12th PARLIAMENT SESSION LOOKS TO BE IN GOOD STEAD

It was nice to see the 12th Parliament session and even better to see one of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat MPs coming on a motorbike and another in a Myvi. These guys are adding colour to our political landscape and it is refreshing. The PKR boys are a good reminder that politics is about serving people and not a ticket to vast riches as demonstrated by the many Barisan MPs who lost in the recent General Elections.

KL-SINGAPORE BULLET TRAIN SCRAPPED

This is coming in a bit late, I know, but it is still something I want to talk about. I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT THE BULLET TRAIN PROJECT BETWEEN KL AND SINGAPORE HAS BEEN SCRAPPED.

Why should Malaysian taxpayers' dollars be used to build such a thing? The conglomerate that suggested such a thing should have worked out the finances and footed the bill. Walk the talk, man! How dare people suggest things in their cheap little way and try and scrimp and save and keep their fortunes untouched but then think nothing of exploiting the public's money?

I also strongly feel that the younger generation from wealthy dynasties should find ways to make themselves relevant to the society within which they live in rather than think they are head and shoulders above everyone else and only think of devious ways of exploiting others all the time.

SARAS RAMAPILLAI....

I have had the pleasure of knowing my ex-landlady Saras Ramapillai for more than a decade now and I always enjoy our chit chats whenever I drop by to see how she is doing. She is 75 years old now and still doing well in health and her mind is still very sharp.

When I saw Saras last week, we talked politics extensively as Saras is very knowledgeable about the country's politics. We are both very excited by the start of the Parliament sessions. She told me to see her again after the Parliament is in session -- we both enjoy analysing politics in this country and Saras always makes astute observations.

TEMENGGOR IT SHOULD BE

I take great pride in the fact that I am from Penang and I speak the Penang Malay dialect fluently (in case you wondered: Penang dialect is the best in the country!) and I speak the formal Bahasa very flueltly also.

Which brings me to my recent work-related assignment to Temenggor Forest Reserve. It must be spelt with a double G (i.e 'gg'). For some strange reason, apparently the Perak state government has sanctioned the spelling of the place with a single 'g' (i.e. Temengor).

This is wrong, obviously. Malaysians spell name places with double Gs always. From TerenGGanu to TemenGGor. These places are spelt as they are pronounced -- we do not say TE-REN-GANU, we say TE-RENG-GANU.

Similarly, we do not say TE-MEN-GOR, we say TE-MENG-GOR.

I have many very dear colleagues and friends who are from Perak itself and no one says TE-MEN (as in the plural of the English word MAN)-GOR.

I suspect the person or group of people who officially sanctioned the spelling TE-MEN-GOR must be the offspring(s) of Indonesian PRs in Malaysia. No one in their right mind speaks Malay the way it is prescribed officially. Malaysians speak Malay with a classy sense of poetry and lilt. Not stiff in the way demanded by the artificiality of the Bahasa Baku format.

(Anyway, just a jibe at Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for promoting that dubious policy of introducing Bahasa Baku while he was Education Minister -- the man had better retract that strange linguistic policy. Malaysians should be speaking Bahasa the way we have always spoken it over the centuries and not speak Bahasa as if it is the Indonesian language!)

Many Malaysians in my age group -- the 40s -- are very displeased with Bahasa Baku.

TUN DR MAHATHIR SKEWERED ON HARDTALK

I had the occasion to watch Malaysia's former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on BBC the other day and the old man gloriously stuffed both feet into his mouth to spectacular effect.

The interviewer Stephen Sackur asked all the questions that angry Malaysians like myself have been waiting to ask the old man. The lies Mahathir spouted on television was staggering. Has he not hear of the word KARMA?

In the 23 years Mahathir was the prime minister of this blessed country, he hammered in a dividing wedge between the main races of this country so deeply, that the old man must never ever be forgiven for his stupidity and racist policies.

He could have used his position to bring all the races together and the country would be even more unstoppable than it is now. But he never did.

(Let's face it folks -- Malaysia is what it is today and where it is because of the dynamics of the different races living here and galvanising the country forward. For any one race to think it is ahead of another is stupid. Look at country's around us -- frankly, they are all lesser countries compared to Malaysia.)

Mahathir systematically screwed the country's education policies, encouraged racist hiring policies at public institutions, royally shafted the judiciary and the country's media simultaneously and does not have the dignity to admit what he has done.

