5 million topics covered on the website contained information pertaining to the controversial cartoons on the Prophet Muhammad. While the block appeared to be limited in duration, having been lifted at 20:00 (PST) seven hours after the initiation, the real issues remain about the future censorship of education and knowledge in Pakistan.
On Wikipedia:
...I don't know if I should feel proud or embarassed...
Amen.
Immediately after the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (tag), Malaysiakini and a few other bloggers harped at Malaysian government debt. Currently standing at about 45% of GDP, they point that with RM220 billion government spending, the debt will increase to nearly 50%. The problem here is that, usually, people worry but budget deficit, not debt per se. Due to the size of government debt, talking about it does not usually make sense. Therefore, I strongly feel those that think otherwise are parroting Malaysiakini's sentiment instead of having their own opinion.
The difference between government debt and budget deficit is simple but it is amazing how easily laymen manage to get the two mixed up. So, what is the difference between the debt and the deficit?
Budget deficit or surplus is the difference between government expenditure and government revenue. Government debt on the other hand is the sum of all annual budget deficits. I need to stress that budget deficit is not trade deficit. I haven't heard Malaysians getting the two mixed up yet but I did hear some Americans making that mistake. Perhaps this is because the US is running both budget and trade deficits. So, it might be easy for those unfamiliar with economics to get the two terms confused. In Malaysia, we have a budget deficit while enjoying a trade surplus. Regardless, the two deficits are totally different matter altogether.
Debt is not necessarily bad. For instance, if you got yourself into debt because you applied for a study loan, that's a good debt. That's investment and that will enable to you get a good return. If you got yourself into debt because of your credit card and merely for the sake of fueling your immediate consumption, that's bad debt. Similarly, getting into debt setting up tangible and intangible infrastructures is good. Such spending has future returns. Getting into debt because the country wants to finance subsidy however is bad. The latter happened in Indonesia last year; the end result was a huge capital outflow. The key point is here return.
Some people argue that this debt will get Malaysia into trouble. Ironically, or hypocritically, the same some people failed to come up with the same reasoning when it comes to fuel subsidy. Supporting subsidy is like throwing money into a black hole. It gives very little economic returns while artificially encouraged consumption. In short, unsustainable. This kind of spending is the one that we need to curb, not those of infrastructure investments that will give back returns in the future.
In economics, there is a concept of intertemporal. It gives us the ability to borrow future income and use it now. The trick is to have reasonable certainty that investment done with future income right now would offer a higher return in the future vis-a-vis cost.
And it gets weirder. When the budget deficit reached 5% a couple of years back, nobody gave a damn. That was a huge issue but nobody gave a damn! Now, people worry about the debt which is supposed to be a small issue. We should worry more about budget deficit rather than the debt itself. But in reality, the opposite is occurring. This is a proof of misplaced concern - we need to prioritize our concerns.
At the same time, getting into debt is usual for a lot of countries. Our northern neighbor, Thailand, for example, according to Wikipedia has debt about 46% of GDP. The United States has about 60% while France has a staggering 70%. But we don't hear about many people talk about debt - people talk about fiscal or budget deficit instead. Do a search on the internet and see whether AlanGreenspace Greenspan talked more about budget deficit or federal debt. And many of these people that placed too much emphasize on debt size would be very surprised on how much the Japanese government owes.
Just like inflation, I feel many laymen have a real misunderstanding on macroeconomic concepts. Still, I do admit, having no debt is good,like Singapore. Regardless, the crux here is that we should worry more on the budget deficit instead of the debt.
Finally, mildly touching the Ninth Malaysia Plan, I don't think Penang needs another bridge. I would prefer a larger rail system to a new bridge. Another problem is the government's fixation with 30% equity for Bumiputra. I heard months ago that the government would impose some sort of Bumiputra equity quotas on foreign firms operating in Malaysia. I'm not sure how that policy has a direct connection with the Ninth Malaysia Plan but I do want to see Malaysia to have a more liberal policy instead.
One that makes me a little bit soft on criticism is the fact that reforestation projects are included in this plan. That would bring in a considerable amount of carbon credits for Annex 1 parties of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. So, I'm a bit satisfied that the environment is finally receiving much needed attention.
Nonetheless, all these are plans. What important is the implementation. At the same time, anything could happen within the next five years.
erratum - Singapore has debt 102% of GDP according to Wikipedia.
The difference between government debt and budget deficit is simple but it is amazing how easily laymen manage to get the two mixed up. So, what is the difference between the debt and the deficit?
Budget deficit or surplus is the difference between government expenditure and government revenue. Government debt on the other hand is the sum of all annual budget deficits. I need to stress that budget deficit is not trade deficit. I haven't heard Malaysians getting the two mixed up yet but I did hear some Americans making that mistake. Perhaps this is because the US is running both budget and trade deficits. So, it might be easy for those unfamiliar with economics to get the two terms confused. In Malaysia, we have a budget deficit while enjoying a trade surplus. Regardless, the two deficits are totally different matter altogether.
Debt is not necessarily bad. For instance, if you got yourself into debt because you applied for a study loan, that's a good debt. That's investment and that will enable to you get a good return. If you got yourself into debt because of your credit card and merely for the sake of fueling your immediate consumption, that's bad debt. Similarly, getting into debt setting up tangible and intangible infrastructures is good. Such spending has future returns. Getting into debt because the country wants to finance subsidy however is bad. The latter happened in Indonesia last year; the end result was a huge capital outflow. The key point is here return.
Some people argue that this debt will get Malaysia into trouble. Ironically, or hypocritically, the same some people failed to come up with the same reasoning when it comes to fuel subsidy. Supporting subsidy is like throwing money into a black hole. It gives very little economic returns while artificially encouraged consumption. In short, unsustainable. This kind of spending is the one that we need to curb, not those of infrastructure investments that will give back returns in the future.
In economics, there is a concept of intertemporal. It gives us the ability to borrow future income and use it now. The trick is to have reasonable certainty that investment done with future income right now would offer a higher return in the future vis-a-vis cost.
And it gets weirder. When the budget deficit reached 5% a couple of years back, nobody gave a damn. That was a huge issue but nobody gave a damn! Now, people worry about the debt which is supposed to be a small issue. We should worry more about budget deficit rather than the debt itself. But in reality, the opposite is occurring. This is a proof of misplaced concern - we need to prioritize our concerns.
At the same time, getting into debt is usual for a lot of countries. Our northern neighbor, Thailand, for example, according to Wikipedia has debt about 46% of GDP. The United States has about 60% while France has a staggering 70%. But we don't hear about many people talk about debt - people talk about fiscal or budget deficit instead. Do a search on the internet and see whether Alan
Just like inflation, I feel many laymen have a real misunderstanding on macroeconomic concepts. Still, I do admit, having no debt is good,
Finally, mildly touching the Ninth Malaysia Plan, I don't think Penang needs another bridge. I would prefer a larger rail system to a new bridge. Another problem is the government's fixation with 30% equity for Bumiputra. I heard months ago that the government would impose some sort of Bumiputra equity quotas on foreign firms operating in Malaysia. I'm not sure how that policy has a direct connection with the Ninth Malaysia Plan but I do want to see Malaysia to have a more liberal policy instead.
One that makes me a little bit soft on criticism is the fact that reforestation projects are included in this plan. That would bring in a considerable amount of carbon credits for Annex 1 parties of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. So, I'm a bit satisfied that the environment is finally receiving much needed attention.
Nonetheless, all these are plans. What important is the implementation. At the same time, anything could happen within the next five years.
erratum - Singapore has debt 102% of GDP according to Wikipedia.