Late in his dictatorial political career, only then did Mahathir realise what our most beloved Tunku Abdul Rahman knew from day one: that the country is a dynamic force because of the different races that make up Malaysia and that education is a key point to the salvation of the country (by bringing people together and opening young minds that are full of potential). Dr Mahathir sang praises of the important role played by the non-Malay business communities in the development of Malaysia (as if it was a new thing!) only at the very end of his dictatorial reign but it was too late -- he had royally soured the intra-race relationships in the country.

The concession to Mahathir that English be used in the teaching of Maths and Science also came a bit too late -- being multilingual has always been an asset to any thinking person and during Mahathir's reign, he should have have at least made an effort to safeguard the education institutions so that not-so-bright education ministers under his leadership didn't screw around with the nation's most important asset: EDUCATION!!!!

Most all all, Mahathir should never be forgiven for screwing around with our national anthem, Negaraku. Thank God we have reverted to the stately and dignified tempo of our beloved song under Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's leadership.

Kudos also to our present PM for bringing back Bunga Raya into prominence. I see it being planted everywhere and it is a beautiful sight to behold indeed when the flowers are blooming -- which is throughout the year! Our national flower is a better city-beautification option than the useless non-indigenous palm trees that were being planted everywhere at one point.

BARISAN NASIONAL SHOULD NEVER DESTROY PLACES OF WORSHIP

One thing Barisan Nasional should learn from its stupendous losses in the March 8th General Election is that it must absolutely put a stop to morons in the party from destroying people's places of worship, be it Hindu temples or Chinese temples. If a road needs to be built, build it AROUND the places of worship, giving allowance for the devotees' parking needs etc. Never assume to give temples notice of eviction etc. Who do the local authorities think they are? Mini Gods? Nowhere in the development plans of this great country does it say that you must destroy places of worship to make way for something as stupid as a road. In such cases, the unwritten rule should be that a place of worship wins hands down. Everything else in life CAN give way to places of worship!

And, PLEASE, people of all religion must be of the mindset that the other person's religion is as infallible as one's own religion. This way, people will respect one another's religion. When one thinks another person's religion is fallible, then why should not the other person also think your religion is equally fallible? So, screw you superiority complex when it comes to religion and use your God given brains and respect people's faith.

MALAYSIAN POLITICS MATURES

The most beautiful outcome of the recent general election is that it shows that Malaysians are coping rather well post election. The various victorious parties alternate to Barisan Nasional are finding their groove and shaping up well. In the meantime, the Prime Minister is showing how the political due processes work in the country and even he is learning that the power of the age old consultative style still prevails over threats and harsh words (especially against the palaces).

For these reasons, Malaysians have to monitor that politicians put in place a series of systems and processes that lets politicians do their work (or get booted out of office!) and the next batch of politicians (whatever their orientation be) can step in and do what they should do in the interest of the rakyat ad infinitum.

HOT NEW TRAILER... WANTED

The new Angelina Jolie movie, WANTED, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, looks sizzling. If you like Tomb Raider and Mr & Mrs Smith, then you will want to catch this new Jolie flick as well. She brings her feminine charm and devil-may-care-attitude with spectacular style. The Russian director has an original sense of style and his vision of action is absolutely spectacular!

ANWAR IBRAHIM IS BACK, IN A BIG, BIG WAY!

Our country Malaysia is definitely growing and maturing at a rapid phase now, post March 8 general elections. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave The Sun a spectacular interview on Thursday and by all means this man looks ready to lead the country again (if he isn't already doing it -- it is his swift and expert handling of the alternative front that handed this front the stunning victories it won and he is mentoring the newbies even as we speak).

By the looks of things, Anwar has matured beyond many people's wildest expectations as a politician and he has grown larger-than-life in his aspirations for Malaysians of all races. The Sun's interview spoke frankly about many things -- and Malaysians obviously have evolved into a more sophisticated society and are better able to deal with supposedly touchy topics in an admirably open and frank way.

I am looking forward to seeing the rise of Anwar.

CNN GOES TASTELESS

Oh dear, CNN's "Tour of Prison reveals last days of Saddam Hussein" has to be the most tasteless thing that CNN has ever aired. The tone of the segment shown on TV is a mocking one -- mocking Saddam Hussein.

In Asia, we do not mock the dead. We do talk about the wrongs that people have done but that is about it. The gravity of the insurmountable evil that resided within Saddam Hussein, unfortunately, does not carry the same weight around the world as it does in the self-delusional Bush administration. Bush's invasion of Iraq (READ: HALLIBURTON's EXPANSION) is seen by the rest of the world as a violation of a sovereign nation. And now the Iraqi debacle has caused many innocen Iraqis to be killed and murdered as they get caught up in the swirl of viciousness from the lethal cocktail of patriotism and religion. Let's face it, the Iraqi's in the insurgency are neither intellectually sound or superior and their world view is a different one from that of most western-skewed intellectuals around the world.

CNN has badly misread how people are going to react to the CNN segment, which is in very bad taste.

DAP IS IMPROVING...

As a Penangite, I must say that Lim Guan Eng is shaping out to be a good politician indeed. Yes, please focus on the well being of the people of Penang and do all you can to connect with the Penangites and you will be fine Lim Guan Eng.

I must take this opportunity to point out again that Koh Tsu Koon sold out Penangites with the hideous project called PGCC and everyone is happy to have kicked Koh Tsu Koon out of office in Penang.

Penang must always remain an affordable city for Penangites, with good basic amenities, cleanliness and public services. Anyone who tries to push Penang into the pit of materialism and potentially makes life in Penang unaffordable must not be tolerated.

CHINA MISFIRES ON TIBET

Oh dear, it looks like China is creating negative publicity for itself by handling the Tibetan uprising badly. Violence against the Tibetans is unacceptable to anyone in their right mind. The Tibet in people's minds, thanks to the Dalai Lama's caring and loving demeanour, is a land with peace-loving people and to treat them harshly is unimaginable.

And, come on -- accusing the Dalai Lama of masterminding the uprising is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! In the world's collective mind, the Dalai Lama is a peace loving man and to malign him in that way is a PR disaster for China. For goodness sake -- China's leaders need to be more savvy in dealing with the Tibetans than maligning the beloved Dalai Lama. I find it so shockingly simple minded -- the way China has gone for a PR spin that tries to tarnish the image of Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is a man with an untarnishable image.

DUFFY'S MERCY

The biggest singer this year is going to be Duffy, thanks to her song Mercy. It has a cool video and the woman positively sizzles on camera. She sure knows how to work it for the camera.
She proudly takes after Amy Winehouse's throwback motown sound -- AND RUNS AWAY WITH IT!

MALAYSIA TODAY...

Things have taken a turn for the interesting in Malaysia following the recent general elections. The following are things that need to be said about the state of this wonderful country of ours.

1. Lim Guan Eng needs to calm himself down before he says anything stupid or does something baselessly drastic.

Yes, Guan Eng rightfully has taken over the pretty much useless Koh Tsu Koon as chief minister of Penang. Tsu Koon has pretty much NOT endeared himself to Penangites. How many times has he made trips to residential areas to talk to the rakyat to find out what their living conditions are like? And by endorsing the PGCC, life is going to be unbearably expensive for the Penangites who are struggling in life as it is. Who cares about the rich -- they can well take care of themselves. But the poor and marginalised MALAYSIANS must be looked after. ALL PENANGITES must be able to earn a decent living, eat safe and healthy food, have affordable housing (NOT SARDINE CANS DISGUISED AS LOW-COST HOUSING!) and have access to good health care and education. These things must be guaranteed. Koh Tsu Koon has not been impressive on these fronts.

As for Guan Eng -- all we can say is: get a grip! Becoming a chief minister is a big job. So, be big enough to accommodate the job. Whatever desire for revenge Guan Eng might harbour due to the unfair and unjust ISA treatment he'd received has to be put behind him. Guan Eng needs a larger perspective to be a good leader. And, Guan Eng not being a Penangite, he has to try extra hard to be successful at his job. We Penangites are very easy going -- but we are not very forgiving of follies.

2. Should the Deputy Prime Minister be priming himself to be the next leader.
This is a valid question as the recent election has shown that UMNO might be ready for a new leader. Of course, in accordance with the Malay culture, everything in its time. But, meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister should be positioning/priming himself for the top position. UMNO party elders are already looking into this, I am sure. And should one candidate fall short for any foreseen or unforeseen reason(s), then there must be others who could be moved up to assume leadership positions via the age-old and trusted process of "political osmosis".

3. Previous Prime Minister must also accept the fault for the Barisan's recent losses
Things in the country came to a head after somethings happened over the past two decades (or more!) through some faulty policies being implemented in the government (like the systematic 'ethnic cleansing' of the civil service etc), the utter neglect of particular communities that were driven to desperation all happened during the previous leadership of this country (which came surging to the surface late last year!). The weakening of the education system also took place at that time.

I see the present prime minister as a steward of the nation as it goes through a stunning transformation. And, to play it safe, stewards too need to be watched so that they fulfil their duties admirably. That is the beauty of the system of checks and balances.

4. The entire DOSH personnel need to be replaced for their neglect of workplace safety in a certain scenario.
Can a printing plant be converted into an office space? The answer to this question will affirm the status of the above statement (4).

HILLARY MAKES A COMEBACK!

It is so good to see Hillary Clinton get back on track in the the American Presidential race. She won the Ohio and Texas primaries. It is a relief indeed that Hillary has gotten off the bitchy mode and is more focussed on issues (rather than slandering Obama). Let Obama play the dirty game of name calling and bury himself in the resulting avalanche.

Hillary should keep herself clean of this tactic and she will easily glide into the White House as I said she most definitely would earlier.

THE TRUE MEANING OF RELIGION? -- ACCORDING TO THE ONION.COM

Rock-Bottom Loser Entertaining Offers From Several Religions
MARCH 1, 2008 | ISSUE 44•09

FINDLAY, OH—Local resident Owen Pritchard's recent downward spiral into drug addiction, unemployment, and complete and utter hopelessness has sparked the intense interest of several top world religions, each of which is vying for his services as a devotee, the 39-year-old uncommitted prospective convert reported Monday.

"I've finally reached a point in my life where all the big religions want me," said Pritchard, whose two failed marriages and mounting gambling debts have left him penniless and in a state of blind despair. "Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism—you name it, they've come to me. I have no job, no family, no direction whatsoever. So right now, I'm totally in the driver's seat."......



......... click to the link to read the complete hilarious text. In case you have problems telling fact from fiction -- THEONION.COM is a social satire page and it is all a joke! (One can't be too careful with so many nutjobs out there nowadays!)

INDIANA JONES 4 IS HERE

Woohoo! Indiana Jones is back and Harrison Ford is looking OK for a really old dude (he is a 66-year old Jew!) and director Steven Spielberg looks to be in top form as the trailer shows! Go on, have a look at the trailer and see for yourself!

Indiana Jones 4's full title is IJ4: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and it opens in cinemas on May 22 this year.

HILLARY, OH, HILLARY!!!!!!!

Oh dear, after all the optimism I had for Hillary, even proclaiming that she would take over the White House, she has turned out to be a disappointing presidential candidate indeed.

All that sarcasm and mean-spirited remarks directed at Obama are very unbecoming and she is becoming a testament why women are not up to running the United States of America. Being a president is a man's job, by the looks of things.

So, thank God indeed that my all time favourite Ron Paul is still in the race, nevermind that he is somewhere at the far back. Ron Paul is a good man and deserves everyone's love and respect for his admirable aspirations for the U.S.

OSCARS

Aaah, the Oscars have come and gone. And it is a testament to the further Americanisation of the world at how at ease the audiences around the globe has been towards Jon Stewart being the host. The first time he appeared, as the host of the Oscars in 2006, the whole experience was a tad jarring and his humour seemed too localised -- it all appeared to be jokes that only American audiences would have related to.

This time around, at the 80th Oscars, Stewart was a better host. Perhaps not as excellent as Ellen Degeneres (strangely, Degeneres' very own tv talkshow is one of the crappiest talkshow on air), but Stewart is growing to be a good host for the Oscars.

The movies in contention for the Oscars this year, however, left plenty to be desired, except probably George Clooney's film, Michael Clayton.

... talk more about the Oscars a bit later...

THE WEATHER'S A-CHANGING!

The weather in China an now Afghanistan are totally screwed. Global warming is changing the face of the Earth. People should start being more conscious of the environment. AND THAT MEANS GOVERNMENTS HAVE TO LOOK AFTER THE INTEREST OF THEIR PEOPLE -- SAFER FOOD, CLEANER AIR, CLEANER WATER (which ties up with less toxic matter like pesticides and other chemicals in the environment - ESPECIALLY IN OUR FOOD!). The preservation of mother nature also has to go into high gear with more people planting trees and engaging in the very therapeutic activity of gardening or even spending time in parks and public gardens.

There has been many occasions recently also when the frequency of volcanic activities has been alarming -- from the U.S. to Indonesia to New Zealand. Something is brewing underneath our feet and we had better do something quickly about making peace with our beloved planet Earth. WE LUV YA GORGEOUS!!!!!!